A carbon black with a ΔD50/M greater than about 0.9 was produced. The carbon black has an aggregate heterogeneity index (HI) via QTM of greater than about 2.3. The carbon black has a ΔD50 via DCP of greater than about 0.07 μm. The QTM-HI of the present carbon black is unique for N100-200 series carbon blacks, as is the ΔD50. The carbon black is a N200 carbon black with an oil absorption number (OAN) less than about 135 ml/100 g and a HI of greater than about 2.3. The carbon black is also a N200 carbon black with an oil absorption number (OAN) less than about 135 ml/100 g and a ΔD50 of greater than about 0.07 μm. The present invention also relates to a polymeric composition and to tires comprising a carbon black of the present invention.

Carbon black is an engineered, particulate elemental carbon found in countless items used on a daily basis. It is an essential ingredient in, for example, tires and other mechanical rubber goods, improving their strength, durability, and overall performance. It also is used as a pigment in, for example, printing inks, paints, and plastics.
Carbon blacks for rubber applications are typically identified by a four-character "N" or "S" number, e.g., NXXX or SXXX. The category (grade) is determined by ASTM D1765. The first character of the category gives some indication of the influence of the carbon black on the rate of cure of a typical rubber formulation containing the black. The second character gives information on the average surface area of the carbon black. Blacks with the same second character are grouped into a series ending in "00," e.g., N200 series. The last two characters are assigned arbitrarily. Iodine absorption number (Iodine no.) (ASTM D1510, ISO 1304) has been the primary indication of surface area for defining different grades. Nitrogen surface area (NSA, ASTM D6556) and statistical thickness surface area (STSA, ASTM D6556) are now used more frequently for surface area. N-dibutyl phthalate absorption (DBPA) (ASTM D2414, ISO 4656/1)(now oil absorption number, OAN, ASTM D2414) has been the primary structure indicator in distinguishing different carbon black grades.
The physical characteristics (morphology) of carbon black, such as particle size and structure, affect various processing characteristics and various performance properties of end products, e.g., tires, such as tire treadwear, rolling resistance, heat buildup, and tear resistance. Accordingly, different grade carbon blacks are used in different polymeric formulations depending on the specific service requirements of the tires. Various grades of carbon black are also used in various parts of a tire, for example, N100, N200, and N300 series blacks are often used in treads, while N300, N500, N600, and N700 series blacks are often found in sidewalls and carcasses.
Morphological characteristics of carbon black include, for example, particle size/fineness, surface area, aggregate size/structure, aggregate size distribution, and aggregate shape.
Particle size is a measurement of diameter of the primary particles of carbon black. These roughly spherical particles of carbon black have an average diameter in the nanometers range. Particle size can be measured directly via electron microscopy or by indirect surface area measurement. Average particle size is an important factor that determines relative color strength of a carbon black and dispersibility. At equal structure, smaller particle size imparts stronger color and increased difficulty of dispersion. Fineness is a measure of the particle size.
Surface area of carbon black is a function of particle size and porosity. Surface area is measured by gas and liquid phase adsorption techniques and depends on the amount of adsorbent required to form a surface monolayer. Nitrogen surface area (NSA, ASTM D6556) and statistical thickness surface area (STSA, ASTM D6556) are better measures than iodine adsorption number (Iodine no., ASTM D1510) of the true surface area, since they are less influenced by the chemical composition of the carbon black surface. These tests use liquid nitrogen and are based on the original Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) method, but use a multi-point measurement to exclude the adsorption in the micropores. In a final application, surface area reflects the area accessible to rubber molecules per unit weight of carbon black. High surface area is associated with a high level of reinforcement, but at the expense of more difficult dispersion, processing, and increased hysteresis.
Carbon black particles coalesce to form larger clusters, aggregates, which are the dispersible units of carbon black. Aggregate size is controlled in the reactor. Measurement of aggregate structure may be obtained from electron microscopy or oil absorption. Grades with relatively large aggregates are high structure grades which are bulkier, have more void space, and high oil absorptions at given surface areas. The carbon black structure is determined by the shape and size of the carbon black aggregates. High structure carbon black increases rubber compound viscosity, modulus, and conductivity. High structure also reduces die swell, loading capacity, and improves dispersibility. Lower structure blacks give higher elongation, and increased carbon black loading reduces the elongation. If all other features of a carbon black are kept constant, narrow aggregate size distribution increases difficulty of carbon black dispersion and lowers resilience.
Aggregate size distribution (ASD) is a measure of the distribution of the size of carbon black aggregates and has been recognized as one factor important in the reinforcing ability of rubber. Donnet, et al., "Carbon Black Science and Technology," 2nd ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York (1993), pp. 289–347; Jones, "ASTM Committee D24: Keeping the Rubber Industry in the Black," Standardization News (August 1992; updated Melsom, January 1998) http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/CUSTOM1/D24.htm. Broad ASD carbon black shows a tendency to decrease the rolling resistance of tire tread. You, et al., "A New Characterization method of Tread Carbon Black by Statistical Regression Treatment," DC Chemical Co. Ltd, (Korea) http://www.dcchem.co.kr/english/product/p petr/image/carbon%20black att2.pdf. A broad aggregate size distribution will provide a faster carbon black incorporation and improved carbon black dispersibility in a polymeric (e.g., rubber) matrix.
Surface chemistry is a measure of chemisorbed species on the carbon black surface. These organic functional groups can enhance performance of blacks in certain applications.
Processing characteristics of the black and the physical characteristics of the end product, such as cured rubber, are often measured (in addition to characteristics of the carbon black itself) to compare the relative effects of various carbon blacks for a given polymeric test formulation. Processing characteristics include, for example, mixing energy and black incorporation time. End product characteristics include, for example, dispersion index, tear, tensile strength, Mooney viscosity, modulus, DIN abrasion, fatigue, and rebound.
Black incorporation time (BIT) is the time required to incorporate carbon black into a particular polymeric formulation. When carbon black is mixed with rubber, the first step is penetration of rubber into void space, replacing the trapped air and eliminating loose black. This step is called carbon black incorporation. The time required to fill all the voids with rubber is referred to as black incorporation time. A short black incorporation time may reduce actual mixing time and increase mixing equipment throughput.
Dispersion index (DI) is a measurement of the dispersion of the carbon black in a polymeric formulation/cured rubber. Following carbon black incorporation, the aggregates are separated from each other and are dispersed throughout the rubber. The state of dispersion of the carbon black is usually measured by carbon black dispersion index. A poor level of carbon black dispersion may cause premature failure of a final rubber product and less favorable ultimate properties, such as fatigue life, tear strength, and tread wear.
Current commercial grade N200 series carbon blacks, such as N234 and N299, can provide good properties in end products, such as tensile, fatigue, and dynamic properties in a rubber composition, if they are properly dispersed in the rubber matrix. However, the dispersion level of these finer conventional grade carbon blacks can differ depending on the rubber formulation and mixing parameters employed. The performance of a rubber composition with a good carbon black dispersion is superior to the same rubber composition with the same carbon black poorly dispersed. Coarser grades such as N300 (and higher numbered) blacks are more easily dispersed but their end product reinforcement characteristics are not as good as the finer blacks, if both are properly dispersed.
Thus, a balancing act between the carbon black grade, rubber formulation (including, e.g., added dispersants), and mixing conditions/time (e.g., greater time and mixing energy for greater dispersion) is required from the rubber compounder. From the standpoint of end product performance, predictability, and operating costs (e.g., energy input and throughput), it is very desirable to be able to engineer carbon blacks to simultaneously provide all of the desired dispersion and performance characteristics.

Carbonaceous material with broad aggregate size distribution and improved dispersibility


A homogenizing element includes a light incident end, a light exit end, a first surface, a second surface, a reflective layer and a first dichroic layer. The first surface extends from the light incident end to the light exit end. The second surface extends from the light incident end to the light exit end, and the second surface overlaps the first surface and is non-parallel to the first surface. The first dichroic layer is disposed on the first surface and configured to allow a first beam to pass therethrough and reflect a second beam. The reflective layer is disposed on the second surface and configured to reflect the first beam. A projection device adopting the homogenizing element is also provided. The homogenizing element and the projection device provided can adjust the beam angles of different color beams respectively.

In general, a laser projector can include components such as a light source, a light combining system, a filter wheel, a homogenizing element, a light valve and a projection lens. The filter wheel is configured to filter the beams provided by the light source and the light combining system. The homogenizing element is usually disposed on the beam path emitted from the filter wheel to homogenize the beam. Then, the beam is transmitted to the light valve. After the light valve converts the beam into an image beam, the projection lens projects the image beam onto a screen to form an image on the screen.
However, in the structure in which the light source and the light combining system adopt a plurality of light sources, the beam angles of the beams provided by the light sources entering the homogenizing element may not be the same. The existing homogenizing element can only increase or decrease the beam angles of all beams at the same time, but cannot adjust the beam angles separately. Therefore, after the beams pass through the homogenizing element, a part of the beams cannot be fully incident on the condenser lens and the light valve due to the excessive beam angle, thereby reducing the light utilization efficiency. In addition, because the beam angle of the other part of the beams is too small, the energy of the beam is excessively concentrated, causing problems such as color spots and uneven brightness in the image.
The information disclosed in this "BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION" section is only for enhancement understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, the information disclosed in this "BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION" section does not mean that one or more problems to be solved by one or more embodiments of the invention were acknowledged by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Homogenizing element and projection device


The present disclosure relates to an arrester device for closing apparatus, such as doors, comprising a worm gear rotationally fixedly connected to an output shaft serving as a winding shaft and a self-locking worm which is in communication with an input shaft. In accordance with the present disclosure, an auxiliary worm gear is seated on an eccentric region of the output shaft with clearance, with the auxiliary worm gear having an eccentricity of the same amount as the output shaft and being assembled such that the eccentricities are cancelled with respect to the axis of the output shaft, with the auxiliary worm gear being able to follow the movement of the worm gear without load via its toothed region.

Arrester devices of this type serve as a security against falling for closing apparatus which are equipped with a worm gear rotationally fixedly connected to an output shaft serving as a winding shaft and with a self-locking worm which is in communication with an input shaft.
Arrester devices of this type are used in doors whose leaf weight is not compensated by springs to ensure the safe operation of said doors. A falling of the door leaf is prevented here in the event of a break of the support element at the drive. Arrester devices of this type can be attached directly to the door shaft or be integrated in the drive.
Integrated arrester devices have already become known which intercept the load via a second worm wheel, which runs along without load, in the event of a break of the support element. Arresting mechanisms are further known in which an auxiliary worm gear runs along (almost) free of load and rotates relative to the working worm gear in the event of a break of the support element. Spring-loaded bolts can thereby be released, on the one hand, to latch into corresponding pockets which are suitable to intercept the load in a shape-matched manner. In accordance with another alternative, rotatably supported clamping pieces can be rotated such that they contact the housing wall radially and bring the load to a stop by friction.
An automatically operating locking device is known from DE 22 22 503 C, for example, to prevent an unwanted rolling down of a roller door, roller grills, roller shutters or the like of the initially recited type in which the arrester device consists of two worm gears arranged on the winding shaft each being driven by a separate worm. In this connection, a worm drive is constantly under load as a working drive, while the other worm drive runs along without load as an auxiliary worm drive. The self-locking auxiliary worm, which is supported in a limited axially displaceable manner, is in communication with its auxiliary worm gear free of any self-load. On a failure of the working worm drive, load is transferred to the auxiliary worm drive, with simultaneously the forwarding of the drive torque to the auxiliary worm being interrupted at a designated desired breaking point. The load then becomes stationary due to the self-locking of the auxiliary worm drive, with the auxiliary worm coming into contact with an abutment bolt fixed to the housing. In this known arrester device, the drive worm and the auxiliary worm are fastened to parallel shafts separate from one another whose kinematic connection consists of a spur gear. This known arrester device is very complex in construction due to the second worm shaft of its drive and the necessary bearings.
In accordance with DE 34 33 561 C, this complex structure is simplified in that only one worm gear is provided which meshes with the self-locking worm, on the one hand, and with the auxiliary worm, on the other hand. Both worms are made as globoid half-worms here. The self-locking worm and the auxiliary worm are arranged successively on a common working shaft. The self-locking worm forms a rotationally fixed unit with the drive shaft, whereas the auxiliary worm constantly runs along free of load via a driver and is supported axially displaceably between abutments fixed to the housing for the compensation of the wear at the self-locking worm. In the event of a breakage of the self-locking worm, the self-locking auxiliary worm, which serves as an arresting worm here, supports the load against its abutments.
All the aforesaid variants with an integrated arrester device have a high number of single parts which result in a high assembly effort and thus comparatively high assembly costs.
It is the object of the present disclosure to provide an arrester device of the type first named which permits an operating security which is as good as possible with a construction which is as simple as possible.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the object is solved by an arrester device in accordance with various combinations of the features disclosed herein. Accordingly, the arrester device serving for a closing apparatus, for example a door, has a worm gear rotationally fixedly connected to an output shaft serving as a winding shaft and a self-locking worm which is in communication with an input shaft. An auxiliary worm gear is additionally placed on an eccentric region of the output shaft with clearance, with the auxiliary worm gear likewise having an eccentricity of the same amount and being mounted such that the eccentricities cancel out with respect to the axis of the output shaft, with the auxiliary worm gear being able to follow the movement of the worm gear without load via a toothed region. The auxiliary worm gear serving as security is thereby not subject to any wear during the usual operation. If there is now a break of the support element with the worm gear rotationally fixedly connected to the output shaft due to wear or overload, the auxiliary worm gear rotates with respect to the eccentric portion of the output shaft. The outer diameter of the auxiliary worm gear thereby disengages from a concentric position. In this connection, the eccentricity of the output shaft and of the auxiliary worm gear is designed such that a self-locking occurs.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary worm gear moves out of its concentric position toward a cylindrical region of the transmission housing on movement. The eccentricity is designed here such that the self-locking occurs between the auxiliary worm gear and the transmission housing.
Since the total arrester device includes only one part, namely the auxiliary worm gear placed on, it is very simple and cost-effective to assemble. The arrester device works independently of the speed, direction of rotation and installed position of the transmission and responds in a stepless manner, that is independently of the division of any locking members.
Particularly advantageously, and in accordance with a further advantageous aspect of the present disclosure, regions which can be directly deformed can be provided at the auxiliary worm gear.


A free-standing stand that holds a hose and that automatically erects upon contact with a supporting surface and automatically collapses when removed from contact with the supporting surface. The free-standing stand includes a spine and a tripod. The spine has the hose be replaceably held thereto. The tripod is operatively connected to the spine in such a matter that when the tripod contacts the supporting surface the tripod automatically erects and when the tripod is removed from contact with the supporting surface the tripod automatically collapses.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hose stand, and more particularly, a free standing hose stand.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous innovations for hose supports and related apparatus have been provided in the prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention.
A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 731,172, Issued on Jun. 16, 1903, to Garvey teaches a hose-holder including a standard, a reel, and a clamp pivoted to swing vertically and horizontally and provided with a hinged handle and a spring.
A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 807,184, Issued on Dec. 12, 1905, to Malnburg teaches a hose-support including a folding tripod, one leg thereof being tubular, a hose-coupling on the tubular leg, a short curved pipe having a rotary connection with the upper end of the tubular leg, a flexible nozzle-carrying pipe extended from the short pipe, arms pivoted to opposite sides of the short pipe and has portions extended along opposite sides of the flexible pipe and provided with outwardly extended handle members, and a collar on the flexible pipe with which the arms engage.
A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 836,864, Issued on Nov. 27, 1906, to Cole teaches a device including a standard having a head provided with legs, an anchor connected with one of the legs, a frame having a stud rotatably arranged in the head, apparatus for clamping the stud to the head, a shaft rotatably arranged in the free ends of the frame, and a clamp having extensions engaging the shaft. The clamp is adapted to removably support the nozzle of a fire-hose. A worm-wheel is carried by the shaft, and a housing forms the extension of the frame and surrounds the worm wheel and has a worm-shaft engaging the worm-wheel. The worm-shaft is adapted when actuated to rotate the worm gear and when released prevents rotation of the same, the shaft, and clamp.
A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 1,674,493, Issued on Jun. 19, 1928, to Adams teaches a hose stand including a tripod having a plurality of legs. The upper ends of the legs have eyes carried thereby. A ring is pivotally engaged in the eyes, a hook is supported by the ring, a hose carrier has a hanger for detachably engaging the hook, hooks are carried by the carrier for detachably engaging a hose, a hose, and clamps carried by the carrier for detachably engaging the nozzle of a hose.
A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 2,309,772, Issued on Feb. 2, 1943, to Karger teaches a garden hose stand including a standard having a flat a perforated part with cam surfaces, locking apparatus fixed to the part, clamp members for fitting at opposite sides of the flat part and so related to the flat part that the lower edges of the members are fulcrumed on the cam surfaces, and a screw fixed on one member and passing through the perforated part and through the companion member. The companion member has an intermediate segment part with spaced perforations for selectively engaging the locking apparatus, and a nut is threaded on the screw.
A SIXTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 2,694,600, Issued on Nov. 16, 1954, to Richey teaches a stand for supporting a lawn sprinkler in an elevated position, which includes circular C-shaped base having a bar extending across the same, parallel to a chord connecting the ends of the base and between the chord and the center of the base, and a pipe having its lower end provided with an angle pipe coupling for effecting connection with a water carrying hose. The pipe and coupling is supported by the bar. The pipe projects upwardly from the center of the base in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base. At least three braces have their lower ends welded to the base at angularly spaced points and their upper ends are connected with the pipe serving to hold the pipe in a predetermined vertical position with respect to the plane of the base, wheel supporting brackets are attached to the ends of the base and project upwardly therefrom, and wheels are carried by the brackets for rotation about a common axis. The axis of rotation is positioned above the plane of the lower surface of the base a distance at least as great as the radius of the wheels whereby the base may rest with its entire undersurface in contact with a plane supporting surface.
A SEVENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,852, Issued on Aug. 8, 1967, to Sumida, et al. teaches a device to engage and hold a portion of a hose, which includes a yoke to engage the portion of the hose, and a base structure supporting the yoke. The yoke has two spaced projections extending therefrom in the same lateral direction with surfaces to engage the one side of the portion of the hose. The yoke further has a third projection extending in the same lateral direction with a surface to engage the other side of the portion of the hose. The third projection is between the first two projections with the surface of the third projection spaced from a line defined by the surfaces of the two projections. The surface of the third projection is spaced from the line by less than the outside diameter of the hose to cause the portion of the hose to bow with the hose resiliently opposing the bowing.
AN EIGHTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,754, Issued on Jun. 4, 1968, to Morrison teaches a hose coupling support and disconnect mechanism for housing couplings having male and female coupling halves retained coupled by displaceable balls engaged with the male half by a spring-biased sleeve for reciprocation of the female half. The mechanism includes a clamp for engaging the sleeve so that overload pull on the hose connected with the male half will separate the coupling. The coupling is supported on a vertical pivot to permit the coupling to swing as required and a lever is mounted on a horizontal pivot extending transversely of the coupling to engage the female half and displace it relative to the sleeve to facilitate uncoupling the male half. The lever is provided with a bifurcated coupling-engaging portion and an operating portion extending above the coupling sleeve at an acute angle to the axis of the coupling female half.
A NINTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,036, issued on Jun. 4, 1985, to Howell, Jr., et al. teaches a knock-down support structure for a lawn sprinkler head, which includes a standpipe whose upper end is connected to the sprinkler head and whose lower end is connected to a garden hose, and a tripod stand supporting the standpipe. The stand includes separable legs secured by fasteners that also engage supporting brackets on the standpipe.
A TENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Document No. 2012/0286075, Published on Nov. 15, 2012, to Brueske teaches a telescoping tripod sprinkler cart including a tripod junction unit, a plurality of support members, a sprinkler support assembly, and a telescoping assembly. In some preferred embodiments, the telescoping tripod sprinkler cart also includes a carriage assembly to enable the portability of the telescoping tripod sprinkler cart.
It is apparent now that numerous innovations for hose supports and related apparatus have been provided in the prior art that adequate for various purposes. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, accordingly, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.


A thermoplastic composition comprises a polycarbonate having repeating structural carbonate units of the formula (1):

This disclosure relates to polycarbonate compositions, and in particular to endcapped polycarbonate compositions, methods of manufacture, and uses thereof.
Polycarbonate is a high-performance plastic with good impact strength (ductility). However, polycarbonate often has relatively limited flow properties, which is needed in the manufacture of thin walled articles. Medium to high flow polycarbonate grades suffer from the fact that the low temperature ductility is sacrificed for a better flow. Furthermore, polycarbonate compositions often require the use of flame retardants to find successful use in the manufacture of a variety of articles and components.
A widely used method to increase low temperature impact resistance is the addition of impact modifiers, for example, methacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) rubbers or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) rubbers, to the polycarbonate compositions. In addition, flame retardants are often added to improve the flame retardant properties of the polycarbonate compositions. The drawback of these modifications is that, even with low addition levels, for example 1 weight percent, the transparency decreases, detracting one of the key properties of polycarbonate.
There accordingly remains a need in the art for high flow polycarbonate compositions and articles made from them that are transparent and flame retardant.

Thermoplastic compostions, methods of making, and articles formed therefrom

Abstract: wherein at least 60 percent of the total number of R1 groups contain aromatic organic groups and the balance thereof are aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic groups; and wherein the polycarbonate comprises terminal groups derived from reaction with a cyanophenol of the formula

Abstract: wherein Y is a halogen, C1-3 alkyl group, C1-3 alkoxy group, C7-12 arylalkyl, C7-12 alkylaryl, or nitro group, y is 0 to 4, and c is 1 to 5, provided that y+c is 1 to 5; a branching agent; and a flame retardant. The compositions are useful in the manufacture of a wide variety of parts, particularly those having a thin wall.


Methods, circuits, and systems for processing a preamble field in a read channel (e.g., in a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive). The methods generally include the steps of (a) reading the preamble field, wherein the preamble field comprises a repetitive bit pattern having a logical transition every x bit periods, where x is an integer of at least 3 when d is 0 or 1, or where x is an integer of at least d+2 when d is greater than 1, and (b) processing the repetitive bit pattern. The methods may further relate to processing the preamble for synchronization with the read channel and/or for measuring the fly height of a read/write head. The invention also relates to methods of enabling read channel synchronization and/or fly height measurement. The circuitry for fly height measurement generally includes (a) reading logic configured to read a preamble field from a read channel, wherein the preamble field comprises a repetitive bit pattern, (b) determination logic configured to determine a characteristic of the repetitive bit pattern, and (c) correlation logic configured to correlate the characteristic to the fly height. The systems generally comprise those that include a circuit embodying one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The present invention advantageously provides improved resolution of signals resulting from the preamble fields and of harmonics of said signals, and enables fly height measurement and improved channel synchronization without consuming dedicated tracks, platters, etc. on a magnetic recording medium.

Traditional magnetic recording systems use a preamble pattern for read channel synchronization, in both servo and data fields. In such traditional systems, this preamble pattern has generally consisted of successive repetitions of four NRZ bits, [0011] or [1100]. This pattern is generally referred to as the "2T" pattern, a pattern that includes a magnetic transition every two bit periods.
Referring now to FIG. 1A, the typical hard disk drive sector generally includes four parts: Preamble 101, Sync 102, Encoded User Data 103, and Pad 104. The preamble is typically a single frequency pattern that may be used by the reading and/or decoding circuitry (e.g., automatic gain control [AGC] and/or phase-locked loop [PLL] circuitry) to establish initial gain and timing. The detector may also use the preamble to determine a correct initial state sequence.
The preamble is typically a 2T pattern, where "T" means one channel clock period. For example, a 1 Gbps channel rate translates into ins bit intervals (channel clock periods). In this case, a 2T pattern generally has a magnetic transition every 2 ns. Because transitions alternate positive and negative, one complete period of a 2T pattern spans 4T, or 4 ns in this example. The corresponding preamble frequency is 250 MHz. The typical preamble may span from about 48 to 120 channel bits.
Referring now to FIG. 1B, exemplary repetitive preambles are shown. Waveform 111 relates to a 2T repetitive NRZ pattern. Waveform 112 relates to a 3T repetitive NRZ pattern. Waveform 113 relates to a 4T repetitive NRZ pattern. Thus waveform 111 has a transition every two bit periods, waveform 112 has a transition every three bit periods, and waveform 113 has a transition every four bit periods. Therefore, waveform 111 has a period of 4T and a frequency of ¼T, waveform 112 has a period of 6T and a frequency of ⅙T, and waveform 113 has a period of 8T and a frequency of ⅛T.
The preamble may be followed by a sync mark, signaling the end of the preamble and the beginning of the encoded user data. The sync mark may typically span 18 to 27 channel bits. The user data may comprise a 512-Byte (4096-bit) block of binary data that has been scrambled and RLL (run-length limited) encoded. A pad of from about 32 to 64 channel bits may be appended at the end of the sector to keep the data transitioning (or "clocking") through the channel and to resolve any ambiguous final code states.
Run-length limited encoding generally maps the user data into a new (and typically longer) sequence. This sequence generally follows a (d, k) run-length constraint (e.g., the encoded sequence has at least d 0s between 1 s and no more than k 0s between 1s). In conventional magnetic recording systems, (0, k) coded systems generally use a 2T preamble. In older systems, recording systems using (2, k) codes used a 3T preamble (i.e., successive repetitions of six NRZ bits, [000111] or [111000]). This was generally because the highest frequency allowed to be written by the (2, k) code was that of the 3T pattern.
As user bit density increases, the amplitude of the 2T preamble decreases with respect to the maximum amplitude in the data sector. In order to fit the full dynamic range of the signal into the quantizers without clipping, the synchronization system must therefore operate on a preamble pattern with lower amplitude and higher quantization noise. This results in a larger quantization error in the timing loop and/or gain loop in particular, and a larger synchronization error in general.
In the field of data storage media and mechanisms (e.g., hard disk drives [a type of read channel]), storage capacity must generally increase to remain competitive in the marketplace. As data storage capacity requirements increase, data bits (e.g., magnetically recorded bits) are generally packed more densely into the same recording medium dimensions to achieve higher capacity without increasing the size of the device. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the signal characteristics of the preamble pattern.
Another important parameter in the design of magnetic recording systems is the physical space between the recording head and the data recording medium (e.g., a rotating hard disk). The transducer in the head may perform both playback (read) and record (write) functions, and thus, may be known as a read/write head. The quality of recorded data bits (e.g., magnetic transitions) and the playback signal strongly depend on the clearance (or spacing) between the slider on the read/write head and the disk. This spacing is also known as flying height or the "fly height." The fly height represents a critical design trade-off. If the heads are too high above the surface of the disk the heads then data errors may occur, but if the heads are too low, the risk of a head crash dramatically increases. The fly height of the heads must be maintained within tight parameters to ensure the reliability of the drive. Hard drives conventionally use Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) as a monitoring system to detect and report on various indicators of reliability, in order to anticipate failures. One such indicator is the fly height at which the heads float over the surface of the platters. Any trend downward in fly height may indicate the possibility of a head crash in the near future.
Various factors affect the read/write head-hard disk clearance during read and write operations, and can cause modulation of (or variances within) this spacing. In a magnetic data storage system, the speed of the disk rotation, the slider air bearing design, smoothness or roughness of the recording medium surface, operating altitude and temperature are some of the key factors.
FIG. 2 shows a conventional magnetic data recording and playback system 200, including read/write head 220 having write transducer (or coil) 230 and read transducer 240 electrically attached thereto. Electrical current passing through write coil 230 during a write operation generally heats the coil 230 and causes it to expand, reducing the spacing between write coil 230 and medium (or disk) 250. Protrusion of the recording element (write head) during the write process due to Joule heating and eddy-current losses may significantly reduce the flying height of sliders in hard disk drives. Such thermal expansion of the write coil 230 can also affect the position of the read transducer 240 relative to the disk 250. In some cases, the thermal expansion and contraction of the write coil 230 can be a primary factor in the variation of the fly height of the read/write head 220 and/or write coil 230.
After the recording system commands the drive servo to position the write head 220 on-track (e.g., at the beginning of a write operation) and a data read/write controller (such as a hard disk controller, or HDC) asserts a write enable signal (e.g., write gate or WG), a circuit such as a preamp sends current through the write head coil 230. The current passing through the coil 230 generates thermal power or energy, which causes the pole tip 235 to protrude towards the disk. The pole tip protrusion (PTP) generally reduces the magnetic spacing between the head and the disk 250.
On the other hand, when the write enable signal is deasserted, the current flow into or through) the write coil 230 is reduced or stopped, and the thermal energy stored in the pole tip 235 begins to dissipate into the air and the surrounding coil insulation material. The decay in thermal power (e.g., the rate of decrease in stored thermal energy in the coil 230) from the write operation causes the pole 235 tip to retract to its original position (e.g., to the original spacing). This modulation in spacing between the write head 220 or coil 230 and the data recording medium 250 can impact the data integrity and bit error rate (BER) of the drive.
One method to adjust the fly height spacing between a magnetic recording medium and the read/write head to maintain relatively constant spacing involves thermally heating the transducer region (in the write head) with a heater element. However, a need is felt for a method or technique that reliably measures fly height, while reducing or minimizing overhead in the system (e.g., additional or dedicated bits of code or circuitry, interrupts in data transmission/reception, etc.).
Needs therefore exist both to increase the accuracy and/or reliability of data reading systems (and in particular, of synchronization methods, firmware and/or hardware) to keep up with ever-increasing demands for increased data transmission speeds and data storage densities, and to measure the fly height of the read/write head(s) in such systems. It is desirable to satisfy these requirements with little or no additional disk area and/or circuitry in the read head.

Methods, circuits, apparatus, and systems for read channel synchronization and/or fly height measurement


A circuit board includes a plurality of differential signal line pairs, and a plurality of electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) patterns, each configured to be disposed to overlap the plurality of differential signal line pairs, wherein the EBG patterns are electrically insulated from the differential signal line pairs.

1. Technical Field
The embodiments described herein relate to a semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus, and more particularly, to a circuit board having a semiconductor module mounted thereon.
2. Related Art
In general, a semiconductor package includes semiconductor chips mounted on a circuit board, such as a mother board or a printed circuit board (PCB) to constitute an integrated circuit module. Here, the circuit board includes an insulating substrate and a plurality of signal line layers that are disposed on the insulating substrate to provide electrical communications between the semiconductor chips.
As operational frequencies of semiconductor integrated apparatuses increase, ground bounce noise (GBN) has become important in semiconductor integrated circuit modules that include the semiconductor integrated apparatuses. For example, the GBN generates a resonance between adjacent power supply layers and signal line layers within the semiconductor integrated circuit modules, thereby causing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and degrading the electrical communications both to and from the semiconductor integrated circuit modules. Accordingly, a coupling capacitor is commonly incorporated into the semiconductor integrated circuit modules in order to suppress the GBN.
However, since the semiconductor integrated circuit module has a structure that is easily vulnerable to electrical noise, such as the GBN, it is difficult to provide for signal stability of signals that are transmitted through the signal lines disposed on the semiconductor integrated circuit module. In particular, if a clock signal, data signal, a command signal, and an address signal, which are signals commonly transmitted through the signal lines on the semiconductor integrated circuit module, are lost or distorted due to the electrical noise, normal operation of the semiconductor integrated apparatus is impossible.

Circuit board with electromagnetic bandgap adjacent or overlapping differential signals


A methodology of computing a learned combustion stability value and applying the learned combustion stability value to control engine operation is provided. Engine speed is sensed for each expected firing of individual cylinders ofthe engine. An expected acceleration value is determined using a band-pass-filtered engine speed difference. The difference between successive expected acceleration values is computed. A learned combustion related value is determined as a function of the difference in the successive learned acceleration values and is an indication of engine combustion quality. The operation of the engine is controlled as a function of the learned combustion related value. The learned combustion stability value is advantageously employed so as to modify the fuel injection to an internal combustion engine, especially following a cold engine start so as to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. This is accomplished by modifying a program target fuel injection value as a function of the learned combustion related value so as to reduce the fuel injected into the engine by fuel injectors.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to internal combustion engines in automotive vehicles and, more particularly, to a method of determining combustion stability of the engine and controlling the fuel injection pulsewidth to fuel injectors for the engine, especially following a cold start.
2. Discussion
Automotive vehicles commonly employ a port-injected internal combustion engine in which a fuel injector sprays fuel into air in an intake manifold of the engine near an intake valve of a cylinder as air gets pulled into the cylinder during the cylinder's intake stroke. The conventional fuel injector is typically controlled in response to a fuel injection pulsewidth signal in which the pulsewidth determines the amount of fuel injected into the corresponding cylinder of the engine. The fuel injection pulsewidth signal can be implemented to follow a programmed target fuel injection curve. The programmed target fuel injection curve determines the fuel injection pulsewidth and is generally utilized to provide adequate engine performance when feedback engine control is not available.
Many automotive vehicles commonly employ an oxygen (O.sub.2) sensor generally disposed upstream of the exhaust system for sensing the oxygen level in the exhaust gas emitted from the engine. The oxygen sensor can serve to provide a feedback signal to control engine operation and adjust fuel injection to the engine to achieve good engine performance. However, some conventional oxygen sensors are required to warm up to a sufficiently high temperature before an accurate oxygen sensor reading may be obtained. Also, following an engine start, the oxygen sensor and processing devices initially may not have acquired enough information to provide adequate feedback control. Therefore, for a period of time immediately following cold start up of the vehicle engine, the oxygen sensor may not be capable of providing accurate information with which the engine may be controlled to operate to achieve low hydrocarbon emissions. As a consequence, excessive hydrocarbon emissions may be emitted from the vehicle within the immediate period following start up of the engine.
Additionally, immediately following a cold engine start, the catalyst of the catalytic converter can be ineffective since the catalyst requires a period of time to warm up to a temperature at which the catalyst can operate effectively to burn excess hydrocarbons. As a consequence, hydrocarbon emissions may initially be high due to poor burning of the excess hydrocarbons due to a low temperature catalyst. To add to the problem, an over abundance of fuel in the catalyst may further cool the catalyst, thereby requiring an extended period of time for the catalyst to warm up to a sufficient operating temperature.
One approach for modifying fuel injection to the engine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,102, entitled "Method of Throttle Fuel Lean-Out for Internal Combustion Engines", issued to Thomas et al. on Feb. 20, 1996. The aforementioned issued U.S. patent in incorporated herein by reference. The approach described in the above-identified issued patent calculates a fuel lean-out multiplier value which is applied to a fuel pulsewidth value of the fuel injectors to reduce the amount of fuel injected into the engine by the fuel injectors. In the aforementioned approach, the fuel lean-out multiplier value is determined based off of a sensed throttle position and sensed deceleration.
It has also become increasing desirable to evaluate the combustion performance of the engine to improve control of the engine. In addition to controlling engine operation, combustion measurement can be used to evaluate hardware changes made to the engine. Combustion stability of the engine can be measured by processing engine speed signals taken over an angular displacement of the expansion stoke for each cylinder of the engine. By computing a roughness measurement of combustion, the combustion value can be used to control engine operation despite hardware changes.
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide for control of a vehicle engine based on a learned measurement of combustion stability of the engine.
It is another object of the present invention to provide for a learned combustion stability value which may be employed to control engine operation while maintaining adequate driveability and performance of the vehicle.
More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a learned combustion stability value and apply the learned combustion stability value to modify the pulsewidth signal to fuel injectors of the engine so as to reduce the amount of fuel applied to the engine to reduce hydrocarbon emissions, especially following a cold engine start.

Method for processing crankshaft speed fluctuations for control applications


The adjustable tension shade includes a spring motor, an axle, and a shade roller. The spring motor is mounted to the axle and drives the shade roller. The axle has an adjustable telescoping shaft and the free ends of the axle are spring-biased outwardly away from each other. The shade roller has a tubular body that surrounds the axle and the spring motor and serves as a mounting point and storage unit for a shade. A pair of feet is connected to each end of the axle and each has a soft rubber gripping surface thereon.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to window shades. More specifically, the present invention relates to spring tension mounted window shades.
2. Background of the Related Art
In the home improvement and construction industries, there is a desire to make a window more pleasing to the eye, to provide some type of shade to the sun and to provide privacy, as needed. Windows are available in many different sizes thereby necessitating that the window shade be fit to the window casement at hand. As a result, numerous sizes of window shades must be available to fit a given window. This is particularly problematic in connection with the sale of such shades because different sizes of shades must be available for purchase to fit the different sizes of windows. Windows of uncommon sizes require custom built shades.
In the prior art, there have been many attempts to address the problem of fitting a shade to a window. U.S. Pat. No. 473,990 (Wilkinson) provides such a spring tension shade that includes spring-loaded pads on opposing ends of the shade to frictionally grip the facing sides of a window casement. However, the main body must generally fit within the width of the casement thereby. This device is not intended to fit to a wide range of window sizes. The focus of this invention is simply to removably attach a window shade to a window casement without the use of tools or mounting hardware. U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,569, issued to Barretella, similarly provides for a window shade assembly that can be easily installed and which is held in place by friction.
These prior art assemblies, however, suffer from the disadvantage of being of a substantially fixed length. The play in the spring-biased pads on the opposing ends of the assembly is minimal. As a result, the prior art assemblies are specifically made for installation into a specific sized window casement.
Therefore, there is a desire to provide a single spring tension shade assembly that can be installed into windows of a wide range of sizes. There is a desire to provide to the consumer with a single shade assembly that can be easily adjusted to fit a given window
Another disadvantage of prior art shade rollers is that the holding force exerted by the ends of the assembly is through the roller itself. This means that there is increased friction that keeps the roller from turning freely. As the holding force increases, the force necessary to operate the roller thereby increases making it harder to furl or unfurl the shade. The increase in the force necessary to operate the shade necessitates that the holding force must be increased to keep the shade assembly secure within the window casement.
Therefore, there is a need for a tension shade assembly that minimizes or reduces the forces exerted on the roller itself to prevent the jamming or the rotation of the roller or the dislodgment of the tension shade assembly from the window casement.


A manipulator system includes a master manipulation unit that performs a manipulation input by an operator, a slave motion unit that operates in accordance with the manipulation input, an interlock control unit that analyzes the manipulation input and performs control to operate the slave motion unit, interlocking with the manipulation input, and an interlock permission input unit that is capable of being manipulated by the operator and transmits, to the interlock control unit, an interlock permission mode signal used to enter a mode in which interlock of the slave motion unit is permitted based on the manipulation input of the mater manipulation unit when the operator manipulates the interlock permission input unit.

In the past, master-slave type manipulator systems have been known as medical manipulators that support surgical operations. The medical manipulators according to the related art include a master grip (master manipulation unit) that manipulates and inputs an operation of a tool (slave motion unit) mounted on a slave manipulator and used for a surgical operation. In a medical manipulator, a movement of a master grip is transmitted to a tool when a surgeon who is an operator manipulates the master grip. Forcipes, needle holders, and the like are used as the tools to which a movement of the master grip is transmitted.
For example, as a manipulator system according to the related art, a medical robot system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,778,733. In the medical robot system, opening and closing operations of an end effector are controlled by opening and closing an input handle.


A lawn cutting device includes a handle having a hollow connecting part that has a bottom end portion defining a bottom opening and a driving member having an output shaft that is received in the connecting part of the handle and that extends outwardly through the bottom opening. The device also includes a blade-mounting seat spaced apart from the bottom end portion of the connecting part of the handle, and aligned coaxially with and secured to the output shaft. The device further includes a blade member mounted on the blade-mounting seat; and a protecting member including a cup-shaped body that is coaxially aligned with and that extends from the blade-mounting seat, and that defines a recess which receives the bottom end portion of the connecting part of the handle therein.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lawn cutting device, more particularly to a lawn cutting device with a protecting member capable of preventing foreign substances, such as cut weeds and dirt, from entering a driving member.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional lawn cutting device that includes a handle with a connecting part 11 defining a bottom recess 111, a driving member 12 with an output shaft 121 extending through the bottom recess 111, a blade-mounting seat 15 extending into the bottom recess 111 and secured to the output shaft 121, a blade member 13 mounted on the blade-mounting seat 15, and a protecting shield 14 extending from the connecting part 11 to surround a portion of the blade member 13.
The conventional lawn cutting device is disadvantageous in that foreign substances, such as cut weeds and dirt, tend to enter the bottom recess 111 in the connecting part 11 of the handle, which may cause problems, such as undesired shutdown during operation due to clogging of the cut weeds and dirt in a clearance surrounding the output shaft 121, frequent cleaning and maintenance, and even damage to the driving member 12, thereby reducing the service life of the lawn cutting device.


A method of printing paper by gravure printing, wherein the paper used is coated with a paper-coating slip containing a binding agent having a butadiene content of at least 74 wt %, based on the binding agent.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method of printing paper by gravure printing.
2. Description of the Background
In gravure printing the printing form has indentations which receive the printing ink which is transferred to the paper during printing. To achieve good printability, ie ready acceptance of the printing ink, the paper to be printed must exhibit as smooth a surface as possible; furthermore, the paper should have a high degree of flexibility, so that it bears well against the indentations when taking up ink.
A measure of the printing quality in the gravure printing process is, eg, the number of missing dots.
Furthermore, reduction in the concentration of binding agent in the paper-coating slips is required, as a result of which there arise increased demands on the pigment-binding power of the binding agents. It is also desirable to minimize the printing ink consumption without incurring loss of printing quality.
The paper to be printed is generally coated with a paper-coating slip.
Due to the peculiarities of the gravure printing process there also arise particular demands on the paper to be printed or the paper-coating slip.
EP-A 408,099 reveals binding agents having a butadiene content of from 0 to 100 wt %. Binding agents having a butadiene content of ca 36 wt % in paper-coating slips are used in said reference according to the examples.
Styrene Butadiene Latex Design and its Effect in Paper Applications, R. Groves (Minutes of Paper Week, 13-15.03.1984 in Bristol) reveals that the butadiene content in binding agents for paper-coating slips is usually from 30 to 45 wt %,

Use in rotogravure printing of paper-coating compounds with a high butadiene content


A thermal energy system for use with an aircraft includes a cooling loop and a cooler. The cooling loop includes a fluid conduit and a pump configured to move fluid through the fluid conduit to transfer heat from a heat source to the fluid in the fluid conduit to cool the heat source. The cooler includes an air-stream heat exchanger located in a duct and is in thermal communication with the fluid conduit to transfer heat between the fluid in the cooling loop and the air passing through the duct.

Gas turbine engines are used to power aircraft, watercraft, power generators, and the like. Gas turbine engines typically include a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The compressor compresses air drawn into the engine and delivers high pressure air to the combustor. In the combustor, fuel is mixed with the high pressure air and is ignited. Products of the combustion reaction in the combustor are directed into the turbine where work is extracted to drive the compressor and, sometimes, an output shaft. Left-over products of the combustion are exhausted out of the turbine and may provide thrust in some applications.
Some aircraft may include a hybrid electric propulsion system that may use one or more electric machines, such as generators and motors, to provide power to the aircraft. To reject waste heat produced by the engine, aircraft oil/hydraulic heat loads, power electronics, and/or the electric machines, the aircraft may use a ram-air heat exchanger to reject waste heat to the surrounding air in the atmosphere. However, when the aircraft is grounded or taxiing, the air may be relatively warm relative to the components to be cooled. Moreover, there may be little to no ram air pressure to force the air through the ram-air heat exchanger when the aircraft is grounded or taxiing, limiting the waste heat rejection.
As a result, the ram air duct and heat exchanger may be relatively large to achieve the large mass flow rates to effectively transfer heat to the air in the atmosphere at low ram pressure conditions. Conversely, at cruise altitude, the air temperature is cooler and the ram air pressure difference across the ram-air heat exchanger may have increased due to higher flight speed, which would allow for a smaller ram-air heat exchanger to be used, but for the insufficient cooling rate while grounded and taxiing.
To enable a smaller ram-air heat exchanger when the aircraft is grounded or taxiing, the aircraft may include a blower to draw air through the ram-air heat exchanger, adding weight to the aircraft. As a result, providing a thermal energy system that enables a ram-air heat exchanger configured to maximize fuel efficiency and decrease the added weight to the aircraft presents design challenges.

Aircraft with thermal energy storage system for multiple heat loads

Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.


The present invention relates to a green process for purification of free bio amino acids from plant parts, particularly tea leaves and shoots. The invention more particularly relates to an organic solvent free, fast and economical process for purification of natural amino acids on large scale without using any chemical, acid or alkali substance. The invention also relates to a process for purification of bio amino acids from plant and plant parts (renewable bioresources) which are rich in free amino acids.

The amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and act as intermediates in body metabolism. The importance of amino acids as building blocks of proteins for the growth and repair of muscles, bones, skin, tendons, ligaments, hair, eyes and other tissues is proven since a very long time. Proteins play a vital role in various body functions such as, metabolism, cell signalling, the immune system, cell adhesion and cell cycle. The problem of protein deficiency is very common among populations of poor, undeveloped and in developing countries. Even in developed nations, this problem of protein deficiency was reported in certain groups of population with specific diet habits. Particularly, vegetarians need to be very careful about eating the right combinations of plant foods to get enough of the essential amino acids. When proteins enter the body; first they are broken down into amino acids during the digestion process. The amino acids are then used in different areas of the body where they are needed for protein synthesis. The amino acids are also responsible for the biological activities of proteins. So, the amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins are vital for body functioning. So there exist huge potential of using amino acids in form of nutritional supplements.
Generally there are 20 standard amino acids which constitute the proteins, and out of these only 10 are synthesized in our body. The other 10 which are not synthesized in our body are called as essential amino acids viz. alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. We need to obtain these essential amino acids from our diet and failure to obtain any of essential amino acid, could results in degradation of the body's proteins and other associated problems.
As plant and plant parts like leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds and vegetables are considered as rich source of free amino acids. Therefore these plant and plant parts could be used as natural and renewable sources to obtain these essential components. Also, in recent decades there has been found an immense interest in nutraceuticals, dietary health supplements and extracts which were obtained from natural sources in comparison to those with synthetic origin.
Tea (Camellia sinensis) of Theaceae family is known world wide as a beverage crop. This plant is also a good source of free amino acids. The amino acids content in the tea was estimated from 3-4% on dry wt. basis. The presence of free amino acids in tea is well known and it was reported that it contains all the 20 amino acids. The presence of different amino acids in tea like; alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, phenylalanine, serine, theanine, threonine, and tyrosine have been determined by amino acid analyzer as well as by HPLC analysis (Wang et al., Analysis of free amino acids in Chinese teas and flower of tea plant by high performance liquid chromatography combined with solid-phase extraction. Food Chemistry, 123, 2010, 1259-1266; Jean-Philippe Veyssier, Analysis of Theanine in Green Tea using the Biochrom 30 Amino Acid Analyser. Biochrom Ltd. Cambridge, UK; Ulrich H. Engelhardt, Chemistry of Tea, 2010 Elsevier Ltd.). Tea contains all the essential amino acids along with non-essential ones. Along with that, tea also contains a unique non-protein derived amino acid called as theanine which was formed from glutamine and ethylamine (Vuong et al., Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture, 2011, 91, 1931-1939).
Theanine is well known as a psychoactive amino acid which crosses the blood brain barrier and relaxes during stress. High water solubility of theanine in comparison to caffeine and catechins and its presence in sufficient amount in tea plant is an important requisite of the present invention; as it constitutes up to 50% of total amino acids present in the tea.
Though, Ekanayake et al. (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/689,910) has explained a process for isolation of theanine by extraction, absorption and filtration from plant material using isopropanol as a solvent to get theanine enriched extract. They used polyamides, polyvinylpyrollidine and polycar as adsorbants.
While, Tachiki et al. (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/523,098) has developed a synthetic method using glutaminase derived from the bacteria in a mixture of glutamine and ethylamine at alkaline pH (9-12).
Even there are few studies in literature which report sublimation process to obtain amino acids from natural samples (Daniel and Jeffrey, Analytical Chemistry 1998, 70, 3119-3122), but amino acid decomposition in to amines as well as deamination of amino acids at high temperature are the major problems in sublimation process.
Also according to Basiuk et al., there are more chances of formation of dipeptides and diketopiperazines in vapor phase of sublimation process. Also Fisher et al. (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/111,919) disclosed a process of purification of amino acids by electrodialysis followed by fermentation process to get amino acids.
Tea contains all the essential amino acids like, threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine and trytophan in it. So the present invention was specially focused on obtaining all these free amino acids present in tea along with theanine by an economical and green process methodology.
With ever increasing interest in naturally obtained food supplements, nutraceutiacls and additives: their market is also growing at very fast rate world wide. This might be due to health safety and therapeutic potential associated with them. So, in an attempt to obtain natural bio amino acids by a low cost green methodology and as an option for costlier protein supplements; the present invention was carried out.
As the free amino acids are readily available in the body and elevates its level in the general circulation within 15 minutes (Barry Finnin and Samuel Peters, Amino acids and Bodybuilding, Muscle and Fitness Magazine, April 1996) if consumed as supplements in comparison to protein supplements. Also, proteins first undergo enzymatic degradation in the alimentary canal for their catabolism into constituent free amino acids. So, in this invention we have disclosed an economical and green process for purification of free bio amino acids (theanine enriched) from tea shoots and from other plants and plant parts (renewable bioresources like leaves, fruits and flowers) which are good source of free amino acids.
There exist very few process methodologies which show extraction and purification of free amino acids from plant sources by green and economical process. While most of the earlier reported/developed processes and methodologies for purification of amino acids (ion exchange, sublimation, adsorption, electrodialysis etc.) generally involve usage of chemical substances, organic solvents, acids and alkali, leading to many disadvantages such as amino acid decomposition into amines as well as deamination of amino acids, the present invention totally excludes the use of all these chemical substances during the whole process of obtaining these natural bio amino acids.

Process for purification of free bio-amino acids

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research


A system includes a media distribution device including a first network interface, a second network interface, and a first processor. The first processor configures the first network interface to use a first communication network, and broadcasts, using the first communication network, audio data. The system includes a media device including a third network interface, a fourth network interface, and a second processor. The second processor causes, using the third network interface, the media device to join the first communication network, receives, using the third network interface, a first portion of the audio data, processes the first portion of the audio data to generate first audio output, and transmits, using the fourth network interface, a control signal to the second network interface of the media distribution device. The control signal is configured to cause the first processor to modify an attribute of the audio data or stop broadcasting the audio data.

The present invention relates generally to the field of electronic devices and, more particularly, to approaches for media distribution between electronic devices for low-latency applications. In some applications, media, such as audio content, is transmitted or streamed to a number of electronic devices that, in turn, output audio signals corresponding to that audio content. Such an application generally requires low-latency transmissions of the audio content to the various electronic devices. If there is substantial delay in the delivery of the audio content to the electronic devices, the audio outputs of the various electronic devices may become unsynchronized in a manner noticeable to a listener. Similarly, if the electronic devices are used to output the audio portion of video or television content, excessive latency in delivering the audio content to the electronic devices may result in a noticeable audio delay that may be off-putting to a viewer.

Media distribution between electronic devices for low-latency applications


Proteins expressed from within the prion protein genes of all animals and humans, “prionins”, against which reagents can be prepared for accurate pre-symptomatic diagnosis, for detecting latent TSE, for detecting TSE contamination of food, blood and blood products and for therapeutic treatment of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cows, Scrapie disease in sheep and Creutzfeldt-Jacob syndrome in humans, are revealed.

Prion proteins (PrPs) are a family of very closely related proteins which are found in a number of allelic forms in the membrane of certain populations of brain neurons of all animals. PrPs are expressed in lymphoreticular system and replicated in spleen and other lymphoreticular tissues (Kimberin R. H. and Walker C. A. Virus Res. 12:201-211 (1989). The alteration of the molecular configuration (folding) of a PrP by an unknown mechanism which converts these proteins into infectious particles "prions" (PrPsc) is associated with a group of diseases called "Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies" (TSE) (Prusiner S. B. Science 252:1515-1522 (1991); Prusiner S. B. Ed., Current topics in Microbiology and Immunology 207 (1996)); (Westaway D et al., Trends. Microbiol. 3:141-147 (1995)); (Goldfarb L. G. and Brown P. Annu. Rev: Med. 46:57-65 (1965)).
Three members of the TSE family are of great economic and medical concern; these include Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cows, scrapie in sheep and Creutzfeldt-Jakob syndrome (CJS) in humans. Pathology of TSE involves nerve cell dysfunction, which leads to fatal neurodegeneration; TSEs are characterised by symmetrical vacuolation of neurons and neuropil and accumulation of PrPSc around neurons. The latter phenomenon is believed to be the cause of the phenotype of the disease in the affected animal or human (Darcel C. Vet. Res Commun. 19:231-252 (1995)).
Prions are believed to be self-replicating proteins, which in their altered configuration are resistant to destruction by proteolytic enzymes and heating conditions which usually, destroy most proteins. The infectious prion is believed to be transmissible across species. Nevertheless, it has not been satisfactorily explained how a brain resident protein which, so far has not been demonstrated in biological fluids, can be transmitted from animal to animal within a grazing herd of cattle. Also, it is a puzzle that an endogenous protein auto-converts from a harmless, useful, form to a highly pathogenic infective form; many exotic hypotheses have been proposed to explain these phenomena.
However a few plausible hypotheses have provided insight into some aspects of the above mentioned puzzle, e.g., (i) it has been shown that PrPsc can be detected in the tonsils of animals with BSE and scrapie and presumably, animals presymptomatic for the above diseases (Schreuder B. E et al., Nature 381:563 (1996); (ii) it has been suggested that prions could be receptors that ushers an unknown virus or other infectious agents into cells (Brown P. (quoted in special news report) "Putting Prions to the Test" Science 273:184-189 1996)); (iii) experiments in mice appear to indicate that PrP binds to a chaperon protein (protein X) which catalyses the formation of PrPSc (Telling G. C. Cell 83:79-90 (1995)); (iv) that an unidentified factor is responsible for BSE and prions act as host-adapting agent for the factor (Lasmezas C. I. et al Science 275:402-405 (1997), and (v) that a frame shift translation in scrapie PrP mRNA may play a role in conversion of PrP to PrPsc, (Wills P. R. et al. Microbiol. pathogenesis 6:235-249 (1989); Kiyotoshi K. et al.; Proc. natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:10069-10074 (1998).
There is an intriguing relationship between Scrapie in sheep, BSE in cows and CJS in humans; it is believed that BSE is initiated by the scrapie prion and some forms of CJD are initiated by eating BSE infected cows, particularly brain. The latter appeared to be experimentally supported by the discovery, recently, of what has been called a BSE signature molecule in humans who contract a "new variant of CJD (Collinge, J et al., Nature 283:685-690 1996. Nevertheless despite a large international effort to understand the pathogenesis of TSE, and to develop non invasive widely applicable methods for presymptomatic detection of these diseases, which in the case of BSE and scrapie have calamitous effects on commercial activity and on the health of the population at large, substantial progress has not been made in these directions.

“Prionins”, highly specific markers for noninvasive presymptomatic detection of TSE diseases, and targets for therapeutic reagents to prevent and control TSE diseases in animals and humans


A computer-implemented method is provided of processing a substitute check which has been made from an original check. The computer-implemented method comprises (a) reading from the substitute check a printed magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline, (b) reading from the substitute check an imaged MICR codeline, and (c) comparing the printed MICR codeline of step (a) and the imaged MICR codeline of step (b) to determine if the printed MICR codeline and the imaged MICR codeline match.

The present invention relates to substitute checks, and is particularly directed to a computer-implemented method of processing a substitute check and an apparatus therefor.
In a check truncation environment, an original check is not transferred between banks during the check clearing process. Instead, electronic image data which is representative of an image of an original check is transferred between the banks. When a paper version of the original check is needed, it may be printed on demand using the electronic image and related data which is representative of the original check. This paper version is called a substitute check. A substitute check is also referred to as an image replacement document (IRD).
The creation of substitute check for use in a check truncation environment is defined by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) X9.90 standard. This standard defines the content of a substitute check using the front and back images of an original check and data associated with the check. More specifically, a substitute check contains an image of the front and back of an original check. The substitute check also contains a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline that has all the information appearing on the MICR codeline of the original check at the time the original check was issued and any additional information that was encoded on the MICR codeline of the original check before an image of the original check was captured.
From time to time, it is conceivable that the MICR codeline of the substitute check may contain inaccurate information relative to the MICR codeline which appears in the check image on the substitute check. If this were to occur, a number of potential liabilities could arise. For example, a potential liability is that a bank may become legally liable for transfers of funds of a wrong amount or from a wrong customer. It would be desirable to avoid or at least minimize potential liabilities associated with inaccurate information between the MICR codeline of a substitute check and the MICR codeline which appears in the check image of the substitute check.

Computer-implemented method of processing a substitute check and an apparatus therefor


The present invention intends to provide an encoded data conversion method for speeding up conversion processing by eliminating re-encoding processing when predetermined data is inserted into encoded data. The encoded data conversion method is a conversion method for converting encoded image data comprising: a step of decoding encoded image data; and a step of inserting a code for eliminating re-encoding of subsequent data after the predetermined data.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-209639 describes a header inserting method (JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) encoded data conversion method) with re-encoding processing. That method inserts a header into JPEG encoded data by deleting 0x00, which follows 0xFF, from the JPEG encoded data, bit-shifting attached JPEG encoded data by header insertion, and inserting 0x00 after 0xFF into the bit-shifted JPEG encoded data.
A data structure of a JPEG encoded image will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 10.
A JPEG image is generated by encoding an inputted original image is divided into blocks of 8 pixels×8 pixels. First, DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) processing and quantization processing are performed for each block of 8 pixels×8 pixels. A block denoted by the reference numeral 1001 in FIG. 10 represents a block after the DCT processing. Each pixel after the DCT processing is called a DCT coefficient. Huffman encoding is performed after the DCT processing. The Huffman encoding is performed in the order of the numbers given to each pixel in the block 1001 of FIG. 10.
In the block 1001, 0th coefficient is called a DC coefficient and the other coefficients are called AC coefficients.
The reference numeral 1002 of FIG. 10 denotes an MCU (Minimum Coded Unit). The MCU is a set of blocks 1001. In the example of FIG. 10, four blocks make one MCU.
A set of MCUs makes a JPEG encoded image. Between an MCU and an MCU, a marker code called an RST marker (Restart Marker) can be inserted at a certain interval. The RST markers may or may not be inserted. The RST markers may be inserted at any interval. FIG. 10 shows a case where an RST marker 1003 is inserted for every two MCUs. The marker code of JPEG must be inserted as it is byte-aligned. Therefore, when an RST marker 1003 is inserted, "1" bit needs to be inserted by the number necessary to byte-align and the RST marker needs to be inserted after the byte-align.
When the DC coefficient in a block is encoded, a DC coefficient of a previously encoded block is used. That is called DC coefficient prediction. The DC coefficient prediction is effective in an interval for an RST marker to be inserted. The DC coefficient prediction is not performed on a block immediately after an RST marker is inserted.
A JPEG image is subjected to processing called byte stuff processing. The byte stuff processing is the processing for inserting 0x00 immediately after 0xFF code when 0xFF code in a byte-aligned state is in a JPEG image. In order to decode the processed image, the inserted 0x00 is deleted first, and then decoding processing is performed.
A usual procedure for inserting an RST marker into a JPEG encoding image without an RST marker being inserted will be described with reference to FIG. 11.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a conversion procedure for inserting an RST marker into a JPEG encoded image without an RST marker being inserted and converting it into a JPEG encoded image with an RST marker being inserted.
First at step S1101, changing processing is performed on a header. At this step, a marker code indicating that the JPEC encoded image includes an RST marker is added. The other headers are not changed.
Conversion processing is performed by each MCU. At step S1102, decoding processing is performed on an MCU. The decoding processing is the Huffman decoding processing and the DC coefficient prediction decoding processing. In this conversion processing, neither invert quantization processing nor invert DCT processing is needed. Decoding processing up to the DC coefficient prediction is performed here from the viewpoint of conversion efficiency. The DCT coefficient prediction is needed because a DC coefficient prediction is reset after an RST marker is inserted and a DC coefficient value of an MCU immediately after the RST marker is inserted changes.
After decoding processing of an MCU, encoding processing is performed on an MCU as shown in step S1103. The encoding processing performed in this step is a re-encoding of a DC coefficient value and a byte stuff processing. The re-encoding of a DC coefficient value is performed when DC coefficient prediction processing changes due to RST marker insertion as mentioned above. Similarly, the byte stuff processing has to be performed again because an encoded image is bit-shifted when an RST marker is inserted. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-209639 describes a method for performing byte stuff processing again and re-converting a JPEG encoded image. At step S1104, whether or not to insert an RST marker is determined. Insertion of an RST marker is performed for each previously designated MCU interval. After the designated MCU decoding processing and encoding processing, insertion of an RST marker is performed at step S1105. As mentioned above, when an RST marker is inserted, byte-align processing is performed and the head position of an RST marker is set to the head position of a byte.
Processing mentioned above is performed on all the MCUs in a JPEG image. Then, the conversion processing of the JPEG image ends.
As mentioned above, in usual conversion processing performed when an RST marker is inserted into a JPEG image encoded image, decoding processing and encoding processing (re-encoding processing of a DC coefficient and byte stuff processing) have to be performed on all the MCUs. That causes a problem of slowing the conversion processing.
The encoded data conversion method of the present invention adds codes for avoiding bit-shift after predetermined data is inserted to eliminate byte stuff processing which is applied to an encoded image. As the invention described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-209639 does not have this technique, it needs a series of re-encoding processing including deletion of 0x00 which follows 0xFF in unconverted JPEG encoded data, bit-shift processing due to insertion of predetermined data, and insertion of 0x00 after 0xFF into bit-shifted JPEG encoded data, as described in the claim 4 in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-209639.
The invention described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-209639 has a problem in that it slows down conversion processing as when it performs conversion by inserting a header into JPEG encoded data it needs re-encoding processing of JPEG encoded data.


A method of cutting is described, utilizing a specialized utility cutting tool. The tool has a fixed jaw, a movable handle, a blade, and a connecting link. The blade is inserted into a channel formed in the fixed jaw for stability, and is pivotally connected to that fixed jaw. The blade is connected to the connecting link which is connected at an opposite end to the movable handle, so that moving the movable handle toward a handle of the fixed jaw moves the blade. The connecting link provides a mechanical advantage to apply more force to an item to be cut than would be possible without the connecting link. An anvil is mounted in a channel formed in a substantially straight edge of the fixed jaw, and the sharp edge of the blade is moved toward that anvil as the handles of the fixed and movable handles are squeezed together.

1. Technical Field
This invention pertains to a method and tool for cutting, suitable for cutting such diverse materials as tree branches, carpet and flooring materials, wire, construction materials, automotive moldings and trim, wood trim, rope, vinyl, hose, rubber, plastic, thick paper, and leather.
2. Background Art
A number of different utility tools are commercially available for a variety of cutting jobs. Some commonly used cutting tools rely on coordinating blades which are moved adjacent to each other to cut materials placed between the blades. Examples of shears using this method of cutting are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,625 to Melter et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,314 to Huang. Huang utilizes the dual blades by leaving one blade in an indentation of the material being cut created by a first effort of cutting, as the coordinating blade is released and then closed again to effectively whittle away a branch or other material to be cut. Both Huang and Melter teach the use of a connecting link to achieve a mechanical advantage as the handles of the shears are forced together, increasing the force applied to the cutting blades as they are closed around the material to be cut. While this mechanical advantage allows branches and other materials to be efficiently cut, the life of such tools is limited. With use, the blades are eventually bent away from each other as the force of cutting pushes the blades outward from each other, wearing on the fulcrum or pivot points by which the jaws of the shears are connected to each other.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,453 to Lin describes a pair of gardening shears that include a connecting link to provide a mechanical advantage for increasing the force applied to a workpiece being cut. Lin does not use opposing and adjacent blades, but rather drives a blade into a serrated curved fang. As with the previously mentioned shears, use of the Lin shears will eventually strain the pivot points at which the adjacent handles are attached to each other, possibly resulting in misalignment of the shears.
Other common cutting tools utilize a single blade which closes onto an anvil, cutting materials placed between the open blade and the anvil as the blade closes. Examples are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,272,810 to Orthey and 5,003,695 to Lipscomb et al. Orthey discloses garden shears having an anvil and opposing blade connected to handles which are connected at a pivot point. Addressing the problem that use of the shears eventually results in misalignment of the blade and anvil, Orthey provides a mechanism for adjusting the anvil with respect to the blade, to correct such misalignment and extend the useful life of the tool. Lipscomb teaches snips with a rotatable anvil and two handles attached side-by-side at a pivot point.
A blade and anvil cutting tool is sold by Craftsman tools under the tradename "Handi-Cut". The Craftsman product is labeled to provide notice that a patent application is pending. The Craftsman tool has two jaws, with a reduced diameter segment of one jaw fitting within a channel of the other jaw. In this manner, the jaw supporting the blade can be moved around a pivot point, as that blade jaw is moved toward the anvil supported by the other jaw. The Craftsman product does not enjoy the mechanical advantage of a connecting link to leverage force applied to one handle, and the channel through which the reduced diameter segment fits is not suitable for receiving such a mechanism.
While each of these cutting tools is useful for its intended purpose, none provides a significant mechanical advantage to leverage the force applied on tool handles while also avoiding the misalignment and decreased efficiency caused by long-term stress to fulcrum points which hold together adjacent jaws.


A low priming volume centrifugal pump comprising a disc shaped impeller having opposite faces and an inlet hole centrally disposed therein. The impeller has flow channels disposed on at least one of the faces of the impeller which radiate outward from said inlet hole. The volume of the flow channels is small relative to the total impeller envelope volume providing for efficient momentum transfer with a minimum of turbulence and backflow Thus, priming volume is reduced and flow within the pump is more efficient. The pump can be used as stand alone device, or it can be integrated with a blood oxygenator into a common housing.

During open heart surgery and in some emergency cardiac or cardiopulmonary situations, it is necessary to have some means for pumping the blood either alone or in conjunction with an oxygenator to replace or support the patient's cardiac or cardiopulmonary functions.
Prior art extracorporeal device technology has used individual devices for the functions of pumping blood and oxygenating blood. Historically, the roller pump has been the blood pump of choice for extracorporeal circulation, mainly due to its reasonably low levels of blood damage and priming volume. However, because it is a positive displacement pump, high, unsafe pressures can develop if the discharge line is inadvertently closed off or restricted. Furthermore, the drive mechanism and motor is relatively cumbersome, making it less than ideal in terms of ease of use.
Recently, the centrifugal pump has come into some favor, primarily because it is safer and easier to use. It is safer because it is not a positive displacement pump, and it is easier to use because its drive mechanism and motor cam be made compact and relatively mobile. Early centrifugal blood pumps had vaneless impellers, and momentum was transferred via viscous drag between the impeller surfaces and the blood. Although these had the potential to decrease blood damage, relatively large surface area was required, requiring a large priming volume.
More recently, centrifugal blood pumps with vaned impellers have been introduced in order to reduce priming volume. A recent example of such a pump is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,103, to Dahl. Although blood damage, as measured by red cell hemolysis, can be reduced to acceptable levels with pumps of this type, there is still some increase due to the turbulence created by the vanes. A further disadvantage results from the backflow, radially inward, which occurs in the fluid spaces between the vanes, thus decreasing the potential delivery pressure of the pump. Additionally, the overall inlet and channel volume of this pump is still large relative the impeller envelope volume. Thus, priming volume is still relatively high.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,798, to Sugiura, discloses a centrifugal pump which is not disclosed for use as a blood pump. The pump has an impeller comprising a main disc and a plurality of vanes which project axially from at least one side of the disc. A fluid passage is formed between each pair of adjacent vanes having a cross section that decreases as the flow passage projects radially outward. The reduced passage width is intended to decrease the fluid vortices in the passage to improve pump delivery at low flow rates. In order to create the radially decreasing passageway, it is necessary to have a large interior impeller diameter. Furthermore, since the pump has two flow inlets, the total inlet and passageway volume of this pump is large compared to the total impeller envelope volume. If the Sugiura pump is used to pump blood, it will require an excessively large priming volume. The pump also has ribs placed at the midpoint of the passageways to provide mechanical integrity. These ribs increase the potential for fluid spillage, increasing fluid turbulence and decreasing pump efficiency. This would create serious problems for pumping blood, due to the increased likelihood of blood damage.
Prior art blood pumps which are used in conjunction with an oxygenator are typically connected together in an extracorporeal tubing loop to receive venous blood from the patient and return arterial blood back to the patient. One of the problems with these types of devices, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,183,908, has been that large amounts of blood are required to prime the oxygenator, the pump, and the tubing between the oxygenator and the pump.
Some attempts have been made to incorporate the pumping and oxygenation functions in a single device. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,837 discloses a blood oxygenator or dialyzer that achieves enhanced transfer through rotation of a cylindrically mounted membrane placed eccentrically inside a stator housing. Blood flows in the annular space between the rotor and the stator. Rotation causes a pumping action, thus causing pumping and oxygenation to occur simultaneously. All of these prior art devices have required relatively large amounts of fluid to prime the pump and oxygenator. There have also been difficulties with the safety and ease of use by the perfusionist. Furthermore, these devices can be quite costly to manufacture.
What is needed is a low priming blood pump which is safe, easy to use, and which causes minimal blood damage. What is further needed is a blood pump which can be readily integrated into a blood oxygenator housing. Such an invention is disclosed and claimed herein.

Low priming volume centrifugal blood pump