A fuel filter assembly (10) includes a housing (12) with an internal chamber (14) and inlet and outlet (18, 22). The chamber is bounded by an annular wall (16) and has an opening (30) at an upper end thereof. An element (26) is accepted in the chamber. The element includes a manually engagable cap portion (28) for closing the opening, and a disk-shaped member (46). The disk-shaped member has a deformable lip portion (50) for engaging the annular wall, and for fluidly separating an aperture (24) in connection with the outlet fitting, from aperture (24) in connection with the outlet fitting, from an aperture (20) in fluid communication with the inlet fitting. A check valve (200) is also engaged by the lip portion to open a fluid path to the chamber when the filter element is located in the housing. A media body (54) of filter media (56) removes impurities from liquid flowing therethrough. Fuel flows from the inlet to the chamber and then through the media. From an interior area (60) of the media body, the fuel passes through a passage (62) into an intermediate area (52) and out the outlet. An element change may be accomplished without spilling or contacting the fuel, and without contaminants in the chamber reaching the aperture in fluid communication with outlet.

Fuel filters of many types are known in the prior art. A popular type of fuel filter often used in trucks and other heavy vehicles is one that has a replaceable filter element. When in use, the element is housed in a filter housing. The housing is a permanent part of the vehicle fuel system.
Periodically the filter element in the assembly should be replaced. Prior art filter designs pose several drawbacks when it is necessary to change a filter element.
A common drawback associated with changing many types of prior art filter elements is that fuel is spilled out of the system into the environment during the element change. The loss of fuel not only poses a fire risk but is also an environmental problem.
Other prior art filter assemblies are made so that the person changing the filter must have their hands in contact with the fuel. Such contact, particularly on a repeated basis, is undesirable.
A further drawback of some prior art filter housings is that when the element is changed, dirt that has collected in the housing or on the element, is suspended or falls off the element into the fuel. The dirt may migrate into the outlet of the filter housing and travel downstream in the fuel system. Such dirt may cause serious problems to downstream components such as a carburetor, fuel injection pump or fuel injectors.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,923, which is owned by the assignee of the present invention, discloses a fuel filter assembly that overcomes these drawbacks. The filter element of that design may be changed without spilling fuel or requiring the person carrying out the filter change to have skin contact with the fuel. Further, the fuel filter assembly is designed so that the possibility of migration of contaminants into the outlet during an element change is minimized.
While the design shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,923 works well, it is a relatively expensive item to manufacture. This is because the design includes a housing with integral passages as well as a standpipe. Further cost is added through the use of an end cap for the filter element which includes an integral seal. All of these features add complexity and cost to the design.
Thus, there exists a need for a fuel filter assembly with a replaceable element that has the desirable characteristics previously discussed, but is less expensive to manufacture.


An ink supply system is used with a printer of the type in which ink is deposited in an engraved receiving region on a cliché plate and is scraped from the plate leaving ink in the receiving region. The ink supply system includes an ink cup having a hollow interior defining an ink reservoir and defining an outer edge. The outer edge has a doctor blade formed thereon for engaging and scraping the plate. The ink cup has an inlet and an outlet. A pump has a suction side and a discharge side with the suction side in flow communication with the cup outlet for drawing ink from the cup. A viscosity controller is in flow communication with the pump discharge and receives ink from the pump. A flow conduit extends between the viscosity controller and the ink cup for providing a flow of ink from the viscosity controller to the ink cup. The pump draws ink from the cup to create a negative pressure within the cup and the negative pressure within the cup draws ink from the viscosity controller to the ink cup through the flow conduit.

The present invention relates to an ink supply system for printers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an ink supply with viscosity control for a printing system.
Automated printing systems are in widespread use in a host of industries. And, the number of types of printing systems is almost as great as the number of industries in which these systems are used.
One type of printing system that operates in a fully automatic or near fully automatic mode is a pad printing system. These systems are used to apply high quality print, e.g. indicia, on flat as well as non-flat surfaces. For example, pad printing systems can be used to print logos and the like on cellular telephone covers, game balls such as golf balls and the like. It will be appreciated that such printing must be carried out, not only on a spherical surface, but on a surface that is formed with dimples as well.
Conventional pad printing systems use a deformable pad which receives ink, transferred as an image, from a flat cliché plate. The plate has an engraving or etching of the indicia formed therein. Ink is transferred from an ink supply to the plate, and fills into the etched areas. The deformable pad is then pressed onto the plate and the ink is picked up by the pad. The image is the transferred to the curved surface which is to be printed. To re-ink the pad, in a commonly used arrangement, an inverted cup containing a quantity of printing ink is used to apply the ink to the cliché plate. To apply a new coating of ink to the cliché plate, the ink cup and cliché plate are moved relative to each other following each ink transfer operation. A doctor blade is fitted to the cup to traverse along the cliché´ plate and "wipe" the cliché plate. This assures that ink is left behind in the etching but does not build up on the plate, inside or outside of the etched areas.
The ink supply system is configured to maintain a fresh flow or supply of ink to the ink cup so that the ink transferred to the cliché´ plate is likewise fresh. It is also designed so that the viscosity of the ink is controlled to maintain the flow characteristics within certain desired parameters. The ink flow characteristics are generally maintained to achieve proper ink pick-up (from the plate to the pad) and transfer (from the pad to the object), as well as to achieve good print quality.
In a typical ink supply system, the ink is pumped from a source or supply to the ink cup. As such, the ink entering the cup is under pressure which can adversely effect the seal between the doctor blade and the cliché´ plate. This can also effect the quantity of ink that is deposited in the etching as well as outside of the etching, as well as the flow characteristics of the supplied ink.
Accordingly, there is a need for an ink supply system for a printing system that provides the ability to maintain control of the flow characteristics of the supplied ink. Desirably, such a system operates without pressurizing the ink cup into which the ink is supplied.

Printer ink supply system with viscosity control


An intra-oral system is disclosed for assisting an individual in developing intra-oral muscle control and strength, and for facilitating typing of alphanumeric characters on a virtual keyboard. The system may also be used to enable an individual having limited use of the upper extremities to control an electrical apparatus such as a wheelchair, a bed or a light fixture. The intra-oral system includes a mouthpiece having a plurality of cells embedded therein. The cells are configured to receive pressure applied by the tongue of an individual. Movement of the tongue over and against the cells causes an object to be moved over a display. In one embodiment, the object is moved through an obstacle course or over a simulated track as part of a therapeutic regimen. In another embodiment, the object is moved over alphanumeric characters on a digital keyboard, and selected characters are typed by operation of the mouthpiece. In this manner, textual matter may be produced and stored by the user, and then sent via electronic means using a wired or wireless communication network. In yet another embodiment, a character or icon on the display is selected and activated to manipulate an electrical apparatus. A method for moving an electrical apparatus using a mouthpiece controlled through lingual movement is also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to therapeutic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems for helping patients improve mastication and deglutition. The present invention also has application to the movement of an object on a visual display in order to activate an electrical apparatus, and to methods for facilitating typing on a digital keyboard.
2. Technology in the Field of the Invention
Mastication, or chewing, is the process by which food is mashed and crushed by teeth. Mastication increases the surface area of food and allows it to more efficiently be broken down by enzymes. This is the first step of digestion.
During the mastication process, food is positioned between the teeth for grinding by the cheek and tongue. As chewing continues, the food is made softer and warmer. Enzymes in the saliva begin to break down carbohydrates in the food. After chewing, the food (now called "bolus") is swallowed. It enters the esophagus and continues on to the stomach where the next step of digestion occurs.
Many foods require at least some chewing for proper digestion. However, some individuals lack the muscular ability to grind food with their tongue and teeth. Physical difficulty in chewing food may arise in young patients due to a neurological or muscular birth defect. Alternatively, such a difficulty may arise in older patients due to a partial stroke or injury. Such individuals are thus limited in what they can eat.
There are also some individuals who have trouble swallowing food and saliva. All food and saliva must be swallowed. Patients who lack the muscular ability to swallow cannot eat properly. Such a condition is referred to as dysphagia.
Swallowing, or deglutition, is the complex process by which food and saliva are moved from the mouth, through the pharynx, and into the stomach. Both food and air pass through the pharynx, a part of the neck and throat positioned immediately posterior to the mouth and the nasal cavity, superior to the larynx, esophagus, and trachea. In other words, the pharynx (along with the esophagus and larynx), is part of both the respiratory system and digestive system in humans.
Deglutition is actually a two phase process involving both the somatic (voluntary) and autonomic (involuntary) nervous systems. For swallowing, the voluntary phase is referred to as the buccal phase, while the involuntary phase occurs as food is moved from the oral cavity into the pharynx.
Concerning the buccal phase, this phase occurs when a bolus, a soft mass of sufficiently chewed food mixed with saliva, is transferred to the back of the tongue. The anterior portion of the tongue lifts toward the hard palate in the mouth and then descends backwards to force the bolus into the pharynx. Next, the posterior portion of the tongue lifts toward the soft palate, elevating the uvula to seal off the nasopharynx. This prevents the bolus from entering the nasal cavity. The buccal phase involves cranial nerves V, VII, and XII, and is controlled by the somatic nervous system.
Once the bolus has entered the pharynx, receptors trigger an involuntary response by the deglutition center in the brain. This pharyngeal-esophageal phase involves cranial nerves V, IX, X, XI, and XII. Pharyngeal folds on either side of the bolus are drawn together to create a narrow passageway. The bolus is forced through the pharynx by peristalsis, which is a series of involuntary muscle contractions. At the same time, the hyoid bone and larynx move upward and forward. This causes the epiglottis to swing backwards, where it blocks the opening to the larynx. The bolus can now pass only into the esophagus; all other openings have been blocked. The esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing the bolus to enter.
During the brief time that the larynx is sealed off, the swallowing center directly inhibits the respiratory center, halting respiration. Once the bolus enters the esophagus, peristalsis continues to force the food onward toward the stomach while the pharynx returns to its resting state. This is the involuntary process which occurs once food enters the pharynx.
During respiration, air travels from the oral or nasal cavity into the pharynx and then on through the larynx to the trachea and lungs. When food is swallowed, it travels from the oral cavity into the pharynx, and then into the esophagus. During swallowing, a flap of tissue called the epiglottis (part of the larynx) folds down to direct food away from the trachea and into the esophagus, thus preventing aspiration of food into the lungs. Faulty chewing or swallowing may lead to malnutrition, dehydration, airway obstruction (choking), aspiration pneumonia, and even death.
Dysphagia may arise in young patients due to a neurological or muscular birth defect. Alternatively, it may arise in older patients due to a partial stroke or loss of muscle strength. If the muscles of the tongue or cheek are weak or are not functioning properly, it may be difficult to move food around in the mouth for proper chewing. Food pieces that are not chewed properly may be too large to swallow and can block the passage of air when they enter the throat.
A need exists for a device that assists patients in strengthening the intra-oral musculature and in improving muscular control in connection with mastication and deglutition. A need further exists for a system by which a patient's ability to chew and swallow food may be improved by means of muscle therapy and visual feedback. A need further exists for an intra-oral system by which an individual may control an object on a visual display for activating an electrical apparatus. Finally, a need exists for a system that enables the typing of characters on a virtual or digital keyboard.

Methods and systems for lingual movement to manipulate an object


The present invention provides a wireless communication apparatus that allows miniaturization of the wireless communication apparatus as a whole and improvement of characteristics of an antenna device. A notch portion is formed in a shield case formed of a conductive material that covers a radio-frequency wireless communication circuit provided on a printed wiring board so as to house the radio-frequency wireless communication circuit within the shield case. By feeding power to the notch portion, the shield case is operated as a slot antenna. At the same time, the shield case blocks undesired electromagnetic waves emitted from the radio-frequency wireless communication circuit. Alternatively, a notch antenna is formed by opening one end of the notch portion formed in the shield case. By thus making the shield case function as electromagnetic wave shielding member and also function as the slot antenna or the notch antenna, the wireless communication apparatus as a whole is miniaturized.

The present invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus, and particularly to a wireless communication apparatus that can be reduced in size and improve antenna characteristics.
Conventionally, in miniaturizing a wireless communication apparatus, a radio-frequency wireless communication circuit (RF circuit) and an antenna are miniaturized separately from each other. When the RF circuit and the antenna circuit are miniaturized separately from each other, however, there is a limit to miniaturization of the wireless communication apparatus as a whole.
Accordingly, in general, attempts have been made to miniaturize the wireless communication apparatus as a whole by integrating a module and a semiconductor used in the wireless communication circuit with the antenna (see for example patent literature 1, patent literature 2, patent literature 3, and patent literature 4).
In a receiving module unit described in the patent literature 1, an antenna and a circuit protected with a shield pattern for magnetic shielding are formed on an identical plane, whereby the receiving module as a whole is miniaturized and mutual effects between the circuits are eliminated.
In a semiconductor package described in the patent literature 2, an antenna pattern in a shape of one loop is provided around an IC chip on a circuit board, thereby effecting miniaturization.
In an antenna module and a wireless communication apparatus using the antenna module described in the patent literature 3, an antenna is laminated on a circuit board via a dielectric substrate, and a layout of internal parts is optimized to avoid effects on a portion that greatly contributes to frequency bandwidth in the antenna device, thereby effecting miniaturization.
In the case of an antenna built in a computer terminal described in the patent literature 4, which antenna is not integrated with a wireless communication circuit, a slot antenna is formed using a thin plate-shaped stay, and the slot antenna is installed in a gap at a sidewall of a computer frame, thereby effecting miniaturization.
[Patent Literature 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 9-116240 (page 3, FIG. 1)
[Patent Literature 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 7-176646 (page 2 and page 3, FIG. 1)
[Patent Literature 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-298321 (page 3 and page 4, FIG. 1)
[Patent Literature 4]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-84117 (page 5 and page 6, FIG. 2 and FIG. 5)
However, the receiving module unit in the patent literature 1 and the semiconductor package in the patent literature 2 have problems in that when a ground pattern of the board is adjacent to the antenna pattern, antenna efficiency is degraded significantly and, at the same time, a narrower band results.
As to the antenna module and the wireless communication apparatus in the patent literature 3, it is known regarding frequency bandwidth and antenna efficiency of a line-shaped antenna and a plate-shaped antenna that characteristics including radiation resistance, a frequency band and the like are generally determined in proportion to a square of a distance from a ground of the board to the antenna device. Depending on required specifications, sufficient miniaturization is difficult in some cases with these structures.
The antenna built in the computer terminal in the patent literature 4 is a slot antenna. However, this slot antenna requires a ground plate that is sufficiently wide with respect to the wavelength. In addition, to avoid electromagnetic coupling with the wireless communication circuit, the antenna is installed at a distance from the wireless communication circuit or the antenna and the wireless communication circuit are used on respective boards separate from each other in many cases, thus making miniaturization difficult.

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.


In a method and system for controlling a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter includes an inductor coupled to receive a voltage input at an input terminal. A diode is coupled in series between the inductor and an output terminal of the DC-DC converter. A switch is coupled between the inductor and a ground reference. The switch receives a control signal from a controller for adjusting a duty cycle of the DC-DC converter. The duty cycle controls an output voltage at the output terminal. The controller generates the control signal in response to receiving a feedback signal, which is derived as a predefined function of a voltage feedback signal indicative of the output voltage and a current feedback signal indicative of a current flowing through the inductor.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of power supplies, and more particularly to techniques for efficiently controlling a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter used in power supplies.
Switching DC-DC converters (also referred to as regulators) have been used to provide direct current (DC) power to electrical/electronic devices such as integrated circuits (ICs), digital signal processors, radio frequency (RF) circuit devices, printed circuit boards, and the like, due to their improved power conversion efficiency compared to non-switching regulators. Switching DC-DC converters regulate an average DC output voltage by selectively storing energy in an inductor during a charge cycle, e.g., during an on time of a switching element. The energy stored in the inductor is selectively transferred to charge an output capacitor in discrete packets during a discharge cycle, e.g., during an off time of the switching element. Thus, the charge and discharge cycles are controlled by the switching element such as a MOSFET by adjusting the on time and off time of a current flowing through the inductor. By comparing the voltage across the output capacitor to a reference voltage the inductor current is controlled to provide a desired output voltage.
Maintaining the desired output voltage while accommodating variations in the load and/or the input voltage may be difficult with many traditional DC-DC converters. For example, selecting a long on time with a short off time may favor a full load condition but may impair light load performance. While selecting a short on time with a long off time may improve light load performance but may impair performance at full load. In addition, a selection of the on time or the off time that may be too short may increase the converter's vulnerability to noise. Similarly, accommodating variations in input voltage with or without variations in the load may further degrade performance.
Therefore, a need exists to provide an improved method and system for efficiently controlling a DC-DC converter. Additionally, a need exists for a technique to determine the on and off time of self-oscillating boost converters for an improved performance against variations in the load and the input voltage, and for improved susceptibility to noise. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved DC-DC converter, absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.

Self-oscillating boost DC-DC converters with current feedback and digital control algorithm


A fluid pressure control device having a 3-position solenoid valve which is controlled to switch between a supply position, an overlapping position, and an exhaust position, using a drive command value corresponding to a pressure command signal. It also has a drive command setting unit which computes a drive command value for driving the 3-position solenoid valve into a predetermined position, in order to make the pressure command signal and a feedback signal of the output pressure of the 3-position solenoid valve coincide and a compensating value setting unit which computes a compensating value to be added to or subtracted from the above-mentioned drive command value, in accordance with the pressure differential between the above-mentioned pressure command signal and feedback signal, and the proportion of change in the feedback signal. The fluid pressure control device further has an addition and subtraction processing unit which computes a compensation amount by integrating the compensating value output from the compensating value setting unit when the drive command value has strayed from the overlapping command value corresponding to the overlapping position of the 3-position solenoid valve, and adds or subtracts the above-mentioned compensation amount to or from the drive command value, in the direction departing from the above-mentioned overlapping position, so as to output a new drive command value to the 3-position solenoid valve.

An example of a conventional type fluid pressure control device which controls the output pressure to the brake cylinder of an air brake device disposed on a railway vehicle is one which uses a 3-position solenoid valve which is controlled to switch between three positions: a supply position in which the output pressure will be increased, an overlapping position in which the output pressure is cut off and maintained at a constant value, and an exhaust position in which the output pressure will be reduced. One such conventional type fluid pressure control device can be seen, for example, in Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model H 7-31020).
This fluid pressure control device can generate an output pressure corresponding to a pressure command signal by outputting drive command values (coil current values) of 3 stages in order to control the 3-position solenoid valve in the exhaust position, supply position or overlapping position upon receiving a pressure command signal equivalent to a brake command. In the case where different drive command values are needed when the 3-position solenoid valve moves from the exhaust position to the overlapping position, and when it moves from the supply position to the overlapping position, there are instances where drive command values corresponding to the overlapping position are set in 2 stages. In this case, drive command values of 4 stages can be input to the 3-position solenoid valve.
However, the above-mentioned fluid pressure control device of the prior art has experienced problems in that, since the switching of the 3-position solenoid valve is normally controlled by 3-stage or 4-stage drive command values, overshoot and undershoot will inevitably occur when the output pressure to the brake cylinder is made to coincide with the pressure command signal. Furthermore, a relatively long time is needed before the output pressure converges with the pressure command signal, and since the 3-position solenoid valve switches frequently, the life of the 3-position solenoid valve is shortened.
Thus, there have been ideas advanced to prevent this undesirable overshoot and undershoot by comparing the output pressure of the 3-position solenoid valve with the pressure command signal and outputting any desired drive command value from the afore-mentioned supply position to the exhaust position, in the direction in which the output pressure and the pressure command signal will coincide, thereby controlling the degree of valve opening of the 3-position solenoid valve.
The aforementioned 3-position solenoid valve has problems in that factors such as variations in the spring force of the return spring, fluctuations in the sliding resistance to sliding parts due to the adhesiveness of the grease, and variations in the attraction characteristics of the coil mean that the degree of valve opening differs a little with each 3-position solenoid valve. It has likewise been observed that during operation even with the same 3-position solenoid valve, the same degree of valve opening will not necessarily be achieved, even with the same pressure command signal, due to changes encountered throughout the year.
In particular, therefore, some problems will likely result in those instances in which, when a drive command value close to the drive command value for the overlapping position is output to the 3-position solenoid valve, the degree of valve opening is even less than required because of the aforementioned variations and the like, and a long time is required before the output pressure corresponds with the pressure command signal, or it settles while there is still a difference between the output pressure and the pressure command signal.


Machines and headers for machines are disclosed herein. A machine includes a chassis and a header coupled to the chassis. The header is positioned to remove crop material from the ground. The header includes an auger structured to interact with crop material passed through the header in use of the machine. The auger has a drum configured for rotation about a drum axis and at least one auger attachment set coupled to the drum.

Cotton harvesters typically include harvesting heads or headers configured to remove crop material (e.g., cotton) from the ground and convey the removed crop material for further downstream processing. As crop material is passed through a header, crop material may accumulate in clumps and cause, or otherwise be associated with, downstream blockages or obstructions that reduce performance. Accordingly, devices to reduce accumulation of crop material in a harvester and thereby improve harvester performance remain an area of interest.

Auger attachment sets for headers of work machines


An apparatus for treating industrial wastes through electrolysis is disclosed. Steam or waste steam is utilized to heat the electrolyzing apparatus so as to separate contamination materials from the waste water, thereby treating the waste water. An electrolyzing tank has a waste water inlet on the bottom thereof, and a steam supply pipe is wound around the electrolyzing tank, for heating the electrolyzing tank during a passing of steam through the pipe. An insulating tube is formed inside the electrolyzing tank, and is coated with an insulating material on inside thereof, for insulating the electrolyzing tube from its contents. A cathode tube is installed within the insulating tank, for serving as a cathode during an electrolysis. An agitator having agitating blades is fixed on a shaft, the shaft is inserted into the center of the cathode tube, and anodes are attached on tips of the blades. An electrolyzing tank lid has a rotary joint at its center to rotatably retain an upper portion of the shaft of the agitator, and has a discharge hole for discharging the treated waste water. The treating efficiency can be drastically improved, a large scale treatment is possible, and the facility cost and the operating cost are low.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating industrial waste. Particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for treating industrial waste through electrolysis, in which steam or waste steam is utilized to heat the electrolyzing apparatus so as to separate contamination materials from the waste water (which is difficult to decompose), thereby treating the waste water.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, conventional waste water treating methods include a chemical treating method using chemical compounds, a biological treating method using microbes, a physical treating method resorting to electrolysis and electric oxidation, and a combined method using two or more of the above methods.
The physical chemical treating methods include a method using an oxidizing agent, a suction method using active carbon, electrodialysis, and an ion exchange method. The method using an oxidizing agent has advantages that the oxidizing agent is well reacted with organic materials within the waste water, and that a secondary contamination material is not produced. However, the treating cost is very high, and the maintenance cost for the treating apparatus is considerable. Therefore, this method is not widely used except for special purposes. Further, the suction treating method using active carbon is good for removing odors. However, the price of the active carbon is high, and after some use, a regenerating treatment has to be carried out. Therefore, the maintenance and management thereof are difficult. Further, the electrodialysis and the ion exchange method are not suitable for treating large amounts of waste water.
In the conventional electrolyzing apparatus, a cathode and an anode are arranged within an electrolyzing tank, and waste water is electrolyzed in this manner. However, the reaction time is lengthy, and the consumption loss of the electrodes is high. Therefore, a large amount of sludge is produced, and therefore, the cost for treating the sludge is very high. Accordingly, this method is more suitable for small scale treatment. However, if it is to be applied to a large scale treatment, the facility cost is high, and the power consumption is also high. Therefore, the operating cost is high, and the electrolyzing capability is lowered.
According to the observations of the present inventor, the contamination materials contained within the waste water have intrinsic electric charges and active energies. Further, the contamination materials become unstable due to the electrostatic repulsions. Therefore, if a colloid of the contamination materials is to be made active, a proper amount of additional energy is required. Generally, the temperature of the waste water which is transferred from a storage to a electrolyzing apparatus is 16-20.degree. C. When the electric power is supplied during the electrolysis, the temperature of the waste water is raised to 30-40.degree. C. However, this temperature is too low to remove the contamination materials through electrolysis, and therefore, the electrolyzing efficiency is lowered. If the electric power is increased to raise the temperature, the power consumption is increased, with the result being that the operating cost becomes excessive. Further, if the power is increased to a proper temperature, then electrostatic charges are generated, and the electrodes are ionized, with the result being that the electrodes are corroded. Therefore, the life expectancy of the apparatus is shortened, and the maintenance cost is increased.
The present inventor found through experiments that if energy is added properly in accordance with the kinds of the waste water, the electrolyzing efficiency is remarkably improved. In order to put this phenomenon to a practical use, the present inventor came to propose the present invention.

Apparatus for treating industrial waste water through electrolysis


A quadrifilar helix antenna used to transmit and receive wireless signals may include a number of inductively loaded antenna elements. The antenna elements may be helically wound around a cylindrical structure.

In wireless communications involving artificial satellites, a circular polarized antenna with near omni-directional coverage is generally required such that the link is not interrupted by mobility at either end of the communications link. For simultaneous two-way communications, two separate communication channels or frequency bands are used. The electromagnetic frequency spectrum used for this purpose generally falls within the range of 700 megahertz (MHz) through 7500 MHz. In one such application for commercial purposes, the transmit band for terrestrial terminals is 1626.5 MHz through 1660.5 MHz and the receive band is 1525 MHz through 1559 MHz.
A quadrifilar helix antenna (QHA) is capable of performing these communication functions for hand-held terminals. In order for optimum power transfer to take place through the antenna, such antennas operate at resonance for both the channels (i.e., receive and transmit).
The QHA typically includes an array of monopoles twisted into a helical structure and connected by a non-radiating feed structure to excite the desired sense of circular polarization of the desired sense (right handed or left handed). The antenna is constricted with less than a full turn such that the radiation pattern of the antenna becomes substantially omni-directional without any null occurring in the communication space. This condition is generally known as the normal mode of operation of the helical antenna. The antenna elements are generally constructed as printed conducting strips on a thin dielectric substrate. The frequency bands for communication determines the resonant length of the antenna elements and hence the antenna height, whereas the radiation pattern or antenna gain requirements determine the diameter to height ratio in terms of the operating central frequency of the band.
Convenience and ease of operation creates the need to miniaturize the antenna such that the individual consumer can easily carry the hand-held terminal. Wireless signals transmitted directly from a satellite may not be strong enough to penetrate walls to reach a person inside a building or operating in a city area with high rise building. However, a hybrid system generally known in the industry as Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) with Ancillary Terrestrial Components (ATC) overcomes this shortcoming by using satellites integrally with terrestrial cellular wireless communication networks. This advancement in mobile wireless communication technology has created a consumer demand to have hand-held satellite-cellular terminals that are thinner and smaller.
For the frequency bands of mobile wireless communications in the frequency range of 1000 MHz through 3000 MHz, the regular QHAs for the transmit and the receive bands are about the size of a cigar. For example, the QHA may have a length of approximately six to seven inches and diameter of about 0.75 inches.


A dispenser-tube deer feeder having a feeder tube (1), a feeder lid (2), a feeder wall (3) and a feeder floor (4) has at least one dispenser tube (5) sized to receive a deer snout, but not larger animal snouts. The dispenser tube is extended laterally from the feeder tube proximate the feeder floor. A dispenser (13, 18, 19) in conveyance communication from the feeder tube to the dispenser tube can be structured for allowing select constituencies of granular or liquid feed to be dispensed into the dispenser tube for deer to eat. A positioner (29, 30, 31,) is provided for positioning the dispenser tube a predetermined distance above a ground surface for access by deer but not shorter animals with snouts the same size or smaller than deer snouts. At least one positioner attachment (10, 25) is provided for attaching the feeder tube to a central post, a side post or an overhanging tree or structure.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to deer feeders and in particular to a deer feeder having a dispenser tube structured for dispensing a varied selection of deer feed and for allowing entry of a deer snout but not larger animal snouts to access the varied selection of deer feed.
2. Relation to Prior Art
There are a plurality of known deer feeders, but none with one or more dispenser tubes structured for dispensing a varied selection of deer feed and positioned for allowing entry of a deer snout but not snouts of larger animals like cows and horses or shorter animals like sheep and goats in a manner taught by this invention.
Related but different prior art is known to include the following:
U.S. Pat. No.InventorDateU.S. Pat. No. 4,945,859ChurchwellAug. 7, 1990U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,022ForceSep. 1, 1992U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,561SchulzAug. 18, 1998U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,509 B1Mostyn et al.Mar. 13, 2001U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,887 B1DavisApr. 2, 2002U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,374 B1LilligNov. 19, 2002U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,598 B2Glover et al.May 6, 2003U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,029 B1ChesserNov. 9, 2004U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,925 B2Banks et al.Jan. 31, 2006


A screening conveyor (10) for conveying particulate matter, such as comminuted wood fiber, in a forward direction while also screening to separate particles over a predetermined size from small particles under a predetermined size. The screening conveyor includes a frame (17, 50) and first and second conveyor bed sections (16, 30) supported by the frame. Each conveyor bed section defines a longitudinal axis and an upper surface (22) formed from a tiled series of trough shaped trays (20). Each tray defines a step including an ascending surface portion (96). The first and second conveyor bed sections are reciprocated in opposing balanced fashion along the longitudinal axis by a motor (48), cam assembly (54) and connecting rods (64, 66). The received particulate matter is carried on the stepped upper surfaces of the reciprocating conveyor bed and thrown forwardly from tray to tray. The upper surfaces further each define a plurality of apertures of predetermined size. Particulate matter is screened through first screening apertures (34) in the first conveyor bed section, with material below a predetermined size falling onto the second conveyor bed section. Material over the first predetermined size is supplied to a recycle conveyor (38) for further comminuting. Material passing through the first screening apertures falls onto the second conveyor bed section, and is further screened through second screening apertures (42) of a second predetermined size. Fine particles pass through the second screening apertures, and acceptable product is discharged from the discharge end (32) of the second conveyor bed section.

There are many industrial applications where it is necessary to convey small objects or particles from a first elevation to a second, higher elevation. There are also many processes that require particulate matter to be dimensionally screened to sort the matter into different size classifications. Both of these processes are entailed in the refining or comminuting (i.e., grinding) of waste wood such as stumps, mill waste and salvaged wood scraps to the particulate or chip form. The wood matter is ground within a comminuter producing large particles or chips of fibrous wood and bark. Typically this material is discharged by gravity or an impeller from the comminuter, and contains a variety of particle sizes which are suited for different purposes. Often for any given quantity of a particular desired size product ("acceptable product") there is also a quantity of smaller particles and entrained dirt and sand ("fines"), as well as over-sized particles that may need additional comminuting ("overs"). It is necessary to screen the comminuted product to separate the acceptable product from the fines and overs. Each product must then be elevated for loading into a truck or container for shipment, or for further processing.
Conventional comminuters may be used in conjunction with bucket loaders or belt conveyors to elevate the product. Belt conveyors are satisfactory for elevating product, but they do not serve to screen the product. Vibratory conveyors may also be utilized, but they are limited in their application as they will only convey material up a very limited incline. Whatever conventional conveyor is employed, a separate screening device must also be utilized. Typical screening devices include vibratory screeners which shake the product on top of a screen having a number of perforations that retain product of one size while allowing product of another size to fall through the perforations. These products tend to be constructed from durable metals, primarily steel, which is very heavy, making transport difficult. Such screening devices also entail the product flowing downwardly through the device, requiring re-elevation of the product for subsequent loading and handling.
Conventional screening and conveying of comminuted wood product thus necessarily entails the use of separate screening and conveying components. This results both in a time consuming, multi-step post-comminuting process, as well as the expense of procuring and maintaining separate screening and conveying equipment. The overall space required to operate both conveyors and screeners, and for loading and unloading of these devices, is also considerable.


A multimedia speaker headphone has a headband, two ear-covers and a control and transmission device. The ear-covers are mounted pivotally on the headband and each ear-cover has an earphone speaker and an audio speaker. The control and transmission device has a controller and a transmission apparatus. The controller is connected one of the ear-covers and has a switch to selectively switch on the earphone speakers or the audio speakers. The transmission device has at least one transmission cord having a terminal. The earphone speakers and audio speakers allow a user to listen to music with or without wearing of the multimedia speaker headphone.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a headphone, and more particularly to a multimedia speaker headphone that has earphone speakers and speakers allowing a user to listen to music with or without wearing the multimedia speaker headphone.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional headphone comprises a headband having two ends and two ear-covers mounted respectively on the ends of the headband. Each ear-cover has an earphone mounted inside the ear-cover. The headphone is used with a stereo system or computer to broadcast the music or sounds. The headband is worn on a person's head with the ear-covers fitted over the ears to allow the person to listen to the music in privacy, that is people nearby are not bothered by the music. This is particularly true when the listener wants to enjoy the music at a loud level. However, after a certain amount of time listening via the headphones, the user will feel discomfort and fatigue from the ear covers. Some persons may carry with them simultaneously the headphone and a speaker so they can use the speaker when getting tired after wearing the headphone for a while. However, the speaker is large and inconvenient for the person to carry.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a multimedia speaker headphone to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.


A method and system optimize a thermoacoustic transducer functionality that is utilized in a thermoacoustic imaging system. The method and system select a pre-determined transducer geometry for the thermoacoustic imaging system, utilize the thermoacoustic imaging system with the pre-determined transducer geometry to generate at least one impulse in a field of view, acquire data from the impulse, reconstructing the data to generate N-dimensional impulse responses based upon respective channel responses, respective view responses, and a function of the acquired data, utilize the N-dimensional transforms for each image to generate a value for the pre-determined transducer functionality, and utilize the value for the pre-determined transducer functionality to determine an optimum thermoacoustic transducer functionality.

Thermoacoustic images are obtained by acquiring time-domain signals from individual transducer elements in an ultrasound detection array, then by applying various signal processing methods aimed at reconstructing the absorption distribution within the object of interest while reducing noise and other imaging artifacts. Most thermoacoustic image reconstruction techniques are derived from methods originally developed for other imaging modalities, such as conventional ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) and therefore are not optimized for thermoacoustic data. For instance, a typical thermoacoustic image reconstruction algorithm involves (i) deconvolving the transducer time-series data to obtain a heat absorption projection, (ii) filtering projection data to reduce blurring effects (Shepp-and-Logan filter or similar), and finally (iii) performing back-projections over all transducer elements to reconstruct the absorption distribution.
One problem associated with this approach is that commonly used time-domain filters like ramp or Shepp-and-Logan filters assume having "complete" tomographic data (a large set of image views). This assumption may not hold for thermoacoustic imaging, where only a small number of views may be sufficient for reconstructing tomographic images. Thus, applying the above-mentioned filters on a data set with a limited number of views may result in severe artifacts degrading the quality of the image. Hence, a thermoacoustic image reconstruction method is needed that uses a limited number of views to generate a clear image.
Further, a thermoacoustic imaging system may select from one of various different transducer element geometries. When adding new transducer elements, the options for which geometry to use becomes even less clear. Conventional attempts allow for manually configuring and testing a transducer element geometry by constructing thermoacoustic imaging systems with those parameters. But such manual construction is inefficient, expensive, does not contemplate as many options, and does not accurately compare to a reference.

Systems and methods for thermoacoustic transducer optimization


A method and system, for detecting closely spaced objects with data from an imaging sensor. A CFAR detector performs detection on the image data at a threshold level. A processor runs a first algorithm on exceedances above the CFAR threshold. The first algorithm is for single target detection and includes a local-max algorithm that identifies multiple exceedances within a 2×2 matrix of image data and only keeps exceedance with the maximum value. All other exceedances in image are single target detections. The processor runs a second algorithm that identifies multiple exceedances (single target detections) within a local regional area across the whole image. The regional area size may be a 3×3, 4×4, or 5×5 matrix depending on the specified CSO separations. This algorithm may use a regional moving window across the whole image. An alternative method using the indices of all the exceedances' (x,y) coordinates is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to unresolved target detection using an infrared focal plane array (IR FPA), and it more particularly relates to the detection of closely spaced multiple targets using a regional window as a discriminant function.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, most current military sensors use single target detection and tracking approach. However, in many battlefield scenarios targets show up as closely-spaced pairs or groups. For example as shown in FIG. 1, air fighters 1 almost always come as a pair that includes a leading fighter and an accompanying fighter. Frequently, ballistic missiles 2 are launched in pairs or groups located in a closely-spaced area. Navy warships 3 usually move as a fleet (ship group), and army trucks and tanks 4 on a large scale battlefield move and show up in teams and groups, as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the capability to detect and track CSOs (Closely Spaced Objects) is critical for military sensing.
The traditional approach for CSO detection, uses a nonlinear Least Square (Levenberg-Marquardt) algorithm to detect CSOs. A prior art technique that utilizes the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is described in an article by Svetlana G. Shasharina and John Cary, "An Improved Levenberg-Marquardt Solver for Multiple-Target Optimization," Bull. Am. Phys. Soc. 44 (7), 82 (1999). The traditional approach for CSO detection is more of a scientific approach, and it has problems in real world applications. For example, the traditional approach needs initial guesses of target numbers, and it does not deal well with target phasing problems. Moreover, it is not guaranteed to always find the global minimum, and it requires heavy computations for large iterations that do not always converge.
Accordingly, a simpler and more reliable engineering approach for detecting CSO's is needed.

Closely-spaced multiple targets detection using a regional window as a discriminant function


Bending-shaping machine for sections with a bending unit (12) located downstream of an assembly (14) that draws and/or straightens sections (15), a shearing unit (11) being interposed, in which machine a drawing unit (13) is comprised downstream of the bending unit (12) and on the same axis as the section (15) and has a first normal working position (13N) and a second downwardly retracted position (13S), the bending unit (12) having a third raised working position (12A) with a section (15) positioned above the shearing unit (11) and above the assembly 14) that draws and/or straightens sections (15).

This invention concerns a bending-shaping machine having multiple working levels.
The bending-shaping machine of this invention is applied properly to the field of processing sections for reinforced concrete, whether those sections are obtained from straight bars or wound rolls and whether the sections have a round, square, polygonal or other cross section.
The bending-shaping machine to which the invention is applied has a vertical or almost vertical or, in any event, inclined working surface, and the working surface can often be oriented from the horizontal to the vertical.
To be more exact, the bending-shaping machine according to the invention performs the bending of steel bars for building work and is especially suitable to bend long steel bars or complex stirrups.
Considerable difficulties are encountered in bending complex stirrups and steel bars of a great length with bending-shaping machines.
In fact with the bending-shaping machines of the state of the art it is impossible to bend the trailing end of complex stirrups without these complex stirrups coming into contact during processing with the shearing unit or with the drawing and/or straightening assembly located upstream of the bending unit.
In the same way it is impossible to make certain bends in the trailing ends of long steel bars since the bars come into contact with the shearing unit or with the drawing and/or straightening assembly located upstream of the bending unit of the bending-shaping machine.
This fact restricts the production capacity of the bending-shaping machines of the state of the art considerably.
IT 15904 A/89 discloses a bending-shaping machine with a shearing unit which can be retracted below the working surface, so that bends can also be made in complex stirrups and long steel bars. This movement of retraction of the shearing unit can be achieved with complex mechanisms which require burdensome maintenance work and difficulties in installation and setting-up and relatively long cycle times.
IT 83543 A/90 discloses a bending-shaping machine which is the basis of this invention. This bending-shaping machine entails the drawback that the bends in the trailing ends of sections have to have a modest length. The present applicants have designed, tested and embodied this invention to obviate the shortcomings of the state of the art and to achieve further advantages.

Bending-shaping machine having multiple working levels

M.E.P. Macchine Elettronichi Piegatrici SpA


A method and system are disclosed for moving objects, such as large potted plants, large oval shaped objects and objects of various other shapes. A user can utilize the present invention to move large potted plants and other objects without exerting a large amount of physical force thereby reducing the chance of a user suffering an injury resulting from moving large objects. A user can slide a large potted plant onto the present invention and then proceed in moving the large potted plant without exerting a large amount of force.

Moving objects from one location to another location can be simplified with the use of some type of device, such as a hand cart, a hand truck, a dolly and the like. Such devices are often used everyday in a variety of locations for a variety of purposes, such as use at, in, or near factories, warehouses, offices, outdoor environments, homes and the like. These hand trucks and carts come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the nature of the object to be moved. For example, when large objects are moved, such as refrigerators, stoves, and the like, individuals may move a large object and position the large object on the dolly or cart so that the individual can move the large object to the desired destination with the use of the dolly or cart.
Various types of dollys may be used to move objects depending on the object to be moved. For example, a special hand dolly may be used to assist in moving large objects, such as refrigerators, and the like. In such a case, the hand dolly may include some type of member to prevent the object from being dislocated from the dolly.
While hand carts, dollys, or trucks are often used to assist individuals in relocating objects, such carts are unable to help individuals move specifically shaped objects, such as large plants, large vases, and other similarly shaped objects. For example, movement of such objects may be very difficult due to various restrictions imposed by current structures. Often, because currently existing dollies do not accommodate large and various shaped objects, such as those listed above, individuals often end up moving the objects without the use of any hand held carts and/or dollies. The result of having to move said objects without the assistance of a dolly and/or hand cart often results in injury to the individual and/or damage to the object from the process of being dragged, dropped, and the like.
Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a system and method that allows individuals to move large objects and objects of various shapes so that these objects can be moved as needed without having to worry about damaging the object and/or becoming injured during the moving process.


A method and apparatus for establishing multiple application sessions, such as video, audio, voice, and data sessions, and displaying them on a video display device such as a television are disclosed. These sessions can be independent of each other or the user can request the network to join these sessions so that a single session is created. For example, a user can request the network to create a video session and a music session and combine them into one session, so the audio portion of the video session is replaced by the user specified music contents and so on.

As extremely high bandwidth access networks become more accessible to residential subscribers, they enable service providers of these networks to integrate voice, video, and data providing more convenience for end customers and creating new service opportunities. Due to the multi-service nature of these new services, networks need to support multiple simultaneous application sessions to a single subscriber. For instance, a subscriber may initiate a video session to watch a movie, establish a phone call to a called party, and sign on to an instant messaging session simultaneously.
Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus for supporting multiple active sessions on a per user basis in a packet network, e.g., a SoIP network.

Method and apparatus for supporting multiple active sessions on a per user basis


In an example embodiment, updated repository instances are typically developed on a development system, transferred to a testing system, and after testing, transferred to a production system. Such an updated instance may comprise content, sources and a data dictionary. As an updated instance is moved from one system to another, the change is applied to an original instance. A shadow copy of content is kept for the original instance. In another example embodiment, a shadow copy of content is created as part of the change process. The sources and data dictionary may have their own versioning mechanism. To undo the applied change, the sources and data dictionary are rolled back to their pre-change state. The content is retrieved from the shadow copy and restored to the original instance. Finally, stranded data is restored according to appropriate policies.

Development of line of business related items may include development, testing and deployment to production systems. Items developed on a development system may be transferred to a testing system and then, after testing, deployed to a production system. As items are moved from one system to another, it is sometimes necessary to "roll back" the changes to a prior release due to a variety of reasons.

Reversing changes executed by change management


An optical property evaluation apparatus evaluates an optical property of an evaluation object, and includes a light source, a polarization beam splitter, a polarization adjuster, a first detector, a second detector, and an analyzer. The analyzer obtains a reflectance when linearly polarized light in a specific direction is incident on the evaluation object based on the detection result by the first detector when the light with which the evaluation object is irradiated is set to be the linearly polarized light in the specific direction. The analyzer obtains a phase property at the reflection of the evaluation object based on the detection result by the first detector or the second detector when the light with which the evaluation object is irradiated is set to have a polarization state different from the linearly polarized light in the specific direction, and a Jones matrix.

With recent developments of microfabrication techniques using semiconductor manufacturing apparatuses, it has become possible to fabricate structures having microstructures smaller than wavelengths. By using the microstructure, an artificial material having a specific optical property that does not exist in nature (this may be referred to as a metamaterial or a metasurface) can be produced, and a device utilizing the specific optical property of the artificial material can be produced.
The above techniques have been actively studied and put into practical use. Further, a device can be realized by incorporating a very thin metal into the microstructure and utilizing a plasmon effect to obtain the specific optical property, and many such devices have been reported.
Many of these specific artificial materials have optical anisotropy due to their structure. Due in part to the very small size of the artificial material, the apparatus for evaluating the optical property of the artificial material is complicated and expensive. As the anisotropic material, in addition to such a specific artificial material, a liquid crystal, a nonlinear optical material, and the like are also known.
A spectroscopic ellipsometer is known as an apparatus for evaluating an optical property of an object having optical anisotropy. Since this apparatus utilizes the difference in reflectance of the evaluation object between s-polarized light and p-polarized light, it is necessary to perform measurement with oblique incidence in which the ratio of these is large, and as a result, the optical paths of incident light and reflected light are different from each other, and the apparatus becomes large-scale. When the evaluation object is very small, a complicated optical system is required.
In the technique described in Non Patent Document 1, light can be vertically incident on the evaluation object, and thus, it is preferable to the spectroscopic ellipsometer in this respect. The technique described in Non Patent Document 1 uses a polarizer and a half wave plate for obtaining a reflectance of the evaluation object, and uses a quarter wave plate and a half wave plate for obtaining a phase property at the reflection of the evaluation object.    Non Patent Document 1: Yu Horie, "Controlling the Flow of Light Using High-Contrast Metastructures", California Institute of Technology, Doctoral Thesis, 2017

Optical property evaluation apparatus and optical property evaluation method


Disclosed is a locking device which comprises a housing, and a cylinder device rotating within the housing, wherein the housing is provided with a protrusion therein to prevent the cylinder device from being rotated, and the cylinder device includes a motor, a cylinder receiving the motor, a tilting mechanism located at the front of the cylinder, having an upper portion tilted to be fixed to the protrusion of the housing by forward rotation of the motor and a recess released from the protrusion of the housing by reverse rotation of the motor, and a locking plate adapter fixed to the tilting mechanism, and a locking plate fixed to the adapter.

A locking device is designed in such a manner that a locking plate connected with a cylinder device is rotatably opened and closed after a key is inserted into the cylinder device to rotate the cylinder device.
A locking plate of a general locking device is mechanically connected with a cylinder device.
However, such a structure that the locking plate is mechanically connected with the cylinder device has limitation in ensuring safety essential to the locking device. Most of the locking devices are designed in such a manner that a key having no approval cannot be inserted into a cylinder device or the cylinder device cannot be rotated even if such a key is inserted into the cylinder device. However, if the cylinder device is once rotated, the locking plate is driven to open the locking device. Therefore, people who illegally try to open the locking device are likely to insert the key or another similar tool into the cylinder device to rotate the cylinder device. And, if the cylinder device is once rotated, the locking device is opened. In another case, people may drive the locking plate by destroying the cylinder device.


In a semiconductor device which conducts multilevel writing operation and a driving method thereof, a signal line for controlling on/off of a writing transistor for conducting a writing operation on a memory cell using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer is disposed along a bit line, and a multilevel writing operation is conducted with use of, also in a writing operation, a voltage which is applied to a capacitor at a reading operation. Because an oxide semiconductor material that is a wide gap semiconductor capable of sufficiently reducing off-state current of a transistor is used, data can be held for a long period.

1. Field of the Invention
One embodiment of the disclosed invention relates to a semiconductor device using a semiconductor element and a method for driving the semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Storage devices using semiconductor elements are broadly classified into two categories: a volatile device that loses stored data when power supply stops, and a non-volatile device that retains stored data even when power is not supplied.
A typical example of a volatile storage device is a DRAM (dynamic random access memory). A DRAM stores data in such a manner that a transistor included in a memory element is selected and electric charge is stored in a capacitor.
When data is read from a DRAM, electric charge in a capacitor is lost on the above-described principle; thus, another writing operation is necessary whenever data is read out. Moreover, since leakage current (off-state current) or the like flows between a source and a drain of a transistor included in a memory element when the transistor is in an off state, electric charge flows into or out even if the transistor is not selected, which makes a data holding period short. For that reason, another writing operation (refresh operation) is necessary at given intervals, and it is difficult to sufficiently reduce power consumption. Furthermore, since stored data is lost when power supply stops, an additional storage device using a magnetic material or an optical material is needed in order to hold the data for a long time.
Another example of a volatile storage device is an SRAM (static random access memory). An SRAM retains stored data by using a circuit such as a flip-flop and thus does not need refresh operation. This means that an SRAM has an advantage over a DRAM. However, cost per storage capacity is increased because a circuit such as a flip-flop is used. Moreover, as in a DRAM, stored data in an SRAM is lost when power supply stops.
A typical example of a non-volatile storage device is a flash memory. A flash memory includes a floating gate between a gate electrode and a channel formation region in a transistor and stores data by holding electric charge in the floating gate. Therefore, a flash memory has advantages in that the data holding period is extremely long (almost permanent) and refresh operation which is necessary in a volatile storage device is not needed (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
However, a gate insulating layer included in a memory element deteriorates by tunneling current generated in writing, so that the memory element stops its function after a given number of writing operations. In order to suppress adverse effects of this problem, a method in which the number of writing operations for memory elements is equalized is employed, for example. However, a complicated peripheral circuit is needed to realize this method. Moreover, employing such a method does not solve the fundamental problem of lifetime. In other words, a flash memory is not suitable for applications in which data is frequently rewritten.
In addition, high voltage is necessary in order to inject electric charge into the floating gate or remove the electric charge, and a circuit therefor is required. Therefore, there is a problem of high power consumption. Further, it takes a relatively long time to inject or remove electric charges, and it is not easy to perform writing and erasing at higher speed.
Further, as for the above-described flash memory, in order to increase storage capacity, a "multilevel" flash memory is proposed, in which data having more levels than two levels is stored in one memory cell (e.g., see Patent Document 2).

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


Methods for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders are described. Methods include culturing a cell sample of a test subject with a tryptophan-containing energy source and examining the culture to determine the ability of the cells of the test subject to properly metabolize tryptophan. A determination that a subject does not properly metabolize tryptophan is an indication that the subject may be afflicted with autism. Methods can be utilized as a quick and reliable diagnostic tool for autism spectrum disorders and may provide a unifying model for the genetic heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorders.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs also collectively referred to herein as autism) include a group of serious and enigmatic neurobehavioral disorders that usually become apparent early in childhood and persist as lifelong disabilities. Disturbances in three categories of behavior (reciprocal social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communications, and age appropriate activities and interests) are considered hallmarks of ASDs. The conditions encompassed in ASDs can have a tremendous impact on society and families as affected individuals utilize a wide range of services and considerable resources, particularly considering that patients diagnosed with autism often reach adulthood and require special assistance for their entire life span.
The number of children diagnosed with ASDs has greatly increased in recent decades. At the midpoint of the 20th Century, autism was narrowly defined and uncommonly diagnosed (with a prevalence of about four per 10,000). Greater awareness, availability of services, changes in diagnostic criteria to include a broader spectrum of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, and possibly other factors have contributed to the ten-fold or greater increase in the frequency with which ASDs are diagnosed. One extraordinary aspect of the epidemiology is the three-fold to six-fold excess of males. The prevalence of ASDs is currently considered to be about 1% in the U.S. population under 8 years of age.
ASDs appear causally heterogeneous, which makes clear understanding and diagnosis of the conditions more difficult. Although scientists have long abandoned the idea that autism is caused by humorless and rigid parenting, they have been unable to identify specific cause(s) in any substantial proportion of cases. Standardized criteria for autism as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, IVth Edition (DSM IV-TR) may be assessed based on parental, caregiver, and/or examiner observations using the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Such diagnosis is typically not performed before the age of 3, even if recent progress has allowed diagnosis at an earlier age.
Only meager evidence exists to suggest that environmental insults play a significant role in the causation of autism. Prenatal and postnatal infections (rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes) have been documented in a few cases. Little evidence exists to suggest injury in the perinatal period as a causative factor, although low birth weight and premature birth has been noted as a risk factor (Schendel, et al. 2008). Although autism has been reported among infants with prenatal exposure to thalidomide, cocaine, alcohol, and valproate, most infants prenatally exposed to these and other drugs or chemical agents do not develop autism.
The genetic contribution to the causation/predisposition to autism is considered to be substantial on the basis of high concordance in monozygous twins, a recurrence rate of about 5% among siblings, the uniquely high male:female ratio (about 4:1 in most studies), the co-occurrence of autism with a number of single gene disorders and chromosome aberrations, and the presence of behavioral disturbances among first degree relatives. These considerations aside, no single specific genetic cause has been found to explain more than 1-2% of autism cases, and overall only in 10-20% of autism cases can a cause be determined.
The strongest evidence for a heritable basis of autism comes from twin studies. Overall, these studies show high concordance of autism among monozygous (MZ) twins and low concordance among same sex dizygous (DZ) twins, resulting in greater than ninety percent heritability estimates. Four prominent studies dealing specifically with autistic disorders (narrowly defined to exclude Asperger disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) report concordance of 36-96% in MZ twins and 0-30% in same-sex DZ twins (Folstein and Rutter 1977, Ritvo et al. 1985, Steffenburg et al. 1989, Bailey et al. 1995).
Chromosomal abnormalities have been found in a number of individuals with autism. These include marker chromosomes, microdeletions and microduplications, rearrangements, and autosomal fragile sites (Schroer et al. 1998, Ullmann et al. 2007, Morrow et al. 2008, Freitag 2007, Sebat et al. 2007, Weiss et al. 2008, Marshall et al. 2008). Taken together, these observations do not suggest a single underlying chromosomal aberration, but rather that a variety of chromosomal changes may disturb brain development and function in a way that leads to autism.
A number of genome-wide screens to identify chromosomal regions linked to autism susceptibility have been reported. However, the study of candidate genes within many of these linkage regions has failed to identify genes that clearly cause or strongly predispose to autism.
Although several X-linked genes have been associated with autism or autistic features in males, X-chromosomal loci have not been implicated in autism by linkage analyses. This may be explained in part by existence of multiple X loci of importance (heterogeneity) or by the uninformative nature of the sib-pairs used in the analysis. Of greater importance is that linkage analysis would not detect epigenetic modifications of gene(s) on the X chromosome.
The recurrence rate in brothers and sisters of affected persons is 3-8%. This recurrence rate is less than expected if all cases were caused by autosomal recessive gene mutations (25%) or autosomal dominant gene mutations (50%). The rate is not unlike that found in conditions considered to have multifactorial causation, such as neural tube defects and cleft lip/palate. Multifactorial causation implies collaboration between multiple genetic factors and environmental influences.
The various chromosomal alterations and gene mutations currently reported in association with autism indicate the genetically heterogeneous nature of autism and taken together account for only a minority (less than 20%) of cases. No laboratory finding has been consistently abnormal, although plasma serotonin levels may be elevated in affected individuals and first-degree relatives. James et al. (2006, 2008) have proposed that metabolic vulnerability to oxidative stress may be an autism susceptibility factor, and Carter (2007) has suggested that the skewed male:female ratio in autism may be explained by sex-specific responses to the neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasopressin.
As the underlying causes of ASDs remain elusive, and though several biochemical markers have been inconsistently associated with autistic traits (e.g., hypersertoninemia, urinary catabolites, and oxidative metabolism markers), there remains a need for a relatively simple laboratory test that can offer a reliable confirmation for the clinical diagnosis of ASDs and/or to provide a route for an efficient screening of individuals with autism. Because of the absence of consistent physical findings in autism and the uncertainty of the diagnosis in the first years of life, a laboratory test that helps diagnose autism, particularly at an early age, would be of great benefit.

Determination of decreased metabolism of tryptophan in diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders


A fouling removal system for use in a water-jet drive system is described. The fouling removal system includes a cutter arm assembly and an optional cutter stud. The cutter arm assembly includes a pivotable cutting blade located adjacent to the intake grate and arranged to sever any debris, such as seaweed and eel grass, clogging the intake grate. The cutter arm assembly may be tied into existing watercraft hydraulic systems to use a hydraulic cylinder to cause movement of the cutting blade across the surface of the intake grate. The optional cutter stud is located adjacent to the impeller within the water-jet drive system housing. The cutter stud acts to sever debris associated with the impeller blades, which, if left on the blades, would reduce the efficiency of the impeller. The present fouling system is capable of removing debris from the intake grate and impeller of a water-jet drive while a watercraft is stationary or is operating at any speed, including full speed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the removal of fouling materials such as seaweed and eel grass that can clog the intakes of jet drives. More particularly, the present invention relates to fouling removal systems for watercraft jet drives. The present invention is a system to remove fouling from the jet drive intake grate and impeller.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Watercraft have traditionally been, and primarily are, propelled through water by propellers. An alternative propulsion mechanism gaining interest is the water-jet drive. Water-jet drive systems provide a number of advantages over propeller-driven systems. They eliminate a number of support and attachment components, such as rudders, propeller shafts, propellers, that increase vessel drag and limit shallow water passage. Moreover, they are safer for people and marine life in proximity to the stern of the vessel in that the moving parts are located within the hull envelope. They also tend to be quieter than propeller systems and maneuverability is enhanced at all speeds. Water-jet drives also tend to provide increased fuel economy. For these and other reasons, the water-jet drive has become increasingly popular as a watercraft propulsion system.
Water-jet drive systems propel watercraft by rapidly accelerating a relatively small volume of water over a distance. This is accomplished using one or more impeller stages located within the watercraft hull. The impeller includes a plurality of blades confined in a housing. Rotation of the impeller blades draws water into an intake of the housing, past the blades, and through an outlet at the stern. The housing is ordinarily designed to direct flow such that the water is expelled above the waterline of the watercraft. The housing may be tapered toward the outlet to increase water acceleration and maximize thrust. Improved propulsion efficiency occurs when there is a close fit between the ends of the impeller blades and the interior of the housing.
An important aspect in the effective operation of the water-jet drive is the availability of an adequate supply of water to be expelled from the housing outlet. For that reason, in general, a larger intake is desirable as it ensures a greater water supply available to the impeller to generate thrust. On the other hand, a large intake allows the impeller to draw debris in with the water. It is desirable to minimize debris contact with the impeller, which debris may damage or destroy the blades or simply clog the impeller and halt blade rotation. It is therefore useful to avoid or minimize drawing into the housing debris of any size or type that will cause damage or fouling of the impeller while keeping the intake as open as possible.
Manufacturers of watercraft using water-jet drives place intake grates at the housing intake to catch relatively large-sized debris and prevent such debris from reaching the impeller. In relatively clear water, these grates serve their purpose adequately. However, when the watercraft passes through patches of heavy debris—seaweed and eel grass in particular—the grate is overwhelmed and the intake is substantially blocked. In other instances, this type of debris or fouling passes through the grate and then sticks to the front leading edges of the blades of the impeller within the housing. Either type of fouling results in a substantial reduction of thrust capability and corresponding slowing or halt to movement of the watercraft. Unexpected substantial slowing or halting of the watercraft can be a serious safety issue for the watercraft operator and occupants, dependent upon sea conditions, weather and location.
Water-jet drive watercraft operators resolve such fouling problems in several ad hoc ways. First, they may reverse the direction of rotation of the impeller to force the fouling to move away from the intake in the hope that it will be dislodged from the grate. Second, they attempt to access the housing through an observation port below the deck and try to pull out any fouling contained therein. Third, they may be forced to jump into the water, swim under the watercraft, and pull the fouling away from the grate by hand. These options are either ineffective or an undesirable way to solve the problem. Examples of described devices can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,482,055; 6,183,319; and 6,083,063. However, these devices and the ad hoc techniques described above fail to address adequately the problem of fouling removal in water-jet drives. Worse, these ad hoc methods and described devices require that the watercraft be completely stopped before they can be performed or used. Therefore, not only are they ineffective at removing debris, they interrupt an otherwise enjoyable sail. When they must be performed or used repeatedly, which is often the case, given their ineffectiveness, the sailing experience can be ruined entirely. In order to reverse the impeller to "backflush" the water-jet drive housing in the hope of dislodging the debris on the grate, it is necessary to have a transmission coupled to the impeller to effect that reversal. The transmission is a costly and heavy component that must also be maintained. It would be preferable to avoid addition of a transmission for the purpose of changing impeller rotation.
What is needed is a system capable of removing fouling materials from the intake of a water-jet drive. What is also needed is a fouling removal system that may be incorporated into existing water-jet drive structures and that may be incorporated into new construction. Further, what is needed is a fouling removal system that may be operated automatically using a control device in proximity to other control devices of the watercraft. Still further, what is needed is a fouling removal system that does not require the inclusion of a transmission to enable impeller rotation changes. Yet further, what is needed is a fouling removal system that includes a secondary mechanism for removing debris fouling the impeller blades of a water-jet drive. Even further, what is needed is a fouling system that is capable of removing debris from the intake grate and impeller of a water-jet drive while a watercraft is stationary or is operating at any speed, including full speed.

Fouling removal system for jet drive water intake


Apparatuses and methods to communicate with a zone below a subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404) independent of the position of a closure member (106) of the safety valve. The apparatuses and methods include deploying a subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404) to a profile located within a string of production tubing. The subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404) is in communication with a surface station through an injection conduit (150,152; 250,252; 450; 452) and includes a bypass pathway (144, 244, 444) to inject various fluids to a zone below. A redundant control to actuate subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404) can include a three-way valve (180, 280) or three-way manifold 480 connecting the injection conduit (150,152; 250,252; 452) or the hydraulic ports (140,142; 240,242; 442′) to the subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404).

The present invention generally relates to subsurface apparatuses used in the petroleum production industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method to conduct fluid through subsurface apparatuses, such as a subsurface safety valve, to a downhole location. More particularly still, the present invention relates to apparatuses and methods to install a subsurface safety valve incorporating a bypass conduit allowing communications between a surface station and a lower zone regardless of the operation of the safety valve.
Various obstructions exist within strings of production tubing in subterranean wellbores. Valves, whipstocks, packers, plugs, sliding side doors, flow control devices, expansion joints, on/off attachments, landing nipples, dual completion components, and other tubing retrievable completion equipment can obstruct the deployment of capillary tubing strings to subterranean production zones. One or more of these types of obstructions or tools are shown in the following United States patents which are incorporated herein by reference: Young, U.S. Pat. No. 3,814,181; Pringle, U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,870; Carmody et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,415,036; Pringle, U.S. Pat. No. 4,460,046; Mott, U.S. Pat. No. 3,763,933; Morris, U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,070; and Jackson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,937. Particularly, in circumstances where stimulation operations are to be performed on non-producing hydrocarbon wells, the obstructions stand in the way of operations that are capable of obtaining continued production out of a well long considered depleted. Most depleted wells are not lacking in hydrocarbon reserves, rather the natural pressure of the hydrocarbon producing zone is so low that it fails to overcome the hydrostatic pressure or head of the production column. Often, secondary recovery and artificial lift operations will be performed to retrieve the remaining resources, but such operations are often too complex and costly to be performed on all wells. Fortunately, many new systems enable continued hydrocarbon production without costly secondary recovery and artificial lift mechanisms. Many of these systems utilize the periodic injection of various chemical substances into the production zone to stimulate the production zone thereby increasing the production of marketable quantities of oil and gas. However, obstructions in the producing wells often stand in the way of deploying an injection conduit to the production zone so that the stimulation chemicals can be injected. While many of these obstructions are removable, they are typically components required to maintain production of the well so permanent removal is not feasible. Therefore, a mechanism to work around them would be highly desirable.
The most common of these obstructions found in production tubing strings are subsurface safety valves. Subsurface safety valves are typically installed in strings of tubing deployed to subterranean wellbores to prevent the escape of fluids from the wellbore to the surface. Absent safety valves, sudden increases in downhole pressure can lead to disastrous blowouts of fluids into the atmosphere. Therefore, numerous drilling and production regulations throughout the world require safety valves be in place within strings of production tubing before certain operations are allowed to proceed.
Safety valves allow communication between the isolated zones and the surface under regular conditions but are designed to shut when undesirable conditions exist. One popular type of safety valve is commonly referred to as a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV). SCSSVs typically include a closure member generally in the form of a circular or curved disc, a rotatable ball, or a poppet, that engages a corresponding valve seat to isolate zones located above and below the closure member in the subsurface well. The closure member is preferably constructed such that the flow through the valve seat is as unrestricted as possible. Usually, the SCSSVs are located within the production tubing and isolate production zones from upper portions of the production tubing. Optimally, SCSSVs function as high-clearance check valves, in that they allow substantially unrestricted flow therethrough when opened and completely seal off flow in one direction when closed. Particularly, production tubing safety valves prevent fluids from production zones from flowing up the production tubing when closed but still allow for the flow of fluids (and movement of tools) into the production zone from above.
SCSSVs normally have a hydraulic control line extending from the valve, said hydraulic control line disposed in an annulus formed by the well casing and the production tubing and extending from the surface. Pressure in the hydraulic control line opens the valve allowing production or tool entry through the valve. Any loss of pressure in the hydraulic control line closes the valve, prohibiting flow from the subterranean formation to the surface.
Closure members are often energized with a biasing member (spring, hydraulic cylinder, gas charge and the like, as well known in the industry) such that in a condition with no pressure, the valve remains closed. In this closed position, any build-up of pressure from the production zone below will thrust the closure member against the valve seat and act to strengthen any seal therebetween. During use, closure members are opened to allow the free flow and travel of production fluids and tools therethrough.
Formerly, to install a chemical injection conduit around a production tubing obstruction, the entire string of production tubing had to be retrieved from the well and the injection conduit incorporated into the string prior to replacement often costing millions of dollars. This process is not only expensive but also time consuming, thus it can only be performed on wells having enough production capability to justify the expense. A simpler and less costly solution would be well received within the petroleum production industry and enable wells that have been abandoned for economic reasons to continue to operate.

Method and apparatus to hydraulically bypass a well tool


A welding apparatus is suitable for welding polymeric materials, and particularly but not exclusively those that may be thin or brittle. A welding apparatus is provided for welding polymeric materials along a weld zone of the polymeric material. The welding apparatus has a carrier for supplying heat to the weld zone to cause melting of the polymeric material, wherein the heating element is arranged to reciprocate relative to the carrier between a retracted and an extended configuration, such that as the element moves from the retracted to the extended configuration the heating element melts and penetrates the surface of the polymeric material. The carrier also has a trailing contact surface trailing the heating element along the weld zone arranged to constrain molten polymeric material in the weld zone. The heating element is also arranged to reciprocate relative to the trailing contact surface.

A significant problem exists with repair of large polymeric items, such as for example vehicle bumpers or fairing. If a bumper for example becomes damaged a replacement bumper is simply fitted. However, this is both wasteful and expensive. Furthermore, as the complexity of vehicles increases bumpers may include numerous sensors or other componentry such as proximity sensors that need to be transferred over to a new bumper during a repair. The cost however quickly becomes prohibitive and vehicles are often written off as insurance write offs due to the expense of repairing a relatively simple item.
Traditional welding techniques are not suitable for repairing many different polymeric materials. This is particularly relevant where the polymeric material is thin or brittle.
Furthermore, even if a traditional welding technique was deemed desirable, there are a multitude of different polymeric compositions where determining the composition of the material in order to select the appropriate filler is impossible. Thus traditional welding techniques are impractical.


A method for dynamically transforming bytecode of Java Virtual Machine (JVM) bootstrap classes during program startup uses a JVM agent to intercept startup of a JVM compliant computer program to transform the bytecode of already loaded JVM bootstrap classes and store the resulting set of modified bootstrap classes. Subsequently, the JVM Agent intercepts all class loading events to transform the bytecode of classes declaring special program startup method “<clinit>”, by inserting bytecode at the beginning of the method to invoke a callback method declared within the JVM Agent and passing the arguments passed to the JVM upon program startup as callback method parameters. Subsequently, when the callback method intercepts the execution flow of the computer program, the callback method starts a second JVM instance, passing parameters including the obtained input parameters, the main method arguments, and a JVM input argument for accessing the stored set of modified bootstrap classes.

Altering the semantics of a JVM compliant computer program via bytecode transformation is a well-known practice. Bytecode transformation has been used for many purposes, especially to enhance programs with new capabilities and or add monitoring or profiling. A widespread objective when applying bytecode transformation is full bytecode coverage of the bytecode being executed in the JVM, meaning that every class loaded into or as part of the JVM should be intercepted by the bytecode transformer to permit bytecode modifications. In contrast, incomplete bytecode coverage would cause a lack of bytecode enhancement for parts of the program that depends on modifications of parts which cannot be changed by current available techniques. Currently, many available techniques for bytecode transformation are limited in their support for full bytecode coverage. Firstly, certain core classes (the special bootstrap classes) of the JDK are completely excluded from instrumentation because they are loaded before bytecode transformation can take place. Consequently, the bytecode executed within these classes corresponds to the unmodified versions of the classes. Secondly, because of the first cause, transformation of boot-classes has to be performed statically meaning the whole method has to be transformed prior to execution.
The JDK 1.5 has introduced a mechanism, Java language instrumentation agents (package java.lang.instrument), to transform classes as they are being loaded. Even though instrumentation agents are loaded and executed before the class containing the main(String[ ]) method, these agents are loaded only after the JVM has completed bootstrapping. At this stage of the execution, already several hundred classes have been loaded but have not been processed by any instrumentation agent. The JDK offers a mechanism to redefine these pre-loaded classes, which however imposes several strong limitations on class redefinition, as summarized in the JDK 1.6 API documentation: 'The redefinition may change method bodies, the constant pool and attributes. The redefinition must not add, remove or rename fields or methods, change the signatures of methods, or change inheritance.' These limitations are far too restrictive for many instrumentation-processes, such as calling context reification, which requires the introduction of additional method arguments and therefore changes method signatures. The present invention does not suffer from these strong limitations as it enables full modification of already loaded bootstrap classes.
In [1] Binder et al. discloses the method FERRARI as a general-purpose bytecode instrumentation framework. In FERRARI it's possible to instrument all classes including the special JVM bootstrap classes. However, the method requires the bytecode modifications of the JVM bootstrap classes to be done by a special static transformation tool called FIRST. Hence, FERRARI requires users to accept a two-step process in which the application is first prepared to execute, and then the real execution can be carried out. Not only does this alter the standard usage pattern of executing Java programs, but more importantly it requires the user to remember to execute the preparation tool.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for dynamically transforming the bytecode of Java virtual machine bootstrap classes