In a switch fabric environment, which includes a buffer, packet data of different class-types from different sources is received, stored in the buffer, processed and outputted to its intended destination. As the buffer fills up, transmission from some of the data sources is stopped to avoid dropping of packets. To avoid packet loss, when the occupancy of the buffer reaches a first threshold value, further transmission of a first-class type of data is precluded from the particular source of that data then being received, while transmission from other sources of that same first-class type of data is not precluded from these other data sources until first-class type of data from such other sources is also received. Further, data of a second-class type is not precluded from being transmitted as long as the amount of data stored in the buffer remains below a second threshold, which is greater than the first threshold. When the occupancy of the buffer reaches that second threshold, further transmissions from the particular source of that second-class type of data then being received is also precluded. As data from other sources of that second-class type of data is received, further transmissions from those other sources are also precluded. A third-class type of data, however, is not precluded from transmission as long as the amount of data remains below a third threshold value, which is greater than the second threshold value. In order to avoid packet loss, when a packet from any source is received, it is stored regardless of whether transmission from the source of that packet has been precluded. Advantageously, a MAX/MIN distribution of the available bandwidth can be probabilistically achieved without packet loss.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to data communications, and more particularly to data switching arrangements.
2. Description of Related Art
Recent years have witnessed a marked increase in traffic volume for wide-area networks (WANs), such as the Internet, as well as for local-area networks (LANs), such as on-premises Ethernet systems. This increase in traffic volume is caused by new technologies, migration from a paradigm of centralized computing to one of distributed computing, and the proliferation of a wide variety of new applications. Also, the rapid pace of technological growth is witnessing an ever-increasing amount of interdisciplinary work in which groups of individuals from diverse technical backgrounds come together to collaborate on a single project. Data networks designed for traditional communities of interest, such as departments, are no longer adequate. The community of interest has now expanded significantly, and, furthermore, the boundaries of the community of interest are no longer static and may, in fact, change from day to day.
Designing a communications network for a large, ever-changing community of interest poses problems that are not adequately addressed by presently-existing data communications systems. In addition to the increased traffic volume of a relatively large network, a bewildering variety of co-existing applications such as telephony, video and computer data networking must often be supported. In general, each of these applications is characterized by a unique set of properties and requirements. The network must therefore be equipped to convey a plurality of applications among various endpoint devices. This challenge has resulted in prior art approaches moving away from more traditional methods of operation, involving routers and bridges, towards more flexible operational modes that utilize on-premises switching arrangements.
Some applications are relatively immune to degradations caused, for example, by data delays and/or losses in the network, whereas others are very vulnerable to these degradations. For instance, if an application is virtually immune to degradation, this may signify that an endpoint device receiving the application data stream will be able to produce humanly intelligible output during the degradation. On the other hand, if the stream is vulnerable to degradation, this means that any degradation will have a relatively significant impact on the output of the endpoint device during the degradation, and that the intelligibility of the output due to this degradation may be quite poor. To complicate matters further, a given stream may be immune to some types of degradation, but very vulnerable to other types of degradation. For example, file transfer applications, and other applications generally known to those skilled in the art as TCP/IP applications, are relatively insensitive to delay, but are relatively vulnerable to data losses.
Existing networks utilize data flow control techniques that do not distinguish between the aforementioned varied application data types. In other words, all data are treated in the same manner, irrespective of the effect that a data stream degradation will have on that data type, and irrespective of the effect that such a degradation will have on the quality of service perceived by an endpoint device user. Prior art flow control methods provide no effective mechanism for advantageously exploiting the unique properties of each of these diverse data types.
One mechanism for exploiting the unique characteristics of a plurality of data types is to define one or more data priority levels. Data priority can be defined with reference to quality of service considerations, which considers the effect that data delay and/or loss will have on the intelligibility of the output as perceived by a typical endpoint device user. If high-priority data are delayed and/or lost, the effect on intelligibility is relatively great, whereas if low-priority data are delayed and/or lost, the effect on intelligibility is relatively insignificant. For example, consider a network that is equipped to switch ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) data. In ATM, five classes of data service have been defined, including CBR (constant bit rate) data, real-time VBR (variable bit rate) data, non-real-time VBR data, ABR (available bit rate) data, and UBR (unspecified bit rate) data. CBR data is relatively sensitive to delays and losses, meaning that such delays and/or losses degrade the quality of service to a relatively significant degree, whereas UBR data are relatively insensitive to delays and/or losses, and the quality of service is undegraded relative to CBR data. Therefore, CBR data packets may be conceptualized as high-priority data traffic, and the UBR data packets as low-priority data traffic.
In general, multipriority data traffic is traffic that includes representations of different types of data as, for example, CBR data, VBR data, ABR data, and UBR data. This data traffic is typically organized into data packets. With respect to switching delays and losses, prior art communications networks do not distinguish one type of data from another. What is needed is some mechanism for distinguishing high-priority data packets from low-priority data packets for purposes of data flow control.
Flow control techniques operate in the environment of data switching devices. As an example, consider the switch architecture shown in FIG. 1. A switch fabric 102 is provided in the form of a dual-bus architecture having a transmit bus 104 and a receive bus 106. The dual-bus architecture of FIG. 1 is shown for illustrative purposes only, as other types of switch fabric architectures do not employ dual busses, and still other types of switch fabric architectures do not employ any busses. Although the techniques disclosed herein are described in the context of a dual-bus architecture, this is for illustrative purposes only, it being understood that these techniques are also applicable in the operational environments of other types of switch architectures including, for example, a shared memory architecture.
The transmit bus 104 and the receive bus 106 are adapted for connection to one or more port cards 108, 109, 113. The port cards 108, 109, 113 transmit on transmit bus 104 and receive from receive bus 106. Receive bus 106 is separate from transmit bus 104, but the transmit bus 104 is looped back onto the receive bus 106 through a loop-back circuit 111 located at an end of the transmit bus 104 and an end of the receive bus 106. These port cards are typically equipped to handle a wide variety of interfaces such as ATM (Asyncronous Transfer Mode) interfaces, LAN (local area network) interfaces such as Ethernet, and TDM (time division multiplexed) circuit interfaces. The architecture set forth in FIG. 1 is often employed to provide access hubs and/or backbone hubs in the operational environments of campuses, private networks, and corporate networks.
Access to the transmit bus 104 may be achieved through the use of a technique commonly known as a multipriority round-robin discipline, and this technique is performed among active port cards 108, 109, 113. Port cards 108, 109, 113 interface to the receive bus 106 and to the transmit bus 104 bus via a high-speed integrated circuit referred to as the bus interface chip (BIC) 110. The BIC 110 includes a first high-speed first-in, first-out (FIFO) staging buffer 112 for transmission on the transmit bus 104, a second high-speed FIFO buffer 114 for receipt from the receive bus 106, and a processor 115. Port cards 108, 109, 113 each include slow-speed memory 116, which may be provided in the form of random-access memory (RAM), and which could be, but is generally not, integrated into BIC 110. Slow-speed memory 116 serves as the primary buffering area to and from the actual physical communications ports of the BIC 110. One function of the FIFO staging buffer 112 is to serve as a staging area for data sent from a port card to the transmit bus 104, and one function of the high-speed FIFO buffer 114 is as a rate converter (from the bus transmission rate to the communications port transmission rate) for data received from the receive bus 106. Due to the large potential difference in data transfer rates between the receive bus 106 and a port card (e.g., port card 108), FIFO buffer 114 may overflow. Therefore, what is needed is a data flow control technique that adequately compensates for any disparities in data transfer rates out of the port cards 108, 109, 113 on the one hand, and into the port cards from the receive bus 106 on the other, while respecting data priorities and the unique characteristics of applications mapped to these priorities.

Low-loss, fair bandwidth allocation flow control in a packet switch


A pile guide (10) for supporting a pile as it is driven into a substrate (20) comprises a base frame (12) having a substrate-engaging surface (14) and a pile guide member (16) mounted on the base frame via a support member (18), the pile guide member being configured to guide a pile in a predetermined direction therethrough as it is driven into a substrate. The support member (18) comprises first and second parts (30,32) which are pivotally coupled together to permit pivotal movement of the pile guide member (16) relative to the base frame about a first axis of rotation (AA). The support member (18) further comprises third and fourth parts (34,36) which are pivotally coupled together to permit pivotal movement of the pile guide member (16) relative to the base frame (12) about a second axis of rotation (BB), enabling pivotal movement of the pile guide member (16) relative to the base frame (12) with two degrees of rotational freedom.

It is known to provide pile guides for underwater piling, see for example, IHC Sea Steel Limited's range of pile guides as described in WO99/11872 (Fast Frame pile guide), WO01/92645 (Finned Frame/follower pile guide) and WO03/074795 (Orientation Control pile guide). Another IHC Sea Steel Limited pile guide, as described in WO2009/024739, was specifically devised to allow for pile driving into an inclined substrate, such as the inclined side of a seabed canyon. The pile guide comprises a pile guide member which is pivotally mounted on a base frame to enable the pile guide member to pivot around an axis of rotation relative to the base frame. With such an arrangement, the orientation of the pile guide member may be adjusted to guide piles in a vertical orientation when the base frame rests on an inclined substrate with the axis of rotation horizontal (i.e. aligned transversely to the incline direction). However, such pile guides are not ideally suited for driving a pile into an uneven or undulating underwater substrate with localised variations in level. This is because such an underwater substrate will have a tendency to support the pile guide at different angles to the horizontal in different locations, which would result in piles being driven into the substrate in different, non-vertical orientations.
Yet another IHC Sea Steel Limited pile guide, as described in PCT/GB2011/050004, was devised to allow for pile driving into an uneven or undulating underwater substrate with localised variations in level. The pile guide comprises a pile guide member mounted on a base frame via a plurality of support members of variable length, with length adjustment of each of the plurality of support members determining the orientation of the pile guide member relative to the base frame. However, with such an arrangement, the variable-length support members must be strengthened or protected to withstand lateral loads experienced by the pile guide during use. The present invention has been devised with this issue in mind.

Method and apparatus for driving a pile into a substrate


Methods and apparatuses for determining a battery capacity are described. According to one embodiment, an exemplary method includes generating virtual calibration data of the battery based on one or more characteristics of the battery, determining a virtual open circuit voltage (Voc) of the battery while the battery is being used, and estimating the capacity of the battery based on the determined virtual open circuit voltage of the battery and the virtual calibration data of the battery, while the battery is being used.

Direct current (DC) energy sources, such as batteries, are used in many situations where constant alternating current (AC) power is not available (e.g., within a vehicle). In many applications, it is desirable or even critical to monitor the charge level of the energy source so that a user has an indication when an energy source is getting low on voltage or is deviating from a desired voltage range, and needs to be recharged or replaced. The voltage level on the energy source is a measurable indicator of charge of the energy source, and can be monitored with a device commonly known as a "monitor" or a "battery monitor" where the source is a battery. Without a monitor, typically the only inherent indication that a user has that the energy source is in a charged state is whether or not it activates the equipment to which it is attached. Many conventional devices exist which measure the voltage level on a battery or other DC energy source and display the charge level through some means (e.g., bar graph, digit readout, mechanical meter).
However, these devices generally lack of accuracy, particularly, when a variety of loads being applied to the battery. Some devices require that the battery being in a "rest" state (e.g., idle for a period of time without any load being applied), in order to obtain certain level of accuracy. However, such as ideal state would not be practical in real life. Better solutions are needed.

Methods and apparatuses for determining battery capacity


This invention relates to compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against a parasite of the genus Plasmodium in a mammal.

Malaria is caused by a eukaryotic protist parasite of the genus Plasmodium. Transmission is typically by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry Plasmodium sporozoites in their salivary glands, though congenital transmission and transmission by blood transfusion is also possible. Within minutes after infection of a mammalian host, the sporozoites enter the blood stream and migrate to the liver, where they infect hepatocytes, mature and release thousands of merozoites. The parasites then enter the bloodstream, infecting red blood cells.
Malaria is a major health problem to residents and visitors in much of the tropics and subtropics, with 250 million cases of fever and approximately one million deaths annually (2005 WHO World Malaria Report 2008).


A system for adjusting a sliding undercarriage along a length of a semitrailer and adjusting a sliding fifth wheel along a length of a tractor. The tractor used for pulling the semitrailer. The system is used for balancing a load on the semitrailer, adjusting the truck and semitrailer turning radius and for operator convenience. The sliding undercarriage and sliding fifth wheel may be adjusted from the cab of the tractor when the tractor and trailer are in operation. The system includes a control panel under computer control. The control panel is received inside the cab of the tractor and electrically connected to a first electric motor and first gear box mounted on the tractor. The first gear box drives a pair of parallel screws threadably attached to a pair of ball screws. The ball screws are secured to the fifth wheel of the tractor. When the first gear box is actuated, the screws attached to the fifth wheel move the fifth wheel forward and aft on the tractor. The control panel is also electrically connected to a second electric motor and second gear box mounted on the trailer. The second gear box drives a pair of elongated parallel screws threadably attached to a pair of ball screws. The ball screws are secured to the sliding undercarriage mounted underneath the semitrailer. When the second gear box is actuated, the screws move the sliding undercarriage forward and aft on the trailer. The control box is designed for receiving satellite communications and audio communications for adjusting trailer weight requirements when traveling interstate.

(a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system for adjusting loads on a semitrailer and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a system for adjusting a sliding undercarriage along a length of a semitrailer and adjusting a sliding fifth wheel along a length of a tractor. The system used for balancing loads, adjusting the turning radius of the truck and semitrailer and for operator convenience.
(b) Discussion of Prior Art
A common truck transportation system in the United States is a tractor pulling a semitrailer. The tractor has an engine, transmission, steerable front axle with wheels and one or more rear drive axles and wheels. The tractor is attached to a semitrailer through a fifth wheel which is located over the tractor's rear drive axle. The semitrailer rides on a running gear or called herein a "sliding undercarriage". The sliding undercarriage includes a suspension, one or more unpowered axles, wheels, a pneumatic brake system and a locking pin release system. The sliding undercarriage is slidable along a portion of the length of the underside of the semitrailer.
Today, federal and state laws define weight limits per axle for tractors and semitrailers. Fines are imposed at each state port-of-entry if load limits are exceeded. By shifting the sliding undercarriage under the semitrailer, the driver can improve the balance of load between the tractor and the semitrailer to meet highway axle weight limit requirements which may vary from state to state. Also, to improve maneuverability on city streets, the sliding undercarriage can be shifted toward the tractor to shorten the unit's turning radius.
The sliding undercarriage is typically locked between two parallel rails that are integral to the structure of the bottom frame of the semitrailer. Lateral movement relative to the semitrailer is limited to the clearance between the two rails and the sliding undercarriage frame. The sliding undercarriage can be moved longitudinally, generally in a range of five to nine feet, under the semitrailer by sliding along and between the two rails. The sliding undercarriage is locked to the semitrailer rails by a system of usually two or four steel pins that are part of the sliding undercarriage frame. The pins are aligned in opposing pairs in the sliding undercarriage structure and in a locked position project outward through locking pin holes in the rails. The locking pin holes are generally spaced three to six inches apart along the rails. The locking pins are usually spring loaded to retain them in a locked position during highway travel. The locking pins are retracted and reinserted in the locking pin holes using a manually operated locking pin release system.
Semitrailers are commonly equipped with pneumatic spring brake systems which typically operate at 90-120 psi. The spring loaded air trailer parking brakes are automatically set by the springs when air pressure is removed through a control in the tractor which vents the supply air line and spring brake air lines to the atmosphere. To release the air brakes, air pressure from the tractor compressor is routed through the supply air line and a relay valve to apply pressure from the air supply tank to overcome the trailer parking brake spring bias force.
The current way to reposition the sliding undercarriage under the semitrailer is through a process of trial and error. The driver locks the brakes on both the tractor and semitrailer. The driver then climbs out of the tractor, walks to the sliding undercarriage, and pulls or lifts the manually operated locking pin release lever which is usually positioned immediately ahead of or between the left wheels of the sliding undercarriage. Most Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) manually operated locking pin release systems are a mechanical apparatus designed to rotate when the locking pin release lever is pulled or lifted. The pins are retracted by a pulling or a lifting force transmitted through a series of linkages designed to provide a mechanical advantage to overcome the spring loaded locking pin retention force. The pin release apparatus usually includes provisions to hold the lever and locking pins in the retracted position while the driver returns to the tractor. The driver then releases the brakes on the tractor while leaving the brakes applied on the semitrailer's sliding undercarriage. The tractor is then driven forward or backward to slide the semitrailer relative to the sliding undercarriage. The driver, after sliding the semitrailer the distance considered correct, then reapplies the tractor brakes. The driver again leaves the tractor, walks back to the sliding undercarriage, and releases or pushes down the pin release lever. The spring loaded locking pins are usually not perfectly aligned to reinsert through locking holes. Each locking pin, when not fully reinserted, is pressed by the locking pin retaining spring against the rail at a location between two locking pin holes. The driver returns to the tractor, releases the tractor brakes, and moves the semitrailer only a few inches or less as required for the spring loaded pins to drop into the first holes in the rails that move into alignment. The driver must then reapply the brakes and walk around the semitrailer to visually verify that all pins are in locked positions. The driver then secures the locking pin release lever to the sliding undercarriage for highway travel.
The process of retracting the locking pins and sliding the bottom side of the semitrailer over the sliding undercarriage is more easily completed with the assistance of a second person. The second person pulls or lifts the locking pin release lever and assists the driver in repositioning the sliding undercarriage under the semitrailer. The manually operated pin retraction systems can become impossible to operate due to damage or corrosion of the linkage and contamination with dirt and ice from exposure under the semitrailer. Locking pins can also become stuck in the holes in the rails if the semitrailer is parked on an incline or positioned with a slight twist in the frame. Pins are often loosened only by pounding them out with hammers. The usual procedure to loosen stuck locking pins is to apply the brakes on the sliding undercarriage and rock the semitrailer by repeatedly driving the tractor forward and backward a few inches. The assistant provides a constant pull on the pin release lever to apply the maximum force possible to overcome the locking pin springs and withdraw the pins if they become loose. Similar problems are often encountered in trying to reinsert locking pins. Extra force and assistance to align individual pins may be required to reinsert locking pins into new locking holes after the sliding undercarriage has been repositioned. The locking pin linkage can be damaged, bent, or twisted during attempts to loosen stuck pins. Distorted linkage may limit the distance that locking pins can be reinserted and make it impossible to reinsert pins into locked positions. The assistant positioned under the semitrailer near the wheels during attempts to loosen stuck locking pins or reinsert pins can be seriously injured. Bad weather such as rain, ice, and snow increase the probability of injury to an assistant positioned near the sliding undercarriage wheels.
The Department of Transportation highway port-of-entry weigh stations and routine highway safety inspections include verification per 49 CFR 393.207(b) that all locking pins are properly inserted. Fines may be imposed and vehicles designated out-of-service until maintenance is completed. According to this federal agency, highway accidents have been caused by locking pins not being properly inserted for securing the sliding undercarriage to the semitrailer rails.
The problems inherent in retracting and inserting locking pins with the above mentioned manually operated pin retraction apparatus have been recognized in U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,522 to Hart, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,578 to Baxter, U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,565 to Smith et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,797 to Mekosh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,778,079 to Vornberger, U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,969 to Glassmeye, U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,732 to Lands et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,296 to Forman.
The above mentioned patents to Hart and Baxter provide means to modify the manually operated pin retraction apparatus. The modified systems as described do not provide sufficient force to retract stuck locking pins, especially when complicated by corrosion, damage or contamination. Also, the flexibility of the modified linkage described in these patents is an inefficient means to reinsert locking pins into the locking pin holes. Also, bent linkage may actually prevent the locking pins from being fully inserted into locked positions even when the control lever position indicates that all pins are locked.
In the patents to Smith et al. and to Mekosh et al. complex electromechanical and pneumatic systems are disclosed that require extensive structural modifications to the semitrailer and possibly to the tractor. The patent to Smith et al. describes a few of the features incorporated into the novel system described herein, but the Smith et al. disclosure, for example, does not include a system wherein a pressure transducer provides control to automatically reinsert the locking pins should a semitrailer's spring brakes be released when the locking pins are retracted. Also, the system prevents the locking pins from being retracted unless the driver sets the semitrailer brakes before adjusting the sliding undercarriage on the semitrailer.
The patents to Lands et al. and Forman provide air operated cylinders and locking pins which are pneumatically released by the cylinders. But the systems described in these two patents do not provide an all pneumatic system which prevents the locking pins from being retracted unless the semitrailer brakes are set and will automatically reset the pins if air pressure is applied to release the semitrailer brakes.
In U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,314,201 and 5,465,990 to the subject inventor, an electro-pneumatic and all pneumatic semitrailer sliding undercarriage locking pin system is described that solves the above mentioned problems related to the manual operation of pulling locking pins.
None of the above mentioned patents describe the unique features and advantages of the subject semitrailer load balancing system which eliminates the adjusting of a sliding undercarriage by inserting and retracting locking pins in locking pins holes along the length of a pair of rails mounted on the bottom of a semitrailer. Also none of the these patents teach the balancing of a load on a semitrailer by adjusting both the sliding undercarriage and fifth wheel either forward or aft.


A photographing apparatus and a method for controlling target tracking are provided. The photographing apparatus includes a target extractor for extracting target information in a present frame based on the difference between a pixel value of one pixel among previous pixels constituting the target of the previous frame in an area adjacent to the present pixel constituting the present frame and a pixel value of the present pixel, and a tracking controller for controlling automatic tracking for the target based on the target information. Accordingly, the target can be extracted more precisely.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus and method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a photographing apparatus for automatically tracking a moving target and maintaining photographing of the moving target.
2. Description of the Related Art
Developments in image processing technology and photographing technology, have improved the automatic control of a photographing apparatus for automatically tracking a moving target without directly manipulating the photographing apparatus by users. Tracking technologies similar to this continue to develop.
Tracking is performed by extracting a moving target from a captured image and then automatically controlling the photographing apparatus to center the extracted target on the image.
The process of extracting the moving target is performed by analyzing the captured image; however, many errors occur during this process. One such error is extracting an incorrect target, and another is incorrectly determining the area in the background to be a target. Such errors occur frequently when there is a moving object other than the target in the captured image.
Accordingly, there is a need for a photographing apparatus and method which improve the precision at which a target can be tracked by more precisely extracting the target.

Photographing apparatus and method for controlling target tracking


A cart includes a base having a plurality of wheels. A first frame portion is pivotally attached to the base. A second frame portion is pivotally attached to the first frame portion. The second frame portion has a frame handle. A rack is pivotally attached to the first frame portion. The rack has a plurality of slots, indentations, or cut-outs arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the rack. Each pair of slots, indentations or cut-outs is capable of receiving a respective handle of a respective bag, box or parcel hanging from the rack. A retaining member is attachable to the rack so as to overlie each respective handle of a bag, box or parcel, securing the bag, box or parcel when the retaining member is attached to the rack.

A variety of personal shopping carts have been developed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,385 to Wallick et al. describes a cart for supporting and transporting a plurality of handled shopping or grocery bags. The cart includes an elongated base having a pair of spaced apart wheels at one end and a stabilizing bar at its opposite end. A vertical stanchion carries a support bar at a location midway between its opposite ends on which a plurality of posts or pins are carried, and about which the handles of shipping or grocery bags are held while suspended from the support bar. An adjustable handle is disposed on the end of the support bar over the wheels for tilting the cart on the wheels to pull or push the cart along a traveling surface. This cart can be dismantled, but is not readily collapsible for quick storage in an automotive vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,842 to Hook et al. describes a collapsible cart for transporting a plurality of handled shopping bags and the like. The cart has an elongated frame having upper and lower sections which are pivotally coupled together. The frame is adjustable between a deployed position where the upper and lower frame sections are substantially aligned longitudinally and a collapsed position where the upper and lower frame sections are folded together. A pair of wheels are pivotally coupled to the lower section of the frame which fold together when the frame is collapsed. A support arm for suspending a load is pivotally coupled to the frame upper section and is moveable between a horizontal, load-supporting position and a folded position extending alongside the frame. The shopping bags are suspended from a plurality of hooks mounted on the support arm. The bags suspended from this cart are not secured, and can be easily stolen.
An improved shopping cart is desired.

Shopping cart having slotted rack for securing objects


The invention relates to a switchable cam follower of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, comprising an outer follower and an inner follower interposed between the lateral walls thereof. A roller extends between arms of the inner follower, float-mounted on a pin, as the counter face for an eccentric disk. The followers are disposed on one end on a common axis. On the distal end, they have elongate seats that, at the base of the cam, are mutually aligned. A coupling element is located in the seat of the outer follower and can be displaced step by step into the seat (here follower surface) of the inner follower. The pin on the inner follower slightly projects over the arms of the inner follower with one projection each. When coupled, upper sides of the projections rest against lower sides of stop surfaces that are mounted on the inner surfaces of the lateral walls of the outer follower.

In order to produce an aligned position of receptacles for coupling means in the cam base circle in levers which are already known from the prior art, a respective outer lever has a stop which engages in the manner of a bracket under the corresponding inner lever approximately in the region of the transverse central plane. On account of the necessary transition radii of said bracket-like stop from the arms of the outer lever as viewed in the transverse direction, a cam follower of said type has to be of relatively wide construction, since the inner lever cannot come into contact with an upper side of the transverse bracket in the radii region. If, nevertheless, there is contact in the region of the radii, unnecessarily high material loading is to be expected. States can also occur in which there is not sufficient alignment of the coupling means with respect to the opposite receptacle, with the result that coupling cannot be realized.
Secondly, it is obvious that, on account of the transverse bracket which engages over the underside of the inner lever, the cam follower is of unnecessarily deep construction. Here, problems can occur with free movement in the region of the cylinder head.
It is also disadvantageous that the journal for the roller as a mating running surface must be calked in the inner lever or fastened to the inner lever in some other way. This increases the production expenditure. In addition, the roller with journal cannot be disassembled again after the initial fastening. A disassembly would however be desirable for servicing purposes or in the event of a pairing of pre-sorted rollers for play adjustment.

Switchable cam follower of a valve train of an internal combustion engine


In order to provide an apparatus for terminal setting of an IC having a PROM which is rewritable without affecting peripheral circuits assembled on a set board together with the IC with no special power supply prepared for the IC, the apparatus of the invention comprises means for setting each of I/O terminals (13e) of the IC not used for data-writing into the PROM, to a status predetermined respectively for said each of I/O terminals according to circuit configuration of the peripheral circuits, when data-writing into the PROM.

The present invention relates to an IC (Integrated Circuit) having a PROM (Programable Read Only Memory) wherein the PROM can be programmed after the IC is assembled with peripheral circuits on a set board, without affecting the peripheral circuits.
Many set boards are provided with an IC having a PROM, wherein necessary data are recorded for customizing, function of each set board according to each user's needs.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional set board having a data terminal 17, a clock terminal 18 and a mode setting terminal 19.
Referring to FIG. 6, the conventional set board comprises;
a first peripheral circuit 12 having a serial interface for data-exchanging with outside of the set board through the data terminal 17 according to a clock signal supplied through the clock terminal 18, PA1 a second peripheral circuit 16 connected to the first peripheral circuit 12, PA1 an IC 73 for exchanging data with the second peripheral circuit 16 through I/O (Input/Output) terminals 73e, referring to data prepared in a PRPM provided therein, PA1 a first power supply 74 for driving the first and the second peripheral circuits 12 and 16, and PA1 a second power supply 75 for driving the IC 73. PA1 the PROM 24, PA1 a mode detector 21 for generating a write ready signal and a terminal set signal by detecting the write mode signal supplied through the mode setting terminal 19, PA1 a PROM control circuit 82 for controlling data-write and dataerase of the PROM 24 according to the write ready signal delivered from the mode detector 21, PA1 a serial interface circuit 23 for preparing data to be written in the PROM 24, when controlled with the write ready signal, from data input through the data terminal 17 making use of the clock signal supplied through the clock terminal 18, PA1 a data processing circuit 26 for processing data exchanged with the second peripheral circuit 16 referring to data stored in the PROM 24 when the IC 73 is not controlled in the writing mode, and PA1 terminal setting circuits 85 for setting terminal status of the I/O terminals 73e controlled by the terminal set signal when the IC 73 is controlled in the writing mode. PA1 a mode detector for detecting a write mode signal supplied for controlling the integrated circuit in a writing mode for data-writing into the PROM, PA1 a terminal mode memory for storing data indicating predetermined statuses, each of I/O terminals of the integrated circuit not used in the writing mode being to be set according to each of the predetermined statuses, respectively; PA1 a terminal mode reader for reading out the data stored in the terminal mode memory and generating terminal mode signals in the write mode, logic of each of the terminal mode signals corresponding to each of the predetermined statuses; and PA1 terminal setting circuits, each of the terminal setting circuits controlling each of statuses of the I/O terminals according to logic of corresponding each of the terminal mode signals in the writing mode. PA1 detecting a write mode signal supplied for controlling the integrated circuit in a writing mode for data-writing into the PROM; PA1 reading out data stored in a terminal mode memory, the data indicating predetermined statuses, each of I/O terminals of the integrated circuit not used in the writing mode being to be set to each of the predetermined statuses, respectively; and PA1 controlling each of statuses of the I/O terminals according to a corresponding one of each of the predetermined statuses in the writing mode.
The IC 73 is also connected to the data terminal 17, the clock terminal 18 and the mode setting terminal 19.
When a write mode signal is supplied to the set board through the mode setting terminal 19, the IC 73 is set in a writing mode and controlled to rewrite the PROM according to data supplied through the data terminal 17 and the clock signal supplied through the clock terminal 18.
In FIG. 6, the set board is connected to a PROM writer 11 for writing data in the PROM.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the IC 73 of FIG. 6, comprising;
When the write ready signal is delivered, the serial interface circuit 23 stands by for receiving data from outside and the PROM control circuit 82 begins to erase data stored in the PROM 24. After data in all address of the PROM 24 are erased, the PROM control circuit 82 begins data-write processes of the PROM 24 with data supplied through the serial interface circuit 23.
In the ordinary operation mode of the IC 73, each status of the I/O terminals 73e varies according to data to be exchanged with the second peripheral circuit 16, and the second peripheral circuit 16 operates according to statuses of the I/O terminals 73e. However, when the IC 73 is controlled in the writing mode, statuses of the I/O terminals 73e vary independent of circuit configuration of the second peripheral circuit 16 and it may be made to operate abnormally, if the I/O terminals 73e are connected directly to the data processing circuit 26 connected to the PROM 24.
For this purpose, the terminal setting circuits 85 are provided, and when the IC 73 is controlled in the writing mode, every status of the I/O terminals 73e is set to an output status, so that the data processing circuit 26 is not affected, and each output logic is forced to remain at logic LOW, for example, independent of operation of the data processing circuit 26.
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the terminal setting circuits 85, having an nMOS transistor 85-1 with its drain connected to corresponding one of the I/O terminals 73e and its source grounded. Gate of the nMOS transistor 85-1 is controlled by the terminal set signal. So, when the terminal set signal is turned to logic HIGH by the mode detector 21 detecting the write mode signal supplied through the mode setting terminal 19, logic of the I/O terminal 73e is fixed to LOW. In the ordinary operation mode, the terminal set signal is left at logic LOW, making the I/O terminal 73e to accord to logic of data to be exchanged.
However, in the IC 73 of the conventional set board of FIG. 6, statuses of the I/O terminals 73e in the writing mode can not be but fixed a priori independent of circuit configuration of the peripheral circuit 16 to be assembled together with the IC 73. So, statuses of the I/O terminals 73e in the writing mode may still cause some effect to the peripheral circuit 16.
Therefore, the first power supply 74 and the second power supply 75 are prepared separately in the conventional set board of FIG. 6, and the first power supply 74 for driving the first and the second peripheral circuits 12 and 16 is controlled to make them inactive when rewriting the PROM 24 in the IC 73.
Preparing two different power supplies needs complicated wiring and a futile space in the set board as well as a troublesome power supply setting accompanying data writing in the PROM.

Apparatus for and method of terminal setting of integrated circuit


A reusable carrier with expandable, disposable insert is disclosed including an apron having at least one pocket and a disposable container therein. The disposable container includes a front wall and a back wall each having an outwardly disposed clip to secure the disposable container within a pocket of the apron, a pair of extendable side walls between and attached to both front and back walls, and an extendable bottom wall attached to front, back, and side walls to form a leakproof receptacle. In one alternate embodiment, a second disposable container is attached to the front wall of the disposable container. Alternate embodiments further comprise a stiffener attached to at least one of the side and bottom walls within the disposable container to prevent collapse of the container during use. In yet other alternate embodiments, a plurality of ribs are provided within the disposable container along both front and back walls to prevent splashing and spillage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an apron having an expandable and disposable insert therein so as to provide one or more readily available reservoirs capable of holding paint, spackle, plaster and other viscous materials commonly used during repair and remodeling activities.
2. Background
Several design features are important to carrier devices for viscous materials, examples including paint, spackle, and plaster. The carrier device should hold a sufficient quantity of viscous material so as to minimize the number of refills required to complete a task. Several colors and/or material types should be readily accessible to the user. The carrier should sufficiently support the viscous material in a controlled fashion, minimize discomfort to the user, and provide an ergonomically elegant device in both form and function.
The related arts include a variety of devices to carry paint. Devices are separable into three distinct design categories. Carriers for paint-filled containers, including cans and buckets, are described by Martelly (U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,136 B1) Burow, (U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,791), Harbour (U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,982), Pogwizd (U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,092), Walsh (U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,109), and Bozarth (U.S. Pat. No. D296,268). Aprons having a paint tray are described by Williamson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,391), Johannes (U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,709), Jones (U.S. Pat. No. 3,283,971), and Wittmann (U.S. Pat. No. 2,945,614). Paint and/or brush carriers attachable to a belt or strap are described by Taylor (U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,178), Stocke et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,365), Robinson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,051), King (U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,042) and Jaques (U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,433).
The related arts teach carriers that are large and bulky in both storage and use. Furthermore, referenced inventions fail to prevent paint from contacting multi-use components thereby requiring cleanup after each such use.
What is required is a carrier that minimizes storage volume of the device prior to use, maximizes holding volume within the device during use, and is readily discardable after use so as to minimize cleanup.

Reusable carrier with expandable, disposable insert


In a system and method for dialing for a communication device, all phone numbers of a contact in a contact list of the communication device are assigned priorities. All the phone numbers of the contact are ordered according to the priorities. A phone number of the contact are associated with a next phone number according to the order. If a user dials a phone number but the phone number cannot be dialed through, the other phone numbers associated with the phone number are dialed according to the priorities. If all the phone numbers have not been dialed through, the communication device sends a message to a mobile phone number of the contact for informing the user cannot communicate with the contact.

1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to dialing systems and methods, and more particularly to a dialing system and method for a communication device.
2. Description of Related Art
At present, a contact in a contact list of a mobile electronic device may have more than one contact phone numbers. These more than one contact phone numbers may include an office phone number, a home phone number, and/or mobile phone number, for example. If the contact cannot be dialed through using a dialed phone number, then a user often has to search other contact phone numbers of the contact. This process is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Therefore, an effective system and method is needed to overcome the described limitations.

Dialing system and method for a communication device

Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd.


A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: a step of forming an inorganic insulating film and an organic insulating film on one surface of a first substrate; a step of forming an opening portion by dry-etching a laminated film of them; a step of forming a bump electrode inside the opening portion; and a step (bonding step) of bonding the one surface of the first substrate having a bump electrode formed thereon and one surface of a second substrate having a bump electrode formed thereon to each other. A surface treatment on the inorganic insulating film is performed subsequent to the step of forming the opening portion but prior to the bonding step. By performing the surface treatment on the organic insulating film, connecting property between the substrates can be improved.

In recent years, as one of methods for miniaturizing a semiconductor device and for achieving high performances thereof, a packaging technique has been developed, in which semiconductor substrates each made of a single crystal silicon (hereinafter, referred to as silicon substrate) are laminated so that the silicon substrates are electrically connected to each other by using fine electrode wires.
As a recently-focused technique of the above-described packaging techniques, there is a method in which integrated circuits formed on a plurality of silicon substrates are electrically connected to each other by using fine electrodes each referred to as bump electrode which connects silicon substrates with each other or electrodes each referred to as silicon through electrode (Through Silicon Via) which penetrates through a silicon substrate.
In the case of a semiconductor device to which the above-described technique is adopted, the connection reliability of the bump electrodes which connect the silicon substrates with each other deteriorates due to a stress caused by heat and impacts applied to the silicon substrates. For this reason, a technique for ensuring the connection reliability of the bump electrodes in which the bump electrodes are protected by sealing the periphery of the bump electrodes with an insulator such as a resin is essential.
One of methods for sealing the periphery of the bump electrodes with the resin is a pre-coating method. This is a method for electrically connecting the bump electrodes with each other by, prior to a step for bonding two silicon substrates (for example, silicon wafers) having bump electrodes formed thereon with each other, coating each silicon substrate with a thermosetting resin represented by an epoxy resin, and then, thermally compression-bonding the two silicon substrates with each other.
However, in the case of the above-described pre-coating system for connecting the bump electrodes with each other by coating the silicon substrates having the bump electrodes formed thereon with the resin, and then, thermally compression-bonding the silicon substrates with each other, the resin adhered onto a surface of the connection of the bump electrodes sometimes enter a space between the bump electrodes upon the thermal compression-bonding. This entering causes a high contact resistance between the bump electrodes, and besides, a non-contact state between the bump electrodes or others, which result in a problem of a reduction of the connection reliability of the bump electrodes.
Accordingly, in order to eliminate such a failure as the entering of the resin into the space of the surface of the connection between the bump electrodes, some methods in which flattened bump electrodes and a resin are simultaneously joined with each other so as to simultaneously perform connection of the bump electrodes with each other and connection of the resins with each other have been proposed.
For example, the following Patent Document 1 (Specification of U.S. Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2007/0207592) discloses a method of forming a resin portion having an opening portion in a silicon substrate having an LSI formed thereon, and then, burying a bump electrode material into the opening portion of the resin, performing polishing so that there is no step between the resin and an upper surface of the bump electrode to be flattened, similarly forming the bump electrode and the resin in another silicon substrate having an LSI formed thereon, and bonding the resins formed on the two silicon substrates with each other and the electrodes thereon with each other by thermal compression bonding.
Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H07-014982) discloses the following step as a method for bonding two substrates with each other. First, a protective insulating film (12) on a quartz substrate (30) side is opened, metal films (65 and 66) mainly made of Al are buried in the opening portion, and they are flattened on the same level as a surface of the protective insulating film (12). Further, a thick polycrystalline Si film (24) is deposited on a semiconductor integrated circuit device formed on another single crystal Si substrate (11), and polishing a surface of the film to be flattened, and then, forming an adhesive layer (23) made of a fluorine-based resin on the surface thereof. Next, an opening portion reaching the semiconductor integrated circuit device is formed in the adhesive layer (23), and then, an insulting treatment is performed onto an opening portion side wall, metal films (67 and 68) mainly made of Al are buried into the opening portion and are flattened. Then, these substrates are bonded with each other (see FIGS. 25 and 26).

Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same


Upper end edges (7a, 7b, 7c) of positioning reference portions (5a, 5b, 5c) to be formed on outer walls of a funnel (1) for cathode ray tube are formed at distances (downwardly) toward a narrow open end (3) of the funnel from a maximum profile line (4) formed in the vicinity of a wide open end (2) by mold matching of forming mold at the time of press molding, thereby suppressing molding defects such as deficiency and wrinkle resulting from that glass is not completely filled, which are likely to occur in reference surfaces (6a, 6b, 6c) of the positioning reference portions, and eliminating occurrences of small cracks caused by concentration of heat stress, which are likely to occur in the upper end edges (7a, 7b, 7c) of the reference portions, to improve the productivity of the funnel.

A glass bulb for cathode ray tube usually comprises a front panel on which an image is to be displayed, a funnel disposed behind the panel and sealed with the panel, on outside of which a deflection yoke is to be attached, and a neck welded with the funnel for accommodating an electron gun therein.
The panel on which an image is to be displayed has a generally rectangular shape, and also a wide open end of the funnel sealed with the panel has a generally rectangular shape similar to that of the panel. Further, the neck in which an electron gun is to be accommodated has a cylindrical shape, and also a narrow open end of the funnel welded with the neck has a similar circular shape.
In order to allow a cathode ray tube to display a proper image without displacement of color, it is important to assemble it while precisely positioning the respective axes of the panel, the funnel and the neck with respect to the tube axis of the glass bulb. In order to accomplish this, on outer walls of sides of the funnel which are adjacent to each other is provided a plurality of positioning reference portions which are to be used with being abutted to a jig at the time of sealing with the panel (See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publications JP-A 63-10447 (SHO-63, 1988) and JP-A 9-245646 (HEI-9, 1997)), and reference surfaces of the positioning reference portions are formed at a predetermined distance from the axis of the funnel.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional funnel for cathode ray tube disclosed in the above-mentioned publications and the like, and FIG. 7 is a section view of essential part of a positioning reference portion thereof. In each drawing, the reference numeral 1 denotes a funnel, the reference numeral 2 denotes a wide open end, the reference numeral 3 denotes a narrow open end, the reference numeral 4 denotes a maximum profile line, the reference numerals 5a, 5b, 5c denote positioning reference portions, the reference numerals 6a, 6b, 6c denote reference surfaces of the respective reference portions, and the reference numerals 7a, 7b, 7c denote upper end edges of the respective reference portions.
Conventionally, these upper end edges 7a, 7b, 7c of the positioning reference portions of the funnel for cathode ray tube are formed at positions overlapping with the maximum profile line 4 formed by mold matching of a forming mold 10 and a shell mold 11.
In other words, as shown in FIG. 8, the aforementioned funnel 1 is generally press-molded by supplying a forming mold consisting of a bottom mold 10 and a shell mold 11 with a molten glass gob of high temperature, and then causing a plunger mold 12 to move down so as to extend the molten glass gob by pressing. After molding, the plunger mold 12 is moved up, and after removing the shell mold 11, the funnel 1 is removed from a bottom mold 10.
Molding surfaces for the positioning reference portions 5a, 5b, 5c are formed as recess portions in a bottom mold 10, and formed in the uppermost part of a bottom mold 10 in a state that upper portions thereof are free due to the fact that the funnel 1 will be removed from the bottom mold 10 after press molding. Consequently, the upper end edges 7a, 7b, 7c of the positioning reference portions are located at the positions that overlap with the maximum profile line 4 formed by mold matching of the bottom mold 10 and the shell mold 11.
As described above, the upper end edge 7a of the positioning reference portion 5a (ditto for 5b, 5c) of the conventional funnel overlap with the maximum profile line 4 formed in the vicinity of the wide open end 2 of the funnel 1 as a result of mold matching of forming mold consisting of the bottom mold 10 and the shell mold 11, and moreover, the positioning reference portion 5a is formed into a shape projecting to the outside from the maximum profile line 4.
For this reason, during press molding of the funnel, the positioning reference portion 5a is to be formed of glass of which temperature has slightly decreased in the substantially final stage of molding where the molten glass gob supplied to the bottom mold 10 is extended by pressing toward the neighborhood of the wide open end formed by the shell mold 11, and moreover the positioning reference portion 5a has a shape projecting to the outside from the outer wall of the funnel, with the result that not-filled (a defect that the positioning reference portion 5a is not completely filled with the glass) or wrinkling was likely to occur in the corresponding reference surface 6a.
Furthermore, chipping sometimes occurs in the corner between the reference surface 6a of the positioning reference portion 5a and the upper end edge 7a because of flash of glass formed by mold matching of forming mold consisting of the shell mold 11 and the bottom mold 10. Additionally, in the positioning reference portion 5a of which wall thickness suddenly changes, small cracking caused by concentration of heat stress at the upper end edge 7a used to cause a breakage on the entire funnel.
It is therefore an object of the invention to suppress molding defects such as not-filled, wrinkling and chipping in a positioning reference portion formed on an outer wall of a funnel for cathode ray tube, and avoid occurrence of small cracking caused by concentration of heat stress generated at an upper end edge of the reference portion, thereby improving the productivity of the funnel.

CRT funnel with positioning reference portions


An efficient flying device having flapping wings, an ornithopter, which uses many of the principles seen in bird flight, is presented herein. The wings are highly flexible, translationally stable and oscillate as a natural pendulum. Described as a springboard, the wings have a singular natural frequency, and a pumping means drives the wings at that frequency. Feedback means are described by which to accomplish this, whereby deflection of the wing affects an escapement mechanism which controls the timing and direction of the pumping means. Wing design is described whereby camber, flexure, torsion and directionality of wing components affect efficient propulsion, lift and differential reactivity with air during downstrokes and upstrokes. A crook element in the wing spar at a location proximal to the body of the device redirects vertical oscillation to horizontal. Other features are addressed, such as rearward vortex production and reaction, a double aerofoil wing construction, lateral and vertical wing curvature, rearward wing and featherlike element flexure to produce thrust, and connection of separate elastic elements to reduce power requirements.

In nature, many creatures are able to move through the air easily, gracefully and swiftly. Man has always dreamed of equaling this natural motion through the atmosphere, but to date has been essentially unable to do so. Birds, insects and even mammals are able to fly with flapping wings. Through eons of natural selection, fliers have developed advantages that make them highly capable and efficient at moving in air. Although the use of rotating propellers and jet action has allowed man to effectively move through air and therefore accomplish amazing things, a full understanding of the principles behind efficient flapping motion still eludes scientists.
A flapping flying device is presented herein, an ornithopter, which utilizes some of the principles perfected by nature through millions of years of evolutionary trial and error. Of course, all aspects of natural flapping are not addressed, since natural phenomena are complex and hold many secrets yet to be unveiled.
Some studies, as shown in the referenced prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,196 indicate that propulsion by natural flapping motion, at least through water, is somewhat dependent upon vortices created by the flapping. Additionally, flapping propulsion is significantly more efficient than human methods of propulsion through fluids. The similarities between flapping in water for propulsion and flapping in air for propulsion suggest that the same principles are in effect. A vortex is created during a sweep in the fluid by a flexible foil which thereafter affects and provides impetus for a subsequent sweep of the wing or fin in the opposing direction. The instant invention utilizes this concept for propulsion of the device through air.
Human attempts to mimic the flapping motion of creatures have been for the most part unsuccessful. Flying devices as shown in the prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,408 are such attempts. Most of these designs are not viable. Smaller ornithopters do fly, but at present do not compare in practicality to conventional propeller-driven aircraft.
The instant device for employing flapping motion for propulsion through air is both novel and unanticipated. It explains the heretofore mysterious success of movement by many flying and swimming creatures, A fundamental principle presented herein is that natural flapping utilizes a springboard-like highly elastic method to facilitate flapping and greatly conserve energy. Natural flapping of a wing or a fin is the action of a damped spring pendulum having a proximal end firmly communicated with the body of the organism and a distal end which elastically reacts with the fluid. This spring pendulum, or springboard, acts in a manner similar to a common diving board, wherein the distortion of the springboard in one direction stores potential energy which is released in a subsequent reverse movement. Once the wings are oscillating, the creature must add enough energy to overcome the damping caused by reaction with the fluid and energy losses due to internal friction. In an ideal situation, with no friction and in a vacuum, a single stroke would create an oscillation which would continue forever. Of course, friction does certainly exist, and reaction with air is necessary to keep an organism aloft, so a creature in nature is required to use muscle power to fly.
Observation of birds suggests that these organisms flap at a frequency unique to the creature. They seem to vary from this frequency only when acceleration is necessary, such as when starting, stopping and maneuvering. Additionally, organisms having larger wingspans flap at a lower frequency than smaller organisms, a characteristic which is further suggestive of a springboard pendulum since physics dictates that the period of vibration increases with the length of the pendulum. The springboard effect is somewhat disguised when observing these fliers, since soaring and accelerating conditions are common during the daily routine of the creatures. It is an effect which is, however, detectable during sustained flapping over long distances. It is also notable that minimal or no musculature is necessary at the wing extremities in the proposed flapping propulsion presented herein. The action of the wing is largely passive. An appearance of complex wing action is the result of reaction with the air of the various flexible wing elements. Forces on the elastic wing during the flap account for the changing angle of attack and shape of the wing, both sideward and rearward.
This natural spring pendulum effect conserves energy for the organism. Pivoted wings and pivoted fins such as described in much of the prior art referenced herein require energy to stop motion in one direction, then start up a reverse motion. This would be the case even in the frictionless vacuum of our example. This energy is lost on every stroke and significantly reduces efficiency. All of the referenced prior arts have this disadvantage.
Although most of the prior arts mention wing flexure, the described embodiments are substantially inelastic compared to the instant device. A large value for flexure as proposed herein is unanticipated in the prior art, as evidenced by the fact that the prior art suggests variability in the rate at which the wings are flapped. Conflict results when highly elastic wings are pumped at other than the natural frequency of the wings. They do not flap smoothly, but instead sustained pumping tends to create erratic, interfering vibration along the span with a reduction of distal end displacement. This effect is minimal and therefore obscured if the flexure is slight, as proposed by the prior art. The instant invention employs highly elastic wings operating at a singular natural frequency to increase efficiency.
A further distinction between the present invention and the prior art is that the prior art employs wings in hinged communication with the body of the device. The preferred embodiment of the present invention describes fixed attachment of the wings to the body. A hinged embodiment of the present invention is described as an alternative method to produce elasticity near the body of the device, but the device continues to operate as a springboard having high elasticity and therefore a singular natural frequency, which is unanticipated by the prior art. The utilization of elastic elements in the prior art is only suggested as an optional energy storing method as in the DeLaurier references. Elastic elements as suggested for use in the instant invention are also usable in conjunction with a firm connection of the wings to the body. This configuration is further distinguished from the prior art in that the hinges of the instant invention do not need to be adjustable sideward as in prior art DeLaurier wherein special hinges are designed to adjust translationally during pumping to effectively communicate a vertically moving panel with a pivoting panel. The referenced prior art of Bowers contains a similar problem.
Another novel element presented herein is illustrated as a bent configuration of the wing spar close to the point of fixed attachment to the fuselage. The wing spar is the principal resilient element providing elasticity to the wing. This crook configuration redirects the vertical forces produced during flapping into substantially horizontal forces. These horizontal forces are counteracted by the opposing forces produced by the other wing. This process substantially reduces the up and down movement of the fuselage which normally occurs in response to center of gravity changes caused by the flapping. It is proposed herein that birds have a similar bone structure which accomplishes the same task, the "wishbone" being the critical central element. None of the prior art suggests such a configuration and teach away from such a solution, since such a solution requires firm connection between the wings and body. Prior art DeLaurier shows a 3 part wing design that moderates such body oscillation. This aspect is therefore a further indication of the novelty of the instant device. Birds and other creatures fly utilizing the principles mentioned, whereby the actions of two wings provide impetus for forward motion and aerodynamic wing shape thereafter provides lift. The wings are fixedly attached to the body and act simultaneously at a singular flapping frequency. Although bird structure appears complicated, it is suggested herein that the "wishbone" is the fixed central element of the two wings, and thereby the point at which each wing is communicated. It is submitted that the "wishbone" provides much of the necessary resilience for flying, since it is typically observed to be flexible, it is of a shape which suggests flexibility, and it has a significantly larger cross sectional area than many other bones. It is also observable that there is minimal vertical oscillation of the body of birds during flight, a further indication of a springboard configuration such as proposed herein.
The natural frequency of the wings of particular flying organisms is dependent upon several factors. Span, surface area, wing shape and composition, flexure, and the density and viscosity of the air at any particular time are some of the determinants of an oscillatory flapping rate. It is submitted herein that increased velocity of birds in free flight is caused by an increased amplitude of the flap, not an increase in flapping frequency. Since a singular flapping rate is an important aspect of the instant device, methods for the determination of that rate are suggested. The prior art continually teaches a varying flapping rate in order to compare performance, and it is submitted herein that any pumping frequency other than the natural frequency reduces efficiency in a highly elastic device.
A natural spring pendulum works effectively only if the organism exerts a complementary force on the wings at a frequency matching the natural frequency of the wings. In much the same manner as pushing a person on a playswing or bouncing on a diving board, force must be applied in harmony with the natural frequency. If a repetitive force is applied at other than the natural frequency, conflict is created and energy is lost. Similarly, if muscular forces are applied at intervals other than the natural frequency in natural fliers, energy is lost. It may again be noted that the frequency is substantially independent of the distortion of the wing. During sustained flight, larger strokes maintain the natural frequency. This principle is fundamental to all types of pendulums, and was first observed by Galileo.
The concepts associated with natural spring pendulums are herein applied to flying devices. The pumping force may be applied by a variety of methods, including motorized and human means. Since application of the pumping force necessarily must be in synchrony with the natural frequency of the wings, a method by which a pumping means is activated at the correct time and in the correct direction is addressed. None of the prior art addresses this issue. A man-powered device would utilize the "feel" of the pendulum for applying the force. However, a completely mechanical device must successfully match the natural frequency. One method by which this may be accomplished is by sampling the wing motion, and thereafter switching the pump on and off with appropriate directional changes at the maximum displacements. This feedback process automatically adjusts for variations or interruptions in the flapping. Optionally, the wing frequency could be mathematically derived or experimentally determined and thereafter a pumping means with the desired frequency could be utilized during operation. The instant preferred embodiment illustrates a means to apply force to the wings which is similar to an escapement mechanism used in mechanical clocks. By this method, power is sympathetically applied to the wings at the correct time and in the correct direction, thereby facilitating the process and also saving energy. A further embodiment teaches a sampling and pumping means which is electrical. Such means to harmonically pump wings is not anticipated by any prior art. A problem of "backloading" as described in prior art by DeLaurier is eliminated if the pumping of the wings is in synchronous agreement with the natural movement of those wings.
Wing composition and design presented herein allows for flexible flapping and aerodynamic shape. The preferred embodiment describes a double aerofoil wing design having a flexible supporting spar with chords extending substantially perpendicularly. The structure is covered with a lightweight pliable plastic material. A molded wing embodiment is also suggested.
Wing structure of the instant device provides for flex not only in a spanward direction, but also rearward with respect to the direction of motion. The leveraged force on the trailing wing edges causes the wing structure to undergo pitching during each flap. This aspect will be discussed in the specification. Such flapping provides a substantially continuous rearward-directed reaction with air, thereby propelling the creature forward. Aerodynamic wing design causes lift when such forward propulsion is provided, allowing the bird to stay aloft. Additionally, a wing structure such as existent in birds approximates a class III lever wherein the proximal fixed end acts as a fulcrum, a pumping force is applied near the fulcrum, and thereafter a large distal-end distortion is created. A large distal displacement is especially advantageous for flying, since air has such a low viscosity. None of the prior arts showing high elasticity teach a pumping structure which applies a force between an end attached to the fuselage and an end that is free to elastically flap. This is a further distinction of the instant device from the prior art.
Wing shape is another distinguishing factor in flapping performance. By angling the nearer portion of the wing forward and the outer portion of the wing in a rearward direction, the flapping of the wing tips is directed more toward the rear, providing a greater displacement of air in that direction. In this manner, the common "V" shape of many bird wings directs the air more rearwardly, thereby increasing forward thrust.
Since the instant device presents a substantially passive, highly elastic wing which is driven by a force applied near an end proximal to the body, the weight of the wing itself causes a downward curvature. The wing therefore must be initially angled upward from the body to counteract this downward curvature to insure that the entire wing structure reacts with air substantially in a horizontal manner. This curvature is observed in many birds and is proposed in the instant device.
Wing flexure in the rearward direction is also important. This flexure is common in nature and is substantially produced by resilient feathers. Rearward wing edges are more pliable than leading edges since rearward wing tips are comprised of singular feathers having their most flexible parts exposed and substantially rearwardly directed. A flexibility gradient exists from front to rear whereby the wingtip feathers are oriented such that stems and barbules of the individual feathers are most pliant in a substantially rearward direction. Distal wing tip feathers of birds, for example, have stems which are directed more or less spanwardly, and have flexible surfaces which are created by a multiplicity of barbules extending from these stems. These wing tip feathers are asymmetric, with a wider, more elastic barbule surface directed rearwardly. The embodiments of the instant device describe such a flexibility gradient. Flexure of the rearmost elastic elements of the wing creates a secondary vertical elastic flapping effect which is slightly out of phase with the primary, spanward, frequency of the wing and reacts with vortices created by previous strokes thereby forcing air to the rear of the device and increasing leading edge suction.
The instant invention also addresses the importance of wing camber. In nature, bird wings are cambered to provide lift when propelled forwardly, a feature which has been successfully imitated by man in the design and construction of airplane wings. It is submitted herein that this camber produces an important secondary effect. Since the curvature is concave downward, as in a Roman arch, the wing is more resistant to flexure when moving downward and, conversely, flexes more readily when moving upward. Flapping, therefore, produces a reactive and powerful downstroke. Since the upstroke is thereafter more flexible, it does not generate the power that the previous downstroke produced and allows air to pass through with less resistance. Such unequal vertical flexure is therefore helpful in keeping the device aloft. The prior art of DeLaurier argues that downstrokes require significantly more power than upstrokes, and suggests that birds solve the problem by wing contraction or rest periods during upward strokes of the wing. It is suggested herein that the differential vertical flexure of highly flexible cambered wings, such as proposed in the instant device, substantially addresses this problem. Additionally, wing tips of birds have singular feathers which are individually cambered. Both the stems and the barbules of these feathers have a downward curvature. In a manner similar to the spanward wing surface, this cambering of wingtip feathers decreases resistance during the half-cycle upstroke of the wingtips and presents increased resistance during downstrokes, thereby creating a more powerful downstroke than upstroke. A further differential between downstrokes and upstrokes is caused by feather overlap and is addressed in the instant device. No prior art proposes such means to provide unequal powered strokes.
The prior art in this field does not show other novel aspects presented by the instant invention. Most of the prior art proposes hinged wings, a disadvantage already discussed. Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,408 shows a flying device designed to utilize a singular flexible wing. While this reference mentions harmonic oscillation in its operation, it varies significantly from the instant device in many ways. The reference does not firmly attach wings to the body of the device, but instead attaches a single wing, spanning both sides, to a powered armature pumping at a central location of the singular wing. The wing is therefore moveable with respect to the body of the device and therefore requires slots on the sides of the fuselage through which the wing may slide vertically during oscillation. The single wing concept of the reference does not anticipate the instant device because the instant device presents springboard wing structures which are immoveable at an end with respect to the body of the device while being driven up and down at a point outward of the body. Connection to the fuselage of the Bowers design would be difficult at best; possibly pivoted communication at the two nodal points along the wings thereby resulting in a design similar to the DeLaurier references. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,408 mentions oscillatory action, but thereafter does not describe means for accomplishing that action nor specify the existence of a singular natural frequency. Recognizing and producing such a unique natural frequency is not obvious. An important difference in the design of U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,408 from that of the instant device is that lift is provided by a valve structure on the wing surfaces which allows air to flow through the wings on upstrokes and thereafter precludes the same from occurring during downstrokes. The present device provides lift by the natural combination of flexible wing and wing tip cambering, overlap, and aerodynamic cross-sectional shape along with a forward impetus provided by large spanward distal displacement and flexible rearward reaction with air. Additionally, this reference does not teach a highly elastic wing construction, and teaches toward less elasticity by describing a desired unequal lift caused by a valved wing structure with substantially no rearward wing flexure. As mentioned previously, many features presented herein affect successful flapping propulsion, none of which are significantly addressed or suggested by U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,408 and therefore that prior art does not anticipate the many advantages of the instant device.
The prior art of Velkow recognizes the necessity for wing elasticity in both span (sideward) and chord (rearward) directions, but proposes various flapping rates and uses mechanical means to flex only the outer part of the wings. The wings are pivotable at the proximal end, and flexure is achieved at the distal end by means of an elasticized pulley mechanism which retracts and extends with the pumping of the drive mechanism. It is submitted herein that flexure of the wing is best acquired along the entire length, with springboard connection to the fuselage at the proximal end. Energy storage is important, and employing the entire wing for such storage is an aspect which is not obvious. Velkow also does not address the necessity for a singular pumping frequency associated with any particular wing which must be energized at that frequency, and therefore that prior art does not describe a means to acquire such a frequency. A further aspect which is not addressed in the Velkow references is the cambered flexibility of the wings and wing tips to attain differential half-cycle power. Lastly, Velkow does not teach a forward then rearward lateral wing design which is extant in the present device for improving rearward air displacement at the distal end of the wing.
The construction of the instant device is unobvious since one skilled in the art would be reluctant to build a device having highly flexible wings and which are not pivotable. It is likely that immoveable connection of a wing to the body has been overlooked since a primary consideration of a flapping device is to make the flapping less difficult, and firm connection initially seems to conflict with this concept. It is both unlikely and unobvious that consideration has been given to the advantages produced by a firm springboard connection of elastic wings to the fuselage. Therefore, most of the referenced prior art describes hinged connection, and because some success has been attained, a springboard configuration was not envisioned as being able to produce better results. It follows that consideration of frequency matching with respect to the natural frequency of the wing is not an obvious concept and the successes of fixed wing aircraft also tend to obscure the characteristics of effective elastic flapping flight.
The features of the instant device are submitted by the applicants to be novel and unobvious in light of the prior art. Additionally, the combination of the various elements of the device presented herein is also submitted as being unobvious and novel to those skilled in the art. Details of those various elements are given in the description of the preferred embodiment of this specification.

Flying device utilizing natural principles


The present invention is a method for providing address decode and Virtual Function (VF) migration support in a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) multi-root Input/Output Virtualization (IOV) environment. The method may include receiving a Transaction Layer Packet (TLP) from the PCIE multi-root IOV environment. The method may further include comparing a destination address of the TLP with a plurality of base address values stored in a Content Addressable Memory (CAM), each base address value being associated with a Virtual Function (VF), each VF being associated with a Physical Function (PF). The method may further include when a base address value included in the plurality of base address values matches the destination address of the TLP, providing the matching base address value to the PCIE multi-root IOV environment by outputting from the CAM the matching base address value. The method may further include constructing a requestor ID for the VF associated with the matching base address value, the requestor ID being based upon the output matching base address value and a bus number for a PF which owns the CAM.

Currently existing single-root IOV endpoint designs allow for base address decoding. However, as the number of endpoint designs increase such designs may introduce new issues with regards to data management, or the like, which may not be adequately addressed. For example, multi-root IOV endpoint designs have recently been introduced and these multi-root IOV endpoint designs have introduced implementation issues in congestion management, virtual function migration and IOV reset mechanisms.
Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a solution which addresses the above-referenced problems associated with multi-root IOV endpoint designs.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for providing address decode and virtual function (VF) migration support in a peripheral component interconnect express (PCEI) multi-root input/output virtualization (IOV) environment


In a home theater system having a source apparatus, a repeater apparatus and a sink apparatus connected in the recited order, when connected to a sink apparatus, whatever type it is, the repeater apparatus provides the source apparatus with video and audio signal format information that allows correct transmission. A control part 210 of the repeater apparatus 200 reads EDID information from memory 321 of the connected sink apparatus 300, and analyzes video and audio signal formats that can be processed by the sink apparatus 300, and when any format that cannot be handled by the repeater apparatus 200 itself is included, the repeater apparatus deletes information concerning that format to reconstruct the EDID information, and stores the reconstructed information into memory 221 in order to cause the source apparatus 100 to reference the stored information as EDID information of the repeater apparatus itself.

In recent years, mainly in the field of consumer video/sound equipment, general practice has been to connect an output apparatus such as a DVD player to a receiving apparatus such as a display via a network, and to view content, which is reproduced and outputted by the output apparatus, on the output apparatus.
As an interface standard for transmitting digital video and audio signals between the output apparatus and the receiving apparatus, a standard called "High-Definition. Multimedia Interface" (hereinafter, referred to as the "HDMI"; see Non-Patent Document 1) is established.
Because the HDMI standard makes it possible to transmit video and audio data in high-quality and uncompressed form, and the audio data is transmitted along with a video signal with a blanking period in which the audio data is superimposed (hereinafter, such a signal is referred to as the "HDMI signal"), the HDMI standard has advantages, for example, in that it is not necessary to separate an audio output terminal and a video output terminal as is required conventionally. Furthermore, the standard is expected to come into wide use in the future because the HDMI signal being transferred is encoded and thus copyright-protected.
In the HDMI, basically, a plurality of apparatuses are connected in series via cables conforming to the HDMI standard (hereinafter, referred to as the "HDMI cables"), and signals are transmitted between the apparatuses in one direction. The apparatuses are classified into three types:                (1) "Source" for transmitting signals (hereinafter, referred to as the "source apparatus");        (2) "Sink" for receiving signals (hereinafter, referred to as the "sink apparatus"); and        (3) "Repeater" disposed between the source apparatus and the sink apparatus and having abilities to receive and retransmit signals as well as, for example, a 1-input/1-output or multi input/multi output selector function for selecting the source apparatus or the sink apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as the "repeater apparatus").
Note that the repeater apparatus does not simply pass the signals therethrough, but has in itself abilities both as the sink apparatus and as the source apparatus, and functions for reproducing a video signal and an audio signal by decoding a received HDMI signal, and reconverting these signals into an HDMI signal before retransmission.
The repeater apparatus is not only used as a selector, but also can be used as one of the apparatuses for constructing a home theater system in which, for example, the repeater apparatus itself has an audio reproduction and output ability, allowing the repeater apparatus to output an audio signal, which is received from a source apparatus such as a DVD player, from its own audio reproduction equipment, and retransmit a video signal to a sink apparatus for displaying the signal on a display.
Note that the sink apparatus at least stores information called "Extended Display Identification Data" (hereinafter, referred to as the "EDID"; see Non-Patent Document 2) for defining formats of video and audio signals, and the source apparatus can reference the EDID information in the sink apparatus by reading it via a serial signal line called a "DDC" in the HDMI cable.
The EDID information is information concerning formats of video and audio signals that can be reproduced after being received by the sink apparatus. By using the EDID information, the source apparatus can transmit a signal after automatically determining an optimal format of the signal in accordance with the sink apparatus connected thereto.
For example, when the EDID information indicates THAT "THE FORMAT OF THE VIDEO SIGNAL IS COMPATIBLE WITH 480P and 1080i, and the format of the audio signal is a linear PCM 2-channel format and compatible with sampling frequencies of up to 192 kHz", the source apparatus can operate in such a manner as "not to use 720p but to output audio of up to 192 kHz without limiting the audio at 48 kHz".
Accordingly, in order to ensure the aforementioned mechanism, the repeater apparatus is required to perform control in such a manner that the EDID information in the sink apparatus connected thereto can be referenced by the source apparatus as EDID information of the repeater apparatus itself.
Note that 480p, 1080i, and 720p as mentioned above denote video signal display formats, where numerals denote the number of scanning lines, p denotes progressive scanning mode, and i denotes interlaced scanning mode.    Non-Patent Document 1: "High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification Version 1.1", 2004    Non-Patent Document 2: "ENHANCED EXTENDED DISPLAY IDENTIFICATION DATA STANDARD Release A, Revision 1 VESA,", 2002

Repeater apparatus to provide a source apparatus with format information that can be processed by both a sink apparatus and the repeater apparatus and method for controlling the same


An electrocatalyst is described. The electrocatalyst includes a core of a non-noble metal or non-noble metal alloy; and a continuous shell of a noble metal or noble metal alloy on the core, the continuous shell being at least two monolayers of the noble metal or noble metal alloy. Methods for making the electrocatalyst are also described.

In recent decades, there has been considerable progress in making electrocatalysts of Pt/C. These catalysts have been improved by the development of methods of dispersing Pt metal into 2-3 nm particles deposited on carbon supports.
For current commercial products, the level of Pt mass activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is approximately 0.08 A/mg Pt in Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) tests, and 0.1 A/mg Pt on Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) tests at 0.9 V (iR free).
However, in order to meet the automotive-competitive (AC) target for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells for vehicle applications, the Pt mass activity toward the ORR of Pt-containing cathode catalysts must be increased by at least four to eight times over current state-of-the-art catalysts, without compromising catalyst durability.
One attempt to meet this target involves the use of alloy nanoparticles of Pt with 3d transition metal(s). Although these materials have been reported to increase Pt mass activity for ORR by two to three times, that is not sufficient to meet the goal.
Another approach toward improved ORR catalysts relies on the use of Pt monolayer catalysts. However, Pt monolayers are difficult to generate and can only be deposited on noble metal substrates, or on a non-noble metal substrate with a pre-existing noble-metal shell.
Therefore, there remains a need for an electrocatalyst which improves the Pt mass activity toward the ORR, and for methods of making such electrocatalysts.

Method for generating a shell of noble metal overlaid on a core of non-noble metal, and catalysts made thereby


A plurality of augmented batteries each have internal communication circuitry and current monitoring circuitry allowing them to communicate current usage signatures with one another. Based on analysis of those respective signatures each augmented battery determines if it is “paired” with other batteries, by virtue of being installed in the same device. The augmented batteries use knowledge of pairing to control how they collectively behave to provide augmented functionality, such as alerting the user regarding the charge level within the batteries.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Once a product is designed and sold, the hardware of that product can often no longer be updated because of lack of a standard electrical or mechanical interface for hardware enhancements. With some processor-implemented products it is sometimes possible to upload new software, to add new features or to correct deficiencies in the original model. While sometimes a useful technique, there are many products where such software upgrade is simply not possible.

Pairing method based on electric current synchronicity for augmented batteries

Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.