A content transfer method allowing the transfer of content requiring no urgency to reduce influence on other traffics is disclosed. A relay server is used to transfer the content from a content server to a cache server. The content is transferred while temporarily storing each relay server in each of sections obtained by the relay server dividing the path from the content server to the cache server. Further, since relay servers perform relay operation during time slots determined for respective ones of the relay servers, the influence on other traffics can be more reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for transferring information which is not urgent and prefetched or preloaded by a cache server, and in particular to a content transferring technique allowing the reduction of influence on other traffics at the same or transferring the content.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the case of transferring contents through a network, some contents require urgency, and while some not it. Contents prefetched by a cache server which is disposed on the network to shorten the access time to the contents by a terminal are a typical example of the contents having no requirement of urgency.
As shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed for simplicity that a network system is composed of Web servers S100, S101, cache servers C100, C101, terminals T1, T2, and routers R1–R7 which are connected by links L1–L8.
When a terminal (for example, T1) obtains content in a Web server (for example, S100), certain cache server (for example, C100) intermediates between the terminal and the Web server. When having received an access request for certain content in the Web server S100 from the terminal T1, the cache server C100 checks whether the requested content is held in its own memory.
In the case where the cache server C100 does not store the content, it inquires the above-described content from other cache servers. If a cache server stores the content, the cache server C100 obtains it from the cache server, and thereafter transmits it to the terminal T1 that is a content-request source. If no cache server stores the content, the cache server C100 obtains it from the originally storing Web server (original Web server) S100, and thereafter transmits it to the terminal T1 that is a content-request source. At this time, the obtained content may be simultaneously stored into the storage of the cache server C100.
Contrarily, when the cache server C100 stores the content, the cache server C100 transmits the stored content to the terminal T1. At this time, the cache server C100 inquires the last updating date and time of the content from the original Web server S100, and when the date and time of the stored content is older than that of the content stored in the original Web server S100, the cache server C100 may obtain the fresh content from the original Web server S100 again, which is called an update checking operation.
A cache server (here, C100, C101) may be asked by not only terminals but other cache servers, whether the content is stored. When the cache server is asked by another cache server, the cache server performs the same operation as in the case where the cache server intermediates between the Web server and the terminal.
Each of the cache servers carries out the above operation. If the update checking operation is not carried out, then the cache server may store the content older than that stored in the Web server (that is, the content of the cache server does not reflect the updating of the content carried out at the Web server), even when the cache server is holding the content for an access request. In this case, the old content is sent to the terminal. When the cache server is holding the old content at the time of carrying out the update checking, it takes time for the terminal to obtain the updated content, because the cache server obtains the updated content from the original Web server again.
For the above reason, it is important for each cache server to hold Web content which has a high probability of receiving an access request from the terminals and is not older than that on the Web server.
In order to meet this requirement, each cache server has carried out: 1) an automatic cache updating operation; 2) a link prefetching operation; and 3) a cache server cooperating operation.
The automatic cache updating operation is the operation of obtaining the latest version of the Web content held by the cache server from the original Web server by making access to this original Web server.
The link prefetching operation is the operation of previously obtaining the content information associated with links described in the Web content that is held by the cache server.
The cache server cooperating operation is the operation of carrying out redistribution, sharing and comparison of freshness of caches held by cache servers, among the cache servers. The cache redistribution is the operation that a cache server that does not have a certain content obtains the content from another cache server that has the content. The cache sharing is the operation that when a cache server that does not have a certain content has received a request for making access to the content from a terminal, this cache server transfers this access request to a cache server that has the content. The cache freshness comparison is the operation that a cache server that has a certain content checks whether another cache server has the latest version of the content that reflect the latest updating by the Web server, and obtains the latest version when necessary.
For the cache server cooperating operation, a conventional cache server has exchanged with each other a list of contents held by respective cache servers and information showing cache validity of contents held by each of the cache servers (called content summary). As the information showing the validity of a cache, an effective period of the cache indicated by the content-originating server, and the last updating time and date of the content have been used.
The acquisition of content or content summary caused by the above described automatic cache updating, the link prefetching and the cache server cooperating operations, are performed through a network, which will be described hereafter.
For example, when the cache server C100 obtains certain content from the Web server S100 in the automatic cache updating operation or the link prefetching operation, the cache server C100 transmits to a network an access request for the above described certain content addressed to Web server S100. This access request is transmitted to Web server S100 through a path determined by the content of the routing table in each router, for example, R6→L5→R5→L4→R4→L3→R3→L2→R2→L1→R1. The Web server S100 having received the access request transfers the requested content to the cache server C100.
Further, for example, in the case where the cache server C100 obtains content or content summary from the cache server C101, the cache server C100 transmits to a network an access request for the above-described certain content addressed to cache server C101. This access request is transmitted to cache server C101 through a path determined by the content of routing table: R6→L5→R5→L4→R4→L3→R3→L2→R2. The cache server C101 transfers the content or content summary required by the access request to the cache server C100.
Basically, the automatic cache updating operation, the link prefetching operation, and the cache server cooperating operation are performed to predict the Web content that may be required by a terminal and to make access to the Web server prior to the time when the terminal actually requires the content. Accordingly, these operations are not urgent and it is preferable for these operations having no urgency not to interrupt other traffics that are generated based on the actual needs of the Web servers by terminals.
However, the above-described conventional technique has such a disadvantage that the transfer of content caused by the link prefetching operation and the like simultaneously occupies a certain bandwidth in the entire path from the Web server or cache server storing the content to the cache server requesting for the content. Accordingly, the link prefetching operation and the like easily affect other traffics. Particularly, when the number of hops between a content-request source and a content request destination is large, the total bandwidth occupied in the entire path becomes large, resulting in a substantial amount of influence on other traffics in the network.


A process for preparing a compound (C) represented by the following formula:

Urea derivatives represented by the general formula (C):
[Chemical Formula 1]

wherein R1 represents hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl or C3-8 cycloalkyl, and R2 represents hydrogen or methoxy, are known to exhibit excellent angiogenesis-inhibitory action (Patent document 1). Urea derivatives represented by general formula (C) also are known to exhibit powerful c-Kit kinase inhibitory action (Patent document 2, Non-patent document 1).
The preparing process described in Patent document 1 is useful as a process for preparing urea derivatives, but much room still remains for improvement in terms of total yield. It has therefore been desirable to develop an industrial process for preparing urea derivatives that gives a good total yield, as well as useful intermediates for such a preparing process.
Patent document 1 never discloses an efficient process for preparing urea compounds represented by the general formula (C), nor the useful intermediates represented by the general formulas (A-1) and (A-2), as according to the present invention.    Patent document 1: WO02/32872    Patent document 2: WO2004/080462    Non-patent document 1: 95th Annual Meeting Proceedings, AACR (American Association for Cancer Research), Volume 45, Page 1070-1071, 2004.

Urea derivative and process for preparing the same

Abstract: wherein R1 represents hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl or C3-8 cycloalkyl, and R2 represents hydrogen or methoxy, characterized by reacting a compound (A-1) represented by the following formula:

Abstract: wherein R1 has the same definition as above, with a compound (B) represented by the following formula:

Abstract: wherein R2 has the same definition as above, and L represents a leaving group, is provided. Compound (C) is effective for prevention or treatment of various diseases associated with angiogenesis neoplasia.


An eraser dispenser is provided which can store in a dispenser body an eraser longer than the overall length of the dispenser body. The eraser dispenser enables the eraser to be used without replacement with a new one for a long period of time. The eraser dispenser includes: a dispenser body which is enclosed by an outer circumferential wall having a distal opening and has a storing chamber capable of storing therein an eraser that is longer than the overall length of the dispenser body; and a cover which covers the dispenser body. The eraser dispenser further includes; an external operation member which partially projects from the outer circumferential wall and is operated from the outside of the dispenser body; a driving roller which is operated by the external operating member; a receiving member which is disposed opposite to the driving roller with the eraser held therebetween; and a stopper which prevents a rotary button as the external operation member from undergoing reverse turn.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an eraser dispenser capable of appropriately advancing an eraser that is longer than the overall length of its dispenser body by use of an externally operating member.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As described in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-1426, an eraser dispenser of this type has been configured such that a stick-shaped eraser is received in a tubular container and is advanced by knock operation for use. Since the stick-shaped eraser that is shorter than the overall length of the container is stored in the container, the eraser has to be reduced in length in order to make the container compact in size. Consequently, the eraser stored in the container is consumed for a short period of time. Thus, there is a frequent need to replace a worn eraser with a new one, causing cumbersome handling. Another patent document is Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-56233.


A training golf ball apparatus designed to imitate the realistic feel, weight, acoustic and flight characteristic of a real (regulation standard) golf ball, to allow a golfer to practice the sport in a realistic way safely at home, includes mechanized flights concealed within a cavity of the golf ball; a lightweight ball component and a magnetized tee. The device will perform as well as a standard golf ball; give accurate feedback on performance and promote realistic training in the home environment. The device provides the illusion that a lightweight golf ball is of standard weight when it is placed on a tee. For safety reason, the training golf ball apparatus changes aerodynamic properties once leaving the golf tee, and behaves as a lightweight, high aerodynamic drag object once airborne.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus that may be used to simulate certain aspects of the game of golf in a space-restricted environment. More particularly, it relates to those apparatus, for simulating the driving or chipping of a golf ball using a conventional swing of a golf club, without endangering persons or property in a reduced space environment.
2. Prior Art
Generally, there have been a variety of approaches to making games that use projectiles safer. In golf, there are many accomplished models that address the purpose of putting, but to date, other than the apparatus described in my above-mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/946,977, there is no single device that can simulate, with great accuracy, the sound, feel and sight of being on a driving range. There are significant dangers and associated short falls of using a standard golf ball in a home setting. Space and safety are often the hindering factors that limit the practice of golf in a home or park environment. What is needed is an invention that utilizes a fraction of the space require for a driving range, but give real time analysis of playing on a course; without compromising the sight, sound, and feel of the sport.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


The invention is directed to the combination of orthopedic back support and physical exercise devices that provide comfort, support and stabilization of the spinal system. More particularly, it contributes to means for developing the musculature of the lower back, spinal cord and upper body by application of axial tensioning to unload compressive forces on the spine, thus allowing improved circulation to the discs and stimulation of the muscles. As a preventive exercise it helps avoid back problems, but when pain occurs, the invention helps relieve pain, improve comfort and provides rehabilitation of the back to a healthier state under self administration.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to the combination of orthopedic back support and physical exercise devices that provide comfort, support and stabilization of the spinal system. More particularly, it contributes to means for developing the musculature of the lower back, spinal cord and upper body by application of axial tensioning to unload compressive forces on the spine, thus allowing improved circulation to the discs and stimulation of the muscles. As a preventive exercise it helps avoid back problems, but when pain occurs, the invention helps relieve pain, improve comfort and provides rehabilitation of the back to a healthier state under self administration.
Health statistics reveal that lower back pain is a very common and costly occurrence associated with a traumatic event, chronic occurrence, congenital or normal ageing process. Statistics reveal that there is an 80 percent probability that a person will have back problems during one's lifetime. In addition, back treatment is a $50 billion industry with a probable growth of 30 percent over the next twenty years. Despite the pervasiveness of the problem, at this time, a satisfactory solution is problematic due to the difficulty of analysis and uncertainty of results from various approaches for treatment. These treatments comprise home remedies, over-the-counter and prescription pain management, exercises, or stabilization of the lower back through the use of an orthotic back brace, or specialized orthotics, apparatus, or work methods to alter the way one works, walks, sits, or exercises in pursuit of pain relief and rehabilitation of the back. Surgical options are invasive and are reserved for the worst back injuries with results often far less than expectations.
2. Description of Related Art
Most devices in the field for lower back support rely on a circumferential belt used to contain a reservoir of body mass to constrain the movement of the spine. Such approaches have minimal effect in reducing the forces and compressive stresses on the discs between the vertebrae.
Prior art reflects various approaches for back support devises that consist principally of belt strapping systems that support pads, splines and methods of applying pressure to lumbar sections of the spinal musculature. In addition, they provide various means of girth adjustment, belt connections, or special functions. None reflect a trapeze approach for transferring forces to the pelvic musculature.
Partial relief can be obtained by an inversion table, but warnings for such treatment provide notice of the possibility of strokes.
More extensive relief can be obtained by professional traction tables, however, these subject the patient to compression of the lungs.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,085 to Leighton, ("Leighton"), and U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,558 B to Weaver, II et. al., ("Weaver"), reflect that improvements are still needed that balance both the support provided by the back brace with the comfort of wearing the brace. Neither provides the reduction of forces and stresses on the vertebra cells and cartilage nor the rehabilitative effect of physical exercise by axial tensioning of the spinal column.
Leighton discloses a lower back support with an elastic belt with lumbar pads pressured again the back when the overlapping pressure strap is tightened around the waist.
Weaver discloses a similar approach to improve a firmer support with improved comfort.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 435611 to Hines reveals adaptation of a belt strap for use in aerobic exercises.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,961 to Iwata features adaptation of vertical support bones for firmer support and stability.
DJO Global supplies Chattanooga traction tables that provide decompression of the back under professional treatment by separating tables that hold a patient in place by strapping belts.
An advertisement in Skymall magazine features a floor bench which by use of underarm supports and a lever that slides a tubular extension holding the feet stretches the back. Similar models are produced by Stamina Products.
The above references reflect the wide range of approaches that seek to provide relief of pain, comfort, stability and exercise for the back. None of these combine features that are integral in the current invention.
Most importantly, these noted inventions provide no personal, portable, and reasonably priced means or methods for axial tensioning of the spine to unload compressive forces. In addition to comfort and support features, the device of this patent application stimulates circulation and restores health to the back through exercise routines made possible by the apparatus.

Apparatus for sacro-lumbar back support, reduction of load on vertebrae discs and stimulation of circulation and muscles through axial tensioning exercises


A collapsible feeder, relating to a pet feeder, includes a top cover, a collapsible barrel body, a discharge port, a base and a food basin. The food basin is disposed at one end of the base, and the collapsible barrel body is disposed at the other end of the base. The top cover is disposed at the top of the collapsible barrel body. A bottom of the collapsible barrel body is higher than a rim of the food basin, and the discharge port forms an angle of 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal line of a bottom of the food basin.

Since the reform and opening of China, the national economy has grown rapidly; "innovation in science and technology, autonomous innovation" has now become the mainstream in industrial development within China, and Chinese industry is gradually developing in the direction of intensive industry, energy conservation, emissions reduction, and low carbon. As society develops, people enjoy material living but at the same time are in eternal pursuit of a spiritual life, and an ever greater number of people enjoy keeping pets of all types. Pets must eat and drink fixed amounts at the right times; this helps to train a pet so that it develops good eating and drinking habits, while also playing a definite role in the cleanliness and sanitation of the owner's indoor environment. However, if the owner goes away on a business trip or is not at home for a few days, there will be nobody to feed the pet on time, causing the owner who feeds the pet a certain amount of worry. There is currently a huge variety of feeders for pets on the market, the majority being automatic feeders, which have a relatively large volume, take up space, are inconvenient to store, carry and transport, and have a relatively high price; people wish there could be a feeder product of simple design and high quality at a reasonable price. In order to solve this problem, scientific and technological personnel in scientific research organizations and enterprises have been engaged in continuous research and exploration, making use of modern science and technology, and although some progress has been made in terms of technology, practical application still presents a technical stumbling block which is yet to be overcome.

Collapsible pet food and water dispenser

Jiangsu Zhongheng Pet Supplies Co., Ltd.


An error decoding system that comprises a first Reed-Solomon (RS) decoder that receives an encoded codeword and generates a decoded codeword. An inner code (IC) decoder checks the decoded codeword for uncorrected errors. A decoding control module communicates with the first RS decoder and the IC decoder, iteratively modifies a parameter of the first RS decoder if the IC decoder detects uncorrected errors in the decoded codeword, and instructs the first RS decoder to decode the encoded codeword again after modifying the parameter.

Many communications systems perform forward error correction (FEC) to improve data transmission accuracy and ensure data integrity. FEC helps reduce bit error rates (BER) in applications such as data storage, digital video broadcasts, and wireless communications. Reed-Solomon (RS) error-correcting codes are commonly used for FEC.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a first device 10-1 communicates with a second device 10-2 over a communications channel 12. The communications channel 12 may be, for example, an Ethernet network, a wireless local area network, a bus for a hard drive, etc. The communications channel 12 may represent a storage media (such as a hard drive), in which case there would be no second device 10-2. Instead, the communications channel would store data from the first device 10-1 (e.g., the read/write head and channel of a hard drive) and later provide the data to the first device 10-1. Or, in the case of a compact disc, the first device 10-1 (the CD recording device) would not need a RS decoder 18-1 and the second device 10-2 (a CD player) would not need a RS decoder 18-2.
The first device 10-1 includes components 14-1 that output signals to a Reed-Solomon (RS) encoder 16-1 and that receive signals from a RS decoder 18-1. Likewise, the second device 10-2 includes components 14-2 that output signals to a RS encoder 16-2 and that receive signals from a RS decoder 18-2. The components 14-1 of the first device 10-1 may be similar to or different than the components 14-2 of the second device 10-2. The RS encoders 16 encode data before the encoded data is output onto the communications channel 12. The encoding process adds redundant information to the data stream that allows the RS decoders 18 to possibly detect and correct errors in the received data.
Reed-Solomon error correction is a block coding scheme. This means that data symbols are encoded as a group. A symbol is often represented as a group of bits (e.g., a ten-bit symbol). The code dimension, k, is the number of data symbols encoded together. After encoding, the resultant block (known as a codeword) contains a greater number, n, of symbols, where n is termed the block length. The (n−k) additional symbols, known as ECC check symbols, allow a Reed-Solomon decoder to detect and correct errors in a transmission. With (n−k) set equal to 2t, the Reed-Solomon code can correct up to t random errors. The code has a minimum Hamming distance dmin=2t+1, which means that Reed-Solomon codes are maximum distance separable (MDS). If Ne is the number of random errors, a 2t Reed-Solomon code can correct all errors provided that Ne≦t. These errors are random in that neither their location within the codeword nor their magnitude is known.
If the location of an error is known, the error is termed an erasure. Error locations may be identified when certain properties of the communications channel indicate that a particular symbol was not transmitted successfully. A standard Reed-Solomon code can correct up to 2t erasures. The ability to correct twice as many erasures as errors can be understood as follows: while both location and magnitude must be determined for each random error, half of such information is already known for an erasure. A combination of errors and erasures can be corrected if the following inequality holds: Na+2Ne≦2t, where Na is the number of erasures.
Alternately, a burst of errors can be corrected, provided that the total length of the burst is less than 2t. This burst of errors is not simply a set of erasures, because the location of the error burst within the codeword is unknown. All that is known is that the errors are contiguous. An algorithm to recover this burst of errors is described in J. Chen & P. Owsley, "A Burst-Error-Correction Algorithm for Reed-Solomon Codes," IEEE Trans. on Information Theory, Vol. 38, No. 6, November 1992. This algorithm fails, however, if the transmission contains one or more random errors that are not contiguous with the burst of errors.
For a mathematical foundation, Reed-Solomon codes operate over a finite field GF(2m). GF(q) is a Galois field with q elements, and each of the q elements can be represented by m bits. If n<2m−1 and n is not a factor of 2m−1, shortened RS codes can be used. A codeword vector of length n over GF(q) can be defined as c=(c0, c1, . . . , cn−1) where n=q−1. The codeword c can be represented as a polynomial
      c              (      x      )        =            ∑              i        =        0                    n        -        1                                                  c        i                                    x          i                .            Every codeword c is a multiple of a generator polynomial g(x), whereg(x)=(x−αm0)(x−αm0+1) . . . (x−αm0+2t−1).
The Fourier transform of the vector c is represented as C=(C0, C1, . . . , Cn−1), where
            C      j        =                  ∑                  i          =          0                          n          -          1                                                                      c          i                                  α          ij                      ,      j    =    0    ,  1  ,  …            ,      n    -    1  and α is a primitive element of GF(q). A t-error-correcting RS code is the collection of all vectors c with a Fourier transform satisfying Cm0=Cm0+1= . . . =Cm0+2t−1=0 for some integer m0. The Fourier transform C of c(x) has the same form as a polynomial evaluation of c(x) at x=α0, α1, . . . , αn−1. In other words, the Fourier transform coefficients are Cj=c(αj). A t-error-correcting RS code can also be described as the collection of all vectors c such that c(αm0)=c(αm0+1)= . . . =c(αm030 2t−1)=0.
An n-symbol codeword c from an RS encoder is transmitted over a communications channel, which may inject errors. A RS decoder receives an n-symbol vector v from the communications channel. The received vector, v, can be represented as v=c+e, where c is the transmitted codeword and e=(e0, e1, . . . , en−1) is the error vector induced by the channel. Each element ei is nonzero only when there is an error at the ith position.
When v is received, the transmitted codeword c and the error vector e are not known. It is known, however, that the Fourier transform of c satisfies Cm0= . . . =Cm0+2t−1=0. Because the Fourier transform is a linear transformation,Vi=Ci+Ei for i=0,1, . . . , n−1,where V and E are the Fourier transforms of the vectors v and e, respectively. Because codewords are defined such that Ci=0 for i=m0, m0+1, . . . , m0+2t−1, it follows that:Ei=Vi for i=m0,m0+1, . . . , m0+2t−1.Ei can therefore be computed from the received vector for i=m0, . . . , m0+2t−1. These Ei are denoted as Si=Ei+m0 for i=0, . . . , 2t−1, and are called syndromes.
The RS decoder next computes the error vector e from the 2t syndromes, a task which can be divided into two parts. First, the error locations are found. In other words, the decoder finds all i such that ei≠0. Second, the error values ei are determined for each of the error locations. Once e is known, the transmitted codeword c can be recovered by subtracting e from v. A fuller discussion of these steps is presented in R. E. Blahut, "Theory and Practice of Error Control Codes," Addison-Wesley 1983, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a flow chart presents steps performed by a Reed-Solomon decoder according to the prior art are shown generally at 20. Control begins in step 22 where the RS decoder computes the syndromes. In step 24 the RS decoder computes an error locator polynomial. The error locator polynomial can be computed using a variety of suitable algorithms, including the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm (BMA), inversionless BMA (iBMA), and the Euclidean algorithm. iBMA is disclosed in "Efficient High-Speed Reed-Solomon Decoder," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/305,091, filed Nov. 26, 2002, and "Error Evaluator For Inversionless Berlekamp-Massey Algorithm In Reed-Solomon Decoders," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/292,181, filed Nov. 12, 2002, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In step 26 the RS decoder calculates an error evaluator polynomial, often based on the syndromes and the error locator polynomial. This is traditionally given by Γ(x)=S(x)Λ(x) mod x2t, where
      S              (      x      )        =            ∑              i        =        0                              2                    t                -        1                                                  S        i                          x        i            is the syndrome polynomial. In step 28 the RS decoder determines error locations by finding the zeroes of the error locator polynomial. This can be accomplished by, for example, Chien's search algorithm, which is disclosed in R. T. Chien, "Cyclic Decoding Procedure for the Bose-Chandhuri-Hocquenghem Codes," I.E.E.E. Trans. on Information Theory, Vol. IT-10, pp. 357-63, October 1964, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In step 30, the RS decoder calculates error values. Forney's algorithm is often used to find the error values, and is disclosed in G. D. Forney, "On Decoding BCH Codes," I.E.E.E. Trans. on Information Theory, Vol. IT-11, pp. 549-57, October 1965, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The steps 20 may be arranged in a pipelined structure.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a Reed-Solomon decoder 32 typically includes a syndrome calculator 34 and an error locator polynomial generator 36. The RS decoder 32 also includes an error evaluator polynomial generator 38, an error location finder 40, and an error value finder 42. Control modules 44 and storage devices 46 may also be used to control decoding and to store data values for use by the RS decoder 32. As can be appreciated, some of the components of the RS decoder 32 may share multipliers and/or other elements to reduce cost.
The RS decoder computes the error locator polynomial, which is defined as a polynomial
      Λ              (      x      )        =            ∑              i        =        0            L                          Λ        i                          x        i            satisfying the following conditions:Λ(0)=1; Λ(α−i)=0 if and only if ei≠0.Error locations are obtained by finding the zeros of Λ(x). The Berlekamp-Massey Algorithm (BMA) iteratively computes the error locator polynomial Λ(x). If the number of errors is less than or equal to t, the error locator polynomial is the polynomial of lowest degree that produces the syndrome sequence S0, S1, . . . , S2t−1. If the number of errors is greater than t, the BMA still generates the polynomial of lowest degree that produces the syndrome sequence. However, this polynomial is usually not a locator polynomial, and the decoding algorithm fails.
Referring now to FIG. 4, steps taken by an exemplary BMA implementation are depicted. The syndrome sequence S0, S1, . . . , S2t−1 and the number t are received as inputs. Control begins in step 100 where variables are initialized (Λ(x)=1, B(x)=1, r=0, L=0). In one embodiment, if erasure positions are known, Λ(x) and B(x) may be initialized to the erasure locator polynomial having zeroes at the known erasure locations. Further, L and r may be initialized to the number of erasures. In step 104, if r equals two times t, control transfers to step 108 and ends. Otherwise, control transfers to step 110 where the discrepancy
  Δ  =            ∑              i        =        0            L                                            Λ        i                          S                  r          -          i                    is computed.
If Δ≠0 and 2L≦r in step 112, control transfers to step 114; otherwise control transfers to step 116. In step 114 B(x) is set to Δ−1Λ(x) and Λ(x) is simultaneously set to Λ(x)−ΔxB(x). L is updated to r+1−L, and control continues with step 118. In step 116 B(x) is set to xB(x), Λ(x) is simultaneously set to Λ(x)−ΔxB(x), and control continues with step 120. In step 118 r is set to r+1 and control returns to step 104.


A linkage assembly that includes a pivot pin cartridge disposed to connect pivotably a lift arm and a lever of the linkage assembly along an axis including the cartridge. The pivot pin cartridge includes a pin, at least one bushing pivotably disposed about at least a portion of the pin, and a pair of sleeve bearing inserts free-floatingly positioned about the pin and within at least a portion of the bushing. The rear tilt lever is coupled to the bushing for rotation about the pin, while at least one of a pair of side plates of the lift arm is coupled to the pivot pin.

Machines, such as wheel loaders, typically include a linkage assembly which mechanically connects an implement (e.g., a bucket) to a frame of the machine. Linkage assemblies, such as so-called "eight-bar linkages," will typically include a lift arm having one end connected to the frame and the opposite end coupled to the implement. Generally, the linkage assembly also includes a number of mechanical links and/or levers and hydraulic actuators coupled to the frame and the lift an such that the lift an and the implement can be moved relative to the frame.
During operation of the machine, the linkage assembly is subjected to various loads and forces, some of which may be severe. Therefore, it is critical that each component thereof has sufficient structure and connection to one another to provide the strength necessary to withstand these loads and forces. Linkage assemblies have traditionally been constructed to be relatively large and bulky in order to accommodate such loads and forces.
Lift arms of an eight-bar linkage assembly in such machines are generally of a so-called "box-boom" construction or a plate construction. Box-boom lift arms are formed of a plurality of metal plates disposed in a box arrangement with a generally rectangularly shaped traverse cross-section and a generally hollow interior. The arrangement of U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,459 to Ginn et al., which is assigned to the assignee of this disclosure, includes such a boom lift arm. A box-boom lift arm typically includes one or more openings to accommodate other components, such as links, levers, or hydraulic actuators, extending through the upper or lower plates of the box-boom. The arrangement of the '459 patent includes a rear tilt lever that extends through an opening in the box boom lift arm. The rear tilt lever is pivotably coupled to the boom lift arm such that the opposite ends of the rear tilt lever pivot about the pivot axis on the boom lift arm. One end of the rear tilt lever is coupled to the machine frame by a rear tilt link, and the other end of the rear tilt lever is coupled to a tilt actuator, which is further coupled to the implement by way of a front tilt lever. Actuation of the tilt actuator causes the tilting of the implement in either direction.
In contrast, a lift arm of a plate construction includes a pair of side plates that are secured together by stabilizing front and/or rear cross-members. Eight-bar linkages including lift arms of a plate construction typically include two complete sets of tilt components, that is, two rear tilt levers, two rear tilt links, two tilt actuators, and two front tilt levers. The separate sets of tilt components have the same general relationship to one another as those described with regard to the box boom arrangement above, but one set of tilt components is coupled to one of the side plates of the lift arm, while the other set of tilt components is coupled to the other of the side plates of the lift arm. In other words, the rear tilt levers are coupled at the first ends to the frame by respective rear tilt links. The opposite ends of the rear tilt levers are coupled to respective tilt actuators, which are in turn coupled to the implement, generally through respective front tilt levers. The intermediate portions of the rear tilt levers are pivotably coupled to the respective plates of the lift arm.
An operator, typically located in a cab on the machine, causes the linkage assembly to move through a range of motion to place the implement in desired positions. Unfortunately, the components of the linkage assembly tend to obstruct the view of an operator running the machine. A "box-boom" lift arm essentially blocks the view of at least the area opposite the boom from the operator inasmuch as it presents a moving, elongated box. While a boom having a plate construction may provide a somewhat enhanced view over a boom having a box construction, the stabilizing front and/or rear cross-members of a plate construction boom are themselves quite bulky and obtrusive in order to accommodate the forces and loads. Moreover, the pairs of rear tilt levers, tilt actuators, rear tilt links, and front tilt levers generally utilized with a lift arm of a plate construction likewise obscure the areas in front of and to the side of the plates of the lift arm. As a result, the components of linkage assemblies including a plate-construction lift arm likewise typically obstruct the view of the operator through and around the linkage assembly. Obstructions in an operator's view of the area in front of and to either side of the implement and around the linkage assembly can not only inhibit efficient and effective operation of the machine, but can also present safety concerns, particularly where the arrangement may present relatively large blind spots to the operator.
It is therefore desirable to provide a linkage assembly that provides an operator with an enhanced view of the area around and in front of an associated machine, while exhibiting the structural integrity necessary to withstand the loads and forces associated with use of such a machine. The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.


There is provided a storage apparatus for providing an effective memory addressing method. The storage apparatus includes at least one memory and at least one controller coupled to the at least one memory to provide address information. Each of the controllers includes a first controller for providing on/off information of subfields included in one frame for driving pixels in a display panel, a third controller for horizontal position information corresponding to a selected scan line from scan lines of a display panel, and a second controller for providing vertical position information corresponding to a pixel on the selected scan line. On/off information of subfields for at least two pixels is stored in a cell located at the vertical position and the horizontal position in the at least one memory.

1. Field
Embodiments relate to a storage apparatus and a method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to a storage apparatus for providing an effective memory addressing method and a method of controlling the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Among flat panel displays (FPD), an organic light emitting display displays an image using organic light emitting diodes (OLED) that generate light by recombination of electrons and holes. The organic light emitting display has high response speed and is driven with low power consumption.
In general, the FPDs are driven by an analog method or a digital method. In the analog driving method, gray levels are realized by a voltage difference. In the digital driving method, gray levels are realized by a time difference.
In the analog driving method, different voltages are applied to pixels to realize the gray levels. In the analog driving method, data including gray level information is stored in a cell of a memory to correspond to the pixels.
In the digital driving method, the emission and non-emission, i.e., the display period of each of the pixels, is controlled to realize the gray levels. In the digital driving method, data including on/off information of the pixels is stored in the cell of the memory.

Storage apparatus and method for effectively addressing display memory


Para-alkyl, aryl, cycloheteroalkyl or heteroaryl [carbonyl or sulfonyl] amino substituted phenyl amides active as glucokinase activators to increase insulin secretion which makes them useful for treating type II diabetes.

Glucokinase (GK) is one of four hexokinases found in mammals [Colowick, S. P., in The Enzymes, Vol. 9 (P. Boyer, ed.) Academic Press, New York, N.Y., pages 1-48, 1973]. The hexokinases catalyze the first step in the metabolism of glucose, i.e., the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate. Glucokinase has a limited cellular distribution, being found principally in pancreatic xcex2-cells and liver parenchymal cells. In addition, GK is a rate-controlling enzyme for glucose metabolism in these two cell types that are known to play critical roles in whole-body glucose homeostasis [Chipkin, S. R., Kelly, K. L., and Ruderman, N. B. in Joslin""s Diabetes (C. R. Khan and G. C. Wier, eds.), Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, Pa., pages 97-115, 1994]. The concentration of glucose at which GK demonstrates half-maximal activity is approximately 8 mM. The other three hexokinases are saturated with glucose at much lower concentrations ( less than 1 mM). Therefore, the flux of glucose through the GK pathway rises as the concentration of glucose in the blood increases from fasting (5 mM) to postprandial (≈10-15 mM) levels following a carbohydrate-containing meal [Printz, R. G., Magnuson, M. A., and Granner, D. K. in Ann. Rev. Nutrition Vol. 13 (R. E. Olson, D. M. Bier, and D. B. McCormick, eds.), Annual Review, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif., pages 463-496, 1993]. These findings contributed over a decade ago to the hypothesis that GK functions as a glucose sensor in xcex2-cells and hepatocytes (Meglasson, M. D. and Matschinsky, F. M. Amer. J. Physiol. 246, E1-E13, 1984). In recent years, studies in transgenic animals have confirmed that GK does indeed play a critical role in whole-body glucose homeostasis. Animals that do not express GK die within days of birth with severe diabetes while animals overexpressing GK have improved glucose tolerance (Grupe, A., Hultgren, B., Ryan, A. et al., Cell 83, 69-78, 1995; Ferrie, T., Riu, E., Bosch, F. et al., FASEB J., 10, 1213-1218, 1996). An increase in glucose exposure is coupled through GK in xcex2-cells to increased insulin secretion and in hepatocytes to increased glycogen deposition and perhaps decreased glucose production.
The finding that type II maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY-2) is caused by loss of function mutations in the GK gene suggests that GK also functions as a glucose sensor in humans (Liang, Y., Kesavan, P., Wang, L. et al., Biochem. J. 309, 167-173, 1995). Additional evidence supporting an important role for GK in be the regulation of glucose metabolism in humans was provided by the identification of patients that express a mutant form of GK with increased enzymatic activity. These patients exhibit a fasting hypoglycemia associated with an inappropriately elevated level of plasma insulin (Glaser, B., Kesavan, P., Heyman, M. et al., New England J. Med. 338, 226-230, 1998). While mutations of the GK gene are not found in the majority of patients with type II diabetes, compounds that activate GK and, thereby, increase the sensitivity of the GK sensor system will still be useful in the treatment of the hyperglycemia characteristic of all type II diabetes. Glucokinase activators will increase the flux of glucose metabolism in xcex2-cells and hepatocytes, which will be coupled to increased insulin secretion. Such agents would be useful for treating type II diabetes.
This invention provides an amide selected from the group consisting of a compound of the formula:
wherein X is
R is perfluoro-lower alkyl, lower alkyl,
xe2x80x83lower alkoxycarbonyl, a heteroaromatic ring, connected by a ring carbon atom, containing from 5 to 6 ring members with from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen, unsubstituted aryl containing 6 or 10 ring carbon atoms, a nitro or a lower alkyl substituted aryl, which aryl contains 6 or 10 ring carbon atoms, a saturated 5- to 6-membered cycloheteroalkyl ring, connected by a ring carbon atom, containing 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen, or a cycloalkyl ring having 5 or 6 carbon atoms; R1 is a cycloalkyl having 5 or 6 carbon atoms; R2 is a five- or six-membered heteroaromatic ring connected by a ring carbon atom to the amide group in the remainder of the compound, which heteroaromatic ring contains from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen with a first heteroatom being nitrogen adjacent to the connecting ring carbon atom, said heteroaromatic ring being unsubstituted or monosubstituted at a position on a ring carbon atom other than adjacent to said connecting carbon atom with a substituent selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, or
n and y independently are an integer of from 1 to 4, R4, R5 and R7 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl, and * denotes the asymmetric carbon atom and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The compounds of formula I are glucokinase activators useful for increasing insulin secretion in the treatment of type II diabetes.
The compounds of formula I have the following embodiments
wherein R, R1, R2, * and y are as above;
In the compound of formulae I, IA and IB, the xe2x80x9c*xe2x80x9d designates that the asymmetric carbon atom in the compounds with the R optical configuration being preferred. The compounds of formula I may be present in the R or as a racemic or other mixtures of compounds having the R and S optical configuration at the asymmetric carbon shown. The pure R enantiomers are preferred.
As used throughout this application, the term xe2x80x9clower alkylxe2x80x9d includes both straight chain and branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, preferably methyl and ethyl. As used herein, the term xe2x80x9chalogen or haloxe2x80x9d unless otherwise stated, designates all four halogens, i.e. fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.
As used herein, perfluoro-lower alkyl means any lower alkyl group wherein all of the hydrogens of the lower alkyl group are substituted or replaced by fluoro. Among the preferred perfluoro-lower alkyl groups are trifluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, etc.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9carylxe2x80x9d signifies xe2x80x9cpolynuclearxe2x80x9d and mononuclear unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon groups such as phenyl, naphthy containing either 6 or 10 carbon atoms which aryl groups in the compounds of formulae I, IA and IB are either phenyl and naphthyl. The aryl substituent can be unsubstituted or substituted, preferably monosubstituted with a nitro or lower alkyl substituted.
R can be any five- or six-membered saturated cycloheteroalkyl ring containing from 1 to 2 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of sulfur, oxygen or nitrogen. Any such five- or six-membered saturated heterocyclic ring can be used in accordance with this invention. Among the preferred rings are morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, etc. When R is a saturated cyclic heteroacetyl ring, it is connected to the remainder of the molecule of formula I through a ring carbon atom.
The heteroaromatic ring defined by R and R2 can be five- or six-membered heteroaromatic ring having from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur which is connected by a ring carbon to the remainder of the molecule as shown. The heteroaromatic ring defined by R2 contains a first nitrogen heteroatom adjacent to the connecting ring carbon atom and if present, the other heteroatoms can be oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen. Among the preferred heteroaromatic rings include pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl and thiazolyl. These heteroaromatic rings which constitute R are connected via a ring carbon atom to the amide group to form the amides of formula I. The ring carbon atom of the heteroaromatic ring which is connected to the amide to form the compound of formula I does not contain any substituent. When R2 is an unsubstituted or mono-substituted five- or six-membered heteroaromatic ring, the rings contain a nitrogen heteroatom adjacent to the connecting ring carbon.
The term xe2x80x9cpharmaceutically acceptable saltsxe2x80x9d as used herein include any salt with both inorganic or organic pharmaceutically acceptable acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, methanesulfonic acid, para-toluene sulfonic acid and the like. The term xe2x80x9cpharmaceutically acceptable saltsxe2x80x9d also includes any pharmaceutically acceptable base salt such as amine salts, trialkyl amine salts and the like. Such salts can be formed quite readily by those skilled in the art using standard techniques.
During the course of the reaction the various functional groups such as the free carboxylic acid will be protected via conventional hydrolyzable ester protecting groups. As used herein, the term xe2x80x9chydrolyzable esterxe2x80x9d designates any ester conventionally used for protecting carboxylic acids which can be hydrolyzed to yield the respective carboxyl group. Exemplary ester groups useful for those purposes are those in which the acyl moieties are derived from a lower alkanoic, aryl lower alkanoic, or lower alkane dicarboxylic acid. Among the activated acids which can be utilized to form such groups are acid anhydrides, acid halides, preferably acid chlorides or acid bromides derived from aryl or lower alkanoic acids. Example of anhydrides are anhydrides derived from monocarboxylic acid such as acetic anhydride, benzoic acid anhydride, and lower alkane dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, e.g. succinic anhydride as well as chloro formates e.g. trichloro, ethylchloro formate being preferred.
Among the embodiments of the amides of formula I-A are those compounds where R1 is cyclopentyl compounds of formula I-A1. The embodiments of the compounds of formula I-A1 are those compounds where R2 is a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring, preferably thiazolyl. Among the embodiment of compounds of formula I-A1 are those compounds where R2 is a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring are those compounds where R is:
aryl, preferably phenyl;
aryl substituted with a nitro group, preferably nitro substituted phenyl;
heteroaromatic ring such as pyrimidinyl, thiazolyl and pyridinyl; or
lower alkoxy carbonyl.
Among other embodiments of the compounds of formula I-A1 are those compounds where R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted 6-membered heteroaromatic ring such as pyridinyl. Among the embodiments of compounds of formula I-A1 where R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted 6-membered heteroaromatic ring are those compounds where:
R is an unsubstituted aryl or a heteroaromatic ring, particularly pyridinyl;
R is lower alkoxy carbonyl; or
R is perfluoro-lower alkyl.
Among the embodiments of the compounds of formula I-B are those compounds wherein R1 is cyclopentyl [compounds of formula I-B1]. Among the embodiments of compounds of formula I-B1 are those compounds where R2 is a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring, preferably unsubstituted or substituted thiazolyl, with preferred embodiments being those compounds where R is a
nitro substituted aryl such as nitro substituted phenyl;
aryl such as phenyl;
lower alkyl;
perfluoro-lower alkyl; or
e)
where R4 and R5 are as above.
The compounds of formula I which are the compounds of formulae I-A and I-B are both prepared from the compound of the formula:
where R3 taken together with its attached oxygen atom forms a hydrolyzable ester protecting group.
In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, the compound of formula II is converted to the compound of formula I-A via the following reaction scheme:
wherein R, R1, R2 and y are as above and R3 taken together with its attached oxygen atom forms a hydrolyzable ester protecting group.
In the first step of this reaction, the compound of formula II is alkylated with the compound of formula IV to form the compound of formula V. Any conventional method of alkylating the alpha carbon atom of an organic acid ester with an alkyl bromide or iodide can be utilized to effect this conversion to produce the compound of formula V. In the next step of this reaction, the compound of formula V is hydrolyzed so as to remove the ester protecting group R3. Any conventional method of ester hydrolysis can be utilized. Among the preferred methods is by treating the compound of formula V with lithium hydroxide in a mixed solvent of water and tetrahydrofuran. On the other hand, sodium hydroxide in methanol or other lower alkanols can be utilized to effect this hydrolysis. The compound of formula VI is converted to the compound of formula VII by reducing the nitro group to an amine group. Any conventional method of reducing a nitro to an amine group can be utilized in carrying out this reaction. Preferably, this reduction can be carried out by treating the compound of formula VI with hydrogen in the presence of a palladium on a carbon catalyst. Any of the conventional conditions for hydrogenation can be utilized in effecting this reduction. Hydrogenation in the presence of a palladium on carbon catalyst will not effect the carboxylic acid group on the compound of formula VI. The compound of formula VII is then converted to the compound of formula VIII by reacting the compound of formula VII with the compound of formula IX to acylate the free amino group. The compound of formula IX is an acid chloride and any conventional method of reacting an acid chloride with a primary amine can be utilized to effect this reaction. The compound of formula VIII is converted to the compound of formula I-A via reaction with the primary amine of formula X. Any conventional method of coupling a carboxylic acid such as the compound of formula VIII with a primary amine such as the compound of formula X produce an amide, i.e., the compound of formula I-A can be utilized to affect this coupling reaction.
The compound of formula I-B can be produced from the compound of formula VI above via the following reaction scheme:
wherein R, R1, R2 and y are as above.
With respect to producing the sulfonamides, the compound of formula VI, as prepared by the aforementioned method, is utilized as a starting material. In this procedure, the compound of formula VI is reacted with the compound of formula X to produce the compound of formula XI. This reaction is carried out in the same manner as set forth with respect to the conversion of the compound of formula VIII to the compound of the formula I-A utilizing any conventional means of amide coupling. In the next step, the compound of formula XI is reduced via a hydrogenation in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst such as palladium on carbon. This reaction is carried out in the same manner as previously described in connection with the hydrogenation of the compound of formula VI to the compound of formula VII. The compound of formula XII is then reacted with the compound of formula XV to produce the compound of formula I-B. This reaction is carried out by coupling the amino group of the compound of formula XII with the sulfonyl chloride of formula XV to produce the sulfonamides of formula I-B. In carrying out this coupling reaction of a sulfonyl chloride with an amine, any conventional method for forming sulfonamides from sulfonyl chlorides and amines can be utilized. In this manner, the compound of formula I-B is produced.
If it is desired to produce the R enantiomer of the compound of formula I free of the other enantiomer, the compound of formula VI can be separated into this isomer from its racemate by any conventional chemical means. Among the preferred chemical means is to react the compound of formula VI with an optically active base. Any conventional optically active base can be utilized to carry out this resolution. Among the preferred optically active bases are the optically active amine bases such as alpha-methylbenzylamine, quinine, dehydroabietylamine and alpha-methylnaphthylamine. Any of the conventional techniques utilized in resolving organic acids with optically active organic amine bases can be utilized in carrying out this reaction.
In the resolution step, the compound of formula VI is reacted with the optically active base in an inert organic solvent medium to produce salts of the optically active amine with both the R and S isomers of the compound of formula VI. In the formation of these salts, temperatures and pressure are not critical and the salt formation can take place at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The R and S salts can be separated by any conventional method such as fractional crystallization. By means of measuring the optical rotation of the crystallized acid of formula VI, one can obtain the configuration of this crystalline material. If this crystallized acid has a negative rotation, then this crystallized acid has the R configuration. After crystallization, each of the salts can be converted to the respective compounds of formula VI in the R and S configuration by hydrolysis with an acid. Among the preferred acids are dilute aqueous acids, i.e., from about 0.001N to 2N aqueous acids, such as aqueous sulfuric or aqueous hydrochloric acid. The configuration of formula VI which is produced by this method of resolution is carried out throughout the entire reaction scheme to produce the desired R of formula I. The separation of R and S isomers can also be achieved using an enzymatic ester hydrolysis of any lower alkyl esters corresponding to the compound of the formula VI (see, for example, Ahmar, M.; Girard, C.; Bloch, R., Tetrahedron Lett, 1989, 7053), which results in the formation of corresponding chiral acid and chiral ester. The ester and the acid can be separated by any conventional method of separating an acid from an ester. The preferred method of resolution of racemates of the compounds of the formula VI is via the formation of corresponding diastereomeric esters or amides. These diastereomeric esters or amides can be prepared by coupling the carboxylic acids of the formula VI with a chiral alcohol, or a chiral amine. This reaction can be carried out using any conventional method of coupling a carboxylic acid with an alcohol or an amine. The corresponding diastereomers of compounds of the formula VI can then be separated using any conventional separation methods. The resulting pure diastereomeric esters or amides can then be hydrolyzed to yield the corresponding pure R and S isomers. The hydrolysis reaction can be carried out using any conventional method to hydrolyze an ester or an amide without racemization.
All of the compounds described in the Examples activated glucokinase in vitro in accordance with the assay described in Example A.

Para-amine substituted phenylamide glucokinase activators


A label printing device comprises a housing having a printer and a scanner disposed therein. The housing further includes a window permitting light to transmit therethrough to an optical sensing element of the scanner. The optical sensing element generates image data representative of a previously printed label brought into proximity with the window. A central processor controls the functions of the printer and the scanner. The central processor receives the image data generated by the optical sensing element and commands operation of the printer to print a label corresponding to the previously printed label.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical systems for reading one or two-dimensional bar code symbols, and more particularly, to a bar code label printer having an integrated optical scanner module that permits a desired bar code label to be scanned, identified and reproduced.
2. Description of Related Art
In the automated identification and data capture industry, it is known to use bar code symbology to encode alphanumeric information. A conventional bar code symbol represents a one-dimensional form of symbology, and comprises a pattern of vertical bars of various widths separated by spaces of various widths. Since the conventional one-dimensional symbols require a relatively large amount of space to convey a correspondingly small amount of data, two-dimensional bar code symbols have been developed. A two-dimensional symbol may comprise a matrix that occupies a uniform amount of space having a generally rectangular or square shape. Round or square dots disposed in particular rows and columns of the matrix correspond to the characters being conveyed. As a result, a two-dimensional matrix symbol can compress significantly more data into a given volume of space than a conventional one-dimensional bar code symbol. Examples of commercially available two-dimensional symbologies include Code One, Data Matrix and PDF417.
To read a bar code symbol, the bar code reader typically uses a light source, such as a laser, that is drawn across the bar code field. Since the black and white elements of the bar code symbol have different light reflecting characteristics, the reader can convert the symbol into an electrical signal by analyzing the light that has reflected from the symbol. The electrical signal can then be decoded to provide an alphanumeric representation of the symbol. Alternatively, the reader may include charge-coupled device (CCD) elements to form a memory-mapped image of a region of interest which includes an embedded one or two dimensional bar code symbol. The memory-mapped image may then be processed to locate, orient and decode the information that corresponds to the embedded bar code symbol.
In order for the bar code reader to accurately read the bar code symbol, it is essential that the symbol be printed in a high quality manner, without any streaking, blurring or improper registration to a label on which the symbol is printed. Since the bar code symbols are often printed on adhesive labels, it is essential that the adhesive backing layer of the labels not be damaged by heat generated during the printing process. In view of these demanding printing requirements, bar code symbols are often printed using direct thermal or thermal transfer printing techniques, referred to collectively herein as thermal printing.
The medical industry has made extensive use of automatic identification systems to improve the efficiency of medical care. Bar code labels are often used for tracking patient medical records in which a unique bar code symbol is used to identify each particular patient. To ensure correlation with the patient, all items pertaining to the patient, such as x-rays, test reports and specimens, may be affixed with a label bearing the patient's unique bar code symbol. It may be appreciated that this type of patient identification system increases the accuracy of medical care by preventing the patient's records from becoming mixed up, and enabling misplaced record items to be correlated to a particular patient's record.
Notwithstanding these advantages of automatic identification systems to the medical industry, they also present logistical problems to the medical support staff that must ensure that there is a ready supply of pre-printed labels having each patient's unique bar code symbol. For example, it often becomes necessary to reproduce (i.e., "clone") a bar code label that had been printed previously. Rather than using pre-printed labels, a medical office or facility may be provided with a thermal printer for printing additional bar code labels on demand. The thermal printer may be coupled to a computer, or a local area network (LAN) tying together several computers, that is accessible by an administrative member of the medical support staff to retrieve a patient's data record and instruct the printer to print a desired number of the labels. This can be a cumbersome and time consuming task that takes the medical support staff member away from the primary responsibility of providing medical care to the patients. Moreover, additional training is often required to teach the medical support staff to operate the computer system, which adds to the costs associated with operating such a system.
Thus, it would be very desirable to provide a fast and convenient system for operators of an automatic identification and data capture system to reproduce bar code labels on demand. It would be further desirable to provide a simple system that eliminates the need for cumbersome and time consuming interaction with computer systems to locate and retrieve stored data records, or extensive training to operate.

Label printer having integrated optical scanner module


A system for providing resistance in an exercise machine. The system includes a motor, at least one loop drive attached to the motor. A carriage is coupled to the loop drive. The carriage moves in a first direction when the motor is turned in a first direction and a second direction when the motor is turned in a second direction. At least one sensor is attached to the carriage, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect external force on the carriage. Information from the sensor indicates external force on the carriage. The information is used to determine a movement of the carriage in response to the external force. The motor is instructed to turn the loop drive to apply the movement.

Resistance training is a core element to strength and conditioning programs. Resistance training involves a person performing a movement, while one or more muscles are under a load. The load is generally referred to as resistance. Common exercises include squats, presses, pulls or rows, and curls. In addition, there are exercise methodologies, like Pilates, which utilize aspects of resistance training within a broader context of whole body fitness goals, such as improved flexibility, balance, and endurance. Regardless of the exercise, performing resistance training requires some way of providing a load as a person is performing a movement.
In a system like Pilates, a device referred to a "reformer" is used. A reformer is a device having one or more rails upon which a carriage moves. The carriage is attached to one or more springs that resist the movement of the carriage along the rails. Users position themselves in various ways on the carriage and move the carriage, thereby expanding, contracting, and stretching various muscles. The resistance can be changed by changing the spring that is used to resist the movement.
One problem associated with existing reformers it is not possible to change resistive loads during a movement. A user has to stop a movement and change the spring to increase or decrease the load. Also, since it is not possible to provide an infinite number of springs in a reformer, the reformer is limited in the number of options that it can provide for resistance. That is, the springs used in reformers provide discrete rather than continuous resistance amounts. Each spring represents a resistance amount, but the resistance amounts in between the values of each spring are not provided in existing reformers. Accordingly, what is needed, as set forth in the present disclosure, are systems and methods for providing resistance in exercise equipment through utilization of a loop drive mechanism.

Systems and methods for providing varying resistance in exercise equipment through loop drive mechanism


A bucket conveyor arrangement having a plurality of bucket conveyor lines (11) arranged alongside one another and having a charging device for charging bulk material onto the bucket conveyor lines (11), wherein a common drive shaft (13) for driving the bucket conveyor lines (11), having in each case a drive motor (17) that is attached to the associated end of the drive shaft (13) and acts on the drive shaft (13), is provided, is characterized in that at least three bucket conveyor lines (11) which are arranged alongside one another and can be coupled to and uncoupled from one or both drive motors (17) in each case individually and separately from one another are provided, wherein the bucket conveyor lines (11) are assigned a common charging device in the form of a bulk-material stream splitter (30) which has a receiving hopper (31) having a central charging point (32) for forming a natural bulk-material cone in the interior of the receiving hopper (31) and also outlets (35) arranged on the receiving hopper (31) on a position line that extends with a radius around the charging point (32) and is located within the natural bulk-material cone that is formed when the bulk-material stream splitter (30) is loaded with bulk material, wherein each outlet (35) is assigned to a bucket conveyor line (11) and can be opened and closed individually by an actuable closure member.

The invention relates to a bucket elevator arrangement with several adjacently arranged bucket elevator strands and with a feed device for feeding bulk material to the bucket elevator strands, wherein a common drive shaft with a respective driving motor that is attached to the associated end of the drive shaft and acts upon the drive shaft is provided for driving the bucket elevator strands.
A bucket elevator arrangement with the aforementioned characteristics is shown in the company prospectus "Bucket Elevators" of AUMUND Fördertechnik GmbH, Date of Print 2010, according to which two bucket elevator strands with buckets that are held on bucket elevator chains, preferably plate link chains, are arranged in a common housing. A drive shaft is arranged in the upper head of the double bucket elevator and set in rotation by two driving motors that are realized in the form of electric motors and arranged on both sides of the drive shaft, wherein driving wheels for respectively driving one bucket elevator strand are arranged on said drive shaft and connected thereto in a torque-proof fashion. The buckets with the assigned bucket elevator chains of each bucket elevator strand are respectively guided over a driving wheel that causes the buckets to circulate due to its rotational motion generated by the drive shaft.
Although this double bucket elevator already provides a significant conveying capacity, there is a constant demand for even higher conveying capacities in practical applications. In addition, the known bucket elevator arrangement has the disadvantage that its two bucket elevator strands respectively can only be operated jointly and uniformly such that a required standstill of one bucket elevator strand, in particular, for repair and/or maintenance purposes results in the loss of the entire conveying capacity of the double bucket elevator.

Bucket elevator arrangement with at least three separately operated bucket elevator strands


Methods, including service methods, articles of manufacture, systems, articles and programmable devices provide a policy engine framework. A consumer policy request for a web service is mediated through a functional web service or a policy web service. A single unified method call is made to policy adapters in response to the mediated customer request, each of the policy adapters in communication with a policy server. The policy adapters transform the single unified method call into formats acceptable by each associated policy servers and place the transformed requests to the associated servers. Results from the policy servers are formatted by policy adapters and a policy is selected from a policy registry repository as a function of the formatted results and returned to a requesting consumer.

It is known for organizations to use service-oriented architecture (SOA) methods, systems and governance models to develop and deploy shareable and reusable services. However, problems arise as deploying multiple shareable and reusable services across an SOA enterprise generally requires web services and service buses to access multiple policies across many policy servers and multiple policy repositories. Business and technology teams are thus required to manage and work with different policy servers for effective communication, which generally requires developers to create interfaces for each different policy server. Prior art architecture solutions and structures may not effectively promote SOA services reuse, may be hard to govern, and may not be scalable.

International Business Machines Corporation


A production host for hosting applications includes a persistent storage and a production agent. The persistent storage stores application data of the applications. The production agent obtains a backup analysis request for an application executing on the production host; in response to obtaining the backup analysis request: obtains an identity of the application; identifies backups in a backup storage, wherein the identified backups are associated with the identity of the application; performs a backup policy compliance analysis of the identified backups to generate a backup protection map for the application.

Computing devices such as, for example, laptop computers, personal computers, cell phones, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, or other physical computing devices may generate data. The computing devices may store generated data locally in a data storage device of the computing device. Because computing devices may fail, data stored locally in a computing device may be lost due to the failure. Similarly, stored data may be lost for other reasons such as, for example, corruption of the data, inadvertent deletion of the data by the user, or another cause.

System and method for device independent backup in distributed system


A cat trap and cage for capturing, transporting, and temporarily housing stray, unclaimed, or feral cats. The trap is an elongated, box-shaped enclosure having a trap door at one end and a guillotine type sliding door at the other end. The trap door is mounted on hinges attached to the top wall of the cage and actuated when the cat steps on a rectangularly shaped pedal in the floor of the enclosure, causing the trap door to rotate to a closed position in order to trap the cat inside the enclosure. The guillotine door is used to obtain normal access to the cat, and the trap may be locked end to end with a litter box having a similar guillotine door. The trap door includes a detachable xe2x80x9csqueezexe2x80x9d panel which may be used to urge the cat against the guillotine door at the other end of the enclosure.

The present invention relates generally to animal traps. More specifically, the invention is a combination trap and portable cage used to capture and transport feral cats or similar animals.
Numerous cage-like animal traps have been devised in an effort to control the populations of animals that have the potential of becoming a nuisance or sources for transmitting infectious disease. Most of the conventional traps or cages are constructed of iron rods arranged in a grid structure and having parallel pairs of nearly identical rectangular sides. Some have trap doors present at either end or both ends. These doors are usually mounted with side edge or top edge axles. Others use vertical translationally sliding doors alternately called xe2x80x9cguillotinexe2x80x9d doors. Central-split folding doors with a torsional spring providing tension about the axle along the center-split are also used. An animal trap which provides a dual function as a carriage and feeder with multiple access mechanisms as herein described is lacking in the following referenced patents.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,063, issued to Souza, et al., discloses a metal grid trap with folding doors in which each half is subjected to the torsional force of a spring directed toward straightening the door and closing the entrance. No top edge axle rotating door or vertical translationally sliding doors are used.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,703, issued to Volk, discloses a trap door that rotates on a horizontally oriented axle along the top edge of the entrance. A pair of vertical bars mounted on the right and left edges of the trap door are bound to the corresponding parts of a similar pair of vertical bars attached to the frame of the same door. This is done with a ring that encircles both left-hand bars and another encircling the two right-hand bars. When the door closes the rings fall so that the door can not be opened easily by raising the rings from within the cage. When the trip pedal is moved a rod pulls the door enough to start its fall, but gravity is primarily responsible for closing the door. It is assumed that the acceleration of gravity will produce a sufficient velocity to close the cage in time to prevent a last split-second escape.
U.S. Pat No. 4,912,872 issued to Wynn, et al., discloses a wire mesh cage and a trap door that latches shut upon closure. The same concerns mentioned above apply here. A small animal carrier cage is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,270, issued to Simon et al., which discloses a dual compartmented enclosure. One compartment is a closed-walled room with a litter box serving as the floor. The other compartment is partly enclosed like a conventional cage with a door at one end and a passage way to the litter box room at the other. This size and design appear to be insufficient in order to have a trapping mechanism integrated within the context of the carrier.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,210, issued to Nastas, discloses a vertical translationally sliding door activated by movement of a food tray held by a rod that acts like a pendulum. This trap is supposedly safer for the animal due to its length. This trap is not meant to serve as a carrier or temporary accommodation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,594, issued to Askins, et al., discloses a trap with a vertical sliding door at each end. A spring loaded rod extends into an empty slot on a rotating cam when the rotation is caused by the motion of a trip pan. The slippage of the rod causes it to withdraw from a slot in the vertical door. This trap can be folded in order to take up less space. This trap does not appear to be meant to serve as a carrier or temporary living facility for the animal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,292, issued to Jempolsky, discloses a carrier made of solid material with ventilation holes on the vertical panels. One panel is a vertically sliding door and the bottom panel is a sliding floor that can be removed. As a trap, this device is not operated without direct human control. This device has to be maneuvered over the animal to be caught.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,624, issued to Askins, discloses a collapsible trap with a door that rotates about a horizontal axle mounted inside the trap. This door is forced downward by a reactionary plate that rotates about a horizontal axis mounted on the bottom edge of the door. A torsional spring forces the door and reactionary plate apart once the trip pedal is pressed. This trap can be folded and stored. It does not have some of the amenities of a temporary living facility.
Another example of a patent for a cage trap is describe in the W.I.P.O. Patent WO 86/05657, issued to Nicholls et al. This patent discloses a cage with a door that is horizontally and pivotally mounted on the end of the cage, but the door rotates into the cage where it is held by a trigger hook. This trap is good for long animals. As a temporary facility it is similar to other traps previously mentioned.
Most of the conventional cage traps are cages and/or traps constructed of a metallic grid material or partly sheet metal. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,270, issued to Simons, et al., a closed-walled compartment is utilized which means the animal within can not be seen. While Simons teaches a portable dual compartment cage, it is not a modularized portable cage. U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,292, issued to Jempolsky, discloses a similar transport enclosure with limited materials or the use of silicone materials for relative contact between moving surfaces.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.
The cat trap according to the invention is a container for capturing, transporting, and temporarily housing stray, unclaimed, or feral cats and similar small nuisance mammals. The trap is an elongated, box-shaped enclosure having a trap door at one end and a guillotine type sliding door at the other end. The trap door is mounted on hinges attached to the top wall of the cage and actuated when the cat steps on a rectangularly shaped pedal in the floor of the enclosure, causing the trap door to rotate to a closed position in order to trap the cat inside the enclosure. The guillotine door is used to obtain normal access to the cat, and the trap may be locked end to end with a litter box having a similar guillotine door. The trap door includes a detachable xe2x80x9csqueezexe2x80x9d panel which may be used to urge the cat against the guillotine door at the other end of the enclosure. Food and water are provided in drawers slidable though a side wall of the enclosure. The walls of the enclosure are made from an opaque, thermally insulated material, except for the guillotine door, which provides the trapped cat with his only source of illumination and ventilation.


Apparatus for detecting the position of a vessel in a broadcast image of the radar scan in a radar monitored area includes a television monitor for displaying a broadcast image of a radar scan of the area, and a controllable reflector for varying reflection of the radar waves impinging thereon from the monitoring radar to produce identifiable signal components in the broadcast image of the radar scan received on the television monitor. This controllable reflector may be actuated by the vessel operator to vary the reflection of the radar waves and produce variations in the broadcast image to enable the operator to identify the position of the vessel in the radar scan image appearing on the monitor. The monitoring installation includes a monitoring radar transmitter/receiver, and a television transmitter televising an image of the radar scan. Desirably, it includes a scan converter which receives the signals in polar coordinate form and provides rectangular raster signals with X and Y coordinates.

The present invention relates to position monitoring systems for vessels and, more particularly, to a radar monitoring system which alloys a vessel to determine its position in a radar image of in the monitored area.
Because small craft, viewed from any distance, have their natural reflecting sources very near the sea surface, their radar echoes are severely reduced by propagation phenomena. The "propagation factor" for such targets may be as much as 20 to 40 dB below unity, so that the echo is that far below the echo from a similar object in free space, at the same range from the radar transmitted/receiver.
As a result, radar reflectors are commonly used to enhance the echo of small craft. Often these take the form of a cluster of cube corner reflectors supported in an elevated position to provide good reflection of radar raves transmitted from other vessels. Elevation of the reflector to a position near the top of the mast of a small sailboat or on a rover or mast on a power boat can reduce most or all of this loss, giving a clear echo to approaching ships and to land based radar. Use of such reflectors is recommended as a safety precaution for small craft operating in sea lanes and other areas traversed by radar equipped ships.
Although navigational radar units for small craft have become smaller and less expensive over the past several years, it has also been proposed to use a large, shore based radar station which broadcasts a radar display on a television channel to a relatively low cost television monitor on the vessels in the area. This would provide a reduction in the size, cost, and complexity of the small craft equipment. Thus, only a simple television receiver would be required to obtain the navigation display, and contamination of the electromagnetic spectrum by multiple radar installations can be avoided.
A major limitation of such radar/TV systems is the inability of a vessel to identify the echo on the display which represents it. To overcome this limitation, Schrader U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,648 and Stocker U.S. Pat. No. 2,760,187 proposed that each craft carry an active transponder to produce a distinctive signal. This not only imposes an economic burden on the user, but also creates additional interference in the radar band which could become severe if many transponder equipped users were present in one area.
Radiation from auxiliary antennas as a means of marking the location of the user's own craft on the display has been proposed in Stavis U.S. Pat. No. 3,111,663, Gamertsfelder et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,111,664 and Roberts et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,121,223.
If the television scanning and transmission are synchronized with the radar scan, rather than having the TV system operating in its normal raster mode, the radar beam passing across the target may be detected by a supplementary receiver, and the output of that receiver used to brighten the display along the line pointing to the target echo, as shown in Smith U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,022, Cooper U.S. Pat. No. 3,404,397, Ennis et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,836,961 and Hendrickson U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,539. However, this requires a specialized TV transmission and receiving system, operating with a polar coordinate scan.
Assuming that a radar reflector provides an adequate echo for land based navigational radar monitoring the area, the navigator's problem remains that of identifying the vessel's own echo in a display filled with echoes from other craft. If the reflector were easily reached, it could be covered briefly and intermittently with an absorbing material to give sharp reductions in the echo signal. However, the reflector should be high on the mast, or as high as possible on a powered craft, and accordingly not readily accessible to the navigator. Electrical control is most desirable, so that the reflector can be modulated briefly when a pushbutton is depressed by the navigator. Then, having recognized the echo return from the vessel, the operator could return the reflector to its normal operation as a passive safety device, leaving the same identification capability available to other users without confusion.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel assembly for placement upon a vessel enabling determination of its position within a televised image of a radar scan of a monitored area.
It is also an object to provide such an assembly wherein the determination procedure is effective without additional transmission or reception of special signals by the using vessel or the base station.
Another object is to provide a vessel monitoring system utilizing a base station which is relatively low cost to equip and which may be operated automatically and at relatively low cost.

Method and apparatus for determining ship position in a television image


A method includes receiving in a receiver transmissions from a serving cell that serves the receiver and from one or more neighbor cells. The transmissions are received via multiple receive antennas to produce multiple respective output signals. The multiple output signals are weighed with respective weights, and the weighted output signals are combined to produce a combined output signal. The weights are selected so as to form a composite antenna pattern having a first antenna gain in one or more first directions that point toward the neighbor cells, and a second antenna gain, lower than the first antenna gain, in a second direction that points toward the serving cell. Characteristics of the one or more neighbor cells are measured by processing the combined output signal in which the transmissions received from the serving cell are attenuated.

In some cellular communication networks, a communication terminal that is served by a certain cell is required to detect and measure signals of neighboring cells. For example, in Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) systems, also referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, neighbor cell measurements are described in "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Physical layer; Measurements (Release 9)," TS 36.214, version 9.2.0, June, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The description above is presented as a general overview of related art in this field and should not be construed as an admission that any of the information it contains constitutes prior art against the present patent application.

System and method for measuring characteristics of neighbor cells using a synthesized composite antenna pattern