A storage receptacle for smoking material may open on two opposite sides. A first end of the storage receptacle may have teeth which extend from the first end of the storage receptacle. A second end of the storage receptacle may have one or more cavities which store a pipe, a lighter and/or a cleaning pick. A first cover and a second cover may be removed from the first end and the second end of the receptacle, respectively. The first cover may have teeth, and the first cover may be rotated relative to the first end of the receptacle to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into smaller sizes using the teeth. Threads may connect the first cover to the first end and the second cover to the second end. A sieve cylinder may have a screen which collects the smoking material having smaller sizes.

The present invention generally relates to a storage receptacle for smoking material, such as, for example, tobacco or the like, a system for storing smoking material, and a method for using the same.
Storage receptacles which have a cavity for a pipe and an additional cavity for smoking material are commonly known. Smoking a pipe may require certain tools, such as the pipe, and the storage receptacle may store one or more of the tools. Traditionally, the storage receptacle is a pocket-sized rectangular box, and the storage receptacle has a rectangular cavity for storing the smoking material and a cylindrical cavity for storing the pipe. Typically, one side of the storage receptacle has a cover that slides or twists open to reveal the two cavities.
A disadvantage of known storage receptacles is that the storage receptacle does not store all necessary tools for smoking the pipe. The storage receptacle stores the smoking material and the pipe; however, a user must then obtain matches or a lighter, for example. Thus, the user may not be able to smoke the pipe and the smoking material provided by the storage receptacle without the matches or the lighter.
To reduce the size and the weight of the storage receptacle, the pipe stored by the smoking receptacle has a small size. Use of the pipe requires insertion of the pipe into the cavity of the storage receptacle that stores the smoking material to pack the smoking material into the small pipe. For the smoking material to fit into the pipe, the smoking material must have a small size because the pipe has a small size. However, the smoking material is typically larger in size and is generally sold fresh and uncut. If the smoking material is bulky or leafy, the smoking material may not fit into the pipe. Thus, another disadvantage of known storage receptacles is that the storage receptacle does not provide a way to break and/or to divide the smoking material into smaller sizes.
Yet another disadvantage of known storage receptacles for smoking material is difficulty that is encountered to clean the pipe after use of the pipe. The smoking material burned during use of the pipe accumulates in the pipe and must be removed before the pipe receives fresh smoking material. A user may strike the pipe against a hard surface to remove the charred material. However, hitting the pipe on the hard surface may damage the pipe.
An additional disadvantage of known storage receptacles for smoking materials is that the user cannot customize the storage receptacle.
Therefore, a storage receptacle for smoking material having a storage cavity for a lighter, matches or other flame generating device is desirable. Further, a storage receptacle for smoking material having a way to grind, to divide and/or to separate the smoking material into a smaller size that may fit into the pipe is desirable. Still further, a storage receptacle for smoking material that stores a cleaning tool to remove charred material from the pipe is desirable. Moreover, a modular storage receptacle for smoking material is desirable.

Modular storage receptacle for smoking material, system for storing smoking material, and method for using same


A method for the manufacture of objects from powdered material by isostatic or pseudo-isostatic pressing. A porous body (10), with open pores in contact with the external surface(s), is preformed from a powdered material, whereupon at least one layer (11, 12) of a powdered material is applied onto the external surface of the preformed porous body by dipping. The preformed porous body is covered with a casing (13) of glass, or a material which forms glass upon heating, arranged outside the intermediate layer (12). The casing is made impenetrable to the pressure medium by heating, whereupon the preformed body is compacted to an essentially dense body. The pore system of the preformed porous body is evacuated by applying a sub-atmospheric pressure by means of at least one suction cup (21) which is applied on the external surface to be coated in connection with and during the dipping of the body in a slurry (20) of powdered materials included in the layer (11, 12).

In connection with isostatic pressing into a fully dense body starting from a powdered material, a porous body is preformed by injection moulding, die pressing, slip casting or some other suitable forming method. Alternatively, the powder is filled into a container which, after the isostatic pressing, will give a body of the desired shape and size. However, the present invention relates to a method in the isostatic pressing of a preformed porous body. The above-mentioned preforming methods may be used in connection with pseudo-isostatic pressing.
To obtain an essentially dense body during isostatic pressing of a porous body, the body is enclosed in a coherent dense casing or enclosure to prevent the pressure medium used from penetrating into the pore system of the body. Usually, a glass or a material forming glass is used, which is applied in powdered state. Prior to compaction by isostatic pressing, the porous body and the glass powder are heated, the powdered glass or glass-forming material thus forming a dense coherent casing around the porous body. Problems will arise if glass from the casing penetrates, to varying extent, into the porous body and/or reacts with superficially located portions of the porous body in connection with the porous body being compacted or while the porous body is compacted.
During pseudo-isostatic pressing, a mechanical pressure is applied by means of one or more punches onto a powdered or liquid medium which transfers the press force from the punches into an essentially isostatic pressure acting on the preformed body.
From Swedish patent specification SE-B-456 651, it is known to apply one or more layers comprising powdered material onto the porous body. The layers are applied to the external surfaces of the porous body that are to be exposed to glass. In the following these surfaces are referred to as external surfaces. External surfaces in this context are all surfaces that define the shape of the body, i.e. also surfaces within open cavities, depressions and larger holes but not internal surfaces such as surfaces within the pore system. The layers are primarily applied in order to prevent the penetration of glass into the pores and/or prevent reactions between the glass and the porous body, intermediate layers. But layers are also applied for other purposes, e.g. to simplify the removal of the glass casing from the compacted, sintered, essentially fully dense body, supplementary layers.
It is important that the powder in an intermediate layer, possibly after certain reaction with the surrounding glass, at the pressing temperature functions as a dense, fully-covering barrier against the penetration of glass into the preformed body.
The application of an intermediate layer by spraying may be made to function; however, the material losses are considerable and therefore the method is too expensive in production.
However, the application of an intermediate layer by dipping, which is a preferred method of application from the point of view of production, often results in problems with bubbling and blistering, which entails holes in the intermediate layer. The bubbling or blistering is due to the pore system and is accentuated by coarse or unevenly distributed pores. Such a pore system is obtained, among other things, when using spray-dried powder. A particularly unfavourable pore system is obtained in material comprising whiskers, other needle- or disc-shaped single crystals or fibres. Attempts to eliminate these problems by conventional measures, such as closing surface pores with organic material, dipping under vacuum or modifications of the dipping process, such as cooled liquid and/or oscillating dipping, have only resulted in marginal improvements.

Method for isostatic or pseudo-isostatic pressing employing a surrounding casing of glass


A method for opening a wireless communication session and providing an end-user with a free Internet session after they view customized content associated with a wireless access point (“Hot Spot”). In a preferred embodiment, an end-user opens an Internet browser after selecting an available “Hot Spot” displayed on their wireless device. The wireless device connects with the chosen “Hot Spot”, which then establishes a connection with a management platform controlling authentication and content unique to the “Hot Spot”. The management platform then transmits the content via the “Hot Spot” to the wireless device, where it is displayed until expiration of a pre-determined time. After the display expires, the end-user's internet session is opened via automatic authentication by the management platform. This authentication can be triggered either by the click of a login button appearing on the wireless device after the display expires, or by mere expiration of the display.

Wireless Internet accessing methods from access points known as "Hot Spot" have been strongly developed for a number of years. In particular, a number of establishments, such as restaurants, train stations and airports, offer this type of access to users.
In this case, the known methods are as follows:
the user buys an Internet access card from the establishment. An identifier and a password are registered on this card, which are the authentication parameters of the user for the WI-FI session. Using these identifiers, the user can then log in, and, generally, an Internet banner page corresponding to the page of the establishment is displayed.
The user can also pay for this service by debiting his telephone bill by means of a text message (SMS), or directly to an SSL bank Internet session using a credit card.
Such a method is dictated by economic considerations, since the establishment intends to make the user pay for his right of access from its equipment and thus the use of its wireless access Hot Spot point.
In all the known cases of the prior art, this service is charged to the end user.
This invention intends to give a solution to the prior art by providing to the user the possibility of automatically connecting to the Internet from his mobile station, and in addition, free of charge.
The prior art also knows of procedures for supplying free access to wireless networks through advertising.
In particular, document US 2002/087335 (MEYERS) describes a method for displaying advertising content on a user station connected on the wireless network. However, this document does not describe the displaying of these contents according to a predetermined timing, the contents can therefore be provided to the user at any given moment. Thus, nothing ensures that the end user will read or see the content, which is disadvantageous from an economic point of view. In addition, the method described in this document requires a preliminary authentication of the end users before the implementation of the method.
This invention intends to find a solution for these drawbacks.

Internet accessing method from a mobile station using a wireless network


A transmitter (22) of a telecommunications system transmits hopped pilot signals as a distinct (i.e., locally unique) time-frequency shift of a time frequency plane array wherein the pilot signals are hopped using a hopping sequence. Differing transmitters of the system (20) preferably transmit using different time-frequency shifts of the same time frequency plane array. The transmitter (22) knows which hopping sequence to employ to generate the time frequency plane array in view of its storage of the hopping sequence, and further knows how to perform its signature time-frequency shift the time frequency plane array thusly created in view of its storage of the time-frequency shift pattern. A receiver (24) identifies a transmitter from which the receiver obtains signals by detecting the particular time-frequency shift of the time frequency plane array and associating the particular time-frequency shift with the originating transmitter. Upon detecting the time frequency plane array of its received signals, the receiver (24), which knows the hopping sequence employed to generate the time frequency plane array, can determine how the time frequency plane array has been time-frequency shifted, and upon determining the pattern of the shift can associate the received signals with one of the transmitters for which the receiver (24) has stored time-frequency shift patterns in its library (86).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to communications systems, and particularly to communication system which employ a pilot pattern for functions such as synchronization, channel estimation, and/or device identification.
2. Related Art and Other Considerations
Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a special subset of Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) and is a multi-carrier modulation scheme. In orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), the data is simultaneously encoded over various sub-carriers. A data stream is split into N parallel streams of reduced data rate and each parallel stream is transmitted on a separate sub-carrier. When the subcarriers have appropriate spacing to satisfy orthogonality (e.g., the sub-carriers' frequencies differ from each other by integer multiples of the base (lowest) sub-carrier frequency), the carriers are mutually orthogonal to each other and their spectra overlap.
Thus, in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system, the data symbols are modulated onto the orthogonal time-frequency units defined by the sub-carriers of an OFDM symbol. The duration of an OFDM symbol is usually designed to be short enough so that the propagation channel remains unchanged. Within each OFDM symbol, the available bandwidth is divided into a number of orthogonal sub-carriers onto which the above-mentioned data symbols are modulated.
The coherent demodulation of these data symbols at the receiver requires the knowledge of the slowly-varying complex-valued channel gain each data symbol experiences. This knowledge is usually obtained by introducing into the overall transmit waveform a known signal from which the receiver can estimate the channel gain. The design of such known signal, or pilot signal, for the purpose of coherent demodulation is one of several important tasks in the complete synchronization scheme of an OFDM system.
In addition to channel estimation, the other two major synchronization tasks are the initial time-frequency offsets synchronization and the identification of the communicating devices within the system. The former is required in the beginning of a communication session when the timing and frequency synchronization have not been established yet. The latter is required continuously by all communicating devices to detect and identify each other.
Many of the existing synchronization signal designs in the existing OFDM systems have separate pilot signals for channel estimation and initial time-frequency synchronization. In view of the two separate sets of pilot signals, these existing systems engage in a two-step (two-phase) synchronization process. In general, as a first step and for initial time-frequency synchronization and device identification a device-specific pilot signal is transmitted periodically with a certain duty cycle. This device-specific pilot can be a pseudo random sequence as used in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, or any other signal with enough bandwidth, length and energy. The device-specific pilot signal is sometimes referred to as a preamble since it precedes the second phase, i.e., the data transmission phase. In the data transmission phase, channel estimation pilot symbols are uniformly distributed across a time frequency plane, as shown in FIG. 9. The time-frequency plot of FIG. 9 is simply an illustration of the frequency contents as a function of time for a time domain signal. Roughly speaking, the frequency component in the mth sub-carrier centered at mfs Hz of the nth OFDM symbol transmitted at time nTs sec. can be expressed by Equation 1.λ(n,m)p(t−nTs)ej2πmfst,  Equation (1)In Equation 1, p(t) is a narrow band pulse shaping function (usually a rectangular pulse), Ts is the OFDM symbol duration, fs≈1/Ts is the sub-carrier spacing and λ(n, m) is the associated symbol value which is set to 1 for the channel estimation pilot symbol.
Typically, to achieve synchronization in the first phase, the receiver first matches the received signal to one of the possible preambles with a certain hypothesized time-frequency offset, and calculates a corresponding metric. The same calculation is performed for all possible preambles with all possible time-frequency offsets. The identity of the transmitter and its time-frequency offset with respect to the receiver are then determined by selecting those parameters associated with the largest metric. Thus the objectives of the first phase (device identification and initial synchronization achieved).
After the initial synchronization is established, in the data transmission phase the receiver then locates the channel estimation pilot symbols from which the channel's time-frequency response H (t, f) can be interpolated for the coherent demodulation of a data symbol transmitted at time t in the sub-carrier centered at frequency f. The channel estimation pilot symbols need to be placed frequently enough in the time-frequency plane to ensure the quality of the interpolation. From the sampling point of view, this implies that the pilot symbol insertion rate should be greater than the maximum delay spread in the frequency domain and the maximum Doppler spread in the time domain such that there will be no aliasing for the channel's delay-Doppler response which is defined by Equation 2.h(τ,ν)Δ∫∫H(t,f)ej2πτfe−j2πvtdtdf.  Equation (2)
A straightforward approach to meet these requirements is to use a regularly spaced pilot pattern such as that shown in FIG. 10(a). As long as 1/Tp and 1/fp satisfy the above-mentioned criteria, the channels delay-Doppler response (shown as contour curves in FIG. 10(b)) will be aliasing free and can therefore be recovered with a two-dimensional low pass filter (interpolator). Table 1 summarizes these notations with values from an example scenario. FIG. 11 gives a visual illustration of their relative scales in the time-frequency (or delay-Doppler) plane.
TABLE 1Summary of NotationsParameterCommentValue (example) τmaximal delay spread7.8125 μsec vmaximal Doppler spread500 HzTppilot insertion period in time domain2 msec(1/ v)fppilot insertion period in freq. domain128 kHz(1/ τ) v τpilot density 1/256Ts = Tp/NOFDM symbol duration 2/16 msecfs = fp/M  sub        -      carrier                  spacing                                                              (          ≈              1                  T          s                      )   128/16 kHz
The use of preambles for initial synchronization and device identification has three primary draw-backs. First of all, since these preambles are not continuously transmitted, the receiver has to keep searching until one preamble (or sometimes more if the signal is weak) is available, thereby delaying the acquisition time. Secondly, dedicating all available bandwidth over a time interval entirely to a single purpose is not an efficient way of utilizing the radio resource. The two-step (preamble followed by channel estimation pilot) solution fails to exploit the underlying OFDM structure, which allows for the precise design of the synchronization signal's time-frequency contents. Finally, the preamble may not be bandwidth scalable, which is of great importance for the future systems that may operate in a wide variety of spectrum allocation scenario.
The regularly spaced pilot, on the other hand, is more scalable since it can be easily extended in frequency and a "spectrum hole" can be created by skipping a few pilot sub-carriers. The regularly spaced pilot is thus typically used only for channel estimation or perhaps for initial synchronization if the receiver is allowed to observe it over a long period of time. Only in rare instances do the pilot signals of the data transmission phase provide any type of device identification (e.g., identification of a transmitter).
For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,961,364 to Laroia et al., the slope of a pilot tone hopping sequence is employed to identify a transmitting base station having the strongest downlink signal. Each base station transmits a Latin Squares pilot signal with a locally unique slope. A mobile user unit performs base station identification by estimating the slope of the strongest received pilot signal. In addition, the mobile user unit can synchronize to the pilot signal by estimating its initial frequency shift. Inherent delays resulting when using a training sequence of symbols is not experienced when using the pilot tone hopping sequence to identify the base station having the strongest downlink signal.
What is needed, therefore, and an object of the present invention, is an effective and efficient system, method, and apparatus for using a single pilot pattern for plural synchronization tasks, including device identification.

Hopping pilot pattern for telecommunications


A sewing machine for producing a seam along a three-dimensional bent curve including first and second carriers for supporting a needle system and a looper system for translation along and rotation about three coordinate axes and first control means for synchronizing needle and looper drives and second control means for operating positioning devices for positioning the needle system and looper system to provide a differential spatial relationship between the needle system and the looper system before and after the sewing operation and for synchronizing the positioning devices.

The present invention relates to a sewing apparatus capable of producing a seam along a three-dimensional bent curve.
There are known devices wherein the needle system is mechanically coupled to the looper system and is movable along two coordinate axes, i.e., in the plane of the material to be sewn. Such sewing devices operate successfully for planar workpieces.
However, there are numerous products having seams, wherein the seam, in the finished product, forms a curve in space. Furthermore, in products which consist of several and/or thicker layers of material sewn together, there arises the problem that, although it might be possible to sew the layers together in a planar condition, wrinkles are produced on the inner side of the curvature when bending the multi-layered structure thus produced, while a considerable stress is put on the material and especially on the seam at the outer side of the curvature by the resulting tension. Therefore, there has been the need to sew the layers of such products together in a condition which corresponds to the shape of the finished product.
A sewing machine is known from the European lay-open print 0 107 910, wherein the needle system and the looper system are arranged on an essentially vertical carrier in such a way that they are movable relative to one another in the direction of the needle axis, and that they can be rotated about the needle axis into four positions spaced apart from one another by angles of 90.degree.. The carrier itself is translationally movable along a horizontal coordinate axis and is pivotable about this axis about a limited angle of 15.degree.. The workpiece is clamped in a support by means of which it is translationally movable along the second horizontal coordinate axis, as well as rotatable about said axis. This allows to sew seams in a cylindrically curved workpiece parallel to the cylinder axis and in the circumferential direction of the workpiece. Because of the mechanical limitations, this device is not suited for sewing along freely selectable three-dimensional spatial curves. Furthermore, the arrangement does not allow to produce seams in hollow bodies.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,515,080 describes a sewing device, wherein the needle system and the looper system are translationally movable along all three coordinate axes and rotatable about said axes, wherein the needle system and the looper system are drivable mechanically independent of one another and are merely interconnected via an electronic circuit. The embodiment shown in the above-mentioned patent shows a sewing device wherein the needle system and the looper system are movable along two horizontal coordinate axes and are rotatable about the third coordinate axis. This only allows to produce seams in a horizontal plane. The above-mentioned patent does not disclose how the needle system and the looper system are to be arranged for being translationally movable along all three coordinate axes and for being rotatable about these coordinate axes, which would allow to produce a seam along a three-dimensionally bent curve.


The energy conversion device (10) includes a power module (14), elements (16) for cooling the power module (14), and a sealed enclosure (12) for housing the power module (14) and at least one portion of the cooling elements (16). The cooling elements (16) include a cooling circuit 18, in which a heat transfer fluid circulates, a first heat exchange (20) with the power module (14), through which passes the heat transfer fluid of the cooling circuit (18) and at least one pump (24) for driving the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit (18). The enclosure (12) includes an area (26) for receiving heat transfer fluid, filled with heat transfer fluid, and the cooling circuit (18) includes an inlet orifice (28) in the circuit (18) made upstream from the driving pump (24) and opening into the heat transfer fluid of the receiving area (26).

Already in the state of the art, an energy conversion device is known, intended to equip an electric driving system for such an underwater compression and pumping station. Such an energy conversion device includes at least one power module intended to ensure the energy conversion function, in a way known per se.
The energy conversion device also includes means for cooling the power module, and a sealed enclosure for housing the power module and the cooling means.
Generally, the cooling means comprise a cooling circuit in which a heat transfer fluid circulates, passing through a heat exchanger with the power module. The cooling means also comprise at least one pump for driving the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit.
When the energy conversion device is installed in deep waters, it is difficult or even impossible to access it in order to conduct maintenance operations therein. Thus, this energy conversion device should be able to operate without requiring maintenance for a long period, generally for at least five years.
However, the pressure difference between the heat transfer fluid circulating in the cooling circuit and the inside of the enclosure, which may for example reach 10 bars, promotes the occurrence of leaks of the heat transfer fluid from the cooling circuit towards the inside of the enclosure, notably at the static and dynamic gaskets and at fittings used for the circuit. Such leaks may also occur as a result of degradations of the cooling circuit, for example, due to ageing.
Such leaks of the heat transfer fluid reduce the lifetime of the energy conversion device, such that it may be difficult to ensure a lifetime of at least five years for this energy conversion device.

Energy conversion device, notably for a system for electrically driving an underwater compression and pumping station

GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LIMITED


In accordance with disclosed embodiments, there are provided methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing frame aggregation with screen sharing including, for example, means for receiving, at a server, a stream of delta frames from a publishing client as part of a screen sharing session with one or more viewing clients; establishing a FIFO buffer for each of the respective one or more viewing clients on 1:1 basis; queuing a copy of the stream of delta frames into each of the FIFO buffers corresponding to the one or more viewing clients, wherein the stream of delta frames are transmitted from the respective FIFO buffers to the corresponding one or more client viewers; monitoring each of the respective FIFO buffers for each of the one or more viewing clients to determine if two or more delta frames are concurrently queued in any single one of the respective FIFO buffers at any given time; aggregating the two or more delta frames into a single aggregated delta frame; re-queuing the aggregated delta frame; and transmitting the aggregated delta frame to the respective viewing client. Other related embodiments are disclosed.

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to the claimed embodiments.
Screen sharing applications are helpful to meeting participants which are located remotely from each other as the technology can supplement what is heard over a voice channel, such as a telephone line, with a view of a presenter's desktop in real-time. For instance, a presenter may have display text, images, a presentation, or other materials capable of being displayed on a computer screen and those materials are then shared with one or more remote participants who then will see the same materials on their respective computer displays.
When a presenter's bandwidth capabilities are different than a viewer's bandwidth capabilities, problems may arise where the presenter is publishing data faster than the viewer is capable of consuming the data. For instance, if the presenter is transmitting at an exemplary 200 kbps rate and the viewer is capable of receiving at an exemplary rate of 100 kbps, then the viewer will experience significant lag and then likely lose the ability to view the presenter's shared screen due to missing information.
Another problem that arises is with a viewer that attempts to join a screen sharing session already in progress. When a screen sharing session begins, information is shared amongst the viewer participants which forms the basis for establishing and beginning the screen sharing session. A late joiner into the screen sharing session will miss the initially shared information, and thus, be unable to view the shared screen of the presenter's computer display.
The present state of the art may therefore benefit from methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing frame aggregation with screen sharing and for accepting late joiners with screen sharing as described herein.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing frame aggregation with screen sharing


A flexible support plate member mounts straps at opposed ends thereof for securement about an individual, with the plate member receiving a tracheal tube through a receiving plate bore in pivotal relationship, with the tracheal tube including an expandable balloon seal positioned adjacent a lower terminal end of the tracheal tube, with a suction conduit arranged for reception of a catheter tube. A modification of the invention includes sealing ribs and adhesive mounted about the balloon to enhance sealing within the individual.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to tracheal apparatus, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved tracheostomy apparatus wherein the same is arranged for positioning within an individual during a tracheostomy procedure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Tracheal apparatus to insert a tube into an individual's windpipe for permitting an individual to breath due to other restrictions is arranged wherein the food consumption effects difficulty in breathing. The instant invention addresses the problem by providing a suction catheter orifice permitting medical personnel to remove any secretions or debris above the cuff within the windpipe.
As such, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a new and improved tracheostomy apparatus as set forth by the instant invention which addresses both the problems of ease of use as well as effectiveness in construction and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


A semiconductor integrated circuit device of a master slice system having I/O cells for forming an input-output circuit formed so as to be able to select an input function or an output function, arranged in a radial layout around an internal cell array region. Each I/O cell forming region is tapered radially inward, smaller circuit elements of the I/O cell for forming the input-output circuit are disposed on the side of the internal cell array region, and larger circuit elements of the same are disposed on the side of the periphery of the semiconductor pellet. Thus, the semiconductor pellet is provided with more I/O cell forming regions than the semiconductor pellet of the same size of the conventional semiconductor integrated circuit device.

The present invention relates generally to a semiconductor integrated circuit and, more particularly, to a semiconductor integrated circuit fabricated by a master slice approach, such as a gate array.
A master slice approach method is able to produce various semiconductor integrated circuits respectively having different logic functions and memory functions from a master wafer by modifying a wiring pattern formed on the master wafer. The master wafer comprises, for example, rows each of a plurality of basic cells each consisting of complementary MISFETs. A plurality of basic cells for an I/O buffer circuit, respectively corresponding to external terminals are arranged in the periphery of the semiconductor integrated circuit along the direction of arrangement of the external terminals.
Recent advancement in the function of the gate array type semiconductor integrated circuit device brought about an urgent demand for the further miniaturization and increase in the degree of integration of the circuit elements of the gate array.
A technique for the miniaturization of circuit elements and the augmentation of the degree of integration of the gate array is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 63-53948. According to this known technique, a rectangular basic cell for an input-output buffer circuit (hereinafter referred to as "I/O cell") disposed outside an internal cell array region in which a plurality of rows of basic cells are arranged at predetermined intervals along the direction of lines with wiring regions therebetween is divided into a basic cell for an input buffer circuit (hereinafter referred to as "input circuit cell") and a basic cell for an output buffer circuit (hereinafter referred to as "output circuit cell"), such input circuit cells and such output circuit cells are arranged alternately along the direction of arrangement of such I/O cells, and external terminals (hereinafter referred to as "bonding pads") are arranged around the I/O cell region in correspondence with the I/O cells.
This known technique divides an I/O cell forming region into input circuit cell forming regions and output circuit cell forming regions to decide the size of the input circuit cell forming regions without being restricted by the size of the output circuit cells. The size of the input circuit forming region is diminished by an area corresponding to a vacant space in which no circuit element is formed or an area saved by the miniaturization of the circuit elements.

Semiconductor device having an internal cell array region and a peripheral region surrounding the internal cell array for providing input/output basic cells


A system and method for using the packet data service of a dispatch wireless communication network converts a subscriber's voice to a text message. The system employs offline conversion and verification of the converted text message prior to transmitting over the Internet via the packet data network of the dispatch system. The voice conversion to text is implemented within the mobile subscriber handset and thus requires no modification of the dispatch network.

Some wireless service providers allow for both "interconnect" and "dispatch" calls to be placed over a wireless network. Interconnect capability is traditionally referred to as cellular communications offering full duplex voice transmission via the use of dial-up calling. The dispatch capability is often referred to as a "walkie-talkie" communication using half duplex voice transmission where only one party is capable of talking at any one time. Sprint Nextel Inc. is a leading provider of such dual capability service, having subscriber units adapted for making both interconnect voice and dispatch voice calls. In a network such as Sprint Nextel's, the walkie-talkie feature is operated by a user selecting a number within an established "fleet" of subscribers, and having the user press a dispatch button to initiate the communication. The mobile station/subscriber unit radio sends a signal including subscriber identification information, as well as the intended target number, to a cell site base station. A mobile station can be any type of wireless communication device including wireless telephones, wireless Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), wireless pagers, or any device which performs one or more of these functions. Subsequently, a signal is sent to a dispatch application processor (DAP) through a frame relay switch called a Metro Packet Switch. The DAP identifies the target radio and signal with a distinctive tone to join the call.
On the other hand, an interconnect voice call is initiated when a user dials a telephone number and presses the "send" key on the subscriber unit. The telephone number, along with other data signals, passes over a radio channel to the base station which, in turn, relays the signals and the telephone number to main switching equipment. From the switching equipment, a message is passed to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to connect with the target telephone number. When the called number answers, a "traffic channel" is assigned to the call.
The capabilities of the dispatch portion of the system includes the sending of computer-type packet data as well as the above discussed dispatch data. A Mobile Data gateway (MDG) provides access to the Internet during packet data operation.


The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of the Compositae family, named Helichrysum bracteatum `Harvest Nectarine`, which originated as a seedling from the inventor's controlled crossing of Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. `Harvest Pink Picotee` with a dark pink variety Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. The new variety is distinguished from Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. `Harvest Pink Picotee` and all other varieties known to the inventor by the color of its flower and buds, its resistance to the root disease Pythium, its puberulent and sparsely villous leaves, its compact growth habit, its ability to grow well in pots, and the ease with which it can be forced to flower outside for sale in the autumn without growth regulators. The new variety further possesses the commercially and aesthetically desirable characteristic of having long-lasting flowers.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of the Compositae family. The new variety was named Helichrysum bracteatum `Harvest Nectarine` by the assignee, Bay City Flower Company, Inc. The inventor is Rodolfo Valdoz Bautista of Half Moon Bay, Calif. a citizen of the Philippines.
This new Helichrysum variety originated as a seedling. It was selected from the f3 generation of a series of controlled hybridizations conducted by the inventor in a commercial nursery in the city of Half Moon Bay. Half Moon Bay is located in San Mateo County, in the state of California.
The inventor first crossed Helichrysum splendidum (Thunb.) Less. and Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr.. This cross produced the f1 generation. From the f1 generation the inventor selected an individual seedling known as `1A93`. The individual known as `1A93` was selected for further hybridization because of its unique flower head color and compact growth habit. The seedling `1A93` is also designated by the formula Helichrysum splendidum (Thunb.) Less..times.H. bracteatum (Venten.) Andr..
`1A93` was crossed back Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr.. From the progeny of this cross, the f2 generation, the inventor selected an individual seedling for commercial development and further hybridzation. The individual was designated Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. `Harvest Pink Picotee`.
`Harvest Pink Picotee` is readily characterized by the unique color pattern of its bracts which produces a mature flower head that is primarily white with a pink circumference. Most of the involucral bracts of `Harvest Pink Picotee` are distinctly patterned. The exceptions are the innermost bracts which do not appear until the flower head is fully mature. The innermost bracts are primarily white and have lighter tips than the earlier-appearing bracts. The outermost bracts are the most vibrantly colored. The tips of the outermost involucral bracts are a dark red-purple (R.H.S. 59A). The upper middle portion of these involucral bracts are a lighter red-purple (R.H.S. 63C). The lower middle and basal portions of these bracts are white (R.H.S. 1 55D). The variety known as `Harvest Pink Picotee` is protected by U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,661, granted Oct. 15, 1996.
In the third hybridization, the inventor crossed Helichysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. `Harvest Pink Picotee` to a dark pink variety of Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. to produce the new varerty described herein. In this cross `Harvest Pink Picotee` was the seed parent. Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. was the pollen parent.
The new variety is particularly suitable for commercial plant culture because of its long-lasting flowers and attractive coloring.
The characteristics of the new variety which in combination distinguish it from Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr. `Harvest Pink Picotee` and all other varieties known to the inventor are: the color of its flower head and bud, its resistance to the root disease Pythium, its puberulent and sparsely villous leaves, its compact growth habit, its ability to grow well in pots in which it can be sold, and the ease with which it can be forced to flower outside for sale in the autumn without growth regulators.
The coloring of the flower head of the new variety changes as the flower head opens revelaing more bracts. The bud stage is darkest. The tips of the bracts of the buds are greyed-purple (R.H.S. 187A). The lower portion of the bracts are yellow-orange (R.H.S. 21 C).
When the flower head is fully opened, it appears two-toned with a yellow-orange center (R.H.S. 21 C) surrounded by an orange-red edge (R.H.S. 34A). This is due to the fact that while most bracts have a dark tip and lighter base portion, the inner bracts which dominate when the flower head is mature are mostly one color--yellow-orange (R.H.S. 21 C).
In comparison, when the flower head is not fully-opened the tips of the middle bracts are most visible and the flower head appears orange-red (R.H.S. 34A).
The new variety, when planted in the summer for sale in the autumn season, can be forced to salable product in 11 to 13 weeks under prevailing daylengths and outdoor conditions in Half Moon Bay, Calif.
The following table compares the new variety to the closest varieties known to the invetor, according to the new variety's distinguishing characteristics:
______________________________________ H. Bracteatum (general Pink `Harvest characteristics `1A93` Picotee` Nectarine` ______________________________________ bract various colors R.H.S. 4A Bract tips: Bract tips: color R.H.S. 59A. R.H.S. 34A. Bract base: Bract base: R.H.S. 155D. R.H.S. 21C. (Base color (Base color dominates in dominates in innermost innermost bracts.) bracts.) bud color various colors R.H.S. 187B R.H.S. 59A Bract tips: R.H.S. 187A. Bract base: R.H.S. 21C. disease not resistant to resistant to resistant to resistant to resistance Pythium Pythium pythium pythium leaf puberulent puberlent puberlent and puberlent surface and sparsely and sparsely, villous sparsely, villous main veins villous main veins are hirsute main veins are hirsute are hirsute main veins main veins main veins are hirsute are hirsute are hirsute suitability good good good good for pot culture ease of generally good good good good forcing growth generally compact compact compact habit compact flowering long-lasting 7 weeks 7 weeks 7 weeks habit ______________________________________
The distinguishing characteristics are retained by asexually reproduced, successive generations. The inventor, at a commercial nursery in Half Moon Bay, Calif. has asexually reproduced the new variety through three successive generations by means of cuttings and has found that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed remain firmly fixed.

Helichrysum plant named `Harvest Nectarine`


A wearable tag capable of wireless communications includes a first elastic layer, a second elastic layer over the first elastic layer, wherein the second elastic layer is embedded with a first conductive circuit. The wearable tag includes a dielectric layer on the second elastic layer, a third elastic layer on the dielectric layer, wherein the third elastic layer is embedded with a second conductive circuit, wherein the dielectric layer comprises via holes that contain electric connections between the semiconductor chip and the first conductive circuit. A semiconductor chip is in connection with the first conductive circuit and the second conductive circuit, wherein the semiconductor chip, the first conductive circuit, and the second conductive circuit are configured to wirelessly communicate with external devices. The wearable tag also includes a fourth elastic layer on the semiconductor chip.

The present application relates to wearable wireless electronic devices, and in particular, to tag-like or patch-like wireless devices that can adhere to human skin.
Wearable tags can communicate with smart phones and other devices using WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC technologies. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication standard which enables two devices in a short range to establish a communication channel within a short period of time through radio waves in the 13.56 MHz frequency range. NFC can be a useful technology for data transfer between two devices in close proximity to one another. Because it needs the two devices to be in close proximity to one another (less than 10 cm), it is more secure than other wireless technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Hence, it can be seen as an easy and secure tool for establishing quick two-way connections for data transfer. NFC is a two-way communication tool, one of the devices/cards can have a passive NFC tag that can reduce the cost and still behave in the same way as any other RFID tag.
This communication standard is being increasingly adopted for use in wireless transactions, including money transfer, loyalty coupons, gift cards, transit passes, tickets, etc. Mobile handset manufacturing companies are increasingly integrating NFC hardware in their phones. For example, the 2014 CES badges employed NFC technology and have resulted in shorter lines, more badge functionality, and greater ease of use for attendees and exhibitors. NFC has also been increasingly used in the fields of medical devices, electronic health records, as well as wearable tagging devices.
Wearable tag (or patch) is an electronic tag that can be worn by a user. Wearable tag is required to stay on user's skin and function for an extended period of time from hours to months. A wearable tag can contain a silicon chip and antenna that can be accessed using NFC, Bluethooth, WiFi, or other technologies. An authentication wearable tag can be used as a "password" similar to a barcode. For example, it can be used to recognize a user's smart phone for authentication purpose. It can also be integrated with different sensors for other purposes such as vital signs monitoring, motion track, skin temperature measurements and ECG detection.
Despite initial development efforts, conventional wearable tags still face several drawbacks: they may not provide adequate comfort for users to wear them; they may not stay attached to user's body for the required length of time; they are usually not aesthetically appealing.
Moreover, conventional wearable tags are often not robust enough to sustain repeated elongations during the movements of the body that the wearable tags are attached to. Under stress, different layers in wearable tags can break or delaminate rendering the tags inoperable.
Another challenge to conventional wearable tags is that their conductive circuits cannot provide high quality (high Q) wireless communications. One cause for this deficiency is due to the resistance in the antenna circuits in these conventional wearable tags.

Stretchable multi-layer wearable tag capable of wireless communications


A method of increasing the adhesion of a rubber (as hereinbefore defined) or rubber-based material which includes treating at least part of the surface of the rubber or rubber-based material with a halogenating agent simultaneously with a static and/or high freguency alternating physical field.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to new methods of treating the surface of rubber and rubber-based materials to improve their ability to be bonded to other materials. For example, to improve their ability to be bonded to any type of adhesive (including sealants) and, matrix materials including, but not limited to, thermoset or thermoplastic polymers and inorganic matrices.
2. Description of Related Art
By the term "rubber" as used here in the description and claims we mean any natural or synthetic rubbers, their mixtures and/or their blends and/or their alloys with polymers. Examples of suitable rubbers and rubber based materials for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, ethylene-propylene diene rubber, synthetic cis-polyisoprene, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, copolymers of 1,3-butadiene with other monomers, for example styrene, acrylonitrile, isobutylene or methyl methacrylate, and ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer. While it is preferred that the rubber be vulcanised, the composition of the present invention can also be formed using virgin or devulcanised rubber. The term "vulcanised rubber" as used herein includes vulcanised rubbers and vulcanised rubbers bound with fillers, additives, and the like. Examples, of filler and additives include carbon black, silica, fiber, oils, and zinc oxide.
In a preferred application of the invention, it is desirable to form a strong and durable adhesive bond between a rubber or rubber based material in the form of flat sheet, film, woven fabric, fiber, web or particulate and adhesive and other polymeric binder and/or matrix material or non-polymeric binder or matrix materials.
In order for the adhesive bond or composite material to perform satisfactorily, there must be good adhesion between the rubber or rubber material (e.g. flat sheet, fiber, or particulate) and the adhesive or the matrix (e.g. thermoplastic or thermoset polymers or non-polymeric materials). Preferably the halogenating agent is selected from the group consisting of aqueous or organic solvent-based chlorine, iodine, and bromine solutions and acidified hypochlorite solutions. However, it is well known that many vulcanised natural or synthetic rubbers and/or their mixtures with polymers are difficult to bond due to the absence of specific surface functional groups and/or molecular structure capable of providing reactive sites for strong interfacial interactions such as mechanical entanglement, acid-base interactions, and/or the formation of chemical bonding (e.g. covalent or ionic, etc) between the untreated substrate and the adhesive or matrix material.
Typical surface treatments for enhanced adhesion of rubbers and rubber-based materials include: mechanical abrasion; corona discharge, plasma treatment, photo-chemical treatment, and surface halogenation with the use of free halogen in aqueous or organic solutions or in gaseous phase, and/or inorganic and organic halogenating agents.
In the prior art halogenating agents are used in solutions at concentrations of 0.5 to 5% per weight, preferably at 1 to 3%. In order for the solution of the halogenating agent to be effective, its concentration should be greater than 0.5%, otherwise the adhesion enhancement is insignificant. At lower concentrations, i.e. below 0.5% the solutions of halogenating agents in known applications are ineffective due to the lack of sufficient interfacial chemical activity between the rubber surface and the active species in the solution.

Surface treatment of rubbers and rubber-based materials

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization


Identifying symbolic links in network file systems is provided. An absolute path may be determined at a network file server. This may include determining a complete client path from an initial client path and combining the complete client path with a server export path. Once the absolute path is determined, it may be traversed using a file descriptor of each file in the absolute path to identify a symbolic link.

A network file system, also referred to as a "distributed file system," enables access to remote computer files. Network file system client computer programs, referred to herein as "network file system clients" or simply as "clients," execute on computer systems and may be provided with access to computer files on other computer systems over a computer network. In some systems, network file system clients interact with network file server computer programs (referred to herein as "network file servers") over the computer network using a protocol in order to obtain access to remote computer files. Exemplary protocols include the Network File System ("NFS") and Server Message Block ("SMB"), also referred to as the Common Internet File System ("CIFS").
In order to make a computer file available to remote computer systems, a network file server may export a portion of computer storage (e.g., its underlying file system) that contains the computer file to one or more network file system clients. The clients may be permitted to "mount" the exported portion. "Mounting" an exported portion means making the computer files within available for access and/or manipulation by the client or other applications running on the same computer system as the client. For example, Windows computer systems are able to mount remote computer file storage portions as local "drives" designated by letters (e.g., "g:\", "h:\").
Symbolic links (sometimes referred to as "soft links") are a type of computer file that is created not to hold data, as are most computer files, but instead to contain a reference to another computer file or a directory. The reference may be an absolute path, which indicates exactly where the referred-to computer file is located within computer file storage, or a relative path, which indicates where the referred-to computer file is located relative to the location of the symbolic link.
A client to which a first portion of a network file server's underlying file system is exported may not be permitted to stray from the exported portion. However, if a symbolic link is created within the exported portion that refers to a file or directory that is outside of the exported portion, then the client potentially could gain access to non-exported portions of the network file server's underlying file system.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

International Business Machines Corporation


A vacuum cleaner includes a housing as well as a suction generator and bagless dirt system carried on the housing. The bagless dirt system includes a dirt cup, a prefilter, a filter chamber remote from the dirt cup, a filter in the filter chamber and a first conduit providing fluid communication between the dirt cup and the filter chamber. A second conduit provides fluid communication between the filter chamber and the suction generator.

Bagless vacuum cleaner technology has long been known in the art. Japanese Patent Applications 56-136642 and 56-136650 both published in 1981 disclose an upright vacuum cleaner with a dirt collection chamber that removably connects to an opening of the main unit to facilitate user convenience during the emptying of the cleaner. A removable filter fills an opening at the bottom of the dirt chamber and serves to separate dirt from air drawn through the vacuum cleaner by the fan and motor assembly.
The present invention relates to an improved dirt collection assembly for an upright or canister vacuum cleaner.


A processor node which includes at least one local bus (10) that assures a parallel link among the processors (8), a local memory (11) and a shared cache (12), and one network bus (13) that assures a parallel link among the local memory (11), the shared cache (12), and at least one input/output device (6).

It is known that information processing systems with shared memory generally include a large number of processors, which are grouped in nodes associated with one another by links, in a variable number of nodes up to the maximum configuration. Each node includes a series of processors and one or more local memories, which are parts of a general memory. In a conventional configuration, the processors and the local memory or memories are all connected directly to a common linking bus of the parallel link type. This solution has the advantage of very direct access for each processor to each local memory, but it has the disadvantage of making all the interrogation and information transfer messages travel over the same linking bus, in such a way that the maximum rate of messages on the linking bus is very rapidly reached, and a problem of access to the linking bus then arises, since the messages that cannot be transmitted are made to wait until the linking bus is available. Moreover, when the number of processes is increased, the number of messages is also increased very greatly, on the one hand because of the interrogation and information transfer messages that are made necessary by the existence of the two processors, but also because of additional coherence messages that are required when a plurality of processors work on the same information and must modify the information while the information is simultaneously requested by other processors.
Conventionally, an attempt has been made to handle the increase in the message rate by improving the performance of the memory blocks, in particular increasing their access speed, and by improving the performance of the buses, that is, increasing the message transmission rate on the buses. Such improvements can generally be obtained only by using expensive technologies, which greatly increase the cost of the information processing system.
One object of the invention is to propose a processor node with an original structure that improves the message rates regardless of the technology used to make the memory blocks or linking buses.
According to the invention, a processor node is proposed, including at least one local bus that assures a parallel link between the processors, a local memory and a shared cache, and one network bus that assures a parallel link between the local memory, the shared cache, and one input/output device.
Thus the local bus is used only for transmitting messages that are directly useful to the processors, while the network bus is used for transmission of messages of links with the other nodes, in such a way that the number of messages circulating on each bus is minimized. While minimizing the message rate, it will be noted that this arrangement nevertheless enables simultaneous access to the local memory and to the shared cache, either by the local bus or by the network bus.


A vehicle cabin air conditioning apparatus including an airflow selecting mechanism movable between a first position to provide a first airflow mode and a second position to provide a second airflow mode. The airflow selecting mechanism restricts first airflow from flowing from a first airflow conduit to a second airflow conduit when in the first position, and permits the first airflow from flowing from the first airflow conduit to the second airflow conduit when in the second position. An electronic control unit is configured to control a first blower based on a user set front cabin airflow level and a second blower based on a user set rear cabin airflow level when in the first airflow mode. The electronic control unit controls the first blower based on the user set front cabin airflow level and the user set rear cabin airflow level when in the second airflow mode.

Air conditioning performance requirements of larger vehicles, for example sport-utility vehicles or mini-vans, often means that in addition to the front (main) heating ventilating air conditioning (HVAC) unit, an auxiliary HVAC unit may be required to ensure adequate heating performance for the rear occupants. The auxiliary HVAC unit may result in a significant increase in components, vehicle weight, space, and cost.
An air conditioning apparatus with a single HVAC unit having two blowers, and providing conditioned air to the front and rear area of the vehicle cabin, is known by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0126774. However, due to the configuration of its air conditioning case, the airflow amount provided to the front area of the vehicle cabin is affected by the airflow amount provided to the rear area of the vehicle cabin. Thus, the air conditioning apparatus disclosed by the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0126774 cannot control front and rear airflow amounts separately with respect to the preferred front airflow level and the preferred rear airflow level, both of which can be set by a user of the vehicle.

Airflow selecting mechanism for a vehicle cabin air conditioning apparatus


The present invention provides a novel mononuclear transition metal compound, a novel binuclear transition metal compound, a novel organic amine or phosphorous compound, and a method for preparing the same. The mononuclear transition metal compound according to the present invention is configured such that a cyclopentadienyl group and an amido or phosphorous group are bridged via a phenylene bridge. The binuclear transition metal compound according to the present invention is configured such that the two bridged mononuclear transition metal compounds configured such that a cyclopentadienyl group and an amido or phosphorous group are bridged via a phenylene bridge are linked via a bridging group located at the phenylene bridge. According to the present invention, the mononuclear transition metal compound, the binuclear transition metal compound, the organic amine or phosphorous compound can be prepared in a simple manner by using suzuki-coupling reaction with a high yield.

The Dow Chemical Company announced [Me2Si(Me4C5)NtBu]TiCl2 (Constrained-Geometry Catalyst, which will be simply referred to as CGC) in the early 1990's (U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,802), wherein in the copolymerization reaction of ethylene and alpha-olefin, excellent characteristics that the CGC has, as compared with per se known metallocene catalysts can be usually classified into the two categories: (1) it produces a high molecular weight polymer with high activity even at a high polymerization temperature, and (2) it yield very excellent copolymerization of an alpha-olefin having high steric hindrance, such as 1-hexene and 1-octene. In addition, upon polymerization reaction, there have been gradually several characteristics of CGC, and thus extensive studies to synthesize a derivative of CGC for use as a polymerization catalyst have been made in the academic and industrial fields.
As one approach, there have been trials for synthesis of metal compounds to which various bridges and nitrogen substituents instead of silicon bridges are introduced, and polymerization using the same. Some representative examples of recently known metal compounds include the followings (Chem. Rev. 2003, 103, 283):

To the above-listed compounds, a phosphorous bridge (1), an ethylene or propylene bridge (2), a methylidene bridge (3), and a methylene bridge (4) are each introduced, instead of the silicon bridges in the CGC structure. However, when they are used for ethylene polymerization, or copolymerization with an alpha-olefin, they had no excellent results regarding the activity or the copolymerization performances, as compared with CGC.
As another approach, there have trials for synthesis of many compounds comprising an oxido ligand instead of the amido ligand of the CGC, and sometimes polymerization using the same. Examples thereof are summarized as follows:

The compound (5) is characterized in that a Cp derivative and an oxido ligand are bridged via an orthophenylene group, as disclosed by T. J. Marks, et al. (Organometallics 1997, 16, 5958). Also, a compound having the same bridge and polymerization using the same are disclosed by Mu, et al. (Organometallics 2004, 23, 540). Further, an indenyl ligand and an oxido ligand are bridged via the same orthophenylene group, as disclosed by Rothwell, et al. (Chem. Commun. 2003, 1034). The (6) is characterized in that a cyclopentadienyl ligand and an oxido ligand are bridged through three carbons, as disclosed by Whitby, et al. (Organometallics 1999, 18, 348), and these catalysts are reported to exhibit activity on syndiotactic polystyrene polymerization. Further, similar compounds are also reported by Hessen, et al. (Organometallics 1998, 17, 1652). The compounds shown in (7) is characterized in that it exhibits activity on ethylene and ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization at a high temperature and a high pressure (210° C., 150 MPa), as disclosed by Rau, et al. (J. Organomet. Chem. 2000, 608, 71). Further, synthesis of a catalyst having the similar structure (8), and polymerization using the catalyst at a high temperature and a high pressure were filed in the patent application by Sumitomo Corp. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,686).
Recently, a compound having two metal positions was developed, and has been employed as a polymerization catalyst since then. U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,776 describes a binuclear metal compound in which two compounds in the CGC form are bridged via a cyclopentadienyl (Cp) group, an Si bridge, or an N substituent group, and a method for preparing an olefin polymer using the same. Marks, et al., [J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2004, 126, 6542-6543] describes that if a binuclear Ti metal compound in which two compounds in the CGC form are bridged via a —CH2CH2— group is used for styrene homopolymerization and ethylene/styrene copolymerization reactions, the polymerization activity is more excellent than that of the conventionally used CGC compounds. Further, Marks, et al, describes an example in which a Ti compound and a Zr compound, each in the CGC form, are sequentially bridged to prepare a binuclear Ti/Zr metal compound, and this compound can be used for an ethylene homopolymerization reaction for preparation of polyethylene having a branch, even without comonomers. Accordingly, the above prior arts show that by using a binuclear metal compound for an olefin polymerization reaction, a polyolefin having more excellent activity and novel physical properties can be prepared, as compared with when using the conventionally used single metal compound.
However, in spite of the above trials, only few catalysts are substantially in use for commercial plants. Thus, there is still a need of development of a catalyst having a novel structure, and preparation of a polymer using the same. Particularly, the conventional binuclear catalyst compounds still have structures in the CGC form, and the method for preparing the same is complex and the production yield is low. Therefore, there is still a desire of a binuclear transition metal compound having a novel structure, which is capable of exhibiting a catalytic activity, and a method for simply preparing the same in high yield.

Transition metal complexes and preparation methods thereof


An air cleaner is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes a power supply, an electrostatic precipitator cell, and a door. The door closes the electrostatic precipitator cell inside the air cleaner. The air cleaner further includes a door switch that is actuated by the door when the door is substantially closed. The air cleaner further includes a cell presence switch. The electrostatic precipitator cell actuates the cell presence switch when the electrostatic precipitator cell is at least partially inserted into the air cleaner. The cell presence switch and the door switch enable electrical power to be supplied from the power source to one or more air cleaner components when the electrostatic precipitator cell is at least partially inserted into the air cleaner and when the door is substantially closed.

Air cleaners and purifiers are widely used for removing foreign substances from the air. The foreign, substances can include pollen, dander, smoke, pollutants, dust, etc. In addition, an air cleaner can be used to circulate room air. An air cleaner can be used in many settings, including at home, in offices, workrooms, etc.
One type of air cleaner is an electrostatic precipitator. An electrostatic precipitator operates by creating a high-voltage electrical field, typically in excess of 5,000 volts. Dirt and debris in the air becomes ionized when it is brought into this high voltage electrical field by an airflow. Charged plates or electrodes in the electrostatic precipitator air cleaner, such as positive and negative plates or positive and grounded plates, create the electrical field and one of the electrode polarities attracts the ionized dirt and debris. Periodically, the electrostatic precipitator can be removed and cleaned. Because the electrostatic precipitator comprises electrodes or plates through which airflow can easily and quickly pass, only a low amount of energy is required to provide airflow through the electrostatic precipitator. As a result, foreign objects in the air can be efficiently and effectively removed.
The electrostatic precipitator is connected to a high voltage power supply that places a high voltage across the charge and collection plates of the electrostatic precipitator. The high voltage employed in a typical electrostatic precipitator presents a significant danger of arcing, shorting, and electrical shock. Arcing can occur when the electrostatic precipitator has been removed from the air cleaner but the high operating voltage supplied to the electrostatic precipitator is still present on the contacts or connectors of the electrostatic precipitator receptacle. Likewise, when an access door is open, a person can bring foreign objects (such as tools) into the air cleaner and can short across the components of the electrostatic precipitator (or across electrical supply points to the electrostatic precipitator). Further, a person can touch components of the electrostatic precipitator or can touch the electrical supply points and can suffer an electrical shock.
One prior art safety measure is shown in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0209420 to Taylor et al. The Taylor publication provides an interlock post 204 that fits down into an interlock recess 206 in order to actuate a switch (see FIG. 3C of the Taylor publication). As a result, electrical power to the unit 200 is disabled when the interlock post 204 leaves the interlock recess 206. This safety measure is meant to insure that electrical power is removed from the unit 200 during any manner of cleaning or servicing operation.
However, this prior art approach has drawbacks. The switch of the Taylor publication is accessible to a person and can be circumvented. A suitable pointed object can be used to actuate the switch even when second electrodes 242 are present. A suitable pointed object can be used to actuate the switch when the second electrodes 242 are not fully inserted into position. Consequently, the device disclosed in the Taylor publication can be powered and can present a danger of contact and electrical shock.
The prior art does not provide more that one switch in order to prevent contact with electrified portions of the air cleaner. The prior art does not prevent the air cleaner from being powered up when the electrostatic precipitator cell is not in position or when the access door is not fully closed.

Electrical power disable in an air cleaner


A data processor applies transform processing to a first group of samples at a primary sampling rate, where the first group of samples is within a data window associated with at least one of the data blocks. A detector detects an estimated frequency shift between the transmitted signal and the reflected signal based on a primary peak frequency determined by the transform processing at the primary sampling rate. The data processor applies transform processing to a second group of samples at a secondary sampling rate, where the data window contains previously read samples and at least one new sample, if the estimated frequency shift falls within a target response frequency band. The detector detects an observed frequency shift between the transmitted signal and the reflected signal based on a secondary peak frequency determined by the transform processing at the secondary sampling rate. A velocity estimator for estimating a velocity of at least one of the object and the transmitter based on the estimated frequency shift, the observed frequency shift, or both.

In existing radar systems, the velocity of an object or a vehicle may be determined based on a Doppler frequency shift in a received signal. The received signal may be down-converted in frequency, digitized by an analog-to-digital converter, and stored in a data buffer for subsequent processing. A data processor within the radar system may use a mathematical transform, such as a Fast Fourier transform to identify the frequency components of the digital representation of the received signal stored in the data buffer. For practical applications of the radar system, the data processor and associated processing of the mathematical transform need to be done in real time or with sufficient promptness to be useful.
To some extent, the data buffer may be increased in size to increase the responsiveness of the processing of the mathematical transform. However, if the data buffer size is increased beyond a certain limit, the data processor may have insufficient throughput or capacity to process all of the data in the data buffer in real time. In addition, as the data buffer is increased in size, power consumption also tends to increase. Thus, there is a need for improving the processing of the mathematical transform and improving the responsiveness of the determining a velocity of an object or a vehicle.

Method and system for determining velocity by using variable or distinct sampling rates


An electronic pen device is proposed, which can be coupled to a computer platform having a display unit and an input-sensing unit, allowing a user to manually input data and/or graphs to the computer platform via the electronic pen device. The electronic pen device includes a micro-processing unit (MPU), a storage unit for storing color-corresponding codes, an input unit for allowing the user to set a display color for the handwriting data and/or graphs to be displayed on the display unit, and a signal output module. The MPU retrieves a color-corresponding code from the storage unit corresponding to the set display color and sends a color signal corresponding to the color-corresponding code to the signal output module that further sends the color signal to the computer platform. The display unit then displays the handwriting data and/or graphs in the set display color responsive to the color signal.

In order to reduce dust floating in the air, white board is increasingly used as one of the teaching tools for lectures, but, like the black board, it has a limited writing area. Thus, a lecturer has to repeatedly erase the white board in order to write new contents, and the audience is forced to write down notes quickly before the contents on the white board are erased.
With advances in the electronic technology, computers and software techniques, a white board with scanning functionality has emerged. The white board area can be scanned and stored, and the contents thereon can be printed out, allowing the audience to focus on the lecture instead of writing notes down. Often, the lecturer would use white board pens of various colors to mark contents distinctively. It is sometimes troublesome and time-consuming for the lecturer to locate and swap the desired color pen among the different color pens provided.
In addition, input devices for a typical computer platform, such as portable personal computer, desktop personal computer or PDA (personal digital assistant) device, are no longer limited to keyboard and mouse but also include digital drawing board or touch board that can be used to draw graphs or input data or control the cursor. Also, character recognition software utilized with the touch board or digital drawing board and a digital pen allows text hand-written by the user to be recognized such that it can be stored and accessed electronically. Heading towards an electronic teaching future, electronic handwriting input seems likely to replace the conventional writing manner using the white board pen.
However, the disadvantage of handwriting input described above still remains; that is, the user cannot change the display color at ease, unless the user installs in advance specific editing software to provide a color selection tool-frame that allows the user to set the display color for handwriting input by clicking on a color zone in the tool-frame. However, the color selection tool-frame has the disadvantage of occupying certain display area on the screen, and it is somewhat inconvenient to operate by clicking.
Therefore, the problem to be solved here is to provide a multicolor pen that allows the user to conveniently and easily change the display color of the handwriting input graphs and data.


Tunnel liners are formed from panels of arched sheet material. The panels include a central portion, inclined side portions and wing portions. One of the wing portions has a hook portion and the other of the wing portions has a receptacle portion. The hook portions and receptacle portions are constructed so as to snap-fit with respective receptacle portions and hook portions of adjacent panels. Panels can thus be more easily be assembled together. Panels can also be continuously seamed together from the underside, i.e., from within an arched assembly of panels.

1. Field of The Invention
This invention relates to the art of forming tunnel liners and particularly to improvements for forming such tunnel liners with panels of arched sheet-metal material, and includes a unique method of building such tunnel liners and unique panels and assemblies of panels.
2. Background And Prior Art
Machines which form bendable materials, such as sheet-metal, into panels and curve the panels for making continuous arched buildings or roofs for buildings by seaming the panels together are known in the art. Such machines are commercially available from M.I.C. Industries, Inc., of Reston, Va. and are shown, at least partially, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,842,647, 3,902,288, 3,967,430, and 4,364,253, all owned by M.I.C. Industries, Inc., the present assignee. In this prior art, the panels formed from sheeted steel or the like are used with a seaming apparatus which operates from the top of the structure to seam adjacent panels and to secure these panels together.
A problem exists with the prior art described above when attempting to construct a structure within a closed space, such as a lining for a tunnel, or when a distance between the top of the panels and the existing structure is so limited that seaming cannot be accomplished.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,173, also owned by M.I.C. Industries, Inc., shows a tunnel liner building method and building panels therefor that among other things overcame certain problems in the above-noted prior art. The '173 patent teaches the formation of tunnel liners from panels of arched, bendable sheet material. In the '173 patent, panels 10 include a central portion 12, inclined side portions 14 and 16, wing portions 18 and 20, and a hook portion 22 and a receptacle portion 28 at opposite sides of each panel 10. In the '173 patent, the panels can be joined with the hook portion of one panel fitting into the receptacle portion of the other panel and then continuously seamed from the underside, i.e., the inside of the arched assembly.
There are, however, limitations in the '173 device, and there exists a need for an improved tunnel liner building method and building panels therefor. Among other limitations, the seaming method of the '173 patent can result in difficulties during assembling.

Tunnel liner building method and building panels therefor


Photoconductors are disclosed having an overcoat layer of silsesquioxane substituted with 4-[3-(triethoxysilylpropoxy]-2-hydroxybenzophenone. The degree of substitution is believed not critical. Similarly, the thickness of the coating is not critical and may vary according to the wear anticipated, as well as the electrical requirements of the specific application. Improvements are realized using this material in comparison to unsubstituted silsesquioxane.

The overcoat on a photoconductor can improve wear and erosion resistance and can mitigate crazing and lower the negative fatigue of the photoconductor drum. While numerous patents exist in the prior art (outlined below), no overcoat materials combine the advantages of wear resistance, fatigue improvements, and inhibition of crazing phenomenon.
In electrophotography, a dual layer photoconductor or photoreceptor is comprised of a charge generation layer (CGL) and charge transport layer (CTL) coated onto a suitable substrate, such as aluminized MYLAR polyester or an anodized aluminum drum. The CGL is designed for the photogeneration of charge carriers and is comprised of pigments or dyes, such as azo compounds, perylenes, phthalocyanines, squaraines, for example, with or without a polymer binder. The CTL layer, as its name implies, is designed to transport the generated charges. The CTL contains charge transport molecules, which are organic materials capable of accepting and transporting charge, such as hydrazones, tetraphenyl diamines, triaryl amines, for example.
Typically, the CTL also contains polymer binders, which are present to provide a wear resistant surface. Moreover, the polymer binders create adhesion between the layers and give a smooth surface, which can be easily cleaned.
As printers are made to perform at faster and faster print speeds, very short charge and discharge intervals are required. These faster speeds put increasingly greater demands on the PC drum and can shorten their effective useful life. In addition, the demand for smaller printer footprints puts additional constraints on the PC drum design. The PC drum may also be exposed to room light during servicing, which can cause fatigue in the PC drum.
Fatigue corresponds to the change in voltage over the life of the drum. In addition to fatigue from room light, fatigue can also result from drum cycling (repeated charge/discharge cycles) or from exposure to UV radiation, such as that emitted from a corona discharge lamp. Positive fatigue corresponds to photoconductor drums that discharge at lower voltages. For example, if a drum initially discharges to −100V, and on cycling or after exposure to room light discharges to −50V, the drum is exhibiting a positive fatigue of +50V. This positive fatigue would result in darker prints compared to the initial ones. Similarly, negative fatigue corresponds to a drum exhibiting a discharge voltage that is higher than the initial and would result in lighter prints.
Therefore, controlling the drum fatigue is important for the reproducibility of prints. The PC drum may also be more accessible to possible contamination from the environment or the user during routine maintenance. Furthermore, if smaller diameter drums are required because of space constraints, wear issues are magnified since more revolutions of the drum are required to print a page.
Silsesquioxanes have been incorporated into photoconductors as resin binders because of their abrasion resistant properties. Silsesquioxanes are compounds with the empirical chemical formula, RSiO1.5, and can be thought of as hybrid intermediate between silica (SiO2) and silicone (R2SiO). Sol-gel precursors are formed by the hydrolysis of trialkoxysilanes, which are cured to a mixed cage/network, or silsesquioxane structure.
When cured at higher temperatures, part of the cage structure is transformed into a more cross-linked network structure. Because of their cross-linked network structure, these materials are hard and have useful applications as abrasion resistant coatings, which include overcoats for organic photoconductor layers. Silsesquioxane layers are harder and less permeable to chemical contaminants than typical PC layers or binders such as polyesters or polycarbonates. Furthermore, these materials are known for low surface energy, which should make them good as release coatings to aid in toner transfer.
Silsesquioxane overcoats possess many other properties that are also advantageous for photoconductors. Because of their smooth surface, silsesquioxane overcoats are expected to increase the efficiency of particle transfer from the photoconductor surface, which is increasingly important as toner particle size decreases to meet the demands of higher image resolution. In addition to their smooth and hard features, these materials can also provide protection from physical, chemical, and radiation damage. For instance, the addition of acid scavengers to keep contaminants, such as acids, from reaching the photoreceptor surface. Likewise, dyes can be added to protect the photoreceptor from fatigue, especially from room light.
To address these issues to achieve a long life PC drum, a protective top layer can be coated onto the photoconductor drum. The protective overcoat can include additives that protect against damage from handling, exposure to UV light, and from the abrasion and erosion caused from the toner, cleaner blade, charge roll, for example.
While a robust overcoat can improve the life of the PC drum, a suitable overcoat is required that does not significantly alter the electrophotographic properties of the PC drum. If the layer is too electrically insulating, the photoconductor will not discharge and will result in a poor latent image. On the other hand, if the layer is too electrically conducting, then the electrostatic latent image will spread resulting in a blurred image. Thus, a protective layer that improves the life of the photoconductor must not negatively alter the electrophotographic properties of the PC drum.
The following references are illustrative of prior art employing silsesquioxane overcoats on photoconductors: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,565,760 to Schank; U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,602 to Schank, particularly Example V, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,934 to Lee Et al, particularly Examples IX and XI.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,804 to Ashby et al discloses selesesquioxane combined with an ultraviolet light absorbing agent which is that employed in this invention, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,443,579 to Doin et al. discloses that agent chemically combined such that the material does not require a primer for overcoating. The material of this patent to Doin et al. is identical or substantially identical to the commercial material employed to practice this invention. Neither the Ashby et al. nor Doin et al. teaches overcoating a photoconductor. Silsesquioxane overcoats with UV absorbers have prevented the deterioration of polycarbonates from UV rays and are widely used in the automotive industry.


Embodiments disclosed herein include transistor devices with complex oxide interfaces and methods of forming such devices. In an embodiment, the transistor device may comprise a substrate, and a fin extending up from the substrate. In an embodiment, a first oxide is formed over sidewall surfaces of the fin, and a second oxide is formed over the first oxide. In an embodiment, the first oxide and the second oxide are perovskite oxides with the general formula of ABO3.

III-V transistor devices have higher mobility channels than silicon devices. However, III-V transistors typically have poor subthreshold-slopes. Accordingly, research has begun to investigate the possibility of using complex oxide interfaces that result in a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). 2DEGs involve many-body interactions that give rise to a variety of physical phenomena such as superconductivity, magnetism, tunable metal-insulator transitions, and phase separation. Particularly, such 2DEGs have been shown to have steep subthreshold-slopes.

Transistor structures formed with 2DEG at complex oxide interfaces


A vertical acceleration compensator is employed in the braking system of a vehicle wheel that undergoes vertical motion relative to the vehicle frame. The vertical acceleration compensator senses the vertical movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame and includes first and second component elements that form a variable volume compensation chamber. The vertical acceleration compensator is coupled in fluid communication with a brake fluid reservoir and a fluid actuated brake mechanism. The first and second compensator elements may be coupled to the vehicle wheel and to the vehicle frame. As a result, upward movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame reduces the volume of the compensation chamber, while downward movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame increases volume of the compensation chamber. A reduction in volume of the compensation chamber increases brake line pressure, thereby increasing the braking force on the wheel. Conversely, an expansion of volume of the compensation chamber reduces pressure in the brake line, thereby reducing the braking force on the wheel. The vertical acceleration compensator of the invention thereby automatically provides braking force compensation to a vehicle wheel traveling over a rough roadway or rough terrain.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system for sensing relative vertical movement between the wheels of a vehicle and the vehicle chassis or frame, and adjusting the braking force while applying the vehicle brakes to the vehicle wheels in response to that vertical movement.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When brakes are applied to a moving vehicle employing brake fluid in a fluid braking system, braking power is controlled in the first instance by means of a brake peddle or lever. That is, in a fluid braking system a brake fluid reservoir, namely the master brake cylinder, is connected by tubular brake lines to the brake cylinders at each wheel. Increased pressure within the closed brake line system forces the brake calipers toward a rotating disc or the brake shoes toward a brake lining. Pressure is increased in the brake system to cause a mechanical actuation of the calipers or brake shoes by depressing the brake peddle or lever so as to force a certain amount of brake fluid into the brake line, thereby increasing pressure in the line and actuating the brakes.
While the operator of the vehicle can generally determine the appropriate pressure to apply to the vehicle wheel brakes by resistance felt in depressing the brake actuator, there is normally a very rapid fluctuation in the appropriate braking force that should be applied due to relative vertical movement between the vehicle wheels and the frame or chassis of the vehicle. This fluctuation is particularly pronounced when the vehicle is traveling upon a rough surface.
When a brake is applied to a wheel of a vehicle rolling along a perfectly flat surface, the appropriate force to stop the wheel from turning is determined by the coefficient of friction between the area of contact of the vehicle wheel and the surface across which the wheel is traveling. The appropriate braking force is also governed by the vertical weight bearing down upon the wheel.
A simple illustration of this principal is apparent considering the difference in braking force required to stop an unloaded cargo vehicle as contrasted with the force required to stop the same vehicle fully loaded and traveling upon the same surface. Naturally, a much greater braking force is required to bring a heavily loaded vehicle to a halt than to halt the same vehicle traveling in an empty condition.
While a vehicle operator can sense the appropriate braking force to apply under differing conditions of vehicle load, there is another influence on the appropriate braking power to be applied which changes so rapidly that the vehicle operator cannot make timely adjustments to the braking force applied. Specifically, the traction of the vehicle wheel upon the roadway varies rapidly with the vertical movement of the wheel relative to the vehicle frame that occurs due to unevenness of the roadway. This variation of the appropriate braking force to be applied is particularly pronounced when the vehicle is traveling over a rough, bumpy roadway.
When a wheel travels over a depression in the roadway, the wheel normally drops vertically downwardly relative to the vehicle frame or chassis. As the wheel passes over a depression in the road, there is a momentary loss of contact, or at least a reduction of area of contact, between the wheel and the roadway. With the reduction in contact the braking force applied through the brake peddle or lever is momentarily excessive thus resulting in a tendency toward locking of the brake. Conversely, when the wheel crosses a raised bump in the road there is a slight movement of the wheel upwardly in a vertical direction relative to the vehicle chassis or frame. This produces a momentary increase in the vertical load on the wheel so that the applied braking force is momentarily less than optimum.
The small changes in relative movement between the vehicle wheel and the vehicle frame or chassis are far too rapid to allow compensation by the vehicle operator. Consequently, there is excessive wear on the vehicle tires and a loss in stopping force due to the repetitive momentary excessive and insufficient braking forces applied.

Vertical acceleration sensing vehicle brake system