A catheter clamp. The clamp comprises a snap-acting device which contains a rotatable inner and outer member. The inner member has an inner passageway for a catheter and an outer surface containing at least one protrusion. The outer member has an interior beveled sidewall. When the outer member is twisted or rotated in a first direction relative to the inner member, the protrusion on the inner member is compressed by the beveled sidewall, thereby compressing the inner member and the catheter. When the outer member is twisted in the opposite direction relative to the inner member, the protrusion disengages from the beveled sidewall and the catheter is decompressed. Use of the clamp in conjunction with a catheter contamination sleeve is disclosed.

Numerous medical and surgical procedures require catheterization. The catheters utilized for such procedures must be rapidly clamped upon insertion so that they are held in a predetermined fixed position and must therefor be easily adjusted. Numerous types of catheter holders have been proposed by those skilled in the art. Presently, the varieties of catheter holders range from the use of the simple expedient of adhesive tape wrapped around a patient's limb and over a catheter tube to more sophisticated mechanical devices.
Tape arrangements have obvious drawbacks in that they are irritating to the skin of the patient, time consuming to apply and remove, and do not always secure the catheter. Adhesive tapes often fail to prevent a catheter from rotating. The adhesive portion of the tape may also cause a physical-chemical degradation of the catheter tube. Further, tapes are easily contaminated by micro organisms, etc. and cannot be easily cleaned.
Prior art mechanical catheter clamps have typically been cumbersome and have often included complex mechanical parts which may impede the flow of fluids through the retained or clamped catheter. Many prior art catheter clamps deform the catheters with which they are used and often utilize complex attachment means. Such catheter clamps are difficult to quickly move and maneuver. Further, a number of prior art clamps rely upon adhesives for purposes of securing the catheter to the patient. Such adhesives tend to lose their gripping ability after the catheter is turned or twisted, and often have the above discussed problems associated with adhesive tapes.
A number of patents have highlighted the types of problems associated with prior art mechanical catheter clamps. U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,025 discloses a catheter clamp constructed from a plastic material having a central hole which is fully or partly defined by a pair of resilient catheter-gripping serrated jaws and a resilient catch member for holding the jaws in their relatively closed position. The serrated jaws of this clamp may have a tendency to dig into or deform the catheter. Further, the arrangement requires that the catheter enter the body substantially perpendicularly to the skin surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,616 discloses a device for retaining a drainage catheter in place at its point of entry into a patient's body at an attitude which is perpendicular to the skin surface. The device includes a resilient, adhesive barrier pad having an opening intended to be aligned with the fenestration in the body wall. The pad has an entry slit leading to the opening. In use, the catheter is guided laterally through the entry slit to the opening of the barrier pad and then supported by mechanical support arms which may deform the catheter. The resilient pad is then adhesively secured to the patient with the edges of the pad defining a slit urged tightly together.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,837 discloses a mechanism for retaining a catheter in position such that the catheter is frictionally gripped by the taper in a bell shaped elastic body. The elastic body has a narrow neck for forming a walled sleeve about the catheter, and the cavity is formed in the wall inwardly of the sleeve. Any tendency of the catheter to move outward causes the sleeve to stretch and resist this movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,995 discloses a holder for clamping a catheter or other hollow tube. The holder comprises a pliant adhesive base which is adhered to the patient's skin. The holder is adjustable so as to be securer against rotary and longitudinal movement. The device also incorporates a screw and nut configuration which is comparatively difficult to quickly affix and adjust. The device deforms the catheter in use and is adjustable to completely cut off flow.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,736 discloses a clamp for holding an article such as a catheter. The device includes a series of folding flaps comprising resilient adhesive surfaces. These surfaces adhere the catheter to the base of the clamp.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,592 discloses an adaptive connector assembly for engaging a catheter. The invention comprises a pair of segments adapted for telescoping engagement so as to provide a central cavity for receiving a plug of compressible material. One of the segments has an opening which communicates with the cavity and is adapted to receive the catheter. The plug has a centrally disposed channel for receiving the catheter from the opening. A snap-fit engagement is developed between the telescoping segments so that when the telescoping segments are engaged, the plug is placed in compression, constricting the channel about the catheter and thereby engaging the catheter within the adaptive connector assembly. This device is comparatively complex and includes a number of parts, including a separate plug which must be properly positioned for use.
There have also been a number of prior art patents directed to adaptors for connecting a catheter to a syringe. None of these devices discloses or suggests the catheter clamp of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,510 discloses a connector structure for connecting a flexible tube to a syringe having a luer tip. The patent utilizes a construction in which a retainer and tube end are urged into a tapered bore.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,719 discloses a quick connect/disconnect tubing adapter with locking mechanism for capturing a tube within the adapter. The adapter comprises two mating body portions having passageways for receiving a tubing end portion. Each of the above methods and devices for clamping a catheter is cumbersome, and makes the catheter difficult to attach quickly and to easily decouple. It is often important to rapidly affix and adjust a catheter into position. This is particularly difficult with clamps such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,025. In addition, clamps incorporating the use of adhesives, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,995, do not always adequately secure the catheter and present the previously discussed problems associated with adhesives.
It would be desirable to have a device for clamping a catheter which can be quickly clamped and unclamped. It would be particularly desirable to have a catheter clamp which can be easily clamped and unclamped with a single twisting movement. Such a clamping device could be quickly attached to a catheter without the need for adhesives.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a non-rotational catheter clamp which can be rapidly attached and released for repeated use.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a snap acting non-rotational catheter clamp which can be rapidly and easily attached and decoupled by a single twisting movement.
It is still yet a further object of the present invention to provide a snap acting catheter clamp which can be attached and adjusted without deforming the catheter with which it is utilized and without the need for adhesives.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a catheter clamp which can secure catheters having a variety of diameters.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a catheter clamp which could be utilized for controlling the adjustment of a catheter such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,723. The inclusion of the clamp of the present invention is uniquely suited for connection to the protective sheath of a shielded catheter such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,732 in that it allows for periodic readjustment and clamping of the catheter in a readjusted position without risk of catheter sepsis.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the Summary and Detailed Description which follow.


Methods are provided for the treatment of ocular neovascularization by increasing, in an individual afflicted with ocular neovascularization, in vivo concentrations of an endostatin protein in the ocular tissues of the individual to an ocular neovascularization inhibiting effective amount, where the endostatin protein has anti-ocular neovascularization activity in vivo.

Ocular neovascularization has not been successfully treated in the past. Neovascularization of tissues in the front of the eye (i.e. the cornea, iris, and the trabecular meshwork) and other conditions, including conditions in the back of the eye, for example, retinal, subretinal, macular, and optical nerve head neovascularization, can be prevented and treated by application of the methods of the present invention. The methods are useful in preventing and treating ocular neovascularization, including providing for the regression of neovascularization.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for treating ocular neovascularization


A vacuum cleaner filter bag retainer includes slots on each side which receive a cardboard plate attached to a filter bag. The plate is slid into the slots of the filter bag retainer such that openings in the plate and bag match with an opening in the filter bag retainer. The retainer is attached to a tank through an opening in the tank, and an inlet fitting extends from outside the tank, through the retainer, and into the bag. The inlet fitting, therefore, prevents the bag from sliding out of the slots in the retainer. A swivel fitting loosely traps the inlet fitting adjacent the filter bag retainer through threads on the swivel fitting and the retainer. The inlet fitting also holds a hose to the inlet fitting.

Vacuum cleaners often include a disposable filter bag. The filter bag collects particulate matter from air passing through the filter bag for subsequent disposal. Typically, the filter bag is removably mounted in a tank or other receptacle associated with the vacuum cleaner. When the filter bag is full, it is removed and an empty filter bag is installed in the tank.
Most filter bags include a cardboard plate with an aperture aligned to an opening in the filter bag. To install an empty filter bag in the vacuum cleaner tank, in such a way as to prevent unwanted movement of the filter bag, the aperture in the cardboard plate is pushed on to a filter bag mount. The filter bag mount is connected to the vacuum cleaner tank and to a hose. The combination usually remains in place due to friction or an interference fit. An aperture in the filter bag mount allows dirty air to pass from the hose to the filter bag where the dirt is collected. In order to reduce the amount of dirty air that escapes (i.e., air which fails to pass through the filter bag), and to help maintain the position of the filter bag, the filter bag mount may include a raised flange or other seal.
Prior art systems allow an individual to replace the filter bag in such a way as to reduce movement and dirty air escape, however, these prior art systems suffer from certain drawbacks. The filter bag mount with raised flange requires the user to force and/or bend the cardboard plate into position. As a result, user's often find it difficult to install a new filter bag. Further, damage may occur to the cardboard plate, thereby increasing the amount of dirty air that escapes or possibly resulting in the cardboard plate and bag becoming entirely dislodged.


The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, and systems, for producing frozen confections and conditioning ice for use in frozen confections. A frozen confection machine includes a hopper portion for receiving ice into an interior, and a motor configured to rotate a drive shaft, a blade to condition the ice in the hopper during rotation of the motor. The frozen confection machine also includes a lid for selectively covering the interior of the hopper, a bias member for biasing the lid away from a closed position, and a switch for causing the motor to actuate in response to the lid being pressed to a closed position.

Frozen confections have become increasingly popular and desired in more and more settings. Machines for conditioning the ice used in frozen confections are typically large and of commercial grade in order to accommodate the commercial settings in which they are used. However, often frozen confections are desired in a commercial or home environment or small party setting where portability and storage are desired. What is needed is a frozen confection machine that is portable, provides convenient operation and good performance, and is sized for easy storage.


An electroluminescent display having reversible polarity and a method for reducing latent images in the electroluminescent panel is provided. The electroluminescent display includes a waveform generator for supplying voltage pulses to illuminate pixels within the electroluminescent panel. The electroluminescent display according to the invention periodically reverses the polarity of the voltage pulses to reduce latent images in the electroluminescent panel. The electroluminescent display preferably utilizes an asymmetrical drive scheme to provide a brighter electroluminescent display.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to electroluminescent displays, and more particularly to an electroluminescent display having reversible polarity for creating images on an electroluminescent panel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electroluminescent displays represent a class of flat panel displays that are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, the displays are currently used in military systems, elevators and hospital monitoring equipment.
Electroluminescent displays generally include an electroluminescent layer such as a ZnS phosphor doped with an activator such as Mn. The electroluminescent layer is placed between two dielectric layers. A first series of parallel and longitudinal electrodes adjoin the first dielectric layer and a second series of parallel and longitudinal electrodes adjoin the second dielectric layer in an orthogonal orientation with respect to the first series of electrodes.
The first series of electrodes may be referred to as row electrodes and the row electrodes may be constructed of aluminum. The second series of electrodes may be referred to as column electrodes. The column electrodes are typically transparent and made of indium-tin oxide.
An intersection of the first series and second series of electrodes defines a picture element referred to as a pixel. The resolution of the electroluminescent display is determined from the number of pixels.
The electroluminescent displays operate by applying a voltage across the electroluminescent layer via the first series and second series of electrodes. Each pixel within the electroluminescent layer will emit light when a sufficient voltage is present between the electrodes which correspond to the pixel. The luminescence of the particular pixel will be determined from the magnitude of the voltage across the pixel.
Electroluminescent displays may suffer from a problem referred to as a `latent image` or `retained image` phenomenon. This phenomenon results in smearing and ghost images wherein an image which has been displayed for a long period of time may be burned into the display (i.e. the image is apparent to varying degrees even though it is not electrically written on the display). Accordingly, this problem is most severe in areas of the electroluminescent layer which are subject to the greatest use. These images may appear only after a few hours or several days or months depending upon the technology and electronic voltage drive scheme utilized.
It is believed that the basic cause of this phenomenon is the occurrence of sulfur vacancies within the Mn-doped ZnS phosphor. These sulfur vacancies diffuse in a non-uniform manner within the phosphor with the passage of time and thereby change the electrostatics of the device.
This theory is supported by the fact that the occurrence of a latent image is greatly dependent upon the electronic voltage drive scheme. It appears that the latent image phenomenon is a result of the pixels having a voltage-time average that is non-zero when averaged over several scans through the model. The non-zero voltage-time average causes an asymmetrical charge distribution to be built up over time and possibly a spatially preferential accumulation of sulfur vacancies within the phosphor.
One approach to reduce the severity of the latent image phenomenon is to utilize a symmetric voltage drive scheme. Symmetric voltage drive schemes are well known in the art and operate by first generating a plurality of positive voltage pulses followed by a plurality of negative voltage pulses which are equal in magnitude to the corresponding positive voltage pulses. The average electric field within the ZnS phosphor approaches zero when a symmetric waveform is used to drive the electroluminescent display and there is no spatially preferential accumulation of sulfur vacancies within the phosphor.
However, the use of a symmetric voltage drive scheme is undesirable inasmuch as pixel brightness is reduced up to 50% as compared to the use of an asymmetrical voltage drive scheme. This reduction in brightness of the electroluminescent display is unacceptable when high ambient viewability is required. It has also been noticed that a symmetric voltage drive scheme may cause a ghosting phenomenon in certain display modes such as scrolling characters across a display. In addition, the response time of an electroluminescent display which is driven by a symmetric voltage drive scheme is slower than an electroluminescent display driven by an asymmetrically driven electroluminescent display.
Asymmetrical voltage drive schemes are also well known in the art. These voltage drive schemes operate by generating a first refresh voltage pulse which is followed by a plurality of write voltage pulses corresponding to a first write cycle. The first write cycle may be followed by a second refresh pulse and a second write cycle and the pattern is repeated. The refresh pulses have a polarity which is opposite that of the write pulses. The use of asymmetrical voltage drive schemes offers the advantages of faster response time and a brighter electroluminescent display without the ghosting phenomenon in certain display modes.
Despite the advantages of an asymmetrical drive scheme, the magnitude of the opposite polarity drives are not equal and a charge may accumulate at an interface of the electroluminescent layer and a dielectric layer resulting in the appearance of ghost images within the electroluminescent display.

Electroluminescent display having reversible voltage polarity


An approach for power reduction of an integrated circuit device. In response to detecting a change in an activity factor associated with an integrated circuit device from a first activity factor to a second activity factor, a supply voltage and a body bias associated with the integrated circuit device are adjusted based on the second activity factor to reduce power consumption. For one aspect, the supply voltage and body bias are adjusted to maintain a substantially constant operating frequency for the integrated circuit device.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to the field of integrated circuits, and, more particularly, to an approach for reducing power consumption of integrated circuits.
Power consumption of integrated circuits and, in particular, complex integrated circuits, such as microprocessors, is becoming a significant concern. This is especially true for current and future technology generations for which leakage power consumption is a significant percentage of total power consumption.
For some prior approaches, to address this issue, the frequency and supply voltage of a processor are both varied according to an activity level of the processor in order to reduce power while maintaining a relatively constant perceived throughput. This approach, however, typically requires changes to the operating system to predict when high-frequency operation will be necessary. At the same time, continually changing the clock frequency adds complexity to the design.

Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption through dynamic control of supply voltage and body bias including maintaining a substantially constant operating frequency


An underwater electrical connection assembly is provided, where the assembly includes (1) a contact pin including an axially extending conductive core and an axially extending annular insolation portion around the conductive core, (2) a front end portion of the conductive core having an electrical contact surface, (3) a rear end portion of the conductive core having an electrical contact surface, and (4) an intermediate portion of the conductive core extending axially at an intermediate location between the front and rear end portions. In the assembly, the rear end portion of the conductive core of the pin includes a diameter larger than the diameter of the intermediate portion thereof, and the annular insulation portion includes an inner insulating layer around the intermediate portion of the conductive core and an insulating sleeve around the inner insulating layer.

Underwater electrical connection assemblies are known and have been in widespread use in the offshore oil and gas industry for many years. An example is shown in GB 2192316 A, which discloses an underwater connector with a first connector part and a second connector part capable of being mated and de-mated underwater. In this known design, the first connector half includes a receptacle for receiving a plug of a second connector half. An electrical contact pin projects axially in the receptacle, and when the plug is inserted in the receptacle, the pin enters the plug to make an electrical connection with a contact socket inside the plug. The electrical connection is established in a protected oil or gel filled environment contained in a chamber pressure balanced with respect to the pressure outside of the connector, thereby reducing the tendency for water or contaminants to enter the connection chamber.
Underwater electrical connectors are used for communicating electric signals for instrumentation and also for electric power applications. In recent years, there has been a demand for connector assemblies capable of handling high voltages, e.g., tens of kilovolts. An example of a high voltage underwater electrical connector is described in GB 2361365 A. The use of high voltages creates issues concerning the electric field around the live components, and the electric stress created in insulating components in the case of high electric field gradients. Insulating materials may suffer from breakdown of the materials above a critical level of electric field gradient. The drawing of high currents through the connector raises issues about heating and it is desirable to avoid hot spots that may lead to reduced efficiency and possible material degradation or even failure.
A known high voltage connector assembly is the SpecTRON 10 (trade mark) produced by Expro Connectors and Measurements of the United Kingdom. The electrical contact pin of the receptacle connector half has an axially extending conductive core and an axially extending annular insulation portion around the axially extending conductive core. The rear end portion of the conductive core has a radially outwardly facing electrical contact surface for connection to another component to the rear of the connector, such as an underwater cable. The front end portion of the conductive core also has a radially outwardly facing electrical contact surface, in this case for making contact with a socket provided in the plug connector half. The contact pin projects forwardly from a support and when the connector halves are fully mated the base part of the contact pin, nearest the support, extends through a seal provided at the entry to the plug connector half. In the region of this base part, the contact pin has an electrically conductive earth shield arranged radially outwardly of the annular insulation portion. This earth shield serves to shield the seal at the entry to the plug connector half from electrical stress. In the mated condition of the connector assembly, the base part of the pin immediately adjacent to the support is exposed to the surrounding water, and the earth shield may therefore also serve to protect the annular insulation portion from the effects of ambient water, and thus avoids water absorption that often leads to electrical degradation or failure. It also provides verification testing advantages, because the earth profile is not dependent on the ambient water, e.g., it is independent of the environment.
A certain minimum thickness is required for the annular insulation portion between the conductive core and the earth shield to avoid excessively high electrical stresses in the insulation material. The outside diameter of the earth shield is the same as the outside diameter of the insulation portion forwardly thereof, so that the contact pin has a constant diameter along all of its length that is to be inserted in the entry seal of the plug connector half. In order to comply with these constraints, for a given overall diameter of the contact pin, there is a maximum diameter imposed on the conductive core where it passes through the earth shield.
During construction of this known connector assembly, the annular insulation portion is provided by an insulating sleeve that is inserted over the conductive core from the rear. The rear end portion of the conductive core, where the radially outwardly facing electrical contact surface is provided, therefore has the same diameter as the part of the core that passes through the conductive earth shield.


A twin-roll continuous casting method that controls occurrence of casting defects in a center part of plate thickness, for Al—Mg series aluminum alloy, a material featuring a wide temperature range for solid and liquid phases coexistence. In the method of manufacturing an Al—Mg series aluminum alloy cast plate, the plate contains Mg in a predetermined amount and has a relatively thick plate size, while casting is performed by a twin-roll type continuous casting method. Twin rolls have a roll diameter, and the rolls have a circumferential velocity. The circumferential length from points where molten metal starts contact with the rolls to kiss points is a solidification distance, and the roll gap at the kiss points is equal to the thickness of the cast plate. Specific relations among the above factors are maintained, and the continuous casting operation is carried out while satisfying such relations.

As commonly known, a variety of aluminum alloy plate (hereinafter, aluminum may be referred to as "Al") has heretofore been used generally as members of framework and components for transport machinery such as automobiles, ships, airplanes, and trains; and for industrial machinery, electrical equipment, buildings, structures, optical apparatus, and other machines and instruments according to characteristics particular to respective alloys.
These aluminum alloy plates are used for the abovementioned members of framework and components, in most cases, after press molding or other forming processing. In this respect, the Al—Mg series Al alloys which are excellent in the balance of strength and ductility are advantageous in point of high-level formability as may be required.
For the above reason, studies have been made concerning component composition and optimization of manufacturing conditions with respect to Al—Mg series Al alloy plates. As Al—Mg series Al alloys, those shown in JIS A5052, 5182, etc., represent typical composition of alloy components. But, even these Al—Mg series Al alloys are poorer in ductility and hence inferior in formability when compared with the cold-rolled sheet steel.
There is a way for the Al—Mg series Al alloys to enhance the balance of strength and ductility, if the Mg content is increased and the alloy is made up to such a high-Mg alloy as over 3%. However, such a high-Mg Al—Mg alloy is difficult to industrially manufacture by the normal manufacturing method where the ingot cast by the direct chill casting process or the like is taken through soaking and then hot rolling. The reason for the difficulty is that in the direct chill casting in which large strain occurs to the ingot, the ingot is susceptible to fracture because the solid and liquid phases coexistent temperature range is extensive, and deep wrinkles deriving from the thick oxide film take place on the molten metal. Also, in the normal hot rolling, the Al—Mg alloy suffers from significant decrease in ductility, becoming liable to fracture.
On the other hand, it is also difficult to perform hot rolling of a high-Mg Al—Mg series alloy at a low temperature avoiding a high temperature region where the abovementioned fracture may happen. The reason for the difficulty is that in such a low temperature rolling, deformation resistance of the material, that is, a high-Mg Al—Mg series alloy, increases remarkably to the extent that the product sizes available become extremely limited due also to the capability of the current rolling machine.
As an attempt to increase acceptable Mg amount in a high-Mg Al—Mg series alloy, it is also proposed to add Fe, Si, or any other third element. But, if the content of such third element is increased, rough and large intermetallic compounds are likely to be easily formed to the effect of lowering ductility of the aluminum alloy plate. Therefore, there was a limit in increasing acceptable Mg amount, and in fact, it was difficult to get Mg contained in an amount of 8% or over.
Therefore, the idea of manufacturing a high-Mg Al—Mg series alloy plate by a twin-roll type continuous casting method and other methods has hitherto been proposed in quite a variety. In the twin-roll type continuous casting method, molten Al-alloy metal is poured from a molten metal supply nozzle made of refractory into between a pair of rotating water-cooled casting molds (twin rolls). The molten metal is thus solidified, and immediately after solidification, the metal is rapidly cooled between the twin rolls giving birth to aluminum alloy sheets. This twin-roll type continuous casting method described above and the 3C method are among those well known.
The cooling rate of the twin-roll type continuous casting method is higher by 1-3 digits than the conventional DC casting method and the belt type continuous casting method. Because of this fast rate, the aluminum alloy sheets obtained have a very fine metallic structure and excellent workability such as press-formability. Also by the casting method, the aluminum alloy sheets are thus available in a relatively thin thickness as 1-13 mm. This means that, just as the conventional direct chill ingot (200 to 600 mm thickness), the processes of hot rough rolling, hot finish rolling, etc., can be dispensed with. Further, the homogenization treatment of ingot may sometimes be omissible.
Various propositions have heretofore been made with regard to examples specifying metallic structures with the intention to enhance formability of the high-Mg Al—Mg series alloy sheets manufactured by the twin roll continuous casting method. For example, an aluminum alloy sheet of Al—Mg series containing as high Mg content as 6-10% and having excellent features in mechanical properties with the intermetallic compounds the average diameter of which is 10 μm or less, is proposed (see Patent Document 1). Another proposition refers to an aluminum alloy sheet used for automobile body sheets having 300 pieces/mm2 or less of Al—Mg series intermetallic compounds of 10 μm or more, with average grain diameter ranging 10-70 μm. (see Patent Document 2).
With reference to 6000 series aluminum alloy, it was reported that casting of AA6016 aluminum alloy cast plates (1800W×1-2.5 mm thickness) was carried out by using the roll casting equipment called Speed Caster (see Non-patent Document 1).    [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 07-252571 (Scope of Claims pp. 1-2)    [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 08-165538 (Scope of Claims pp. 1-2)    [Non-patent Document 1] Continuous Casting, Proceedings of the International Conference on Continuous Casting of Non-Ferrous Metals, DGM2005, p 87

Process for manufacturing cast aluminum alloy plate


A re-selection method reduces time needed to switch a packet data session from a first packet data channel in one cell to a second packet data channel in another cell. While the mobile station is engaged in a packet data session on the first packet data channel, it monitors the channel quality of control channels in adjacent cells. During the packet data session, the mobile stations reads at least part of the broadcast information on the adjacent control channels before the re-selection decision is made and identifies potential re-selection candidates. When certain predetermined criteria are met, one or more of the adjacent control channels are identified as potential re-selection candidates and the mobile station switches to a new packet data channel in the selected cell. Because the mobile station has previously read the broadcast information in the selected cell, it can immediately acquire service of the new packet data channel.

GSM and other cellular networks often provide data services that allow the sending and receiving of computer and facsimile data. For example, the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a new GSM data service that provides packet-switched data transmission for GSM mobile radios. The General Packet Radio Service allows the mobile station to establish a data session with an Internet server providing packet data service. The mobile station accesses the fixed network (e.g., GPRS network) via a Packet Data Channel on the air interface. The connection over the Internet utilizes the TCP/IP protocol for end-to-end delivery.
While roaming, it may be necessary for the mobile station to switch channels to maintain a communications link or to ensure a minimum quality standard for the communication link. While a packet data session is in progress, the mobile station monitors the signal strength on the current control channel, as well as the signal strength on control channels in adjacent cells in order to determine which channel provides the strongest signal. When the signal strength in an adjacent control channel is stronger than the signal strength of the current control channel, the mobile station will switch to the adjacent cell. The process of switching from a channel in the current cell to a control channel in an adjacent cell is known as a re-selection.
In the case of a mobile station engaged in a packet data session on a Packet Data Channel, the re-selection is normally initiated by the mobile station. When the mobile station changes to the new channel, the GPRS network moves the TCP/IP connection to the base station controlling the new channel by the network and the packet data session will be continued without interruption. From the mobile user's point of view, the packet data session will appear uninterrupted. This is known as a seamless re-selection.
To facilitate the re-selection, the base station provides the mobile station a neighbor list containing control channels suggested in neighboring cells on which to perform power measurements. This neighbor list is transmitted by the base station in a neighbor cell list message broadcasted on the control channel for the current cell. While monitoring the control channels on the neighbor cell list, the mobile station must read the base station identification code (BSIC) which is transmitted on each of the neighboring control channels. This allows the mobile station to identify and confirm that the control channels monitored by the mobile station are the intended ones. When a control channel in one of the adjacent cells becomes stronger than the current control channel, the mobile station makes a decision to re-select to the stronger channel. The mobile station must then synchronize to the new channel and read the broadcast information before it is able to send or receive data on the new channel. Once the mobile station has synchronized to the new channel, the network can switch the connection to the base station serving the new channel and can start forwarding packet data to and from the mobile station.
At present, there have been some difficulties in implementing packet data services in mobile communication networks. For example, the TCP protocol flow control mechanism is not well suited to radio channel communication. During the re-selection process, while the mobile station is attempting to synchronize to the new channel and read information thereon, the TCP peers will not be able to send and receive payload and control information as required for optimal performance. TCP protocol timers may expire in the TCP flow algorithm, which may slow down the throughput and cause the TCP protocol to go into recovery mode. When the mobile station eventually completes the re-selection process, there may be some delay in re-establishing the flow of data and, therefore, the throughput will be degraded. In some cases, the TCP connection may be lost and the session closed. These problems will result in a perceivable degraded service for the end-user.
In the interest of enhancing the grade or quality of services provided to end-users, it is important to minimize the amount of time the mobile station spends performing a re-selection during a packet data session.

Seamless re-selection method for mobile data services


Device for producing pulverulent plastics with a spherical structure comprises: a container delimiting an interior space, a nozzle device disposed in an upper region of the interior space and connected to a supplying conveyor pipe for a hot melt of the product, wherein the melt exits the nozzle device and separates into small droplets that fall downward in the interior space, a supply unit for a cryogas in a predominantly liquid state having several outlet openings, wherein a cryogas flow, which comes into contact with the small droplets, exits into the interior space. The supply unit is located above or at the same level as the nozzle device, and method wherein, the hot melt of the product exits the nozzle device in the shape of a spray cone, the cryogas flow exits the supply unit in the shape of a cone, and the spray cone is located within the cone.

Such a method and such a device are known from EP 945 173 B1. In this case, a temperature gradient with substantially three zones is formed in the interior space of the container, namely, viewed from top to bottom, a hot zone, a fixing zone, which is cooler in comparison, and a cooling zone, which in turn is cooler than the latter. This method and the device have proved their worth in principle and are being used in a multitude of cases. In operation, however, it was found time and again that deposits of the product accrue on the supply unit. It was also found that the product occasionally deposits on the walls of the interior space.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,903,065 B2 describes this three-layer method according to the above-mentioned European patent specification EP 945 173 B1. The patent itself relates to the manufacture of typical particle sizes of 50 μm to 300 μm, in particular greater than 100 μm.
From the German unexamined applications DE10302979 A1 and DE10339545 A1 and the international application WO 2004/067245 A1 by the same applicant, a method is known in which a viscous starting material is produced in an extruder, which is then sprayed in an atomizing device to form melt droplets. In a cooling device, the melt droplets are cooled down to such an extent that powder particles produced from the starting material substantially have no surface tack anymore. Compressed air is supplied to the atomizing device at the nozzle outlet; therefore, it operates like a water jet pump. These documents also mention DE 197 58 111 and describe the problem when plastics are sprayed, namely, that higher-viscosity plastic cannot be processed as DE 197 58 111, which is preferably designed for the production of metal powders, describes. At the higher temperatures at which the plastics would have a sufficiently low viscosity, they would already chemically decompose. However, that is exactly what is to be avoided. The problem with spraying plastics is rather that the product to be sprayed has a higher viscosity. It has to be sprayed at temperatures at which it is not yet chemically altered.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,433 B1 also operates in accordance with the atomization method. Nozzles for the atomization of high-viscosity substances, in particular plastics, are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,166,613 A and 3,408,007 A.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,883,905 B2 relates to a powder coating material. It describes plastic particles associated with pigment particles. The plastic particles have a grain size in the range of 5 to 100 μm, in particular 15 to 60 μm.
The aim is medium grain sizes of less than 500, in particular less than 100 μm, e.g. particles in the range of 30 to 100 μm. The maximum upper limit that can be specified is 800 μm. The fine-grained material present in the discharge device can be treated in a further step; for example, a particulate matter content may be separated, i.e. particles smaller than, for example, 45, 10 or 5 μm. In another step, a content with a size larger than 100 μm may be returned to a treatment process, e.g. a grinding process.

Device and method for producing pulverulent plastics with a spherical structure


The present invention is a coated article containing at least two adjacent cooling holes that are substantially uncoated. In an embodiment, the coated article includes a base material, an outer surface and a coating on a portion of the outer surface. Here, the adjacent cooling holes are arranged along an axis on the outer surface and extend within the base material at an angle to the outer surface. The coating may include at least one unfinished edge oriented substantially parallel to the axis and set off at an oblique angle and a distance from the adjacent cooling holes.

The present invention relates generally to a coated article; and, more particularly, to a coated gas turbine component containing at least two adjacent cooling holes that are substantially uncoated.
In a gas turbine, pressurized air is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate hot pressurized gases. The hot pressurized gases pass through successive turbine stages that convert the thermal and kinetic energy from the hot pressurized gases to mechanical torque acting on a rotating shaft or other element, thereby producing power used for both compressing the incoming air and driving an external load, such as an electric generator. As used herein, the term "gas turbine" may encompass stationary or mobile turbomachines, and may have any suitable arrangement that causes rotation of one or more shafts.
The components exposed to the hot pressurized gases are typically hollow or contain a plurality of internal passages through which a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air, is caused to flow for the purpose of cooling the components. The cooling fluid typically exits to the flow of hot pressurized gases through a plurality of holes disposed within the component base material.
It is often advantageous to coat portions of the components with a coating to insulate the base material from the hot pressurized gases and protect the base material from environmental degradation. The coating may include one or more intermediate layers of metal and one or more outer layers of ceramic, which may be deposited to a final thickness of at least 0.13 mm (0.005 inches). It is therefore desirable that each of the cooling holes provided in the base material be protected during the application of the coating to avoid filling the holes or changing the shape of the hole exit regions.


A centrifugal propellant depot positioned in outer space for storing and transferring cryogenic liquid propellants to and from transfer space vehicles which are adapted to transport cryogenic liquid propellants to the depot to receive the liquid propellants stored in the depot. The depot includes a plurality of contra-rotatable torus-shaped hollow storage tanks adapted to receive cryogenic liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants that are carried in gas/liquid phase separation by rotational gravity. Transport rail members transversely bridge the storage tanks. A central docking hub is coupled to the transport rail members and disposed centrally of the rotating storage tanks. The docking hub may receive a transfer space vehicle on either of two opposing sides of the hub for transfer, via a transfer vehicle coupled to the rail members, outwardly to the storage tanks. The space vehicle may be flipped from an inwardly reclining position for draining of the liquid propellant into a storage tank outwardly to a position for receiving liquid propellant from a storage tank. A radially movable counterweight is also coupled to the rail members for movement as the space vehicle is carried by the transfer vehicle and transfer of liquid propellant is accomplished to ensure that the center of gravity of the depot is maintained at the central docking hub for gyroscopic stability. The counterweight includes an encapsulated hydrogen absorber, such as Lanthanum-Nickel 5 to sore waste hydrogen for further use. The rotating storage tanks of the depot are provided with variable interior baffles to ensure that the liquid propellant contained therein rotates at the same rotational speed as the storage tanks. Solar panels are attached to the depot to provide electricity.

A national Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) program is presently being contemplated by NASA and is expected to be pursued. A study of SEI requirements has placed cryogenic in-space transfer technology high on its list of technology evolution priorities. Reusable chemical and nuclear space transportation vehicles (STV's) will use cryogenic liquid Hydrogen (LH2) and liquid Oxygen (LOX) propellants. Contemplated space depot concepts for servicing these vehicles use large mechanical pumps, special zero-gravity mass gauges, and require both depot and vehicle tanks to be constructed with several internal hoop-like capillary acquisition channels. The transfer process using this approach is necessarily slow by Earth standards. Time must be taken to ensure that liquid cohesion to acquisition channels is not broken. If there is gas in the transferring liquid (mixed phase), this can also halt the flow process, and/or cause false fill level readings. While ground launch facilities can fill and drain 20,400 kg. (45,00 lbs) of cryogens from today's Centaur space vehicle in times on the order of 1/2 to 11/2 hours, it could take two to three days for the capillary process. Further, this technology has not been proven in a zero gravity environment. Expensive experimentation to demonstrate and quantify its processes remains to be conducted. Because of this perceived development burden, the role of space propellant transfer and top off has been moved well into the future in current estimates.
Although many arrangements that have been proposed for such purposes are noteworthy to one extent or another, none appear to achieve the objectives of an efficient, reliable, practical, reasonably priced large cryogenic propellant depot for fueling and draining reusable STV's before and after missions.
None of the previously proposed arrangements provide the benefits attendant with the present invention. The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objects and advantages over the previous proposal through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, with the use of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing only readily available materials.
It is a general object of this invention to provide a large propellant depot for fueling and draining STV's before and after missions and/or refueling artificial satellites to extend their useful life.
It is a further general object of the invention to provide a centrifugal propellant depot that works by a natural principle, requires no pumps for propellant transfer, and which will have no breakdowns due to pump or sensing equipment malfunction.
It is a specific object of this invention to provide a centrifugal pumping propellant depot that is efficient to operate, transfers propellant at an optimum rate, and is less expensive in both initial and life cycle costs than presently contemplated arrangements.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Centrifugal space propellant storage and transfer depot

General Dynamics Corporation, Space Systems Division


A silver halide color photographic material is described comprising a support having provided thereon one or more red-sensitive silver halide emulsion layers, one or more green sensitive silver halide emulsion layers and one or more blue-sensitive silver halide emulsion layers wherein the average silver iodide content of silver halide in all the silver halide emulsion layers is not less than 10 mol% and the silver halide color photographic material contains a compound represented by the following general formula (I): EQU Q--SM.sup.1 (I). wherein Q represents a heterocyclic group having at least one group selected from --SO.sub.3 M.sup.2, --COOM.sup.2, --OH and --NR.sup.1 R.sup.2 directly or indirectly connected thereto; M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, a quaternary ammonium or a quaternary phosphonium; and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group.. A process for processing the silver halide color photographic material is also described.. The silver halide color photographic material is improved in graininess and desilvering properties and has good resistance to natural and artificial radio-active rays.

In recent years, requirements of photographic light-sensitive materials, particularly those for photographing have become still more severe, and photographic light-sensitive materials of high sensitivity and fine graininess have been desired.
In order to achieve fine graininess, one means wherein a photographic light-sensitive material contains emulsion grains having a high silver iodide content and controlled grain structure is proposed and described, for example, in JP-A-60-143331 and JP-A-58-181037 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,668,614 and 4,477,564, respectively) (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application"). However, when this technique is applied to only one emulsion layer, the improvement in graininess is still insufficient. Further, there is a problem in that silver salt and/or silver are difficult to remove in a desilvering step, particularly in a fixing step as the silver iodide content increases as described in JP-A-62-7041.
It is also described that a photographic light-sensitive material in which the average silver iodide content of silver halide in all silver halide emulsion layers is not less than 8 mol% provides improved graininess in JP-A-60-128443. However, that silver iodide content is still insufficient to improve graininess. In addition, there are problems in the material's resistivity to irradiation of radioactive rays and its desilvering property.
On the other hand, photographic light-sensitive materials containing the compound according to the present invention are described, for example, in JP-A-62-89952 and JP-A-61-282841 (corresponding to GB-A-2,176,304 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,324, respectively). However, it has been believed that such a compound is preferably employed in combination with a silver halide emulsion having a low silver iodide content in view of its photographic properties such as sensitivity or fog and processing aptitude as described in the above patents.
However, it has become apparent to the applicants that an increase in fog, a decrease in sensitivity and degradation of graininess are very serious when a light-sensitive material containing an emulsion having a low silver iodide content is exposed to natural or artificial radioactive rays. Further, the desilvering property thereof is not good. It has been hitherto believed that a low silver iodide content is indispensable for shortening the desilvering step as described in JP-A-62-89963 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,048).

Silver halide color photographic material


A laser processing apparatus includes worktable for loading a workpiece, a laser emitter, a user interface, a detecting unit, and a controller. The user interface allows inputting a thickness value of the workpiece. The detecting unit includes a signal emitter, a signal receiver for receiving signals emitted by the signal emitter, and a lifting unit. The workpiece is positioned between the signal emitter and the signal receiver. The controller controls the lifting device to adjust a height of the signal emitter and signal receiver relative to the worktable to be equal to a sum of the input thickness value and a focal length of the laser emitter. The controller controls the driving device to adjust a height of the laser emitter relative to the worktable if the signal receiver receives the signals and stop to adjust the laser emitter if the signal receiver does not receive the signals.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to laser processing apparatuses and, particularly, to a laser processing apparatus for processing a core of a mold.
2. Description of Related Art
Laser processing apparatuses generally include a worktable, a laser emitter, and a driving device connected to the laser emitter. In operation, a workpiece is positioned on the worktable, then the laser emitter is driven by the driving device to adjust a height of the laser emitter relative to the worktable and thus to position a focus of the laser emitter on the workpiece. Typically, the thickness of the workpiece is a factor of the adjustment and can be input into a computer which controls the adjustment by an operator. However, if the thickness of the workpiece is wrongly input, the driving element will adjust the laser to a wrong height. Therefore, a processing precision of the laser processing apparatus cannot be ensured. Furthermore, the laser emitter may hit the workpiece during the adjustment and, thus, the laser emitter and/or the workpiece may be damaged.
What is needed therefore is laser processing apparatus addressing the limitations described.


An embodiment of the invention is a technique to manage multipaths for input/output (I/O) devices. An I/O request packet (IRP) from a higher level driver is received. A plurality of paths to a plurality of device objects is managed in response to the IRP using a plurality of lower level drivers. The device objects correspond to physical devices having M device types. The lower level drivers control the physical devices.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relates to the field of storage systems, and more specifically, to driver for storage system.
2. Description of Related Art
Storage technology has become important for many data intensive applications. Currently, there are various storage devices having different capacities and streaming rates to accommodate various applications. Examples of these storage devices include redundant array of independent disks (RAIDs), tape drives, disk drives, and tape libraries. Techniques to interface to these devices include direct-attached storage, and storage area networks (SANs).
Existing techniques to interface to these storage devices have a number of drawbacks. First, they do not provide management to different types of devices in a same driver. A system typically has to install several different types of drivers, one for each type of storage device. This creates complexity in management and system administration, increases cost in software acquisition and maintenance, and reduces system reliability and re-configurability. Second, they do not provide failover among different storage devices, reducing system fault-tolerance and increasing server downtime. Third, they do not provide load balancing among different storage devices, causing performance degradation when there is skew in storage utilization.

Universal multi-path driver for storage systems


An OLED display device includes multiple pixel units arranged in a matrix and a power supply driver chip located at one side of the multiple pixel units. The power supply driver chip is configured to supply input voltages to the multiple pixel units. The power supply driver chip provides the input voltages to the multiple pixel units through a plurality of input paths. The input paths are associated with input points, each of the input points corresponds to a pixel unit at a different location. The power supply driver chip compensates the input voltages to ensure that all of the pixel units at different locations may have an approximately equal input voltage, enabling the entire display region of the OLED display device to display with a uniform brightness and improving the display performance.

OLED display device, which is also known as organic electroluminescence display, has the characteristics of self-luminescence and adopts a very thin organic material coating and a glass substrate. The organic material glows when the current flows through it. Moreover, the OLED display device has a large visual angle and is significant power saving. Therefore, the OLED display device has incomparable advantages over many traditional display devices, such as liquid crystal display devices.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit for a pixel unit in an OLED display device, and FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an OLED display device in the prior art.
As shown in FIG. 1, in one pixel unit, a scan signal "scan" controls the on or off state of a thin film transistor M1. In the case that M1 is in the on state, a data signal "data" is transferred to the gate electrode of a thin film transistor M2 to control the current in M2. The current flows from the power supply signal PVDD to the low potential end PVEE through the thin film transistor M2, and the organic light-emitting diode "oled" emits light in response to the current and implement the display. The organic light-emitting diode "oled" is a current-driven element, in which the current flowing through the organic light-emitting diode "oled" may be calculated from the following formula:Ioled=½×μ×Cox×W/L×(PVDD−Vdata−Vth)2
μ: the mobility of the active layer;
Cox: the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the gate electrode and the active layer;
W: the width of the channel in the organic light-emitting diode;
L: the length of the channel in the organic light-emitting diode;
Vdata: the voltage of the data signal;
Vth: the threshold voltage of the organic light-emitting diode; and
PVDD: the voltage of the power supply signal.
Once the size of the organic light-emitting diode "oled" is determined, the values of μ, Cox, W, L and Vth are also determined. As can be seen from the above formula, for a certain organic light-emitting diode "oled", the current flowing through the organic light-emitting diode "oled" is determined by the value of the power supply signal PVDD and the data signal Vdata.
Next, reference is made to FIG. 2. In an OLED display device, multiple pixel units arranged in a matrix are disposed in a region AA, and a driver chip "Driver IC" is disposed on one side of the OLED display device and configured to provide scan signals and data signals to the multiple pixel units. A power supply driver chip "Power IC" is also provided. Generally, only one power supply driver chip is required for the OLED display device with a small panel. The driver chip "Driver IC" is disposed on the panel of the OLED display device, and the power supply driver chip "Power IC" is disposed on a flexible circuit board or a printed circuit board.
The power supply driver chip "Power IC" supplies an input voltage PVDD to the multiple pixel units through an input path P, for driving the organic light-emitting diodes to emit lights and implement the display. In the entire display region AA, input terminals of the pixel units for input the voltage PVDD are connected together. Since the OLED display device is a current-driven device and each pixel unit has a resistance, a voltage drop is generated across the pixel units from the point AA1 nearest to the power supply driver chip "Power IC" to the point AA2 farthest to the power supply driver chip "Power IC" due to the driving current. That is, the voltage at the nearest point AA1 is larger than that at the farthest point AA2.
From the nearest point AA1 to the farthest point AA2, the currents flowing through the pixel units decrease gradually from one pixel unit to another as the voltages decrease sequentially from one pixel unit to another, resulting in gradually reduced brightness from one to another portion of the OLED device. As a result, the OLED display device lacks brightness uniformly. This problem becomes more serious as the size of the OLED display device increases.

Shanghai Tianma Micro-Electronics Co., Ltd.


The scalable and stable, cw photolytically excited atomic iodine laser operates at 1.315 nm. An initial power level of 55 watts/liter was obtained via the cw photolysis of an alkyl-iodide gas like C.sub.3 F.sub.7 I. The greatly enhanced laser performance was achieved using a microwave excited, electrodeless Hg plasma lamp excited with a d.c., low ripple cw microwave radiation. Both high flow, air cooling and liquid dimethyl polysiloxane cooling of these high pressure Hg lamps provided long lifetime operation with the latter promoting, stable laser operation. Transverse flow of the above gas for the removal of the quenching by-product I.sub.2 is incorporated into the laser. To insure good laser amplitude stability, both the high power magnetrons and the lamps are liquid cooled. The scalable, prolonged and stable operation of this laser system is possible via use of a closer cycle, condensative/evaporative fuel system coupled to a high flow, internal blower for heavy gases. Over the excitation length of 25 cm, an average small signal gain coefficient of 2%/cm. is produced by exciting the transversely flowing gas from one side. Higher powers are achieveable by exciting the gas from both sides, increasing the ultraviolet lamp radiation with higher microwave power and/or more efficient UV operating plasma lamps, and/or adjusting the UV lamp emission into the C.sub.3 F.sub.7 I absorption in the 240-320 nm region.

The present invention relates to lasers, and, in particular, relates to gaseous lasers, and, in greater particularity, relates to cw photolytic lasers.
A prior cw iodine laser operated at 1.315 microns and had an unlimited operating time. This utilized a high pressure, water cooled, d.c. Hg arc lamp for the ultraviolet (UV) photolysis of the alkyl-iodine laser fuel (specifically C3F7I) and either used longitudinal or transverse flow in the gain cell. Both the ground state iodine atoms and the photolytic quenching by-product I.sub.2 were removed which is necessary to sustain cw operation. The unlimited operating time was achieved by using a passive closed cycle C.sub.3 F.sub.7 I gaseous supply system which removed the I.sub.2 from the C.sub.3 F.sub.7 I laser fuel via a condensation/evaporation process and simultaneously created the required flow velocity. Better performance was achieved using transverse flow since a more constant flow velocity occurred across the lasing region. These excellent results, however, occurred at low output powers of a few milliwatts. Such low powers made this cw photolytic iodine laser useful only as a gain probe of iodine media like Chemical Oxygen Iodine Lasers (COIL) or pulsed photolytic iodine devices.

Scalable and stable, CW photolytic atomic iodine laser

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


Cooling device with liquid for electronic cards, in particular for high-performance processing units, comprising at least a hydraulic circuit in which a heat-carrying fluid flows in order to extract the heat produced by electronic components and/or hot spots present on an associated electronic card. The device comprises a cooling plate mechanically coupled to the electronic card so as to be inserted in a containing rack of the processing unit. The plate has a heat extraction surface facing and partly in contact, or at least in close proximity, with the electronic components and/or the hot spots. The hydraulic circuit is made in the thickness of the plate and has a geometric grid development, along which a plurality of hydraulic sub-circuits are disposed and switching means to define desired paths. The plate has sliding guide means able to cooperate with corresponding alignment means of the containing rack.

In the field of high-performance processing units or "supercomputers" it is known to cool the electronic cards, and in particular the electronic components mounted on them, such as integrated circuits, microprocessors and others, in order to prevent the limit values of functioning temperature from being exceeded, above which irreversible damage can be caused. Moreover, by restricting the functioning temperature range of the electronic cards by cooling them, it is possible to increase the working life of their components, at the same time reducing possible maintenance interventions.
Air cooling, that is, using a stream of forced air which is conveyed above the electronic components that produce most heat, and which is subsequently extracted from inside the container or rack of the electronic cards by means of one or more fans, does not allow an efficient removal of the heat produced, especially when there is a high density of electronic integration of the components on the cards.
Moreover, the presence of continuously moving mechanical components, such as the fans, entails the need for periodic diagnostic controls and/or maintenance in order to verify their correct functioning or to remove possible residues of impurities, such as powders or other, which can compromise the proper functioning. Such systems are also noisy and, if there are a large number of fans, they can make the work environment uncomfortable.
One cooling technique typically used for high-performance processing units is the type using liquid. This technique provides that the heat of the air heated by the electronic components of the cards is given up, inside the container, to a heat-carrying fluid which is made to circulate in a pipe, which develops, at least partly, inside the container itself. The pipe is designed, in general, to pass near the main electronic components, or near the possible auxiliary dissipaters directly mounted on the electronic components, and near the main hot points of heat production, also known as "hot spots", of the electronic cards; it then exits from the container, or rack, in order to give up the heat thus taken in. The pipe can carry on directly toward a heat exchange device, disposed for example outside the premises where the processing unit is disposed, or it can be thermally coupled to an auxiliary pipe, hydraulically separated from it, which is in turn connected to the heat exchange device.
One drawback of this cooling technique with liquid is that, in the case of high integration of the electronic components and of high density of the hot spots, the spaces for the movement of the hot air inside the container or rack can be reduced quite considerably, and may even obstruct the desired movement of hot air toward the points provided for heat exchange on the pipe, rendering the extraction of heat inefficient and increasing the electric consumption of the processing units.
In order to at least partially improve the cooling performance and to resolve the aforesaid problems, the pipe can be designed so as to directly contact the main electronic components and the hot spots of the electronic cards.
However, one drawback of this solution is the constraints and the mechanical interferences due to the conformation and development of the pipe inside the container or rack, in which the electronic cards are housed. This, in its turn, makes it very difficult to remove the electronic cards from the container or rack, in practice increasing the times and the maintenance costs.
Moreover, cooling plates are known, for example from the patent application US2008/0296256 and from the patent JP2166755, which can be associated with the electronic cards and provided with a corresponding internal hydraulic circuit in which a heat-carrying fluid is made to flow. The cooling plates have a transverse thickness, which together with the thickness of the electronic cards themselves, makes it difficult to insert them inside the containing racks of the processing units. Moreover, the extraction of the heat is not very efficient, given that the heat-carrying fluid is hotter toward the exit from the hydraulic circuit, thus determining an inefficient cooling of some electronic components or of the relative hot spots, or requiring an over-sizing of the hydraulic circuits themselves.
Another known solution is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,666, which provides to use a support element for each electronic card with a printed circuit (PCB), which acts both as mechanical support for the card and also feeds the system. This solution, because it requires a separate support element, is not very efficient, it is bulky, it cannot have any shape whatsoever, it is not adaptable to any PCB configuration, it requires a precise assemblage sequence, there are maintenance problems and still other drawbacks.
One purpose of the present invention is to obtain a cooling device with liquid for electronic cards, in particular for high-performance processing units, which allows to reduce the times and costs of maintenance and facilitates the extraction and/or insertion of the electronic cards from a relative container or rack.
A further purpose of the present invention is to obtain a cooling device with liquid for electronic cards, in particular for high-performance processing units, which allows an efficient heat removal even in the case of electronic cards with a high integration density.
A further purpose of the present invention is to obtain a cooling device with liquid for electronic cards, in particular for high-performance processing units, which allows to reduce electric consumption and to increase the working life of the processing units.
Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain a cooling device with liquid for electronic cards, in particular for high-performance processing units, which allows to minimize the bulk and overall weight of the electronic card and of the device itself, and therefore of the entire processing unit.
The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

Cooling device with liquid for electronic cards, in particular for high performance processing units


A method, medium, and system to receive a mathematical model representation of performance characteristics for an aircraft and an engine combination; perform a projection based model order reduction on the mathematical model representation; eliminate, based on the projected model, fast dynamics components of the mathematical model representation; determine a reduced order model, as a differential algebraic equation, wherein algebraic equations replace the fast dynamics; set a flight path angle and a throttle level angle as a control to minimize fuel consumption for the modeled aircraft and engine combination; discretize equations of motion for the modeled aircraft and engine combination and formulate optimization equations as a nonlinear programming problem; and determine an optimal open loop control that minimizes fuel consumption for the modeled aircraft and engine combination to climb to a prescribed cruise altitude and airspeed.

The present disclosure relates to aircraft flight path optimization and, in particular, to generating optimal climb control trajectories using nonlinear programming.
A flight management system (FMS) is a computer-based system on-board an aircraft that performs a number of in-flight tasks, including in-flight management of a flight plan. FMSs have been in use for many years, and the programming techniques used by FMSs heretofore are designed for the computing capabilities of prior generations of computerized systems. For example, prior FMSs still in service today typically make assumptions regarding many of the complex and varied parameters regarding a flight path, including but not limited to fixed (i.e., constant) values for aspects regarding the aircraft and its performance characteristics and a constant value for aircraft operations such as, for example, a constant aircraft speed during a climb portion of flight. Such FMSs typically assume a constant speed (not a real-world constraint) during a climb portion of the flight path and rely on lookup tables to determine the constant climb speed to report to a given cruising altitude and velocity.
Therefore, there exists a desire to provide a system and process that can generate control trajectories based on actual conditions for particular flights as opposed to assumed constraints, including optimized flight paths.

Flight path optimization using nonlinear programming


An exercise system includes a frame, an upper body carriage, a lower body carriage, a positioning carriage, a resistance assembly attached to the frame, and a connecting mechanism. The frame includes a right guide rail, a left guide rail, and a central guide rail disposed between the right guide rail and the left guide rail. The upper body carriage includes an upper right and an upper left carriage slidingly attached to the right and left guide rail, respectively. The lower body carriage includes a lower right and lower left carriage slidingly attached to the right and left guide rail, respectively. The connecting mechanism mechanically couples one of the upper body carriage, the lower body carriage, or the positioning carriage to the resistance assembly such that the resistance assembly applies a predetermined level of resistive force to the upper body carriage, the lower body carriage, and/or the positioning carriage.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Traditional abdominal exercises are limited to conventional crunches and sit-ups, which involves starting in a supine position, moving upward by curling the torso until in a crunch or sit-up position, and returning to the supine position. However, curving the spine against the ground can cause injury to the hip flexor muscles, which can cause injury to the spine and back. Another challenge with traditional crunches and sit-ups is maintaining proper form. When performed improperly, increased strain is put on the neck, which leads to further injuries.
Additionally, traditional crunches and sit-ups only target the abdominal muscles. In contrast, exercises involving planks are safer, target more muscles across the entire core, and engage more muscles, such as shoulder muscles, latissimus dorsi muscles, quadricep muscles, and gluteal muscles.
There is a continuing need for an exercise system that allows the user to maintain proper form for targeting abdominal muscles, deltoid muscles, triceps muscles, latissimus dorsi muscles, quadricep muscles, pectoralis muscles, and gluteal muscles while incorporating resistance for increased strength training thereby reducing chances of injury and strain.


A user interface apparatus for path search and a method thereof are disclosed. The interface apparatus for path search includes an interface unit configured to provide a first user interface comprising a plurality of image objects, the first user interface configured to implement sweeping transition between the image objects in at least one direction, wherein the interface unit displays an image associated with at least one place which is an object for path search on the image objects.

1. Field of the Invention
Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate to a user interface apparatus for path search which can search for a path to a place a user desires to search for easily and quickly, and a method thereof.
2. Discussion of the Background
Generally, a navigation system may guide searching a path for a vehicle (e.g., a car) via a map guide.
Such a conventional navigation system may usually provide a search menu when a user desires to set a destination for setting a path and a method for searching a path may include address searching, telephone searching and name searching. The address searching uses an address corresponding to the destination in searching a path to the destination and the telephone searching uses a telephone number of the destination in searching for a path to the destination. The name searching uses a general name corresponding to the destination in searching a path to the destination.
Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0073663 (published on Jul. 3, 2011) discloses the technique that provides a search menu having a preset prior condition frequently used by a user to search a destination easily.
The present disclosure provides a technique for quickly searching a desired place a user desires to search when entering a menu mainly configured of searching menus.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosed subject matter and therefore may contain information that does not form any part of the prior art nor what the prior art may suggest to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

User interface apparatus for path search and method thereof


Examples described herein provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include: generating, using the one or more processors, a plurality of child processes according to a number of programmable dies of the multi-die device, each of the plurality of child processes corresponding to a respective programmable die of the multi-die device, wherein the plurality of child processes execute on different processors; partitioning a design for the multi-die device into a plurality of portions, each of the portions to be used to configure one of the programmable dies of the multi-die device; transmitting the plurality of portions of the design to the plurality of child processes for placement; and receiving placements from the plurality of child processes.

A programmable integrated circuit (IC) refers to a type of IC that includes programmable circuitry. An example of a programmable IC is a field programmable gate array (FPGA). An FPGA is characterized by the inclusion of programmable circuit blocks. Circuit designs may be physically implemented within the programmable circuitry of a programmable IC by loading configuration data, sometimes referred to as a configuration bitstream, into the device. The configuration data may be loaded into internal configuration memory cells of the device. The collective states of the individual configuration memory cells determine the functionality of the programmable IC. For example, the particular operations performed by the various programmable circuit blocks and the connectivity between the programmable circuit blocks of the programmable IC are defined by the collective states of the configuration memory cells once loaded with the configuration data.
Generally, placement and routing algorithms targeting FPGAs do not use multiple processors or massive multi-threading and thus did not save as much runtime as they could have. Even when multiple processors or massive multi-threading were used, they were used to speed up a specific algorithm and not applicable across the entire placement flow. Moreover, these algorithms suffered from quality of results (QoR) loss (e.g., failure to meet timing constraints). QoR is defined here as whether the multi-die device has met timing constraints and maximum frequency of operations. The QoR loss resulted from the algorithms not being able to optimize critical paths across die boundaries or the algorithms suffering from a lack of runtime as a number of placement algorithms did not scale well beyond four to eight threads (e.g., because of bottlenecking in shared resources).

Multiprocessing flow and massively multi-threaded flow for multi-die devices


An engine system and various methods for controlling the outlet temperature of an EGR stream before entering an engine intake system are disclosed. In a system and the various methods, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is positioned within an EGR passage fluidly connecting an engine exhaust stream and an engine intake stream, while a waste heat recovery (WHR) system is used to recover heat from the EGR stream. An engine control unit (ECU) is coupled to various sensors and valves to divert working fluid in the WHR system from cooling the EGR exhaust flow below a level which favors production of condensation in the engine intake system. The ECU operates to divert working fluid flow away from the EGR boiler when sensors indicate characteristics of either the exhaust flow or the intake stream which might lead to heavy condensation. A three-way valve is also used to divert the working fluid to a variable expansion valve fluidly coupled to the three-way valve in response to a signal from one of the sensors to prevent damage to the system turbine.

In internal combustion engines, when the combustion temperatures exceed about 2,500° F. (about 1,371° C.), atmospheric nitrogen begins to react with intake oxygen to form compounds called nitrogen oxides (NOx). These compounds play a major role in air pollution, particularly in high traffic areas such as cities. To reduce the formation of NOx, combustion temperatures must be kept below the 2,500° F. threshold. One way this is achieved is by re-circulating a small amount of engine exhaust back into the engine intake through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.
The EGR valve controls a passageway between the intake and exhaust manifolds. Sensors and a control unit are used to open the valve to allow the intake vacuum to draw a portion of the exhaust stream through the valve and into the intake stream. The exhaust gas flow dilutes the incoming air/fuel mixture and has a quenching effect on combustion temperatures, which keeps NOx production within acceptable limits. As an added benefit, it also reduces the engine's octane requirements which lessens the occurrence of detonation (spark knock).
However, when a waste heat recovery (WHR) system is also used to recover energy from the EGR exhaust flow before it enters the engine intake system, condensation formation at the engine intake can pose a problem. Condensation on the intake system may damage the engine by breaking down oil film on engine cylinder surfaces and by clogging intake ports as it combines with combustion soot to form wet soot deposits. The main cause of this condensation is an EGR flow outlet temperature which is too low as a result of the temperature of the working fluid in the WHR system being much lower than the engine coolant temperature.
The disclosed system and methods address these problems in the prior art by providing control of the EGR outlet temperature. The system provides means for protecting against cooling the EGR stream beyond a threshold which would cause condensation. Likewise, the methods provide for controlling the EGR outlet temperature and protecting an engine from damage due to heavy condensation at the intake system.

Waste heat recovery system for controlling EGR outlet temperature

International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC.


Methods and apparatus for thoracoscopic defibrillation of a patient's heart. The technique involves introducing a first electrode (10) through a percutaneous intercostal penetration, positioning the first electrode against the heart surface (H) and positioning a second electrode (10') against the patient's body. A voltage is then applied through the percutaneous intercostal penetration to the first electrode and to a second electrode to deliver electrical energy to the first electrode, through at least a portion of the patient's heart, and to the second electrode. The electrical energy applies an electric charge to the patient's heart to defibrillate the heart muscle or restart the heart during, for example, cardiac procedures that involve arresting the heart.

Cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial or ventricular fibrillation, usually occur when the electrical signals that stimulate the heart muscles are not properly conducted so that they produce rapid, erratic excitation known as fibrillation, without coordinated contraction or expansion of the ventricles and atrium. Cardiac arrhythmias can be overcome by applying a charge of electrical energy to the fibrillating myocardial tissue. This procedure, know as either cardioversion or defibrillation, is typically accomplished by applying electrical pulses through large paddle-shaped electrodes positioned against the chest of a patient or, during the course of open cardiac surgery, applied directly to the patient's heart tissue. The electric current passes through the patient's heart and overrides or repolarizes the erratic voltages in the fibrillating heart tissue so that the electrical signals are reorganized, causing the heart to beat in a normal rhythm, commonly known as a "sinus rhythm".
Defibrillation techniques may also be necessary to artificially restart the patient's heart during cardiac procedures that involve arresting the heart for a period of time during the procedure. Conventional cardiac surgery typically requires that the patient's sternum be divided longitudinally and the chest be spread apart to provide access to the heart, an access technique known as a median sternotomy. The heart is isolated from the arterial system by introducing an external aortic cross-clamp through the sternotomy and applying it to the aorta between the brachiocephalic artery and the coronary ostia. While the patient's heart is arrested using cold cardioplegic agents and the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass, the surgical team may perform an operation directly on the arrested heart, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, repair and replacement of mitral, aortic, and other heart valves, repair of atrial and ventricular septal defects, pulmonary thrombectomy, treatment of aneurysms, electrophysiological mapping and ablation of the myocardium, and the like. When the surgery has been completed, the patient's heart is restarted by discontinuing infusion of cardioplegic agents, and removing the aortic clamp from the ascending aorta to allow blood to warm the heart. In some cases, however, the patient's heart does not automatically restart and the surgical team must artificially prompt the heart using cardioversion or defibrillation. Paddle-shaped electrodes are placed directly on the heart through the median sternotomy and an electrical charge is delivered to the heart muscle through the electrodes.
While effective in many cases, conventional open heart surgical techniques are highly traumatic to the patient due to the necessity of a median sternotomy or other form of gross thoracotomy. Therefore, new methods of performing surgery on the heart using minimally-invasive techniques have been recently developed. In these methods, the patient's heart is arrested by occluding the patient's aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery with an expandable balloon on the distal end of an endovascular catheter introduced via a femoral artery. Cardioplegic fluid is then delivered to the patient's myocardium through a lumen in the same catheter or through a separate catheter positioned in the coronary sinus. This method allows the surgeon to perform operations directly on the heart without creating a large opening in the patient's chest. A complete description of such methods is found in commonly assigned, co-pending application Ser. No. 08/282,192, now U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,584,803 filed Jul. 28, 1994, and 5,452,733, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
This new generation of thoracoscopic methods of performing heart surgery has, of course, created many new challenges. One such challenge arises when the heart must be artificially restarted by defibrillation during or after the cardiac procedure. The large opening in the chest typically produced by the median sternotomy is not available for placement of the electrodes onto the heart. Instead, the electrodes must be introduced in a minimally-invasive manner through a small percutaneous incision or cannula positioned in an intercostal space in the patient's rib cage. Another problem is that defibrillation of the heart muscles generally requires that the electrodes have a surface area for contacting the heart that is large enough to disperse the high voltage applied to the heart and thereby avoid damage or destruction of the heart cells. Introducing an electrode which is large enough to sufficiently disperse the defibrillation voltage to the heart through the relatively small intercostal spaces in the chest is problematic.
For these and other reasons, improved systems and methods are desired for applying electrical energy to tissue structures in a body cavity via a small percutaneous incision or cannula. Preferably, the systems and methods should be capable of applying an electrical charge to a patient's heart to defibrillate the heart muscle or restart the heart during cardiac procedures in which the heart is arrested or is fibrillating. The system should be configured for introduction through a small percutaneous penetration, such as a cannula positioned in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. The system should also be large enough to contact the heart muscle sufficiently to disperse the high defibrillation voltage and thereby avoid damaging the heart muscle.

Expandable thoracoscopic defibrillation catheter system and method


Nutrient formulations are provided having a high content of carrageenan and a low liquid content. The nutrient formulation also contains at least one nutritional and/or pharmaceutical component such as flavorings, sweeteners, amino acids, fruit solids, protein and carbohydrates. The formulations are produced by mixing at least one carrageenan at a minimum of 5% by weight, and the desired nutritional and/or pharmaceutical component with no more than 50% by weight of a liquid.

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for good health. Individuals are encouraged to control calories, to avoid fats, to increase fiber intake, to take vitamins as supplements and to eat cruciferous vegetables and fruits for a balanced diet. Despite the substantial advertising of the advantages of certain foods, control of calories and the detrimental effects of ignoring the advice, the fact remains that a substantial portion of the population has an unbalanced diet and is susceptible to various diseases.
One of the most desirable aides for maintaining a healthy diet is a good tasting non-caloric snack. Advantageously, the snack would be in the form of a candy or bar having a low fat and sugar content and having incorporated therein certain beneficially substances (e.g. amino acids, proteins, protein fractions, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and pharmaceuticals) to promote improved health.
Recently, it has been suggested that certain amino acids, when used as supplements to a normal diet in relatively large doses, have salutary effects on cardiovascular health (Drexler et al., "Correction of endothelial dysfunction in coronary microcirculation of hypercholesterolaemic patients by L-arginine", Lancet, Vol. 338, (Dec. 21/28, 1991)), pages 8782–8783); kidney health (Walser et al., "Can renal replacement be deferred by a supplemented very low protein diet?" J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., Vol. 10(1), (January 1999), pages 110–6); immune function and wound healing (Barbul et al., "Arginine enhances wound healing and lymphocyte immune responses in humans", Surgery, Vol. 108(2),(August 1990), pages 331–6); weight control (Geliebter et al., "Oral L-histidine fails to reduce taste and smell acuity but induces anorexia and urinary zinc excretion", Am. J. Clin. Nutr., Vol. 34(1), (January 1981), pages 119–20); muscle tone (Elam et al., "Effects of arginine and ornithine on strength, lean body mass and urinary hydroxyproline in adult males", J. Sports Med. Phys. Fitness, Vol. 29(1), (March 1989), pages 52–6); and cholesterol level (Hurson et al., "Metabolic effects of arginine in a healthy elderly population", J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr., Vol. 91 (3), (May–June 1995), pages 227–30; Braverman, E R and Pfeiffer, C C, The Healing Nutrients Within: Facts, Findings and New Research on Amino Acids. Keats Publishing, Inc., New Canaan, Conn., 1987, pages 181–182). The doses are sufficiently large that one would need to take a large number of pills or a large volume of powder to achieve the desired therapeutic dosage level. Unfortunately, amino acids have an undesirable flavor and can readily react with a variety of other chemicals found in foods, particularly when combined at elevated temperatures.
Accordingly, there exists a need to develop food products containing nutritional supplements and/or pharmaceuticals in useful amounts, which food products are capable of being formulated into a bar or candy, are organoleptically acceptable and are useful in small quantities to provide the daily requirements of a desired supplement.