A full-spectrum, multi-mode radio receiver provides truly continuous coverage of reception of radio signals in a variety of modes or formats, and in a frequency range extending from about 10 kHz to about 2600 MHz. That is, there or no frequencies or frequency bands within which reception is not possible or is possible only with a reduced performance of the radio receiver, because of spurs, inter-modulation products, or images. The radio receiver provides this broad-spectrum, continuous coverage of reception, and does so with a receiver front-end tuning selectivity to as little as 1 Hz.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is in the field of radio receivers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a radio receiver, which may desirably take the form of a scanner-type of receiver, having wide-band, full-spectrum receiving capability (nominal receiving frequency from about 10 kHz to about 2600 MHz--with receiving frequency steps as small as 1 Hz). Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a triple-hetrodyne radio receiver which according to the present invention may receive radio signals in a variety of formats or modes, such as in amplitude modulation (AM), Narrow-band frequency modulation (NBFM), wide-band FM (WBFM), single side band (SSB) in both of the upper and lower side bands (i.e., USB and LSB), carrier wave (CW, sometimes referred to as Morris Code format), Citizen's Band (CB), VHF, UHF (i.e., television and other broadcast portions of WBFM), police, commercial, aviation, marine, and other frequency bands, as well as in other formats or modes, including digital formats (dependent upon output-stage demodulating and decoding facilities which may be provided along with the front-end radio receiver).
2. Related Technology
Conventional radio receivers, generally termed "broad-band" or "wide-band" radio receivers are known. Some of these radio receivers take the form of "scanner" type receivers in which the receiver continuously "scans" preselected frequencies one at a time seeking signals to receive. When a scanner detects a signal in one of the selected frequencies, it stops scanning for a while and receives the detected signal. Other conventional radio receivers require the operator to tune the receiver to a frequency to be received.
Some of these radio receivers have a first stage or "front end" radio frequency demodulation stage which includes a number of parallel narrow-band receivers, each configured to cover a comparatively narrow band of the radio frequency spectrum. The RF band coverage provided by these narrow-band receivers is of adjacent frequency bands so that substantially full coverage of the RF spectrum is provided by the plural receivers in combination. In order to cover the RF spectrum, the narrow-band receivers are switched on and off, and in and out of the circuits of the receiver as the user tunes the radio up and down the RF spectrum. In this configuration of radio, each parallel narrow-band front end section will have its own first IF stage, first LO, second IF, and second LO. Additionally, the radio includes the necessary switching apparatus and circuits to enable the narrow-band front end sections one at a time while the others are disabled according to the portion of the RF spectrum being tuned at a particular time. As a result of this multiplicity of parallel front end stages, controls and switching apparatus, the radios of this type are expensive and complex.
An alternative configuration of broad band radio receiver attempts to choose the first IF and first LO, the second IF and second LO, so that internally-generated frequency interferences are outside of the frequencies of interest, so much as is possible. However, this approach results in frequency exclusions, as is further explained. That is, it is known that because of spurs (i.e., spurious responses), inter-modulation distortion, and image frequency responses, certain frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum are conventionally unavailable for reception by conventional broad-band or wide-band radio receivers of this type.
To recap the conventional understanding of the limitations of wide or broad band radio receivers of this type, it will be recalled that in hetrodyne demodulation of radio-frequency (RF) signals, two signals [the RF signal and a local oscillator (LO) signal] are combined in multiplication. Multiplication of two sine wave signals together provides one cosine signal which is the sum of the two frequencies, and another cosine signal which is the difference of the two frequencies. Usually, the difference signal is of interest for further demodulation processing, and is referred to as an intermediate frequency (IF) signal.
To create the sum and difference signals true multipliers are not normally used. Instead, fast-switching diodes driven by a square-wave LO signal and a balun transformer can be used to achieve the desired multiplication effect. A variety of alternatives are known to the use of fast-switching diodes. For example, balanced mixers, double balanced mixers, double-double balanced mixers, and Gilbert cells (these a true multiplier) are known. Each of these conventional RF demodulation expedients has its advantages and limitations, as are conventionally known. For example, the Gilbert cell does not usually work at high RF frequencies, as will be further considered below.
A spur (spurious response) is created by mixing harmonics of an RF signal and a harmonic of the LO frequency to generate the IF frequency.
An inter-modulation product results from the mixing of two RF signals and their harmonics to produce the IF frequency. Inter-modulation distortion is a type of interference that results from the mixing of integer multiples of signal frequencies in a nonlinear stage or device. The resulting mixing of signal products can interfere with desired signals on the mixed frequencies.
An image occurs when an IF frequency is less than half of the tunable band of a receiver, and the receiver is tuned to an RF signal near the bottom of the tuning range (with a high-side LO). The receiver will detect a signal at a second frequency which equals the desired frequency plus 2 times the IF frequency.
In order to attempt to avoid the limitations imposed by these spurs, inter-modulation products, and images, some conventional radios of the broad or wide band type use "pre-selectors". A pre-selector is a circuit which provides an amplification of a desired frequency signal with attenuation of other frequencies. Usually, a pre-selector is voltage-tunable, and passes a desired frequency with normal gain, while attenuating offending frequencies.
However, the conventional solutions to the problems of receiving the full radio-frequency electromagnetic spectrum are imperfect. As a result, conventional radio receivers of this type are accompanied by frequency range charts informing their users of frequencies or ranges of frequencies at which reception is not possible with acceptable performance of the receiver. As an example, a commercially available example of a conventional broad-band or wide-band radio receiver (which asserts to cover the 500 kHz to 1300 MHz frequency range), includes a chart informing the user that the following frequencies are unavailable for reception:
253-256 MHz, 262-267 MHz, 271-276 MHz, 380-383 MHz, 412-416 MHZ, 531-540 MHz, 556-572 MHz, 624-635 MHz, 810-835 MHz, 860-890 MHz, 915-961 MHz, and 995-1016 MHz PA1 1.59 MHz, 3.18 MHz, 12.58 MHz, 16.78 MHz, 20.97 MHz, 76.8 MHz, 89.6 MHz, 96.0 MHz, 102.4 MHz, 108.8 MHz, 115.2 MHz, 123.58 MHz, 140.34 MHz, 153.6 MHz, 170.36 MHz, 200.38 MHz, 230.4 MHz, 370.74 MHz, 400.78 MHz, 430.78 MHz, and 460.8 MHz PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,972, issued to E. C. Snell; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 3,961,261, issued to P. W. Pflasterer; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 3,987,400, issued to G. H. Fathauer; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,468, issued to J. R. Brown; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,251, issued to G. H. Fathauer; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,103, issued to P. W. Pflasterer; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,715, issued to G. H. Fathauer; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,217, issued to W. Baker; and PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,688, issued to W. Baker
As can be seen, although this conventional radio receiver product is termed "continuous coverage", it does not in fact provide continuous reception of the radio frequency electromagnetic spectrum within its operating range.
Another conventional wide-band radio receiver is known in accord with U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,100, issued Dec. 2, 1986, to Shigeru Takano, and assigned to Regency Electronics of Indianapolis, Indiana (hereinafter, "the Takano '100" patent). This wide band radio scanner type of receiver is believed to provide reception from about 25 MHz to about 550 MHz continuously, and to employ upper conversion (i.e., the first LO frequency is higher than the receiving frequency--in the range from 775 MHz to 1300 MHz) so that image response frequencies are outside of the frequency band of interest, so much as is possible. The Takano '100 patent is believed to employ a variable first IF section with a first mixer receiving a first LO frequency from either one or two phase locked loop (PLL) oscillators. A second IF section uses a crystal oscillator to originate the second LO frequency, and includes several multipliers each of different multiplication factor. The multiplier selected provides a second LO frequency (which is a multiple of the crystal oscillator frequency), and which is then mixed at the second IF stage mixer.
In other words, the Takano '100 patent is believed to expand the frequency coverage of the receiver by providing a method of generating a high-frequency stable first LO frequency. However, this approach still results in some frequency exclusions due to the spurs (i.e., internally generated spurious signals).
The following is a list of the frequencies which will not be received or scanned by a commercially available radio receiver according to the Takano '100 patent due to the internally generated interference signals (i.e., the spurs):
Another conventional radio receiver is known from Japanese patent No. H7-10051, issued Feb. 1, 1995, to Yaesu Musen K.K., by inventor Yoshiaki Hashimoto (hereinafter, the "Yaesu" patent). The Yaesu patent is believed to teach a short wave, single-side-band type of receiver, in which a multiple-conversion super-hetrodyne type of front end receiver section is used. The front end receiver section has a first LO selectively controlled by a CPU to convert the received signal to a first intermediate frequency (i.e., to a first IF). A second LO and second IF are used also, with the second LO signal source being switchable between two oscillators. The CPU controls the second LO signal source to switch the necessary second local oscillator output frequency to the associated mixer so that a spur possibly generated in the mixer falls into a band-pass of the second IF filter. A single side band detector, also controlled by the CPU, is switched between USB and LSB oscillators to provide a detection function.
However, dependent upon whether an upper or lower side band is being used, the CPU of the Yaesu patent controls the first LO to a constant frequency. That is, a first LO frequency may be used for lower side band operation, and a different LO frequency will be used for upper side band operation. But, so long as the Yaesu receiver is operated in upper or lower side band mode, the frequency of the first LO is not changed, it is believed. Additionally, because the Yaesu receiver is apparently a SSB type of short: wave radio receiver, the frequency of the received signal would always be below 30 MHz (the short wave band). The teaching of the Yaesu patent would not appear to apply to a wide-band receiver. Moreover, were an attempt made to apply this teaching to a wide-band receiver, for higher frequencies, a very high LO frequency would be required. Such a high LO frequency leads to instabilities of operation.
Additional s;canner-type radio receivers are known from many United States patents, including:
These patents are believed to be directed to scanner type radio receivers, and to address merely the control of the scanning operation of such a radio receiver. They do not appear to address the problem of internally-generated interferences, or of resulting frequencies or frequency bands which cannot be received by a radio receiver.

Full-spectrum all-mode radio receiver apparatus and method


A method and a device for electrochemically treating water to reduce its degree of hardness, wherein the water to be treated is electrolyzed between an anode (5) and a cathode (7, 7') connected to the positive (B) and negative (A) terminals respectively of a current generator (1), each consisting of at least one electrode. A thin porous coating at least partially consisting of calcium carbonate is formed at the cathode (7) and a gas flow is generated through the pores of the cathode (7) as the water is electrolyzed so that the crystals at least partially made up of calcium carbonate and formed on the coating during electrolysis are detached therefrom by the gas flow.

Among the various treatments of water with a view to softening it, different methods and apparatus are known, employing a bipermutation of ions on ion exchanger polymers. Treatments are also known, in which there are added to the water to be treated chemical reagents such as lime or soda. In both cases, these techniques employ outside chemical reagents. The use of the latter involves, on the one hand, a substantial modification of the quality of the water and, on the other hand, a regular maintenance and supply of consumable products generating high exploitation costs.
Furthermore, different water treatment techniques exist which employ magnetic fields or electric fields. These different known methods have a "delaying" action on the phenomena of scale deposit, provoking the germination of the calcium carbonate within the water and/or intervening on the speed of growth of these germs. The drawback of these water treatment techniques is that they do not provoke crystallization and immediate precipitation of the calcium carbonate contained in the water to be treated.

Electrochemical treatment method and device for softening water


This invention relates to an envelope coated with a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive composition preferably comprising a) from about 10% to about 40% by weight in the adhesive of at least one block copolymer selected from the group consisting of styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers and mixtures thereof wherein the block copolymers comprise from about 15% to about 35% styrene by weight in the copolymer and diblock contents from about 0% to about 90% by weight in the copolymer; and b) from about 60% to about 90% by weight in the adhesive of a modifier selected from the group consisting of solid tackifying resins, liquid tackifying resins, liquid elastomers and mixtures thereof. The invention further relates to an improved oil-free pressure sensitive adhesive that is low in viscosity and provides a destructive bond and resists deformation of high density spun polyolefin materials.

Hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives are very popular for use in the envelope and label areas primarily because the inherent tackiness at room temperature allows them to be adhered to substrates even after they have cooled from their molten state. Labels and envelopes may be coated with hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives and laminated with release liner allowing end users to adhere or seal them at a later time.
This characteristic is very important for shipping envelopes. The end user may fill the envelope with documents and articles for shipping desiring that the envelope remain sealed during tossing, careless handling and jostling in a truck or airplane.
High density spun polyolefin (especially polyethylene) material is commonly used in the envelope industry for such things as express shipping. This material is a fibrous nonwoven thermoplastic material which is formed from polyolefin fibers and is sufficiently bonded to form a very tough web material which is highly resistant to tearing. This material may be found under the trade name of Tyvek.TM. which is manufactured by E.I. Du Pont de Nemours Co. in Wilmington, Del. U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,296 to Morris et al. issued Nov. 1, 1988 describes an envelope made from this type of material.
While these polyolefin materials are desired because they are tough and tear resistant, they are also very difficult to adhere. Manufacturers and end users of envelopes desire that the adhesive provide full fiber tearing, or destructive bonds, to this material. This not only insures that the contents will remain in the envelopes until they reach the final destination, but it may also be an indication of whether the envelope has been opened prior to reaching its final destination. Full fiber tearing bonds on these types of materials have been difficult for adhesive manufacturers to achieve.
Another major concern of envelope and label manufacturers and users of hot melt adhesives is staining of paper, and staining and deformation of these polyolefin materials and composites or laminates thereof caused by oils and plasticizers, which are generally components used in hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives.
Oils and plasticizers are low molecular weight species having very low glass transition temperatures and are used to facilitate processing of high molecular weight polymers by reducing polymer viscosity and to increase the flexibility of the finished adhesive by solvating the polymer molecule. These low molecular weight species, however, have a tendency to migrate from the adhesive resulting in the staining and deformation noted earlier. This migration can further cause a deterioration of the adhesive bond which may result in failure of the envelope seal which in turn may result in loss of the contents, or may result in loss of labels from the substrates to which they are adhered.
Deformation is a common problem with high density spun polyolefin substrates which is caused by the oils or plasticizers in the adhesives being absorbed by the material resulting in swelling and waviness of the envelope flap and ultimate bond failure of the adhesive seal. When these low molecular weight components are absorbed by the polyolefin material, it also tends to separate from the release liner which is there to protect the exposed adhesive from dust and dirt, and to prevent premature adherence of the adhesive to other envelopes or labels during shipping and storage.
These polyolefin materials also require low application temperatures of less than about 150.degree. C., preferably from about 135.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C., to prevent deformation caused by high temperatures which in turn requires adhesives with relatively low viscosities.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,932,328 to Korpman issued Jan. 13, 1976 teaches an oil-free adhesive composition useful for diaper tapes. These compositions, however, are high in viscosity, having viscosities of about 10,000 cPs to about 75,000 cPs at 175.degree. C. Korpman teaches narrow compositions utilizing only Kraton.TM. D-1107 which is a 15% styrene and 18% diblock linear SIS, and does not contemplate blending other block copolymers or liquid elastomers with the Kraton.TM. D-1107.
There remains a need in the industry to have a low viscosity hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive for sealing such envelopes that would eliminate these problems which occur during aging of the adhesive while shipping and in storage. Surprisingly, the current inventors have found a low viscosity oil-free, plasticizer-free hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive that not only forms a destructive bond to high density spun polyolefin film, but resists deformation of the material as well.

Hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive designed for use on high density spun polyolefin film

H. B. Fuller Licensing & Financing, Inc.


An annular metal mold portion forming a tire tread is constructed by assembling a plurality of sector metal molds 2 severed in the circumferential direction, and all or some of the sector metal molds 2 are constructed of a plurality of smaller parts 3 severed in the axial direction as well as in the circumferential direction. Joining surfaces between the sector metal molds themselves each consisting of a plurality of smaller parts are formed of contour surfaces in arbitrary shape of the smaller parts. These contour surfaces are such curved surfaces that at every location a radius of curvature is 5 mm or larger and an inclination angle of a tangential plane with respect to a tire axis is 80 degrees or less.

The present invention relates to an annular metal mold for vulcanizing and shaping an unvulcanized green tire. More particularly it relates to such annular metal mold which is composed of a combination of sector metal molds.
A tire vulcanizing metal mold has various protrusion patterns formed on its surface, and a groove pattern of a tire tread portion is formed by pressing a green tire onto this metal mold surface.
However, at the time of pressing a green tire onto a metal mold surface, air is apt to be confined between the metal mold surface and the green tire. Since a pattern is formed on a metal mold surface by protrusions, an escape path of air is blocked by these protrusions and a green tire, resulting in air traps, hence bares (recesses) are produced on a tire surface by these air traps. The commercial value of the tire is degraded.
Therefore, it has been a common practice to sever an annular metal mold into a plurality of smaller parts and to extract air by making use of gap clearances between adjacent smaller parts for preventing production of bares. In this case, each of the sector metal molds formed by severing an annular metal mold along the circumferential direction is composed of the above-mentioned smaller parts, and the annular metal mold is constructed by assembling these sector metal molds.
For instance in a tire vulcanizing metal mold disclosed in Laid-Open Japanese Utility Model Specification No. 2-17311 (1990), as shown in FIG. 11 three smaller parts 02 are assembled, and their backsides are supported by a reinforcement part 03 to construct one sector metal mold 01. These sector metal molds 01 are assembled in an annular form to form an annular metal mold. On the surface of the metal mold are formed protrusions 04, and a tread pattern of a tire is formed by this protrusion pattern.
In this tire vulcanizing metal mold, the smaller parts 02 have a shape formed by cutting and severing an annular metal mold along a circumferential direction by planes containing an axis of the tire, and joining surfaces of the sector metal mold 01 also form a plane.
The cutting surfaces between the smaller parts must be selectively provided at such portions that upon pressing a green tire, air may not be confined by the protrusion pattern. In addition, they must be provided by avoiding such places that cut portions of the protrusion may become thin-walled and liable to be broken and by avoiding blades or the like.
Accordingly, if a protrusion pattern becomes complicated, as shown in FIG. 12 (disclosed in Laid-Open Japanese Patent Specification No. 56-58817 (1981)), it becomes difficult to cut an annular metal mold 010 along a plane containing a tire axis, and hence it must be cut along an oblique plane L.sub.2 or a curved surface L.sub.3 without being limited to a plane L.sub.1 containing a tire axis.
In the example of the prior art disclosed in the above-referred Laid-Open Japanese Patent Specification No. 56-58817 (1981), smaller parts are made by cutting an annular metal mold 010 at desired cutting positions into a desired cut shape by means of a wire cutting tool.
In the case of assembling respective sector metal molds 01, an annular metal mold is constructed by making respective radially outwardly opened sector metal molds 01 slide towards their center. At this time, in order that the sector metal molds may be assembled with one another without any hindrance, joining surfaces 05 of the respective sector metal molds are formed into planes containing a tire axis as shown in FIG. 11.
It is also the same with respect to the case shown in FIG. 12, and even though smaller parts severed into arbitrary shapes are employed, for the smaller part forming a joining surface 05 of the sector metal mold, this particular joining surface 05 is formed into a plane containing a tire axis, but the other contour surfaces are formed into arbitrary shapes. Accordingly, this particular smaller part would be formed in a different shape from the other smaller parts not forming the joining surface 05 between the sector metal molds. As result, many kinds of smaller parts must be manufactured, hence working time is increased, and it becomes high in cost.
If the joining surfaces between the sector metal molds are formed in an arbitrary shape without any limitation, there is a fear that upon assembling a plurality of sector metal molds by making them slide towards the center, protrusion and recesses on the opposed joining surfaces 05 may not be well meshed with each other but may interfere with each other, resulting in damages.
Furthermore, when smaller parts are manufactured by cutting an annular metal mold into desired shapes as is the case of the above-referred Laid-Open Japanese Patent Specification No. 56-58817 (1981), special tools such as a wire cutting tool or the like are necessitated. Also it is necessary to control cutting by making use of a special program, and so, a lot of labor is necessitated for the cutting work.
The present invention has been worked out in view of the above-mentioned points, and one object of the present invention is to provide a metal mold for vulcanizing a tire, in which a plurality of smaller parts are made all in the same shape and construction time as well as a cost can be cut out, and a method for making the same metal mold.


A method and apparatus for reducing flooding in a bridged network. The invention generally allows broadcast flooding for a predefined limited time period to permit mapping of a MAC address to a port by the bridge and disallows broadcast flooding for a second predefined time period. After the second time period expires, the process is repeated to allow the bridge to flood the networks for the predefined limited time period again. The bridge allows or disallows broadcasts flooding independently based on the destination MAC address.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to bridged networks. More particularly, the invention is a method and apparatus for reducing flooding in a bridged network.
2. The Prior Art
Bridges are generally used for connecting multiple LANs (local access networks) as is known in the art. Bridges operate in the data link layer of the OSI (Open System Interconnection) reference model. As such, bridges do not examine the network layer header and are thus capable of copying IP, IPX and OSI packets equally well.
Bridges are useful in a plurality of situations, including connecting LANs which are separated by considerable distances and splitting a single LAN into separate LANs to accommodate large bandwidth load, for example. Bridges are also useful for connecting LANs of different types, such as connecting an 802.3 LAN to an 802.4 LAN.
Bridges use source and destination MAC address information to determine how and where to forward packets. For example, in a three-port bridge, the bridge inspects MAC information in a packet to determine which of the three ports to forward the packet to.
In operation, a bridge maintains a "bridge table" containing a mapping from MAC address to port. Initially the bridge table is empty; the bridge adds entries during operation. Typically, when the bridge receives a packet, the bridge inspects the destination MAC address and determines from the bridge table which port to forward the packet to. If the destination MAC address is not associated with an entry/port in the bridge table, the bridge broadcasts (or "floods") each port, thereby forwarding the packet to each port. When a reply is received from the destination node, the bridge determines from which port the reply originated, and establishes the map between the destination MAC address and the port. After this mapping is established, future packets directed at the same destination MAC address are not broadcast to every port, but only to the port which is mapped to the address.
Traditional bridging performance is acceptable in most cases. However, in cases where there is a large amount of traffic on the LANs connected by the bridge, several drawbacks result from excessive flooding of the ports (and therefore the LANs attached to the ports) of the bridge. The primary drawback with excessive flooding is the reduced bandwidth available to other devices on the LANs to the point where, for example, critical applications may not be able to access necessary resources. Other drawbacks from excessive flooding are also known in the art, including, for example, dropped packets.
In addition, where a bridge connects a network over a WAN (wide area network) link, the costs for communicating over the WAN link increase as the number of broadcast flooding communications increase, thereby increasing the cost associated with running the bridged network.
Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus which reduces or controls flooding in bridged networks. The present invention satisfies these needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the background art.

Method and apparatus for reducing flooding in bridged networks


The present disclosure discloses a method, wherein the method comprises generating a passive optical network (PON) protocol message, wherein the PON protocol message comprises an identifier of a PON user terminal and an action indication indicating that the PON user terminal intends to exercise a first power supply mode that is a power-saving mode. The present disclosure further provides a method for controlling the PON power supply and for reporting the power supply state. The present disclosure allows control of the energy usage of the PON user terminal to save power when a service in the PON user terminal is not used or when the user terminal uses a backup power source to supply power.

The present disclosure relates to the Passive optical network (PON) technology, and more particularly to a PON user terminal, and a method of power supply control and power supply state reporting for the user terminal.
PON technology is an optical access technology developed to support point-to-multipoint applications. Referring to FIG. 1, a PON typically comprises an optical line terminal (OLT) residing in the central office, a plurality of user terminal equipment residing in the user premises, which are typically optical network units (ONUs) or optical network terminals (ONTs), and an optical distribution network (ODN). The ODN comprises optical fiber and a passive optical network divider or coupler, and is located between the OLT and the user terminal equipment. The PON technology features all passive ODN components, a passive optical network divider and coupler serving only as an optical delivery and limiting means, no need for power supply and message processing, unlimited mean time between failures (MTBF), a flexible deployment of network due to its passive nature, and no need for room or power for equipment. The technology also features shared optical fiber, making possible significantly reduced optical fiber resources, which in turn leads to less expensive network access lines, a pure optical medium architecture, and a transparent optical fiber bandwidth network, putting the technology on the safe side for future service expansion.
In a PON, the optical fiber medium is used for data transmission, and the significantly improved bandwidth capacity over conventional technologies, such as copper cable and wireless Local Area Networks (LANs), allows for development of various services. The services that may be transmitted over a PON in the future include, for example, data access services, voice service, digital video service such as internet protocol television (IPTV), video on demand, conventional video services such as cable television and digital television, security data, and utility meter reading links to residential users. Incorporation of various service processing units (SPUs) into the PON user terminals may result in increased power consumption. Therefore, there is a need for saving the power consumed by such PON user terminals. Further, since some services require high reliability, the PON user terminal may be equipped with a backup battery so that it can rely on the backup battery for power supply if there is an outage in the alternating current (AC) main power supply, in which case saving the power consumed by the PON user terminal is particularly important.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Passive optical network user terminal and method of power supply control and power supply state reporting for the same


In order to simplify the kinematics involved in opening an aircraft door, a plurality of mobile stop members is provided at the periphery of the door, these being intended to press against complementary stop arrangement provided on the door frame. A door control device is configured to bring the door from its closed position into a set-back intermediate position by moving it towards the interior of the compartment, and a stop arrangement control device is configured to allow the mobile stop members to be moved, when the door is occupying its set-back intermediate position, from a deployed locking position to a retracted unlocking position, allowing the door to be moved outward through the opening in the fuselage.

From the prior art, door systems are known that use the pressure difference between a compartment and the outside of the aircraft, to keep the door in closed position against a door frame defined by the fuselage. To do this, the door is generally equipped with stop means arranged at its periphery, and cooperating with complementary stop means arranged on the door frame. In flight, the pressure difference that is applied on either side of the door forces the stop means against the complementary stop means. One of the particular features of this type of door, known as "plug door," lies in the fact that the pressure difference that is applied on either side of the door brings about an introduction of forces in the stop means and the complementary stop means, but little or no forces on the control device which is used to move the door between its various positions, and for the locking of the door.
One of the difficulties encountered in the design of these systems lies in the door opening and closing kinematics. In particular, the opening kinematics need to allow a disengagement of the stop means relative to the complementary stop means. In the prior art, this disengagement is carried out by performing a lifting of the door, that is to say by producing a vertical door movement or one with a very strong vertical component.
While this solution proves satisfactory, it does nevertheless require particular means to ensure the vertical movement of the door, with, in particular, the presence of a weight compensation system.
Consequently, there remains a need to optimize the design of the existing door systems, in order to mitigate the drawback described above.


A circuit comprises a memory cell, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The memory cell has a first control line and a second control line. The first control line carries a first control signal. The second control line carries a second control signal. The first circuit is coupled with the first control line, the second control line, and a node. The second circuit is coupled to the node and is configured to receive a first clock signal and a second clock signal. The first circuit and the second circuit, based on the first control signal, the second control signal, the first clock signal and the second clock signal, are configured to generate a node signal on the node. A logical value of the node signal indicates a write disturb condition of the memory cell.

A multi-port memory cell provides independent data channels or ports that enable a read or a write operation on each port to addresses asynchronously from each other. For illustration, one port, such as a port P_A, is write accessed while the other port, such as a port P_B, is dummy read accessed. A dummy read refers to a situation in which the memory cell is not read accessed, but various signals cause the memory cell to be in a read-like condition and the data for reading is not reliable. Generally, the dummy read from port P_B increases a load on a storage node of the memory cell to be written, and thus prolongs the write time from port P_A. Stated differently, the write operation from port P_A is write disturbed by the dummy read from port P_B. In various approaches, the write disturb condition is detected based on circuitry that uses a match address of port P_A and port P_B.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Detecting write disturb in multi-port memories

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.


A drawing apparatus includes a reception unit, a first holding unit and a drawing processing unit. The reception unit receives graphic information. The first holding unit holds a plurality of first data which is a part of the graphic information received by the reception unit, in association with identification numbers assigned to the first data. The drawing processing unit draws a graphic on the basis of the first data held in the first holding unit. The drawing processing unit uses the plurality of the first data in a same task to draw the graphic. The reception unit records the identification numbers of the first data and a synchronization flag in order of reception. The synchronization flag is set for the first data received first among the plurality of first data processed by the same task in the drawing processing unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to drawing apparatuses and methods for processing plural pixels in parallel. For example, the present invention relates to image processing LSIs that simultaneously process plural pixels in parallel.
2. Description of the Related Art
The recently increased operation speed of CPUs (Central Process Units) has emphasized the need for an increase in the operation speed of image drawing apparatuses.
The image drawing apparatus generally includes a graphic drawing means for decomposing an introduced graphic into pixels, pixel processing means for executing a drawing process on the pixels, and storage means to and from which drawing results are written and read. The recent progress of the CG (Computer Graphics) technology has led to the frequent use of complicated pixel processing techniques. This increases loads on the pixel processing means. Consequently, a structure having pixel processing means arranged in parallel has been proposed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,013.

Drawing apparatus and method for processing plural pixels in parallel


A toggle-action container dispensing closure is provided for manipulation between a closed, non-dispensing orientation and an open, dispensing orientation. An actuator is mounted on a body and is tiltable between a closed position and an open position. A locking member is slidably disposed on the actuator for movement between an extended, locked position and a retracted, unlocked position. In the locked position the locking member overlies an abutment surface on the body to prevent pivoting of the actuator to the open position. When the locking member is retracted, the locking member clears the body abutment surface to permit pivoting of the actuator to the open position.

Designs have been proposed for containers used with flowable substances wherein a closure is provided for being attached to the container mouth and wherein the closure includes a toggle-action actuator, flip-up spout, or nozzle assembly for dispensing the container contents. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,058,775 4,962,869, 4,776,501, 4,645,086 and 3,516,581.
The toggle-action closures, such as those disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,058,775, 4,962,869, and 4,776,501, require that the operator push down on a top, rear portion of the closure in order to pivot the actuator portion of the closure to the dispensing orientation.
While the above-discussed closures may function generally satisfactorily for the purposes for which they were designed, it would be desirable to provide an improved dispensing closure with structural and operational advantages.
For example, during shipping, storage, and handling, a closure installed on a container may be inadvertently or accidentally subjected to external forces which cause it to be moved to the open, dispensing position. This can result in spillage of the contents and/or damage of the container as a saleable item.
Some closures, such as those discussed in some of the above-referenced patents, include frangible structures for preventing premature actuation and/or providing evidence of actuation. However, after such closures have been initially opened the first time, the closures can be subsequently opened to the dispensing position whenever a portion of the closure is intentionally or accidentally subjected to an external force.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved closure in which the likelihood of inadvertent, premature opening of the closure is eliminated or substantially reduced. Further, it would be beneficial if such an improved closure could operate to prevent inadvertent opening, while at the same time permitting deliberate opening, without damage to the closure.
Also, it would be advantageous if such an improved closure could be incorporated in a design having an aesthetically pleasing exterior configuration substantially free of functional details and outwardly projecting features. Specifically, it would be desirable to provide an improved closure in which the features for preventing inadvertent opening could be substantially contained within a compact, stream-lined profile of the closure.
Further, it would be advantageous if the components of such an improved design could be relatively easily manufactured and readily assembled.
The present invention provides an improved closure which can accommodate designs having the above-discussed benefits and features.

Toggle-action dispensing closure with slide lock


A multi-band high gain mixer and quadrature signal generator allows a receiver system to receive signals at multiple frequency bands without requiring significant hardware duplication. A single mixer directly receives any of three communication frequency bands such as Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Personal Communication Services (PCS), Digital Communication System (DCS), and Japan and US W-CDMA 800 bands without amplification. A Serial-Parallel Interface selectably forwards RF signals within the receiver's frequency channels to the mixer for demodulation into in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals at a common IF output from the multi-mode receiver. Significant power and cost advantages are attained by elimination of duplicate mixers and amplifier stages.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to multiple-band (multi-band) wireless communication devices and systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to multi-band mixers and quadrature signal generators useful in multi-band wireless receivers of wireless communication devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the field of wireless communications continues to develop at a rapid pace, the resulting increased number of systems and frequency bands in use continues to complicate the delivery of wireless communications to consumers. In many cases, network operators providing services on one particular frequency band have had to add service on additional bands to accommodate its customers demand for wireless service. Further, the carriers have had to deploy multiple wireless communication systems using different technical standards. Accordingly, advanced communication devices, such as cellular radio telephones, must be able to communicate at multiple frequencies pursuant to multiple technical standards to enable communications on the varied wireless communication systems the device may encounter.
Dual- or multi-band telephones are particularly desirable where the different wireless communication systems operate at different carrier frequencies or frequency bands, but use the same modulation scheme and baseband processing scheme. The well-known Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Personal Communication Services (PCS), and Digital Communication System (DCS) systems share such similarities, for example. Moreover, in today's digital mobile radio systems, more than one frequency band is available for RF (Radio Frequency) transmission. For instance, GSM in Europe uses two frequency bands of 25 MHz bandwidth centered at 900 MHz (GSM 900) and 1800 MHz (GSM 1800), respectively, where each of these frequency bands comprises an up-link (information transfer from mobile station to base station) and a down-link (information transfer from base station to mobile station) frequency band. In the United States, these two GSM frequency bands are centered at 850 and 1900 MHz respectively. GSM also provides for each of the up- and down-link bands to include a plurality of Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) sub-band RF channels of 200 kHZ bandwidth each. Accordingly, a dual-band GSM mobile phone is capable of transmitting and receiving both the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 bands.
An exemplary prior art dual-band radio-receiver is shown in FIG. 1, where RF signals transmitted from a base station are received by the receiver at an antenna 10, which passes the RF signals to a band splitter 30, which splits the received signals into first and second (or more) bands. First and second band pass filters (BPF) 12a and 12b filter the split signals in the first and second bands, respectively, permitting the receiver to receive in each of the two separate communication bands. The filtered signals output by BPF 12a, 12b are supplied to quadrature demodulation (demod) units 32a-32b, respectively, which convert the band pass-filtered signals into in-phase (I signal) and quadrature (Q signal) baseband signals for further processing. The quadrature demodulation units 32a-b include low-noise amplifiers (LNA) 34a-b, dividers 20a-b and mixers 40a-b. The dividers 20a-b divide the intermediate frequency signal received from the local oscillators (LO) 36a-b to create intermediate divide=by-2, divide-by-4 signals having a phase difference of 90°. A first mixer (mixer pairs 40a, 41a) and a second mixer (pairs 40b, 41b) mix the generated LO signals with the amplified received signals to generate the I and Q baseband signals, which are low-pass filtered by in-phase low pass filter 42a and a quadrature low pass filter 42b, respectively. The filtered I and Q signals are then passed to baseband processing circuitry 44, which is conventional baseband processing circuitry as is well-known in the art.
As will be appreciated by reference to the receiver of FIG. 1, it is difficult to provide a multi-mode radio receiver for processing signals at multiple frequencies without duplicating many receiver hardware components. In the prior art, separate band pass filters, dividers, local oscillators, mixers and low pass filters for each serviced frequency band are designed into the receiver. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a receiver for a wireless communication device capable of receiving signals at multiple frequency bands, while minimizing the power consumption and duplication of receiver hardware.
In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

Multi-band mixer and quadrature signal generator for a multi-mode radio receiver


A method and system for efficiently merging subnets having individual subnet managers (SM) into a single network with one master SM. During discovery and configuration of a subnet, a subnet manager creates a Subnet Management Database (SMDB) representative of the subnet components being managed. Each subnet manager contains an independent SMDB. When two or more subnets are linked/connected together to form a single network, a single one of the subnet managers is selected as the master subnet manager and all the subnets' SMDBs must be merged. An SMDB record labeling mechanism is utilized to differentiate among components from the different subnets that may have the same parameter values, such as protection keys (P_keys) and re-assign individual parameters to create a single SMDB of uniquely defined components.

1. Technical Field:
The present invention relates in general to computer networks and, in particular to merging the independent computer networks. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for providing an efficient handover of control between Subnet managers of separate subnets, which are being merged into a single subnet.
2. Description of the Related Art:
The use of I/O interconnects to connect components of a distributed computer system is known in the art. Traditionally, in such systems, individual components are interconnected via a parallel bus, such as a PCIX bus. The parallel bus has a relatively small number of plug-in ports for connecting the components. The number of plug-in ports is set (i.e., the number cannot be increased). At maximum loading, a PCIX bus transmits data at about 1 Gbyte/second.
The introduction of high performance adapters (e.g., SCSI adapters), Internet-based networks, and other high performance network components has resulted in increased demand for bandwidth, faster network connections, distributed processing functionality, and scaling with processor performance. These and other demands are quickly outpacing the current parallel bus technology and are making the limitations of parallel buses even more visible. PCIS bus, for example, is not scalable, i.e., the length of the bus and number of slots available at a given frequency cannot be expanded to meet the needs for more components, and the limitation hinders further development of fast, efficient distributed networks, such as system area networks. New switched network topologies and systems capable of being easily expanded are required to keep up with the increasing demands, while allowing the network processes on the expanding network to be dynamically completed, i.e., without manual input.
The present invention recognizes the need for faster, more efficient computer interconnects offering the features demanded by the developments of technology. More specifically, the present invention recognizes the need for providing a mechanism within a network such as a System Area Network (SAN) consisting of multiple subnets, that provides efficient, dynamic combining of two or more subnets into a single network.

Efficient process for handover between subnet managers

International Business Machines Corporation


An apparatus and method enables inputs based on a quaternary encoding having high, pulled-up, pulled down and low signal values. The high and low values can be derived from low impedance connections to high and low potential sources, respectively, and the pulled-up and pulled-down signal values can be derived from higher impedance connections to the high and low potential sources, respectively. Discrimination of the first and second levels is performed in two phases. In a first phase a signal level at an input is detected. In a second phase the input is driven towards the inverse of the level detected in the first phase and the level is detected once more. A change in level indicates a high impedance connection to the potential source corresponding to the signal level detected in the first phase. No change indicates a low impedance connection to the potential source corresponding to the signal level detected in the first phase. In this manner four input levels for an input can be discriminated using binary level discriminating circuitry.

This invention relates to signal encoding apparatus and methods.
In many digital systems, different configurations are required, wherein the particular configuration needs to be sensed by the digital system. If a large number of configurations is required, a binary encoding may be used where the number of options available is 2.sup.N, wherein N is the number of pins used. As the name suggests, binary systems have only two possible values per pin (usually high and low).
Often, configuration options for hardware are encoded using jumpers, the number of options being determined by the number of option pins. Often the number of pins available on an integrated circuit is at a premium due to cost and/or functionality requirements.
Three level (trinary or tri-state) encoding is known, where each pin has three possible values, namely high, low and mid. The electronic circuitry required to sense trinary levels is more complex than that required to sense binary levels, but often the extra complexity is outweighed by the reduced packaging costs in adopting trinary encoding. In particular, whereas four binary bits encodes sixteen possible values, four trinary bits encodes 81 possible values.
However, a disadvantage of conventional trinary encoding systems is that the encoding has a base of three, whereas most digital systems operate on a base of two (i.e. binary). This leads to undesirable technical complexities as well as difficulties for users not used to working to base three.
Accordingly, the invention seeks to provide an enhanced encoding which can provide more options than binary or trinary encoding, and is also compatible with existing systems.


A physical layer circuit including: a VBUS detection circuit which makes a VBUS detection signal VBDET active when a VBUS voltage has exceeded a predetermined voltage; a receiver circuit which performs reception processing using signals DP and DM; and a reception control circuit which outputs an enable signal to the receiver circuit. When the signal VBDET is inactive, the reception control circuit makes the enable signals COMPENB, SEENB1 and SEENB2 inactive and disables the receiver circuit. When signals FCOMPENB, FSEENB1 and FSEENB2 set by a processing section are active but the signal VBDET is inactive, the reception control circuit makes the signals COMPENB, SEENB1 and SEENB2 inactive.

The present invention relates to a physical layer circuit, a data transfer control device, and an electronic instrument.
In recent years, Universal Serial Bus (USB) has attracted attention as an interface standard for connecting electronic instruments. USB is widely used as an interface for connecting a personal computer as a host with a printer or an optical disk drive as a device (peripheral).
In recent years, it has been demanded that a portable telephone or the like be provided with a data transfer control device which implements USB. In the case of incorporating a USB data transfer control device into a portable telephone which operates using a battery, it is preferable to reduce power consumption of the data transfer control device to be incorporated. Various conventional technologies have been proposed as a technology for implementing a reduction of power consumption.
In USB, a data transfer operation is started after a USB cable is connected and the voltage of a VBUS line rises. Therefore, if electric power is consumed by a receiver circuit of the data transfer control device before the USB cable is connected, a problem occurs in which the battery power of the portable telephone is uselessly consumed.

Physical layer circuit, data transfer control device, and electronic instrument


The disclosure describes a method for limiting a switch-on current in an electrical system which is supplied with power by a battery. During a switch-on process, an electrical load is connected to the electrical system and precharged by means of a precharging resistor. A monitoring unit regularly records operating data of at least one variable which influences a temperature of the precharging resistor and estimates the temperature of the precharging resistor on the basis of said operating data. The disclosure also describes an apparatus and a battery which are designed to execute the method according to the disclosure.

Methods for limiting a switch-on current in an electrical system, in particular a high-voltage network, with which pre-charging is undertaken via a pre-charging resistor during a switch-on operation so that a switch-on current which flows through a battery and a connected load is reduced, are known from the prior art. In such a system, the pre-charging resistor is short-circuited and therefore deactivated when the system voltage has adapted itself to the battery voltage. However, if such pre-charging takes place several times within a very short time, the pre-charging resistor can overheat.
Such overheating of the pre-charging resistor should particularly be avoided in battery systems on which very high demands with regard to reliability are placed, for example in systems such as those used in hybrid and electric vehicles. The background for the high demands is that, in such systems, a failure of the battery can lead to a failure of the whole system. For example, in an electric vehicle, a failure of the traction battery leads to a so-called "stranded vehicle". Likewise, a failure of the battery can lead to a safety-related problem, for example if the battery can no longer be isolated from the on-board vehicle network.

Method for limiting a switch-on current in an electrical system


A vehicle navigation system has a processing device. The processing device receives entries in a first data structure that are generated and are respectively associated with one tile of a tiling. The processing device may compare a three-dimensional terrain on the respective tile with at least one pre-defined tile pattern. Either an identifier for a pre-defined tile pattern or data describing the terrain on the respective tile may be stored by the processing device in the entry.

1. Technical Field
This disclosure generally relates to methods and system associated with the use of height information in navigation systems. Examples disclosed relate in particular to a method of generating a database for a navigation system, to a navigation system and to a method of determining height information for a terrain. Such methods and devices may be used for outputting three-dimensional representations of a terrain.
2. Related Art
Height information for a terrain is increasingly widely used in navigation systems. One exemplary field in which such height information may be used is the outputting of three-dimensional maps. Optical output devices may be used for outputting electronic maps. Since electronic maps may be displayed on screens of small and/or portable devices, they have the advantage of being versatile and compact. Three-dimensional (3D) maps, i.e. perspective representations, may be of particular value to the user owing to their high recognition quality, such as the recognition of an environmental region, such as a street intersection, may be facilitated when a three-dimensional map is output, as compared to a conventional two-dimensional representation.
Another exemplary field in which height information may be used includes navigation applications or driver assistance. For illustration, various cost functions used in route search, such as fuel consumption costs, may depend on the height difference which is to be covered. Height information allows the height differences covered upon traversal of a route to be determined. The influence of an elevation difference on fuel consumption, or on other driver assistance functions, may be taken into account.

System for determining height information


There is provided glucagon formulations suitable for preparing coatings on microneedle patches for the transdermal delivery of glucagon. The coated patches may be used for the treatment of low blood sugar in diabetic patients. Also provided are glucagon loaded patches, methods for their preparation, and methods of their use.

Glucagon is produced in humans by the pancreas. Glucagon binds to specific receptors on liver cells and increases the release of glucose in the blood stream. Thus, it is used in the treatment of diabetes as a rescue medication when the blood sugar level drops too low.
Glucagon is a short peptide having 29 amino acids and a molecular weight of 3,483 kilodaltons (kDa). The sequence of amino acid in glucagon is:
His Ser Gln Gly Thr Phe Thr Ser Asp Tyr  1               5                   10  Ser Lys Tyr Leu Asp Ser Arg Arg Ala Gln                15                  20 (SEQ ID NO: 1)Asp Phe Val Gln Trp Leu Met Asn Thr21              25              29
Glucagon has a highly helical conformation in the crystalline state, but forms a random coil in dilute solution with about 15% alpha helix at the C-terminus. At higher concentrations it generally precipitates and forms fibrils. Glucagon readily dissolved in aqueous solution at pH below 3 or above 9, but precipitates readily at pH between 4 and 8. Liquid formulations of glucagon are highly unstable, and undergo hydrolysis and deamidation at several positions (amino acid at position 3, 9, 15, 20, 21, and 24) and thus pharmaceutical preparations are generally provided in dual containers: powders of glucagon in one side and a liquid diluent in another. A solution of glucagon is then prepared just prior to use. Procedures generally undertaken to mitigate the instability of glucagon in liquid formulations include the use of solid dispersions, aprotic solvents, surfactants, processes conducted at low temperature, and packaging in dried form.
Dilute formulations have been prepared that are stable for up to 6 days and are useful for delivery with a pump (US2011/0097386). The concentration of glucagon in these formulations is between 0.8 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL and the pH is between 4 and 7. Stabilizing agents are a combination of both low concentrations of a surfactant such as 1 mg/ml LMPC and high concentrations of saccharide such as 45 mg/mL of glucose.


A pump stage is disclosed for use with an electrical submersible pump. The stage includes an impeller and diffuser, each having a hub, blades and an outside ring. In such pump stage, the stage flow area is constructed from separate segments manufactured from wear resistant material. Furthermore, each separate segment is retained by the hub using an external compression fit ring.

The proposed invention relates to electrical submersible pumps used for hydrocarbons production from oil wells. Pump construction includes a stack of stages placed inside housing. Each stage includes stationary diffuser and rotating impeller. Abrasive solids are present in the production flow in forms of formation rock or proppant grains. Formation solids average concentration in the production flow is 200 mg/liter. In case of heavy oil production this number can be even much higher. Proppant flow back grains concentration in the production flow can reach concentrations as high as 1 g/liter right after fracturing. Production flow speed inside the pump stage for most applications is around 15 m/sec. This high speed causes the stage geometry erosion wear. Solids being trapped inside the stage small gaps between spinning and stationary components cause the stage material abrasion wear as well. As a result pump efficiency is decreasing. Stages wear also leads to the increase of journal bearings dynamic loads. Accelerated radial bearings wear causes pump premature failure.
There are several known technical solutions (analogs) in existence. One of these patents proposes the implementation of iron and boride carbides layers through stage flow area (U.S. Pat. No. 19,830,120). Carbide/boride layers are wear resistant materials. The disadvantage of this technology is surface roughness increase. Consequentially the stage hydraulic characteristics (head and efficiency) are reduced. Diffusion coating technology with wear resistant materials can be used as well. However, due to the limited coating thickness (for diffusion process) eventually it will be worn out with time exposing the base material.
The closest technical solution (prototype 1) to the proposed is a turbodrill stage being described in Russian patent Ns 2244090. Turbodrill is a hydraulic machine used for well drilling. Turbodrill construction comprises a stack of axial type stages (rotor plus stator). Stack of rotors is retained on turbodrill shaft and stator stack is retained inside housing. Working fluid circulated from the surface spins the turbodrill shaft with bit attached. According to this patent the turbodrill stage flow area is fabricated from ceramic using the injection molding process. Flow area is retained to metal hub and outside ring through press fit connection. The presented construction of turbodrill stage is wear resistant and maintains good operation characteristics for a long time. Stage disadvantage is the technological complexity of the complete flow area molding from ceramic material.
The above mentioned disadvantage has been resolved in the construction of turbodrill stage proposed by Russian company "Techbur" (prototype 2) In this design the stage flow area is constructed of separate ceramic segments. Each segment consists of a blade and attached surface. Special filler (epoxy type glue) is used for segments connection to each other and press fit ring retains all segments around the hub. Filler is used as well for gaps filling between the blades. Separate segments manufacturing is much easier process. Filler erosion wear in blade gaps is this construction disadvantage. As a result the stage operational parameters are going to be reduced once the filler starts wearing out. The goal of the proposed invention is pump stage operational life increase by enhancement of stage abrasion and erosion wear properties. The indicated goal is achieved by constructing the flow area of a submersible pump stage from separate segments manufactured from wear resistant material. Segments are retained in the stage construction through compression fit rings.

Electrical submersible pump stage construction


A computing device receives a request from a host for a shared lock on a resource. The computing device obtains an exclusive lock on the resource using a locking data structure that is stored on the storage domain. The computing device subsequently obtains a shared lock on the resource for the host by writing a flag to the locking data structure, wherein the flag indicates that the host has the shared lock on the resource. The computing device then releases the exclusive lock on the resource.

For shared storage, all hosts on a cluster may have access to the same data. Multiple hosts may attempt to read from or write to specific resources at the same time. This can create errors and cause the hosts to malfunction or crash due to unsynchronized resources. Accordingly, locking managers are used to assign locks (also known as leases) to individual hosts. This ensures that while a host with a lock is using a resource, another host will not be able to modify the resource. Additionally, lock managers may manage locks for other types of resources than shared storage.
Some locking mechanisms manage locks on resources using the storage domain that stored those resources. However such locking mechanisms typically only provide exclusive locks to the resources. One such locking mechanism is the Paxos protocol.

Shared locking for storage centric exclusive locks


A biasing circuit comprising a first switching device having a control terminal, and first and second switching terminals. The first switching terminal being connected to a supply voltage, the second switching terminal being connected through a first resistive element to ground, and the control terminal being supplied by a reference voltage which is determined depending on the mode of operation of the circuit. The circuit further comprising a first branch connected between the control terminal and ground comprising a second resistive element in series with a second switching device. The second switching device forming part of a first current mirror having a second branch for effecting a generated bias value. During a normal mode of operation the reference voltage is dependant on the generated bias value, whereas during a standby mode of operation the reference voltage is connected to a low potential.

Typically, most integrated circuits are comprised of a multitude of transistors and the circuit typically comprises a number of stages, for example, an input stage, a emitter-follower stage, etc. The type of transistor used, for example FET (Field Effect Transistor), BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor), etc., will often depend on the design considerations and the intended application of the integrated circuit.
Most active circuits would comprise a so-called biasing circuit, which is used to set the integrated circuit to operate at a desired quiescent operating point depending on the design requirements. For example, it might be required to bias a FET transistor to operate with a drain-source voltage (VDS) of 4 Volts and at 60% of the saturated drain current (IDSS).
The choice of bias circuit used is determined by, amongst other things: bias level, precision, stability, etc. There are many different ways to create such a bias circuit.
FIG. 1 shows a commonly used bias circuit known as a PTAT (Proportional To Absolute Temperature) generator. The circuit in FIG. 1 has first 100 and second 200 branches connected between supply VDD and ground GND rails. The first branch 100 comprises a first bipolar transistor Q1 with its base tied to its collector, a second bipolar transistor Q4 and a resistor R. The resistor R is connected to ground at one end and to the emitter of the second transistor Q4. The collector of the second transistor is connected to the collector of the first transistor Q1. The emitter of the first transistor is connected to the voltage supply VDD.
The second branch 200 includes a third bipolar transistor Q2 with its base connected to the base of the first bipolar transistor Q1 in the first branch, and a fourth bipolar transistor Q5 with its base connected to its collector and its base also connected to the base of the second bipolar transistor Q4 in the first branch. The emitter of the fourth transistor Q5 is connected to ground and the collector of the fourth transistor is connected to the collector of the third transistor Q2. The emitter of the third transistor is connected to the voltage supply. Thus, the first and third transistors (Q1, Q2) are connected in a current mirror configuration, as are the second and fourth transistors (Q4, Q5). An output transistor Q3 is located in a third branch 300 with its base connected to the bases of the first and third transistors Q1,Q2 and its emitter connected to the supply rail VDD. The output current Iout is the collector current of the output transistor Q3 which is supplied to the load driven by the output current. The emitter of the second bipolar transistor Q4 in the second branch is connected to the lower supply rail GND through the resistor R. The first, second and third branches are connected in parallel.
In this circuit assuming the area of the bipolar transistor Q4 is n times the area of the bipolar transistor Q5 then it can be shown that the output current IOUT is given by:
      I    OUT    =                    V        T                          ln                          (          n          )                      R
Where VT is the thermal voltage (KT/q) and ln(n) is the natural logarithm of n. Hence IOUT is proportional to the absolute temperature T.
However, the disadvantage of the biasing circuit of FIG. 1 becomes evident when the circuit is to be put into a so-called "standby" mode of operation. In standby mode, the bias circuitry is in effect bypassed and no bias values are produced. This would typically entail the use of a MOSFET switch (not shown), which is located between the bases of the second and fourth transistors Q4 and Q5 and ground GND. For example, a MOS transistor could be connected so that: its drain terminal is connected to the base terminal of the Q4 transistor, its source terminal is connected to the emitter terminal of Q5, and its gate terminal is connected to an IN terminal (not shown), which provides a signal for turning the MOS on or off.
However, the disadvantage of using a MOS device within a circuit of this type is that it the gate source breakdown voltage of MOS devices is considerably lower than that of bipolar devices and the required operating voltage of the integrated circuit. Therefore, a MOS switch cannot be adequately used when relatively high voltages are used.
It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention to have a bias circuit, which can operate in a standby mode at relatively high voltages without being susceptible to the aforementioned disadvantages.


Provided is a radiant heat circuit board for mounting a plurality of heat generating devices. The radiant heat circuit board includes a metal plate including an integrated metal projection to which the plurality of heat generating devices are attached, an insulation layer exposing the integrated metal projection, the insulation layer being disposed on the metal plate, and a plurality of electrode pads disposed on the insulation layer, the plurality of electrode pads applying a voltage into each of the heat generating devices. Thus, a radiant projection may be disposed between the heat generating devices to improve heat radiation.

A circuit board includes a circuit pattern on an insulation board. The circuit board is a board for mounting electric components.
Such an electric component may include a heat generating device, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED). The heat generating device may emit serious heat. Heat emitted from the heat generating device may increase a temperature of the circuit board to cause malfunction of the heat generating device and deteriorate reliability of the heat generating device.
To solve the limitation due to the radiant heat, a radiant heat circuit board of FIG. 1 has been proposed.
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a radiant heat circuit board according to a related art.
Referring to FIG. 1, a radiant heat circuit board according to a related art includes a metal plate 1 including a radiant heat projection 2, an insulation layer 3, a circuit pattern 4, and a solder resist 5.
In the radiant heat circuit board 10, a heat generating device 20 is attached to the radiant heat projection 2 to transfer heat into the lower metal plate 1. Here, the heat generating device is connected to the circuit pattern 4 through a solder 6.
In the radiant heat circuit board 10 according to the related art, heat emitted from the mounted heat generating device 20 is not transferred into the metal plate 2 for releasing heat due to interference of the insulation layer 3.

Radiant heat circuit board, heat generating device package having the same, and backlight unit


A side spraying shower head includes an inlet waterway; a cover unit with a first and second water cavity; a water diversion body covering the cover unit, the water diversion body having a first inlet hole connected to the first water cavity and a second inlet hole connected to the second water cavity; a fixation base attached to the water diversion body, the fixation base including a first connection waterway and a second connection; a switch shaft, laterally movable inside the fixation base, the central portion of the switch shaft including a seal portion disposed between the first and second connection waterway; a press mechanism attached to the cover unit to push the switch shaft to close the second connection waterway; an elastic element abuts against the switch shaft and the fixation base to push the switch shaft to close the first connection waterway.

A shower head with adjustable spraying direction of invention for patent is disclosed in Aug. 3, 2011 with publication number CN102139250A in Chinese patent database. The shower comprises a spraying side and shower head components, the shower head components comprise an inlet component and a two-way connector. The two-way connector is connected between the spraying side and the inlet component, the two-way connector is used to make the spraying side rotate, so that the shower head can spray water in different directions to a human body.
However, this kind of shower head has only one spraying water type, it is single in function and is available in a small area.

XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.


Some embodiments are directed to a method of automatically modifying a scanned image of a page from an input document comprising a plurality of pages. First, scanned images of the plurality of pages are obtained. Next, a user selection for an output orientation of an output document and optionally value of N for an N-Up operation is received. Thereafter, input orientation of each scanned image is detected. Then, the scanned image is rotated, based on the detected input orientation, the output orientation and the value of ‘N’ if provided by the user. Next, the rotated scanned image content is resized so that it fits on a page. Finally, the output document is prepared that includes pages in the output orientation.

Scanners and printers have become basic office equipment based on the increased use of computers in offices. The use of scanners and printers at other locations, such as in homes, has also increased. Based on their increased usage, it has become advantageous to combine the features of scanners and printers into a single device.
A related art Multifunction Device (MFD) may act as a combination of some or all of the following devices: E-mail, Fax, Photocopier, Printer and Scanner. These devices can automatically scan multiple pages disposed in the device tray.

Methods and systems for automated orientation detection and correction


A lateral guidance device including a hollow guide located along the conveyor track of a goods handling system on which products are guided laterally, composed of profiles that fit together with each other, each with an inner face and outer face, one of which is used for guidance purposes. An expandable chamber, housed in the hollow guide, is supplied with expansion fluid from a supply means. The outer faces are returned in to a position of minimum distance (dmin) between these faces by return means, when the fluid feed to the expandable chamber ceases. Thus, the distance between the outer faces is proportional to the supplying of the chamber with expansion fluid, between a minimum distance (dmin) and maximum (dmax).

This present invention has as its subject a lateral guidance device for a goods-handling system, as well as a goods-handling system using such a device. It is used especially in the area of continuous goods-handling systems, in particular on conveyor belts, roller conveyors, or chain conveyors for example, or indeed occasionally on laterally-gripping elevators, distributors, continuous dividers, turners, etc. . .
In general, in such continuous goods-handling systems, the products conveyed are guided laterally between guides of parallelepiped, circular or complex section.
These guides can be fixed. If they are fixed however, these systems provide no flexibility regarding the width between the guides, and therefore regarding the width of the products handled. In addition, it is necessary to modify the whole handling line in order to adjust this width on a change of the products handled.
In order to avoid such a long and costly operation, laterally adjustable guides have already been used in a manner to allow the guidance width to be altered. In this case, the adjustment can be manual, but this gives rise to the same problems as the modification mentioned above, or indeed can be achieved by pneumatic or electrical actuators.
In this last case of adjustment by actuators or jacks, whether pneumatic or electric, the size of the devices used is too great, and the technical implementation solutions prove to be costly, in particular in the curved parts of the conveyor system or in the case of conveying several products on several routes side by side.
There is therefore a need for a lateral guidance device for such goods-handling systems that allows the guidance width to be altered easily without the need to implement expensive and bulky technical solutions.
The purpose of the invention is therefore to overcome these drawbacks. To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention concerns a lateral guidance device for products moving on the conveyor track of a goods-handling system. The device is of the type that includes at least one hollow guide located along at least one part of the conveyor track and including at least two lateral profiles fitting together with each other. Each of these lateral profiles includes an inner face and a outer face, with at least one of these outer faces being a lateral external guidance face. The hollow guide also includes an upper face and a lower face. The guidance device of the invention is also equipped with means for the lateral adjustment of this lateral external guidance face, and is characterised in that it includes at least one expandable chamber housed in the hollow guide, and at least one means for supplying this expandable chamber with expansion fluid, so that the distance between the respective outer faces of profiles is adjustable as a function of the supplying of the chamber with expansion fluid between a minimum distance (chamber not expanded) and a maximum distance (chamber on maximum expansion).
The device also includes return means to facilitate the return of the lateral external faces of the profiles to the position of minimum distance between these lateral external faces, when the expandable chamber ceases to be supplied with fluid.
In an implementation variant, these return means include at least one spring connecting the two hollow guide profiles, with this spring being in the unstretched and uncompressed position when the chamber is not supplied with fluid and in the stretched or compressed position when the chamber is supplied with fluid.
In another implementation variant, possibly in combination with the previous one, the expandable chamber is affixed to at least one of the inner faces of the respective profiles.
The following implementation variants can also be considered, possibly in combination with the preceding ones:                the means for supplying the expandable chamber is a compressed-air means,        at least one of the lateral profiles is a metal profile,        at least one additional profile, possibly in plastic or indeed in metal, for the guidance of products of complex shape, is attached to the outer lateral guidance face,        the device includes several hollow guides assembled so as to form a hollow guide of considerable length, possibly with at least one of assembled hollow guides being curved, and possibly a separate expandable chamber for each of the assembled hollow guides.
According to a second aspect, the invention concerns a goods-handling system, in particular of the conveyor type, which includes at least one frame structure and at least one conveyor track. The system of the invention also characteristically includes, on the conveyor track and fixed to the frame structure, at least one lateral guidance device according to the invention and as explained previously.
In an implementation variant, the guidance device is fixed to the system frame structure by at least one of the lateral hollow guide profiles.
In another implementation variant, possibly in combination with the first, the guidance device is fixed to the system frame structure by at least one of the upper and lower faces of the hollow guide.
Thus, the lateral guidance device and the goods-handling system according to the invention, are used advantageously to guide products on a conveyor track of variable width by simple adjustment of the quantity of fluid supplying the expandable chamber, and in particular facilitate adjustments at the curved parts of the conveyor track. The guidance device and the goods-handling system according to the invention also facilitate the conveyance of products on several routes side by side.
FIGS. 1a to 1d schematically show a first example of implementation of the device of the invention.

Lateral guiding device for a handling system, and handling system using one such device


An active fixation lead assembly including a dual-pitch screw mechanism and a free spinning mechanism, which provides an improved capability for firmly engaging a lead tip upon heart tissue while avoiding damage to the tissue due to overtorquing of the lead. The dual-pitch screw mechanism employs an extendable coupling screw, firmly attached to a helical fixation coil. The thread pitch of the extendable coupling screw is greater than the thread pitch of the helical fixation coil so that the coil portion will move through tissue faster per revolution than the coupling screw, thereby embracing the tissue more tightly against the lead and improving the electrical connection between the tissue and the electrode. Generally, the free spinning mechanism allows the fixation coil to rotate freely after the fixation coil has been fully extended. More particularly, the free spinning mechanism facilitates the use of a low level of torque to cause engagement of the coil with heart tissue so that a physician operator can feel the engagement of the heart tissue with the lead despite the large distance between the lead tip and a stylet knob.

A cardiac stimulation lead generally includes at least one electrode and a flexible insulated conductor for carrying signals and stimulating pulses between each electrode and a cardiac stimulating device. In the case of a cardiac pacemaker lead, an electrode is passed through the cardiovascular system into a heart chamber, where it is positioned to contact the endocardial wall of the heart. One of various types of fixation devices may be employed to secure an electrode in a fixed position with respect to the cardiac tissue to be stimulated. For example, fins or tines are devices which may be used to passively intertwine with trabeculi within the heart to prevent dislodgement of an electrode. Another common lead fixation strategy employs a sharpened helix, comprising either an electrode itself or a helix adjacent to an electrode, which is affixed to the distal end of an endocardial pacing lead. In this case the helix is rotated by some means from the proximal end of the lead in order to screw the helix into the endocardium and permanently affix the electrode within the heart.
An early method of rotating the helix into heart tissue involved either rotation of the entire lead or rotation of a stylet with a screwdriver tip. Later designs employed fixation helixes that were advanced or retracted into the distal end of the pacing lead to permit passage of the lead through the cardiovascular system without snagging tissue. For example, H. J. Bisping in U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,512, entitled "Transvenously Implantable Lead", issued Aug. 15, 1978, describes a lead in which a helix acts as the electrode and is advanced out of the distal end of the lead by rotation of a coiled conductor within the lead body.
Another approach to rotating a fixation helix out of the distal end of a lead into cardiac tissue employs a screwdriver tip stylet to engage a slot within the distal end of the lead, as taught by R. G. Dutcher in U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,913, entitled "Body-Implantable Lead with Protected, Extendable Tissue Securing Means", issued Aug. 19, 1980. In this patent, the helix serves only to attach the lead to the tissue. A separate ring electrode supplies stimulation pulses. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,642, entitled "Endocardial Extendable Screw-In Lead" and issued Feb. 18, 1986, L. M. Kane et al. locate a helix on a member which is slidable within the distal end of the pacing lead. The helix is advanced out of the distal end of the pacing lead by means of a cylindrical stylet which pushes a member located within the distal end of the lead, carrying the fixation helix. The fixation helix is screwed into the tissue by rotation of the entire lead.
For either of these latter two fixation approaches, which involve rotating a helix using a screwdriver tip stylet or rotating a coiled conductor within a lead body, the stylet or coiled conductor does not efficiently transfer torque down the body of the pacing lead. Accordingly, the number of turns of the conductor pin or stylet at the proximal end of the lead does not precisely correspond to the number of rotations of the helix at the distal end of the lead. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,285, entitled "Screw-in Lead", issued on Dec. 31, 1991, D. N. Hess et al. disclose a fixed helix type pacing lead which provides means for rotationally fixing a stylet located within the lead at both the proximal and the distal ends of the lead. In this case, torque is transmitted down the lead by both the stylet and the coiled conductor within the lead body. This patent also addresses the problem of helix snagging during implantation by provision of a unique helix configuration in which the helix is tapered, and employs a distal, sharpened point which intersects the central axis of the pacing lead.
Active fixation lead assemblies which are known in the prior art present numerous problems and disadvantages. One major problem with prior art lead assemblies is that an implanting physician must position an electrode firmly against heart tissue before fastening the fixation tip in order to achieve a required level of electrical coupling between the electrode and the tissue. Unfortunately, the heart is constantly in motion. Therefore, even when the physician uses an imaging device such as a fluroscope to visualize the relative positions of the lead tip and the heart tissue, the physician still does not know know whether the lead tip is firmly and appropriately positioned. Furthermore, the procedure of holding the electrode firmly in place and simultaneously turning the coil is difficult in practice.
Another major problem with prior art lead assemblies is that even though a physician may have implanted a lead and fully extended its coil, the electrode may still not be firmly engaged with the heart tissue, resulting in a poor electrical contact and leading to a high stimulation threshold. Furthermore, if the distal end of the lead is not firmly pressed into the cardiac tissue, the fixation device will not physically engage firmly with the heart tissue and will not electrically couple firmly with the heart tissue. If the electrical coupling is insufficient and a better connection is required, the physician must fully retract the coil and restart the fixation procedure.
An additional difficulty with prior art lead assemblies arises when the lead is firmly positioned against the heart prior to affixing the tip. As a helical coil active fixation tip is rotated, heart tissue is drawn up to the electrode. Unfortunately, prior art lead assemblies provide little indication of when the heart tissue meets the electrode. After the electrode has pressed against the heart, a physician may easily overtorque the helical fixation coil, further embedding the coil in heart tissue and possibly causing tearing of delicate heart tissue.
The present invention provides an improved active fixation lead assembly that specifically overcomes the aforementioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art lead assemblies and generally provides other advantages.
The foregoing problems and disadvantages are overcome and numerous other advantages are provided by an active fixation lead assembly in accordance with the present invention that includes a dual-pitch screw mechanism and a free spinning mechanism. The dual-pitch screw mechanism employs an extendable coupling screw which is firmly attached to a helical fixation coil. The thread pitch of the extendable coupling screw is different from the thread pitch of the helical fixation coil. Generally, the free spinning mechanism allows the fixation coil to rotate freely after the fixation coil has been fully extended. More particularly, the free spinning mechanism of the present invention requires only a relatively low level of torque to operate so that a physician operator can feel the engagement of heart tissue with the coil at the tip of the lead despite the large distance (on the order of three feet) between the lead tip and the stylet knob.
One object of the present invention is to provide an active fixation lead which does not require a physician to position the electrode firmly against the heart tissue prior to advancing the fixation coil. The active fixation lead of the present invention does not require that the electrode be firmly placed against the heart prior to affixing the coil. The electrode may be placed in the general vicinity of a desired part of the heart and the coil may be rotated to extend the coil from the lead. After the fixation coil is fully extended, it will continue to rotate freely, drawing the heart tissue up snugly against the distal end of the lead assembly.
A second object of the present invention is to provide an active fixation lead which continues to draw heart tissue toward the electrode even after the fixation coil is fully extended. The active fixation lead of the present invention employs a dual-pitch screw in which the thread pitch of a distal coil portion of the screw is greater than the thread pitch of a proximal coupling screw portion so that the distal coil portion will move through tissue faster per revolution than the proximal screw advances relative to the lead, thereby embracing the tissue more tightly against the electrode housing and improving the electrical connection between the tissue and the electrode. Furthermore, the active fixation lead of the present invention includes a free spinning mechanism. After the fixation coil is fully extended, it will continue to rotate freely, drawing the heart tissue up snugly against the distal end of the lead assembly. Thus, the heart tissue is firmly held by a fixation coil, snugly against the distal end of the electrode. An increased intimacy between the heart tissue and the cardiac stimulating and sensing electrodes increases the surface area of the electrode-tissue interface and reduces the microscopic motion between the electrode and the tissue, thereby reducing irritation of the tissue and improving pacing thresholds. The lead is easier to implant because the lead fixation system does not require that the implanting physician maintain pressure on the lead prior to coil extension.
A third object of the present invention is to provide an active fixation lead in which a tactile feed back signal is given to the implanting physician to cease rotation of the helical fixation coil after the heart tissue is snugly drawn against the electrode. The free spinning mechanism of the active fixation lead of the present invention facilitates such signalling. As the helical coil rotates, the heart tissue is drawn up toward the lead assembly. When the heart tissue meets the lead assembly, the tissue exerts an immediate and positive resistance to further rotation of a stylet knob, providing a significant tactical feedback to the physician indicating that further rotation of the stylet knob is unnecessary and might be injurious to heart tissue. Thus, the active fixation lead helps to prevent accidental advancement of the fixation coil due to inadvertent torque being applied to a stylet during advancement.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide rotational force to a helical coil lead tip using a screwdriver tip stylet which more efficiently transfers torque down the body of the pacing lead. The dual-pitch screw of the present invention is provided with a thread pitch on its distal coil portion which is greater than the thread pitch on its proximal screw portion so that the distal coil portion will move through tissue faster per revolution than the proximal screw portion advances relative to the lead, thereby increasing the efficiency of the fixation procedure by embracing the tissue more tightly against the electrode housing and improving the electrical connection between the tissue and the electrode.
A further object of the present invention is to reduce the size of an electrode housing which holds the screw mechanism of an active helical coil fixation lead. Prior art electrode arrangements have employed a machined or molded nut to hold a coupling screw. In the present invention, a small ball bearing replaces the larger nut.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a seal located between heart tissue and the threaded mechanism. In prior art active fixation leads, the threaded mechanism was exposed to blood.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds.

Active fixation lead with a dual-pitch, free spinning compound screw