A bagger attachment for use with a stand-on lawn mower. The bagger includes, in some embodiments, an impeller, a duct, and one or more bags which are covered by a hood. The hood is attached to a pivot frame that allows movement of the hood between open and closed positions. The bagger attachment may also include a frame assembly that facilitates mounting and removal of the bagger attachment from the mower. The bagger attachment may either contain removable bags, or may include a discharge door for dumping the clippings.

Landscape contractors and homeowners often remove grass clippings and/or leaves from their lawns in order to achieve an attractive, healthy, and well-manicured landscape. Clippings are generated with each mowing session, and the volume of clippings may be compounded by infrequent mowing. If the clippings are not removed promptly, they may mat down and prevent light from reaching the underlying grass. As a result, clippings are often collected in a receptacle referred to as a grass "catcher" or "bagger."
Commercial crews strive to complete lawn maintenance chores in a quick and efficient manner. If the crew must stop a mower frequently to empty the mower's grass bagger, the crew's efficiency and profitability may suffer. Solving this problem with an excessively large grass bagger, however, may adversely affect the mower's maneuverability and performance.
Landscape contractors often use stand-on or sulky mowers, which include an operator platform that is attached to (or, in case of a sulky, towed behind) the mower. Agile stand-on mowers allow turf to be mowed in an efficient, relatively quick manner as compared to some walk-behind and conventional riding mowers.
However, stand-on mowers often lack a bagger and instead distribute the grass clippings back to the ground surface (e.g., via side discharge or mulching modes). If a stand-on mower has any type of bagger, it is typically of relatively small capacity. Moreover, some stand-on mower grass catchers are mounted in a way that is unwieldy and/or difficult to use.
One bagger option for a stand-on mower is a bagger assembly located on the front of the mower frame, e.g., above the cutting deck. However, this type of design may impede the operator's view of the area to be mowed. In addition, a front bagger design may generate dust in the vicinity of the operator. Such front-mounted baggers may also alter mower dynamics as the bagger fills.
Riding mowers may include rear-mounted baggers that extend transversely across the width of the mower, generally behind the operator's seat. However, a rear-mounted bagger on a stand-on mower could be disadvantageous in that it increases the machine's footprint (something that stand-on mowers seek to minimize) and may surround the operator on three sides: the mower's control tower in front of the operator; a duct or conduit extending along one side of the operator; and the rear-mounted bagger behind the operator.


A system for distributing progressive gaming related information comprises a combiner and a communications medium. The combiner is for inserting data indicative of progressive gaming related information into a video signal as closed caption data to produce a combined video signal. The communications medium is for distributing the combined video signal to one or more receivers for display of a video image which comprises the progressive information as closed caption text.

Casinos and gaming venues often have a progressive jackpot running, which is where an accumulating prize pool is available to be won when a certain game outcome is achieved. It is desirable for the amount of the cumulative progressive jackpot prize pool, winning information and other messages to be told to game players. Sometimes it is desirable to distribute this sort of information inside the gaming floor as well as outside of the gaming floor, such as into a sports bar within the same complex.

Method and system of distributing progressive gaming

Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited


The present invention relates to the design of essentially digital systems and components. In one embodiment, a parameterized model of a sub-component of an essentially digital system is provided. This sub-component is used in components of the system, e.g. interconnect at the different levels (up to the packaging level) and includes all relevant parameters with their physical constraints. If certain parameters do not play a significant role at the system level exploration, they can be left out of the exploration. But then they should preferably be fixed on the value that allows the cheapest and most reliable process technology solutions (independent of their delay or energy consequences). For the parameters that do have a large impact, the subranges of their trade-off curves, especially Pareto curves, that are appropriate for a given target domain (e.g. ambient multimedia) should be carefully selected to match design cost, process cost and reliability issues.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the design of essentially digital systems and components thereof as well as to the essentially digital systems made in accordance with the design.
2. Description of the Related Technology
It is clear that in sub-100 nm technology nodes, the importance of interconnect on system delay and energy consumption will become dominant (see e.g. [5,6,9,12,8] and SPT research).
If this problem is viewed locally, from the process technology and circuit design point of view, this has been perceived for quite some time as one of the red brick walls for further progress in improved density, performance and reduced system energy. But when also the system and architecture view point are included several viable though usually not simple solutions exist to avoid that wall. This is especially true in the large market of embedded energy-sensitive systems as encountered in ambient multi-media, communication terminals and protocols, and consumer electronics in general.
What really counts in such systems is, namely, not the achievable maximal clock frequency but the overall system throughput. Moreover, usually this throughput is lower bounded but increasing it beyond that bound is not that useful. Hence, overall system timing is mostly a constraint (hard or soft) and the cost functions to optimize are system cost (in Dollars or Euro's) and system energy for a given functionality. In quality-aware (QoS) systems, the level of desired or achievable quality is another important system parameter. In order to achieve a better trade-off between all these different aspects for a given application, a complex exploration space has to be traversed. That has been proven to be nearly infeasible for the complexity of today's applications. Hence, the need for system design technology support, i.e. both systematic methodologies and appropriate supporting design tools wherever needed to keep the design time reasonable. Worldwide, many contributions have been made to some solutions in the last two decades. It has lead to several usable contributions for such system design technology and the research remains ongoing because despite the results achieved, many problems are still not sufficiently solved.
Up till 2001, all that research—at least in the digital domain—was performed using a (very) high-level abstraction of the underlying process technology. That abstraction, situated mostly at the parameterisable module level and partly at the standard cell level, was shown to be sufficient to arrive at good working designs already in the 80's. It has proven its worth up to today. But the advent of the wire dominated process technologies has—at least partly—broken down the validity of this abstraction. As long as transistors dominate, the predesigned circuits of the modules and standard cells could be combined without worrying too much about interconnections. Now that interconnect gradually becomes dominant, this leads to a system design problem. For the performance related aspects this is known as the timing closure problem. A similar problem exists for energy reduction because optimization at the system level has the largest impact but cannot rely on reasonably accurate energy models when the interconnect dominates.
This application domain (see above) has seen another clear trend in the past decade: most of the system energy, performance and other costs become dominated by the memories (on and off-chip) and the large communication routes. The logic islands in between become more and more negligible. One of the main reasons is that applications have become very data dominated accessing huge data sets. Another factor is the evolution of much of the memory from the board to the on-chip level.
As a result, the old system-level abstraction can be substituted by a new one, which is at least valid in the early system exploration phases: logic is mostly ignored and the memories and communication routes form the main cost factor to steer the exploration. For memories, parameterized modules can be used, even if the interconnect dominates. The internal models for these memories are heavily affected but it is still feasible to arrive at reasonable models. Several activities of ongoing research are relevant in this, such as the work of K. ltoh et al [7] and N. Jouppi et al [14], and in the group of M. Horowitz [I].
At present the number of technology related parameters in such models is quite small.

Design method for essentially digital systems and components thereof and essentially digital systems made in accordance with the method

Interniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IMEC)


A mobile communication system and a method for connecting a remote workstation to a data network via a mobile communication network, which allow a remote workstation to be connected more flexibly over a radio path by providing a special interconnecting computer in conjunction with a mobile exchange for extending the connection to a designation data network. The interconnecting computer thus acts as a bus between the remote workstation using the mobile communication network and its home data network, simulates the operation of the remote workstation towards the data network, and takes care of the real remote workstation, which is behind the radio path. A data connection established over the radio path can be released so as to minimize the air time when the radio path is not needed for telecommunication, but the interconnecting computer keeps the extended connection active towards the data network.

The invention relates to a mobile communication system comprising a mobile data unit acting via a mobile communication network as a remote workstation in a data network; a mobile exchange and; means for establishing a data connection between the mobile data unit and the mobile exchange.
Mobile communication systems have been developed as there have been a need to free people to leave their desktop telephone terminals and a need for others to reach them even when they are outside a specified location. As automation begins to be an integral part of the working environment, people outside offices wish to operate computers everywhere and make connections from any one location to another. The development of mobile communication systems offering voice services in the direction of data services thus seems to be inevitable.
Computer technology makes it possible to produce lightweight truly portable devices with improved processing power, storage capacity and user friendliness. This evolution of computers has made it technically and economically feasible to offer mobile data services for moving people. In such a case, the user is most likely to possess a mobile telephone terminal for voice communication, so the best way to provide data communication is through the mobile telephone system in much the same way as conventional telephone lines are used for data communication by using modems.
The deployment of digital mobile communication systems, such as the Pan-European mobile radio system GSM, means a break-through when mobile data communication is to be supported in general-purpose cellular networks. As the GSM is fully digital and applies the general principles of ISDN (Integrated Services Data Network), it is inherently capable of carrying data. From the data networking point of view, the GSM does not represent a dedicated data communication network but an access network. In other words, data communication via the GSM is intended to provide access to actual data networks.
The GSM network offers a wide range of services to subscribers. In addition to speech and emergency call services, the GSM network supports all variations of low-speed data communication services offered within telecommunication today. The only restriction is set by the capacity of the radio interface, which restricts the data rate to 9.6 kbit/s.
It is thus also possible to use the GSM system to connect a remote workstation to a desired data communication network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN). The remote workstation is usually a conventional workstation (PC) connected to the data interface of a mobile unit (mobile phone). The remote terminal may thus transmit data via the radio path with a data modem provided in association with the mobile exchange and further by means of a modem connection, e.g. through a public telephone network with a second data modem and a data terminal equipment connected to it. This second modem is usually attached to a computer connected to a LAN. This computer is used for enabling remote access to the LAN. It is usually called an Access Server. The access server has several data communication ports to which modems and a software enabling some kind of remote access are connected. Correspondingly, the remote workstation necessarily includes of has access to software in order that it is able to communicate with the access server software.
However, the above-described way of connecting a remote workstation via a mobile communication system to a data network has a few disadvantages. First, for instance, the GSM radio path enables a 9.6-kbit/s transmission rate and an excellent bit error rate of the order of 10.sup.-8. However, the connection is extended between the mobile communication network and the destination data network by means of a modem connection switched via a public telephone network. The maximum transmission rate of this kind of modem connection is usually 2.4 kbit/s, and its bit error rate is on the order of about 10.sup.-4 to 10.sup.-5. The entire connection will thus have the same transmission rate and bit error rate values, which are clearly inferior to those the GSM network, for instance, is able to offer. Second, the prior art method is not sufficiently efficient from the point of view of the radio path, as it is necessary to use a circuit-switched connection in the mobile communication network and keep the radio resources allocated throughout the LAN session, even during silent periods when there is no kind of communication.

Mobile communication system and a method for connecting a remote workstation to a data communication network via a mobile communication network


A dry-powder inhaler (100; 200) having: a body (110; 210) forming a dispersion chamber (111; 211); a dispenser orifice (131; 231) through which the user inhales; a loading opening (121; 220) that receives a capsule (10) containing a dose of dry powder for inhaling; and capsule opening mechanism (140; 265) for opening a capsule inserted into said loading opening and emptying the dose of powder into said dispersion chamber. The body (110; 210), at least at one wall of said dispersion chamber, is made of a tinted transparent material that is adapted to filter UV rays, at least in part, and to make it possible to see the inside of the dispersion chamber while masking, at least in part, residues of powder that are stuck to the at least one wall of tinted transparent material.

Inhalers are well known in the prior art. Various types exist. A first type of inhaler contains a reservoir receiving many doses of powder, the inhaler being provided with metering means making it possible, on each actuation, to remove one dose of said powder from the reservoir, so as to bring said dose into an expulsion duct in order to be dispensed to the user. Another type of inhaler consists in placing the doses of powder in individual predosed reservoirs, then in opening one of the reservoirs each time the inhaler is actuated. That implementation seals the powder more effectively since each dose is opened only when it is about to be expelled. In order to make such individual reservoirs, various techniques have already been proposed, such as an elongate blister strip or blisters disposed on a rotary circular disk. All existing types of inhalers, including those described above, present both advantages and drawbacks associated with their structures and with their types of operation. Thus, with certain inhalers, there is the problem of metering accuracy and reproducibility on each actuation. In addition, the effectiveness of the dispensing, i.e. the fraction of the dose that effectively penetrates into the user's lungs in order to have a beneficial therapeutic effect, is also a problem that exists with a certain number of inhalers. With regard to opening the individual reservoirs, it has been proposed to peel off or to unstick the closure layer. That presents the drawback of difficulty in controlling the forces to be applied in order to guarantee complete opening, without running the risk of opening the next reservoir, particularly if the opening means need to be actuated by inhalation. Another problem that exists with inhalers provided with blister strips is associated with the movement of the strip, and with storage of the used portion of the strip. Thus, depending on the length of the strip and/or the thickness of the blisters, a large amount of space can turn out to be necessary, and any blockage of the blister strip can prevent the inhaler from functioning properly. In addition, when the device for advancing the strip pulls simultaneously on the leading end of the strip so as to avoid poor rolling up, a problem can occur over successive actuations, in particular because the rolled-up diameter of the used strip increases progressively. Multidose inhalers and inhalers containing a blister strip are thus generally complex devices constituted by a large number of parts, and thus costly to manufacture and to assemble. In order to make devices less complex and thus less costly, inhalers have been proposed that include individual reservoirs, such as capsules, that are loaded into the inhaler just before said inhaler is used. The advantage of such devices is that it is not necessary to store all of the doses inside the appliance, such that said appliance can be compact. However, the inhaler is more difficult to use, since the user is obliged to load a capsule into the inhaler before each use. Furthermore, other drawbacks specific to such a capsule inhaler have appeared. Thus, such devices are generally constituted by two parts, one being provided with the mouthpiece. During manipulation of such devices, for opening the capsule and releasing the powder, or for ejecting the empty capsule after inhalation, the user's fingers generally come into contact with the mouthpiece, and this can present risks of contamination. In addition, in order to eject the empty capsule, the device must generally be disassembled, and this exposes the inside of the device to any external pollution, which might subsequently be transmitted to the user during a future inhalation. Furthermore, the body of such a capsule inhaler is generally transparent so as to enable the user to see inside the dispersion chamber, and thus know firstly that the dose of powder has been dispensed after use, and secondly if the empty capsule has been ejected. Unfortunately, such a transparent body creates certain specific drawbacks. Thus, after each actuation, a small amount of powder generally remains stuck to the walls of the dispersion chamber. Such residues, which are visible from the outside, in particular after several uses, make the device look relatively dirty in appearance, and this can sometimes make the user feel uncomfortable and no longer wish to use the inhaler. Furthermore, as a result of its transparency, such a transparent body enables all kinds of light to pass therethrough, and in particular ultraviolet (UV) rays that may spoil the powder contained in the dispersion chamber. Document WO 2010/062744 describes a container containing photosensitive compounds, the container comprising an inner body that is in contact with the photosensitive compounds, and an outer body that is provided with a window made of anti-UV material.


Example sleeping and wake-up methods and apparatuses of a master-slave network, and a power saving system of a master-slave network, are described. One example method includes obtaining running statuses of slave devices on links from a link management list. A target device is determined. The target device is a slave device whose running status is idle. If running statuses of the target slave device to an end slave device on a link on which the target slave device is located are all idle, it is determined that a sublink from the target slave device to the end slave device on the link on which the target slave device is located is a target sublink. A power saving message is sent to at least one slave device on the target sublink, so that the slave device enters a sleep and listen state when receiving the power saving message.

With development of wireless network technologies, radio-frequency coverage of a single device cannot meet requirements for wide coverage and high throughput performance. Therefore, in the prior art, multiple devices cooperatively work to implement hybrid networking and form a master-slave network, so as to meet the foregoing requirements.
The master-slave network includes a master device (MD), at least one slave device (SD), and at least one user device (UD). The master device is configured to manage all slave devices in the master-slave network, and the master device may further radiate to the outside, so as to provide a service to user devices. The slave device is configured to cooperate with the master device to implement a service function, and provide a data forwarding channel to a lower-level slave device. Moreover, the slave device may further radiate to the outside and cooperate with the master device to provide a service to user devices.
In an existing communications protocol, a power saving mechanism between a single device (for example, a master device or a slave device) and a user device is defined in a master-slave network. However, the prior art defines only the power saving mechanism between a single device (a master device or a slave device) and a user device, but lacks a power saving mechanism between the master device and the slave device.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Sleeping and wake-up methods and apparatuses of master-slave network, and power saving system of master-slave network


A map display apparatus includes an image storage unit that stores images in association with corresponding items of image capturing position information of places where the images were captured; an image information reading unit that reads image capturing position information of a specified image from the image storage unit; an image capturing position displaying unit that displays a map represented by map information on the basis of the image capturing position information; a current position obtaining unit that obtains current position information from a position determining unit determining a current position; a current position displaying unit that displays a map represented by map information on the basis of the obtained current position information; and a map display switching unit that selectively switches between the map information of the image capturing position displaying unit and the map information of the current position displaying unit in response to a display switching instruction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a map display apparatus and a map display method for displaying a map based on a reference position desired by a user.
2. Description of the Related Art
Car navigation systems are available as systems for displaying a map showing the current position in real-time. Car navigation systems are systems that provide a navigation function of detecting the current position using the Global Positioning System (GPS) in real-time and displaying and outputting a map showing the current position on the basis of the detection result in real-time. In order to more effectively realize the navigation function, there has been proposed an apparatus that applies an image capturing function and an image displaying function of a digital camera to a car navigation system.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 09-139906 discloses an image processing apparatus that provides a navigation function of outputting a map showing the current position at the center and, when the user took a photograph at a certain place in the past, shows on the map the position of that place where the photograph was taken.

Map display apparatus and map display method


The present invention provides an agricultural fungicide having definitive effects which can be safely used, and a pyridine compound or salts thereof useful as an active ingredient of an agricultural fungicide. The pyridine compound or salts thereof of the present invention are represented by the following formula. In the formula, R1 represents a formyl group or the like, R2 represents a hydrogen bond or the like, each of R3, R4, and R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom, E represents a phenyl group or the like, A represents a halogen atom, and n is any integer of 0 to 5.

A large number of control drugs are used against diseases of agricultural crops. However, in many control drugs in the related art, the control efficacy thereof is insufficient, use thereof is limited by the appearance of a drug-resistant pathogen, phytotoxicity to plants or contamination is caused, or toxicity to human bodies, animals, and fish or influence on the environment is great, and thus, control drugs in the related art cannot be fully satisfied. Therefore, drugs having no such drawback have been strongly demanded.
In connection with the present invention, PTL 1 discloses an agricultural fungicide containing the compound represented by the formula (A) and the like as an active ingredient.

PTLs 2 and 3 disclose the compound represented by the formula (B) and the like as a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis inhibitor, and it is described that these are effective as an antimalarial drug and an antimycotic drug, respectively.

PTL 4 discloses compounds having an analgesic effect such as the compound represented by the formula (C).

In addition, PTL 5 discloses the compound represented by the formula (D) as a synthetic intermediate of an analgesic drug.

PTL 6 discloses insecticides including the compound represented by the formula (E) and the like.

NPL 1 describes the compound represented by the formula (F) as a synthetic intermediate of a medicine compound.

Pyridine compound and agricultural fungicide


A sports boot comprising a part comprising at least two superposed layers of plastics and comprising an opening that can be closed by catching means distributed on either side of this opening, wherein one of the two layers has one or more recesses lying on an axis in order to define a deformation axis of the shell, allowing that part of the shell that is around this axis to move away in order to enlarge the opening and make it easier to put the boot on and to take it off.

The invention relates to a sports boot part such as a lower-leg part, a shell or a strap, and to the sports boot itself and to the method for manufacturing it. It is particularly suited to boots for a board for gliding such as a ski or snowboard, or skating boots, which experience significant forces and are used in aggressive environments.

Two-layer sports boot part with deformation zone


Insulative guide members secured to an end face of switching apparatus between power terminals route electrical leads from attachment devices mounted inside the molded housing of the switch which exit the housing above the power terminals down between the power terminals toward the rear face thereby providing physical separation and electrical isolation between these leads and the power terminals and conductors connected to them. The insulative guide members are secured to the molded housing by a tongue-and-groove connection. The insulative guide members also form interface barriers with increased, oversurface distance between adjacent power terminals and conductors which can be further increased by longitudinal ribs on the guide members. In another configuration, the guide members can be secured to the confronting end faces of adjacent switching apparatus to provide interface isolation and to route leads from auxiliary switches from adjacent a front face of the switches toward a rear face.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to power switching devices having attachments with electrical leads which are routed externally of the molded housing enclosing the switching device. More particularly, it relates to an insulative wire lead which guides the attachment wiring between power terminals and simultaneously provides an insulative barrier which increases the oversurface distance between phases of multiphase switching devices.
2. Background Information
Low voltage power switches such as, for instance, circuit breakers, contactors and overload relays, typically have a switching unit mounted in an insulative molded housing. Commonly, multiphase load terminals are mounted side-by-side in recesses in one end of the molding housing, while line terminals are similarly mounted side-by-side in recesses in the opposite end. In many installations, attachments providing electrical outputs from or inputs to the switching device are provided within the molded housing. Examples of these attachments are bell alarms providing an indication of a tripped condition and a shunt trip device by which a circuit breaker can be tripped remotely.
Typically, the switching device is mounted on a panel and the attachment wiring is routed to the panel. In many cases, the attachment wiring exits a side of the housing. In other cases, the attachment wiring exits the back face of the switch housing. It is common in these cases to bundle the attachment wires with wire ties. In at least one instance, side exiting attachment wires are routed through a channel molded into the housing base.
In some installations, spacing between adjacent molded housings does not permit side exit of the attachment wires. Also, attachments are being offered as options or add-ons mountable in compartments in the cover of the switching device which is not compatible with rear exit of the wiring. This leaves the end faces of the molded housing where the power terminals are located. However, the attachment wiring must be physically separated and electrically isolated from these terminals and the connected conductors.
There is a need therefore for an improved wire lead for attachment wiring for power switching devices.
There is a particular need for such a wire lead for guiding attachment wiring exiting the end faces of power switches which spaces the wiring from the power terminals and connected conductors.
There is a further need for such a wire lead which is simple, inexpensive and easy to use and install.

Combined wire lead and interphase barrier for power switches


A bicycle derailler is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, a coupling member and a cable actuation ratio control mechanism. The movable member supports a chain guide. The coupling member movably couples the movable member to the base member. The cable actuation ratio control mechanism includes first and second link members. The first link member has a pivoting portion, a cable connection portion and a second link coupling portion. The pivoting portion is pivotally mounted to one of the coupling member and the base member. The cable connection portion is located on one side of the pivoting portion, while the second link coupling portion is located on the other side of the pivoting portion. The second link member is coupled to the first link member at the second link coupling portion and pivotally mounted to one of the movable member and the coupling member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a bicycle derailleur. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cable actuation ratio control mechanism of a bicycle derailleur, especially a bicycle rear derailleur.
2. Background Information
Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One component that has been extensively redesigned is the bicycle derailleur.
Typically, a derailleur has a base member and a movable member with a chain guide movably coupled to the base member via a linkage assembly (e.g., a coupling member). The base member is typically coupled to the rear triangle of the bicycle frame by a bolt that forms a B-axle for providing limited rotation with respect to the bicycle frame. The chain guide typically includes a pair of guide plates that rotatably support a guide pulley and a tension pulley between the guide plates. The chain guide is typically coupled to the movable member by a shaft that forms a P-axle for providing limited rotation of the chain guide with respect to the movable member. The linkage assembly typically includes a pair of pivotal links pivotally coupled to both the base member and the movable member. A spring typically biases the chain guide to either an innermost or outermost position relative to the rear sprockets. A bowden-type control cable with an outer sheath and an inner wire is typically coupled between the rear derailleur and a conventional shift control device. Thus, the chain guide can be moved laterally by moving the linkage assembly via the inner wire. Pulling the inner wire moves the chain guide against the biasing force of the spring, while releasing the inner wire causes the chain guide to move due to the biasing force of the spring.
In a cable actuated rear derailleur, the required amount of lateral displacement of the guide pulley is predetermined by the amount of lateral spacing between the rear sprockets. Thus, the required inner wire stroke is also automatically determined for a cable actuated rear derailleur. This means that such an inner wire stroke must be pulled in the shift operating device, and there is no free choice in designing the shift operating device in terms of the inner wire stroke for a particular cable actuated rear derailleur. This lateral (axial) displacement of guide pulley with respect to the inner wire displacement is defined as the actuation ratio of the rear derailleur.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved bicycle rear derailleur that will enhance design freedom for the shift operating device. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.


The colorants for keratin fibers are based on oxidation dye precursors and/or direct dyes and contain a combination of (a) at least one nonionic, amphiphilic associative thickener, (b) at least one fatty alcohol that is liquid at 25° C. and (c) PEG-150/stearyl alcohol/SMDI copolymer in a suitable cosmetic carrier.

The object of the invention are colorants for keratin fibers, particularly human hair, that contain direct and/or oxidation dyes and a special thickener combination, as well as a method for coloring hair by use of such colorants,
Coloring preparations are usually in the form of aqueous—preferably thickened—solutions or emulsions and contain besides dyes, for example, fatty alcohols and/or other oil components, emulsifiers and surfactants as well as optionally alcohols. Oxidation dyes as a rule consist of two components (i) the dye carrier composition containing the dyes and (ii) the oxidation dye preparation, said components being mixed with one another shortly before use and then applied to the hair to be dyed. Mixing will produce a higher or lower viscosity, depending on the viscosity and mixing ratio of the two components. In particular, good adhesion of the colorant is achieved in this case if the colorant has a higher viscosity. In addition, the hair dresser often needs for her work higher viscosities, for example for special strand or sheet techniques and when special work is to be done with the dye brush or the highlighting brush.
Hence, a great need existed for economical thickening of the dye carrier composition that would ensure good miscibility of said dye carrier composition with the oxidant and would afford colorants with good adhesion properties and coloring characteristics.
The use of nonionic, amphiphilic associative thickeners for thickening hair colorants is known from WO 01/41723. The colorants described therein, however, are not satisfactory in all respects as regards their viscosity, adhesion to hair and coloring properties. For example, the viscosity-forming properties deteriorate after a storage period of only a few weeks. Moreover, the colorants described in WO 01/41723 have a honey-like consistency which allows the coloring composition to run off the hair. Another drawback is that high dye concentrations are incompatible with the associative thickeners.


A system for processing recirculation air recovered from an aircraft cabin includes a mixing chamber and a carbon dioxide removal system. The carbon dioxide removal system has an inlet for recovered recirculation air from the aircraft cabin, an outlet to the mixing chamber; at least two assemblies of carbon dioxide sorbent that are thermally linked, a CO2 outlet valve; and a controller for managing desorption of carbon dioxide from the sorbent depending on aircraft status. The mixing chamber has an inlet from the carbon dioxide removal system, an inlet from an environmental control system, and an outlet connected to the aircraft cabin.

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of systems and methods for removing carbon dioxide from recirculation air discharged from an aircraft cabin.
The air conditioning system for a modern passenger aircraft includes an air conditioning unit which is supplied with compressed process air from a compressor or bled off from an engine or an auxiliary power unit of the aircraft. Cooled air leaving the air conditioning unit is supplied to a mixing chamber where it is mixed with recirculation air from the aircraft cabin to result in mixed air. The mixed air is supplied to the aircraft cabin.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) content of the recirculated air increases due to human respiration. The carbon dioxide content of the air returned to the aircraft cabin can be reduced by mixing with fresh air from the air conditioning unit, by adsorption, or by a combination thereof. While currently available systems are adequate, there is a need for more efficient systems and methods for reducing the carbon dioxide content of the recirculated air and the air returned to the aircraft cabin.


Apparatus for providing pulsed or continuous energy in a process chamber are provided herein. The apparatus may include a lamphead including a set of lamps, wherein the first set of lamps are not solid state light sources, and a set of solid state light sources disposed on the lamp head, to provide pulsed or continuous energy to the process chamber.

Several applications that involve the thermal processing of substrates such as semiconductor wafers and other materials involve the process steps of rapidly heating and cooling a substrate. Examples of such processing include rapid thermal processing (RTP), physical vapor deposition (PVD) processing, and the like, which are used for a number of semiconductor fabrication processes.
During semiconductor fabrication processing, heat energy from lamps is radiated into the process chamber and onto a semiconductor substrate in the processing chamber. In this manner, the substrate is heated to a required processing temperature. Typically, the use of conventional lamps (tungsten-halogen, mercury vapor, arc discharge) or electrical heating elements has been the dominant approach to delivering energy to the substrate for dopant annealing, film deposition, or film modification. These processes are often thermally based and typically require high process temperatures ranging from 200 C to 1600 C, which can result in significant thermal budget issues that adversely affect device performance.
In addition, the use of conventional lamps has associated high maintenance costs with respect to operating lifetime, material and energy usage. Conventional lamps emit radiation over a broad spectrum of wavelengths which can be detrimental to some instrumentation and/or result in an unintended response in the target substrate/film from the undesired wavelengths.
Accordingly, the inventors have provided an improved heat source apparatus for use in semiconductor processing systems.

Solid state light source assisted processing


An automatic door opening mechanism for ejecting a video cassette tape of a video cassette recorder (VCR) includes a door mounted at both sides on door brackets in front of a cassette deck opening for inserting/ejecting a cassette tape so as to be opened upwardly and an actuator lever fixed on one end of an actuator shaft rotatably mounted on main frame. The actuator lever has a door locking part formed on one end and a button pressing part formed on the other end. A further door locking part is fixed on the other end of the actuator shaft. A retention arm is fixed on the actuator shaft in the middle thereof. The retention arm has a stopper tiltably mounted on its top. The stopper is vertically positioned under the cassette deck opening so as to be engaged with front and rear lower edges of the cassette tape and to be tilted inwardly by being engaged with the rear lower edge of the cassette tape when inserting the same through the opening. The stopper is returned to its vertical position after complete insertion of the cassette tape.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a video cassette recorder (VCR), and more particularly to an automatic door opening mechanism for automatically ejecting video cassette tape.
2. Description of the Related Art
With conventional VCRs, a user can select various VCR functions such as power ON/OFF, playback, recording, stop, and the like, from a remote location by means of a remote control transmitter. In certain types of conventional VCRs, the user opens a VCR door manually and inserts a video cassette tape, and when ejecting the tape, also opens the VCR door manually and then actuates an ejector button.
The cassette tape inserting/ejecting mechanism of such conventional VCRs is described with reference to FIGS. 2-4 as follows. The cassette tape 20 is inserted and ejected through a cassette deck opening 11 in front of which a VCR door 21 is provided. Door brackets 22 are provided on both sides of the VCR door 21 for opening the door upwardly. The door brackets 22 are rotatably mounted on a hinge shaft 23 on which a torsion spring 24 is mounted, whereby one end of the torsion spring 24 is fixed on a main frame 10, and another end of the torsion spring 24 is fixed on the door bracket 22 on one side of the VCR door 21. One of the brackets 22 is provided with a hook pin 25 in the middle of the outer side thereof. The actuator lever 27, consisting of a door locking part forming a hook 29 and a button pressing part, is fixed on one side of an actuator shaft 26. Further another door locking part 36 forming a hook 37 is fixed on another side of the actuator shaft 26 so as to be locked by a hook pin 25 on the bracket 22 on the other side of the door 21. The actuator lever 27 rotates the actuator shaft 26, whereby the hook 29 is caught by the hook pin 25 on the door bracket 22.
As for the operation of the cassette tape inserting/ejecting mechanism of such a conventional video cassette recorder, when pressing the VCR door button (not shown) to insert cassette tape 20, the button pressing part of the actuator lever 27 is pushed inwardly so as to rotate the actuator shaft 26, whereby hook 29 is released from hook pin 25, and at the same time, the door brackets 22 are rotated upwardly by the restoring force of torsion spring 24, and thus the VCR door 21 is opened. Thereafter, cassette tape 20 can be inserted through cassette deck opening 11. When closing the VCR door 21 downwardly after inserting the cassette tape 20, the door brackets 22 are downwardly rotated on hinge shaft 23, whereby hook pin 25 pushes down the door locking part of actuator lever 27 by sliding down on the upper surface thereof, thereby being caught by hook 29 by the restoring force of a torsion spring 31.
In order to eject the cassette tape 20 from the cassette deck of the main frame 10, when pressing the VCR door button to push the button pressing part of the actuator lever 27 inwardly, the hook 29 of the door locking part is released from the hook pin 25, whereby the door brackets 22 are rotated upwardly by the torsion spring 24 so as to open the VCR door 21. Thereafter, when pressing the ejector button (not shown), the cassette tape 20 can be ejected from the cassette deck through cassette deck opening 11. After ejecting the cassette tape, when the user pushes down the VCR door 21, the hook pin 25 of door brackets 22 is caught by the hook 29 so as to close and lock the VCR door 21.
As described above, the conventional video cassette tape insert/ejecting mechanism has the drawback that the user must open the VCR door manually to insert and eject a cassette tape into/from the VCR.

Automatic door opening mechanism for ejecting cassette tape of video cassette recorder


An image reading apparatus includes: an image signal generating part reading a plurality of color components of image data from an original, and generating corresponding image signals for the respective color components; an image processing part carrying out predetermined image processing on the image signal for each of the plurality of color components; and a signal processing part outputting in sequence for each color component the respective color components of the image signals thus generated by the image signal generating part to the image processing part.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus suitable as being applied to a scanner, a copier, a facsimile apparatus, a digital multi-function apparatus or such.
2. Description of the Related Art
As typical reading systems of a color image reading apparatus, a light source switching system and a color sensor system may be cited.
The light source switching system is such that light sources of three colors, i.e., R (red), G (green) and B (blue), and a single line sensor are provided. For each scanning line of the line sensor, the R, G and B light sources are switched. As a result, each line image data of RGB can be obtained.
The color sensor system is such that, R, G and B three sorts (pierces) of color line sensors and a white light source are provided. R, G and B are read simultaneously for one scanning line on each line sensor (the same time for the respective line sensors).
In the light source switching system, the single line sensor is shared for the line image data in the RGB respective colors in a time sharing manner. Accordingly, a reading speed is relatively slow. At the same time, since only a single channel of image data serially output by the single line sensor is processed, the circuit configuration can be simplified (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Applications Nos. 2003-319150 and 10-136154). Throughout the specification, 'serially outputting' means that image data is output in line units for each color in sequence.
On the other hand, in the color sensor system, serial image data is output in parallel from respective channels of the three single color line sensors for R, G and B. Accordingly, the reading speed can be made relatively higher. At the same time, only a single image processing circuit is not sufficient, and three image processing circuits are required for simultaneously processing the serial image data from the respective channels in parallel. Accordingly, the costs may rise.

Image reading apparatus for processing color components in sequence


A torsionally stabilized automatic grade control system for finishing plastic concrete is capable of controlling a variety of different elongated, multi-section concrete finishing tools such as a vibratory screed or the like, with or without forms. Skis that support the device facilitate sliding, winch driven movement over and through plastic concrete. Spaced apart, vertically upwardly extending towers support the device; they are disposed periodically along the length of the finishing tool. Each tower comprises a pair of extensible, spaced apart stanchions hinged to the skis and disposed on opposite sides of the tool. An upper strut extends between the stanchions. A sleeve coaxially fitted to each stanchion is synchronized with the opposite sleeve by a rigid transverse bridge. The bridge is adjustably coupled to the strut. The upper portion of the stanchions comprises a hydraulic cylinder. Each cylinder is controlled by an adjacent sensor secured to the strut to maintain the attached tool level. The sensors detect a preestablished laser beacon or the like. Winches move the device along the plastic concrete by spooling cables secured to a fixed point. As the stanchions extend or retract the hinged skis deflect to localize movement of the screed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to concrete finishing devices that provide smooth, continuous concrete surfaces of a substantially uniform grade and finish. More particularly, this invention relates to laser-operated, automatic grade controlling devices for concrete finishing of the type classified in U.S. Class 404, subclasses 84, 114, 118 and/or 120.
2. The Prior Art
As recognized by those skilled in the concrete finishing arts, after concrete is initially placed during construction, it must be appropriately finished to give it a smooth, flat, homogeneous and correctly textured surface and appearance. Numerous finishing devices, including screeds, have long been in use throughout the industry for treating plastic concrete. Known prior art systems include "bull" floats, various forms of finishing boards, strike-offs, pans, plows, blades and the like. Bull floats essentially comprise a flat wooden board attached to a handle, much like a broom handle. These floats are manipulated by a single worker. Strike-offs contact rough, unfinished plastic concrete with a rigid leading edge to initially form, level and grade.
It is well known that either external or internal vibration facilitates concrete settling and finishing, and many vibrating systems have previously been proposed. In general, vibration promotes the attainment of a smooth, uniform product. Vibration during strike-off and subsequent screeding helps to settle the concrete and eliminate entrapped air voids. Vibration helps to densify and compact the concrete. Vibrational screeding also draws out excess water thereby increasing the structural integrity of the placed concrete. A fine layer of component cement and sand aggregate is raised to the surface by vibration along with the excess water. This cementitious slurry aids subsequent fine finishing. Often screeds extend between and rest upon the forms between which the plastic concrete is actually confined. Forms constrain the concrete until it is set, and they often provide a working structural support for the typical screed or finishing machine.
The selection of strike-off design and vibration technique for a particular machine is based upon a variety of factors, such as the characteristics of the concrete. Variables relating to concrete finishing result from the selected type and percentage of aggregate, sand, cement, admixtures, and water. Temperature, slab thickness, slump and placement method also vary the application procedure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the selected finishing equipment must be appropriately mated to the job demands.
Thus in screeding, for example, an optimum strike-off design and vibration technique must be chosen based on the condition of the concrete and the desired results. If high slump concrete is to be screeded, a floating pan would be ideal. For finishing relatively dryer concrete, a heavier twin-bladed screed or strike-off might be more desirable. In all cases it is desirable to insure the development of a proper grade. In other words, the plane of the installed concrete surface must be properly aligned and oriented.
I previously have been involved with several patents in the art of concrete placement and finishing. Typical is a prior art self-propelled "triangular truss" screed that rides upon forms seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,328. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,494 discloses a floating vibratory screed intended to facilitate the finishing of concrete with or without forms. Finally, Allen prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,316,715; 4,363,618 and 4,375,351 and the various references cited and discussed therein are germane to the general technology discussed herein. The parent to the present case discloses a laser beacon directed screed control system. All the above patents have been assigned to the same assignee as the present case.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,650,366 and 4,386,901 disclose screeds capable of formless, self-supporting or floating operation. The latter patent speaks to a relatively heavy triangular truss screed adapted to be operated by two workmen without the use of forms. U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,366 discloses a light weight, portable vibrating screed including a central, extruded beam element. A floating screed manufactured by Les Placements Paro of Canada, although it is not necessarily prior art and is apparently unpatented, is believed relevant. It includes a floating pan that is physically offset from, and adjustably coupled to, a parallel and spaced-apart strike-off assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,431,336 discloses a floating vibrating finishing screed adapted for use upon plastic concrete. U.S. Pat. No. 2,314,985 discloses a vibratory hand screed including a central, vibrated pan that is apparently adapted for use upon plastic concrete without support upon confining forms.
Another prior art floating screed of general relevance is disclosed in a video tape produced by the American Concrete Institute and The Portland Cement Association, entitled "Finishing Concrete Flatwork," that bears a Copyright date of 1984. Other prior art screeds, generally of the "form-riding" type, include those screeds disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,340,351; 4,105,355; 2,651,980; 2,542,979; 3,095,789; 2,693,136; and 4,030,873.
Lasers are commonplace on the modern construction site. They are employed in surveying, earthwork and general layout operations. Fukukawa U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,861,189 and 4,854,769 disclose a system for paving inclined and/or curved surfaces. This system employs anchor vehicles and paving vehicles. The paving vehicles are secured to the anchor vehicles by wires. The connections of the wires to the anchor vehicles are controlled by a laser sensing device. Microcomputers control the shape of the paving devices to create compound and complex curves in paved surfaces.
Two devices employing a vehicle with a boom terminating in a screed are disclosed in Hansen U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,249 and Quenzi U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,935. Each of these patents relates to an anchor vehicle and a telescoping boom extending horizontally from the vehicle. The boom terminates in a screeding device that may also employ augers and vibrators. A second Quenzi U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,246 discloses an apparatus and method for controlling laser guided machines. This patent relates to an improvement to the above Quenzi patent.
Owens U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,156 discloses a manually operated laser guided portable screed. This invention is basically a screed with a pair of laser sensors mounted to it. Operators manually adjust the height of the screed as they draw it across placed concrete in response to a signal from the laser sensor. All of the above mentioned devices use a stationary laser beacon that projects laser light in a 360 degree plane.
However, none of the prior art devices known to us provides a satisfactorily efficient system for controlling the finished elevation of a concrete surface without the use of forms or heavy machinery. No prior art device provides for finishing plastic concrete to a uniform elevation or at a uniform angle of grade employing conventional portable, formless, floating screeds. Such screeds can be conveniently and concurrently used for vibrating, striking-off, and float finishing. Particularly, no device disclosed by the prior art is suitable for use within a building or in other confined areas. Additionally, prior art devices are restricted to a designed use and are not adaptable to a variety of uses.
The prior art devices cannot be combined to work in a gang configuration. Neither can the prior art devices be reduced to a limited number of components to facilitate use in tight spaces or to increase the efficiency of available resources. In conventional floating, vibratory screeds the relationship between the buoyancy of the pan, the plastic concrete's resultant surface tension, and the overall center of gravity of the apparatus is concurrently balanced. The prior art devices fail to take advantage of this balance.
Previously developed laser control systems for screeds employ hydraulic cylinders. In these devices, each station that monitors the remote laser beacon has a single sensor and an interconnected cylinder. There is one station at each end of the screed. Simple vertical displacements of the screed at one end can fail to adequately compensate for changes of the plane of the concrete or the underlying support strata from side to side and front to back. In other words, when grade changes are sensed, it may not be enough to simply lift or lower a screed end; the plane of the concrete may require torsional displacement of the screed to achieve the desired plane. Without such versatility, elevation compensation directed to one screed end can cause a responsive compensation in the other screed end and vice-versa. Unwanted screed oscillation or "rocking" can thus result as the opposite grade control stanchion attempts to compensate for sensed distortion. Similar front to back oscillations can also occur. As a result of the reaction and counter reaction, the screed will not smoothly assume a relatively stable, slowly changing orientation. Instead it may jerk and rock in an ineffectual fashion.
Hence, it is necessary to provide a grade control mechanism that satisfactorily controls the screed in a plane common to the resultant finished concrete, and in a plane perpendicular to the finished surface. In other words, it is desirous to not only control the elevation of the screed from end to end but also front to back (i.e., torsional control). This will allow minor adjustments at a "corner" of the screed. These adjustments should not adversely effect the opposing corner or the opposing edge of the screed. Such a device can change grade if necessary with little or no disruption of the finishing operation if the underlying surface will allow.
It is therefore desirous to provide a laser leveled screed that can independently adjust the leading and trailing edges of the screed (i.e., automatic torsional screed control). Each support tower end should be controlled by an independent laser sensing mechanism. Furthermore, it is desirous that each active side of the tower be mechanically isolated from the another so that minor torsional corrections in screed orientation do not result in oscillations.

Torsional automatic grade control system for concrete finishing


Certain embodiments provide a solid state imaging device including a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels has a semiconductor layer which has a charge accumulating layer at a front surface thereof and a filter layer provided above a rear surface of the semiconductor layer. Transmissive wavelength bands of the filter layers included in the pixels are different from each other, and thicknesses which a plurality of the semiconductor layers included in the pixels and including a plurality of the charge accumulating layers have are different from each other.

In a solid state imaging device of rear surface irradiation type which has a wiring layer on a front surface of a silicon substrate and receives light from the rear surface of the silicon substrate, the silicon substrate is typically thinned. Therefore, a red component light (which will be denoted as R light below) having a low absorption coefficient particularly for silicon is not sufficiently absorbed in the thin silicon substrate and transmits through the silicon substrate. Thus, a conventional solid state imaging device of rear surface irradiation type has a poor sensitivity for the R light, which deteriorates a sensitivity of the solid state imaging device.
When the silicon substrate is made sufficiently thick to absorb the R light in order to suppress the deterioration in the sensitivity of the solid state imaging device, a problem such that color mixture occurs is caused. That is, when a blue component light (which will be denoted as B light below) having a high absorption coefficient for silicon is incident into the silicon substrate, most of the B light is absorbed near the rear surface of the silicon substrate and charges are generated. On the other hand, in the solid state imaging device of rear surface irradiation type, a charge accumulating layer is provided at the portion closer to the front surface of the silicon substrate. Therefore, in the conventional solid state imaging device of rear surface irradiation type, when the silicon substrate is made thicker in order to enhance the sensitivity, a distance between a location where charges are mainly generated and the charge accumulating layer is longer and a moving distance of the generated charges is longer. Thus, the generated charges easily move to the charge accumulating layer in an adjacent pixel, and color mixture occurs.
As described above, it is difficult to realize an enhancement in sensitivity and a reduction in color mixture in the conventional solid state imaging device of rear surface irradiation type.

Solid state imaging device and method for manufacturing solid state imaging device


A magnetoelectric generator according to the present invention includes: a bowl-shaped flywheel that rotates around an axis of rotation; a permanent magnet unit that is fixed to an inner circumferential wall surface of the flywheel and in which adjacent permanent magnets are linked by means of a linking member; a stator core that is disposed inside the permanent magnet unit and that has a plurality of teeth that project radially outward; and a generating coil that is configured by winding conducting wire onto each of the teeth.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetoelectric generator that generates power by electromagnetic induction between a permanent magnet and a generating coil due to rotation of a flywheel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally magnetoelectric generators are known that include: a bowl-shaped flywheel that rotates around an axis of rotation; a plurality of permanent magnets that are fixed to an inner circumferential wall surface of the flywheel so as to be arranged circumferentially; a stator core that is disposed inside the permanent magnets and that has a plurality of teeth that project radially outward; and a generating coil that is configured by winding conducting wire onto each of the teeth, wherein the plurality of permanent magnets are each disposed so as to be held between an annular bottom portion positioning member and an opening portion positioning member which are disposed on inner circumferential surfaces of the flywheel, and are fixed by pressing the opening portion positioning member against the permanent magnets by crimping crimped portions on an opening edge portion of the flywheel inward (see Patent Literature 1, for example).
[Patent Literature 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-130548 (Gazette: p. 8; FIG. 4; FIG. 5)
In the above magnetoelectric generators, one problem has been that many man-hours are required for the mounting of the permanent magnets since it is necessary to insert each of the plurality of permanent magnets into the bottom portion positioning member and hold them there.
In particular, there has been a tendency toward increased output in recent years, and frequencies are being raised by increasing the number of poles of the permanent magnets, and for that reason the number of permanent magnets used in each machine is increasing, and increases in the above man-hours have become a big problem.


A system and method for displaying digital media files with compulsory advertisement files is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a user interface, a media file decryptor, an ad manager, an intersplicer, and a media player. The user interface receives input from a user indicating the selection of media files to be presented. The media file decryptor receives and decrypts the selected media files. The ad manager receives and manages ad files from an ad file source. The intersplicer combines the media files with the ad files by providing control signals to the media player, causing the media player to present the ad files with the selected media files. Various embodiments of the invention facilitate the wide distribution of media content in a way that allows the free use of media properties, on demand, with direct consumer exchange capabilities, while at the same time enabling compensation to copyright holders.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the distribution of audio, video, and print media content, copyrighted or otherwise, via digital replication and delivery channels. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for the wide digital distribution of media content in a way that allows the free use of media properties, on demand, with direct consumer exchange capabilities, while at the same time offering equitable return to the copyright holder, and providing for a strict level of control over the enforcement of license agreements on the part of the distributor.
Description of Background Art
The problem of widespread consumer-directed copying and redistribution of licensed material has in recent years become a critical concern for the motion picture, television, and recording industries. In light of this issue, publishing and other print media content providers have also had good reason to be apprehensive about digital delivery of their products.
As it stands now, there is much acrimony between the media copyright holders, distributors, and consumers over how to provide the convenience of digital delivery and replication of licensed material, while maintaining adequate control over its use and redistribution. New technologies to restrict consumer copying and unencumbered use of content have met with opposition and a determination on the part of some consumers to defeat them.
The distributor provides digital audio, video, and/or print media content to consumers, while maintaining the rights of copyright holders under a distribution agreement. Consumers desire to have free selection on demand from a wide range of content, and have grown accustomed to exchanging the media content in their possession in order to defeat the pay-for-use policy of the distributor. Given the nature of modern networked digital devices, the consumers' power to redistribute media files illicitly is formidable.
A number of methods for media distribution and licensing have been put into practice throughout the history of mass media. However, as discussed below the conventional methods and apparatus have inherent drawbacks that make it difficult for them to maintain their limitations to consumer access in the presence of modern digital technology and a consumer culture driven to defeat them in open defiance of the rights of copyright holders.
Broadcast Television, Broadcast Radio
Wide distribution of copyrighted material via broadcast television and radio, provided for free to the consumer population, uses the value of advertising promotion to generate revenue for the content creation and delivery system. Media broadcasting employs the practice of mixing licensed content with advertisements and other paid announcements in a pre-configured time sequence, then transmitting this sequence asymmetrically over the airwaves to a large number of consumer receivers capable of showing the content in real-time as it is comes in. By virtue of the advertising sponsorship, broadcasters need not be concerned about the large number of consumers who view the content for free, and in fact, they seek the widest audience they can obtain, knowing that greater viewership leads to greater advertising revenue. Broadcasters benefit when their content is played with the commercials in tact, and they rely on the real-time nature of this distribution method to uphold this condition.
Cable Television, Cable Radio
Wide distribution of copyrighted material to the consuming population via cable television and cable radio is based on the concept of charging a recurring subscription fee, with select services available for a premium, to generate revenue for the content creation and delivery system. Pre-configured analog or digital media content, with or without commercial advertisement, is conveyed asymmetrically to the consuming population via coaxial cable. Cable is run to every home and other cable ready institution, without concern over the large and increasing size of this viewership, provided that all consumer receivers that get their signal from the cable are valid subscription users, and that select services are provided only to those subscribers who have purchased them.
To avert theft of service, cable delivery systems have employed a variety of signal scrambling methods to act as a form of encryption, providing means to decode the signal only to those subscribers who have paid for a particular premium service. Other technologies support the limited use of two-way signals on the coaxial cable, allowing subscriber verification on a receiver by receiver basis.
Satellite TV, Satellite Radio
Wide distribution of copyrighted material to the consuming population via satellite television and satellite radio is based on the same concept as those employed with cable television and radio, replacing the coaxial cable delivery apparatus with a system of orbital satellites and terrestrial receivers. Many of the subscriber verification and service level determination methods from cable have been facilitated in these systems via smart cards and other certification technologies incorporated into the satellite receiving equipment.
Pay-Per-View
Video On Demand (VOD) services based on user at-will consumption of asymmetrical content delivery is in use by cable, satellite, and internet based media delivery systems. Apparatuses to establish two-way communication enable the consuming population to request that content be delivered for a single use or limited time period, at any time upon request, rather than on an infrequent programming schedule of the delivery system. Pay-Per-View VOD allows for the immediate wide area distribution of live or prerecorded individual content without the delays associated with any physical circulation through retail locations.
Transmission Recording Technologies
All of the distribution methods described so far share a common shortcoming, which is that none of them can prevent the consumer from replicating and redistributing copyrighted material to others. Instead, they rely on the inherent limitations of consumer equipment to provide this control.
As consumer audio and video recording and editing equipment has become more commonplace, this lack of direct control has become a serious problem. New advances in technology reduce the time and labor associated with reconstituting broadcast material into a form that is otherwise available only for a fee, and the rise of digital technology has brought near perfect levels of fidelity and ease of reproduction to this equipment. When such devices are networked, the consumer gains the power to reproduce and disseminate copyrighted material at will, and there is little the copyright holders can do to stop or hold people responsible for this practice if it is widespread.
Retail Purchase of Licensed Media
Consumer retail purchase of copyrighted media is enabled by the availability of portable media storage receptacles, ever increasing in quality and capacity. Copyright holders have their content transferred to this portable media for sale in retail locations, through mail order, over the internet, and elsewhere. This method of distribution provides for high revenue generation while limiting explicit theft, however, once the media is removed from the retail environment, the consuming population has at its disposal multiple apparatus—including tape recorders, video cassette recorders, compact disk burners, digital video disk burners, and computer systems capable of reading the media directly, among others—available for the illicit manipulation, replication, and redistribution of purchased media.
Short Term Rental
Limited use of video cassette and digital video disc portable media is based on the ability of the consuming population to enter into rental agreements with licensed distributors through retail, mail order, internet, and other means. A small rental fee is relinquished in exchange for use of the media for a certain predefined time period. If, on expiration of this time allotment, the rented material is not surrendered to the licensed rental distributor, or is never surrendered, late fees may be accessed in an amount equal to or greater than the actual value of the media, in accordance with the terms of the rental agreement. While less costly than purchase of the media at retail locations, if the consuming population desires to re-use any media title, they must re-rent it, incurring additional rental cost and the added inconvenience of another trip to the rental location (or mail order or internet process).
Print Media (Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Other Periodicals)
eBooks and internet based periodicals have extended the physical print medium into the realm of the digital age by enabling the distribution channel to pare down the prerequisite paper volume and inherent bulk of traditional print media, while providing an efficient means of distribution and consumption. Electronic forms of print media require a computer or other digital device to navigate the representation of their print based content.
As it stands today, most newspapers and magazines in digital format bear little resemblance to their physical counterparts. They are commonly conveyed in a live website design which archives old content while sporadically presenting new subject matter. Given the ease with which audio and video media (which generally have much larger data file sizes) may be redistributed once they reach the consumer, publishers have been hesitant to release their content in a more familiar format, through digital means, for fear of widespread redistribution made possible by their diminutive file sizes.
Digital Video Recorder (TiVo, Replay TV, Ultimate TV)
Advances in home entertainment technology have given rise to a new breed of video recording systems based on the commoditization of components usually reserved for computer and other digital media manipulation devices. Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) record broadcast, cable, or satellite transmissions digitally to internal hard drive storage devices. Refinements to the first DVRs include the ability to eliminate commercial advertisements saved during the recording process and to redistribute recorded media from one DVR to another via an open network, such as the internet.
DVRs emulating this peer-to-peer technology provide an efficient means for consumers to redistribute digital media, but without central administration, they lack the necessary controls to prevent widespread redistribution of licensed media content beyond the level of personal use, to DVR users who don't maintain a license to consume the media.
Media Transfer (Burn CD/DVD, Transfer to Mobile Device)
Portability of media has been a hallmark of the technology revolution since the invention of the record album, and is based on the now usual and customary assignment of rights, allowing a consumer to play back, transfer, copy, and otherwise manipulate licensed media for personal use. Significant improvements in portable storage media over the decades have enabled the near perfect reproduction of media content in larger quantity to smaller storage media and other digital devices.
At present, to facilitate the highest possible reproduction standards, analog or digital content may either be 'burned' to Compact Disc or Digital Video Disc storage media, or transferred to digital devices which store the media on physical hard drives or other non-volatile storage apparatus. Once digital media has been transferred to these storage devices, it can be redistributed at will to others with the same ability to manipulate the media, including those who don't possess a license to do so.
Media Sampling
Pre-sales and pre-broadcast content delivery is based on the marketing principle of using promotion to generate sales and/or viewership. Media sampling turns a small section of a copyrighted content property into a revenue-generating advertisement, and redistribution of the sample adds value for the copyright holder. Sampling takes on many forms depending on the nature of the media, and these forms include listening stations in record stores, movie trailers shown prior to the feature presentation or through broadcast means, and television promos for upcoming shows. Given that media sampling in its current form is little more than promotional advertising, it does little to stem the tide of outlaw distribution.
The Internet (Web Sites, Pop-Up Ads, Redirects, Downloads, Subscription)
The rapid spread of networked computing devices has given rise to the Internet, a system for communication based on its ability to facilitate digital communication of thoughts, ideas, tools, art, and other valuable things, in a new and efficient digital manner. To connect, the consuming population generally enters into service agreements with Internet Service Providers who offer the means to get 'on-line' through computer modem dial-up, always-on cable, and other fixed access lines, as well as other wireless means of connection.
With the explosion of the World Wide Web and Email over the last several years, internet savvy consumers have become accustomed to receiving information on-line, much of it for free, as the world community wrestles with how to mature the Web into a tool for business and economy, rather than just for information distribution and collaboration. Efforts to defray the costs associated with keeping free content available on the Internet have included the use of banner advertisements on websites, pop-up advertisements, unwanted redirects to partner websites, voyeuristic monitoring of consumer habits for marketing and other data mining purposes, and the creation of stealth networks which invisibly hijack the computing resources of unsuspecting users.
The prevailing free atmosphere surrounding the internet has encouraged many consumers to redistribute licensed intellectual property, including copyrighted print media, picture content, audio media, video media, and software, with open disregard for the use agreements binding upon them. Subscription services have arisen to offer consumers an alternative to the pervasive means by which free websites maintain their support, but they have done little to alter the consumer sentiment that the power to disregard copyright agreements with impunity gives one the right to do so.
Streaming Media (RealPlayer®, QuickTime®, Microsoft Media Player®)
Analogous to the old style nickelodeon movie projectors, streaming media content over open networked systems (i.e. the internet) provides an asymmetrical means by which media content may be delivered to consumers in a manner that strictly controls its use. A user makes a request for media via client software running on a computer or other networked digital device, and distribution occurs through a local software client that receives and presents said streamed media in its intended form only for as long as the streaming session is active. Though it provides significant copyright holder protection benefits, streaming media does not reside locally with the consumer, impeding the usual and customary right of the consumer to personal use applications such as making copies or recording for review at a later date or time.
Peer to Peer Networks (Napster®, Gnutella®, Morpheus®, Kazaa®, LimeWire®, Etc.)
Present peer to peer file distribution systems are based on advances in networking technologies and concepts which allow for the delivery of digital files directly from one member of the peer community to another without the need for central administration. Individual peer members make a request by way of entering search criteria into a local peer client software application, which then contacts other peers on the network as it searches for files matching the request criteria. Once located, such files are transferred directly from peer to peer. Peer to peer networks provide an efficient apparatus for the distribution of digital media, but without central administration, they lack the necessary controls to prevent the widespread redistribution of licensed media content to unlicensed members of the peer community. Several such systems appear to have been designed with this purpose specifically in mind.
Digital Rights Management
Digital Rights Management, or DRM, is a concept rooted in the notion that content owners may wish to maintain control over the digital distribution of their media. While DRM systems tend to vary in their technology and implementation, in general, they allow owners the ability to grant access to particular encrypted content, allow for authorized redistribution, and provide for transfer to portable media storage receptacles (amongst other assignable privileges) on an item-by-item, user-by-user, or some other basis. While DRM may provide a secure means for content owners to control distribution of their media with approval or denial of access to potential users, it has yet to be implemented in a manner consistent with offering a general license option for free use and redistribution.
Portable Media Access Management
Current "copy-lock" technologies are employed to control the method by which certain portable media storage receptacles such as CD's and DVD's can be used. Through methods which may include placing invisible directories or indiscriminant information at the beginning of the storage receptacles, copy-lock seeks to grant access to the media through some devices while restricting access on others which the copyright holder feels may be used to violate its rights. These methods generally allow for the playback of media content through traditional home entertainment devices while limiting their use in digital reproduction devices such as desktop computer systems. While copy-lock technologies may prove an effective means to curb the ease with which consumers at present may redistribute media through a digital network or media transfer process as outlined above, in their current embodiment they seriously limit the usual and customary rights to personal use and can generally be worked around with the aid of fairly ubiquitous analog technology—commonly referred to as the "analog hole."
To the inventor's knowledge, there is currently no conventional digital media distribution method in practice that incorporates the free consumer-directed access and exchange of content with the distributor-directed control of media sequencing after all such exchanges.

Interactive digital media and advertising presentation platform


The present invention provides a polyester composition for a solar battery, which includes a dicarboxylic acid component having terephthalic acid as a main component and a diol component having ethylene glycol as a main component, the polyester composition satisfying the following Formulae (1) to (5): 0.65≦intrinsic viscosity≦0.90 (1); 0.7≦M/P≦1.3 (2); 200 ppm≦P≦600 ppm (3); amount of terminal carboxyl groups≦15 eq/t (4); and amount of terminal methoxy groups≦10 eq/t (5) (in the Formula (2), M represents the number of moles of an alkaline metal element and/or an alkaline earth metal element per 106 g of a polyester; and P represents the number of elemental phosphorus per 106 g of a polyester).

In general, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate have excellent mechanical and chemical characteristics and are, therefore, used in a wide range of applications such as those films for magnetic recording media, general industry, heat-sensitive stencil plates, ribbons, reflecting plates, optics, food packings, paper alternatives, mold-release, electric insulation and capacitors.
Particularly, in recent years, attention has been drawn to photovoltaic power generation which is expected to contribute to CO2 reduction; and, in a film for solar battery, there is a demand for an improvement in the hydrolysis resistance, which is one of the required properties, and a reduction in the cost.
As a method of improving the hydrolysis resistance, it is known to perform solid phase polymerization so as to reduce the amount of terminal carboxyl groups. In Patent Document 1, it is described that an electrical insulating film is subjected to solid phase polymerization so as to reduce the cyclic trimer content.
Further, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, it is proposed to further add ethylene glycol during or after esterification reaction.
Moreover, Patent Document 4 proposes a polyester for lamination to a metal plate in which the amount of terminal methoxy groups is reduced.

Polyester composition for solar battery and method for producing same


An embodiment of the present invention provides an audio message, such as the identification of a caller, without requiring pre-recording by the call receiver, and providing the audio message in the caller's own voice, if they so desire. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a caller may record her identification prior to making a telephone call. The recorded identification would be sent along with each call the caller makes. The caller's recorded identification would be received by the receiver and announced to the receiver. The caller may also record an image to be sent along with her calls such that the receiver of her call may see her recorded image displayed when her call is being announced. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention allows identification of first-time callers and infrequent callers without the need for the call receiver to pre-record the caller's identity.

Telephone communication is increasingly becoming more important in the modern world. In order to accommodate frequent uses of telephone communication, a user may often prefer to know a caller's identity prior to answering the call. A receiver of a telephone call may employ devices which display caller identification and may even announce a caller's name or phone number. For example, one of these devices may announce that "Bob Jones is calling". The name "Bob Jones" is typically stored in a database at the call receiver's location as an audio file. The audio file is typically pre-recorded by the call receiver. The call receiver may identify a telephone number and record a name associated with the telephone number such that when a call that originated from the recorded telephone number is received, the recording associated with the telephone number may be announced or displayed.
A problem may arise when a caller calls a call receiver for the first time. The call receiver most likely has not yet recorded the identity of this new caller and will not have the caller's identification displayed or announced. Alternatively, a caller may be an infrequent caller. A call receiver may not take the time to record caller identification information for an infrequent caller and yet may desire the caller to be identified.
Another option for the call receiver is to employ some devices which may perform number to speech conversion, such as "seven-two-three-one-five-eight-seven is calling". Number to speech conversions allow a call receiver to know who is calling without the need for easy access to a display. Number to speech conversions also allow a call receiver to know who is calling without pre-recording the identity of the caller. Even though the number to speech conversion may identify the phone number of the caller, it is often difficult for many people to recognize and associate a phone number with an individual.
It would be desirable to have a system and method that allows easy identification of a caller without requiring the call receiver to have previously identified the caller and pre-recorded the caller's identity. It would also be desirable to announce a name or display an image without the call receiver first having to record an association of the caller with a phone number. The present invention addresses such a need.

System and method for enhanced caller name alerting

Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.


A narrow band controller for suppressing disturbances from a source responsive to an input signal representative of the frequency spectrum of a disturbance from the source and providing an output signal having a similar frequency spectrum as the frequency spectrum of the input signal based on the input signal including delay logic for delaying, for a period of time, the received input signal for assuring the output signal has a phase different than the phase of said input signal.

Vibrations from rotating machines or the like cause unwanted noise, undue wear on moving parts, inefficiency, stress and fatigue failures, and can even present a hazard. For example, it is critical that our nation's submarines and torpedoes do not emit vibrations lest they be detected by enemy ships.
Actively damping such vibrations can be effected by a controller apparatus including a wave form generator which provides vibrations having the same frequency and amplitude but of opposed phase to that of the vibrations from the source.
Such devices, however, are fairly complicated: the amplitude, and phase characteristics of the source vibrations at each frequency must be analyzed. This analysis involves solving complicated mathematical expressions. The associated complex electrical circuitry, signal processing, and computer programming make active vibration damping difficult to accomplish in real time.


In a content distribution method, two or more certification marks (130) are produced for the content to be delivered, each of the certification marks containing a temporary access information item defining an accessing right to the content. Each of the certification marks is distributed to a user at a shop. In a content delivery server, two or more content delivery information items are stored in association with the content, each of the delivery information items containing said temporary access information item. A network device (120) reads the temporary access information item from the certification mark purchased by the user. The network device accesses the content delivery server (110) using the temporary access information item, and receives the content from the content delivery server.

Online content delivery for delivering electronic content including books, music pieces, or video works via a network is becoming popular; however, it is difficult in reality for content delivery services to increase the market share, as compared with over-the-counter (OTC) sales.
One reason is that conventional content delivery systems require users to use information processing apparatuses, such as personal computers, to purchase and receive content data (in the form of either data download or stream delivery). The content data received at the personal computer are sent to a data reproducing apparatus, such as an audio system or a video system, via wired or wireless data transmission, or using a recording medium. Then the content is played back.
The process of using a computer to access a content delivery server to acquire content data is often bothersome for users. In addition, many users do not like online payment from the viewpoint of security.
Another reason is that in network sales users cannot take actual products in hand to check the contents. Some people may value the exterior artistry of products.


A fluid flow regulating valve adapted to prevent the operation of the valve from violent pressure change, namely the hydraulic ram effect, in the fluid, particularly during closing and opening of the valve, the valve comprising a casing that houses a regulating plate slidably mounted within the casing. The plate has a regulating orifice having a variable fluid pass section which decreases from an end to another end of the orifice. The orifice is adapted to be aligned, through its different sections, with inlet and outlet ports provided in the casing, whereby the inlet and outlet ports communicate to each other through the orifice and the fluid flow can be regulated by those different sections of the orifice.

Conventional valves are known for controlling and or regulating a fluid flow circulating through a pipe, such as flap valves, ball or spherical valves, gate valves, etc. All of them are very known in the art and, although they have worked satisfactorily in general terms, all of them have failed in obtaining a smooth regulation of the fluid flow, particularly when opening and closing the valve.
A gate valve comprises a body defining a fluid passage connected at both sides of the valve body to a pipe. A gate slides up and down within the valve body and across such a passage so as to fully open or to close the passage in respective end positions of the gate. Between the end positions, the gate partially closes the passage whereby the fluid flow is regulated. However, close to the end positions, and particularly when the valve is rapidly or quickly closed, the gate suddenly interrupt the fluid flow and, therefore, a violent pressure change is generated in the fluid, within the pipeline. This is known as hydraulic ram and has undesirable effects, sometimes with dangerous results, in the pipe, valve, fittings, couplings, etc.
The ball or spherical valve comprises a valve body housing a ball, the ball being the element that regulates the fluid flow passing through a passage defined within the body. In like manner, this valve has the same drawbacks explained above. In summary, all these valves generates a violent change of pressure within the fluid when passing from a regulation mode to a close mode and vice versa.
Other attempts to overcome the above explained problem involved the installation of several and different valve and regulating devices for obtaining a stepped control on a fluid flow.
In addition, the hydraulic ram is very dangerous in the case of fluids others than water, for instance natural gas, gasolines, chemicals, etc.