A differential driver includes an input stage and an output stage. The input stage receives a differential INPUT signal to produce a differential DRIVE signal of state determined by the INPUT signal. The output stage receives the DRIVE signal and produces a differential OUTPUT signal of state determined by the DRIVE signal. The OUTPUT signal voltage can be adjusted within any of multiple ranges. The output stage adjusts its output load resistance for each OUTPUT signal voltage range in order to maximize operating speed while limiting power consumption in each range. The input stage automatically reduces the voltage of the DRIVE signal input to the output stage for low OUTPUT signal voltages to reduce noise in the OUTPUT signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to differential drivers and in particular to a differential driver having multiple output voltage ranges.
2. Description of Related Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a well-known prior art differential driver 1 for responding to a differential input signal (INPUT) by producing a differential output signal (OUTPUT) having adjustable voltage levels. Driver 1 employs a pair of transistors QA and QB having emitters connected to a current source 2 and collectors separately coupled to the output of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 3 through a matching pair of resistors RA and RB. The output voltage of a DAC 4 controls the amount of current flowing through source 2. The INPUT signal is applied across the bases of transistors QA and QB. When INPUT+ swings high and INPUT- swings low, transistor QA turns on and transistor QB turns off. Transistor QA directs the current drawn by source 2 through resistor RA. The resulting voltage drop across resistor RA pulls OUTPUT+ to a low level (V.sub.LOW). Resistor RB pulls OUTPUT- up to the output voltage V.sub.HIGH- of DAC 3. Conversely, when INPUT- swings high and INPUT+ swings low, transistor QA turns off allowing OUTPUT+ to rise to V.sub.HIGH and transistor QB turns on pulling OUTPUT- down to V.sub.LOW. Input data D.sub.HIGH to DAC 3 sets the level of V.sub.HIGH. Input data D.sub.LOW to DAC 4 sets the amount of current through current source 2, thereby setting the level of V.sub.LOW.
Various factors limit the speed of operation of driver 1. Inherent capacitance at the collectors of transistors QA and QB, together with the load impedance of RA and RB cause voltage swings in the OUTPUT signal to exhibit RC exponential charging behavior rather than to change abruptly in response to a state change in the INPUT signal. The resulting lag between state changes in the INPUT and OUTPUT signals limits the speed at which driver 1 can operate. The OUTPUT signal slew rate can be increased by reducing the resistance of RA and RB and increasing the current drawn by source 2, but only at the cost of an undesirable increase in the driver's power consumption.
The well-known Miller effect can also limit the operating speed of driver 1. When driver 1 requires a substantial gain G in order to provide a desired output voltage range, the inherent collector-base capacitance C.sub.cb of transistors QA and QB appears to the INPUT signal to be a base-ground capacitance G+1 times as large as C.sub.cb. This apparent input capacitance, in connection with the drive impedance behind the INPUT signal reduces the INPUT signal's slew rate and therefore limits the driver's switching speed. The Miller effect can be reduced by reducing the drive impedance and increasing the base current, but this also increases power consumption. The Miller effect can also be reduced by limiting INPUT signal swing, but only at the cost of reducing OUTPUT signal range.
At the low end of the OUTPUT signal voltage range noise in the INPUT signal coupled through the QA and QB collector-base capacitances can become an excessively large component of the OUTPUT signal. The collector-base capacitance of transistors QA and QB also causes "preshoot" in the OUTPUT signal which can also limit driver operating speed. For example, when the INPUT+ logic signal goes low, the collector of transistor QA goes low briefly before transistor QA turns off. Since the collector voltage is initially driven below V.sub.LOW charging current passing through RA after QA turns off takes longer to supply enough charge to the collector capacitance to bring the collector voltage up to V.sub.HIGH. At the low end of the OUTPUT signal range, this preshoot effect becomes a significant factor in limiting slew rate.
The resolution with which driver circuit 1 can adjust the low logic level V.sub.LOW, of its OUTPUT signal is entirely a function of the resolution of DAC 4. To increase the driver's resolution we must increase the resolution of DAC 4, but high resolution DACs are expensive.
What is needed is a high speed wide range differential driver having output signal voltages that can be adjusted with high resolution without requiring the use of a high resolution DAC.

Differential driver having multiple output voltage ranges


An image reading device is movable between a first position and a second position spaced farther apart from an image forming device than the first position, and a regulating member configured to regulate respective positions of two cables maintains, when the image reading device is at the first position, the two cables, respectively, in a bent state in a direction away from each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an image reading device that is movable with respect to an image forming device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an image forming apparatus including an image reading device, a plurality of cables such as a signal cable configured to transmit an image signal read by the image reading device to an image forming device and a power cable configured to supply power for driving the image reading device connects the image forming device and the image reading device. If the image reading device is movable with respect to the image forming device, the cables connect the image forming device and the image reading device while a certain degree of slack is formed in each of the cables so that the cables can be freely deformed, following movement of the image reading device.
Such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the side. An image reading device 200′ is provided turnable around a rotation shaft 34′ above an image forming device 100′. A signal cable 205′ and a drive control cable 206′ connect the image forming device 100′ and the image reading device 200′. The signal cable 205′ sends an image signal from the image reading device 200′ to the image forming device 100′. The drive control cable 206′ sends power for driving the image reading device 200′ and a control signal from the image forming device 100′ to the image reading device 200′. Each of the two cables has a length sufficient to connect the image forming device 100′ and the image reading device 200′ even while the image reading device 200′ is turned to separate from the image forming device 100′. Consequently, while the image reading device 200′ is not turned with respect to the image forming device 100′, slack is formed in each of the two cables. Further, each of the two cables passes in the vicinity of the rotation shaft 34′ so that useless slack need not be formed in the cable.
Slack is thus formed in each of the signal cable 205′ and the drive control cable 206′. Therefore, an area where the two cables approach or contact each other may be formed. When the cables approach or contact each other, there may occur a phenomenon that signals respectively flowing through the cables electromagnetically interfere with each other, and noise is superimposed on the signal flowing through each of the cables, so that radiation noise generated from the cable increases.
Particularly, an amount of data transmitted through the signal cable 205′ increases with increasing reading precision and reading speed in recent years, and a frequency of the signal flowing through the signal cable 205′ is high. Thus, power of the radiation noise is high, and the signal cable 205′ electromagnetically interferes with the drive control cable 206′, so that noise easily flows through the drive control cable 206′. When the noise flows through the drive control cable 206′, the noise resonates in the apparatus main body. Thus, high-level radiation noise may be generated.
As a measure against such radiation noise, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-344703 discusses a configuration in which a ground wire is arranged every other one of a plurality of bundled wires arranged parallel to one another in a flat flexible cable (FFC) to prevent radiation noise.
It is also known that radiation noise is suppressed by covering a cable with a ferrite core.

Image reading device with regulating members maintaining internal cable separation during open and closed position


A method of manufacturing a vehicle rearview mirror system including providing a reflective element and providing a common circuit board having first and second circuit portions joined with a breakout interface. The first circuit portion is populated with electronic components and the second circuit portion is populated with at least a compass sensor. After population, the first and second circuit portions are separated from the common circuit board to form, respectively, first and second circuit boards. The first circuit board is disposed at the rear of the reflective element and the second circuit board is interconnected to the first circuit board.

The present invention is directed to a vehicle rearview mirror system and, in particular, to an electro-optic rearview mirror system having vehicle heading sensing capabilities.
Electro-optic mirror systems typically include an electro-optic reflective element, such as an electrochromic reflective element, a liquid crystal element, or the like, and a circuit assembly for establishing a reflectance level of the reflective element. The circuit assembly may, conveniently, be mounted for movement with the reflective element which is moveable to be adjusted to a position convenient to the driver.
Vehicle heading sensing uses a heading sensor, such as a two-axis compass sensor, to sense the earth's magnetic field. The heading sensor functions best if it is mounted stationary with respect to the vehicle body. Therefore, it is common to mount the heading sensor on a circuit board that is separate from the circuit assembly that establishes the reflectance level of the reflective element and electrically connected therewith, such as by an electrical cable.

Vehicle rearview mirror system with compass sensor and method of making same


An assembly line for assembling a product by a series of operations comprises a conveyer body assembly which includes a plurality of conveyer body units. Each unit has an assembly area for carrying out a predetermined process for producing a product to be assembled and forms a minimal unit which takes charge of a part of the series of operations. The conveyer body assembly is formed by connecting an arbitrary number of conveyer body units greater than or equal to two, which makes it possible to cope with any change in the production plan or the like with a high flexibility.

The workload and the number of processes required to assemble a product differ depending on the product. For this reason, it is desirable that the assembly line has a structure such that the assembly operation can easily be changed.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional line. In FIG. 1, an assembly line 1 includes a conveyer body part 1a having a total length L.sub.1 which is set to a length corresponding to the operation order which is initially planned for the product to be assembled, and traverse parts 1b and 1c which are integrally formed on a starting end and a finishing end of this conveyer body part 1a. An assembly area part 1a-1 and a pallet return conveyer part 1a-2 are arranged in parallel in the conveyer body part 1a. 2-1 through 2-n denote operators, and a pallet 3 which is an assembly jig is transported as indicated by an arrow 4.
There are cases where the product being assembled is changed due to a change in the production plan or the like. In such cases, no particular problem occurs if the number of processes required to assemble the new product is smaller than the number of processes required to assemble the product of the initial production plan. However, if the number of the processes is greater, there is a problem in that the existing assembly line 1 cannot be used. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful assembly line structure in which the problem described above is eliminated.
This and other objects of the present invention are attained by an assembly line for assembling a product by a series of operations, comprising a conveyer body unit which has at least an assembly area for carrying out a predetermined process with respect to the product to be assembled and forms a minimum unit which takes charge of a part of the series of operations, and a conveyer body assembly which is formed by connecting an arbitrary number of conveyer body units greater than or equal to two.
According to the present invention, the length of the assembly line can be changed arbitrarily because the conveyer body assembly is formed by the conveyer body units, and it is possible to cope with the change in the number of processes, the change in the product to be assembled and the like with a high flexibility. In addition, the cost of equipment can be reduced because it copes with the change in the production plan or the like by appropriately changing the existing assembly line, without having to set up a new assembly line from the beginning.
Other objects and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


A safety outlet cover, comprising a base plate placed adjacent to an outlet, a first shell in contact with the base plate, and including a first cord aperture, a second shell in contact with the base plate, and including a second cord aperture that coordinates with the first cord aperture, and an attachment device passing through the base plate, first shell and second shell attaching the safety outlet cover to an outlet. The safety outlet cover may also include a fastening device securing the first and second shells in a closed position. The attachment device may comprise a screw. The safety outlet may comprise a cover plug covering the cord aperture.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to safety outlet covers, specifically safety outlet covers for electrical outlets.
2. Description of the Related Art
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,580, a safety cover installed over an electrical wall outlet is disclosed, which comprises two quarter-shell segments hinged about their median sections to a base. When the two segments are clamped together, they form a protective hood over the outlet. When separated, the segments fall away from the outlet to provide free access to it. A sleeve surrounding the base can be slid over the root of the shell segments to lock them in their closed position. The mating edges of the clamped segments are indented in their center section to accommodate the electrical cord of a jack plugged into the outlet.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,198,046 discloses a device that includes a base plate attachable to an electric outlet and an insert fitted to the base plate and having one or more central openings for exposing the receptacles of the electric outlet. A pair of opposing door members attach to the base plate and are operable between an open position to allow insertion of a plug of an electrical cord into the receptacle, and a closed position to provide a protective shield surrounding an enclosed chamber and the one or more receptacles of the outlet. The opposing door members include flange portions extending partially along a peripheral edge for overlapping engagement with an inner surface adjacent the peripheral edge of the opposite door, preventing insertion of an object between the doors when the device is closed. Correspondingly positioned cutout portions along the peripheral edges of the opposing door members align to create an opening sized and configured to accommodate passage of the electrical cord there through, thereby permitting the cord to remain plugged into the receptacle with the doors in the closed position. Latches on the top and bottom of each door lock the doors in the closed position. The latches and flange portions function, in combination, to provide a child resistant safety feature, requiring both doors to be simultaneously unlocked and opened in order to gain access to the receptacles.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,289 discloses a safety cover for an electrical outlet including a hollow rigid container having a back wall with a periphery extended outwards therefrom and thereby defining a hollow interior, an opening to the interior, and a rim bounding the opening, the back wall further including a plurality of socket holes and a screw hole formed thereon and with the socket holes and screw hole alignable with a screw hole and corresponding socket plugs of an electrical receptacle; a rigid lid positionable over the opening of the container in contact with the rim, the lid further having a plurality of plug holes formed thereon and with each plug hole separately alignable with a socket hole of the back wall of the container; and a plurality of rigid doors with each door positionable within a plug hole of the lid and thereby creating a through hole for receipt of an electrical cord; and a coupling mechanism for removably coupling each door within a separate plug hole of the lid.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,169 discloses a safety cover for an electric receptacle having a mounting plate fitting over an electrical receptacle, and a cover assembly with a cover edge extending around the periphery thereof, the mounting plate having an edge engagable surface thereon corresponding in shape to the cover edge. The cover assembly is mountable on the mounting plate between a closed and an open position. The cover assembly has a plurality of locking projections spaced around the periphery of the cover assembly at positions so that they are incapable of simultaneous operation by a hand below a predetermined size. When the cover assembly is closed, locking hooks on the locking projections engage in locking hook-receiving apertures in the mounting plate structure and the cover edge is snugly abutted against the edge engagable surface. The cover assembly can be moved to the open position only by simultaneous deformation of the cover assembly at the positions of the locking hooks sufficient to move the locking hooks sufficiently far inwardly of the cover assembly to free the locking hooks from the locking hook receiving apertures.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,467,793 discloses a safety cover for electrical outlets which can be mounted on the electrical outlet without changing the same and in which locking means has been provided to prevent the same from being opened by children.
Finally, U.S. patent D460,421 discloses the ornamental design for a hinged outlet cover.
What is needed is a safety outlet cover that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.


A computing system includes a graphics processing unit (GPU) and main processing circuitry to execute computer program instructions forming a hypervisor, a control virtual machine (VM) and a specialized rendering VM for graphics processing. An application program of a guest VM generates graphics commands and data according to a graphics API such as Direct 3D. The rendering VM includes a graphics driver native to the GPU and is assigned pass-through access to the GPU by the control VM. The rendering VM receives the graphics information from the application program via an inter-VM communication channel, and it uses the graphics driver to control the GPU to perform graphics rendering. The use of the rendering VM enables native graphics performance to be achieved without constraining the control VM to use a compatible operating system. The technique is generally applicable to virtualization of hardware resources by specialized VMs.

The present invention is related to the field of computer systems, and in one aspect to processing of specialized hardware resources such as computer graphics units.
In the field of computer graphics, it is known to use specialized graphics processing units or GPUs to provide hardware-based acceleration of certain graphics operations. As an example, a contemporary GPU may perform operations such as texture mapping, high-speed polygon rendering, and shading in hardware circuitry having a highly parallel structure for high processing throughput. Processing performed by a GPU is generally for purposes of rendering graphical images of an application program on a graphical display. GPUs are especially useful for many graphics-intensive computer applications, including video games and high-end graphical composition and editing tools for example.

Specialized virtual machine to virtualize hardware resource for guest virtual  machines


A composition in accordance with the present invention contains a nano-carbon material, such as a carbon nanotube, and a polyether-based polymer containing oxirane monomer units at least part of which are oxirane monomer units each having a cationic group.

A nano-carbon material such as a carbon nanotube has excellent electric conductivity. In addition, the nano-carbon material has excellent heat conductivity, mechanical strength, and the like. Therefore, it is expected that the nano-carbon material is applied in a wide range of fields.
As one of applications of the nano-carbon material, it is considered to mix the nano-carbon material with a polymer material for a purpose of considerably improving properties, such as electric conductivity, heat conductivity, and mechanical strength, of the polymer material. For example, Non Patent Literature 1 discusses mixing a multi-walled carbon nanotube with styrene-butadiene rubber so as to give electric conductivity to the styrene-butadiene rubber while improving mechanical strength of the styrene-butadiene rubber. Further, Non Patent Literature 2 discusses mixing, as a reinforcing material, the multi-walled carbon nanotube with poly(dimethylsiloxane) so as to improve mechanical strength of poly(dimethylsiloxane).
However, the nano-carbon material has such a tendency that the nano-carbon material is poor in affinity with the polymer material. Therefore, there is a problem that the nano-carbon material is extremely difficult to be evenly dispersed in the polymer material. For this reason, as described in Non Patent Literature 1, it has been often seen that properties, such as electric conductivity, of a composition prepared by mixing the nano-carbon material with the polymer material are not so different from those of a composition prepared by mixing a carbon black with the polymer material. Accordingly, it has been hard to say that the excellent properties of the nano-carbon material are sufficiently demonstrated. In view of this, it has been desired to develop a polymer material which allows a nano-carbon material to be easily dispersed in a composition and which accordingly allows the composition to exhibit excellent electric conductivity.

Composition containing nano-carbon material and a polyether-based polymer containing oxirane unites having a cationic group


A video camera system and method for automatically controlling the exposure of a desired object image. A plurality of average luminance values are respectively determined by a plurality of light measurement units. A plurality of reference luminance values are obtained from a plurality of reference value circuits. Selected ones of the average luminance values and the reference luminance values are utilized to form control signals. Such control signals control the video camera so as to maintain a proper exposure of the desired object.

The present invention relates to a video camera technique for automatically following a change of an object in the field of view of a video camera and, more particularly, to such technique for controlling the exposure so as to properly adjust the luminance of the object.
Numerous methods may be employed for controlling the exposure of a video camera. For example, such methods may include an automatic multi-split light measurement exposure control method, an automatic centralized or spot light measurement exposure control method, a manual exposure control method and so forth.
The automatic multi-split light measurement exposure control method utilizes a multi-split light measurement pattern to measure luminance information obtained from picture information. The measured luminance information may be processed to obtain an average value, a distribution, and/or a histogram of such luminance information which may be utilized to control exposure.
The automatic centralized or spot light measurement exposure control method utilizes a light measurement pattern which may be respectively located in or around the center portion of a screen and in a relatively small or spot area in or around such center portion. Luminance information obtained from picture information is measured by use of the light measurement pattern which may be utilized to control exposure.
In the manual exposure control method, an operator or cameraman may determine and/or manually adjust the luminance of an object to be photographed to obtain a desired or acceptable value.
Each of the above-mentioned exposure control methods has disadvantages associated therewith. For example, the automatic multi-split light measurement exposure control method may have difficultly in obtaining a proper exposure of an object in a scene having a relatively large luminance difference between the object and its background (such as in a scene having a backlight or excessive normal light). In such situation, the background information may be incorporated with information of the object to be photographed, thereby making it difficult to obtain a proper exposure of the object. Further, with regard to the automatic centralized or spot light measurement exposure control method, such method may be difficult to use when the object to be photographed is moving. That is, in such method, the operator or cameraman has to photograph the object such that it is always located at the center of a screen. As is to be appreciated, it may be difficult to continuously photograph the object so as to keep it centered on the screen while the object is moving. Furthermore, with regard to the manual exposure control method, an operator may not be able to properly adjust the exposure control in response to a sudden luminance change of an object. Additionally, a problem may arise in that the background may not be set to an optimum luminance level when an object suddenly disappears from a photographing screen.

System and method for controlling exposure of a video camera by utilizing luminance values selected from a plurality of luminance values


A processing system includes a receiving circuit 1 for receiving an input signal from an externally connected sensor, an expected signal generating circuit 4 for automatically generating a teaching signal for use in the learning circuit 5, a learning circuit 5 for calculating a weight value, a bias value, and the like of the neural network model to form an expected signal from the teaching signal generated by the expected signal generating circuit 4 and the signal from the receiving circuit 1, an inference circuit 2 for performing signal processing based on a learned model of the neural network model generated by the learning circuit 5, and a validity verification circuit 3′ for performing similarity calculation between an output signal of the inference circuit 2 and an expected signal for comparison.

The present disclosure relates to system and method for machine-learning.
Some methods to generate teaching signals automatically for machine-learning are disclosed.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication JP6-266398 discloses a neural network model learning device having a unit to generate teaching signals.
Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication JP7-21378 discloses an image identification device having an automatic generating device to generate teaching signals.


Hydroxypivalic acid is obtained from aqueous solutions by removal of the water by azeotropic distillation and subsequent crystallization from a solvent mixture which is composed of a polar and a non-polar component. The distillation is carried out under reduced pressure and at a maximum bottom temperature of 90.degree. C., until a residual water content of at least 0.1% of the total weight of the resulting solution is achieved.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a process for isolating hydroxypivalic acid from aqueous solution by removal of the water by azeotropic distillation under reduced pressure using an organic solvent or solvent mixture suitable for this, and subsequent crystallization of the hydroxypivalic acid from an organic solvent mixture which is composed of a polar and a non-polar component, one or both components of which have been employed in the preceding azeotropic distillation.
2. Description of the Related Art
In addition to potassium permanganate oxidation of neopentylglycol and Cannizzarro reaction of hydroxypivalaldehyde, both of which are relatively unattractive from the industrial aspect, hydroxypivalic acid can be prepared by air/O.sub.2 oxidation of neopentylglycol or by H.sub.2 O.sub.2 oxidation of hydroxypivalaldehyde. The oxidation of neopentylglycol with O.sub.2 or air over a Pd/C or Pt/C catalyst in alkaline aqueous solution to give hydroxypivalic acid is described, for example, in JP 53/77 010 or in U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,977. In both patents, no instructions are given for liberation of the hydroxypivalic acid obtained as the Na salt. Furthermore, the yield and selectivity data are lacking completely in U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,977, and a very dubious yield of 100% based merely on the comparison of IR bands of the sodium hydroxypivalate prepared according to JP 53/77 010 with a pure sodium hydroxypivalate sample is stated in JP 53/77 010. As an alternative to this process, hydroxypivalic acid can also be synthesized by oxidation of hydroxypivalaldehyde with hydrogen peroxide. This process was described for the first time in Monatshefte fur Chemie 95, (1964), 410 and taken up again in an improved variant in 1968 in JP 43/24 888. After the hydrogen peroxide oxidation, the hydroxypivalic acid is obtained in aqueous solution. For isolation, according to Monatshefte, the hydroxypivalic acid is converted into the Na salt by addition of Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3. This salt is precipitated by addition of 10 times the volume of acetone and is filtered off. The residue is dissolved in a little water and the hydroxypivalic acid is liberated with the stoichiometric amount of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and taken up in CHCl.sub.3. The water-moist CHCl.sub.3 solution is dried with Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4, the Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is filtered off and the CHCl.sub.3 is evaporated off. A crude hydroxypivalic acid having a melting range of 100.degree. to 122.degree. C. (literature: 124.degree.-126.degree. C.) remains. This wide melting range indicates that the hydroxypivalic acid contains a considerable amount of entrained impurities. Assuming the crude hydroxypivalic acid according to the Monatshefte is pure, the hypothetical yield is about 69% of the theoretical yield, based on the hydroxypivalaldehyde employed. The authors obtain truly pure hydroxypivalic acid having a melting point of 125.degree. to 126.degree. C. only after further crystallizations, first from CHCl.sub.3 and then from water. Since hydroxypivalic acid has an excellent water-solubility, it must be assumed that the yield of pure hydroxypivalic acid after these further recrystallizations falls significantly below 50% of the theoretical yield. The increase in volume due to the addition of acetone and the large number of working-up steps also make this process unattractive industrially.
JP 43/24 888 now describes a variant of the above process using a catalyst which is capable of dissociating hydrogen peroxide. Very fine particles of gold, platinum, silver or glass and also UV light of wavelength 2000 to 4000 .ANG. are mentioned as such catalysts. The difficulties of obtaining hydroxypivalic acid by crystallization from aqueous solution are dealt with further in this patent application; no material which has a melting point above 120.degree. C. was to be isolated from water. The authors therefore remove the water completely by azeotropic distillation with a suitable solvent, such as benzene, toluene, cyclohexane, n-butanol and the like; however, only benzene is employed in the patent examples. After the dehydration, the solvent is stripped off and the crude hydroxypivalic acid is subjected to fractional distillation under reduced pressure. During reworking of Example 2 from JP 43/24 888 with toluene instead of benzene (for industrial hygiene reasons), the water was distilled off azeotropically. In the subsequent distillation of hydroxypivalic acid, only 0.64 mol of the 2.35 mol of hydroxypivalic acid originally present in the solution could be distilled off under 20 mbar. Bifunctional hydroxypivalic acid forms polyesters and anhydrides during distillation, which remain as a dark brown distillation residue. The distillate must furthermore be kept in the melt at approx. 125.degree. C. This can also lead to losses in yield and quality due to oligo-/polymerization reactions. The hydroxypivalic acid distillate must then still be cooled on a belt and comminuted mechanically.
Alternatively, after the azeotropic dehydration, the hydroxypivalic acid is crystallized out of the entraining agent benzene according to JP 43/24 888 by cooling, but must be recrystallized from benzene again in order to achieve the required quality.
Since benzene is classified as carcinogenic, crystallization from this solvent is now regarded as unacceptable from the industrial hygiene aspect. Our own works have shown that after azeotropic dehydration of an oxidation batch with the less unacceptable toluene, subsequent crystallization from the solvent led to a tacky hydroxypivalic acid having a content of less than 95% (GC); this is evidently to be attributed to the abovementioned entrained impurities.
The processes described to date for isolation of hydroxypivalic acid are not very suitable for industrial preparation of hydroxypivalic acid because of the number of working-up steps and the marked tendency to form polyesters/anhydride at higher temperatures.

Process for isolating hydroxypivalic acid from aqueous solution


A system ensures safety and security of teams of collaborative autonomous unmanned vehicles in executing a mission plan. The system includes a plurality of components, a first device, a second device, and a third device. The plurality of components perform situation analysis, mission planning, mission replanning, mission plan execution, and collaboration between the autonomous unmanned vehicles. The first device identifies safety critical components of the plurality of components. The second device identifies security sensitive components of the plurality of components. The third device isolates the safety critical components from contamination by other components of the plurality of components. The third device isolates security sensitive data from contaminating non-security sensitive components of the plurality of components.

Conventionally, remote stations control unmanned vehicles. Alternatively, unmanned vehicles may be self-controlled or autonomously controlled. Another option is collaborative team control—a team of autonomous systems of the unmanned vehicles collaborating and coordinating autonomously.
These conventional approaches may, for example, aid a Warfighter in his duties. Conventional approaches may extend the vision and the reach of the Warfighter. However, the Warfighter may spend so much time managing assets that the Warfighter may lose effectiveness as a Warfighter. Autonomy may relieve the Warfighter of this burden. By moving the role of the Warfighter from control to command, unmanned systems may move from force extension to force expansion. Collaboration may move unmanned systems from force expansion to force multiplication. Force multiplication allows the Warfighter to perform its duties more effectively, more successfully, and more decisively.
Autonomous systems must be aware of their environment and adapt plans based on changes in their understanding of their environment. Control, therefore, must be flexible, both in development and in execution.
An autonomous system may be given objectives to achieve. These objectives may be as simple as monitor state and report problems or complex, for example, assault and capture a target area. In addition, an autonomous system may be given constraints, such as flight corridors, acceptable risks, or authorized targets.
A goal of an autonomous system may be to integrate these objectives and constraints with environmental state and system state to execute a mission plan in order to achieve the given objectives without violating the given constraints.
Also, autonomous systems may themselves consist of autonomous systems. Thus, autonomy may also be collaborative, coordinating multiple autonomous systems to act in concert. In addition, a team may have access to assets external to the autonomous team that would aid in performance of a mission. These assets may also be used in concert with the autonomous team(s).
Collaborative autonomy may be only one part of an autonomous system, which, in turn, may be part of a collaborative team. Collaboration provides interaction with the other parts of the system in order to be effective.
This level of autonomy and flexibility may require substantial amounts of computing resources to be used in a versatile manner. Military autonomous aerial vehicles may have additional requirements. Because military vehicles are typically aerial vehicles, military vehicles also have safety requirements. Because these vehicles are military, these vehicles may have the potential to possess and use sensitive information as part of their autonomy. Precautions may be implemented to protect this sensitive information.
Conventional approaches are monolithic insofar as the approaches have sought a single control system that performs all required functions. These approaches fail to recognize different disciplines required to perform various functions.
For example, a system typically should be aware of its environment. Awareness may be provided by inferences and estimates of probabilities in a data rich environment. This discipline may be different from mission planning, which takes an estimate of the environment and attempts to optimize courses of action that may effect change to the environment.
Conventional unmanned vehicle control systems are designed to meet specific requirements. These systems are typically designed for a specific vehicle with specific requirements. This approach typically reduces, if not eliminates, reusability of the system. Thus, each new vehicle development effort is large and inefficient.
These factors have likewise driven conventional designs to dedicated, specific, and inflexible hardware/software architectures to support these control systems. However, this approach fails to support the flexible, adaptable requirements of an autonomous system in a rapidly changing battlefield environment.
Because of this monolithic nature of conventional systems, separation of critical safety and security classification issues has been required within the control system itself, rather than in an infrastructure supporting the system. Thus, development and maintenance of the system is cumbersome. Furthermore, changes to the conventional system require reevaluation, if not certification of the entire system.

System for controlling unmanned vehicles


An assembly of opposing discs or cones for a disperser where each disc or cone has mounted to it a plate or an array of plate segments with a front surface on each plate or array of plate segments and each surface has a series of bars, grooves and dams. The bars are in rows, with the rows separated by annular dams at substantially fixed radial locations, and the grooves are adjacent the bars in the rows so that the grooves form a serpentine passage extending radially between the opposing plates or array of plate segments on the opposing discs or cones. The opposing plate or array of plate segments are arranged such that the annular dams on one plate or array of plate segments face roughly the middle of the row of bars on the opposing plate or array of plate segments.

It is desirable to recycle paper and packaging materials to reduce waste and reuse valuable natural resources. Recovered paper and packaging materials are subjected to several processes to remove ink, toner, and other contaminants such as glue and plastics that are commonly found on used paper and packing materials. The glue, plastics, and other similar contaminants are generally referred to as "stickies" by those skilled in the art. It is desirable for the ink, toner, and stickies to be removed before the recovered paper and packing materials are introduced into, for example, a paper-making machine.
If stickies are not properly removed, the stickies can adhere to the paper-making machine and create holes or weak spots in the reconstituted paper formed by the recovered paper and packaging material. Further, residual ink and toner particles can appear as blemishes in the reconstituted paper. Blemishes generally reduce the value of reconstituted paper.
A disperser, which is also known as a disperger, is a machine that processes recovered paper and packaging material for use in making paper or other products. Dispersers help remove ink, toner, and stickies from fibers, and reduce the particulate size of stickies in the recovered paper and material.
A conventional disperser typically includes a rotating rotor disc opposing a stationary stator disc. Each disc typically includes an assembly of pie-shaped plate segments arranged in a circular array to form a plate and mounted on a disc substrate, thereby creating the dispersing disc. The pie-shaped plate segments may be similar in shape to a truncated wedge formed by a minor sector of a circle. The front surface of each plate, which faces the front surface of the opposing plate, typically includes pyramids or teeth arranged in rows extending generally circumferentially across the plate. The circumferential rows of teeth or pyramids on one plate intermesh, e.g., are interlaced, interleave, or are staggardly interposed, between the rows of the teeth or pyramids on the opposing plates in a complementary manner. The rows are arranged at radii which allow the rows of pyramids or teeth on the plates mounted on the rotor and stator disc substrate to intersect a plane between the discs. This plane can be parallel to the front surface of the discs.
The intersection of the plane by the rows of teeth and/or pyramids enhance the impacts by the teeth and pyramids on the fibers of the recovered paper and packing material moving from the center of the stator disc to the periphery of the discs. The design of the disperser plate pyramids or teeth is referred to as "intermeshing tooth patterns". These teeth and pyramids are generally part of the mold for the entire disc, disc segments, cone, or cone segments. Therefore, these teeth and pyramids are generally formed when the original disc, disc segment, cone, or cone segment is cast. These teeth and pyramids also extend outward from the front surface of each plate. The gap, i.e. the clearance between the pyramids or teeth of the rotor and stator discs is usually in a range of 1 to 6 millimeters (mm). The gap generally has a zigzag shape formed by the intermeshing rows of the teeth of the opposing plates. A conventional disperser plate is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,148.
The gap of a typical intermeshing tooth disperser plate design allows a relatively thick fiber pad to form between the opposing faces of the rotor and stator plates. The teeth and pyramids act on the fibers in the pad. In a disperser, the fibers of the recovered paper or packing material are not cut or refined. The fibers are severely and alternately flexed by the action of the intermeshing patterns of teeth or pyramids on opposing front surfaces of a disperser plate. This action breaks the stickies into smaller particles. The smaller particles of the stickies may collect fine fiber particles that are further passivated as smaller particles.
An alternative conventional disperser uses conical surfaces rather than the planar surfaces of the discs. The rotating rotor is a cone having an outer surface with teeth. A stator is stationary and has a conical shape with an inside surface with rows of teeth or pyramids. The inside surface faces the outer surface of the rotor such that the rows of teeth or pyramids on the stator are intermeshed, that is staggardly interposed with the rows of teeth or pyramids on the rotor in a complementary manner. Teeth and pyramids are part of the mold for the entire cone or cone segment. Therefore, these teeth and pyramids are generally formed when the original cone or cone segment is cast.
In contrast to recovering paper and packaging material, fresh pulp for paper and paper based packaging materials is typically formed or developed using a mechanical refiner. Mechanical refiners may comprise refiner plate segments arranged in a circular array to form a plate; plates are generally mounted on disc substrates, on opposing discs. The discs may be flat (planar) or conical. The opposing plates mounted on the opposing discs may both rotate or one may be stationary while the other rotates.
Mechanical refiners, in contrast to dispersers, refine lignocellulosic material, such as wood chips, wood pulp, or other cellulosic material, by separating fibers in the lignocellulosic material. Refiner plates typically have a front face with a pattern of bars and grooves arranged in one or more refining fields. The bars have precision machined top surfaces. The feed material, lignocellulosic material such as wood chips or other cellulosic material, moves through a gap between the tops of the bars on opposing plates on the opposing discs. The gap is typically less than 1 mm. The refining action occurs as feed material passes generally radially outwardly through the gap between the opposing relatively rotating discs. The feed material is refined as it moves radially outward through the small gap between the discs and is impacted as opposing bars cross each other. The feed material also moves radially outward through the grooves between the bars extending radially. As the material moves from the inner portion of the discs to the outer region of the discs, the crossing of the bars allows for developing and cutting of the feed material.
The bar and groove patterns of refiner plates and resulting impacts due to the crossing of bars is suited for refining of lignocellulosic material. A benefit of discs in a conventional mechanical refiner is the high compression action discs can impart to the material within the refiner due to the small gap (typically less than 1 mm) and crossing of the bars, resulting in development of enhanced fiber bonding properties.
However, bar and groove patterns of refiner plates mounted on the discs of a conventional mechanical refiner are not well-suited to processing recovered paper and packaging material, in part, because the presence of ink and stickies. To remove stickies, dispersers require a thick fiber pad to form between the plates; the required thick fiber pad is not achieved with conventional bar and groove patterns. Conventional bar and groove patterns usually create a relatively evenly distributed thin fiber pad in the gap. A thick fiber pad is needed in view of the dispersion action of the intermeshing pyramids or grooves. The bars of a conventional mechanical refiner plate are not well-suited to creating the thick fiber pad needed for optimal dispersion action. Furthermore, the frequency at which bars cross in a typical or conventional mechanical refiner would be too high to adequately break up the stickies.

Apparatus for disperser plate and method to refine paper


The disclosure is related to the idea of tracking user navigation, consumption, and/or behavior and applying analytics to help shape future offerings (customized offerings, up-sells, recommendations, etc.) to a user and to provide reporting data to service providers and studios. Methods and systems of providing viewing recommendations for a user are set forth. This involves collecting usage data related to a session of interaction by the user, processing the user data for the session, and providing feedback regarding the session. The sessions involve multiple stages tracking a user's interactions. These include stages such as an inquiry stage, a results stage, a details stage, a selection stage, and a confirmation stage. Usage data is then mined to indicate the content creator of a media asset regardless of the media asset type.

Traditional usage tracking on media devices tends to focus on the resulting content selection from a limited number of sources. These systems do not track the process of how the selected content was arrived at.
For example, the Nielsen rating system just tracks what broadcast television shows are being watched. One limitations of this type of system is that it doesn't track or otherwise account for other types of media (DVR recordings, VOD selections, internet content, etc) that may be selected and/or viewed in place of broadcast television. Another limitations is that is does not provide any insight as to how or why particular content is selected and/or viewed.
Additionally, current rating systems are not capable of tracking all of the different types of content that are available from a content creator. A content creator can be a media entity that creates different types of media. For example, the Disney Corporation and Vivendi create movies, video games, television shows, radio shows, music albums, and the like, which represent different types of media. Currently though, there is no way of tracking how much content a user consumes from Disney versus a content creator such as Vivendi SA.

Media asset usage data reporting that indicates corresponding content creator


A golf club shaft 2 made of a fiber-reinforced resin having a weight W of 30 to 55 g calculated as a shaft having a length of 46 inches and an average flexural rigidity EIa of 1.5 to 4.0 kgf·m2 and satisfying the equation: EIa≧0.1W−1.5. Since it is light weight but has a relatively high flexural rigidity, a golf club can be swung at high speed without deteriorating the flight direction performance.

The present invention relates to a golf club shaft capable of increasing the flight distance of a golf ball, and more particularly to a technology for increasing the flight distance of, for example, golfers having a high swing speed by increasing the rigidity of a golf club shaft while lightening the weight of the shaft.
In general, swing form and swing speed greatly vary with every golfer. Therefore, in order to increase the flight distance by optimizing the flexure of a golf club shaft with comfortable swing to thereby accelerate the swing speed of a golf club head (hereinafter referred to as "head speed"), golf club shafts must be those suited to respective golfers. Optimum flexure of a golf club shaft during swing will accelerate the head speed just before striking a golf ball and will increase the dynamic loft angle to provide an optimum angle of striking out a golf ball.
Thus, the weight, flexural rigidity and so on of a golf club shaft are set according to ability, swing form, liking, etc. of a golfer. For example, since most of professional and high class golfers have a great physical strength and a proper swing form, they tend to be able to sufficiently bend the shaft and tend to have a high swing speed. Therefore, to golf clubs for them is generally attached a shaft having a heavy weight and a high flexural rigidity. On the other hand, beginner's class and senior golfers are not able to perform a swing sufficiently utilizing a flexure of a golf club shaft and the swing speed tends to be relatively low. Therefore, in golf clubs for them, it is general to use a golf club shaft having a light weight and a low flexural rigidity. Like this, conventional golf club shafts are roughly classified into such two types of shafts, namely a heavy weight high rigidity shaft and a lightweight low rigidity shaft.
If a golfer who does not have a great physical strength but can swing a golf club at a high speed so as to bend the shaft by twisting of the upper body and body turn during swing, uses a heavy weight high rigidity shaft, the golfer cannot surely swing the club to a finish and, therefore, there arises a problem that the face of a club head does not completely return, so the flight direction of a golf ball is not stabilized. On the other hand, if the golfer uses a lightweight low rigidity shaft, frequently the direction of the face is not stabilized when striking a golf ball due to excess flexure of the shaft during the swing, so the flight direction is not stable.
In order to eliminate disadvantages of lightweight shafts such as poor flight direction performance, decrease in strength and so on, it is proposed, for example, to provide a shaft with a specific distribution of flexural rigidity or to change the flexural rigidity of a specific portion of the shaft such as a tip portion or butt portion of the shaft. On the other hand, in recent years, golf club shafts made of a fiber-reinforced resin are popularly used, since adjustment of the weight, flexural rigidity and so on of the shafts can be relatively easily conducted as compared with metal shafts. For example, JP-A-2002-253714 discloses a lightweight golf club shaft made of a fiber-reinforced resin wherein the flexural rigidity of a grip portion of the shaft is set to a specific range in order to improve the flight distance and the vibration dampening property.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf club shaft that even beginner's class and senior golfers can convey a swing power to a golf club head up to the maximum without changing their swing timing and can stabilize the flight direction of a golf ball.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight golf club which is suitable for golfers having a small muscular strength and a high swing speed and which has a stabilized flight direction performance.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description hereinafter.


A base station (2a,2b,2c) which can communicate with radio terminals on common and dedicated channels according to specific speeds, is provided with a band-pass which is available according to the use of the common and dedicated channels in order to receive data from a radio terminal on a high-speed uplink channel. An available band-pass is determined in the base station in order to receive the data from at least one radio terminal (1) on at least one high-speed dedicated uplink channel. A first indication relating to the available band-pass is subsequently transmitted on a common downlink channel. At least one second indication relating to a percentage of the available band-pass which should not be exceeded by the radio terminal during a forthcoming transmission on said high-speed dedicated uplink channel is then transmitted independently for each radio terminal.

The present invention relates to the management of resources in a communication system.
It finds a particular, although nonexclusive, application in a communication system of UMTS ("Universal Mobile Telecommunication System") type, using a functionality for transmitting information at high-throughput of the "FDD enhanced uplink" type.
The "FDD enhanced uplink", which is currently the subject of a standardization, is in particular described in technical specification TS 25.309, V0.2.0, "FDD Enhanced Uplink; Overall description; Stage 2 (Release 6)", published in June 2004, by the 3GPP ("3rd Generation Partnership Project"). This functionality makes it possible in particular to transmit information at high-throughput from a radio terminal (or UE, for "User Equipment") to one or more base stations (or "Node B"), on a dedicated transport channel called E-DCH ("Enhanced—Dedicated CHannel").
One of the specificities of the "FDD enhanced uplink" resides in the possibility, for each base station, of directly controlling the communication resources on the E-DCH, within certain limits fixed by the radio network controller (RNC). This possibility is designated by "Node B controlled scheduling" in the aforesaid technical specification TS 25.309.
Such operation differs from the management of the other communication resources, as for the conventional dedicated channels and the common channels, where it is the RNC that determines the resources to be used for each UE, possibly after negotiation with the latter.
The controlling of the E-DCH resources by the Node B makes it possible to take into account parameters available at the level of this Node B, such as an interference level estimated on the uplink channels. One thus ensures that the transmissions performed by the UEs on respective E-DCH channels do not generate interference beyond a predetermined level.
Another exemplary parameter that can be taken into account in the controlling of the resources by the Node B is the reception capacity of this Node B, that is to say the maximum throughput at reception that this Node B is capable of processing. Specifically, certain operations are performed on the signals received by a Node B to retrieve the information that they carry, such as a despreading and a decoding in particular. To conduct these operations in an effective manner, it can therefore be useful to limit the amount of information received at the Node B.
By way of example, if a Node B has a reception capacity of 6 Mbit/s and if the information transmitted on the common and dedicated uplink channels (other than the E-DCHs) bound for this Node B already represents an aggregate throughput of 2 Mbit/s, it is desirable that the sum of the transmission throughputs on all the E-DCHs bound for this Node B, each corresponding to a UE, be less than or equal to 4 Mbit/s (=6−2 Mbit/s), lest it not be possible effectively to carry out the processing operations required at the Node B and thus not retrieve all the information transmitted by the UEs.
It therefore turns out to be necessary to indicate to each UE capable of communicating on an E-DCH channel bound for a Node B, the maximum throughput that this UE is permitted to use for transmission. In the above example, if two UEs use the "FDD enhanced uplink" functionality, the Node B can request them to limit their transmission throughput to 2 Mbit/s each, or else to 4 Mbit/s for one and 0 Mbit/s for the other for example.
Given that the Node B can choose to assign a different maximum throughput for each UE, it is then appropriate to indicate this throughput to each UE in an individual manner, for example on a respective dedicated channel. However, such a mechanism is itself ressource greedy. If the information of maximum throughput to be used is transmitted by puncturing of bits on a downlink traffic channel, that is to say by replacing certain useful data bits by said information of maximum throughput, this mechanism can furthermore degrade the reception of the information transmitted on this downlink channel.
This phenomenon is accentuated by the fact that the communication resources used for the channels other than the E-DCHs, that is to say the conventional dedicated and common uplink channels, are assigned in a prior manner by the RNC. But, the use of the resources varies, in particular on the dedicated channels, so that the bandwidth available to the Node B for receiving information, within the limit of the capacities of the Node B, changes in the course of time. If one wants to profit from a maximum of throughput on the E-DCH channels, it would therefore be advisable to regularly update the throughput thresholds not to be exceeded for each UE. The signalling resulting therefrom, for example on downlink dedicated channels, can then pose a problem.
This said, neither is it desirable to limit the updates of the throughput thresholds to be applied by each UE so as to avoid overly significant signalling, since this would lead either to unnecessary restriction of the throughput and the capacity on the E-DCH channels in the case where the fixed throughput thresholds are too low, this being contrary to their objective, or to enduring degradation of the quality of reception in the case where the fixed throughput thresholds are too high.
Another problem appears furthermore when a UE is capable of transmitting data on an E-DCH channel bound for several Nodes B simultaneously, that is to say when this UE is in a macrodiversity (or "soft handover") situation.
In this case specifically, each Node B of the active set with which the UE communicates possesses its own inherent criteria, both in terms of measured interference and of reception capacity. The management of E-DCH resources being delocalized at the level of the Node B as indicated above, it is then possible that each Node B transmits to the UE a different throughput threshold not to be exceeded, without consultation with the other Nodes B of the active set. It is thus difficult for the UE to obtain the entirety of the threshold information on the part of the various Nodes B and to determine the maximum throughput that it must ultimately apply on the basis of the information received.
An object of the present invention is to alleviate the drawbacks mentioned above, by proposing management of the resources which achieves a good compromise between transmission throughput and quality of reception.
Another object of the invention is to have effective management of the resources even in a macrodiversity situation.

Method for managing resources in a communication system and equipment for carrying out said method


A plurality of trays (T) are set in a disk package (P) loaded into a disk device, and different types of disks are rested on the trays (T). A first lock mechanism (L1) for locking all of the disks is provided in the package (P) such that this lock mechanism can be manually operated to unlock. A second lock mechanism (L2) locks only the trays on which RAM disks are rested, thereby preventing the RAM disks from being taken out. The disk device comprises unlocking members for releasing the locks established by both locking mechanisms.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a disk package which is loaded into a disk device equipped in personal computers, audio equipment, etc., and which accommodates different types of disks together, such as CD, CD-ROM, DVD and PD.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are proposed a variety of optical disk media. CD (Compact Disk) and CD-ROM (CD--Read Only Memory) are disks of pit modulation type, and CD-R (CD--Rewritable) is a disk capable of recording data once. PD (Power Disk) is a disk of phase changing type capable of recording/--playback (reproduction), and MO (Magneto-Optical Memory) and HS (Hyper Storage)-are disks of magneto-optical type capable of recording/playback. Further, as large-capacity disks used for audio, video and computer data, there are known DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk--ROM) of pit modulation type and DVD-RAM (DVD--Random Access Memory) of phase changing type capable of recording/playback. MD (Mini Disk) is also known as a small disk of magneto-optical type capable of recording/playback which is used with audio equipment and computers.
Disk devices for driving such disks are grouped into two types. In one type, only one selected from various disks is loaded in the disk device. In the other type represented by a CD changer, for example, a plurality of disks of the same type are loaded in the disk device and one of those disks is selected and driven for playback.
Recently, there have also been proposed disk devices which include disk driving means capable of driving both CD and DVD and are adaptable for loading of both CD and DVD.
For disk devices adaptable for different types of disks, however, most devices are designed to load CD or DVD one by one therein individually and devices permitting different types of disks to be loaded therein at the same time have not yet been proposed. In particular, disk devices adaptable for simultaneous loading of both a disk exclusive to playback and a recordable disk, such as represented by a combination of CD or CD-ROM and DVD-RAM or a combination of DVD-ROM and DVD-RAM, have not been conceived. Taking into account versatile utility of optical disk media in future, i.e., versatility of computer software and an increase in capacity of demanded data, there exists a need for a disk device which permits different types of disks to be loaded therein together.
In a typical example of conventional CD changers, a plurality of drawable trays are fitted in a magazine, disks are rested on the individual trays, and one of the trays in the magazine is selected and drawn out when the magazine is loaded into a disk device. In conventional magazines, however, it is general that the trays are each just lightly held in the magazine by a spring or the like so that the trays in the magazine are prevented from slipping off in a state where the magazine is taken out of the disk device. Accordingly, if the magazine is subjected to impacts when it is held by the hand, there tends to occur a problem that the trays in the magazine may spring out of the case accidentally and disks may drop from the trays.
For disks exclusive to playback such as CD and VD-ROM or DVD-ROM, even if a finger or the like touches the reading surface of the disk positioned to face an optical head, reading accuracy is not so significantly deteriorated. For recordable disks such as DVD-RAM and PD, however, signal recording is affected by slight contamination on the disk surface. Accordingly, recordable disks are required to be handled more carefully than disks exclusive to playback. In conventional disk devices, however, no consideration is paid to protection of recordable disks.

Disk package capable of loading a disk package containing multiple disks of different types and locking mechanism dependent on individual disk type


A electronic device housing includes a substrate, and the electronic device housing further includes a first color layer, a metallic coating, a second color layer, and a second metallic coating formed directly on the substrate in that order. The first color layer is disposed on the substrate and covering portions of the internal surface. The first metallic coating is formed on the first color layer and completely covers the first color layer. The second color layer is formed on the first metallic coating and directly covers the portions of the internal surface which is uncovered by the first color layer. The second color layer and the first color layer have different colors. The second color layer and the first color layer are transparent or translucent. A method for manufacturing the electronic device housing is also provided.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an electronic device housing, and a method for manufacturing the electronic device housing.
2. Description of Related Art
Metallic coatings are widely deposited on plastic electronic device housings by physical vapor deposition (PVD) to decorate the electronic device housings. However, the metallic coatings are prone to peel off from the device housings after a period of time, which negatively affect the appearance of the electronic device housing(s).
Therefore, there is room for improvement within the art.

Electronic device housing and method for manufacturing same

SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.


Techniques for communicating with implantable medical devices (IMDs) in a manner that promotes efficient data retrieval are described. The techniques involve ways to streamline retrieval of data stored on a patient's IMD. In one exemplary technique, first and second data ranges are determined for retrieval from an IMD. The technique evaluates whether the first data range overlaps or is separated by less than a predefined amount from the second data range. In an event where the first and second data ranges overlap or are separated by less than the predefined amount, the technique requests a third data range from the IMD which encompasses the first and second data ranges.

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) continue to be integrated into various aspects of patient care. For instance, IMDs are utilized to sense patient conditions and/or deliver therapy(s) to the patient. IMDs are employed with various organ systems, such as the neurological system, endocrine system, and circulatory system, among others. In relation to the circulatory system, IMDs are in widespread use. IMDs, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, monitor many different cardiac parameters that may be used to determine how well a patient's heart is functioning. For instance, IMDs can measure morphology-related parameters, impedance, intrinsic heart rate, heart rate recovery, heart rate variability, conduction delay, pressure, posture, activity, and so forth. This patient data can be used to evaluate the patient's heart, overall patient health and/or to deliver appropriate therapy to the patient.
IMDs are commonly configured to stimulate the heart with pulses in response to analysis of individual measured parameters, or combinations of the measured parameters. Additionally, the IMDs can store these measured parameters over time and periodically communicate them to external computing device(s) for further analysis. In some scenarios, one communication session might involve interrogating the IMD to retrieve the patient data, analyzing the patient data, and reprogramming a functionality of the IMD based upon the analyzed patient data. During some sessions, this process of interrogating, analyzing, and reprogramming may be repeated for multiple iterations in an attempt to address a patient condition. Efficient communication between an IMD and an external computing device is therefore desired, promoting several advantages. For instance, in some cases, the patient's health may depend upon timely data transfer within a communication session. Where the IMD is reprogrammed based upon the patient data, for example, efficient data transmission may influence a life or death outcome. In a more subtle scenario, a patient's quality of life may be enhanced when communication sessions between the IMD and the external computing device can be accomplished in a timely manner so that the patient can return to other pursuits.

Efficient data retrieval for implantable medical devices


A solution for matching RADIUS request packets with corresponding RADIUS response packets when the number of simultaneous outstanding requests is greater than 256 involves using a sixteen-octet authenticator field in each packet. For each response packet that arrives, the identifier of the packet is compared in turn with the identifier of each outstanding request packet. If the identifiers match, the authenticators are then compared. If the results of the comparison indicate a match, the packet is accepted and no further processing of the outstanding requests is required. Otherwise, a search of the outstanding request packets is continued. This solution allows for more than 256 simultaneous outstanding RADIUS requests and only encounters a mismatch or ambiguous match with a probability of one in 3.4×1038 packets.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of network communications. More specifically, the present invention relates to matching of RADIUS request packets with corresponding RADIUS response packets.
2. The Background
Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) is a protocol for carrying authentication, authorization, and configuration information between a Network Access Server (NAS) and a shared Authentication Server in a computer network. Once a client is configured to use RADIUS, users of the client may present authentication data to the client, such as by using a username and password prompt. When the client has received the authentication data, it may desire to authenticate using RADIUS. In doing so, it must create a RADIUS "Access-Request" packet containing the authentication data and additional information, such as the port ID the user is accessing.
The RADIUS "Access-Request" Packet may then be transmitted over the network to a RADIUS server, which validates the sending client. If the client is valid, the RADIUS server consults a user database to find the user whose name matches the request. A corresponding record in the database contains information regarding how much access the user may have and what requirements must be fulfilled before access is granted. The RADIUS server may then compare the authentication data received via the RADIUS "access-request" packet with this record to determine if the user is authenticated. It may then send an "Access-Accept", "Access-Reject", or "Access-Challenge" response packet back to the client. A similar process may be invoked for accounting requests.
The RADIUS protocol provides for a one-octet identifier in request and response packets. A value is assigned to the identifier when an "access-request" packet is sent. The RADIUS server then takes this identifier and copies it into whatever response packet is sent, ensuring that corresponding request and response packets have the same identifier and thus may be matched up by the client when the response packet is received.
However, when traffic is heavy, it is possible to have more than two hundred and fifty-six outstanding simultaneous request packets from a single client. Since a one-octet identifier only allows for two hundred and fifty-six unique identifiers, this creates a problem when traffic is heavy.
One solution is to alter the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) source port used for the packets when more than two hundred and fifty-six RADIUS request packets are outstanding. The client may then match both the UDP port and the identifier to correspond RADIUS requests and response packets. Unfortunately, many companies have designed their network hardware to utilize a fixed UDP port. Furthermore, these different companies often use different fixed ports. Thus, using the UDP port as a solution is not effective.
What is needed is a solution which provides for matching RADIUS request packets with corresponding RADIUS response packets when traffic is heavy enough to require more than two hundred and fifty-six simultaneous outstanding RADIUS request packets.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Matching of radius request and response packets during high traffic volume


Methods and systems for estimating an amount of torque that is transferred via a differential ring gear assembly are described. In one example, axial displacement of the differential ring gear assembly is determined and converted into a torque estimate. The torque estimate may be used to verify other powertrain torque estimates or for closed loop torque control.

A vehicle may include one or more propulsion sources to provide power to vehicle wheels. The propulsion sources may be commanded to provide a desired wheel torque that may be requested via a vehicle's driver or an automated driver. The propulsion source may generate a torque that is sufficient to generate the desired wheel torque; however, the actual wheel torque may be different than the desired wheel torque due to clutch slippage, manufacturing tolerances, wheel slip, torque converter efficiency losses, and other vehicle operating conditions.
One way to estimate the actual wheel torque may be to install strain gauges at the vehicle's wheels. The strain gauges may be installed within the vehicle wheels and the strain gauges may supply signals to a controller via slip rings or radio frequency transmitters so that actual wheel torque may be determined. Nevertheless, installing strain gauges at vehicle wheels may be cost prohibitive and the possibility of receiving the strain gauge signals over a longer period of time may be less than robust. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a robust and cost effective way of determining torque of a powertrain.
The inventors herein have recognized the above-mentioned issues and have developed a method for estimating a torque of a powertrain, comprising: measuring a position of a differential ring gear assembly; and estimating the torque of the powertrain via a controller in response to the position of the differential ring gear assembly.
By measuring a distance of axial movement of a ring gear assembly, it may be possible to provide the technical result of determining torque that is delivered to an axle of a vehicle without having to install strain gauges at the vehicle's wheels. In addition, installation of a ring gear assembly position sensor may be less costly and complex as compared to strain gauges. Further, signal transmission from a ring gear assembly position sensor may be more robust than that of strain gauge sensors.
The present description may provide several advantages. In particular, the approach may provide powertrain torque feedback at low cost. In addition, the approach may provide for robust sensing and signals. Further, the approach may simplify torque determination for a powertrain.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

System and method for measuring torque and speed of an axle


The invention is a method for controlling execution of an application. The method comprising:                installing and activating a software license unit including License terms and a secure repository comprising both an applet and parameters,        providing a virtual USB dongle including a command gate, a License validator, a VM controller and a VM engine initially devoid of applet,        verifying the License terms and only if the verification of the License terms is successful: loading said applet and parameters to the VM engine and enabling the Command gate,        initializing configuration data and secret data in the VM engine by using the parameters stored in the VM engine then exchanging, between the applet and said hardware function driver, USB messages to control execution of said application.

Control of execution of some stand-alone applications may be managed by hardware Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongles which are in charge of managing and storing the so-called software licenses. Hardware USB dongles are well-suited for controlling execution of applications installed on Personal computers for example. When such a stand-alone application migrates to the cloud environment, there would be a big challenge for those applications protected by the USB dongle since usually there is no available USB port on cloud servers.
One possibility is to adopt pure software or cloud solutions which imply to redesign the license term, change the source code and rebuild the applications. This way would take a lot of time and effort for implementation, testing and deployment in the cloud or virtual environment.
It is known to routes USB requests to a remote USB dongle. Such a redirection mechanism increases the effort to manage the machine on both sides and network latency could impact performances.
The document CN101201883 describes a solution based on HCPL and a virtual machine. The documents U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,858,224 and 9,116,821 describe USB emulation layer and USB device virtualization. The U.S. Pat. No. 9,158,912 describes a virtual appliance device like USB comprising a DRM module.
There is a need to enhance control of execution of applications deployed in the cloud environment.

Method for controlling execution of an application


An emulsified detergent composition is provided. The detergent composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 70%, by weight of the detergent composition, of a detersive surfactant wherein at least from about 70% to about 90%, by weight of the detersive surfactant, is a nonionic surfactant. The detergent composition also includes an electrolyte, in an amount sufficient to render the cloud point of the detergent composition to be less than about 20.degree. C., and water. The detersive surfactant and the water are in two phases in a weight ratio of about 1:10 to about 10:1 in the detergent composition. Superior cleaning and stain removal results because the emulsified detergent composition provides separation of the water and surfactant phases in a low water wash system over a broad temperature range and allows for cleaning below the cloud point of the surfactant system.

The conventional method of laundering textiles, used by United States consumers in the home, is carried out by placing from about 5 pounds to about 8 pounds of textiles into a top loading washing machine which typically uses about 45 gallons of water. Detergent is added to the machine in an amount determined by the manufacturer to provide the best cleaning results for a specified amount of textiles and volume of water. The water and detergent form what is referred to as the wash liquor. Soil is removed from the textiles and suspended in the wash liquor by mechanical agitation. At the end of the washing cycle, the wash liquor is drained from the wash basket and the textiles are rinsed with water. Additional mechanical agitation, which occurs during the rinse cycle, removes the detergent residue from the textiles. After the rinse water is drained from the wash basket, a high speed spin of the wash basket removes most of the water from the textiles.
A number of features of the conventional washing method could be improved to provide better consumer satisfaction with the process itself and the results obtained. For example, the changing of one feature, the amount of water used in the wash process, would result in a sizable cost savings to the consumer. It is well-established that the largest single factor effecting the consumer's cost per wash load is the amount of energy used to heat the water used in the washing cycle. Accordingly, it would be desirable to modify existing washing processes to consume less energy, and therefore result in a lower cost to the consumer. One such convenient way in which this can be accomplished is to reduce the amount of water consumed in the process. Appliance or washing machine manufacturers responding to this need for a washing machine have developed so-called "low water" washing machines which use about 25 gallons of water for each wash and rinse cycle or 40% less water than conventional top loading washing machines. However, for maximum cleaning benefits, the detergent used in such low water washing processes must be tailored to the machine operating conditions. Currently available detergent compositions are not optimized to deliver superior cleaning results in the newly developed low water wash systems.
During the mechanical agitation phase of a normal wash cycle, surfactants in the detergent composition can produce an excessive amount of foam, reducing the quality of the washing process. Where a reduced amount of water is used in the washing process, currently available detergent compositions almost always produce unacceptably large amounts of foam which are found aesthetically objectionable to consumers and which can reduce the level of cleaning resulting from the conventional washing process. The solution to the problem of excessive foaming lies in the use of nonionic surfactants in laundry detergent compositions since, as a group, the nonionics do not have the foaming power of anionic surfactants.
Nonionic surfactants are well suited to formulation in laundry detergents since their hydrophilic group is chemically inert and they can be made compatible with many different types of builders. Detergent compositions which include nonionic surfactant generally require high concentrations in the wash for a significant benefit, as opposed to compositions comprising mainly anionics which are usable at lower concentrations. The high concentrations of nonionic surfactant necessary for the production of significant benefits are attainable in the low water wash systems described herein.
The laundry detergent compositions described herein and composed of high amounts of nonionic surfactants exhibit superior cleaning performance, over conventional detergents used in low water wash systems, because the detersive surfactant is partially colloidal and present as micelles. In conventional liquid detergents, which contain a high concentration of anionic surfactants, the detersive surfactant species exist mainly as monomers. Conventional detergent solutions containing a large proportion of monomeric surfactant species have long been selected by workers in the art for use in washing because they act much faster, under prior art conditions, than highly micellized solutions. However, these monomeric solutions are not satisfactory in a low water wash system where the most effective cleaning can only result if the water and surfactant phases separate. In conventional washing processes, separation of the water and surfactant phases is prevented by the presence of fatty acids from soiled fabrics in the wash liquor. Furthermore, current detergent formulations do not adequately separate during low water wash processes so as to provide effective cleaning and prevent redeposition. This problem is exacerbated further when the low water wash process is operated at relative low temperatures (i.e., less than about 25.degree. C.) as is typical in many countries such as the United States of America and Japan.
The emulsified laundry detergent compositions described herein solve the problem of ineffective cleaning which results from the use of monomeric surfactant species in a low water wash system by providing for separation of the surfactant and water phases before and during cleaning. As a result of the separation, the resulting surfactant-rich phase, which consists of elongated rod-like micelles, directly interacts with the surface of the clothes and modifies the soil to produce superior cleaning. The subsequent rinse removes the soil from the substrate and the soil is solubilized in an emulsion, thus preventing redeposition.
The emulsified laundry detergent compositions described herein solve the problem of excessive amounts of suds formed during the washing process. In the past, detergent compositions used in machines employing low water wash processes included higher levels of relatively expensive suds suppressors which obviously increased the cost of the detergent product. Thus, it would be desirable to have a detergent composition specifically tailored for low water wash machines which provides superior cleaning at low washing temperatures without the need for high levels of expensive suds suppressors.
Accordingly, despite the aforementioned disclosures in the art, the need exists for a commercially available detergent composition which exhibits superior cleaning in laundry machines employing low water wash processes, especially at low wash water temperatures. There is also a need for a detergent composition which provides such superior cleaning without the need for high levels of suds suppressors. Furthermore, despite disclosures in the detergency art of detergent compositions comprising a nonionic surfactant, strong electrolyte and builder, used in a washing liquor where the surfactant coexists in a single phase with water, the need exists for an emulsified detergent composition which provides for a phase separation mechanism of soil removal over a broad washing temperature range.


A method and product whereby color changing indicator salts such as cobaltous salts, preferably CoCl.sub.2 or CoBr.sub.2, are firmly adhered to sand, other particulate silicas or other carriers so that unwanted fines, material loss and solvent washing characteristic of prior indicator salt-coated carriers are eliminated. The process is carried out by thoroughly dehydrating a quantity of cobaltous salts and dissolving and storing the dehydrated cobaltous salt in absolute alcohol, preferably absolute ethanol. The absolute alcohol/cobaltous salt solution is then contacted onto a dehydrated or anhydrous carrier material and the absolute alcohol solvent is removed.

Refrigerant-containing systems, such as air conditioning, usually contain a desiccant to prevent moisture accumulation in the refrigerant. If moisture accumulation in the refrigerant is not avoided, valve and control member corrosion leads to inevitable systems malfunctions. As a practical matter, no desiccant has infinite capacity, and as a result it is customary for a visual moisture indicator to be included in a refrigerant-containing system. Ordinarily, visual moisture indication is provided by means of a receptacle which cooperates with an instrument that samples refrigerant from the compressor. Such a receptacle contains a chemical compound or composition which undergoes a color change when it is exposed to moisture.
Although a number of chemical compositions change color in the presence of moisture, particularly well suited chemical salts for moisture indication are cobaltous chloride (CoCl.sub.2) and cobaltous bromide (CoBr.sub.2). Cobaltous chloride is relatively inexpensive and yet provides distinct, reversible color change upon hydration to CoCl.sub.2 *6H.sub.2 O. Cobaltous chloride is blue in its dry state, but its color rapidly changes to pink (a good "alarm" hue) in the presence of moisture. When hydrated CoCl.sub.2 is dried, the CoCl.sub.2 turns blue again. CoBr.sub.2 anhydrous is green, but turns (reversibly) yellowish salmon pink in the presence of moisture.
As an economic and practical matter, CoCl.sub.2 or CoBr.sub.2 (or any other color changing moisture indicating composition) is typically adhered to a particulate carrier. The combined cobaltous-salt-coated particulate is then provided, by means of disposable or reusable prepackaged tubes, etc., to the receptacle in the instrument which samples the refrigerant or other moisture sensitive fluid.


An Osteospermum cultivar named ‘KLEOE08161’ particularly distinguished by deep yellow-orange inflorescences, umbrella-type flowers with narrow-shaped petals, and a compact growth habit, is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum, botanically known as Osteospermum ecklonis, and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'KLEOE08161'. The new cultivar originated from an open-pollination made in July 2005 in Stuttgart, Germany. The female parent was a proprietary un-named Osteospermum plant (unpatented), and the male parent was an un-named Osteospermum plant (unpatented). The seeds produced by the open-pollination were sown in Spring 2006. A single plant selection was chosen for further evaluation and for asexual propagation in Spring 2006.
The new cultivar was created in 2005 in Stuttgart, Germany, and has been asexually reproduced repeatedly by vegetative cuttings in Stuttgart, Germany over a two and one-half year period. The present invention has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations.
Plant Breeder's Rights for this cultivar have been applied for in Switzerland on Aug. 5, 2008 and in Canada on Mar. 31, 2008. 'KLEOE08161' has not been made publicly available more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.


A touch panel device includes a display unit and a controller. The display unit displays, on a map or a nautical chart, a position acquired from a GNSS sensor and a symbol set on the map or the nautical chart. The controller controls, when an operation of specifying the symbol is detected, an auxiliary tool to appear on a display screen of the display unit, the auxiliary tool for recognizing a touch operation of moving the symbol.

Conventionally, devices having a touch panel (hereinafter, may simply be referred to as the touch panel devices) which can recognize a touch operation on a display screen have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a method of performing predetermined processing on such kind of touch panel device, a touch pad and the like according to a touch operation content (touching gesture), and discloses specific examples of the predetermined processing.
Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose display devices to be installed in ships. Each of such display devices acquires positional information from a GPS antenna and displays an image showing, for example, a nautical chart around the ship concerned, while it acquires a measurement result from a depth finder and displays an image showing a state of the sea bottom area.
Such display devices of Patent Documents 2 and 3 create a navigation route and display it on a nautical chart. Such a navigation route is created such as to connect a departing point (or the location of the ship concerned) and a destination point via a waypoint (stopover point).

Device having touch panel, radar apparatus, plotter apparatus, ship network system, information display method and information display program