A multi-beam reflectarray includes two or more element arrays including plural elements aligned along a predetermined direction. The multi-beam reflectarray is such that, in each of a first element group and a second element group included in at least one of the element arrays, a difference between phases of radio waves reflected by corresponding two elements is in proportion to a first product of a distance between the two elements and a value of a trigonometric function with respect to an angle of reflection by the two elements, and a distance between neighboring elements in the first element group is equal to a product of a rational number and a distance between neighboring elements in the second element group.

In radio communication, when an obstacle, such as a building, exists on a propagation path of a radio wave, a reception level is lowered. For this reason, there has been a technique for transmitting a reflected wave to a location difficult for a radio wave to reach by disposing a reflection plate (reflector) at a high place, where a height of the high place is greater than or equal to that of the building. In a case where a radio wave is reflected by a reflector, when an angle of incidence of the radio wave in a vertical plane is relatively small, it is difficult for the reflector to direct the radio wave to a desired direction (FIG. 1). That is because, in general, an angle of incidence of a radio wave is equal to an angle of reflection. To address this problem, it can be considered to incline the reflector, so that the reflector faces a ground surface. The angle of incidence and the angle of reflection relative to the reflector can be enlarged by doing so. In this manner, an incident wave can be directed to a desired direction. However, from a viewpoint of safety, it is not preferable to incline the reflector toward the ground surface, because the reflector is disposed at the high place comparable to the height of the building that blocks the radio wave. From such a point of view, a reflector has been desired such that an angle of incidence of a radio wave is different from an angle of reflection of the radio wave. Namely, a reflector has been desired such that, even if an angle of incidence is relatively small, a reflected wave can be directed to a desired direction. A conventional reflector has been described in Non-Patent Document 1, for example. In the reflector, an angle of reflection of a radio wave is attempted to be controlled by causing plural elements to form corresponding reflected waves having a predetermined reflection phase. Since this type of reflector includes plural elements, this type of reflector may be referred to as a "reflectarray."
In a mobile communication system, when communication quality in an area is to be improved by using a reflectarray, it can be considered to enlarge an area of the reflectarray, so that a reception level of a reflected wave becomes greater. However, when a size or the area of the reflectarray is simply enlarged, a beam width of the reflected wave becomes smaller, though the intensity of the reflected wave is increased. A problem is that the area in which communication quality can be improved becomes narrow. When the size of the reflectarray is small, the beam width of the reflected wave becomes relatively large. Unfortunately, the reception level of the reflected wave becomes small.
As for such problems, an attempt has been made to reflect an incident radio wave in plural directions (Non-Patent Document 2). Unfortunately, the method described in Non-Patent Document 2 is not for directing the reflected wave in an arbitrarily desired direction. Thus, it is possible that, in an area where a radio wave environment is to be improved, the communication quality is not sufficiently improved.


A ball and socket joint has high stability of the bearing shell and hence of the joint and reduces the transmitted structure-borne noise from the viewpoint of increased comfort with a bearing shell design with at least two layers. The inner layer is formed of a metal and the outer layer of a plastic such as polyoxymethylene.

Ball and socket joints transmit and absorb forces from a plurality of directions. They are used in automotive engineering, for example, in the area of the steering or track rod. Ball and socket joints of this class comprise a ball pivot, i.e., a bolt with a ball formed at an axial end, a bearing shell accommodating the ball and a housing accommodating the bearing shell and parts of the ball pivot. The ball of the ball pivot slides within the prestressed, permanently lubricated bearing shell, which is protected by the housing against moisture and dirt as well as against the escape of lubricant. In the case of use in a motor vehicle, especially the inner surfaces of the bearing shell accommodating the ball are exposed to high loads. The bearing shells are therefore manufactured, as a rule, from a metal. However, steadily increasing requirements are also imposed on comfort in modern automotive engineering, which can sometimes be met by ball and socket joints with a metallic bearing shell only insufficiently. One drawback is that structure-borne noise is transmitted from the chassis to the passenger compartment or released into the environment to an undesired extent by ball and socket joints with a metallic shell. Ball and socket joints with a plastic shell offer considerable advantages in respect to the transmission of structure-borne noise. Such joints can also meet the requirements concerning loadability in many cases if modern plastics are used. However, their drawback is that their emergency running properties are considerably limited, i.e., total failure of the ball and socket joint can be observed within a short time in case of a defect or failure of the housing seal of a corresponding ball and socket joint, as a consequence of which dirt enters the joint or the lubricant escapes from the bearing site proper, i.e., from the intermediate space between surfaces of the ball of the ball pivot and the bearing shell, which surfaces slide on one another.
A ball and socket joint with a non-metallic bearing shell, in which the bearing shell has a two-layer design, has become known from DE 103 29 804 A1. According to the solution described in that document, the two layers forming the shell have different moduli of elasticity, the outer layer located away from the ball consisting of an elastically springable material and the inner layer located close to the ball consisting of a material with a wear-resistant surface. However, aside from the reference that the bearing shell consists of a non-metallic material, no concrete data are specified concerning the materials of the two layers forming the bearing shell. It can therefore be assumed here from a manufacturing technological point of view that both layers consist of a plastic, but the plastics have different moduli of elasticity and surface strengths, because such layers consisting of different plastics can be manufactured in a two-stage injection molding process and connected to one another in a favorable manner. The requirement that the structure-borne noise be reduced is certainly also met with the use of a corresponding plastic for the inner layer for many applications. However, the problem of insufficient emergency running properties is certainly present with this solution as well, because, unlike in the case of metals, dirt, which can be observed, for example, when leaks develop in ball and socket joints in the area of the running surfaces, tend to dig into the material surface to a certain extent in the case of plastics and materials comparable to plastics. At any rate, metals thus have emergency running properties that can hardly be attained by plastics.


A material for organic electroluminescence devices comprising a compound having a specific structure and an organic electroluminescence device comprising an organic thin film layer which comprises one layer or a plurality of layers comprising at least a light emitting layer and disposed between a cathode and an anode, wherein at least one layer in the organic thin film layer comprises the material for organic electroluminescence devices, are provided. The material provides the organic electroluminescence device exhibiting a great efficiency of light emission, having no defect pixels, exhibiting excellent heat resistance and having a long life.

An organic electroluminescence ("electroluminescence" will be referred to as "EL", hereinafter) device is a spontaneous light emitting device which utilizes the principle that a fluorescent substance emits light by energy of recombination of holes injected from an anode and electrons injected from a cathode when an electric field is applied. Since an organic EL device of the laminate type driven under a low electric voltage was reported by C. W. Tang of Eastman Kodak Company (C. W. Tang and S. A. Vanslyke, Applied Physics Letters, Volume 51, Pages 913, 1987), many studies have been conducted on organic EL devices using organic materials as the constituting materials. Tang et al. used a laminate structure using tris(8-quinolinolato)aluminum for the light emitting layer and a triphenyldiamine derivative for the hole transport layer. Advantages of the laminate structure are that the efficiency of hole injection into the light emitting layer can be increased, that the efficiency of forming excitons by recombination can be increased by blocking electrons injected from the cathode, and that excitons formed can be enclosed within the light emitting layer. As the structure of the organic EL device, a two-layered structure having a hole transport (injection) layer and an electron transport and light emitting layer and a three-layered structure having a hole transport (injection) layer, a light emitting layer and an electron transport (injection) layer are well known. To increase the efficiency of recombination of injected holes and electrons in the devices of the laminate type, the structure of the device and the process for forming the device have been studied.
As the light emitting material of the organic EL device, chelate complexes such as tris(8-quinolinolato)aluminum, coumarine derivatives, tetraphenylbutadiene derivatives, distyrylarylene derivatives and oxadiazole derivatives are known. It is reported that light in the visible region ranging from blue light to red light can be obtained by using these light emitting materials, and development of a device exhibiting color images is expected (For example, Patent Reference 1, Patent Reference 2 and Patent Reference 3).
It is recently proposed that an organic phosphorescent material other than a fluorescent material is used in the light emitting layer of an organic EL device (for example, Non-Patent Reference 1 and Non-Patent Reference 2). A great efficiency of light emission is achieved, as described above, by utilizing an organic phosphorescent material excited to the singlet state and the triplet state in the light emitting layer of an organic EL device. It is considered that singlet and triplet of the excited state are formed in relative amounts of 1:3 due to the difference in the multiplicity of spin when electrons and holes are recombined in an organic EL device. Therefore, it is expected that an efficiency of light emission 3 to 4 times as great as that of a device utilizing fluorescence alone can be achieved by utilizing a material emitting phosphorescent light.
In the organic EL devices described above, a construction formed by successively laminating layers such as an anode, a hole transport layer, an organic light emitting layer, an electron transport layer (a hole blocking layer), an electron transport layer and a cathode is used so that the excited state of the triplet or the excitons of the triplet do not disappear, and a host compound and a phosphorescent compound are used for the organic light emitting layer (for example, Patent Reference 4 and Patent Reference 5). In these patent references, 4,4-N,N-dicarbazole-biphenyl is used as the host compound. This compound has a glass transition temperature of 110° C. or lower, and the symmetry is excessively excellent since the skeleton structure of biphenyl is bonded to the nitrogen atom on the central line of the skeleton structure of carbazole molecule. Therefore, problems arise in that this compound is easily crystallized and that short circuit takes place and defect pixels are formed in the test of heat resistance of the device.
It is also found that, when the compound is vapor deposited, growth of crystals takes place at portions where foreign substances or protrusions are present, and defects are formed at an early time before the test of heat resistance and continue to grow with time. Carbazole derivatives having the three-fold symmetry are also used as the host compound. However, since these compounds have structures exhibiting an excellent symmetry with respect to the nitrogen atom on the central line of the skeleton structure of carbazole in the molecule, it is inevitable that growth of crystals takes place in the vapor deposition at portions where foreign substances or protrusions are present, and defects are formed at an early time before the test of heat resistance and continue to grow with time.
Devices having a fluorescent benzofuran compound or a fluorescent dibenzofuran compound are disclosed (Patent Reference 6). However, no specific descriptions are found on compounds having a substituent at the 7-position of benzofuran or at the 4-position or the 6-position of dibenzofuran, or no descriptions are found on exhibition of a unique property.
A compound having a 4-biphenylindol structure at the 4-position of benzofuran as the substituent is shown as an example of the host compound in a phosphorescent device, and an example using the compound as the host for an iridium complex which is a phosphorescent light emitting material emitting bluish green light is shown (Patent Reference 7). However, since substituents are present at all positions of the benzene ring substituted at the 4-position of benzofuran, the compound is unstable due to the great steric hindrance, and there is the possibility that the obtained EL device has a short life. No compounds having bonding at the 4-position of benzothiophene are clearly disclosed.
A compound having a skeleton structure of benzothiophene in which the skeleton structure of anthracene is essential is disclosed (Patent Reference 8). However, it is considered that application of this compound to a phosphorescence device is difficult since this compound has the skeleton structure of anthracene having a narrow triplet energy gap. A furan-based compound in which the skeleton structure of anthracene is essential is disclosed (Patent Reference 9). However, no descriptions are found on compounds having a substituent at the 7-position of benzofuran or at the 4-position or 6-position of dibenzofuran, or no excellent properties of these compounds are found. A benzofuran compound bonded to the skeleton structure of pyrene is disclosed (Patent Reference 10). However, it is considered that the application of the compound to the organic EL device of the phosphorescent type is difficult due to the narrow triplet state energy gap of the skeleton structure of pyrene. No examples using the compound are found.
In Patent Reference 11, a dibenzofuran compound having the skeleton structure of benzotriazole is described. However, it is considered that that the application of the compound to the organic EL device of the phosphorescent type is difficult due to the narrow triplet state energy gap. No examples using the compound are found.
[Patent Reference 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Heisei 8(1996)-239655
[Patent Reference 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Heisei 7(1995)-138561
[Patent Reference 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Heisei 3(1991-200889
[Patent Reference 4] U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,147
[Patent Reference 5] International Patent Publication No. WO 2001/41512
[Patent Reference 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Heisei 5(1993)-109485
[Patent Reference 7] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-214050
[Patent Reference 8] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-002351
[Patent Reference 9] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-047868
[Patent Reference 10] International Patent Publication No. WO 2004/096945
[Patent Reference 11] International Patent Publication No. WO 2005/054212
[Non-Patent Reference 1] D. F. O'Brien, M. A. Baldo et al., "Improved energy transfer in electrophosphorescent devices", Vol. 74, No. 3, pp 442 to 444, Jan. 18, 1999
[Non-Patent Reference 2] M. A. Baldo et al., "Very high-efficiency green organic light-emitting devices based on electrophosphorescence", Applied Physics letters, Vol. 75, No. 1, pp 4-6, Jul. 5, 1999

Material for organic electroluminescence device and electroluminescence device employing the same


A method of fabricating a thin film transistor including following steps is provided. Sequentially form a semiconductor layer, a metal layer and an auxiliary layer on a substrate. Perform a crystallization process to transform the semiconductor layer into an active layer after the metal layer and the auxiliary layer are disposed on the semiconductor layer. After the active layer is formed, pattern the metal layer to form a source and a drain. Form a gate insulator and a gate. The gate insulator is disposed between the gate and the source and drain.

Field of the Invention
The method of fabricating an active device and more particularly, to a method of fabricating a thin film transistor.
Description of Related Art
With the rise of awareness of environment protection in recent years, flat display panels benefiting from characteristics, such as low power consumption, good space efficiency, no radiation, high-quality and so on, have become mainstream in the market. The commonly seen flat display panels include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, electroluminescent displays and so on.
Taking the currently most popular LCDs for example, an LCD is mainly composed of a pixel array substrate, a color filter substrate and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween. A thin film transistor is commonly used as a switching element of each pixel structure on the pixel array substrate in the related art, and the performance of the switching element depends on the quality of an active layer of the thin film transistor. The active layer (e.g., a metal oxide semiconductor layer) of the thin film transistor has an issue of being easily damaged by ambient vapor during a process of patterning a source and a drain, which is unfavorable for the quality of the thin film transistor. In order to improve the issue, in a method of fabricating the thin film transistor in the related art, an etching stopper layer is first formed on the active layer of the thin film transistor, and a metal layer on the etching stopper layer is then patterned to form a source and a drain of the thin film transistor. Thereby, no matter whether the source and the drain are patterned and formed by a wet or a dry etching process, the active layer of the thin film transistor can be prevented from being damaged by the etchant used in the wet etching process or the plasma used in the dry etching process. In addition, the etching stopper layer covers at least a portion of an area of the active layer, the vapor can less contact the active layer, so as to reduce the probability of the active layer in an amorphous state deteriorating into a conductor. However, the disposition of the etching stopper layer causes some issues, such as the reduction of an aperture ratio of the pixel array substrate and the increase of fabrication cost of the thin film transistor.

Method of fabricating thin film transistor


A composition for preventing graying of the hair and restoring grayed hair to its natural color comprises an effective amount of one member selected from the group consisting of cAMP compounds such as 8-butylthio cAMP-Na or 8-methoxy cAMP-Na and water. The composition can prevent graying of the hair and restoring grayed hair to its natural color upon application to the scalp, the effective component is very stable even in the form of compositions containing water and the composition does not cause quality deteriorations such as giving out of bad smell.

The present invention relates to a composition stable in the state containing water, which, upon application to the scalp, activates melanocytes of the radix pili and promoting synthesis of melanin, thereby preventing graying of the hair and restoring grayed hair to its natural color.
Graying of the hair is a universal aging phenomenon, while hair dyes are commonly used to dye grayed hair, the use of such dyes is troublesome and sometimes causes side-effects such as rash of the scalp. Therefore, many users find hair dyes to be an unsatisfactory solution of the graying of the hair.
Under such circumstances, it has been desired to develop a pharmaceutical preparation or a cosmetic composition for application to hair capable of essentially preventing graying of the hair and restoring grayed hair to its natural color.
Heretofore, there have been some proposals such as those described in Japanese Patent Un-examined Publication (hereinafter referred to as "J.P. KOKAI") Nos. 60-174705, 61-165310, 62-45527, 62-63509 and 62-63510 in compliance with such a demand. However, the proposed techniques suffer from various disadvantages such as low effectiveness, low stability of the active components and insufficient safety. Among these, J.P. KOKAI No. 62-45527 discloses the use of adenosine 3',5'-cyclicphosphoric acid compound (hereunder referred to as "cAMP") and derivatives thereof.
However, this method suffers from the following problems:
(i) cAMP and salts thereof exhibit only a low cell membrane permeability and even if they are absorbed into cells, they are likely to be decomposed by phosphodiesterase, therefore, they do not show sufficient effect of preventing graying of the hair and restoring grayed hair to its natural color.
(ii) Acyl derivatives of cAMP are unstable in a composition for use in external applications and are easily decomposed with time. Therefore, if they are used as an agent externally applied over a long period, sufficient effects cannot be expected.
(iii) Moreover, the acyl derivatives of cAMP give out bad smell due to decomposition.

Composition for preventing graying of the hair


In accordance with the invention, radio program content or other audio communications and music are transmitted as digital information through the Internet to an Internet radio receiver/transmitter device. The device converts received digital information to analog information and broadcasts the information in the radio frequency band at low power in a localized area for reception by ordinary FM or AM radios. The device is capable of receiving multiple streams of different digital information, and broadcasting each of these on separate radio frequencies, so that each person in a household may hear its own selected programming on its own preselected radio frequency. It is programmable as to at least broadcast commence time, frequency and end time, if desired. Moreover, it may store received information to play at a preprogrammed time, or on demand.

1. Field of Invention
The invention pertains to the receiving of transmissions through the Internet and selective broadcasting of these transmissions in the radio frequency wave band at low power to local area receivers.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of communication, there is a long standing need to communicate information to particular targeted audiences that have an interest (or potential interest) in the subject matter of the communication. This is important from a commercial standpoint because advertisers are more likely to promote their products and services through a medium that has a high likelihood of reaching their target market. Further, a communications medium that reaches an audience interested in the particular information being communicated is also of interest, regardless of commercial opportunities presented, for purposes of cooperation and exchange of information between persons with common purpose or interest. However, sometimes the target market or audience, although large in aggregate, is thinly spread across the United States, or the world. For example, communications relating to fly fishing may have a relatively large aggregate audience, but the audience may be thinly scattered throughout the United States and elsewhere, in small communities or even as individuals. While such an audience could conceivably be reached in the United States through a nationally distributed magazine, audio communications, or broadcast from a radio station, the communications would have to be broadcast nationwide to reach all interested persons. Providing such specialized national radio broadcasts directed to potential listeners scattered in small groups throughout the country (or world) may not be economically viable, even though the potential listeners may in aggregate form a large target market or audience. The lack of technology available for low cost nationwide or worldwide audio communication is a significant shortcoming in the "Information Age". There is not at present an audio communications medium that can be broadcasts nationwide or worldwide to reach target markets and audiences with special interests, especially, when the market or audience is thinly spread and not concentrated in one or a few locales.

Local area internet radio receiver/transmitter


A method for detecting a potential-induced degradation (PID) of PV modules of a PV installation includes operating a PV generator at a maximum power point (MPP), at a first generator voltage (U1) and first generator current (I1), and at a second generator voltage (U2) and second generator current (I2), where a first power (P1) at the first generator voltage (U1) is in a predefined first ratio V1=P1/PMPP and V1≤1, with the power (PMPP) at the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV generator, and where a second power (P2) at the second generator voltage (U2) is in a predefined second ratio V2=P2/P1 and V2<1, with the first power (P1) of the PV generator, and where a quantity Y that characterizes a progress of the potential-induced degradation (PID) is determined from the values of the voltages (U1, U2) and/or the currents (I1, I2).

A potential-induced degradation (PID) of PV modules is understood to mean damage to the PV modules that progresses often slowly and unnoticed over time. This involves the PV modules being damaged such that their maximum power decreases as the degree of damage increases. If the potential-induced degradation is detected early on, then damaged PV modules can be fixed again at least to a certain degree by means of suitable measures, e.g. shifting a generator potential of the PV modules relative to a ground potential PE. Often, the potential-induced degradation is not detected, but at least not detected early on, on account of its subtly progressive character. Therefore, irreversible damage to the PV modules normally occurs that shortens the life of said PV modules. During the life of the PV modules, which is shortened anyway, the efficiency of a PV installation having the damaged PV modules additionally decreases. It is therefore desirable to detect a progressive potential-induced degradation of PV modules of a PV installation as early as possible.
EP 2019433 A1 discloses an apparatus for fault diagnosis on a photovoltaic unit. The apparatus includes a measuring unit for measuring a current/voltage characteristic of the photovoltaic unit. A conversion unit converts the current/voltage characteristic measured by the measuring unit into a standardized current/voltage characteristic under predefined standard conditions. The apparatus moreover includes a memory for storing a multiplicity of reference characteristics and an evaluation unit for comparing the converted current/voltage characteristic with the stored reference characteristics and for determining with which of the reference characteristics the current/voltage characteristic is most concordant. For the conversion into the standardized current/voltage characteristic under predefined standard conditions, the apparatus requires additional sensors for detecting present ambient conditions, in particular temperature sensors and sensors for measuring the radiation intensity.
The internet page http://www.ni.com/white-paper/7230/en/ provides an overview of theoretical correlations in regard to a current/voltage characteristic of a photovoltaic cell.
The specification JP2008091807A discloses an apparatus that can be used to detect faults in the solar cell arrangement and to ascertain the cause thereof. A matching circuit is used to set a reference output voltage on the solar cell arrangement and to measure the current corresponding to the reference output voltage. Additionally, the matching circuit can be used to set a reference current for the solar cell arrangement and to ascertain the output voltage associated with the reference current.
The document JP2012186409A discloses an apparatus for determining a shadowed state of a solar cell arrangement. First of all, a reference current/voltage characteristic is computed from values of no-load voltage, short-circuit current, MPP voltage and MPP current. A comparison of a current/voltage characteristic measured during operation of the solar cell arrangement with the reference current/voltage characteristic is used to ascertain a shadowed state.
The specification from JP2003121490A discloses a method for determining characteristic parameters, such as no-load voltage or series resistance, from a current/voltage characteristic of a solar cell. The method involves those measured data that allow as accurate as possible a linear approximation of the current/voltage characteristic in the respective range being extracted independently of the number and interval of the measured current/voltage data.
The document AT508834A1 discloses a method and an apparatus for fault detection in a photovoltaic (PV) installation. This involves a first output voltage (U0, UMPP) of the PV installation being ascertained in the first operating state at a first time. At a second time, a second output voltage (U0, UMPP) of the PV installation is ascertained in a second operating state, which is comparable with the first operating state. Finally, a disparity between the first and second output voltages (U0, UMPP) is ascertained and a fault report is output if the disparity exceeds a prescribed threshold value.

Method and device for recognising faults in a photovoltaic (PV) generator


Methods are provided for identifying the presence of cancer cells in a sample by detecting hypermethylation of the promoter region of a GATA-4 transcription factor gene, a GATA-5 transcription factor gene, or both. Methods for ameliorating a cancer by effecting expression of a hypermethylation silenced GATA-4 and/or GATA-5 transcription also are provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to methods of diagnosing and monitoring the course of a cancer, and more specifically to methods of detecting cancer cells by detecting methylation silencing of GATA-4 and/or GATA-5 gene(s), which encode transcription regulatory proteins, to methods of diagnosing a cancer in a subject by detecting such methylation silencing in a cell sample obtained from the subject, and to methods of treating a subject having a cancer by effecting expression of methylation silenced GATA-4 and/or GATA-5 in cancer cells of the subject.
2. Background Information
Cancers can occur as a result of genetic changes such as mutations of a gene, as well as epigenetic mechanisms, which are not associated with mutation of a DNA sequence. The most commonly observed epigenetic change involves silencing of gene expression due to methylation of the gene sequence, particularly the 5′ upstream gene regulatory sequences. Methylation of cytosine residues located 5′ to guanosine in CpG dinucleotides, particularly in CpG-rich regions (CpG islands), often is involved in the normal regulation of gene expression in higher eukaryotes. For example, extensive methylation of CpG islands is associated with transcriptional inactivation of selected imprinted genes, as well as the genes on the inactivated X chromosome in females. Aberrant methylation of normally unmethylated CpG islands also is present in immortalized and transformed cells, and has been associated with transcriptional inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in human cancers.
Changes to genes that are associated with cancer, including mutations that result in loss of expression of gene or in expression of a defective gene product, and epigenetic mechanisms such as methylation-silencing of gene transcription, provide markers useful for determining whether a cell is susceptible to loss of normal growth control and, therefore, potentially a cancer cell. For example, a mutation of the BRCA1 gene has been associated with breast cancer. As such, diagnostic tests can be performed using cells, for example, from a woman with a family history of breast cancer to determine whether the woman has the BRCA1 mutation that is a marker for breast cancer. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) is another example of a marker, in this case for prostate cancer. Although neither the defect resulting in expression of the PSA nor the normal function of PSA in the body is known, PSA nevertheless provides a valuable cancer marker because it allows the identification of men predisposed to prostate cancer or at a very early stage of the disease such that effective therapy can be implemented. More recently, methylation-silenced transcription of a suppressor of cytokine signaling/cytokine-inducible SH2 protein family member, the SOCS-1 gene was found to be associated with various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, multiple myeloma, and acute leukemias. As such, screening assays directed to detecting the methylation status of the SOCS-1 gene can provide diagnostic information relating to such cancers.
Cancer often is a silent disease that does not present clinical signs or symptoms until the disease is well advanced. As such, the availability and use of markers that allow the identification of individuals susceptible to a cancer, or that allow detection of a cancer at an early stage, can be of great benefit. Unfortunately, such markers are not available for most cancers and, as a result, many cancer patients do not seek medical assistance until the cancer is at a stage that requires radical therapy, or is untreatable. Thus, a need exists for markers that can be used to detect cancer cells. The present invention satisfies this need and provides additional advantages.

Hypermethylation of GATA-4 and GATA-5 transcription factor genes in cancer

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine


Exercise apparatus is provided with a system for collapsing a user seat to a stow-away position. A user-engaged locking device releasably locks a bearing assembly and a seat frame at each of a user-exercise position and a stow-away position.

The invention relates to exercise apparatus, and more particularly a seat stow-away system.
Exercise apparatus typically includes a support frame including a support base resting on a floor and a support post extending upwardly therefrom and supporting a user seat upon which the user sits during an exercise routine, e.g. weight/resistance training, etc. The present invention arose during continuing development efforts directed toward such apparatus, and provides a simple and efficient seat stow-away system.

Exercise apparatus with seat stow-away system


A plug-in connection between a first connector at the edge of a printed circuit board and a second connector on a printed circuit board mount takes the form of a restrictedly guided swivel connection device. The printed circuit board with the first connector is swivelled about a swivel axis, which is held at the top, in the direction of the connector and at the bottom by an abutment. Escape by the connectors is prevented by engagement of the two outer walls of the connectors at a slide contact zone. Swivelling is only possible when the swivel axis has reached its desired position. Through swivelling of the arrangement, the blade contacts of the first connector make their way into the female contact elements of the second connector.

Plug-in connections are known in various embodiments. One particular exemplary embodiment, to which reference will be made below without particular limitation, is a plug-in connection between a "punched grid" serving to accommodate electromechanical components and the like and electronics constructed on a printed circuit board. The electronics on the circuit board serve, inter alia, to drive electromechanical components arranged on the top of the punched grid. To this end, a first connector with, for example, blade contacts is located at one edge of the printed circuit board accommodating the electronics and a second connector with socket contacts matching the blade contacts is located in an edge area of the punched grid (i.e. the printed circuit board mount).
In the case of such plug-in connections, it is necessary for the first connector to be inserted into the second connector with a certain degree of force, such that the relevant blade contacts and socket contacts are connected mechanically and electrically.
There do exist "zero force" connectors, in which a connector receiving a printed circuit board equipped at the edges with contact elements is provided with two housing halves movable relative to one another. The two housing halves each carry a row of contact elements and may be moved away from one another counter to a spring-biasing force, in order to form a gap for the introduction of the side of the printed circuit board equipped with the contact elements. After introduction of the printed circuit board, the two halves of the connector are brought into a closed position, such that the contacts located at the edge of the printed circuit board lie against the contact elements in the connector. The purpose of such arrangements is to bring about a connection without having to apply a great deal of force.
A similar purpose is served by connector arrangements in which assembly of the connectors is facilitated by means of lever elements on one or the other of the connectors.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a plug-in connection in which the two connectors may be reliably connected with relatively little force.

Printed circuit board plug-in connection


Methods and systems are disclosed that automatically determine solar access values. In one implementation, a 3D geo-referenced model of a structure is retrieved in which geographic location on the earth of points in the 3D geo-referenced model are stored or associated with points in the 3D geo-referenced model. Object point cloud data indicative of object(s) that cast shade on the structure is retrieved. The object point cloud data may be generated from one or more georeferenced images and the object point cloud data is indicative of an actual size, shape, and location of the object(s) on the earth. The structure in the 3D geo-referenced model is divided into one or more sections, which are divided into one or more areas, each area having at least three vertices. Then, a solar access value for the particular vertex is determined.

There is a constant need for energy to power the growing energy consumption needs of modern society. At present, fossil fuels are the main source of this energy, but factors such as fossil fuel scarcity, resultant pollution from burning fossil fuels, and geopolitical factors that affect the price and availability of fossil fuels have resulted in a need for alternative sources of energy. An example of a popular form of an alternative energy source is solar energy.
In order to utilize solar energy, solar energy systems have been created and designed to harness received solar radiation into thermal or electrical energy through various means. These solar energy systems typically include a solar energy collector to collect the solar radiation and other components that may convert the collected solar radiation into either electrical or thermal energy.
These solar energy systems usually need to be designed and installed in locations and orientations with a significant or high solar radiation exposure in order to maximize the amount of solar radiation that may be collected by the solar energy systems. As a result, there is a need to measure the solar radiation access at a given location and orientation.
A number of systems that measure solar radiation may have limitations in their ease of use and accuracy. Some of the systems utilize chemical processes of film exposure to store captured images that may not be analyzed until the film is developed. Many have alignment problems that make it difficult to make accurate measurements. Further, devices may have limitations that include the lack of image calibration, the need to determine coordinates that uniquely identify the location of the device on the earth or region, the need to remain on-site for a long period of time, an inability to identify the skyline and open sky, and/or an inability to account for shading. In addition, the devices may be expensive to manufacture and/or use.
For example, the Solimetric SunEye and Wiley Electronics ASSET are specialized electronic devices that provide shade analysis by placing sensors on the site of a property to be measured. The Solar Pathfinder is a non-electronic device that requires placement on-site, and hand-tracing of a panoramic image reflected on a transparent dome on a paper template, and further processing of the result using a companion software package. In addition to high cost, many existing approaches and tools may require training and careful application, may require extra coordination, such as keeping the device level with a compass arrow correctly aligned while attempting to press a button to take a picture, and may be difficult to use in actual field conditions such as on a sloped roof and in bright sun. In addition, the use of these instruments may present a risk to the user due to the requirement for proper placement on roofs and other high surfaces.
Software systems exist that provide automated tools that permit the user to create a 3D model of a house, and manually apply 3D models of trees or other obstructions adjacent to the 3D model of the house. Then, the software conducts an automated analysis of the 3D model to determine shade, slope, and orientation values for estimating solar access values for individual points on the rooftop. One software system sold by Aurora Solar Inc., of San Francisco, Calif., allows the user to manually apply simulated 3D models of trees, and request LIDAR data to be displayed around the house, so that the height of the 3D models of the trees can be manually adjusted.
The previous software systems require manual creation of the 3D model of the roof. For shade analysis, the previous software systems require manual placement of simulated obstructions around the roof as part of the workflow in creating solar access values.

Method and system for determining solar access of a structure


A tire for preventing vehicle rollover or oversteer comprises a pair of bead portions, a pair of sidewall portions, a tread portion extending between the pair of sidewall portions, and a portion of low friction material positioned along an edge of the tread portion.

This invention relates to a tire for controlling the motion and stability of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a tire for preventing rollover or oversteer of a vehicle.
Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV's), pickup trucks, and vans are popular vehicles for transporting individuals, equipment, and supplies. Typically these vehicles have a high center of gravity that tends to lead to a rollover condition if the driver of the vehicle does not properly control the vehicle. The interaction between a vehicle's tire and the roadway during an emergency maneuver is such that the vehicle is steered severely at moderate to high speeds generating lateral frictional forces that then cause the tire(s) to deflect and tuck under the wheel rim. During the steer, high lateral frictional forces develop between the tires and the road, creating a roll moment about the leading tires (i.e., the left side tires for a right hand steer) potentially leading to rollover of the vehicle. It is imperative to avoid rollover of the vehicle because rollover can lead to damage to the vehicle and injury or death to vehicle occupants.
Until now, there has not been any tire employed or available for reducing the frictional forces induced when a vehicle is steered at moderate to high speeds in order to prevent vehicle rollover or oversteer of the vehicle. The present invention is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with presently available tires. In particular, the present invention is for preventing vehicle rollover or oversteer by introducing a low-friction surface on the tire shoulder or the tire sidewall to reduce side forces being generated during a severe steer. The use of a low-friction surface increases the ability of the vehicle to remain upright. Moreover, the tire of the present invention does not alter the tread of the tire and therefore does not affect the braking or handling of the vehicle during other modes of operation or driving of the vehicle. Further, the present invention may be used to modify existing tires.

Tire for preventing rollover or oversteer of a vehicle


In a memory device such as a page-oriented synchronous dynamic random access memory device (SDRAM), a memory array and associated circuitry are divided into multiple internally defined circuit banks. Commands and addresses applied to the memory device affect all internal banks identically, but on a time-staggered basis. In an eight bank embodiment, activation of a selected row is first initiated in Bank0 by registration of an ACTIVE command and a coincident row address. One system clock cycle later, activation of the selected row is initiated in Bank1, and so on until activation of the selected row is initiated in Bank7 seven clock cycles after the initial registration of the command. A READ or WRITE command and coincident column address can be applied after the activation time limit has been met for the selected row in Bank0. The READ or WRITE command then affects successive banks in the above-described time staggered manner. Similarly, a PRECHARGE command can be applied when the read latency or write recovery time limit has been met for Bank0, and this command is executed in a time staggered manner in the successive banks. In a four bank embodiment, command registration and execution is staggered every two successive system clock cycles.

Computer designers are always searching for faster memory devices that will allow them to design faster computers. A significant limitation on a computer's operating speed is the time required to transfer data between a processor and a memory circuit, such as a read or write data transfer. Memory circuits, such as a dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), usually include a large number of memory cells arranged in one or more arrays, each having rows and columns. The memory cells provide locations at which the processor can store and retrieve data. The more quickly the processor can access the data within the memory cells, the more quickly it can perform a calculation or execute a program using the data.
FIG. 1 shows, in part, a typical computer architecture. A central processing unit (CPU) or processor 50 is connected to a bus 52, which in turn is connected to a system or memory controller 54 and a datapath integrated circuit (IC) 56. The memory controller 54 and the datapath IC 56 serve as interface circuitry between the processor 50 and a memory device 60. The processor issues a command C and an address A which are received and translated by the memory controller 54, which in turn applies command signals and an address to the memory device 60. Corresponding to the processor-issued commands C and addresses A, data D is transferred between the processor 50 and the memory device 60 via the datapath IC 56.
Illustrative of the type of memory devices 60 currently used, is a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) device 100 shown as a block diagram in FIG. 2. The memory device 100 includes as its central memory element two memory array banks 101A and 101B, which operate under the control of a control logic circuit 102. Each of the memory arrays 101A & B includes a plurality of memory cells (not shown) arranged in rows and columns. For purposes of discussion, the memory device 100 has an 8-bit word width--meaning that to each specified memory address (combined bank, row and column address) there is a one-to-one correspondence with 8 memory cells in one of the arrays 101A & B, and the processor 50 (see FIG. 1) operates on data elements of 8 bits each.
A system clock (not shown) provides a signal CLK to the control circuit 102 of the memory device 100, as well as to the processor 50 and controller 54 (see FIG. 1) accessing the memory device. Command signals input to the control circuit 102 are decoded by command decode circuitry 104. These signals are well known in the art, and include signals such as RAS (row address strobe), CAS (column address strobe) and WE (write enable). Distinct combinations of the various command signals constitute distinct commands. For example, the combination of RAS low, CAS high and WE low can represent a PRECHARGE command. Examples of other well known commands include ACTIVE, READ, WRITE and NOP. Corresponding to the applied command, the control circuit 102 sends control signals on control lines 103A-H to other parts of the memory device 100, controlling the timing of access to the memory cells in arrays 101A and 101B.
An address is input to an address register 106, indicating the memory location to be accessed. The address specifies one of the memory banks 101A & B and a row and column address within the specified bank. The address register 106 provides the address information to the control circuit 102, and to a row-address mux 107 and a column-address latch and decode circuit 110. The row-address mux 107 multiplexes the row address information and provides it to one of row-address latch and decode circuits 108A and 108B corresponding to the one of the memory banks 101 A & B to be accessed. Each of the row latch and decode circuits 108A and 108B takes a row address provided by the row-address latch 107 and activates a selected row of memory cells (not shown) in the memory array 101A and 101B by selecting one of several row access lines 112A and 112B, all respectively. The column latch and decode circuit 110 takes a column address provided by the address register 106 and selects one of several column access lines 114A and 114B, each of which is coupled to one of the memory arrays 101A and 101B by one of I/O interface circuits 116A and 116B, all respectively. Each of the I/O interface circuits 116A & B selects the memory cell(s) corresponding to the column location in an activated row. The I/O interface circuits 116 include sense amplifiers which determine and amplify the logic state of the selected memory cells, and I/O gating of data to and from a data I/O register 118. The data register 118 is connected to a data bus which is used to input and output data to and from the memory device 100.
Data transfer cycles typically involve several steps and each step takes time. For example, a read access requires the control logic circuit 102 of the memory device 100 to decode commands and the memory cell address; and to provide control signals to the circuitry accessing the memory array banks 101A and 101B in order to activate the selected row in the selected memory bank, allow time for sense amplifiers to develop signals from the selected column in the memory bank, transfer data from these sense amplifiers to the data register 118 where the data is then made available on the data bus, and terminate the cycle by precharging the row for subsequent access. Steps that are particularly time consuming include the activation step, the read latency (the time between registration in the memory device of a read command and the availability of the accessed data on the data bus), and the precharge step.
In applications involving a continuous flow of data such as Graphics, Video and Communications, a page-oriented memory device is desirable because it can reduce the number of activation and precharge steps performed. When a memory device is operated in a page mode cycle, a row is activated, and data transfers occur, at a large number (sometimes all) of the columns in that row before completion of the cycle with a row precharge step. This contrasts with the conventional data transfer cycle where a single column is accessed in the activated row, the row is then precharged, and the next data transfer cycle is initiated with a new set of activation and precharge steps.
When access is sought to a row other than one currently open in the page-oriented memory device (sometimes referred to as a "page miss" in the art), a new page mode cycle is initiated, complete with activation and precharge steps. Thus, a page-oriented memory device allows a continuous flow of data to and from one row, but interrupts that data flow during the time required to shut down the one row and access the other row.
One way of partly eliminating the interrupted data flow associated with a page miss is to define multiple memory cell array banks, as shown in the memory device 100 of FIG. 2. For example, when a series of accesses to Row I (not shown) in Bank 101A is performed and subsequent access to Row J (not shown) in Bank 101B is required, the activation step can be initiated in Bank 101B while access is continuing in Bank 101A. If initiation of access to Row J in Bank 101B occurs early enough, the time delay associated with the precharge of Row I in Bank 101A, activation of Row J in Bank 101B, and read latency (if applicable) can be hidden--meaning that there is no interruption in the flow of data due to the change of rows.
The currently used multiple bank approach is, however, of no benefit if the Row I currently being accessed and the Row J subsequently to be accessed are in the same one of Banks 101 A & B. In this case the data bus is idle for the entire precharge time of Row I and the activation time and read latency (if applicable) of Row J. FIGS. 3-6 illustrate this disruption of the data flow associated with a page miss.
Each of FIGS. 3-6 shows the clock signal CLK with leading edges occurring at T0, T1, T2, etc.; the commands supplied to the memory device 100 and registered therein at times corresponding to leading edges of the clock signal; and the state of the data bus on which data is output (DOUT) from or input (DIN) to the memory device at a time corresponding to a leading edge of the clock signal. The FIGS. 3-6 are representative of the current state of the art: corresponding to a selected clock speed of 100 MHz, the precharge time .sup.t RP is of duration 3 clock cycles (i.e., 30 ns), the activation time .sup.t RCD is 3 clock cycles, the read latency is 3 clock cycles, and the write recovery time .sup.t WR (the time between registration in the memory device of input data DIN and the availability of the write-accessed row for the row-deactivating precharge step) is 2 clock cycles.
FIG. 3 shows a read access to one row being terminated by registration and execution in the memory device 100 of a PRECHARGE command, and the subsequent activation of another row by an ACTIVE command, followed by a READ command. The data bus is idle for 7 clock cycles between the last availability of data DOUT from the one row and the first availability of data DOUT from the other row. FIG. 4 shows a read access to one row being terminated by a PRECHARGE command, and the subsequent activation of another row by an ACTIVE command, followed by a WRITE command. The data bus is idle for 4 clock cycles between the last availability of data DOUT from the one row and the first availability of data DIN for the other row. Most dramatic is the transition from a write access in one row followed by a read access in another row, as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the data bus is idle for 10 full clock cycles. FIG. 6 shows the data bus idling for 7 clock cycles during a transition from a write access in one row to a write access in another row.
In addition to not completely solving the problem of excessive data bus idle time for successive page miss accesses, the currently used multiple bank approach has a number of drawbacks. The memory controller 54 (see FIG. 1) is made more complicated, because it must keep track of which rows are open in what banks. Alternatively, the memory controller 54 could always close a row after accessing it, but this then eliminates the possibility of a "page hit" if subsequent access is to that same row. Additionally, a means for independently addressing the multiple banks and providing independent commands to multiple banks at appropriate times further complicates the control circuit 102 and other circuitry internal to the memory device 100 (see FIG. 2).

Memory device with multiple internal banks and staggered command execution


A security cabinet for storing of articles of value which is designed to prevent unauthorized access into the security cabinet by individuals not possessing sufficient physical strength such as young children. The latching arrangement of the security cabinet can be located in a position requiring an inward force of a sufficient magnitude to be applied to the door in order to permit the door to be opened and thereby gain access into the cabinet.

1) Field of the Invention
The field of this invention relates to safes, and more particularly to a security cabinet within which is to be stored articles of value where a certain amount of physical force is required to move the locking structure of the cabinet to an unlatching position where access into the enclosure of the security cabinet is permitted.
2) Description of the Prior Art
The use of safes to lock up articles of value has long been known. Every safe has a door. This door is to be moved from a closed position to an open position in order gain access into the safe. A locking device is associated with the door. Usually such a locking device is to be operated either through the use of a combination or by a key in order to move the locking device to an unlocked position which will then permit the movement of the door from a closed position to an open position.
It is common to place weapons such as pistols within such a security cabinet. The whole idea of the weapon generally is to provide protection to a homeowner or business owner within which the security cabinet is located. One of the primary reasons that the weapon is located in the security cabinet is to prevent unauthorized access to the weapon. Within a home where there are small children, and small children find a weapon such as a pistol, it is an attractive plaything that can cause injury and death.
To keep the weapon out of the hands of small children, it is common for individuals to locate the weapon within a security cabinet. However, if the situation occurs where immediate quick access to the weapon is required, such is not possible since the security cabinet is closed and locked and it will take some time to get the key and unlock the key lock of the cabinet or time to operate a combination of a combination lock to open the cabinet.
It would be desireable to construct a security cabinet where the locking device in conjunction with the cabinet can be positioned to permit immediate quick access by an adult but yet would prevent access by young children.


An adaptor for a ceiling fan downrod which uses a pair of concentric cylinders with a larger cylinder capable of receiving a large downrod component and a smaller cylinder capable of receiving a smaller downrod component.

The present invention relates generally to fan assemblies, and more particularly an adaptor for a ceiling fan support.
Numerous types of fan assemblies presently exists. For instance, there are currently on the market downrods having a xc2xd inch diameter and a xc2xe diameter. While these are nominal references, the actual outer dimensions are xc2xexe2x80x3 for a xc2xdxe2x80x3 diameter downrod and 1xe2x80x3 for a xc2xexe2x80x3 downrod. In recent history, the larger diameter assembly has become more popular. An alternate technique for handling this problem is disclosed in our pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/083,715 filed May 22, 1998.
The trend towards the larger fan assembly presents a quandary to the retailer. Currently, the retailer must stock both sizes of fan assembly components. Stocking the less popular smaller fan assembly components consumes valuable shelf space. The shelf space could be more effectively utilized with other products for stocking a larger amount of the more popular larger size fan assembly components. Inventory costs and sales volumes are potentially affected.
Clearly there is room for improvement in the art.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to allow for the use of common parts on non-standardized products.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adaptor for attaching a downrod between a ceiling fan and a ceiling fan support to provide for different sized downrods.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adaptor that allows the use of a downrod on a ceiling fan assembly that would not otherwise be capable of use with the ceiling fan assembly.
It is a further object of the present invention to decrease the amount of shelf required to display parts if different sizes.
These, as well other objects, are accomplished by an adaptor which can convert form large to small, or small to large, downrod formed of a pair of adjoining cylinders with a larger cylinder having an inside diameter capable of receiving a large downrod component and a second cylinder concentric with the first cylinder having an outer diameter substantially the same as a smaller downrod component. Each cylinder has a diametric hole therethrough for receipt of a locking pin, while the larger cylinder has threaded holes for receipt of locking screws.


A filter apparatus (10) for cleaning functional fluids, especially selected from phosphate esters, phosphate ester-based oils, mineral oils and phenols, includes a filter housing (12) into which a filter bed (14) has been introduced. The filter bed has a mixture of anionic and cationic ion exchange resins. At least one filter element (16), designed as a flow guide device, enables the diversion of the fluid from a radial to an axial flow direction (18) or vice versa.

These functional fluids are used in hydraulic systems, such as, for example, gas turbines and steam turbines, and in the turbine control as lubricants or also as hydraulic media. Often, in addition to needing to be suitable as lubricant media or hydraulic media, the fluids must be poorly flammable. To achieve proper operation of the respective hydraulic system, the fluid used, during the entire time that it circulates, for example, in a fluid circuit of the hydraulic system, must have a very high quality. In particular, impurities of any kind that accompany especially the degeneration of the fluid in use are to be allowed only up to a maximum amount, which amount must generally be set very low. Therefore, in hydraulic systems that do not provide cleaning of the fluid, when a maximum allowable contamination is reached, the complete replacement of the used fluid by a new fluid is necessary. This replacement is, on the one hand, very labor-intensive in most hydraulic systems, and, on the other hand, the indicated fluids are very expensive, especially when they are endowed with special properties such as being poorly flammable and the like. This disadvantage of replacement prompts a legitimate interest in prolonging the service life of the fluid used. The cleaning of the fluid in particular lends itself for accomplishing this purpose.
Filter apparatus having a filter bed of anionic and cationic ion-exchange resins (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,708,508 and 4,741,857) are used to remove corrosive acids from functional fluids, especially poorly flammable, phosphate ester-based hydraulic fluids (HFD-R). Aging of these fluids is due to hydrolysis, in which the decomposition products are, for instance, corrosive fluids. The neutralization number Nz, in English also referred to as "TAN" (Total Acid Number), and the content of metal soaps can be reduced by special ion-exchange resins. In addition to this cleaning of the fluids, continuous dewatering of the fluid is often carried out as well. The desired value of the neutralization number of the cleaned fluid is Nz≦0.1 mg KOH/gfluid. For practical use of the fluids in hydraulic systems, values of the neutralization number Nz of up to 1 mg KOH per gram of fluid can be easily achieved.
EP 0 696 311 B1 discloses a method for treatment of a nonaqueous functional fluid, selected from among phosphate esters, mineral oils, and carboxylate esters, in which a portion of the fluid quantity makes contact with an anionic ion-exchange resin in the presence of enough water so that the acid content of the fluid can be reduced. Then, in the known solution, the removal of water from the fluid by vacuum dewatering and finally the combination of the treated fluid with the bulk of the remaining fluid take place (in situ).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,117 B1 discloses a method for regeneration of phosphate ester lubricating fluids in which the lubricating fluid circulates in a mechanical system and is contaminated with metallic material and phosphorus-based acids. Cleaning leads to a new fluid quality with a TAN (Total Acid Number) of 0.03. The method includes essentially the following steps:                Preparation of a source of a phosphate ester lubricant that circulates in a mechanical apparatus and that has at least one metal from the group consisting of aluminum, chromium, tin, iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium and silicon, and has phosphorus-based acids;        Preparation of a source of anionic ion-exchange resin in a cartridge in fluid communication with the apparatus, with the resin having a liquid content of at least roughly 50%;        Introduction of the phosphate ester lubricating fluid contaminated with the metals and the acids for purposes of contact with the resin; and        Removal of the metallic compounds and the acids, using the resin by replacing the filter with a periodicity of up to 27 months, when there is a rise in the TAN of roughly 0.07 to make available a reusable lubricating fluid that is essentially free of impurities in new quality and that has a Total Acid Number of 0.03.


A liposome composition having a compound entrapped in a supersaturated solution and method for preparing such a composition are described.

Liposomes are completely closed lipid bilayer membranes containing an entrapped aqueous volume. Liposomes may be unilamellar vesicles (possessing a single membrane bilayer) or multilameller vesicles (onion-like structures characterized by multiple membrane bilayers, each separated from the next by an aqueous layer). The bilayer is composed of two lipid monolayers having a hydrophobic "tail" region and a hydrophilic "head" region. The structure of the membrane bilayer is such that the hydrophobic (nonpolar) "tails" of the lipid monolayers orient toward the center of the bilayer while the hydrophilic "heads" orient towards the aqueous phase.
A primary use of liposomes is to serve as carriers for a variety of materials, such as, drugs, cosmetics, diagnostic reagents, bioactive compounds, and the like. Hydrophilic agents when entrapped in liposomes associate with the aqueous spaces in the liposome structure, primarily the internal central compartment and the spaces between lipid bilayers. Lipophilic drugs are typically associated with the lipid bilayer.
Liposome drug formulations can improve treatment efficiency, provide prolonged drug release and therapeutic activity, increase the therapeutic ratio and possibly reduce the overall amount of drugs needed for treating a given kind of ailment or disorder. For a review, see Liposomes as Drug Carriers by G. Gregoriadis, Wiley & Sons, New-York (1988).
Many methods exist for preparing liposomes and loading liposomes with therapeutic compounds. The simplest method of drug loading is by passive entrapment, wherein a dried lipid film is hydrated with an aqueous solution containing the water-soluble drug to form liposomes. Other passive entrapment methods involve a dehydration-rehydration method where preformed liposomes are added to an aqueous solution of the drug and the mixture is dehydrated either by lyophilization, evaporation, or by freeze-thaw processing method involving repeated freezing and thawing of multilamellar vesicles which improves the hydration and hence increases loading.
In general, however, passive entrapment yields a low efficiency of drug entrapment. A low drug-to-lipid ratio can be a significant disadvantage to achieving efficaceous therapy with a liposome formulation. For example, for treatment of tumor tissue, liposomes with a size of approximately 80-140 nm are required for extravasation into the tumor tissue. The small size imposes a limitation on the drug loading, especially when the drug is passively entrapped and/or when the drug has a limited solubility and/or the drug has a low affinity for the lipids. A low drug-to-lipid ratio requires administration of a large lipid dose to achieve the required drug dose.
The drug entrapment efficiency can be improved in part by using a high lipid concentration or by a specific combination of lipid components. For example, an amphiphatic amine, such as doxorubicin, may be encapsulated more efficiently into liposome membranes containing negative charge (Cancer Res. 42:4734-4739, (1982)). This surface electrostatic drug association with liposomes, while very stable in the test tube, leads to very rapid, almost immediate, release upon systemic administration.
Thus, loading of uncharged and non-lipophilic drugs, and in particular drugs having low solubility in aqueous phase at a sufficiently high drug-to-lipid ratio for efficaceous therapy remains a problematic issue.

Liposomes containing an entrapped compound in supersaturated solution

Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem


Methods of extending runtime with battery ripple cancellation in a CPU based system by providing a CPU that includes an input pin capable of throttling the power consumed by the CPU responsive to the input of a throttling signal, sensing a ripple in the form of a decrease in voltage or an increase in current responsive to a load on a CPU power supply, and when the ripple exceeds a predetermined limit, providing a throttling signal to the input pin to throttle the CPU to reduce the ripple.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of battery life extension.
2. Prior Art
A battery operated device such as a CPU, RF radio, and LED generate load bursts in a highly discontinuous manner. Because the load is bursty, the battery sees a significant AC loading in addition to a continuous DC loading during usage. AC loading results in higher RMS (I2R) losses in the battery and battery-path resistance. In addition, the resulting ripple causes the system to declare empty earlier and additional battery capacity remains unused.

Extending RunTime with battery ripple cancellation using CPU throttling


A square tubing swager is an electromechanically operated swaging machine for square steel tubing powered by an electric motor whose mechanical output is connected to a clutch assembly which operates an angle worm drive. The output of the angle drives dual two strand sprockets. These sprockets are connected through a series of roller chains and additional sprockets which drive four cam cross shafts. These cam shafts are set in four corresponding slide blocks assemblies within a jaw mount. The invention would be provided with various sized jaws for various sizes of square steel tubing. During use, the steel stock is inserted within the jaw area and the motor energized. The jaws then form the steel stock inward allowing the deformed area to be inserted within the hollow cavity of undeformed steel stock of the same size.

As anyone who performs a lot of physical work will attest, nothing beats having the proper tool for a job. The proper tool can save time, save money, produce a higher quality job, reduce damage to equipment, and provide for the increased safety of the worker. Each field of physical work has its own type of specialty tools, each performing a specialized task. One tool that is used in a wide variety of projects is that of the tubing swager. Such swagers may be used to compress metal tubing inward allowing the compressed inward, thus fitting within another section of similar, but uncompressed tubing. Such swagers are typically powered by a hydraulic pump and are normally used on round tubing.
While square tubing swagers do exist, they are less common. They are also heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to use in field work. Finally, they are noisy to operate. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a square tubing swager can be developed to address the above-mentioned issues. The development of the Square Tubing Swager fulfills this need.


An integrated circuit has a differential I/O buffer (102) capable of being operated in a single-ended mode. The I/O buffer includes circuitry (114 or 112) for reducing leakage current between the differential I/O pins (P, N) when an undershoot event occurs on a pin when operated single-ended mode. In one case, a differential termination circuit (114, 200) includes a differential termination isolation circuit (202) that isolates the termination load (201) and termination load switch (208) from the single-ended pin. Alternatively or additionally, a differential output driver (300) of the I/O buffer switches a common bias voltage (ncom) to a supply voltage (VCOO) in single-ended mode to insure the transistors (A2, B1) in the driver legs remain OFF during an undershoot event.

Many ICs are made up of millions of interconnected devices, such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, and diodes, on a single chip of semiconductor substrate. CMOS circuits and fabrication technology are commonly used in complex ICs. CMOS circuits use PMOS and NMOS devices to implement functions such as logic and input/output ("I/O") blocks.
An I/O block is a circuit in an IC that receives or sends data from or to other ICs. Signals can be differential (i.e., a HI/LOW or LOW/HI signal is simultaneously provided on differential I/O pins) or single-ended (i.e., either a HI signal or a LOW signal is provided on a single pin). In some ICs I/O blocks can operate on either differential signals or on single-ended signals. When the I/O block operates in differential mode, an on-die differential termination is provided to terminate the differential path with an appropriate impedance (load resistor). When the I/O block operates in single ended mode, the differential termination is turned off.
However, if an undershoot occurs when an I/O block is being operated in single-ended mode, NMOS transistors can turn on and conduct if the undershoot exceeds the threshold voltage of the transistor(s). Undershoot can occur due to many factors, such as switch bounce, reflections from improperly terminated transmission lines, or inductive effects. Undershoot can cause leakage current to flow between the differential pins of an I/O block when it is operated in single-ended mode. For example, if the single-ended input pin is in transition from a HI signal to a LO signal, the falling edge of the pulse can undershoot and turn on transistors, allowing leakage current.

Single-ended input-output block with reduced leakage current


Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, including a test head that generates a test signal for testing the device under test; a socket board onto which is mounted the device under test, that transmits signals between the test head and the device under test; a plurality of actuators that are disposed on a lower surface of the socket board to correspond one-to-one with support positions thereof, and that each have a state thereof changed according to a control signal supplied thereto to independently move the corresponding support position in a direction vertical to the lower surface of the socket board; and a connection control section that supplies a first control signal to each actuator to set each actuator to be in the same state, and thereafter supplies commonly to each actuator a second control signal that gradually decreases an apparatus separation distance between the socket board and the test head.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a test apparatus and a connecting apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a test apparatus that tests a device under test and to a connecting apparatus that connects a first apparatus and a second apparatus.
2. Related Art
A test apparatus that tests a device under test such as a semiconductor chip may include a socket board onto which the device under test is mounted and a test head that supplies a test signal to the device under test. The socket board is detachably mounted on the test head.
When the device under test is tested, the socket board is mounted at a prescribed position on the test head. The test head is thereby electrically connected to the device under test via the socket board.
The test head is provided with air cylinders at four positions and the socket board is supported at tops of rods of the air cylinders. When the socket board is connected to the test head, the rods are driven by vacuum suction in the air cylinders, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-257908.
The socket board desirably moves in a vertical direction in relation to the test head while remaining parallel to the test head. By doing this, male terminals of a connector can be attached to or removed from female terminals vertically. When the socket board and the test head are connected to each other by vacuum suction, however, an uneven driving force between each air cylinder may arise. If such a problem occurs, the socket board might not remain parallel to the test head when moving.
Furthermore, when the socket board and the test head are connected by vacuum suction, it is difficult to adjust a movement speed of the socket board. It is desirable that an impact occurring when the socket board is connected to the test head be as small as possible. When the connection method involves vacuum suction, however, it is difficult to control the movement speed of the socket board, which can result in a relatively large impact when the socket board and the test head are connected.

Test apparatus that tests a device under test and connecting apparatus that connects a first apparatus and a second apparatus


Compounds are disclosed having the structure of Formula I:

Many people suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a generic term used to refer to two inflammatory diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects various portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly the lower GI tract, and more particularly the colon and/or rectum. Crohn's disease is a serious inflammatory disease of the GI tract. It predominates in the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon). Various medications are being used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
It is known to use mesalamine, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) to treat ulcerative colitis. While mesalamine may be active in treating ulcerative colitis, it may be absorbed as it passes through the GI tract. This absorption may adversely affect the amount of mesalamine that reaches the lower GI tract, particularly the colon and rectum.
Various mesalamine formulations have been introduced in an attempt to protect mesalamine as it passes through the gut and the upper GI tract. One such formulation is a delayed-release formulation that relies on a pH-sensitive coating surrounding the mesalamine. The coating allows the mesalamine to pass through the gut and upper GI tract without being absorbed so that the mesalamine reaches the target (i.e. the lower GI tract, particularly the colon and/or rectum) intact. In another formulation, mesalamine microspheres surround a mesalamine core. This formulation releases mesalamine throughout the GI tract, rather than targeting the colon specifically. It may be difficult to predict the bioavailability of the various mesalamine formulations when administered to a wide variety of individuals. As a result, it may be difficult to determine the proper dosage for a given individual.
It is also known to use sulfasalazine having the following formula to treat ulcerative colitis.
However, sulfasalazine is metabolized in the body to form mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)) and sulfapyridine. Several adverse side affects have been noted from the use of sulfasalazine including nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and headache to name just a few. These adverse side effects are usually attributed to the activity of sulfapyridine in the GI tract, as well as that absorbed into the system.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,992 to Chan proposes mesalamine derivatives. Unlike sulfalazine, the breakdown of these compounds in the intestinal tract may not give rise to undesirable metabolic products. In fact, the non-mesalamine metabolic products may be innocuous.
Olsalazine having the following formula has been used to treat ulcerative colitis.
In addition to being relatively expensive to make, olsalazine may have adverse side effects including diarrhea.
It is known to use azathioprine (6-(1-methyl4-nitoimidazol-5-ylthio)purine) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Azathioprine has the following chemical structure:

It is also known to use 6-mercaptopurine, a metabolite of azathioprine, to treat inflammatory bowel disease. 6-mercaptopurine has the following chemical structure:

Methotrexate (L-4-amino-N10-methylpteroyl-glutamic acid) has also been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Methotrexate has the following chemical structure:

The polypeptide cyclosporine, which has traditionally been given to transplant patients to prevent organ rejection, has also been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The use of cyclosporine to treat IBD may be limited, however, by the various side effects associated with this medication. These side effects include high blood pressure, kidney damage, tremors, headaches, seizures, excessive hair growth, excessive gum growth, confusion, coma, and gout.

Immunoregulatory compounds and derivatives and methods of treating diseases therewith

Abstract: where R1 , R3, and R4 are independently hydrogen or C1 to C4 alkyl, and R2 is:

Abstract: where R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1 to C4 alkyl, or

Abstract: where R6, R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen or C1 to C4 alkyl; or the esters or pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof. Such compounds may be utilized for the prophylaxis or treatment of various diseases, particularly inflammatory conditions of the GI tract.

Abstract: Methods of treating inflammatory conditions of the GI tract such as inflammatory bowel disease using compounds having the following formula are also disclosed:

Abstract: where R9, R10 and R11 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1 to C4 alkyl, and R12 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and —C(O)R13, where R13 is a C1 to C6 alkyl or an aryl group.


In one embodiment, an audio signal for an audio track is received and segmented into a plurality of segments of the audio signal. The plurality of segments of audio are input into a classification network that is configured to predict output values based on a plurality of genre and mood combinations formed from different combinations of a plurality of genres and a plurality of moods. The classification network predicts a set of output values for the plurality of segments, each of the set of output values corresponding to one or more the plurality of genre and mood combinations. One or more of the plurality of genre and mood combinations are assigned to the audio track based on the set of output values for one or more of the plurality of segments.

A streaming music service allows users to stream music from the service's music catalog. Typically, the music catalog is very large, which makes music discovery an important aspect of the service. To help with discovery, the service may categorize audio tracks into genres, such as rock, dance, pop, and electronic. Typically, this is a manual process to label each audio track with a genre. This is inefficient and time-consuming and also may depend upon the subjective opinions of the users labeling the audio tracks.

Classification of audio segments using a classification network


The invention is a precipitation sensor adapted to detect water upon an automotive glass and a method for its use. The precipitation sensor includes an optical emitter and a first mirror surface in optical communication with the optical emitter. The first mirror surface is adapted to reflect and collimate light emission from the optical emitter. The precipitation sensor also includes an optical receiver and a second mirror surface in optical communication with the optical receiver. The second mirror surface is adapted to focus collimated light upon the optical receiver. The precipitation sensor further includes an intermediate reflector in optical communication with the first mirror surface and with the second mirror surface.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to precipitation sensors associated with monitoring the accumulation of precipitation upon window glass. More particularly, this invention relates to optical precipitation sensors used in automotive applications. Specifically, this invention relates to the optics used in automotive optical precipitation sensors and a method for their use.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is desirable to free the driver, operating an automobile, from the distractions of manually performing certain functions associated with the operation of the automobile. Comfort and safety can be both served by automating these functions. Operation of the wipers for the windshield or other window glass of an automobile, is a function that has been automated.
Automating the operation of these wipers requires sensing the presence of water, or precipitation, upon the outer surfaces of the window glass. When water is sensed, a signal is generated, electronic circuitry processes the signal, and the wipers are automatically deployed to clear the water from the window glass surface. Several approaches have been taken toward this sensing of water on window glass. These have included sensing a change in conductivity or capacitance, at a sampling point upon the outer surface, when moisture is present. These have included acoustic effects produced by raindrops hitting the surface of the automobile (e.g. rain landing upon the window glass or some other portion of the vehicle). These approaches have also included various optical techniques.
Optical sensors operate on the principle that a light beam is diffused or deflected from its normal path by the presence of water on the outer surface of the window. The systems that use optical sensors have the distinct advantage that they are sensing the same or similar phenomenon, which gives rise to the need for wiper operation, that being the disruption of the light transmissibility of the window glass caused by water residing on the outer surface.
Generally, a beam of light, in the infrared or near infrared ranges, is emitted into the window glass, from inside of the automobile, and at an angle giving rise to total reflection at the outer surface. A photoelectric device, such as a photodiode or a phototransistor, then receives the reflected light and produces a representative electrical signal. The light received at the photoelectric device has certain characteristics when the outer surface is dry. The characteristics are altered when water is present on the outer surface, at the point where the light beam comes into contact with the outer surface. Since water has a refractive index close to that of glass, its presence causes a substantial portion of the light, which would otherwise be reflected to the receiver, to dissipate. This change in characteristics results in commensurate change in the electrical signal produced by the photoelectric device. The signal is processed by electronic circuitry to control the operation of the wipers.
A recent approach disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,303 to Teder, for producing an optical precipitation sensor, includes the use of emission lenses to collimate infrared light emitted from multiple Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and to direct the light upon the outer surface of the window glass at angles giving rise to total reflection. Receiption lenses are then used to direct and focus the reflected emitted light upon receivers.
Another recent approach is disclosed in Czech Republic Patent numbered CZ 285,291 B6, to Lan et al., uses a rotational parabolic mirror to collimate and direct near infrared light from multiple LED's upon the outer surface at an angle giving rise to total reflection. The reflected emitted light is then directed and focused upon a receiver by another rotational parabolic mirror.
An issue that arises in connection with the use of optical sensors, for precipitation detection, is desensitization of the photoelectric device of the receiver, by ambient light. Bright ambient light, such as sunlight, impinging upon the photoelectric device of the receiver, causes the device to become relatively insensitive to the emitted light transmitted to the receiver. If enough ambient light is impinging upon the receiver, the signal produced by the receiver may not be adequately different, in response to the presence of water on the outer surface, to be useable by the electronics to reliably control the wipers.
The approach using lenses, of the '303 patent, apparently includes opaque members proximate and lateral to the optical axes of the reception lenses to block a portion of the ambient light reaching the receivers. The '291 patent does not discuss nor depict any means for blocking ambient light from reaching the receiver.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,956 to Hochstein employed two methods toward overcoming the ambient light problem. For the first method, the receiver was placed at the bottom of a black tube to limit the number of directions from which ambient light could successfully reach the receiver. The use of infrared emitters was central to the second method employed. The '956 patent stated that infrared was used to compensate for ambient light. It indicated that commercially available infrared emitters emitted peak energy at 940 nm, in contrast to solar radiant energy peaking at approximately 500 nm. A filter was then placed in the tube between the opening of the tube and the receiver which passed the infrared light but rejected light of wavelengths shorter than infrared, including the peak solar wavelength of 500 nm.
Apparently, none of the approaches disclosed adequately protect the receiver from ambient light to ensure proper sensing of water on an outer surface of a window glass, in all light conditions expected to be encountered by a precipitation sensor.
Additionally, the advent of solar or thermal glass, for automotive applications, creates new challenges for the optical precipitation sensor designer. Solar glass includes additives to filter infrared and near infrared light from passing through the glass. Such glass protects the interior of the automobile from heating and other deleterious effects of this wavelength of light. However, it also substantially inhibits the infrared light of the emitter from reaching the receiver. It has been found that at least some infrared optical precipitation sensors are unusable in conjunction with such glass. The problem of ambient light rejection, evident in prior art designs, is exacerbated when the use of infrared emitters is no longer a viable option.
Accordingly, there remains the need for an optical precipitation sensor exhibiting improved ambient light rejection particularly when used in conjunction with solar or thermal glass.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Optical precipitation sensor for monitoring the accumulation of precipitation upon automotive glass


A power coupler includes an input end assembly and an output end assembly separably coupled to the input end assembly. The input end assembly includes an input end base including a slot, a sealing cover arranged at the input end base, an input conductive member arranged at the input end base and connected to an external power supply, and a self-locking structure. The sealing cover is movable between a closing position to cover a slot port of the slot and an opening position to at least partially open the slot port. The self-locking structure is switchable between a locked state to limit the sealing cover from moving towards the opening position and an unlocked state to not limit the sealing cover. The output end assembly includes an output conductive member configured to extend into the slot and be connected to the input conductive member.

In the related art, a cooking utensil realizes a function of power transmission with power coupling through the power coupler, an input end of the power coupler may be separated from an output end of the power coupler and has the charging property, such that after the input end is separated from the output end, a user is easy to touch the input end, resulting in the risk of electric shock.

Power coupler, ultrasonic oscillator device, ultrasonic oscillator, mounting assembly, cover body assembly, cooking utensil and heating apparatus

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