A VLIW processor includes a plurality of containers holding a plurality of sub-instructions in a VLIW instruction, an exchanging portion exchanging the plurality of sub-instructions held in the plurality of containers and inputting the instructions to the plurality of containers, a plurality of decoders decoding the sub-instructions held in the plurality of containers, and a plurality of processing units executing the sub-instructions decoded by the plurality of decoders. Since the exchanging portion exchanges a plurality of sub-instructions held in the plurality of containers and inputs the instructions to the plurality of containers, a compressed code can be executed in such an execution sequence that is taken prior to compression.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word) processors and more particularly to a VLIW processor which executes a compressed program code, a code compression device which compresses a program code, a code compression method, and a medium on which a code compression program is recorded.
2. Description of the Background Art
There have been increasing demands for improved processor performance in various fields such as multimedia processing and high resolution image processing. However, the current LSI (Large Scale Integration) manufacturing technique has a limit in attaining higher device speed. Therefore, VLIW processors have been drawing attention and actively researched and developed.
The VLIW processor which contains a plurality of processing units aims to improve the performance of a program-controlled processor by executing a plurality of instructions in the same cycle and thus increasing parallelism. In the VLIW processor, a processing unit corresponding to an instruction field is predetermined and therefore not all the instruction slots are filled with valid instructions. Thus, a nop (no operation) instruction, as an invalid instruction, is inserted in a code, resulting in the essential problem of low code density.
The VLIW processor in which two instructions are simultaneously issued cannot simultaneously execute xe2x80x9cload mem (100)xe2x86x92R1xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cadd R1, R2xe2x86x92R3xe2x80x9d as shown in code example 1 below.
Code Example 1
Since one of them is an instruction to load a value to a register R1 and the other is an instruction to refer to the value of the same register R1, the instructions cannot be executed at the same time. In this case, a nop instruction is inserted as shown in code example 1. In the following description, a long instruction formed by combining two instructions is called a VLIW instruction and each instruction included in the VLIW instruction (load, nop and add instructions in code example 1) is called a sub-instruction.
Inventions disclosed in H. Sato, T. Yoshida, M. Matsuo, T. Kengaku and K. Tsuchihashi; xe2x80x9cA Dual-Issue RISC Processor for Multimedia Signal Processing,xe2x80x9d IEICE Trans. Electron., vol. E81-C, No. 9, September 1998 and Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 9-84004 aim to solve the problem above. According to these inventions, code compression is carried out by separating a VLIW instruction, which includes instructions to be executed originally at the same time, into two sub-instructions and executing the sub-instructions. In other words, xe2x80x9cload mem (100)xe2x86x92R1xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cadd R1, R2xe2x86x92R3xe2x80x9d are described as one VLIW instruction, and the VLIW instruction is divided into two cycles during execution to separately execute the sub-instructions as shown in code example 2 below.
Code Example 2
For this operation, FM (Format-Specifying) bits are assigned to lower order two bits of the 32-bit VLIW instruction, and the instruction is executed by processor in the following manner according to the FM bit pattern.
(1) FM=00: simultaneously execute two sub-instructions
(2) FM=01: execute the left sub-instruction and then execute the right sub-instruction
(3) FM=10: execute the right sub-instruction and then execute the left sub-instruction
(4) FM=11: execute two sub-instructions by regarding the two sub-instructions as one long instruction
Since the operation mode in the case of FM=11 is irrelevant to the present invention, it will not be described in detail. FIG. 1 schematically shows relations between FM bits and instruction execution.
Code example 1 is described as code example 3 below.
Code Example 3
In executing code example 3, a processor executes instructions as shown in execution sequence example 1.
Execution Sequence Example 1
In the 2nd cycle, an arithmetic unit corresponding to the add instruction assumes the non-operation state and carries out substantially the same operation as execution of the nop instruction. In the 2""nd cycle, an arithmetic unit corresponding to the load instruction assumes the non operation state and carries out substantially the same operation as execution of the nop instruction. Therefore, execution sequence example 1 is equivalent to execution of code example 1. Since instructions are stored in an instruction memory in the format of code example 3, they are compressed to 2/3 times the capacity compared with code example 1.
In the conventional VLIW processor above, the order of describing sub-instructions can be determined more freely and the code density can be improved by adding FM bits to a VLIW instruction. Since the FM bits are assigned to two bits of an instruction field, however, the number of instruction types is limited. Further, instructions need to be mapped prior to instruction decoding, which increases circuit delay.
An object of the present invention is to provide a VLIW processor capable of processing a compressed program in such an execution sequence that is taken prior to compression without assigning special bits to an instruction field.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a VLIW processor, which corresponds to the VLIW method of at least 3-ways, capable of processing a compressed program in such an execution sequence that is taken prior to compression.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a VLIW processor, which corresponds to the 2n-way VLIW method, capable of processing a compressed program in such an execution sequence that is taken prior to compression.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a code compression device capable of compressing a program described by a VLIW instruction.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a code compression method capable of compressing a program described by a VLIW instruction.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a medium on which a code compression program capable of compressing a program described by a VLIW instruction is recorded.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a VLIW processor includes a plurality of containers, an exchanging portion exchanging a plurality of sub-instructions and inputting the instructions to the plurality of containers, a plurality of decoders connected to the plurality of containers, and a plurality of processing units connected to the plurality of decoders.
Since the exchanging portion exchanges a plurality of sub-instructions and inputs them to the plurality of containers, a compressed code can be executed in such an execution sequence that is taken prior to compression.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a code compression device includes an extracting portion extracting consecutive VLIW instructions from a source code, and a compressing portion compressing the consecutive VLIW instructions based on a nop instruction included in the consecutive VLIW instructions extracted by the extracting portion.
Since the compressing portion compresses the consecutive VLIW instructions based on a nop instruction included in the consecutive VLIW instructions extracted by the extracting portion, a program described by a VLIW instruction can be compressed.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a code compression method includes the steps of extracting consecutive VLIW instructions from a source code, and compressing the consecutive VLIW instructions based on a nop instruction included in the extracted consecutive VLIW instructions.
Since the consecutive VLIW instructions are compressed based on a nop instruction included in the consecutive VLIW instructions from a source code, a program described by VLIW instruction can be compressed.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a code compression program recorded on a medium includes the steps of extracting consecutive VLIW instructions from a source code, and compressing the consecutive VLIW instructions based on a nop instruction included in the consecutive VLIW instructions.
Since the consecutive VLIW instructions are compressed based on a nop instruction included in the consecutive VLIW instructions from a source code, a program described by a VLIW instruction can be compressed.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

VLIW processor for exchanging and inputting sub-instructions to containers, and code compression device and method for compressing program code


A strobe light curing apparatus which includes trigger electronics for producing a series of pulses at a predetermined frequency. A flash lamp is coupled to the trigger electronics for producing flashing light according to the series of pulses. A reflector is further disposed from the lamp at a first predetermined distance for reflecting and focusing the flashing light at a second predetermined distance.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to dental instruments and procedures, and, in particular, to an apparatus or method for curing dental composites which incorporates the use of a strobe light.
2. Description of Prior Developments
Dental composites are well known materials utilized in a variety of dental procedures. For example, these materials are utilized in restoration work as well as for filling in teeth after root canals or other type of procedures requiring drilling. Several different dental composites are available in today's market, which are sold under the trade names of BRILLIANT LINE, Z-100, TPH, CHARISMA, and HERCULITE & BRODIGY.
Dental composites are typically formed from a liquid and powder component, which are mixed together to form a paste. The paste has a consistency which enables it to be sufficiently workable and self supporting to be applied to an opening or cavity in a tooth. The liquid component can be composed of phosphoric acid and water, while the powder component can be composed of ceramic materials including cordite, silica or silicium oxide.
Dental composites when utilized are applied to an opening or cavity in a tooth of the patient. After the composite is applied, it must be cured in order to form a permanent bond to the tooth. During curing, the liquid component evaporates, which causes the composite to harden. In the past, dental composites have been cured by normal air drying. However, conventional air curing tends to take a long period of time, which often can inconvenience the patient.
Other methods have been developed in order to reduce the curing time of these dental composites. For example, light curing has become popular in field of dentistry for fabricating dentures as well as for curing composites. According to this trend, light curing lamps have been developed for dental curing applications. An example of such a curing lamp is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,892, issued Mar. 14, 1995, to Abdelqader, the same inventor herein. These curing lamps utilize a quartz halogen lamp that includes a "glowing filament".
However, improvements on these curing lamps appear to be needed. One reason is that these type of lamps produce a lot of light in the infrared range, which is not useful for curing dental composites. Further, since these lamps are continuous, a large amount of radiant energy can be produced, which may irritate or harm the patient. Another undesirable result of the large amount energy produced by these lamps is that the composite may be overheated. Over-heating the composite is undesirable since it can cure the composite too fast and thus cause excessive shrinkage.
Another method of light curing has been developed which utilizes pulsed laser light. The use of pulsed laser light for dental as well as medical applications is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,150, issued Dec. 15, 1992, to Levy. However, utilizing pulsed laser light for curing dental composites also suffers from similar drawbacks, as previously described in regard to the continuous light curing lamps. The lasers utilized in these applications also produce a lot of radiation and heat, which as previously described can irritate or possibly harm the patient, and overheat the composite as well. Also, utilizing lasers may be more expensive than using a conventional lamp or light source.
In view of the above, a need therefor exists for a curing apparatus or method in which dental composites can be cured effectively in a shorter period of time than conventional air curing. A further need exists for a curing apparatus and method that is less likely to cause irritation or overheat the dental composite being cured.

Strobe light curing apparatus and method


A workpiece holding assembly includes a base member which has a first support portion extending therefrom at a first position, a second support portion extending therefrom at a second position, a third support portion extending therefrom at a third position, and a fourth support portion extending therefrom at a fourth position. A first workpiece engaging member extends between the first support portion and the second support portion and is adapted for at least partial rotational movement. A second workpiece engaging member extends between the third support portion and the fourth support portion and is adapted for at least partial rotational movement. Each workpiece engaging member may include an outer surface having at least one substantially planar surface portion and at least one curved surface portion. The second workpiece engaging member may run substantially parallel to the first workpiece engaging member. Pairs or other multiples of such holding assemblies may be utilized for engaging and holding a rokpiece.

In the machining industry, when a piece of stock or a workpiece is being machined, it is desirable to securely hold the workpiece so as to prevent unwanted movement thereof during the machining operation. One approach commonly taken is to utilize any one of a variety of vise type devices for holding workpieces. Such vise devices typically include one or more jaws which can be adjusted to engage the outer surfaces of the workpiece. Often in the machining environment, it is necessary to utilize the same machine tool for machining workpieces of various configurations, that is, workpieces having different cross-sectional shapes. In the past, some vise type devices utilized for holding workpieces have allowed for the jaw or jaws to be removed in order to accommodate holding of workpieces having various configurations. In particular, it is not uncommon to use multiple sets of jaws, each set being machined to specifically hold a workpiece of a certain configuration. One set of jaws is placed on the vise type device at a time in order to hold a workpiece having a configuration which corresponds thereto. If the same vice needs to be used for holding a workpiece of a different configuration the solution is to remove the set of vise jaws currently being used and to replace the removed set with a different set of vise jaws. This type of change out operation is time consuming and therefore costly in that it reduces productivity.
An alternative to changing out jaws is to use a jaw which does not necessarily match any one of the workpiece configurations. However, this can sometimes result in inadequate holding forces, and thus workpiece movement during the machining operation, resulting in defective end products. Even where specially machined jaws are used, it is possible that some workpieces may not exactly fit the jaw. For example, a jaw might be machined having planar surfaces intersecting at an angle of 90 degrees in order to hold a workpiece of rectangular cross-section. It is possible that some workpieces may not be exactly rectangular, that is, the corners thereof may not form precise right angles. In such cases the machined jaws are unable to compensate for such variations and the effective holding power of the jaws is adversely affected with respect to such imperfect workpieces.
Further, many of the aforementioned problems arise in workpiece holding applications in which a device other than a vice is used. It would therefore be desirable to provide a workpiece holding assembly which can be adapted for inclusion in a large number of types of holding devices, and which can be scaled for use in holding both small and large workpieces.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.


A surface acoustic wave (SAW) identification tag and methods of operating and manufacturing the tag. In one embodiment, the tag includes: (1) a piezoelectric substrate having a SAW transducer located thereon, (2) a group of slots arranged by both pulse position and phase position on said substrate; and (3) a number of reflectors distributed among the slots such that the reflectors encode a number by both pulse position and phase position.

Modern technology has produced a number of useful electronic identification methods and devices. Most familiar are the ubiquitous bar codes and magnetic strips that, together with their readers, are widely employed by businesses and others to perform several identification functions. The main reason bar codes and magnetic strips are so widely used is that they are very cheap.
Bar codes and magnetic strips are limited, however, by the relatively small amount of data they can encode and the effective range at which they can be read, which is quite short. Magnetic strips, for example, generally have such a limited range that the reader must be in direct contact with the strip in order to decode the data thereon. In the very few cases where a magnetic strip is read with a device other than a direct contact reader, the effective reading range is still only a few centimeters at best. Similarly, the effective range at which bar codes can be reliably read is typically no better than a few centimeters.
In addition to range limitations, both bar codes and magnetic strips are impossible to read if there is any obstruction between the reading device and the bar code or magnetic strip. When reading a magnetic strip or bar code, the orientation of the reading device relative to the bar code or magnetic strip also presents a problem. If the reading device is not properly aligned or is held at an incorrect angle, the encoded information can not be read. As a result of these problems, each individual read operation requires manual scanning by a human operator if high read accuracy is needed. The attractive feature of bar codes and magnetic strips is that they are inexpensive. However, their inherent limitations have prevented their use in a wide range of applications for machine readable tags where highly reliable and totally automated reading is required for read ranges of up to several meters.
The radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag is another prior art type of identification device. When interrogated, RFID tags reflect or retransmit a radio frequency signal to return an encoded identification number to the interrogator. A good example of RFID tags is their usage in the collection of highway and bridge tolls. An RFID tag is positioned on a user's vehicle to respond to an interrogation signal when the vehicle passes through a toll collection point. A reading device connected to a computer processes the tag identification number and uses the decoded information to charge a toll to the user by deducting the amount due from the user's credit card or other account.
Prior art RFID tag devices are of two basic types; those that contain a microchip and those that do not. There is a radical difference in cost and performance between these two types; to such an extent, in fact, that they rarely compete with one another as to the appropriate type of use. As a general rule, chip tags cost more but have a larger data capacity than chipless tags. Chip tags, for example, are usually not available below a unit cost of about one dollar each when ordered in a quantity of less than one million; whereas many chipless tags are projected to cost less than 20 cents each, even when manufactured in quantities of one hundred thousand.
Most RFID tags will have a longer reliable range than magnetic strips and bar codes. As a rule, RFID tags can be interrogated without having as significant line-of-sight and orientation problems as are evidenced by bar codes and magnetic strips. Although chip tags do have a longer range than magnetic strip and bar code systems, the range at which they can be reliably used is still a limiting factor.
Chip tags are by far the most popular. A chip tag consists of four elements or features: (1) a computer microchip; (2) circuits for converting radio signals to computer data signals and back to radio signals; (3) an antenna; and (4) a means for providing DC power to the chip circuitry. In low cost RFID chip tags, the first two features are often partially or totally integrated into a single microchip, which integration requires certain compromises in tag performance (read range, number of bits, etc.). This combination of features also leads to certain integrated circuit (IC) cost and/or design compromises to accommodate both digital and radio frequency circuitry on a single IC. The impact of these design compromises can be partially compensated for by use of low radio frequency (RF) operating frequencies that, in turn, lead to rather large and expensive antennas.
The most daunting problem with chip tags is the need for DC power for the chip circuitry. The combination of environmental issues coupled with severe constraints on cost, size and weight usually requires that the tag not have a battery or other on-board power source. The only generally useable solution is to obtain DC power by converting RF power received from the tag reader signal into DC power within the tag. Those skilled in the pertinent art term tags without a battery or other power source as "passive" tags, while those that contain a battery or other source are termed as "active" tags. The passive method of providing DC power to a chip tag requires a more efficient tag antenna (i.e., larger size and cost) and higher transmitted power levels from the reader. It also requires added components which will either add to the cost of the microchip or to the cost of the tag for the required extra electrical components in the tag, which will also result in an increased tag size. The most important limitation of passive powered chip tags, however, is the severe restriction on the read range of the tag because a signal that is sufficiently strong to power the tag only extends a short distance from the tag reader antenna. Thus, while chip tags have the dominate share of the RFID market, the high cost and limited read range combine to prevent chip tags from replacing either bar codes or magnetic strips in any significant manner.
"Chipless" RFID tags do not contain a microchip but, instead, rely on magnetic materials or transistorless thin film circuits to store data. A major advantage of chipless RFID tags is their relatively low cost. The disadvantages of chipless tags include that they are range limited (several centimeters at the most) and only contain limited amounts of information. The severity of these problems has prevented their market acceptance in spite of their low cost potential.
In the year 2000, the current global market for conventional RFID systems and services is in the order of 500 million U.S. dollars. This market is largely for chip tags that typically cost from about one dollar to tens of dollars each. While chipless tags are not selling well, they have generated great interest from a number of potential users because of their low cost potential. A huge gap exists in the automatic identification market between the very low cost bar codes and the higher performing RFID chip tags. The overall market is clamoring for a technical solution to fill that gap. The critical characteristics of the new automatic identification technology to fill this gap are: (1) a cost of between one cent and ten cents per tag when manufactured in high quantities; (2) reliable reading without the need for manual scanning by a human operator; (3) reliable reading without a line of sight between the tag and tag reader (i.e., reliable reading even if the tag is scratched, or covered with dirt, or on the wrong side of the package, etc.); (4) a reliable read range of at least one to two meters; and (5) a tag data capacity of roughly 100 bits. Such tags are of vital interest to postal authorities, airlines and airports, mass transit authorities, animal breeders, the livestock industry, delivery businesses, any business with significant supply chains, particularly those that maintain inventory or handle fast moving consumer goods, and so on. These are all applications where a high priced tag is not practicable, particularly where the tag is disposable or is going to be sold with the product.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a reliable, economically priced, small identification tag upon which can be encoded substantial identification data that can be read at an adequate range and can be used in a variety of environments and for a variety of applications.

Surface acoustic wave identification tag having enhanced data content and methods of operation and manufacture thereof


A dispensing closure for dispensing a flowable product from a squeeze-type product container includes a closure body having an upper deck, an exit orifice, a flow conduit providing a flow path to the exit orifice, and a skirt configured to attach to a product container. A measuring reservoir is received in engagement with a lower surface of the upper deck. The measuring reservoir is filled with a measured dose of flowable product through flow ports when the container is inverted. A piston valve is slidably movable within the measuring reservoir between an open position and a closed position. The piston valve is movable from the open position to the closed position to dispense the measured dose of product responsive to pressure within the container induced by squeezing normally biases the piston valve to the open position.

(1) Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates to dispensing closures for containers for flowable products such as personal care products, concentrated beverages, food products, home and garden chemical products, healthcare products, etc. More specifically, the invention relates to a dispensing closure having an interior measuring reservoir which is automatically filled with a measured dose of the flowable product when the container is inverted, and dispenses the measured dose of product from the measuring reservoir when the container is squeezed.
(2) Description of Related Art
Dispensing containers are used in a variety of industries for dispensing various liquid or flowable products. As integrated dispensing closures become more prevalent in all industries consumer desire presses for their use on an ever expanding array of products and packages, while product manufacturers search for unique solutions at the lowest possible cost to promote sales and maintain profit margins.

Measured dose dispensers and methods of using the same


A plurality of voice-over-ATM modules operate in parallel and each processes at least one type of AAL. Interface circuitry and contention circuitry allow the parallel modules to interact. The result is an interworking between ATM streams and different types of equipment.

The present invention relates to the field of accommodating different network formats, and more particularly to the field of interworking ATM adaptation layer formats.
Differing delay and bandwidth efficiency requirements, as well as market forces and emerging standards, have led to several different Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) adaptation layers (AALs) for transporting voice or n.times.64 kbps services over ATM. To achieve end-to-end connectivity, however, these AALs need to be "interworked" at some point in the public, private, or customer premises networks.
Presently, AAL-1 is the only standardized AAL for carrying voice and n.times.64 transport, and it does so in three different ways. T1 or E1 circuit emulation; n.times.64 structured data transfer (SDT); or single-call-per-channel (simplified AAL-1). All of these methods have some limitations.
For example, circuit emulation merely provides T1 or E1 transport, and the AAL does not know whether the T1 or E1 contains voice or n.times.64 services. Also, although SDT can be used for multiplexing several voice channels, and in doing so can reduce the cell fill delay by an amount proportional to n (to a minimum of 125 .mu.S), bandwidth inefficiency due to trunking effects can make AAL-1 SDT-based n.times.64 unacceptable in some applications. Finally, simplified AAL-1 specifies how a single voice call or 64 kbps channel is adapted into a single ATM virtual channel, but this introduces approximately 6 msec of delay, making this technique unacceptable in some applications.
Although AAL-1 may have been designed with voice in mind, a data-oriented AAL, AAL-5, resides on ATM network interface cards (NIC) designed for personal computers and workstations. Hence, the market and standards organizations would like to put voice and n.times.64 over AAL-5: This would be a single call per channel with a cell fill of either 32 or 40 bytes. Other proprietary AALs have been designed to optimize two of the following three criteria: delay minimization bandwidth efficiency, and implementation complexity and cost.
U.S. Ser. No. 08/746,176, filed on Nov. 7, 1996, describes a family of AALs with low implementation complexity that offered a range of tradeoffs between bandwidth efficiency and delay minimization. These are shown schematically in FIG. 1.
There is a need, therefore, for a flexible system and process to accommodate voice or 64 kbps services over ATM. There is also a need for such a system and method to provide interworking of such ATM services with standard networks.

Method and apparatus for interworking ATM adaptation layer formats


According to one embodiment, a sound processing apparatus extracts a feature of first speech uttered outside an objective area from first speech obtained at positions different from each other in a space of the objective area and a place outside the objective area. The apparatus creates, by learning, a determination model configured to determine whether an utterance position of second speech in the space is outside the objective area based at least in part on the feature uttered outside the objective area. The apparatus eliminates a portion of the second speech uttered outside the objective area from the second speech obtained by a second microphone based at least in part on the feature and the model. The apparatus detects and outputs remaining speech from the second speech.

Heretofore, a speech recognition apparatus records a speech of an objective speaker by means of a microphone, detects an objective section to be speech-recognized from the recorded signals, and carries out recognition processing with respect to the speech of the detected section. At this time, if a speech, noise or the like other than the objective speech enters the microphone, the recognition processing is carried out in a state where the speech, noise or the like other than the objective speech is erroneously detected as the speech section, and thus an erroneous and useless recognition result is output. Thus, heretofore, a technique for detecting a target speech section by using a plurality of microphone arrays on the basis of the position of the sound source has been developed. For example, a technique for emphasizing only a speech having a sound-source position in the objective area by controlling the directivity of each of the plurality of microphone arrays, and technique for estimating a sound-source position of an input speech by collating a feature of a speech collected by a plurality of microphones with a dictionary of feature sound-source positions of which are known are disclosed.
The problem of false recognition due to mixture of a speech, noise or the like other than the objective speech described above hardly occurs in the case where a speech is collected by a microphone near the mouth with the push of an utterance-start button. Conversely, when the speech is collected by a microphone at a distance or when the speech is collected in a hands free state without the push of a button, the above problem is liable to occur. For example, a case where voice-activation of a TV set is realized by using a microphone incorporated in the TV set, case where article explanation based on a speech dialogue is realized by using a microphone incorporated in an information processing terminal arranged in a store front, and the like are conceivable. In such examples, the number of microphones or positions of microphones differ depending on the apparatus in which the microphones are incorporated, and the objective area in which the speech is to be recognized differs depending on the site on which the apparatus is placed or on the purpose of the apparatus. For this reason, customization corresponding to the objective area is required for each apparatus, however, realization thereof is extremely difficult.
As described above, in the conventional speech recognition apparatus, there is a problem that it is difficult to carry out customization corresponding to the objective area for each apparatus. Particularly, in the method of emphasizing only a speech having a sound-source position in the objective area by controlling the directivity of each of the plurality of microphone arrays, a setting operation of controlling the directivity of the microphone array on the basis of measurement of a relative positional relationship between the microphone array and the objective area is required, and it is difficult for a non-specialist to carry out the setting operation. Further, also in the method of estimating a sound-source position of an input speech by collating a feature of a speech collected by a plurality of microphones with a dictionary of feature sound-source positions of which are known, collation cannot be carried out unless the sound-source position is a position for which a dictionary is prepared in advance, and hence the method cannot be utilized in an unknown environment.

Sound processing apparatus, speech recognition apparatus, sound processing method, speech recognition method, storage medium


A book recycling promotion device registers in advance a book purchased information of a customer and an electronic mail address of the customer, calculates a current buying price of the book based on a current sales information on the book included in the book purchased information, and sends an electronic mail including the buying price and a message to promote selling-off of the book to the electronic mail address corresponding to the book purchased information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and a device for promoting book recycling and their program and recording medium, and especially to a method, device, program and recording medium that promotes selling-off of books by appealing to the person who purchased books that are in high demand to sell them off in a recycling markets for books.
2. Description of the Related Art
For a variety of books that their original purchasers finished and sold off, there exist lawful markets (recycling markets for books) for bringing them back into distribution chains again. In recycling of books, normally the purchaser of books sells them off on their own initiative when those books are no longer needed for some reason. Reasons for selling books off include, for example, lack of space to store them, desire to get rid of them at the time of move-out, a need of getting rid of finished books, etc.
Thus, nothing other than the owner's own decision prompts the owner of books to sell them off, i.e., what books come into a distribution chain and when they do so depends on the original book owner. On the other hand, the price at which one can sell a book cannot be known unless one goes to the actual site of a recycling shop, and it depends on unclear reasons such as the degree of damage of the book and an expectation that the book would be in high demand, i.e., it is often one-sidedly determined by the buyer side.
As described above, currently in recycling of books, one has to wait until owners of books sell them off on their own initiative. In this manner, however, the book in high demand cannot be brought into a distribution channel and active book recycling markets cannot be achieved, i.e., it is often the case that by the time people owning books in high demand try to sell them off on their own initiative the demand for the books is already low due to fleeting interest of general customers. Therefore, there is a need to promote selling-off of books by encouraging owners of books in high demand.
On the other hand, at the time of this appeal to promote selling-off, if buying prices are explicitly stated, people having intention to sell off their books may be strongly appealed to do so. Here, if the buying prices may be updated in real time tying them to the fluctuating prices of the book in the recycling market, it would be convenient for the both parties involved in the book trade. Those selling off books may select a time that they consider most advantageous to sell them off at their own risk. Also, they may find buying prices reasonable as those prices are tied to book prices in the recycling market. Those buying books can offer the most recent buying prices to provide further incentives for people to sell off their books.
Here, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-160991 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-198733 disclose sending of an electronic mail to a customer who previously purchased a certain product at a time point by which the product is likely to have been exhausted so as to promote re-purchasing of the same product. However, this is not for buying a used product, and thus no price will be presented. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-118023 discloses notifying of a buying price after receiving a request from an owner of a product to have it bought However, this is not for promoting buying of a used product, and thus no incentive is provided by offering a buying price.

Method and device for promoting book recycling and their program and recording medium


A thin film solid oxide fuel cell (TFSOFC) having a porous metallic anode and a porous cathode is provided. The fuel cell is formed by using a continuous metal foil as a substrate to epitaxially deposit a thin film electrolyte on one surface of the foil. The metal foil may then be made porous by photolithographically patterning and etching the other surface of the foil to form holes extending through the foil to the electrolyte/foil interface. The cathode is then formed on the electrolyte by depositing a second thin film using known film deposition techniques. Further processing may be used to increase the porosity of the electrodes. The metal foil may be treated before film deposition to have an atomically ordered surface, which makes possible an atomically ordered thin film electrolyte.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to electrochemical devices such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) or ceramic fuel cells, particularly thin film solid oxide fuel cells (TFSOFCs). More particularly, a porous metallic anode and a thin film conducting oxide porous cathode are provided, along with methods for forming the electrodes and a thin film electrolyte.
2. Description of Related Art
Fuel cells are energy-converting devices that use an oxidizer (e.g. oxygen in air) to convert the chemical energy in fuel (e.g. hydrogen) into electricity. A SOFC (also called a "ceramic fuel cell") generally comprises a solid electrolyte layer with an oxidizer electrode (cathode) on one side of the electrolyte and a fuel electrode (anode) on the other side. The electrodes are required to be porous, or at least permeable to oxidizer at the cathode and fuel at the anode, while the electrolyte layer is required to be dense so as to prevent leakage of gas across the layer. A TFSOFC has a thin electrolyte layer, on the order of 1-10 micrometers thick, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,385. This reduces the ohmic resistance of the electrolyte and increases the power density of the fuel cell. Because of the low electrolyte resistance, the TFSOFC can operate at lower temperatures. This increases the reliability and allows wider choices of materials for TFSOFC applications. Using the TFSOFC design can also reduce materials costs and reduce the volume and mass of the fuel cell for a given power output.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,385 discloses physical and chemical deposition techniques to synthesize the basic components of a TFSOFC. In one technique, the electrodes are formed from ceramic powders sputter coated with an appropriate metal and sintered to a porous compact. The electrolyte is formed by reactive magnetron deposition. The electrolyte-electrode interface is formed by chemical vapor deposition of zirconia compounds onto the porous electrodes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,387 discloses an improved nickel and yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode and a method for making by DC magnetron sputtering. The films were deposited on a surface of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,654 discloses a method for matching thermal coefficients of expansion in fuel cell or other electrochemical devices. A tubular configuration not employing thin films is described.
YSZ thin film fuel cells have generally been formed by depositing the YSZ on a substrate that is not crystallographically ordered. Therefore, the YSZ is not ordered and thicker layers must be deposited to form a layer impermeable to gas. Michibata et al ("Preparation of Stabilized Zirconia Electrolyte Films by Vacuum Evaporation," Denki Kagaku, 58, No. 11 (1990) demonstrated growth of dense but not atomically ordered YSZ films on nickel foil. They also provided no mechanism for increasing gas permeability of the nickel foil and claimed very low maximum power output (7 mW/cm2) of a resulting fuel cell.
To make thin film solid oxide fuel cells more efficient and less expensive to fabricate, improved methods for forming the porous electrodes and the non-porous electrolyte used in such devices are needed. The electrolyte should be defect-free to avoid charge and gas leakage across the cell, and thin to provide lower electrical resistance at moderate temperatures. Interconnect layers to make possible stacking of cells should be provided.

Thin film solid oxide fuel cell and method for forming


An auxiliary mounting device includes a mounting seat mounted with an electronic device thereon and having an upright rear wall formed with a through hole that is aligned with a rear opening unit in a housing of the electronic device. An upright reflecting plate is connected to a rear surface of the rear wall, is disposed adjacent to the through hole, is pivotable about a vertical axis relative to the rear wall, and is operated at a used position, where a desired angle is formed between the reflecting plate and the rear surface of the rear wall such that sound waves of an audio output reproduced by a loudspeaker of the electronic device propagate rearwardly from the electronic device through the through hole in the mounting seat and are then reflected by the reflecting plate so as to propagate sidewardly and frontwardly.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an auxiliary mounting device for an electronic device, more particularly to an auxiliary mounting device capable of guiding an audio output from an electronic device.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional portable electronic device 1, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a GPS (global positioning system) device or a digital player, that includes a housing 11 provided with a pair of loudspeakers 12 therein for reproducing an audio output. The housing 11 has a rear wall 111 formed with two hole units corresponding respectively to the loudspeakers 12 and including a plurality of apertures 112. The audio output reproduced by the loudspeakers 12 is in the form of sound waves that propagate outwardly through the apertures 112. In such a configuration, a poor sound effect is provided for a listener located in front of the electronic device 1.

Auxiliary mounting device capable of guiding an audio output from an electronic device


It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for appropriately providing not only for normal rotation but for reverse rotation in a tightening tool having a clutch.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tightening tool such as an electric screwdriver used for screw-tightening operation and more particularly, to a tightening tool having a clutch which appropriately provides not only for normal rotation but for reverse rotation.
2. Description of the Related Art
An example of a known electric screwdriver is disclosed in Japanese patent publication No. 3-5952, in which a clutch is used to connect a tool bit and a driving motor for transmitting the rotating torque. According to this technique, when the tightening tool or screw is tightened to a predetermined depth with respect to the workpiece, the clutch is promptly disengaged to stop transmission of the rotating torque according to the tightening depth.
According to the known screwdriver, the clutch is engaged when the user applies a pressing force on the body of the screwdriver, so that the torque of the driving motor is transmitted to the tool bit. Further, the clutch is disengaged in relation to the tightening depth of the screw. Therefore, when a pressing force of the user is not applied on the body, it may be difficult to keep the clutch in the engaged state in the screwdriver. As a result, screw-loosing operation by rotating the driving motor in a reverse direction may be basically impossible. In this respect, further improvement is required.

Abstract: Representative tightening tool according to the invention comprises a body, a driving motor housed in the body, a driving-side clutch element, an auxiliary clutch element, a driven-side clutch element, a driven shaft and a tool bit. During normal rotation of the driving motor, the driven-side clutch element is caused to move in the axial direction by application of a pressing force of the user to the body to engage with the driving-side clutch element. During reverse rotation of the driving motor, the driving-side clutch element and the auxiliary clutch element are caused to move relatively with respect to each other in the axial direction by rotating torque of the driving-side clutch element and the driving-side clutch element or the auxiliary clutch element engages with the driven-side clutch element.


A method and system is described for providing a customized media list to a user over a data network. The method comprises providing a personalized data of the user to a computer system, generating a customized media list by the computer system for the user based on the personal data, and providing the customized media list to the user through the computer system where the customized media list represents a customized content and a customized advertising. A system is further disclosed and claimed for providing customized media list to a user over a data network.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the transmission of broadcast media over a data network, and more particularly to, a method and system for providing a customized media list to a user over that data network.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional broadcast media (including visual and audio media over a television) has been provided to viewers and listeners for decades and typically falls under the paradigm illustrated in prior art FIG. 1. Prior art FIG. 1 is a block diagram view of a conventional broadcast media paradigm. In prior art FIG. 1, media 5, includes both content 10 (e.g. television shows, sports, news, weather, movies, concerts, etc.) and advertising 15. The content 10 is provided to the viewer and listener for entertainment or information purposes, while the advertising 15 is typically used to provide revenues for the broadcaster 20. The broadcaster 20 also shares the advertising revenues with the content 10 providers. Thus, from FIG. 1, the broadcaster 20 is the distributor 25 of the content 10 and the advertising 15 to the viewer and listener 30 through a distribution means 35. The distribution means 35 includes public broadcast 40, cable 45 distribution and satellite 50 distribution. In essence, the broadcaster 20 distributes the content 10 and advertising 15 through the distribution means 35 and generally shares the costs of distributing such content 10 and advertising 15 with the viewer and listener 30 through the distribution means 35.
Several disadvantages exist with the paradigm of prior art FIG. 1. These disadvantages are shared by the advertisers of the advertising 15, the broadcasters 20 and the viewer and listener 30. A first disadvantage is that the viewer and listener 30 has few options as to the content 10 and advertising 15 that the viewer and listener 30 may view. That is, such content 10 and advertising 15 has already been scheduled by the distributor 25 and the viewer and listener 30 may only watch (or listen to) such content 10 and advertising 15 that has been scheduled. The viewer and listener's only option is to change the channel on the television or turn off the television. Either option limits the viewing audience for the broadcasters 20, advertisers 15 and content 10 providers.
A second disadvantage is that advertisers can only guess as to the number of the target audiences viewing the content 10. Well known audience estimators only estimate the number or actual viewers and listeners that watch and listen to the content 10 and advertising 15. The advertisers 15 base their targeted audiences on such estimated ratings. Thus, advertisers are paying for advertising that may never reach the full target audience. This is because the advertisement is not reaching 100 percent of the target audience. Also, the current estimate of viewers and listeners only provide a guess on the number of actual viewers and listeners.
A third disadvantage with the paradigm of prior art FIG. 1 is that no one television channel is customized to each viewer and listener. A viewer and listener must therefore search the various contents throughout the television channels which takes time and may result in little or no content and advertising being watched.
A fourth disadvantage is that specific television content 10 is only shown at a specified schedule, which a viewer and listener may not always be available to adhere to. Thus, a viewer is forced to either miss the scheduled content or otherwise must record the content which takes planning and time.
A fifth disadvantage is that the ratings for the audience of a particular content is delayed in the paradigm of prior art FIG. 1. Further, such ratings are imperfect in that only an estimate rather than an actual number of viewers may be given.
A need therefore exists for a method and system for providing media that alleviates many of these disadvantages.

Method and system for providing a customized media list


A roll-forming apparatus of the type used to transform a flat web or sheet of metal into a component having various cross-sectional shapes is provided with a first elongate base portion with an axis extending in a longitudinal direction, a second elongate base portion with an axis disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the axis of the first base portion, and a drive mechanism associated with the first and second base portions, the drive mechanism having a coupler associated with the first base portion, a raft plate supported by the first base portion, and a plurality of roll-forming stations supported by the raft plate. At least one of the roll-forming stations is provided with a plurality of forming rolls, a plurality of rotatable spindles for supporting the forming rolls, a first coupler adapted to be coupled to the coupler of the drive mechanism and being operatively connected to one of the spindles, and a second coupler adapted to be coupled to the coupler of the drive mechanism and being operatively connected to one of the spindles.

The present invention relates to a roll-forming machine of the type which is used to form components, such as metal panels having a non-linear cross-sectional shape.
Roll-forming machines typically include a plurality of roll-forming stations that are used to transform a planar sheet of metal into a component having various cross-sectional shapes. Each of the roll-forming stations typically includes a pair of frame members in which a pair of rotatable spindles are journalled, one spindle disposed directly above the other, and a number of generally cylindrical plates, referred to herein as "forming rolls" which are used to gradually deform the planar sheet into the desired shape. The two spindles may be interconnected by a pair of enmeshed gears, one gear mounted to each spindle, so that rotation of one of the spindles causes the other spindle to rotate. Alternatively, each of the two spindles may be driven by a separate coupler of a drive mechanism.
The sheet of material is forced through the roll-forming machine by friction between the sheet and the rotating forming rolls. The forming rolls of some of the roll-forming stations, e.g. the forming rolls of every other station, are rotatably driven by a motorized drive mechanism to ensure that there is enough driving power to force the sheet through the machine.
Some conventional roll-forming machines have a pair of elongate base portions disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship, with a number of drive mechanisms disposed between the base portions. Each of the base portions supports a plurality of roll-forming stations, and the roll-forming stations supported by each base portion can form a finished product having a different cross-sectional shape. For example, the roll-forming stations supported by one base portion can form a C-shaped purlin, while the roll-forming stations supported by the other base portion can form a Z-shaped purlin.
In one such prior art roll-forming machine, a number of drive mechanisms are disposed between the two base portions. Each drive mechanism has a pair of horizontally translatable couplers, each of which extends horizontally outwardly from a respective side of each drive mechanism. The roll-forming machine has a plurality of raft plates supported by each of the two base portions, each of the raft plates supporting a plurality of roll-forming stations.
At least one of the roll-forming stations mounted to each raft plate has a single coupler mounted to one end of the lower spindle of the roll-forming station. The coupler extends horizontally from a side plate of the roll-forming station towards one of the couplers of an adjacent drive mechanism. When the coupler of the drive mechanism is translated outwardly towards the roll-forming station, that coupler engages the coupler attached to the lower spindle of the roll-forming station so that rotation of the coupler of the drive mechanism causes the two spindles of the roll-forming station to rotate.

Roll-forming machine with reversible rafts


A portable hand wash station includes a base that can set upon the ground. A fresh water tank and greywater tank are disposed atop the base. A tank cover is disposed atop the tanks. The sink member is pivotally mounted to the tank cover with a hinge. The sink member defines two sink basins that oppose one another. Each sink basin can be shaped and sized to allow the user to wash their forearms. A backsplash member can be secured to the sink member between the individual sink basins. The fresh water tank access can be secured by locking the sink member to the tank cover. A plurality of rods secure the tanks in place between the base and tank cover without protruding through a sidewall of the tanks.

There is a need to provide temporary and/or portable hand wash stations in a variety of environments. For example, in a location where many people will gather, or near a portable restroom, there is a need for persons to sanitize their hands. In such locations, there may not be access to electrical power and water plumbing. The need for a hand wash station in such location may also not be permanent. Thus, it is known to provide a portable hand wash station that has onboard tanks for clean wash water and the used or waste water (greywater). There is a continuing need to improve the functionality, manufacturability and serviceability of portable hand wash stations.


Methods and devices are provided for calibrating the mobility axis of an ion mobility spectrum and determining the mobility characteristic of ion species from an ion mobility spectrum, in particular for calibrating the drift time axis of an ion mobility spectrum acquired by a drift type ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). An ion mobility spectrometer uses an ion source that comprises a first ionization region which is fluidly coupled to a sample source, a second ionization region which is spatially separated from the first ionization region and fluidly coupled to a calibrant reservoir, and electrical means for controlling the transfer of sample ions from the first region into the second ionization region or into a third region of the ion source wherein the third region is fluidly coupled to the first and second ionization region and located closer to a mobility analyzer than the first and second ionization region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods and devices for calibrating the mobility axis of an ion mobility spectrum and for determining the mobility characteristic of ion species from an ion mobility spectrum, in particular for calibrating the drift time axis of an ion mobility spectrum acquired by a drift type ion mobility spectrometer (IMS).
2. Description of the Related Art
Ion mobility spectrometry is based on characterizing chemical substances by the gas-phase mobility of their ionic species under the influence of an electric field. It has been known as an analytical technique since the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) operated at ambient pressure are highly sensitive for detecting substances at low concentrations in ambient air and from vaporized samples, and have been successfully utilized for the detection of environmental pollutants, explosives and illicit drugs in the civil sector as well as for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) in the military sector.
Drift-type IMS are most commonly used in commercial instruments and are based on following principles: a gas sample or vapor from a heated sample is introduced into an ion source with an ionization region to form ions. The ions are introduced from the ion source into a drift region in a pulsed or modulated manner and migrate under the influence of a homogeneous static electric field through a drift tube, normally against a counter flow of dry carrier gas. An ion detector provided at the end of the drift tube is used to measure the drift time it takes for the ionic species to pass through the drift tube. There are other types of IMS operated at ambient pressure, for example Differential Mobility Spectrometry (DMS, also known as Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometry, FAIMS) and the aspiration-type IMS.
The gas-phase substances from a sample source (e.g., a desorber or direct sampling of ambient air) are commonly introduced by a carrier gas into the ion source of the IMS and are most commonly ionized by chemical ionization (CI). The carrier gas of an IMS is typically purified air with only some parts per million (ppm) of water vapor. Electrons emitted for example by a radioactive beta emitter, such as Ni63, generate positive nitrogen ions by electron impact ionization and negative oxygen ions by electron attachment of thermalized electrons. The nitrogen and oxygen ions further react with water molecules present as vapor in the carrier gas to generate positive (H+(H2O)n) or negative water cluster ions (O2−(H2O)n), respectively. These secondary reactant ions react with gas-phase substances by protonation forming positive product ions, or by adduct formation forming negative product ions. The primary oxygen ions may also react with gas-phase substances by de-protonation, electron transfer or adduct formation forming negative product ions. The electrons generating the primary reactant ions can be provided by radioactive as well as by non-radioactive electron sources, such as electrical discharges, electron beam generators and/or UV/X-ray lamps. However, direct ionization of the gas-phase substances by UV and X-ray is also possible.
It is well known that, for drift-type IMS, the measured drift time td of an ion species can be calculated in a good approximation from following equation:
      t    d    =                    L        /        E            ·                        T          0                /        T            ·              P        /                  P          0                            K      0      wherein L is the length of the drift tube, E is the homogeneous static electric field strength in the drift tube, T0 is the standard temperature, T is the actual temperature in the drift tube during the measurement, P is the actual pressure in the drift tube during the measurement, Po is the standard pressure and K0 is the reduced mobility of the ion species. The physical characteristic of an ion species together with the properties of the drift gas are combined into the reduced mobility K0 which corresponds to the mobility of the ion species in the drift gas at standard conditions of temperature and pressure. A large value of reduced mobility equates to rapid motion of the ion species in the electric field and thus to a small cross section for collisions with the drift gas. The reduced mobility is the characteristic mobility measure of the ion species to be determined from the measured drift time and experimental parameters. If the aforementioned equation is rearranged to K0 as function of the drift time and experimental parameters, it can serve as a calibration function between the drift time axis of a measured ion mobility spectrum and the mobility axis of a calibrated ion mobility spectrum.
The length of the drift tube and the electric field strength of a drift type IMS are fixed or controlled, respectively. The actual pressure P and temperature T during the measurement are further experimental parameters which need to be determined in order to calculate the reduced mobility K0 from the measured drift time. The temperature can be measured with a simple and inexpensive sensor with reasonable accuracy, whereas measuring the pressure inside the drift tube with a sufficient accuracy needs quite elaborate pressure gauges. The determined experimental parameters can be used to establish a calibration function.
Besides calculating the reduced mobility from the measured drift time and the actual experimental parameters during the acquisition of the ion mobility spectrum, it is well known to utilize a calibrant that is introduced into the ionization region of the IMS ion source together with gas-phase substances from the sample source. The reduced ion mobility of the calibrant ions is known and the drift time of calibrant ions is measured under the actual conditions of the drift type IMS. Under the reasonable assumption that the experimental conditions seen by the calibrant ion and the sample ions are similar through the ion source and drift region, the reduced ion mobility of sample ions can be determined from the measured drift time of the sample ions using the measured drift time of the calibrant ions and their known reduced mobility.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of an ion mobility spectrometer 1 known from the prior art. The ion mobility spectrometer 1 comprises an ion source 10, an ion mobility analyzer 20 (e.g., a drift type analyzer) fluidly coupled to the ion source 10 and a calibrant reservoir 30. An air sample (or more generally a gas sample to be analyzed) is drawn by gas pump 40 into the ion source 10 at a first inlet 51a from the surroundings. The ion mobility spectrometer 1 comprises an additional inlet 51b and a gas outlet 52. If valve 31 is opened, air from outside is also drawn into calibrant reservoir 30. The gas-phase sample and the calibrant are ionized in the ionization region 11 by a radioactive beta emitter 12 and transferred to the mobility analyzer 20, e.g., by the gas flow generated by gas pump 40. Alternatively, the gas-phase sample and calibrant can be mixed prior to the ion source and introduced into the ion source 10 at a single inlet.
In general, a calibration function provides a relation between the abscissa of a measured ion mobility spectrum (e.g., the drift time in a drift type IMS or the compensation voltage in FAIMS) and a mobility characteristic (e.g., the reduced mobility). The ion mobility generally depends on the actual temperature and pressure in the mobility analyzer. Therefore, the calibration function commonly depends on the actual temperature and pressure.
The international patent application WO 2009/088461 A2 provides an explosive and narcotics detection system using an ion mobility spectrometer. The calibration of the spectrometer depends on the stability of the used calibrant 5-nitrovanilin that is periodically injected together with sample gas into the ionization region of the spectrometer. The calibrant produces a signal with a known drift time and may be used to calibrate the drift times of the sample ions.
The international patent application WO 2010/051241 A1 teaches that calibrants and reactants used in conventional ion mobility spectrometry systems can impair the ability to detect species of interest by suppressing the signal amplitude of the species of interest or having coincident drift times, for example. In order for the IMS to have good sensitivity for the weakly ionized substances, the reactant/calibrant must not interfere with the ionization process or mask the ion's unique drift-time peaks.
The international patent application WO 2008/053181 A1 provides a FAIMS being arranged so that the analyte is subject to different ion chemistries at different locations along the spectrometer.
In view of the foregoing, there is still a need to provide devices for fast and reliable delivery of calibrant ions and methods for accurately calibrating the mobility axis of an ion mobility spectrum and determining the mobility characteristic of ion species from an ion mobility spectrum.

Methods and devices for calibrating the mobility axis of an ion mobility spectrum


In the particular embodiments described in the specification, a controllable pitch propellor arrangement includes a plurality of propellor blades supported from a central hub which is rotatably mounted on a shaft in which each blade is pivotally supported from the central hub. Two radial pins extending from the outer ends of each of the blades are received in corresponding rims having peripherally disposed permanent magnet arrays. The rims are rotated to drive the propellor by energization of coils in a stator assembly surrounding the rims and the pitch of the blades is changed by changing the phase relationship of the current supplied to the stator coils to change the angular relation of the rims.

This invention relates to controllable pitch propellor arrangements for energy conversion between electrical energy and fluid energy.
Controllable pitch control of propellers or turbine blades is commonly used to improve operating efficiency and flexibility particularly in the marine industry. For such applications, conventional controllable pitch propellers or turbines have blades mounted on a hollow support shaft and include a complex actuation mechanism extending through the hollow shaft. Typical arrangements for rotating the blades of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,785,747 and 4,648,345.
Also, shaftless pumps are known in various industries in which propellor blades are affixed to a driven rim. This provides the advantage of reducing restriction or disruption to the flow of fluid to the propeller blades which can occur when the blades are driven by a propellor shaft. Such arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,708,251; 3,914,629; 4,831,297; 5,185,545; 5,252,857 and 5,306,183.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,909,229 discloses a reversible pitch fan having fan blades connected to two rims which can be angularly shifted between two positions by stressing the blades or the rims to reverse to the blowing direction of the fan to remove dust and debris from radiators. The blades are retained in either of the two positions by resilience of the blades or the rims.

Controllable pitch propeller arrangement


A tumor-targeting gas-generating nanoparticle, a method for preparing same and a tumor-targeting nanoparticle for drug delivery using same relate to a tumor-targeting gas-generating nanoparticle including a polycarbonate core and a amphiphilic coat, a method for preparing same and a tumor-targeting nanoparticle for drug delivery using same. Since a tumor-targeting gas-generating nanoparticle according to the present disclosure is accumulated in the tumor tissue in large quantity and generates strong ultrasound wave signals, it can be usefully used as a contrast agent for ultrasonic imaging.

At present, ultrasonic imaging is an imaging technique the most frequently used for clinical diagnosis. It is attracting a lot of attentions owing to many advantages including low cost, easiness of diagnosis, non-invasiveness, low risk and possibility of direct real-time imaging. Basically, ultrasonic imaging is based on the analysis of sound wave signals obtained by reflecting or scattering high-frequency sound from tissues. Various contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging have been developed to obtain more improved images and they are used for diverse biomedical purposes.
Most of the contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging are substances that generate microbubbles. The microbubble contrast agent consists of a gas included therein and an outer coat material. The microbubbles vibrate at the sound wavelength to generate enhanced ultrasound wave signals as compared to the surrounding region. However, they are not suitable for wide applications owing to very short circulation time of about several minutes and poor tissue permeation. These shortcomings result from the micro size of the contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging, which is too large to pass through the many biological barriers existing in organs and capillary vessels.
Recently, nanoparticles have emerged as a promising platform for biomedical imaging and drug delivery. Nanoparticles can circulate in the bloodstream stably for a long time and can be accumulated in angiogenic disease sites such as tumors by penetrating the newly formed blood vessels. This phenomenon, called the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, is the main advantage of nanomaterials for tumor targeting, particularly in intravenous injection. The target-specific accumulation of nanoparticles is useful both in imaging and drug delivery. Especially, multifunctional nanoparticles allow diagnosis and therapy at the same time, and this is called 'theragnosis'. Although theragnosis is expected to provide more improved therapy clinically, nanobubbles are hardly used in ultrasonic imaging since they fail to generate ultrasound wave signals of sufficient intensity unlike the microbubbles even when the composition is similar. That is to say, although the nano size is favorable in terms of long-term circulation and accumulation in target tissues, it is disadvantageous in terms of generation of ultrasound wave signals. This is an important dilemma in the development of contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging.
In this regard, the inventors of the present disclosure have recently a new type of contrast agent for ultrasonic imaging based on a polycarbonate that generates a gas. This contrast agent is degraded in an aqueous condition to generate carbon dioxide bubbles. The generated bubbles can successfully generate ultrasound wave signals at sound wavelength like the commercially available microbubble-type contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging. The particles exhibit continuous generation of gas, thus enabling stable ultrasonic imaging for a long time. In addition, the inventors of the present disclosure have demonstrated that the amount and duration of generated carbon dioxide gas are mainly determined by contact with water and they can be adequately controlled through structural modification of particles (see Korean Patent Application No. 2009-100417).

Tumor-targeting gas-generating nanoparticle, method for preparing the same, and tumor-targeting nanoparticle for drug delivery using the same

KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


The present invention relates to a battery pack. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells arranged side-by-side, a lead plate electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells, a protection circuit module electrically connected with the plurality of battery cells, and a temperature sensor electrically connected with the protection circuit module to measure a temperature of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the lead plate has hole into which the temperature sensor is inserted, for fixing the position of the temperature sensor. By the above construction, the installation position of the temperature sensor is specified, so that the temperature sensor may be prevented from being damaged and the reliability of the temperature sensor may be enhanced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a battery pack.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of wireless internet or communication technologies, portable computers, such as tablet PCs or notebook computers, which are operated by using batteries instead of a power supply, have quickly come into widespread use. Generally, since portable computers are compact enough to carry easily, the portable computers are being widely used for business or personal use. In order to use such a portable computer in various places regardless of a power supply, the portable computer may be provided with a built-in battery pack. The battery pack may be provided with a plurality of rechargeable batteries which are repeatedly chargeable and dischargeable.
For long time use, the battery pack may include a system for monitoring temperature information of a battery cell and detecting an emergency event, such as overheating, in advance to prevent an accident such as an explosion.


Techniques support graph pattern matching queries inside a relational database management system (RDBMS) that supports SQL execution. The techniques compile a graph pattern matching query into a SQL query that can then be executed by the relational engine. As a result, techniques enable execution of graph pattern matching queries on top of the relational engine by avoiding any change in the existing SQL engine.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.
Graph processing is an important tool for data analytics. Relational database management systems (RDBMSs) increasingly allow their users to define property graph from relational tables and to query them using graph pattern matching queries. Most products limit users to define a graph out of a single vertex table and edge table (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server, SAP Hana). These graphs are called homogeneous graphs. The most advanced systems may define a graph out of multiple vertex and edge tables. For example, a heterogeneous graph may be created out of the existing tables in a database by mapping every dimension table to a vertex table and every fact table to an edge table. The only constraint is that vertex tables should have a primary key column and the edge tables should associate foreign keys corresponding to the primary keys into two different/same vertex tables.
Graph querying and pattern matching enables interactive exploration of graphs, similar to how SQL interacts with databases. Pattern matching refers to finding patterns in the graph that are homomorphic to a target pattern, such as a triangle. In addition to the structural pattern, the user can add projections, filters, etc., similar to SQL. Graph queries refer to "graph querying and pattern matching." Paths described by a path pattern can be fixed length patterns (e.g., those that have all the same lengths, variable length patterns (e.g., patterns that have varying length within known bounds, such between 2 and 4 hops), and recursive patterns (e.g., patterns that have unknown lengths).
Fixed length graph querying refers to graph queries whose pattern has a fixed length (they are neither variable nor recursive patterns). Industry solutions for supporting fixed length graph querying fall into one of the following categories: external specialized graph systems, external automatic translators, and manual query translation.
With external specialized graph systems, data is exported from a RDBMS into an external engine that implements specialized graph traversal operators. However, external specialized graph systems pose a high security concern as the data is exposed to a potential non-trustworthy external system. In addition, costs associated with implementation, deployment, and data exportation are high.
With external automatic translators, a graph query is translated into SQL and then sent for execution in a RDBMS. Since the translation happens without taking in account the inherent graph schema of the data, performance of the resulting SQL query is poor.
With manual query translations, a user manually translates a graph pattern query into SQL. Depending on the complexity of the graph pattern query, the equivalent SQL query can be huge and, thus, difficult to generate. This solution puts a huge burden on the user.
Discussed herein are approaches for supporting graph pattern matching queries inside a single machine RDBMS that supports SQL execution.

Efficient compilation of graph queries on top of SQL based relational engine


A thin film magnetic structure, magnetic devices, and method of producing the same, wherein (110) textured, symmetry broken body centered cubic or body centered cubic derivative crystalline structures epitaxially grown on hexagonal shaped templates, in the presence of a symmetry breaking mechanism is provided to promote oriented uniaxial magnetic properties from a series of successively deposited film layers, result in new oriented magnetic layer structures and microstructures and thus improved magnetic devices and device performance.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to magnetic material structures, methods for making magnetic material structures and devices made from magnetic material structures.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As the home, office, transportation system, business place and factory become more automated and electronically connected, and as electronic devices and appliances such as computers, communication devices, wireless communication devices, electronic games, entertainment systems, personal data assistants, transportation vehicles, manufacturing tools, shop tools, and home appliances become more sophisticated there is, and will be, an ever-increasing demand for higher performance and low cost electronic circuits, sensors, transducers, data storage systems and other magnetic devices which employ magnetic thin film materials. In order for these devices to remain competitive in the market place each product generation must be higher performing, unobtrusive and, usually, less expensive than the previous. Hence there are ever increasing demands for technical improvements in the materials and structure of these devices.
For all of these applications the magnetic material has an improved performance if the magnetic properties can be better controlled during the construction. Two familiar properties, which are sometimes considered to be intrinsic magnetic properties, are the saturation magnetization, Ms, and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy density constants (usually denoted by a subscripted K symbol). The meaning of magnetic anisotropy energy is that the magnetization would have a preferred direction, or directions, of orientation. That is, the energy of the system is minimal when the magnetization vector points along certain directions. These directions are referred to as the magnetic easy axes while the magnetic hard axes coincide with magnetic orientations where the energy is maximized. However, it should be noted that the magnetic anisotropy is not actually an intrinsic property in the sense that the materials are commonly not made perfectly. Nevertheless, good performance in device applications is almost always dependent upon there being a single preferred magnetic orientation or anisotropy direction and so in the manufacturing process one strives to achieve a desired uniaxial anisotropy. An objective of the present invention is to provide new mechanisms for controlling the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of thin magnetic films. By doing so the performance of almost all magnetic devices are envisioned to be improved.
In general the anisotropy energy is a function of the orientation of the magnetization vector with respect to a given physical axis. Here, we define a "uniaxial" anisotropy to exist if the anisotropy energy density function only contains a single maximum and a single minimum as the magnetization angle, θ, is rotated by 180 degrees from a physical axis. Likewise we define an "ideal uniaxial" anisotropy energy to exist if the energy equation has only a sin2(θ) or cos2(θ) dependence. Materials and device processing to achieve a desired orientation or anisotropy is commonly difficult and sometimes impossible, perhaps because heretofore the mechanism for achieving anisotropic orientation has not been well understood. Furthermore, uniform control of the orientation of the magnetic anisotropy is often difficult to achieve and maintain in a manufacturing process where many different desired material properties must be obtained simultaneously.

Magnetic material structures, devices and methods


A remote control device testing environment evaluates operational performance of physical implementations of remote control devices. This operational performance of the physical implementations of the remote control devices allows the integrated circuits of the remote control devices as well as integrated circuit interfaces electrically coupling these integrated circuits to each other to be evaluated. Additionally, the interconnection, such as electrical coupling to provide an example, between these integrated circuits and/or the integrated circuit interfaces can be evaluated which otherwise would not be evaluated by software simulation alone. Moreover, the evaluating of this operational performance of the physical implementations of the remote control devices allows these remote control devices to be in evaluated in a real world environment with exposure to various environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and/or electromagnetic interference to provide some examples. Furthermore, the evaluating of this operational performance of the physical implementations of the remote control devices allows interactions between these remote control devices and other electronic devices to be evaluated.

Advances in technology and engineering have allowed designers and manufacturers to offer more sophisticated electronic devices to consumers. The development of the remote control has allowed these electronic devices to be wirelessly controlled by the consumers. The remote control has evolved from controlling simple operations, such as adjustment of the volume of these electronic devices and/or the programming being output by these electronic devices to provide some examples, to include more complex operations, such as textual searching and/or audible voice commands to provide some examples. The remote control has progressed from having programming channel and/or volume selectors to control these simple operations to include an alphabetical, a numeric, or an alphamerical keypad for entering alphanumeric characters, and/or one or more data pads to control these more complex operations. Moreover, the remote control has further evolved with the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things (IoT) represents an ever-growing inter-network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and/or other items that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these devices, vehicles, buildings, and/or other items to exchange data. The remote control has advance to even allow these devices, vehicles, buildings, and/or other items to be wirelessly controlled by the consumers.
The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Remote control device testing environment


In an image sensing apparatus which stores data of images obtained by an image sensor as image files, in a directory in a recording medium in which the number of recordable image files is predetermined in accordance with a predetermined storage format, a first number of files makable in the recording medium is calculated based on the predetermined storage format, a second number of files recordable in the recording medium is calculated based on a remaining capacity of the recording medium, the first number of files and the second number of files are compared with each other, notification is instructed to be made in correspondence with the result of comparison, and notification is made in response to the instruction.

Some conventional digital cameras calculate the remaining capacity of recording medium for storing image files, and display the number of recordable image files on a display device based on the data size of image file generated by image sensing. DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) is known as one of recent digital camera image file recording systems. In this DCF format, a folder to which a folder number is allocated is generated in a recording medium, and an image file to which a file number is allocated is stored into the folder.
In the allocation of directory (folder) number, a directory number is initialized upon change of recording medium attached to the digital camera, otherwise, the directory number of the recording medium is memorized in the digital camera and the directory number of newly-attached recording medium is set to a number subsequent to the stored directory number.
However, the above conventional technique has the following problem. That is, in the digital camera, upon image file storage in conformance with the DCF format, the number of makable directories is limited to a predetermined number. That is, when the directory number reaches the maximum value, image files, more than the number of makable image files in the directory, cannot be made.
Considering the recent increase in the number of makable directories in one recording medium accompanying the increase in capacity of recording medium, and the recent situation that the folder number in the recording medium can be operated by a user from a personal computer, the problem is that even if the recording medium has a sufficient remaining capacity, image sensing by using the camera cannot be performed in accordance with the directory number due to the constraint that the directories more than the maximum directory number cannot be generated.
Further, in the conventional art, a user is not previously informed of such file making disabled status. When file generation becomes impossible, the user merely receives a warning indicating the status. Further, since the file making disabled status cannot be handled in the digital camera main body (single body of digital camera), image sensing using the recording medium cannot be continued.

Image sensing apparatus and operation method regarding file storage


This invention is a cylindrical rotary power device, usable as and convertible to a rotary internal combustion engine, pump, and/or compressor. The device incorporates an ingenious design and composition utilizing bilateral symmetry to minimize power losses and maximize efficiency. It operates with a minimum of moving parts which can be manufactured at relatively low cost and readily maintained. Also, the power device of the present invention is readily converted to an internal combustion engine by merely removing the external power source and providing fuel flow and ignition charge to the cylinders.

There have been many attempts to devise an efficient, axially aligned rotary power device. One such device was described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,548, which issued to inventor Al-Hawaj on Aug. 8, 2003. This device describes an array of pistons arranged around a central shaft, with a system of roller cam followers to transmit power to the central shaft.
Inventor R. Driver in US published patent application 2002/20171 (published Feb. 21, 2002) describes a rotary power displacement fluid machine, with an eccentrically mounted central rotor and an array of axially-arranged vanes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,190, issued on May 11, 1993 to inventor E. Paul, describes an open-ended hosing with a central rotor assembly and parallel cylinder elements around the central shaft.
Prolific inventor R. Duncan describes a rotary machine and thermal cycle in a series of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,782,866, 6,684,825, 6,672,275, and 6,484,687, of issue dates Aug. 31, 2004, Feb. 3, 2004, Jan. 6, 2004, and Nov. 26, 2002. This device does not use a compressive piston stroke, but instead uses and expansion ring and gear to generate pressure.
US published patent application 2005/166,889 (published Aug. 4, 2005) describes a rotary device with coupled chamber halves and a drive disk plate.


A conventional toothpaste is dispensed on a toothbrush along with a quantity of an abrasive free dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide as an active constituent. Abrasion constituents of the conventional toothpaste interact with the hydrogen peroxide constituent of the dentifrice to accelerate the breakdown of the hydrogen peroxide constituent and the release of active oxygen. The employment of corn starch as a base for the hydrogen peroxide dentifrice also results in a significant reduction in dentin abrasion levels as compared with the conventional toothpaste alone.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to dentifrices and more particularly to a system employing a mixture of conventional toothpaste in combination with a dentifrice preparation having hydrogen peroxide as an active constituent.
2. Background History
The efficacy of peroxide compounds in oral hygiene has been long recognized. Such compounds have proven useful in the treatment of gingivitis, oral lesions, periodontitis, herpetic stomatitis and also in combatting plaque. Additionally, peroxide compounds have been utilized for oral cosmetic purposes such as tooth whitening. The release of active oxygen from a hydrogen peroxide dentifrice constituent in the oral cavity is believed to be primarily associated with the exposure of the hydrogen peroxide to the enzyme catalase.
Problems encountered with respect to providing stable shelf life for such dentifrices were addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,268 issued Jan. 28, 1992 to the assignee of the instant application.
While the abrasive free peroxide based dentifrice formulations disclosed in such patent have proven efficacious for routine oral hygiene and cosmetic purposes, Applicant has recognized the desirability of accelerating the breakdown of the hydrogen peroxide constituent and the release of oxygen within the oral cavity. Applicant has also recognized that in recent times, larger proportions of abrasives have been employed in conventional toothpastes. This has resulted in a concomitant increase in the potential for abrasion damage to tooth structure.
A need has been established for providing a system whereby efficacious cleansing of tooth surfaces can be achieved with reduced dentin abrasion levels.