A method and arrangement in a Radio Network Controller (RNC) for monitoring radio link (RL) synchronization for each RL as soon as it is added to a User Equipment's (UE's) Active Set. When a new RL is added, each RL in the Active Set sends an Active Set Update Complete message to the RNC. When the RNC determines that a Radio Link Restore Indication message is not received from the Target NodeB serving the new RL, the RNC starts an initRlSyncT timer set for a defined time period and monitors incoming messages to determine whether the Radio Link Restore Indication message is received for the new RL before the initRlSyncT timer expires. If so, the method ends; but if not, the RNC instructs associated NodeBs and the UE to remove the new RL from the UE's Active Set.

While performing a new Radio Link (RL) addition to a UE's Active Set (AS) following a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) Event 1a or 1c, the newly added RL might not achieve complete synchronization in the uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) or both, although an RRC Active Set Update Complete message may be received by the Radio Network Controller (RNC) through the other synchronized RLs in the Active Set.
In the existing methodology of RL addition, when a UE requests the addition of a new RL by sending a Radio Resource Control RRC Measurement Report, the RNC evaluates a handover proposal and if successful, sends a NodeB Application Protocol (NBAP) Radio Link Setup Request to the target NodeB to configure the particular RL. Once the RNC receives an NBAP Radio Link Setup Response message, the RNC transmits the RRC Active Set Update message and waits for the RRC Active Set Update Complete message from all the pre-existing RLs in the Active Set. However, the RNC does not wait for an NBAP Radio Link Restore Indication to arrive indicating whether the newly added RL has achieved synchronization. As a result, the newly added RL may remain in the Active Set without achieving synchronization unless it becomes the Serving Cell and a Radio Connection Supervision (RCS) mechanism is triggered for this particular RL.
In the current implementation, it has often been observed that after a new RL has been added to a UE's Active Set either as a result of event 1a or 1c, the UE sends an RRC Active Set Update Complete message without achieving UL synchronization for the newly added RL. This can be established from the fact that no NBAP Radio Link Restore Indication message was received from the Target NodeB for the newly added RL. The RRC Active Set Update message corresponding to this new RL is transmitted by all the RLs and the RRC Active Set Update Complete message is received by the RNC from all the old RLs in the Active Set except the newly added one (which has not achieved synchronization).
Subsequently, an addition/replacement process for an additional new RL may be initiated. An RRC Active Set Update (Addition) message is transmitted to add the new RL, and synchronization for the newly added RL is also confirmed upon reception by the RNC of an NBAP Radio Link Restore Indication message. However, the RL which was added prior to this new RL addition procedure continues to remain unsynchronized. This can be confirmed by checking the RLS_TAG corresponding to this RL in the Internal RC Supervision message. As a result, the RRC Active Set Update Complete message is not received by all the RLs present in the current Active Set. Consequently, the RNC does not consider the Active Set Update procedure to be completed and waits for the same to arrive via all existing RLs until an Active Set Update Timer expires.
After expiry of the Active Set Update Timer (which may range for example, from 5-15 seconds), the UE's call is released. This occurs irrespective of the fact that the serving RL had adequate signal strength to sustain the call. Any RRC Measurement Report sent by the UE in the meantime will be buffered during this duration (wait period for RRC Active Set Update Complete message) and will not be evaluated. As a result, any valid candidate cell that was reported for addition/replacement could not be evaluated thereby missing the opportunity to add a stronger cell to the Active Set. Thus, the unsynchronized RL consumes physical resources such as channel element, codes, and DL power without providing any gain to the call.
This issue has severe impact on High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) calls as well. A new RL is added to the Active Set, but does not become the serving High-Speed Downlink Shared Channel (HS-DSCH) cell initially. The RRC Active Set Update message is transmitted on the downlink, and the RRC Active Set Update Complete message is received. However, the newly added RL could not achieve UL Synchronization, and no NBAP Radio Link Restore Indication message is received by the RNC for this specific RL. At a later stage, when this new RL (still having unsynchronized UL) becomes a candidate for the best cell, event 1d is reported by the UE. Accordingly, this RL becomes the serving HS-DSCH cell and the RCS supervision starts. After expiry of a HsDschRclostT timer, the connection is released.

Monitoring of radio link synchronization in a user equipment's active set


In one aspect, a technique for restarting a software system on a computer platform after an unintentional software system shutdown. The technique includes, for instance, generating a core dump file on the computer platform when the software system shuts down unintentionally, restarting the software system, using a library for copying software system related data from the core dump file to the software system, and continuing execution of the software system.

One or more aspects of the present invention relate in general to data processing systems, and in particular, to restarting a software system on a computer platform after an unintentional software system shutdown.
Computers and software applications are often unexpectedly shut down for a variety of reasons. A power outage may cause a computer and any applications presently in use to shut down. An operating system or software application may perform an unintentional shut down ("crash") where some aspect of data being processed or some aspect of processing sequencing in the operating system or application becomes problematic and causes the operating system or application to shut down. On the other hand, often a computer or software application shutdown is intentional, but still unexpected or unintentional to the user. For example, while the user is away from the computer, a computer system administrator may load a software patch (update or other software modification) to one or more applications currently in use, followed by a restart of the computer for properly integrating the patch with the subject application.
Such intended or unintentional shutdowns and restarts often cause a loss of data being entered or edited by a user at the time of the shutdown, and moreover, such shutdowns and restarts often result in a loss of the current application state of the various applications in use at the time of the shutdown and subsequent restart. That is, the number of applications deployed, the locations on the display screen of the various application display frames, the deployment of particular documents or other data, the editing locations in deployed documents, and other application settings states are lost. After the shutdown and subsequent restart, the user must redeploy each application and associated document or other data, reposition and resize the application display frames for each deployed application, and redeploy each document or other data in use to a position in the document or data at which the document or data was being edited prior to the shutdown.
US 20070162785 A1 describes a method which solves the above and other problems by providing for capturing and restoring application settings states during application shutdowns and subsequent restarts. Pre-shutdown deployed user data also may be captured for redeployment after subsequent application restart. An in-use application periodically saves data representing its current state. For example, data representing the size and location of deployed application user interface components and display frames, the location of scrollbars and other displayed application components, and data representing presently displayed documents and the viewing and editing positions of presently displayed documents are stored to memory on a periodic basis.
Both application state data and user data may be automatically stored at regular intervals, for example, every 10 minutes, or alternatively, application state data and user data may be stored automatically upon the detection of an impending intended application shutdown in order to allow for redeployment of the application to the application state stored for the application prior to shutdown.
As described further in US 20070162785 A1, applications prepared to recover from an unintentional shutdown need to keep persistent state outside the program memory. Usually this is implemented as a checkpoint. This can consist, for example, in saving the state to a file. However this design implies a runtime overhead to generate the checkpoints and on the other hand checkpoints are usually outdated if the state changes continuously.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A leak detection device for preventing damage from leaking hot water tanks. The invention features a unique three layered sensor that completely encircles the hot water tank thus detecting the occurrence of leaks any where around the tank. Circuitry controls the sensor that provides for accurate detection of even small amounts of moisture so that any potential leak problems can be remedied before a major spill occurs. The device is powered by connecting it to 110 house current. A 9 volt battery is provided for battery operation of the device and is also provided a back-up in case of power failures.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a water leak detection device.
2. Description of Related Art
A long standing problem in the area of containers, particularly hot water tanks, is that if a leak or break were to occur in the tank, no practical means or methods exist for terminating the water input to the tank unless one is physically present at the time the leak initiates. An extended period of leakage may cause substantial damage to carpeting and flooring as well as ceilings, walls and furniture especially if the leak were to occur on an upper floor of a multistory structure. Every year millions of dollars are lost in property damages and lost revenue to businesses due to hot water tank leaks.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,553, issued to T. H. Collins, discloses an automatic water cut off heater that requires a build up of water in its leakage reservoir to raise the float switch and activate the solenoid cut off valve. The system by Collins does not provide a means to operate the solenoid valve if a power failure is present during the time of leakage.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,857, issued to Lancia et al., discloses a probe-type liquid detector that has a limited area of sensor sensitivity. It utilizes a probe-type sensor that must rely on the leakage from the hot water tank to flow where the sensor is placed. The detector also has a test operation mode that will test the audible alarm of the detector but does not test the sensor circuitry of the detector.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,686, issued to Tom, discloses a water detection device with a combined extended probe liquid detection and shut-off system. A solenoid-type shut-off valve is utilized which is unsuitable for long term, unattended applications due to the substantial electrical current drain required. The elongated sensor probe relies on the flexible adhesive tape to keep it in contact with the floor. Adhesive tapes can loose their adhesive properties when exposed to humidity and moisture.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,662, issued to Moody, discloses a hot water heater failure protection device with solenoid that senses accumulation of moisture or liquid below the tank, that is, in the so-called drip pan. The device utilizes a ground fault interrupter circuit which for its operation requires that the hot water failure system be continuously powered by a 110 volt alternating current. Accordingly the system presents a potential safety hazard and requires considerable cost in operating power.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,650, issued to Hoiberg, discloses the use of an elongated filament like sensor that is placed around the base of the hot water tank. This type of sensor relies on leaking water to rise above its protruding edge and flow over its limitedly exposed electrical conductors to activate the alarm. Since finished floors and cement floors can have high and low areas, the leaking water will take the lowest point of travel and may flow underneath the sensor bypassing the exposed electrical conductors located on the top side of the sensor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,605, issued to Dowling et al., discloses a fluid vessel overflow system that is powered by an external electrical power source and utilizes a solenoid-type valve which will not function in the event of a power failure. The system does not provide an audible alarm or a visual alarm to notify the owner that water is leaking from the vessel. The system also fails to provide a means to trigger externally located alarm accessories and home security and protection systems.
A system that automatically detects leaks, activates an alarm in the building or at some other location and has a floor contouring sensor that completely encircles the hot water tank is not found in prior art.


An evacuating kit (10) having a puncturing device (14) for evacuating aerosol cans into a drum (12), on which the puncturing device is mounted at a first bung hole (36), also includes a filter canister (16) for being coupled to a second bung hole (77) of the drum by a flexible transfer hose (20) so that the filter canister can be supported by a floor supporting the drum. The puncturing device further includes a valve at a second end (32) of a tubular wall (23) of a housing (22) of the puncturing device with a valve poppet (50) positioned beyond the second end for opening and closing a second-end opening (28) using the second end of the housing as a valve seat. The valve has a valve stem (48) mounted for linear movement in a web (44) of the housing extending across the second opening. The stem includes circumferentially spaced stem fingers (56) for contacting a pressurized container being punctured to open and close the valve poppet. A can holding mechanism includes a plate (60) slideably mounted on the housing and a screw clamp mounted on the plate with a convex rounded surface (76) for contacting concave bottoms of aerosol cans.

This invention relates generally to the art of waste disposal, and more specifically to devices and systems for relieving, or evacuating, aerosol cans of pressurized propellant gases and residue contents in preparation for disposing or recycling the cans.
Pressurize aerosol cans, and other pressurize containers, have widespread usage in homes and industry. It has long be recognized that improper disposal of such containers constitutes a safety hazard in that excessive external heat and/or pressure can cause them to explode if they have not been relieved of internal pressure. Similarly, release of contents, both propellant gases and dangerous residue materials, from such containers often damages the environment.
Due to these hazards, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an Agency of the US government, regulates disposal of pressurized containers as well as their contents for industries. These regulations mandate that certain businesses and industries must puncture all pressurize containers prior to their disposal. Further, these regulations require that certain contents of pressurize containers be captured and disposed of in particular manners. Depending upon the natures of such contents, disposal methods can involve permanent disposal through incineration, landfills or other means; treatment and permanent disposal; treatment and recycling; and treatment and reclamation for a new use. An example of reclamation would be recovering a solvent contained in waste paint for use as a fuel. But, whichever disposal method is used, the EPA requires many industries to relieve the pressure in pressurize containers prior to transporting them for disposal.
In addition to the above requirement of the EPA, many states within the United States and countries outside the United States have requirements similar to, or even stricter than, those of the EPA. For example, California closely regulates release of gases into the atmosphere. In this respect, California considers some propellants used in aerosol cans to be contaminants, particularly when they contain small aerosolized particles of materials, such as insecticides, paints, and the like, which were in the aerosol cans.
There have been a number of prior-art devices suggested for piercing pressurized containers described in U.S. and foreign patents. Probably, the most widely used of such devices is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,762 to Campbell et al. This Campbell et al. patent describes a puncturing device for aerosol containers which includes an elongated tubular housing having male threads at a second end for being screwed into a first, or large, bung-plug hole (bung hole) of an off-the-shelf drum, such as a 15, 30 or 55 gallon drum. An aerosol can to be disposed of is inserted in a first opening at a first end of the cylindrical housing, nozzle-end-first, until a shoulder of the aerosol can engages a sealing shoulder in the elongated tubular housing. A puncturing device mounted on the side of the housing is driven through the housing to puncture the aerosol can above its nozzle valve (which is directed downwardly), but below the sealing shoulder of the elongated tubular housing. Propellant gas and residue material from the aerosol can are driven by pressure of a propellant gas in the can out of a second end opening of the housing into the drum. The sealing shoulder prevents the propellant gas and residue from retro-movement toward the first end opening of the housing (which opens to the environment) and ensures that these materials go into the drum.
The Campbell et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,762) also describes an aerosol-container reliever system which further includes a filter screwed into a second, or small bung opening, of the drum for filtering propellant gases escaping from the second bung opening of the drum so as to clean such escaping gaseous vapors of atmosphere-harmful materials.
Other patents which describe devices and systems relating to the system described in Campbell et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,762) include U.S. Pat. Nos.:
3,358,883 to Loe; 3,828,976 to Sidelinker; 3,926,340 to Tygenhof; 4,349,054 to Chipman et al.; 4,407,341 to Feldt et al.; 5,114,043 to Collins, Jr.; 5,181,462 to Isaac; 5,271,437 to O=Brien et al.; 5,284,997 to Spearman et al.; 5,309,956 to Hajma; 5,365,982 to O=Neill.
Although some of the devices and systems described in these various prior-art patents have some advantages, there are several existing shortcomings which these prior-art devices and systems do not overcome.
One problem not adequately addressed by these prior-art patents is that propellant gases can escape from most of their housings once punctured aerosol cans have been removed from the housings. There is no adequate structure described in the prior art for correcting this.
One of the above-mentioned patents, namely Isaac (U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,462), describes a system (see FIG. 6 of that patent) in which a can to be punctured is pressed against a valve stem for opening a valve through which propellant gases and residue is expelled. In the device of Isaac, once the can is removed, the valve is biased to close and prevent escape of collected fluids. However, the valve described in Isaac is relatively expensive to construct, is difficult to integrate with the rest of Isaac's housing, and has a valve seat which greatly restricts evacuation flow of propellant fluids and residue.
Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a valve on a housing for an aerosol can puncturing device which prevents backflow of propellants and residue but which can be easily integrated into the housing, is relatively inexpensive to construct, is effective in use, does not unduly restrict flow of propellants and residue, and can be used when the housing is screwed into a drum bung hole.
Yet another difficulty with the prior-art described above is that none of the devices described therein has an adequate mechanism for holding a can while the can is being pierced. In this regard, a number of these prior-art patents do describe mechanisms for holding cans while they are pierced; for example, Campbell et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,762) describes a Aforce-applying apparatus,@ which is basically a plate mounted on a shaft longitudinally slidable relative to the housing. The plate can be pressed downwardly against a can and the shaft can than be clamped in position relative to the housing so that the plate holds the can tightly against the sealing shoulder. Although this mechanism functions reasonably well, it is difficult for many people to manipulate it to apply a sufficiently great and constant force against the can for adequately driving the can squarely against the sealing shoulder. Thus, in some cases, once the can has been pierced below the sealing shoulder, propellants and residue have escaped pass the sealing shoulder, around the can directly into atmosphere. Thus, it is another object of this invention to provide an inexpensive and easy-to-construct holding mechanism for tightly holding a can in a housing while the can is pierced. It is also an object of this invention to provide such a holding mechanism which positively centers the can being held, thereby ensuring that it is held straight so that its shoulder is flush, or square, on the sealing shoulder of the housing.
Still another shortcoming of the devices and systems described in the above-cited prior-art is that they do not provide a portable kit for evacuating aerosol cans without unduly contaminating the environment. In this respect, Campbell et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,762) does disclose a puncturing device for aerosol containers which is sold as a kit with a filter, as mentioned above, with the puncturing device and filter to be mounted on a drum at first and second bung holes thereof and propellant gas passing through the drum and filter to atmosphere. However, such a portable filter mounted on a drum has been found to be inadequate for preventing contamination in many cases. Therefore, it is yet another object of this invention to provide a portable aerosol-container evacuating kit which includes a filter which can be coupled with a second bung hole of a drum which adequately cleans propellant gases evacuated from aerosol cans which is effective in use, uncomplicated in structure, relatively inexpensive to construct, and relatively easy to mount and use.


The conventional print-controlling apparatus performs printing with CMY inks and additional inks having a lower lightness than CMY inks, which are mixed in a specific ratio when ejected from the print head, so that colors in the entire range from low to high lightness are expressed. Unfortunately, chromatic color inks differing in hue from CMY inks have a low lightness or a high density, and this leads to poor granularity in the region of high lightness. This disadvantage is eliminated if color conversion is accomplished by using the granularity improvement LUT 15c that limits the deposition of RV inks. In this way it is possible to limit the ejection of RV inks in the region of high lightness and to improve the ink granularity in the region of high lightness.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a print-controlling method, a print-controlling apparatus, a medium recording said print-controlling program, an apparatus for preparing a color conversion table, a method for preparing said color conversion table, and a medium recording a program for preparing said color conversion table, which are applicable to printing in which the print head ejects at least three chromatic color inks and additional chromatic color inks having a lower lightness than said three chromatic color inks.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There has been known a print-controlling apparatus designed for printing with CMY inks and additional inks (such as red and violet inks) differing in hue from CMY inks, which are ejected from the print head. For expression of each color's tone, outputs are made separately with CMY inks and chromatic color inks differing in hue from CMY inks. The chromatic color inks usually have a lower lightness than CMY inks. The background art of the present invention is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-4816.
The conventional print-controlling apparatus mentioned above performs printing with CMY inks and additional inks having a lower lightness than CMY inks, which are mixed in a specific ratio when ejected from the print head, so that colors in the entire range from low to high lightness are expressed. Unfortunately, chromatic color inks differing in hue from CMY inks have a low lightness or a high density, and this leads to poor granularity in the region of high lightness.

Printing control method, printing control apparatus, medium on which printing control program is recorded


A seal wall having a weakened annular ring for removing a section of the seal wall to form an annular seal lip for sealing around a pipe of predetermined diameter, has a weakened watertight portion of the wall configured for insertion of a tool through the wall, spaced from the weakened annular ring and connected to the weakened annular ring by a weakened line.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to seals having removable sections to fit various size pipes, more specifically to a tear-start portion of a seal wall that has a weakened annular portion, for initiating and continuing the tear without damaging edges of the seal wall which are to seal about the pipe. The tear-start portion is in the plane of the seal wall and is engaged by puncturing the seal wall away from the weakened annular portion.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A septic tank or a septic system distribution box may have a plurality of seals with removable sections mounted in the walls of the tank or box. Sections of selected seals are removed to accommodate pipes through the seals, while the remaining seals must remain water tight.
In FIG. 1, Prior Art seal unit 20 is cast into opening 22 in concrete wall 24 of a septic tank. This is a frustoconical 26 seal unit with an adjustable annular seal wall 30. The wall is adjusted to fit pipes of different predetermined diameter by tearing out a portion of the wall that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe. This provides a tight fit of the remaining part of the seal wall around the pipe.
Sections of wall 30 can be severed from the wall by inserting a screw driver 32 or similar pointed instrument through the wall at annular groove 34 or annular groove 36. If the wall is torn out at annular groove 34, section 38 is removed, shown as 38'. This leaves an opening of diameter 42 through seal wall 30.
If the screw driver is inserted through the wall at annular groove 36, an opening for larger pipe is made through seal wall 30.
Tools on a job site are often rusty, or roughened, a screw driver blade is not curved to fit the annular groove, and the blade and can be accidentally inserted crosswise to the groove. This results in damage of the edge of the groove. The damage of the edge of the groove causes a leak space between the edge of the seal wall opening and the pipe.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,805,920 and 5,286,040 patented Feb. 21, 1989 and Feb. 15, 1994 respectively by N. Gavin describe a septic tank seal comprising a wall having removable sections which are torn out along weakened narrow annular portions like grooves 34 and 36 by insertion of a tool through the wall at the groove as discussed above.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,636 patented Aug. 6, 1991 by W. Hasty describes a flashing collar adapted to seal against more than one size of a vent pipe passing through the collar by removal of sections of the collar wall along annular separation rings of reduced thickness compared to the collar wall. The ring from which the section is removed seals around the vent pipe. Each ring has a weakened portion of the collar wall against one side of the ring along a length of the ring, and a pull tab extends substantially vertically from the weakened portion at the side of the ring along a length of the ring for gripping by a pliers for tearing from the seal wall, the section of seal wall that is immediately surrounded by the ring from the seal wall.
Pulling the tab alongside the ring, up from the wall in order to initiate the tear at the weakened portion can distort the edge of the ring if the tab is pulled uniformly across its width.

Removable section pipe seal for septic systems


A display panel and a display device are provided. The display panel includes a driving circuit. The driving circuit includes N-level shift registers cascaded with each other, where N is greater than or equal to two. A shift register includes: a first control unit configured to receive an input signal and control a signal of a first node; a second control unit configured to receive a first voltage signal and control a signal of a second node; a third control unit configured to receive the first voltage signal and generate an output signal, or receive a second voltage signal and generate an output signal in response to a signal of a third node connected to the first node; and a fourth control unit configured to receive the second voltage signal and control the signal of the first node. The first and second voltage signals are high-level and low-level signals, respectively.

With the continuous development of display technology, more and more electronic devices with a display function have been widely used in daily life and work, and bring great convenience to daily life and work.
A main component of the electronic device to achieve the display function is a display panel. A scanning signal is outputted from a driving circuit in the display panel, and the scanning signal is transmitted to a pixel array through a gate line, to control the pixel array to display a picture. The driving circuit often includes a plurality of cascaded shift registers. While a previous-level shift register is transmitting an output signal as the scanning signal to the gate line, the output signal as an input signal is transmitted to a following-level shift register, to control the following-level shift register to output a scanning signal.
However, when the load on the output terminal of the shift register is substantially small, the output signal outputted from the shift register tends to be unstable, which will not only affect the stability of the output signal of a following-level cascaded shift register, but also affect the display effect of the entire pixel array. The disclosed display panel and display device are directed to solve one or more problems set forth above and other problems.

Xiamen Tianma Micro-Electronics Co., Ltd.


The verification-processing device includes an acquisition unit that is configured to acquire a circuit logic model represented by an evaluation expression represented by a logical expression taking as variables, a relay, an element, and a connection line that form a relay logic circuit to be verified, the evaluation expression including at least a logical expression for a case where a failure event occurs in the relay logic circuit; and a determination unit that is configured to determine the logical state of an output of the relay when a failure event occurs in the element or the connection line, based on the circuit logic model.

In the related art, relay logic circuits using relays have been used in various control systems. The verification of the basic operation of the relay logic circuit is performed by a verification-processing device such as a circuit simulator, and the reliability of its logical operation is ensured. However, it may be difficult to perform the verification in the case of occurrence of a failure such as unintentional contact with a connection line or the like in the relay logic circuit or a failure of an element forming the circuit, because there are many events to be assumed.
Patent Literature 1 describes that a formal method typified by a model inspection method is used when designing a semiconductor LSI circuit and verifying functional requirements to be achieved by the semiconductor LSI circuit.

Verification-processing device, logic-generating device, and verification-processing method

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINEERING, LTD.


Disclosed herein is an eco-friendly, non-aqueous and stable antimicrobial solution composition comprising (a) about 0.1 to 20.0 wt % of a Tropolone; and (b) about 80.0 to 99.9 wt % of bio-derived 1,3-propanediol and/or bio-derived sorbitan caprylate. Also disclosed is a process for preparing and method of using the composition. The composition is stable for at least two years at room temperature and can be employed in the fields of cosmetic, toiletry, personal care, household, cleaning, disinfecting, food, beverages, enzyme formulations, feminine care products, foot care products, pet care products, food ingredients, paints, coatings, metal working fluids, nutrients for plants, construction and/or laundry products.

Preservatives are employed in various non-limiting industrial applications including personal care, household, coatings, metalworking fluids, paper, wood, plastics, disinfection, cosmetics, toiletry, pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, oral care, paints, and water treatment to prevent microbial contamination, of which, the personal care products engage significant amount of preservatives. It is mandatory on the part of formulators to give due consideration for product safety and environmental impact of the ingredients of the composition that they develop.
The prior art discloses use of a variety of glycols for preparing preservative or antimicrobial compositions. Sometimes glycols per se are used as a preservative component. In many laboratories ethylene glycol has replaced formaldehyde to preserve organisms. However, the use of ethylene glycol is limited in food and personal care industries due its toxicity. So, there is a necessity to replace ethylene glycol with a solvent which is non toxic. The limitation of ethyleneglycol is partly addressed by chemically synthesized propylene glycol which has been widely used in many applications such as food, cosmetics, personal care, bakery, etc. Such compositions comprising chemically synthesized propylene diols were found to have an irritation potential, and harmful and toxic impurities produced from the chemical processes used to synthesize it.
Further, the use of diols, glycols and alcohols for preserving cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical, personal care, household, disinfection, toiletry, food, beverage, and oral care compositions is limited by statutory regulatory instruments. Countries often have maximum concentration ranges to be employed in their respective approved regulated products. Additionally, an unwanted lowering of viscosity is observed with usage of higher percentage of solvents like alcohols in the end-user applications, thus, there is a limitation to employ higher concentration levels of alcohols.
To protect end-users against the microbial attack and from the side effects of excessive use levels of antimicrobial active ingredients, it is beneficial to have reduced concentration levels of Tropolone, an antimicrobial active of the present application. In this regard, mild and harmless efficacy enhancers of Tropolone could render the opportunity of decreasing the use concentration levels of Tropolone, an antimicrobial agent.
US Publication No. 20110086918 discloses a composition having effective broad spectrum preservation activity comprising benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, and a compound selected from the group consisting of 1,3-propanediol, glycerin and combinations thereof.
US Publication No. 20080176957 discloses a preservative compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol, wherein the 1,3-propanediol in said composition has a bio-based carbon content of about 1% to 100%. In addition, it is preferred that the 1,3-propanediol be biologically-derived, and wherein upon biodegradation, the biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol contributes no anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
US Publication No. 20120100085 discloses liquid compositions which contain (a) from 5 to 95% by wt of sorbitan monocaprylate and (b) from 5 to 95% by weight of one or more alcohols of formula (1) R—OH, and wherein the liquid compositions are suitable for the production of cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical products.
US Publication No. 20090306154 discloses an antimicrobial mixture comprising or consisting of: (a) one, two or more tropolone derivatives; (b) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of: chlorphenesin, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, ethylhexylglycerin, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate and polyaminopropyl biguanide or salts or solvates thereof; and (c) one or more additional constituents selected from the group consisting of: methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, chlorohexidine, benzethonium chloride, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, methylpropanediol, dimethyl phenylpropanol and 4-methyl-4-phenyl-2-pentanol or salts or solvates thereof.
US Publication No. 20070265352 discloses an antimicrobial composition, comprising an antimicrobial effective amount of (a) at least one straight-chain 1,2-alkanediol, the chain length of which is in the range of 5 to 10 C-atoms, and (b) at least one preservative selected from sorbate and its salts, parabenes, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, ethylene diamene tetraacetic acid and its salts, tropolone compounds and sisquiterpenes. Component (a) comprises: 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol and 1,2-decanediol or 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-decanediol, the proportions of the said diols in the mixture being set such that their antimicrobial action is synergistically intensified.
US Publication No. 20070059331 discloses an antimicrobial mixtures comprising or consisting of one or more branched or unbranched alkanediols having 6-12 carbon atoms, one, two or more compounds chosen from the group consisting of the tropolones, wherein 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol or 1,2-decanediol or a mixture of 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol or a mixture of 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-decanediol or a mixture of 1,2-octanediol and 1,2-decanediol or a mixture of 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol and 1,2-decanediol is employed as constituent branched or unbranched alkanediols.
US Publication No. 20070054967 discloses antimicrobial active compounds, and in particular certain mixtures, formulations and foodstuffs comprising certain compounds (alcohols, ethers, esters, acids, corresponding salts and solvates) of a formula (I) and at least one tropolone (derivative) of the formula (II) and to products comprising such mixtures in an antimicrobially active amount.
US Publication No. 20120101135 discloses liquid compositions which contain (a) from 40 to 99.9% by wt of sorbitan monocaprylate and (b) from 0.1 to 60% by wt of one or more antimicrobial substances selected from the group consisting of the components (b1) to (b5): (b1) specific organic acids and the salts thereof, (b2) specific formaldehyde donors, (b3) specific isothiazolinones, (b4) specific paraben esters and the salts thereof, and (b5) specific pyridones and the salts thereof. The liquid compositions are suitable for the production of cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical products.
The antimicrobial activity of tropolone and tropolone derivatives are known from the prior art, e.g., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. vol. 7(5), 500-506 (1975). However, the studies of synergistically intensified activity against antibacterial and antifungal strains of a combination of (i) Tropolone with (a) 1,3-propanediol and/or (b) sorbitan caprylate, bio-derived solvents is not disclosed in any prior art.
In view of foregoing, there remains a need for an eco-friendly, non-aqueous and stable antimicrobial solution composition comprising a solvent which is free from toxins, non-irritant for the skin, and preferably acceptable by various regulatory authorities around the globe.
Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present application to provide an antimicrobial composition which can provide effective antimicrobial activity at lower use levels of the antimicrobial agent in the presence of said solvent or solvent system, i.e., 1,3-propanediol and/or sorbitan caprylate.
Another objective of the present application is to provide an antimicrobial composition comprising lower concentration levels of solvents such as alcohols in order to limit the impact on the viscosity of the end user products.
It is a further objective of the present application to provide an eco-friendly, non-aqueous and stable antimicrobial solution composition comprising (i) tropolone; (ii) 1,3-propanediol; and/or (iii) sorbitan caprylate.

Eco-friendly non-aqueous antimicrobial composition comprising tropolone with 1,3-propanediol and/or sorbitan caprylate


A mechanism for accurately following the center of a track includes a voice coil, or a voice coil and stepper motor in combination. The voice coil and stepper motor combination operate to variably position a recording head transversely with respect to the width of the recording tape. The mechanism enables head positioning with very close tolerances due to the ability of the voice coil to finely position the head very accurately on the center of a track.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to magnetic tape recorders and to subassemblies utilized therein, particularly with respect to recorders adapted for multiple track recording using a servoed multiple track head which is transversely movable with respect to the recording tape.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Data recording cartridges and recorders adapted for their use are disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,225 (Von Behren). The cartridge there disclosed includes an enclosure together with an endless flexible belt in frictional contact with the tape on both reel hubs for bidirectionally driving the tape. The cartridge can operate to drive the tape with rapid accelerations and decelerations, such as are encountered in digital data recording and playback. Recorders adapted to use such data cartridges originally employed fixed, multi-track heads which were complex, expensive and difficult to maintain in proper alignment.
To eliminate the multi-track heads, U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,143 (Zarr) disclosed a head positioning mechanism by which a single track head could be transversely positioned with respect to the width of the recording tape to enable recording and playback of any of a plurality of parallel tracks.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,067 (Gerfast) discloses a head positioning mechanism for a multi-track data cartridge recorder including a stepper motor, a lead screw driven by the stepper motor and a head mounting slide engaged with the lead screw by a partial female thread. The Gerfast mechanism moves a recording/playback head transverse to the path of a magnetic recording tape.
While the Gerfast mechanism works satisfactorily for some applications, a need has recently arisen to provide a mechanism which more accurately positions a magnetic recording head on the center of a selected track in response to servo signals derived from servo information carried on certain tracks on a multi-track tape. This accurate positioning is required to allow substantially higher track densities on recording tape.

Combined stepper motor and voice coil head positioning apparatus

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


The inventive device comprises a positioning device (4) for a fitting head (14). The positioning device is anchored on a support (3), which is detachably fastened to a supporting body (2) of the inventive device. A control device (17) for the positioning device (4) is additionally fastened to the support. These functional parts form a completely operative functional unit, which can be separately tested, calibrated and supplied by the supporting body (2). Different supports (3, 23) for different positioning devices (4, 20) can be fastened to the supporting body (2), whereby the inventive device can be optimally adapted to perform different fitting tasks.

A device has been disclosed, for example, by WO 98/37744 A1. According to that document, the fitting head can be moved in a working plane by use of an X-Y positioning device. The positioning device comprises a stationary longitudinal guide and a transverse positioning arm displaceably mounted thereon, along which the fitting head is displaceably mounted. The stationary longitudinal guide is formed on a beam-like carrier, which extends along one side of the working plane.
A conveying path for the substrates is led through the device. The conveying path is used in one sub-area as a fitting station, in which the substrates are fixed to be fitted. The travel range covers the fitting area and the collecting points for the components, which are removed from feed devices by use of the fitting head and are placed on the substrate. In particular during placement of the components, very high requirements on the accuracy must be met.
It is usual to finish the fitting devices completely at the manufacturer and to test them. These tests include, inter alia, calibration with the determination of the offset values in the positioning of the fitting head in the various sub-areas of the fitting area. These offset values are stored in the control devices of the fitting device and taken into account with an appropriate correction step during each subsequent fitting operation. The control devices are normally held in a chassis of the fitting device and connected to the positioning device by cables. In the event of replacement of the positioning device or even only parts thereof, the machine has to be completely remeasured in order to redetermine the appropriate offset values. Performing such a recalibration of the device at the point of use can be associated with problems if the corresponding measuring equipment is lacking there.
DE 36 30 178 A1 discloses a fitting device in which functional units are joined together in modular fashion to form a mounting device, the functional units having their own chassis, which are clamped to one another in the manner of flanges by means of connecting elements. For example, a mounting station with its own stand and an X-Y positioning system is coupled to a transport station, the mounting station being provided with its own control electronics. Modern fitting technology with extremely high performance rates and extremely high accuracy requirements assumes a particularly dimensionally rigid and low-oscillation supporting construction, which cannot be achieved with the individual modules erected on the floor, whose oscillatory behavior additionally remains undefined.

Device for fitting substrates with electric components


An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a motor, a first endless belt encircling a first pair of spaced apart shafts, a second endless belt encircling a second pair of spaced apart shafts, a drive element connecting the motor to one shaft each of the first pair of shafts and the second pair of shafts, and a continuous strip of film having a first end and a second end attached to the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The motor activates the drive element to rotate one shaft each of the first pair of shafts and the second pair of shafts causing the belts to rotate, unwinding the film from the first endless belt and winding it on the second endless belt.

Mobile phones and cases (e.g., covers) for mobile phones are well known in the communications industry. Different types of mobile phone cases are available in the market. Some mobile phone cases are non-customizable; some others are customizable with particular designs or pictures, according to customer specifications, imprinted on the case.

Picture changing assembly for mobile phone cases


This invention is directed to a distributed database system for storing and publishing public and private keys of an encryption system. Through the use of a distributed database network, keys can be stored, associated with member's accounts, published, retrieved and utilized automatically without the necessity of the individual member managing the public or private keys. The distributed eliminates the necessity of the public or private keys from being located at a single location allowed the flexibility for a multitude of user to manage public and private keys.

In the field of electronic messaging, digital certificates, document authentication and document transfer, security is of the utmost importance. As electronic commerce and online communications continue to increase at a staggering pace, the need for secured communication is critical. One such method of providing this security is through the use of a public key infrastructure. Secure communications through the use of public and private keys facilitates encrypted electronic messaging, document signature, signature verification, message authentication and other such secured transactions. Companies are forecasting that 20% of their resources will be directed to providing online content by the year 2003. As such, unauthorized access to computer information is a top concern. Providing for secured controlled access in an efficient and automated manner is a problem to which significant attention need be directed. The use of public and private key pairs is instrumental in providing this security since it applies to encrypted e-mail, signature verification, document authentication and message authentication. Traditional electronic encryption seeks to provide for public and private keys but relies upon centralized or private networks for creating, maintaining and managing key pairs. These systems typically make use of the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) for the use of managing pubic keys and, as a result, have not been widely adopted. The reliance upon centralized databases and LDAP requires traditional encryption systems to be organized in geographical, political or other organizational boundaries without regard to transmission efficiencies or load balancing across a distributed network. Such systems are limited in their reliance on a centralized database which degrades performance exponentially with the number of user and keys. Additionally, such systems are not optimized for physical network architecture, bandwidth, return traffic, or other such physical characteristics of communications. These systems also require heavy investments in time and expense based upon the significant amount of management and maintenance. According to cyberatlas, an Internet statistics source, 135.7 million Internet users reside in the United States, 375 million users are worldwide, and collectively 1 billion hours are spent online per week. Obviously, a centralized public key database simply cannot accommodate this fantastic volume.
Therefore, there is a tremendous need for an easily managed, automated, high performance public key infrastructure (PKI) that is widely available, distributable, and scalable allowing the system to maintain a superior level of responsiveness regardless of the number of users or load on the system.
In understanding this invention, the following terms are helpful in this art.
Public Key—one key of a key pair that is used to encrypt a message or document and mathematically linked to a private key.
Private Key—one key of a key pair that is used to decrypt a message or document encrypted with a public key and mathematically linked to the public key.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)—a system for providing public and private key pairs as well as, publishing public keys.
Hash value—the results of a mathematical manipulation of information producing a unique digital fingerprint of a larger document.
Spoofing—deceiving a server that communication from another source is authorized when, in fact, it is not—a form of computer hacking.
Validation—the process of determining whether a public key is still valid.
Authentication—the process of using a public key to determine that a message was actually sent from the named sender.
Public Key publication—the process of making public keys available to applications to be used for encryption.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)—a protocol for getting data from one network device to another. Typically, retransmission strategies are employed to ensure data will not be lost.
In using public key encryption, the sender of a message must have the certified and validated public key of a recipient prior to encrypting a message to be sent to the recipient. Therefore, the sender must have a process or method of learning the recipient's public keys. Also, a recipient wishing to authenticate a message must have access to the sender's public key. Additionally, an entity wishing to view messages encrypted with its public key, must have published its public key and maintain the associated private key used in decryption. However, in the best case of traditional PKI systems, a centralized storage of public keys is used and in some of the worst cases, the recipient must have individually transmitted the public key to all the senders from which the recipient wishes to receive encrypted mail.
Accordingly, it is a benefit of this invention to provide for a distributed database of keys for decentralizing key lookup, improving lookup performance and increasing fault tolerance through distributed key storage.
It is also a benefit of this invention to assist in providing an automated messaging encryption system for encrypting and decrypting messages and documents without significant maintenance or user interactivity.


A power supplier includes a power supply to provide a supplied power to the power supplier, a first capacitor charged by a predetermined voltage corresponding to supplied power supply, a power state detector to detect an on-state or an off-state of the power supply, a first controller to generate a first discharge control signal that has a signal level varying according to the state of the power supply and controls discharging of the predetermined voltage charged in the first capacitor, and a discharger connected to the first capacitor in parallel and to discharge the predetermined voltage charged in the first capacitor in response to the first discharge control signal, thereby reducing discharge risks to a user.

1. Field
The present general inventive concept relates to a power supplier to supply power through a switching mode operation, and an image forming apparatus including the power supplier, and more particularly, to a power supplier capable of increasing in-use safety and product reliability, and an image forming apparatus including the power supplier.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a power supplier to supply power is required to operate an electronic device. Recently, a switch mode power supply (SMPS) that provides a stable direct current (DC) output voltage by controlling a current flowing through an inductor by using a pulse-width modulated signal has been used in electronic products.
The SMPS uses a semiconductor device, such as a metal oxide semiconductor filed effect transistor (MOSFET) for power, as a switch, and controls the current flowing through the inductor by using the switch so as to output a DC output voltage having any one of various values. The SMPS is widely used since the SMPS has high power converting efficiency compared to a conventional linear power supplier and has a small volume, by controlling switching of the semiconductor device.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a general power supplier 100.
Referring to the power supplier 100 of FIG. 1, a capacitor 125 is charged by using a predetermined voltage supplied through a power supply (V1) 110.
As a predetermined voltage of a DC component is charged in the capacitor 125, a predetermined voltage is trapped between a first node N1 and a second node N2. Hereinafter, a voltage trapped at both terminals of the capacitor 125 is denoted by Vc. Also, a Voltage Vc is trapped at both terminals of a first inductor 131.
When a switching device 132 is turned on, a transformer including the first inductor 131 and a second inductor 133 transforms a voltage at both terminals of the first inductor 131 and transmits the transformed voltage to the second inductor 133. A transformation ratio varies according to turn ratios of the first and second inductors 131 and 133.
A first controller 140 outputs a switching control signal to control an on or off position of the switching device 132. In FIG. 1, a MOS transistor is used as the switching device 132, and the switching control signal is applied to a third node N3 constituting a gate terminal of the switching device 132.
When the switching control signal turns on the switching device 132, a current flows through the first inductor 131, thereby generating an induced current in the second inductor 133, and thus a predetermined voltage is trapped at both terminals of the second inductor 133. Also, a current flowing through the second inductor 133 is rectified through a diode 151 and is supplied to a fourth node N4 constituting an output terminal. Also, a load 160 having a predetermined value may be connected to the fourth node N4.
According to the energy related international standard, standby power of an electronic product including a power supplier is limited to 0.5 W or below. Thus, manufacturers of an SMPS reduce power consumption of devices consuming power, such as a discharge resistor and a dummy load, in the SMPS.
However, when loads of the discharge resistor, the dummy load, etc. in the SMPS are reduced, a discharge time of the capacitor 125 is increased, and thus an error may be generated during rebooting. Further, even if the SMPS is turned off, a user may get an electric shock due to a voltage left in the capacitor 125.
Here, the discharge time denotes time taken from a point of time when supply of power applied to the capacitor 125 is blocked to a point of time when a voltage trapped at both terminals of the capacitor 125 is decreased to a predetermined voltage or lower.
For example, even if the power supply 110 is blocked to repair the SMPS or the like, a voltage remains in the capacitor 125. Thus, when the user contacts the capacitor 125, the user may get an electric shock or be burned due to the electric shock.

Power supplier and image forming apparatus including the power supplier


A patterned apertured web includes a plurality of first arrays forming a first zone in the patterned apertured web. At least some of the first arrays include a first plurality of land areas and a first plurality of apertures. At least some of the first plurality of land areas surround at least some of the first plurality of apertures. The first plurality of apertures of the first zone have a plurality of Interaperture Distances, according to the Aperture Test. The Interaperture Distances of the first zone have a first distribution having a first mean and a first median. The first mean is greater than the first median by at least 4%.

Apertured webs are sometimes useful in disposable absorbent products and other consumer products. These apertured webs typically have uniformly sized and shaped circular or ovate apertures throughout their area. The circular or ovate apertures may be uniformly spaced in the cross-machine direction and in the machine direction with respect to each other. These uniform aperture patterns provide webs that have the same amount of fluid penetration and/or absorbency throughout their area owing to the uniform circular or ovate aperture designs. Furthermore, land areas (i.e., non-apertured portions) in these apertured webs typically have the same size, shape, orientation, and spacing with respect to each other. While such uniform apertured webs may be desirable in some applications, other applications would benefit from improved apertured webs. Furthermore, these apertured webs are typically planar, but some consumers may desire three-dimensional features and other features.

Apertured webs and methods for making the same


Multiple fluid sample processors and systems for high throughput chemical synthesis and biological assays and/or processing. A multi-layered fluidic array having microchannels, reservoirs and reaction wells is subject to robotic and automated handling. A pressure pumping system is utilized for fluid delivery and control through the synthesis process. The sizes of the micro-sized channels, apertures, and valves are adjusted to optimize fluid distribution and channel filling. The fluid sample processors can be grouped together in a microtiter format to increase the speed, quantity and efficiency of the processing.

This application relates to the subject material simultaneously filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/321,170, entitled xe2x80x9cGenetic Assay Systemxe2x80x9d, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The present invention relates to methods, systems and apparatuses for accomplishing combinatorial processes, including synthesis screening and chemical diagnostic assays. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method that utilizes a relatively small multiple fluid sample processor with detachable layers.
Traditional methods in the field of chemical and biological processes, are often slow and tedious. These include combinatorial chemistry, high-throughput screening assays and genomic synthesis for making, screening and/or testing potential new compounds and materials. In the pharmaceutical industry, for example, combinatorial chemistry for making series of compounds for testing potential new drug candidates are often complex, time-consuming and expensive. One of the underlying reasons in combinatorial chemistry is that each member of a series, or each potential drug compound, must be created and tested individually.
Traditionally, experiments are conducted by manually injecting reagent fluids or other agents into a multitude of vials or reaction tubes. Each vial is filled manually by a laboratory technician or by a robot processor. The solutions within each vial or reaction tube may differ only slightly from an enjoining vial so that permutations of the solution are investigated simultaneously. Often, receptors with fluorescent tags or other mechanisms for identifying each of the new compounds are included in the vial or reaction tube. This allows better identity of the compound and also allows computerization of the results.
Recently, the process has been improved with the introduction of robotics which automate the process of depositing materials into the multitude of vials and reaction tubes. However, the process continues to face problems in the area of cost and space requirements. With thousands of compounds being tested and in some cases incubated over long periods of time, the process requires a large quantity of space to house the multitude of trays of vials or reaction tubes. These apparatuses are currently large and cumbersome to handle. Furthermore, the process generally consumes a large quantity of reagents for testing thousands of compounds. The reagents and other materials used in the process are often expensive and difficult to obtain.
To reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of the system and processes, smaller reaction synthesizers have been utilized. These use smaller quantities of reagents. However, proper control and an effective delivery system are necessary for regulating and distributing the minute amounts of reagents to the reaction cells.
One apparatus for multiple simultaneous synthesis is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,483. A smaller device using microchannels which addresses some of the problems of size and cost, is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,351.
A need exists in the art for faster, more efficient and less costing multiple fluid sample processors, systems and methods for accomplishing the process of combinatorial chemistry, as well as other chemical and biological processes. A need also exists for automating the fluid sample processing and diagnostic processes, including use of robotic mechanisms and systems.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved multiple fluid sample processor, system and method, particularly for use in combinatorial chemistry, but also for use in any synthesis, catalyst discovery, process development, screening or diagnostic applications. It is another object of the present invention to create a relatively small device which can carry out hundreds and even thousands of chemical experiments simultaneously, create new compounds, and assess their impact on chemical or biological systems.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid handling drug discovery and diagnostic tool which increases the speed and productivity of discovering new drug candidates and does so on a miniaturized scale or platform that reduces cost and manual handling. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multiple fluid sample processor, system and method which is capable of conveying, transporting, and/or processing samples in a large multiplicity of sites without exposure to the atmosphere.
Other objects, purposes and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of the invention, particularly when viewed in accordance with the attached drawings and appended claims.
In accordance with the present invention, a multiple fluid sample processor, system and method are provided which utilizes a multi-layered fluidic array having microtiter scale reservoirs, connecting microchannels and sub-microtiter reaction or assay wells. A three-dimensional architecture of microchannels and nano-reaction vessels are constructed in one or more of the layers. The array incorporates a modular configuration with several distinct layers or plates. The device array can include an upper reservoir layer (or top feedthrough plate), a center distribution layer or plate, and a lower or bottom well (or reactor) layer or plate. Additional plates and layers could be utilized as needed or desired. The plates are stacked vertically and either permanently bonded or coupled together, preferably forming liquid-tight seals.
The upper reservoir layer provides feed-through channels and also serves as a cover for the device array. It contains apertures selectively positioned and connected to inlets located in the center distribution plate or layer. The apertures provide openings to fill the reservoirs with a plurality of reagents or other materials. The center distribution layer comprises a plurality of micro-sized reservoirs, channels, reservoir feeds, cell feeds, and overflow feeds, reset manifolds, and back-flow valves which are selectively formed in one or more bonded layers on the center distribution plate. The channels and reservoirs form a delivery system where reservoirs are grouped preferably into columns and rows. The reservoir layer and distribution layers can each comprise two or more plates or layers connected together in order to form and provide the requisite channels, reservoirs, and the like.
A detachable bottom layer or plate includes a plurality of submicrotiter reaction wells with a plurality of drain feeds. Once the proper agents or the materials are introduced into the reaction wells, the bottom plate may be processed while assembled, or can be decoupled from the display array and removed for incubation or analysis.
Pressurized fluid delivery mechanisms are utilized to distribute the reagents, solvents and other fluids to the array of channels and to fill the appropriate reservoirs. Micro-sized valves, such as capillary forming structures, are provided to allow orderly and efficient delivery and transport of fluid materials through the device. Various exhaust, capture and collection mechanisms and systems are provided for the materials once they are processed.

Multiple fluid sample processor and system


The present invention includes a method for assessing the fitness of an individual. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a physical fitness value of an individual by measuring a first trial of an activity conducted by the individual to provide a first measured component. The method further comprises measuring a second trial of an activity conducted by the individual to provide a second measured component. In addition, the method comprises determining the physical fitness values from the first and second measured components. In some embodiments, the method comprises estimating speed or mechanical power output values for the individual over a desired duration. In other embodiments, the method comprises determining the VO2 max of the individual.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of physical fitness assessment and more particularly to the field of testing for physical fitness and predicting exercise performance capabilities.
2. Background of the Invention
The field of physical fitness assessment and testing has seen an increasing demand with rising public interest in physical fitness and the relevance of performance to soldiers, firefighters, athletes, and the like. For instance, with the high demand and financial stakes of professional and collegiate athletics, there is strong interest in accurately predicting and testing the physical fitness of the athletes. In addition, the increasingly health conscious public is interested in assessing their physical fitness.
Health clubs and physiological laboratories typically conduct elaborate fitness and performance assessments. Such assessments often test the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of participants. Several different tests have been used to make such aerobic and anaerobic assessments. For instance, tests to make an aerobic assessment typically determine the VO2 max of a subject. This value may be measured by having an individual exercise (e.g., on a treadmill or a stationary bicycle) for a period of time ranging from five to thirty minutes. During such period of time, the passage of air in and out of the individual's nose is blocked, for example by a clip. A mouthpiece is placed in the individual's mouth and connected to equipment that measures the volume and composition of the air the person expires (e.g., a metabolic system, indirect calorimetry system, and the like), which is a device that determines the quantity of oxygen in the expired air. By comparing the quantity of oxygen in the expired air to the quantity of oxygen in the air taken in to the mouth, the quantity of oxygen used by the individual is determined, thereby providing the VO2 max. The component of physical or aerobic fitness is measured by the quantity of oxygen taken from the air per a unit of time.
An example of an anaerobic test is the Wingate Test. With the Wingate test, a person typically pedals on a stationary bicycle at maximum effort for a set period of time with the power output of the bicycle measured. A sum of the bicycle's power output over the period of time is typically used as a comparison with such a sum from other people to determine the person's anaerobic fitness.
Drawbacks of the typical anaerobic and aerobic tests include the length of time and expense involved. For instance, aerobic tests typically require from 5 to 20 minutes of strenuous exercise. Further drawbacks include the use of sophisticated equipment. Additional drawbacks include, for instance, anaerobic fitness being limited to the power output of the stationary bicycle and not the power output of the individual being tested.
Consequently, there are needs for improved methods for assessing and predicting efforts that are determined by individual levels of anaerobic and aerobic fitness. Additional needs include less expensive and less complicated methods for assessing anaerobic and aerobic fitness.

Method for assessing the metabolic basis of physical fitness


An electronic display system mountable in a window cavity of an automotive vehicle comprising: a conformal digital display installable in a window cavity of an automotive vehicle; a communication device for wireless receiving of digital images and control instructions; a storage device for at least temporarily retaining digital image files and control instructions; a locator device for determining the location of the electronic display system, and a vehicle interface for interconnection with the automotive vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to display devices mountable on an automotive vehicle, and used to present text and graphics. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus mountable internally or externally on a rear or side portion of an automotive vehicle and associated method(s) for displaying text and graphics in physical form media such as that used to display personal messages and advertising.
2. Background of the Invention and Related Art
The purpose of displaying physical form media on automotive vehicles varies widely, and may be for typical intentions such as delivering a commercial message or impression, asserting a personal belief or perspective, supporting and promoting an organization or school, or simply for personal pleasure. In general, the intent of placing physical form media on an automotive vehicle is to capture the attention of observers so that the text or graphic displayed delivers the intended message. This is typical of signage placed on taxis and other commercial vehicles.
Positioning of the physical form media on an automotive vehicle may depend on the intended audience, such as pedestrians or other motorists. The desired period of observation may also be a factor in selecting the placement and type of physical form media, with three dimensional media placed on the top of a vehicle and two dimensional media placed on the rear of a vehicle providing relatively greater opportunity for observation during vehicle motion away from an observing pedestrian or by a following motorist.
Effectiveness of physical form media in commanding attention of observers and delivering the intended message often varies with the type of physical form media employed and its placement on the vehicle, as well as message content and format. Digital displays are increasingly being installed on taxi tops to provide dynamic display of images and text. Digital displays are also being installed on the sides of panel trucks and on trailers. These displays are primarily visible from a side view of a vehicle on which they are mounted.
Magnetic signs, vehicle graphics, and decals do not provide the means for dynamic image displays on automotive vehicles. Temporary displays typically used on top of privately owned vehicles employed for pizza delivery are not dynamic. Mounting a digital display on top of a vehicle is generally not at the eye level of an observer in a following vehicle and may require a physically larger device and message to assure capturing their attention and delivering the intended message. In addition, such a display on top of a vehicle is subject to high wind pressure during motion of the vehicle, requiring stronger attachment points than if less wind pressure were present, which can increase cost. Thus, an electronic display device mountable internally or externally on the rear of an automotive vehicle, exposing the device to relatively less wind pressure, and located substantially at eye level of an observer in a following vehicle is needed to provide lower cost and effective physical media for dynamically presenting text and graphic messages in personal and commercial applications.

Display device mountable on an automotive vehicle and method


There is disclosed an endoscope comprising an image guide fiber and a light guide fiber extending along the axis of an insertion portion, and an outer tube made of a synthetic resin material for covering contained matters consisting of the image guide fiber and the light guide fiber, the outer tube having the flexibility thereof higher than that of the image guide fiber and light guide fiber, thereby preventing remaining-bend of the insertion portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an elastic endoscope having an insertion portion made of a flexible tube which is to be inserted into a body tube or a body cavity.
2. Description of the Related Art
Elastic endoscopes each having an insertion portion made of a flexible tube which is to be inserted into a body tube or a body cavity are disclosed, for example, in Published Unexamined Japanese Patent Application (PUJPA) No. 2-25816, Published Unexamined Japanese Utility Model Application (PUJUMA) No. 63-180003, and PUJPA No. 61-277915. In these prior-art endoscopes, an outer-sheath tube of the insertion portion is made of a viscoelastic material such as synthetic resin. Most of the characteristics of the insertion portion, such as flexibility and resiliency are determined by the characteristics of the synthetic resin itself of the outer-sheath tube.
The conditions of the outer-sheath tube of the insertion portion of the endoscope, e.g. softness of the outer-sheath tube, are determined in accordance with the state of a region-of-interest into which the end-oscope is inserted. A synthetic resin material having characteristics which meet the conditions is selected for each type of endoscope and is used as a material of its outer-sheath tube. For example, a relatively soft synthetic resin material is selected and used as material of the outer-sheath tube of the insertion portion of the endoscope to be inserted into a region-of-interest which requires softness of the outer-sheath tube. On the other hand, a relatively hard synthetic resin material is selected and used as material of the outer-sheath tube of the insertion portion of the endoscope to be inserted into a region-of-interest which requires suitable hardness of the outer-sheath tube, in order to achieve smooth insertion and easy operation of the endoscope.
In the meantime, the length of the insertion portion of the endoscope varies depending on the region-of-interest into which the endoscope is inserted. When the length of the insertion portion of the endoscope is relatively large, it is difficult to pack or store the endoscope in the state in which its insertion portion is extended substantially straight. In this case, the endoscope is packed or stored in the state in which the insertion portion is bent in a suitable shape or wound in a substantially annular shape.
However, in the conventional endoscope, the outer-sheath tube of the insertion portion is made of a viscoelastic resin material and has both elasticity and viscosity. Thus, the characteristics of the outer-sheath tube are influenced by temperatures and time, and such problems as creep or stress relaxation phenomenon tend to occur.
Consequently, when the endoscope is packed or stored in the state in which the insertion portion is bent in a suitable shape or wound in a substantially annular shape and the packed or stored endoscope is left for a long time, a stress relaxation phenomenon may occur. As a result, bending of the insertion portion of the endoscope remains even after the endoscope which has been in the packed or stored state for a long time is taken out of this state.
When bending of the insertion portion remains after it is taken out of the packed or stored state, insertion of the endoscope becomes difficult. Thus, smooth insertion and easy operation of the endoscope cannot be achieved.

Endoscope in which a bend remaining in the insertion portion upon removal from storage is reduced


A gain control signal is produced according to the difference in level between the signal obtained by scanning the white reference plate and the previously stored standard signal. Based on the gain control signal, the amplification level of the signal obtained by scanning the document is adjusted by a gain controller, and then the resulting signal is converted into a digital signal and supplied outside.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an analog/digital converter, used for a document reader such as a facsimile or a scanner, which converts the analog output signal of a photoelectric converting element into digital values.
2. Description of the Related Art
CCD (charge-coupled device) sensors are now widely used as photoelectric converting elements in document readers such as facsimiles or image scanners. CCD sensors of this type have undergone various improvements, so that even large-scale CCD sensors are now available.
With the increasing need for high-speed operation, high-quality picture, and coloration in such document readers, the signal processing of CCD sensor outputs is becoming more sophisticated. To achieve such sophisticated signal processing, special large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) have been developed.
In conventional LSIs, however, the input level of analog signals to the LSIs must be adjusted using externally added variable resistors. The input voltage range to the A/D converter, which converts the CCD sensor output signal into digital values, must be held constant. Such adjustment has been done manually, which resulted in longer adjustment time for each unit and poor accuracy.
As noted above, conventional LSIs had the drawbacks of requiring manual adjustment of the analog signal input to LSIs and lacking accuracy.

Analog/digital converter having input signal gain control function


A haulage arrangement has a frame configured for operative attachment to a suitable tractor, and defining a tray for operatively receiving particulate material therein. The tray comprises two side walls separated by a loadbearing lower section with a headwall at a head end of the tray and slidably arranged in-between the side walls. Also included is an urger at the head end configured to operatively urge the headwall to slide across the lower section. Arrangement further includes an elastically flexible floor slidably arranged on the lower section and fast at a first end with the headwall, as well as a retractor arranged at an ejection end of the tray and configured to continuously retract a second end of the floor underneath the lower section whilst the headwall is urged. The retractor is further configured to agitate the floor during retraction to counteract adhesion of particulate material ejected from the tray.

The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
Transport of particulate material is known in the art. Various arrangements are known whereby particulate material is loaded and unloaded from carriers or similar haulage arrangements. A typical example includes dump trucks having trays and/or trailer arrangements for transporting particulate material. Material is typically loaded into a dump truck by means of a front-end loader, excavator or a suitable hopper or loading silo, and then transported to a desired location, where the tray is tilted so that the material slides out of the tray under the influence of gravity.
There are shortcomings in the prior art, as berm contact of tipping trays can result in damage to the tray, and the ejection of material from the tray is not sufficiently controllable. In addition, particulate material may adhere to the tray, resulting in so-called 'carry-back', where adhesion and/or cohesion between the material particles and the tray results in material that remains in the tray. Such carry-back wastes tray volume as material is carried back and forth and often requires manual removal, adding time, cost and risk to haulage operations.
In response to some of these shortcomings, there have been developments in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,668 relates to a load carrying body for a vehicle, in particular for the purpose of facilitating the unloading of material. The body includes a floor constituted by a flexible belt resting on the upper surface of a loadbearing base, and has one end connected to a headboard and the other end connected to a winch. A cable has one end connected to the headboard and the other end connected to the winch. A guide system for the cable includes a compensating mechanism which varies the path of the cable during rotation of the winch, so as to compensate for a difference between the belt diameter and the cable diameter on the winch, the difference varying as the belt is wound and unwound.
These known systems are prone to malfunction due to complexity, do not sufficiently address carry-back and are generally unable to cater for different types of particulate material, in particular heavier loads such as iron ore, or the like.
The present invention seeks to propose possible solutions, at least in part, in amelioration of the known shortcomings in the art.

Particulate material haulage arrangement


A vehicle seat has a coupler for connecting the seat to the floor of a vehicle, and a first seat section. The first seat section is connected to the coupler, and includes a femur portion and a back portion. A second seat section is also connected to the coupler, and includes a femur portion and a back portion. A third seat section is additionally connected to the coupler and includes a femur portion and a back portion. The first and second seat sections are movable between: (1) a first position wherein the femur portion is generally parallel to the vehicle floor and the back portion is generally perpendicular to the vehicle floor; (2) a second position wherein the femur portion and the back portion are both generally parallel to the vehicle floor; and (3) a third position wherein the femur portion and back portion are both disposed generally perpendicular to the vehicle floor. The third seat section is movable between: (1) a first position wherein the femur portion is generally parallel to the vehicle floor and the back portion is generally perpendicular to the vehicle floor; and (2) a second position wherein the femur portion and back portion are both disposed generally parallel to the vehicle floor.

In recent years, ECVs have become increasingly popular. Examples of such products include the FORD.RTM. TAURUS.RTM. Station Wagon, the JEEP.RTM. GRAND CHEROKEE.RTM. Sport Utility Vehicle, and the DODGE.RTM. CARAVAN.RTM. Mini-Van. These ECVs are all characterized by an enlarged cabin area that extends generally from the windshield of the vehicle, to the rear end of the vehicle where a tailgate (or rear hatch) is provided for rear access into the cabin.
The increased popularity of these vehicles can be attributed in some measure to their increased passenger carrying capacity when compared to conventional sedans. Most sedans include two rows of seats, including a front row in which the driver and front passenger(s) sit, and a first (and only) row of rear seats. Many ECVs include a second rear row of seats in addition to the front and back seats.
As both cargo and passenger carrying capacity are valued, it is desirable to design the first and second rear row of seats to be configured both to carry additional passengers and additional cargo, and to be convertible easily between an enhanced passenger carrying configuration, and an enhanced cargo carrying configuration.
Examples of patents showing various seating/cargo configurations for ECVs are Itoh U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,782; Odagaki et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,581; LeBault et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,736; Crawford et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,769; Gokimoto et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,776; Gokimoto et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,656; Plavetich U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,418; Brambilla U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,178; Hayden et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,355; Fowler et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,048; and Woziekonski et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,699.
Some of the patents described above disclose seats for use in vans and minivans, whereas others relate to seats for use in station wagons and sport utility vehicles. The design challenges faced by the designers of seats for vans are usually somewhat different than the challenges faced by those designing seats for station wagons and sport utility vehicles. Vans typically have a cargo compartment that is taller than the cargo compartments in either station wagons or sport utility vehicles. Additionally, vans usually have a flat floor which extends generally between the back of the front row of seats and the tailgate. On the other hand, station wagons and sport utility vehicles typically have a floor that comprises a series of platforms at different levels. For example, a station wagon will typically have a first floor platform which comprises the foot well of the second seat, another platform on which the femur portion of the first rear seat rests, and which also may comprise the foot well for the second rear seat, and a relatively raised platform on which the femur portion of the second rear seat is placed. As used in this application, the "femur portion" of a seat is that portion of a seat upon which the passenger places his/her buttocks and thighs during normal use.
Because of these different configurations, seats for vans are typically designed differently than seats for station wagons and sport utility vehicles. Most seats for vans are designed to be of chair height, and have relatively long legs which connect the lower surface of the femur portion to the floor of the van. As the floor of the van is generally flat, and has no foot wells, most van seats do not contain mechanisms for making the seat a part of the van floor when the user desires to carry cargo. Rather, van seats are often designed to be removable to enable the user to remove the seat from the van when he wishes to have a large cargo area.
To the contrary, most second and third seats for sport utility vehicles and station wagons are not designed to be removable. Rather, the seats are designed to be foldable. To move the seat between its "passenger carrying" position and its "cargo carrying" position, the back portion and/or the femur portion are rotated about pivot axes, so that one of the surface(s) of one or both of the back portions of the first and second rear seats are generally co-planar with the floor of the vehicle. When the first and second rear seats are placed in their "cargo" positions, a planar cargo surface can be formed which extends from the rearward facing surface of the front seats to the tailgate of the vehicle. An example of a folding arrangement that is usable in a station wagon is shown in LeBault et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,736.
Notwithstanding the existence of several known seating arrangements that provide for seats that are capable of being moved between a passenger carrying position and a cargo carrying position, room for improvement exists.
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a seat system that includes a pair of seats having a first rear seat that provides comfortable and safe seating for the occupants when the seat is in its seating position, and which can be folded into a cargo carrying position that provides a generally planar cargo carrying compartment.
Another difficulty that faces a seat designer of vehicles having three rows of seats is providing a means to permit ingress to and egress from the third seat. Most station wagons, vans and sport utility vehicles that have three rows of seats include either four or five doors. Almost all vehicles include left and right "front" doors to permit passengers to gain access to the left hand and right hand front seats. Many station wagons, sport utility vehicles, and minivans manufactured by the assignee, Chrysler Corporation, contain two rear side doors that are placed adjacent to the second row of seats. On such vehicles, the rearward opening tailgate is typically counted as the "fifth" door.
Because the rear side doors of most ECVs are positioned adjacent to the first row of rear seats, means must be provided for enabling passengers to gain ingress and egress to the second row of rear seats. Several currently known methods exist for providing such access. For example, many station wagons such as the FORD.RTM. TAURUS.RTM. install a rearwardly facing second rear seat that permits passengers to gain access thereto through the tailgate door. On minivans, a common practice is to use a first rear seat that has a width substantially less than the width of the vehicle, to provide a space in the interior of the vehicle, adjacent to the door through which a passenger can pass to gain access to the second rear seat.
Both of these two methods of providing ingress have drawbacks. For example, vehicle length constraints often make rear facing second rear seats uncomfortable for passengers other than small children. Additionally, rearward facing second rear seats are generally not suitable for use with car seats, thus precluding their use by very young children. Reduced width first rear seats suffer the drawback of reducing the usable seat width, thus reducing the passenger carrying capacity of the vehicle.
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a full width first rear seat for a vehicle that provides access to the second rear row of seats to enable the second rear row of seats to be placed in a forward facing orientation.


An antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and a method for using the same. The antenna assembly includes at least one window mounted antenna for an aircraft for enabling the aircraft to communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The window mounted antenna includes a panel that is transparent to visible light and has at least one antenna element, which can be etched onto the panel. The panel can attach to the interior window of the aircraft, or to an inner surface of the inner pressure window of the aircraft, or can replace the interior window, so as to position the antenna element in a side-looking direction with respect to the aircraft.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna for installation in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and a method for using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a window mounted antenna assembly for an aircraft for enabling the aircraft to communicate wirelessly with a network, such as a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
2. Description of the Related Art
The installation of traditional antennae in aircraft typically involve drilling holes through the skin of the aircraft on the top or bottom, mounting the desired antenna, and sealing the installed antenna, cable, and mounting holes sufficient to prevent compromise of the pressurized aircraft during flight. This is often a complicated and expensive installation that must be performed with great care due to the safety sensitive nature of the modification to the aircraft.
Since the antenna is intended to operate while the aircraft is on the ground and the communications are typically with ground-based network base stations or repeaters, the direction of the antenna should be towards the side of the aircraft ("side-looking") as opposed to away from the top or bottom of the aircraft. It is also desirable for the antenna to be capable of being installed with a minimum of cost and complexity, as well as having a minimal impact on the structure of the aircraft.
The industry has made several attempts to provide wireless communications to the aircraft while the aircraft is on the ground. One attempt is a system that has typically been called "GateLink" in the industry. The "GateLink" approaches have been accomplished by installing a network antenna, such as an IEEE 802.11a/b/g antenna, on the top of the aircraft, and using the antenna to communicate with a ground station. However, the "GateLink" system is disadvantageous because the system not only requires modification to the aircraft, but further requires modification to the gate at the airport, which is relatively difficult to accomplish efficiently.
Furthermore, an antenna installation that penetrates the pressure seal of the aircraft, such as that of the "GateLink" system, is expensive, complex, and difficult to certify. Also, top or bottom mounted antenna are well suited for aircraft communications in flight, but are far less effective when the device to which the aircraft is communicating is on the ground toward the horizon. On the contrary, a side-looking antenna mounted on the top or bottom of an aircraft would need to be undesirably tall and would still require holes to be drilled into the aircraft, with the resulting installation and certification complications. A side-looking top or bottom mounted antenna design would thus be highly custom, low in quantity, and relatively expensive.

Window mounted antenna for a vehicle and a method for using the same