A file server includes stream server computers linking a cached disk array storage subsystem to a data network, and at least two controller servers for receiving requests for file access from network clients. At any given time one of the controller servers is active and another is inactive in servicing client requests. The active controller server selects one of the stream servers to service each request. A controller server failover mechanism is provided for recovering from a failure of the active controller server, and a stream server failover mechanism is provided for recovering from a failure of a stream server. The inactive controller server becomes active when it fails to receive a signal periodically transmitted by the active controller server. The active controller server begins stream server failover when it fails to receive a signal periodically transmitted by each stream server. To resume automatically an interrupted task, the tasks are organized as a series of transactions, and each transaction includes operations which can be duplicated without substantial disruption. The active controller server commits results of each transaction to memory of the cached disk array. Before becoming active, the inactive controller recovers the committed state of the interrupted tasks from the cached disk array.

Authorization Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.17(e)
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains command formats and other computer language listings all of which are subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner, EMC Corporation, has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a file server employing a plurality of processing units. More particularly, the invention relates to failover services for resuming interrupted operations of a failed processing unit with little or no client involvement.
2. Background Art
Transactional semantics are typically employed between a host computer or client and a data storage system or file server to permit recovery from a failed processor in the data storage system or file server. The host computer or client sends to the data storage system or file server a command or command chain defining a transaction for which the data storage system or file server must acknowledge completion before committing results of any following commands.
In an environment employing commands in the IBM Corporation count-key-data (CKD) format, for example, all of the commands for a single input/operation for a single logical volume are included in a single channel command word (CCW) chain. The data storage system acknowledges completion of each write command by returning a channel end (CE) and device end (DE) to the host computer. The results of all channel command words of this single input/output operation are to be committed before commitment of the results of any following CCW's. Once the host processor sends the entire chain to the data storage system, it need not poll for a response; instead, the host typically continues with other operations, and is interrupted when the channel adapter responds with a device end (DE) signal indicating that the results of the last CCW in the chain has been committed.
In an open systems environment, a data storage system typically handles each input/output command as a separate transaction and acknowledges completion of each input/output command. If a problem occurs, the data storage system containing the primary returns a "unit check" with appropriate sense bytes to the host. This causes the host to retry the input/output operation.
By employing transactional semantics, a failure of a redundant processor in the data storage system or file server will not usually disrupt the operation of the host computer or client any more than a simple failure of the data link between the data storage system or file server and the host computer or client. Upon failing to receive an acknowledgement of completion of a transaction, the host computer or client re-sends the transaction. If the data storage system or file server continues to fail to acknowledge completion of the transaction, the host computer or client may re-send the transaction over an alternative data link to the data storage system or file server.
The use of transactional semantics and the re-try of unacknowledged transactions is a good technique for contending with processor failures in a data storage system or file server in which the transactions are primarily read and write operations. However, network-attached file servers, and video file servers in particular, perform data streaming operations for which the re-try of unacknowledged transactions has some undesirable consequences. A data streaming operation requires exclusive use of certain valuable resources, such as buffer memory, a dedicated port in the file server, and a dedicated network data link. Therefore, the file server should detect processor failure without reliance on the client in order to free-up the dedicated resources as soon as possible. Moreover, a data streaming operation that directs data to a network destination other than the client may also involve other clients or consumers having a special interest in minimizing delay or disruption in the streaming of the data. For example, in a video file server application, the data may be viewed in real time by an ultimate consumer, and any delay in transmission in excess of the consumer's buffering capabilities will interfere with the consumer's viewing pleasure.

Hardware and software failover services for a file server


An article of footwear includes an outsole, a midsole, an insole, and a display element having a shape and a thickness. The display element shape can be circular, oval, or other shape appropriate for display through a shoe outsole. The display element has a color, such as a color that coordinates with team colors of a sports team. A cut-out having substantially the same shape and thickness as the display element is formed in the midsole for receiving the display element. The outsole includes a transparent portion through which a display element can be viewed from the bottom of the outsole.

Athletic or other activewear shoes of a conventional construction generally have three or four separate parts. First, such shoes are provided with an outsole that is made of a durable material and that extends across the lower surface of the shoe. The outsole provides traction, protection, and a durable wear surface. A midsole is joined to the outsole to provide a cushioning layer to the wearer's foot. An insole is disposed between the midsole and the wearer's foot for additional cushioning. Usually, an upper formed of leather, synthetics, or other materials is joined to the midsole. The upper is designed to snugly and comfortably enclose the foot.
Conventional footwear designs provide decorations, embossed figures, and the like on the outer surface of the shoe soles. Such designs are generally worn off or degraded quickly after use of the footwear. Other footwear constructions utilize the insertion of an inset figure in a recessed area of the sole. While such figures maybe inset so as to be substantially flush with the walking surface of the sole, the figure design often wears off due to pressure of the foot against the shoe and walking or running surface. Also, the design can be obscured by mud and dirt. Other shoe constructions involve embedding plugs in recesses in the outsole of the shoe. Such plugs function to provide reduce skidding, for example, in an infant's shoe, or to promote sliding, such as in a bowling shoe. These plugs, however, provide little or no decorative effect.
Other conventional footwear soles provide an insert for a decorative effect. In such designs, a transparent or translucent window in an outsole allows viewing of the unique design aspects of an insert within the outsole of the shoe. For example, one footwear sole construction provides a decorative insert mounted within a single outer surface ply of the outsole protected by a clear plastic element. In another construction, a footwear sole includes two attached layers. The first layer has an integral display element and is at least semi-transparent such that the display element is observable through the first layer. Yet another design includes an outsole upper surface extending peripherally about the outsole having an aperture in the outsole upper surface. A display article is disposed within the aperture and is observable through a transparent outsole bottom surface.
Another shoe sole design has an outsole and a cushioning insert visible through a transparent window located in the sidewall of the sole. The window opening weakens the sidewall and can adversely affect the durability and resiliency of the sole. In another arrangement, a transparent window is recessed into the outsole to prevent scuffing or abrasion which could obscure the view through the window. However, the recessed window has the disadvantage of reducing the wear surface of the sole.
In yet another design, a transparent or translucent cleated insert is mounted within an outsole aperture to provide a cleated window forming a portion of the outsole wear surface. A cushioning insert is mounted on top of the cleated window within a pocket in the upper portion of the outsole, such that the inserts are visible through the window so that the wearer can better appreciate the shoe construction and its function. Another disadvantage of conventional decorative shoe sole inserts is that such inserts are mounted in or are integral with the outsole of the shoe and are not easily interchangeable. Moreover, shoe sole display inserts are often provided for their novelty or entertainment value, while purchasers of shoes also seek performance value in terms of both proper support of the shoes and durability.
A conventional athletic shoe includes a transparent or translucent sole having a bore extending at least half the length of the sole and a tubular light source inserted into the bore. While this type of athletic shoe design allows for display of a light source which may be interchangeable, the shoe does not provide for display of logo indicia or coordinating team colors through the bottom of an outsole.
Thus, there is a need to provide footwear having a display element viewable through the outsole such that the display element is easily interchangeable. There is a need to provide such footwear that have display elements that have a decorative effect, that provide good support to a wearer, and that are not susceptible to increased wear and tear. There is a need for such footwear in which indicia and colors of a sports team can be viewed through defined portions of the outsole of a shoe.


A jack module for optical transmission has, on a holder body into which a specified plug is to be inserted, an optical semiconductor device for inputting and outputting an optical signal via the plug. The optical semiconductor device is so constructed that a light-emitting chip and a light-receiving chip are mounted on a one-side surface of a lead frame, where the light-emitting chip and the light-receiving chip are integrally molded with a light-pervious resin. The surface of the lead frame is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to a center axis of the plug inserted into the holder body. The jack module for optical transmission is capable of easily performing communications in the half-duplex method, simple in construction and manufacturable at small size and low cost.

The present invention relates to a jack module for optical transmission, and more particularly, to a jack module into which specified plugs are to be inserted for inputting and outputting (relaying included, which is applicable throughout hereinafter) optical signals to and from electronic equipment.
The invention also relates to a plug-and-jack type optical transmission apparatus in which a signal-transmission cable having specified plugs at both ends, and a pair of optical-transmission jack modules for inputting and outputting optical signals, are combined together so that communications in the half-duplex method can be performed through the signal-transmission cable between electronic equipments having the jack modules respectively.
Still also, the invention relates to a jack module for both optical and electrical use, and a plug-and-jack type transmission apparatus for both optical and electrical use, having a construction that the jack module for optical transmission or the plug-and-jack type optical transmission apparatus is provided with electrical connection terminals for discriminating the type of a plug inserted thereinto and for inputting and outputting electric signals via the plug.
In this specification, the terms, "electronic equipment," refer to a wide range of equipment that handles electronic information such as CDs (Compact Discs), MDs (Mini Discs), DATs (Digital Audio Tapes), DVDs (Digital Video Discs), computers and PDAs (personal digital assistants), etc. In addition, the terms, "electronic information," include not only digital information but also analog information.
Conventionally, there has been known a jack module for both optical and electrical use having a construction that, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a holder body 102 into which a plurality of specified types of plugs are to be inserted is provided with an optical semiconductor device 103 for inputting and outputting optical signals and a plurality of electrical connection terminals 40 for discriminating the type of a plug inserted thereinto and for inputting and outputting electric signals (where the whole unit of the jack module is denoted by reference numeral 101) (e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication H06-140106). FIG. 9A shows an example in which a small-size single-head electric plug (for analog electric signals) 10 is inserted, and FIG. 9B shows an example in which an optical fiber plug 30 is inserted.
The optical semiconductor device 103 is so formed that a light-emitting chip 105 and a driver IC (Integrated Circuit) chip 106 for driving this light-emitting chip 105 are mounted on one side 104a of a lead frame 104, where these component members are molded into a generally rectangular parallelopiped shape with a transparent resin (sealing resin) 107. The chip-mounted surface 104a of the lead frame 104 is disposed vertical to a center axis X of the plug to be inserted. In the illustrated optical semiconductor device 103, which is to be provided on the transmission side of one-way communications, the light-emitting chip 105 is disposed on an extension of the center axis X of the plug, and the driver IC chip 106 is disposed in its neighborhood. In contrast to this, in the case of jack module, which is to be provided on the reception side of one-way communications, a light-receiving chip is disposed on an extension of the center axis X of the plug, and a signal-processing IC chip which handles the output of the light-receiving chip is disposed in its neighborhood. The rest of the construction is the same as that of the transmission side.
The electrical connection terminals 40 are disposed in a plurality along the center axis X of the plug to be inserted. The plugs that are intended for insertion include, as shown in FIG. 10A, an electric plug 10 for analog electric signals, an electric plug 20 for digital electric signals, and an optical fiber plug 30 for inputting and outputting digital optical signals. The electric plug 10 for analog electric signals has, in an order from its fore end, a chip portion 11 for inputting and outputting a left (L) signal, an insulated collar portion 12, a ring portion 13 for inputting and outputting a right (R) signal, an insulated collar portion 14, and a sleeve portion 15 of ground (GND) potential. The electric plug 20 for digital electric signals has, in an order from its fore end, a chip portion 21 for inputting and outputting a plus (+) signal, an insulated collar portion 22, a ring portion 23 for inputting and outputting a minus (−) signal, an insulated collar portion 24, a sleeve portion 25 of ground (GND) potential, and an insulated sleeve portion 26. The optical fiber plug 30 has, in an order from its fore end, a chip portion 31 and a sleeve portion 32. In this optical fiber plug 30, an optical fiber 33 passes through at its center, while an end face 33a of the optical fiber 33 is exposed at a fore end of the chip portion 31.
Outside dimensions of these plugs 10, 20, 30 are set to the same ones according to the standards so as to be insertable to the same jack module. Each chip portion is formed into a fusiform shape, and each ring portion and each sleeve portion are formed into a cylindrical shape. The sleeve portion 15 of the electric plug 10 for analog electric signals is provided over a range corresponding to a range over which the insulated sleeve portion 25 and the sleeve portion 26 of the electric plug 20 for digital electric signals are provided.
In correspondence to the above structure of the plugs 10, 20, 30, as shown in FIG. 10B, the electrical connection terminals of the jack module 101 are placed at four positions along the center axis X of the plug to be inserted, respectively. That is, with regard to the electric plug 20 for digital electric signals, which has the largest number of divisions, an electrical connection terminal 41 is placed at a first position for contact with the chip portion 21, and so are an electrical connection terminal 42 at a second position for contact with the (−) ring portion 23, electrical connection terminals 43A, 43B at a third position for contact with the GND sleeve portion 25, and an electrical connection terminal 44 at a fourth position for contact with the insulated sleeve portion 26.
For discrimination of the type of a plug that has been inserted, a reference voltage Vref is applied via current limiting resistors r to the electrical connection terminals 43A, 43B placed at the third position and the electrical connection terminal 44 placed at the fourth position, respectively. Further, the electrical connection terminal 43A, which is one of the electrical connection terminals placed at the third position, is grounded. Given that voltages of these terminals 43A, 43B and 44 are V1, V2 and V3, respectively, these voltages V1, V2 and V3 are at such levels as shown in FIG. 10C according to the types of inserted plugs (where high level is represented by "H" and low level by "L"). Accordingly, if the inserted plug is the electric plug 10 for analog electric signals, then the voltages V1, V2 and V3 are all at "L". If the inserted plug is the electric plug 20 for digital electric signals, then the voltages V1, V2 and V3 are at "L", "L" and "H", respectively. If the inserted plug is the optical fiber plug 30, then the voltages V1, V2 and V3 are at "L", "H" and "H", respectively. In addition, if no plug is inserted, the voltages V1, V2 and V3 are all at "H". Therefore, the type of an inserted plug can be discriminated based on these voltages V1, V2 and V3.
If the inserted plug is the electric plug 10 for analog electric signals or the electric plug 20 for digital electric signals, then electric signals can be inputted and outputted via the electrical connection terminal 41 placed at the first position and the electrical connection terminal 42 placed at the second position. During communications in electric signals, the optical semiconductor device 103 shown in FIG. 9 holds in a halt state.
Meanwhile, if the inserted plug is the optical fiber plug 30 as shown in FIG. 9B, the optical semiconductor device 103 becomes operative. In this example, signal light emitted from the light-emitting chip 105 is converged by a lens portion 107a formed at the surface of the sealing resin 107, coming incident on the internal of the optical fiber 33 through the end face 33a of the optical fiber plug 30. Then, the incident light is transmitted through the optical fiber cable 50, reaching a reception-side jack module for both optical and electrical use via an unshown optical fiber plug (of the same structure as the optical fiber plug 30) provided at the other end of the optical fiber cable 50. As already described, in the reception-side jack module, the optical semiconductor device is so constructed that a light-receiving chip is disposed on an extension of the center axis X of the plug, and a signal-processing IC chip which handles outputs of the light-receiving chip is disposed in its neighborhood. Accordingly, signal light emitted from the end face of the optical fiber plug comes incident on the light-receiving chip, and is subjected to signal processing by the signal-processing IC chip. During communications in optical signals, the electrical connection terminals 40 hold in a halt state.
In this connection, since the communications method using the above jack module are one-way communications, implementing two-way communications involves two transmission cables each having plugs at both ends and a total of four jack modules into which the plugs are to be inserted, respectively. This causes increases in component parts, leading to increases in the apparatus scale, disadvantageously.
Therefore, it has recently been attempted that in a jack module, light-emitting chip and light-receiving chip are disposed in juxtaposition on a plane vertical to the center axis of the plug to be inserted, in order to implement full-duplex (simultaneous two-way) communications. In this full-duplex communications method, two-way communications are enabled with one transmission cable having plugs at both ends, and a total of two jack modules into which each plug is to be inserted. However, the full-duplex communications method encounters a problem of noise occurrence due to optical crosstalk (a phenomenon that an optical output of a light-emitting chip is reflected to go incident on a light-receiving chip in the same jack module) Taking measures for effects of this optical crosstalk causes complexities in apparatus construction and signal processing, which in turn causes increases in the load for signal processing. This would result in increases in size and price of the apparatus.
On the other hand, in the half-duplex communications method (a method in which communications are in one way at some instant, but two-way communications are performed by switching), two-way communications can be implemented with one transmission cable having plugs at both ends, and a total of two jack modules into which the plugs are to be inserted, respectively, and moreover the problem of optical crosstalk does not occur.
These problems come to issues not only with jack modules for both optical and electrical use, but also with jack modules that perform optical transmission but that do not necessarily have electrical connection terminals (which jack modules are generically referred to as "jack modules for optical transmission").

Jack module for optical transmission and plug-and-jack type optical transmission apparatus


A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, yellow-pink flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year round production in commercial glasshouses. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

The present invention constitutes a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant which originated from a controlled crossing between an unnamed seedling and an unnamed seedling. The two parents were crossed and the resulting seeds were planted in a controlled environment. The new variety is named xe2x80x98POULnilxe2x80x99.
The new rose may be distinguished from its seed parent, an unnamed seedling, by the following characteristics:
The unnamed seed parent has yellow blooms, while POULnil has lighter, yellow-pink flowers.
The new variety may be distinguished from its pollen parent, an unnamed seedling, created by the same inventors, by the following combination of characteristics:
1. The unnamed pollen parent is smaller in habit than xe2x80x98POULnilxe2x80x99.
2. The unnamed pollen parent has warm yellow blooms, while those of xe2x80x98POULnilxe2x80x99 are more pink in color.
The objective of the hybridization of this rose variety for commercial culture was to create a new and distinct variety with unique qualities, such as:
1. Uniform and abundant flowers;
2. Vigorous and compact growth;
3. Year-round flowering under glasshouse conditions;
4. Suitability for production from softwood cuttings in pots;
5. Durable flowers and foliage which make a variety suitable for distribution in the floral industry.
The combination of qualities of this variety represents significant improvement over previously available commercial cultivars of this type and distinguishes xe2x80x98POULnilxe2x80x99 from all other varieties of which we are aware. As part of their rose development program, L. Pernille Olesen and Mogens N. Olesen germinated the seeds from the aforementioned hybridization and conducted evaluations on the resulting seedlings in a controlled environment in Fredensborg, Denmark.
xe2x80x98POULnilxe2x80x99 was selected by the inventors as a single plant from the progeny of the hybridization in May of 1998.
Asexual reproduction of xe2x80x98POULnilxe2x80x99 by cuttings and traditional budding onto Rosa multiflora understock was first done by L. Pernille and Mogens N. Olesen in October Of 1998 in their nursery in Fredensborg, Denmark. This initial and other subsequent propagations conducted in controlled environments have demonstrated that the characteristics of xe2x80x98POULnilxe2x80x99 are true to type and are transmitted from one generation to the next.

Miniature Rose plant named xe2x80x98POULnilxe2x80x99


Atomically accumulating memory updates in a computer system configured with an accumulator that is memory mapped. The accumulator includes an accumulator memory and an accumulator queue and is configured to communicatively couple to a processor. Included is receiving from the processor, by the accumulator, an accumulation request. The accumulation request includes an accumulation operation identifier and data. Based on determining, by the accumulator, that the accumulator can immediately process the request, immediately processing the request. Processing the request includes atomically updating a value in the accumulator memory, by the accumulator, based on the operation identifier and data of the accumulation request. Based on determining, by the accumulator, that the accumulator is actively processing another accumulation request, queuing, by the accumulator, the accumulation request for later processing. Further included is signaling the processor, by the accumulator, the completion of the accumulation request.

This disclosure relates generally to memory and more specifically to a method, computer program and computer system for atomically accumulating memory updates with an addressable accumulator.
The number of central processing unit (CPU) cores on a chip and the number of CPU cores connected to a shared memory continues to grow significantly to support growing workload capacity demand. The increasing number of CPUs cooperating to process the same workloads puts a significant burden on software scalability; for example, shared queues or data-structures protected by traditional semaphores become hot spots and lead to sub-linear n-way scaling curves. Traditionally this has been countered by implementing finer-grained locking in software, and with lower latency/higher bandwidth interconnects in hardware. Implementing fine-grained locking to improve software scalability can be very complicated and error-prone, and at today's CPU frequencies, the latencies of hardware interconnects are limited by the physical dimension of the chips and systems, and by the speed of light.
Implementations of hardware Transactional Memory (HTM, or in this discussion, simply TM) have been introduced, wherein a group of instructions—called a transaction—operate in an atomic manner on a data structure in memory, as viewed by other central processing units (CPUs) and the I/O subsystem (atomic operation is also known as "block concurrent" or "serialized" in other literature). The transaction executes optimistically without obtaining a lock, but may need to abort and retry the transaction execution if an operation, of the executing transaction, on a memory location conflicts with another operation on the same memory location. Previously, software transactional memory implementations have been proposed to support software Transactional Memory (TM). However, hardware TM can provide improved performance aspects and ease of use over software TM.
U.S. Patent Application Publication US20100235587 A1 titled "Staged Software Transactional memory" filed 2009 Mar. 16 and incorporated by reference herein teaches a new form of software transactional memory based on maps for which data goes through three stages. Updates to shared memory are first redirected to a transaction-private map which associates each updated memory location with its transaction-private value. Maps are then added to a shared queue so that multiple versions of memory can be used concurrently by running transactions. Maps are later removed from the queue when the updates they refer to have been applied to the corresponding memory locations. This design offers a very simple semantic where starting a transaction takes a stable snapshot of all transactional objects in memory. It prevents transactions from aborting or seeing inconsistent data in case of conflict. Performance is interesting for long running transactions as no synchronization is needed between a transaction's start and commit, which can themselves be lock free.
U.S. Patent Application Publication US20110225376 A1 titled "Memory Manager for a Network Communications Processor Architecture" filed 2010 Dec. 9 and incorporated by reference herein teaches described embodiments provide a memory manager for a network processor having a plurality of processing modules and a shared memory. The memory manager allocates blocks of the shared memory to requesting ones of the plurality of processing modules. A free block list tracks availability of memory blocks of the shared memory. A reference counter maintains, for each allocated memory block, a reference count indicating a number of access requests to the memory block by ones of the plurality of processing modules. The reference count is located with data at the allocated memory block. For subsequent access requests to a given memory block concurrent with processing of a prior access request to the memory block, a memory access accumulator (i) accumulates an incremental value corresponding to the subsequent access requests, (ii) updates the reference count associated with the memory block, and (iii) updates the memory block with the accumulated result.

Supporting atomic accumulation with an addressable accumulator

International Business Machines Corporation


A flying insect light trap monitoring device and related methods and systems. The flying insect light trap monitoring device includes a housing, camera, controller, and communications module. The housing includes a mounting structure configured to couple with a flying insect light trap. The camera generally includes a wide angle lens. The camera and wide angle lens are secured to the housing and take a digital photograph image of a glue board in the flying insect light trap. The controller, including a processor and a memory, is secured within the housing and is communicatively coupled to the camera. The controller receives the digital photograph image. The communications module is operatively coupled with the controller and sends data packets, including the digital photograph image, to a remote server. Further, an image processing engine that processes the image and generates an insect count can be included.

Various types of flying insect light traps have been used in the pest control industry to attract and capture flying insects. These devices have generally been used to prevent flying insects from interfering with sensitive operations such as food processes and preparation, and to monitor the level of flying insect activity to determine if additional remediation steps are needed. Some existing flying insect light traps have typically consisted of one or more light bulbs that emit wavelengths of light that attract flying insects, and one or more glue boards that contain an adhesive coating on which flying insects are trapped.
When these types of traps are maintained as part of regular pest control services, a pest control technician removes old glue boards, cleans the trap, and inserts new glue boards. The technician also counts, often by rough estimation, the number of insects on the glue boards and records these readings for the purpose of determining trends and communication with the client.
However, the current method of counting and recording flying insect activity is problematic for various reasons. For example, manually counting is often either time consuming, inaccurate, or both. Further, the activity information is typically very limited as it is only captured as often as the pest control technician can physically inspects the trap. This inspection is often only once per week or less. Also, because of the low frequency of service, high pest activity is often recorded well after it occurs, which limits the effectiveness of the trap and potential remediation efforts.
Accordingly, there is a desire for improved flying insect light traps and monitoring thereof, including monitoring systems which overcome past difficulties and aid in effective and timely servicing and monitoring of these devices.

Flying insect light trap monitoring system


A radio network element, including means for receiving data packets from a user equipment in a soft handover connection, means for determining whether the received data blocks have been received successfully or unsuccessfully, means for running a retransmission process for an un-successfully received data packet, and means for receiving control information instructing the size of memory to be reserved for retransmission processes of the connection.

In mobile networks, data packet transmission is often utilized for conveying non-real time data. In non-real time data transfer, retransmission of individual data packets is possible in case a data packet is not received successfully.
A soft handover in a mobile network is a situation, where a mobile can simultaneously have a connection with several base stations. The soft handover, however, poses problems for management of memory that is reserved for handling retransmissions in the individual base stations. As a result, soft combining possibilities will vary across the Node Bs in the soft handover set.
Without effective memory management, overflow and waste of memory resources in base stations during soft handover might occur.


A hook, a hold down strap and a method for holding down an underground tank. The hook includes a base portion connectable to the hold down strap; a curved portion extending from the base portion and defining a concave receiving area having an entrance sized and configured for receiving an anchor element. The hook includes at least one hooking aid member being a flexible member or an extension member. The flexible member extends across the entrance of the concave receiving area and is sized and configured to bend from a closed position to an open position such that, when the anchor element traverses the entrance, the flexible member bends from the closed position toward the concave receiving area to the open position, thus allowing the anchor element to enter the concave receiving area. The extension member extends from the curved portion beyond the entrance of the concave receiving area.

Underground tanks are used to store large amounts of fluids such as water, gas, oil or solvents. These tanks must be anchored underground to prevent them from possibly floating upward or displacing due to ground water or moving. Conventional anchor blocks, also referred as deadman anchors, are made of concrete and underground tanks may be composed of steel, stainless steel, single, double, triple-wall fiberglass or a combination thereof.
Regulations in underground tank storing are rigorous because a failure in the installation or operation of the tank can lead to contamination of soil and groundwater or increased safety risks for workers during installation. For instance, workers may not be allowed to go inside the hole to the level of the anchor blocks beneath the tank and must stay at the top of the tank to perform installation or maintenance operations.
Generally, underground tanks are attached to concrete anchor blocks located on both sides of the tank, using anchor straps provided with hooks at either end. Known hooks may be classified under various categories such as C-shaped hooks, D-shaped hooks and T-shaped hooks. A hook is connected to each of the two ends of the strap and is configured to engage an anchor block provided below or at the bottom of the tank (as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B). Straps may include fiberglass, nylon, polyester, steel or other adequate metallic materials.
To install underground tanks, several workers often throw an end of a strap from the top of the tank toward one of the anchor blocks so as to hook onto an anchor element of the anchor block. Workers have to repeat the throwing until they succeed in grabbing the concrete anchor with the hook. This operation is difficult because one end of the strap may be unhooked due to slack on the strap while workers are hooking or installing the other end of the strap. This operation is also difficult because the top of the tank is narrow and may be slippery for the workers. When workers are allowed to anchor the underground tank from the ground, one hooked end of the strap is generally maintained with difficulty on one anchor while workers hook the other end of the strap to the opposed anchor.
Furthermore, fluctuations of the water level or earth movements may lead to an undesirable unhooking from the anchor element.
As underground ambient conditions are favorable to rust and corrosion, materials and construction have to be chosen carefully. Stainless steel, fiberglass and hot dip galvanized cast iron are better suited for these rigorous conditions.
Known springhooks or hooks provided with a retaining mechanism, i.e. which opens and closes the hook opening under the action of a spring, have the challenge that moving mechanical components such as springs, often made of steel, may have a propensity to rust or corrode in certain environments. Additionally, the retention mechanism of the springhook is fragile.
There is indeed a need in the industry for a hook that would overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages and challenges.

Hook with holding means and method for holding down underground tank with a strap


The steering of a motor vehicle is assisted by a power steering means including a hydraulic distributor which is supplied with pressurized fluid by a pump from a reservoir. The vehicle also has a clutch having hydraulic servo assistance supplied by a servo unit. The distributor of the power steering system and the clutch servo unit are both supplied with hydraulic fluid from the same pump and reservoir, through a distribution unit which is so arranged that the power steering system has first call at all times on the available pressurized fluid. The distributor unit includes a flow distributing valve, fed from the pump and dividing the flow between a main circuit which leads to the steering distributor, and a secondary circuit which leads to the servo unit. A pressure regulating valve is connected to both the main circuit and the secondary circuit so as to regulate the pressure in each of these circuits according to the demand of the power steering system.

In such an apparatus the source of pressurized fluid (hydraulic power) is quite expensive. For this reason, when a vehicle has power assisted steering, as for example described in the specification of French published patent application FR 2 448 472A which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,883, it is desirable to use the hydraulic power source of the pressurized fluid in the power steering system for also supplying fluid to the servo means in another installation on the vehicle, such as a servo assisted clutch. However, this gives rise to a problem due to the fact that the supply of the servo means must not be such as to disturb the operation of the power assisted steering in any way.

Hydraulic fluid supply system for an installation in a motor vehicle having power assisted steering with a pressure regulation value connected to the main and secondary circuits


A method of synthesizing a real image and a computer graphic (CG) having a complex shape in which the normal vector of each of two adjacent planes of a rectangular parallelepiped CG circumscribed about the CG having a complex shape is determined from the coordinates of six vertices representing the two planes on the basis of a real image of a rectangular parallelepiped, and parameters for three-dimensional rotational transformation of the rectangular parallelepiped CG required for synthesis are determined on the basis of the normal vectors. A CG having a complex shape for synthesis is produced by rotational transformation thereof on the basis of the parameters, and the CG having a complex shape thus produced is synthesized on the real image.

The present invention relates to a method of synthesizing a computer graphics or an image obtained by computer processing (hereinafter referred to as a "CG") and a real image, or more in particular to a method of synthesizing a real image and a CG in an image processing system preferable for efficient synthesis of a real image and a CG.
Conventionally, synthesis of a real image and a CG has been effected by visual environment simulation as described in "Visual Environment Simulation", IPSJ, CG39-1, pp. 1-7, 1989. The visual environment simulation, in which a simulation is made for a case where, for example, an artificial structure is constructed on an actual landscape, has a high utility. For example, an object can be viewed from a point of view that cannot be obtained by other methods such as the use of a miniature model, and the size of an object can be easily changed. Efforts have been made to tackle the visual environment simulation also from the viewpoint of CAD (Computer Aided Design). Such operations (i.e., change in point of view and in shape), however, have been carried out according to a sixth sense based on actual experience or have required information about the point of photographing of the particular landscape, and for this reason, have been unable to be readily performed by general users. On the other hand, as disclosed in "Electronic Studio Settings for Image Production", Proceedings of the Sixth Symposium on Human Interface, pp. 479-486, 1990, and JP-A-61-267182, there is known a method in which such parameters as pan, tilt and zoom in camera operation are recorded at the time of picking up an image and a CG and an image are synthesized by utilizing the parameters in setting a CG. It is not easy for general users, however, to introduce various parameters in camera operation simultaneously with photographing.

Method of synthesizing real image and computer graphic in image processing system

Institute for Personalized Information Environment


A terminal device, a memory module and a system for and method of distributing electronic content. A content provider stores a number of multimedia files. A first integrated circuit card interface receives a host integrated circuit card containing first authorization information, and a second integrated circuit card interface receives a user integrated circuit card containing second authorization information. An input device permits selection of one or more multimedia files from the stored of multimedia files. A control unit is responsive to insertion into the second integrated circuit card interface of a user interface card containing second authorization information compatible with the first authorization information contained in a host integrated circuit card inserted in the first integrated circuit card interface to actuate an output device to provide the content of multimedia files selected by the input device. The content provider, control unit, input device, and output device might be a laptop computer, a wireless personal terminal, or a personal computer. The multimedia content delivery system might be provided in a kiosk in a public place, permitting a user to wirelessly download an electronic copy of the selected media to a laptop computer or wireless personal terminal.

The automatic distribution of multimedia content is becoming widely available. By way of example, publicly available terminals or kiosks are often provided in such locations as shopping malls and convenience stores to enable people to access audio or video material without the need for a sales representative. The person wishing to obtain such media can select from available media and receive the selected media in various forms, for example by means of load speakers or headphones or by means of a video screen or by downloading the media in electronic form. The person obtaining the media might be doing so simply for one time information or entertainment value. Alternatively, the person might desire to retain a magnetic recording of the media, permitting the person to have repeated access to the media.
In some applications, the media might be made available to the person desiring it at no charge. For example, a store selling musical compact disks might have kiosks at which selections from available compact disks can be sampled. Such a store might wish to limit the number of selections that any one customer can sample so as to prevent people from simply listening to numerous samples with no interest in purchasing any. A method must be provided to limit the number of samples which the customer can access. Alternatively, such a store might have kiosks at which for an appropriate charge the complete contents of a compact disk can be downloaded for duplication. In such event, a method must be provided to assure that the appropriate charge is paid.
In other situations, multimedia content might be made available to persons authorized to receive such content, but must be inaccessible by others. For example, kiosks might be provided in hotels or in airport terminals at which persons who are traveling can obtain access to e-mail that is intended for them, even though they do not have their own computer or other terminal device with them. Even if a person has a notebook computer or other terminal device accessible, the person may not have e-mail access from that device. In such cases, a secure manner must be provided to assure that e-mail can be accessed only by the correct recipient, and is not accessible by others. Similarly, multimedia content intended only for persons above a particular age might be accessible, but persons not authorized for receipt of such multimedia must not be able to access it. For example, a kiosk might be equipped to permit users to play video games, but some of the games might have content that makes it desirable to restrict access to those games to persons of at least some minimum age, such as 18, while permitting access to others of the games by all persons regardless of age.
A computer network might be accessed by a user who types in an identification and a password. After accessing the network, the person then must type in identifiers of files that he or she desires to access. All of this requires a user terminal equipped with appropriate input devices, such as a keyboard and/or a mouse, and requires manual typing or other selection by the user. An undesirable amount of time is required for such a procedure, particularly if the user makes an error in the typing or other selection. In addition, significant bandwidth is required for the communication link between the user and the desired file.
In the area of distribution of secured content, such as, movies, music, games, information and the like there has been a lot of development lately. There are two important issues, namely how distribution is handled, and how payments are handled. PCT Application WO 00/30117, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method of commercially distributing musical recordings comprising downloading a digital recording of music from a kiosk to a self-contained personal music terminal which stores the recording in an electronic memory and can play the music recording.
There is a need for short-range communication, like Bluetooth, in downloading data from access points. The present invention provides a way to take advantage of the convergence of the Internet and the Mobile Telecommunication or Mobile Computing fields on terminals that do not have any browsing capability. The Bluetooth standard is described in Bluetooth specification v.1.0B. One implementation of Bluetooth is described, for example, in PCT publication WO/0018025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, in which a Bluetooth link between a Bluetooth enabled mobile terminal and a Bluetooth enabled data terminal, such as a PC, is disclosed.
Although the Internet is making a breakthrough in the mobile communication world thanks to the introduction of browsers on mobile terminals, it is expected that some alternative models for accessing the content/information of the Internet will be needed. Whereas the browser model is heavily based on user interaction, other models where the user can be more passive make particular sense in mobile environments because of potential limitations in the capabilities of some terminals, because of the lack of time for browsing, and further because of the importance of accessing information quickly rather than freely surfing among the various sources of information available. In this kind of context, a terminal having a passive mechanism would help the user in content downloading, and preferably keep aspects of a browser based content access model to keep flexibility in what content can be accessed.
The following summarizes some of the prior art systems for providing multimedia content to users:
Published PCT Application No. PCT/US99/20789 (International Publication No. WO 00/30117), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, shows a system for downloading music from a publically available terminal or kiosk to a self-contained personal music device for subsequent playback, with the kiosk being activated in response to insertion of a credit card or cash.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,719, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference, discloses a system for providing access at a retail site to a remote database to create a compact disk or a magnetic tape of a desired media, such as an audio or a video selection.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,916, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference, shows a similar system, with the user or customer being issued an integrated circuit ("IC") card which the customer uses to activate a kiosk from which the media is accessible.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,314, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference, concerns a system in which a customer is issued an IC card that includes a decryption key, allowing the customer to download a video selection that is associated with the particular decryption key.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,130, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference, discloses a kiosk which can be activated by a credit card to allow copying of media.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,257, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference, shows a system for making media available to customers in which the system captures information about each customers' selections and then uses that information to build a customer profile for each customer. When a previous customer returns, the system might suggest media which the customer's previous selections, as incorporated in the customer profile, indicate the customer might like.

Method of and a system for distributing electronic content


A control system coupled to a pressure sensor calibrates the pressure sensor. The control system may measure a plurality of capacitance values at a plurality of corresponding applied voltages to compare the values with a first calibration mechanism generated by sample pressure sensors in a comparison. A final calibration mechanism may be generated by adjusting the first calibration mechanism in response to the comparison. The unknown differential pressure may be applied to a diaphragm of the pressure sensor. A capacitance value at the unknown differential pressure may then be measured. Using the final calibration mechanism, the differential pressure at the measured capacitance value may be retrieved.

Some industrial, commercial, aerospace and military systems depend on reliable pressure sensors for fluid (including gas) handling. Pressure sensors are used to measure fluidic pressure in a variety of different areas of discipline. Among recent trends is the increasing use of meso technology. Meso technology uses relatively small devices and an electrostatic force to move diaphragms within the pressure sensors. The electrostatic force is often applied by applying a voltage between two paired electrodes, which are commonly attached to a selected wall and/or a diaphragm. The electrostatic force results in an attractive force between the paired electrodes, which moves the selected wall or diaphragm toward one another.
When pressure sensors are manufactured, they may be trimmed or calibrated in the factory. There is an associated cost with trimming each pressure sensor that, in some cases, may exceed the cost of manufacturing the pressure sensor. However, without first trimming the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may be inaccurate at a current set of conditions.
Regardless of accurate factory trimming, a diaphragm of the pressure sensor may also be compromised by mechanical stress, aging, and a number of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. As a result, the accuracy of the pressure sensor may be compromised in the "field."
In the figures, like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views.


A programmable power management integrated circuit includes analog input monitors that receive analog input signals that correspond to voltage, current, or temperature measurements. The analog input monitors apply programmable thresholds to the measurements and output the results to a programmable logic device, which may generate various status and/or control signals to the system being monitored. The programmable logic device controls FET drivers that can switch on and off power to the monitored system. The programmable power management integrated circuit may also comprise an internal oscillator, a serial interface, an in-system programmable interface, a joint test action group interface, a memory that stores identification information, and a register for capturing system information during power-down.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to programmable power management systems and methods.
2. Related Art
A typical electronic device, which includes one or more printed circuit boards that form a complex electronic system, requires multiple voltages for supplying power to numerous components. For example, the components may include a fan requiring 12 volts (V), memory devices requiring 2.5 V and 1.8 V, a microprocessor requiring 2.5 V and 1.8 V, analog circuits requiring 5 V, and logic devices requiring 5 V, 3.3 V, and 2.5 V. These components may further require a complex power-on or reset sequence that employs a timed, defined, reset signal. Additionally, many of these components cannot tolerate significant voltage swings or a power supply interruption and may require an interrupt or reset signal prior to powering down. Consequently, various portions of the printed circuit board or electronic system may require various voltages and a structured power up, power down, and reset sequence.
Failure to maintain the proper voltage level or to power down correctly may result in problems such as a static random access memory prematurely erasing required data or the entire system locking-up. A watchdog timer circuit may be required in case the system or processor locks-up in order to properly reset the system.
The system may also require thermal management to control the printed circuit board's thermal condition. For example, thermal management may control a fan speed based on temperature readings. Furthermore, the system may require a board level identification tag memory (e.g., a serial electrically erasable programmable read only memory) to identify and track the printed circuit board.
A conventional electronics system may monitor voltages, provide reset signals and power-loss warnings, or provide a watchdog circuit and battery backup switching. However, a drawback of conventional systems is that to perform these functions requires many discrete and specialized integrated circuits, which occupy valuable printed circuit board space. Furthermore, the identification tag memory along with the thermal management circuit, if these are included, are provided as stand-alone devices that occupy additional printed circuit board space and add to the size and complexity of the overall system.
Another drawback of these conventional systems is that generally there is no on-board logic for system control or sequencing. If programmable functions are permitted, it is only provided through resistor/capacitor networks that are external to the power management integrated circuits. Therefore, discrete components are required, additional board space is required, and limited control or options are provided. For example, the voltage, timing, polarity, and input/output signals are generally fixed or have limited versatility.
As a result, there is a need for a single device that will consolidate the functions of the various stand-alone power management devices and provide on-chip programmable functions.

Programmable power management system and method


A wireless terminal comprises a communications interface and a congestion controller. The communications interface communicates over a radio interface with a base station. The congestion controller, upon occurrence of a congestion indication, reduces uplink transmission power of the wireless terminal by lowering a transport format combination for use by the wireless terminal for transmitting an enhanced dedicated uplink channel (E-DCH) over the radio interface to the base station. In an example embodiment and mode, the congestion controller performs an expedited transport format combination reduction procedure which is distinct from Dedicated Physical Control Channel (DPCCH) power reduction based on a command received in a closed loop power control procedure, e.g., on a Fractional-DPCH (F-DPCH) channel.

In a typical cellular radio system, wireless terminals (also known as mobile stations and/or user equipment units (UEs)) communicate via a radio access network (RAN) to one or more core networks. The radio access network (RAN) covers a geographical area which is divided into cell areas, with each cell area being served by a base station, e.g., a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be called, for example, a "NodeB" (UMTS) or "eNodeB" (LTE). A cell is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the radio base station equipment at a base station site. Each cell is identified by an identity within the local radio area, which is broadcast in the cell. The base stations communicate over the air interface operating on radio frequencies with the user equipment units (UE) within range of the base stations.
In some versions of the radio access network, several base stations are typically connected (e.g., by landlines or microwave) to a controller node (such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC)) which supervises and coordinates various activities of the plural base stations connected thereto. The radio network controllers are typically connected to one or more core networks.
The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third generation mobile communication system, which evolved from the second generation (2G) Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). UTRAN is essentially a radio access network using wideband code division multiple access for user equipment units (UEs). In a forum known as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), telecommunications suppliers propose and agree upon standards for third generation networks and UTRAN specifically, and investigate enhanced data rate and radio capacity.
High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) is a 3G mobile telephony protocol, also known as Enhanced Uplink (EUL). The specifications for HSUPA are included in Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Release 6 standard published by 3GPP. The technical purpose of the Enhanced Uplink is to improve the performance of uplink dedicated transport channels, e.g., to increase capacity and throughput and reduce delay. HSUPA uses an uplink enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) on which it employs link adaptation methods similar to those employed by High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). HSUPA, among other technologies, is discussed in Dahlman, Erik, et al, 3G Evolution: HSPA and LTE for Mobile Broadband, Academic Press, 2008, ISBN: 978-0-12-374538-5, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
HSUPA uses a packet scheduler which is located in the NodeB. The scheduler forms part of a unit known as a NodeB MAC-e, which unit is responsible for support of fast hybrid ARQ transmissions and scheduling. The UE also has a MAC-e unit; the UE MAC-e unit is responsible for selecting the data rate within limits set by the scheduler in the NodeB MAC-e.
HSUPA operates on a request-grant principle according to which the UEs request permission to send data and the scheduler in the NodeB decides when and how many UEs will be allowed to do so. That is, the scheduler in the NodeB receives scheduling requests from the UE when the UE desires to transmit at a higher data rate than currently allowed. A request for transmission from the UE contains data about the state of the transmission buffer in the UE and the queue at the UE, and the UE's available power margin. The NodeB for the serving cell then makes a scheduling decision and, if the decision is favorable, responds with a scheduling grant.
At the Physical Layer, HSUPA introduces new channels E-AGCH (Absolute Grant Channel), E-RGCH (Relative Grant Channel), F-DPCH (Fractional-DPCH), E-HICH (E-DCH Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel), E-DPCCH (E-DCH Dedicated Physical Control Channel) and E-DPDCH (E-DCH Dedicated Physical Data Channel). E-DPDCH is used to carry the E-DCH Transport Channel. That is, the E-DCH is mapped to a set of channelization codes known as E-DCH Dedicated Physical Data Channels (E-DPDCHs). Depending on the instantaneous data rate, the number of E-DPDCHs and their spreading factors are both varied. The E-DPCCH is used to carry the control information associated with the E-DCH.
As mentioned above, for Enhanced Uplink the scheduler is located in the NodeB, and the NodeB scheduler controls when and at what rate a UE is allowed to transmit, thereby controlling the amount of interference affecting other users at the NodeB. This can be seen as controlling each UE's consumption of common radio resources, which in the case of Enhanced Uplink is the amount of tolerable interference. In the uplink, the total amount of tolerable interference is defined as the average interference over all the RX antennas. The amount of common uplink resources a terminal is using depends on the data rate used. Generally, the higher the data rate, the larger the required transmission power and thus the higher resource consumption.
A relative measure of total interference is Rise over Thermal (RoT), i.e. total interference relative to thermal noise. The term "noise rise" or "rise-over-thermal" is often used when discussing uplink operation. Noise rise, defined as (I+N0)/N0 where N0 and I are the noise and wideband interference, respectively, is a measure of the increase in interference in the cell due to transmission activity. The uplink scheduler in the NodeB needs to keep the noise rise within acceptable limits.
Uplink load control adjusts the load headroom for a cell so that the measured RoT is controlled towards a target RoT. In uplink transmissions an inner loop power control (ILPC) (e.g., "inner control loop") enables the UE to adjust its output power in accordance with one or more TPC (transmit power control) commands received in the downlink. The target RoT is determined primarily by factors such as network dimensioning for coverage considerations. The TPC (transmit power control) commands are issued by the aforementioned NodeB for maintaining quality of control channel DPCCH. While the power control and scheduler are different functions of the eNodeB, there is some interaction between power control and load control/scheduling.
The uplink scheduler in the NodeB allocates the available UL load to the scheduled users who require higher uplink bit-rate and reduces the granted uplink bit-rate of some scheduled users when the system is overloaded, e.g., when there is a RoT peak. However, due to the large time delay in uplink load control and scheduler, large RoT oscillation can occur, either above or below than the RoT target, and the RoT peak can last a long time before the RoT is reduced to an acceptable level. Such time delay may be occasioned by numerous factors, including RoT measurement delay; Node B processing delay; and grant transmission and processing delay, etc.
A "load factor" represents the portion of uplink interference that a certain channel of a certain user terminal generates, which is defined as the interference due to the channel of that user terminal divided by the total interference. The total load factor of different channels is equal to the sum of load factors of the different channels. Uplink load estimation estimates the load that has been or will be generated in each cell from different channels. Power based load estimation means load estimation according to the load factor definition as described above. A benefit of power based load estimation is that it is receiver independent and can naturally capture the receiver gain of various types of receivers.
In order to reduce the RoT peak levels and suppress the RoT peaks quickly, Fast Congestion Control (FCC) has been proposed. For example, in WO/2001/080575, entitled "CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM/METHOD WITH UPLINK INTERFERENCE CEILING; and US Patent Publication 2003/0003921 A1, entitled "Method for Traffic Load Control in a Telecommunication Network", both incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, it is proposed that TPC down commands are sent to selected users when the measured RoT exceeds the target level. For a selected UE, the Fast Congestion Control (FCC) procedure is executed as follows: (1) if the TPC generated by the inner loop power control (ILPC) is TPC DOWN command, the same TPC DOWN command is sent to the UE without changes; (2) if the TPC generated by the inner loop power control is TPC UP command, FCC changes the TPC command from UP to DOWN and this TPC DOWN command is sent to the UE. This is referred to hereinafter as the "forced TPC down command".
As Fast Congestion Control (FCC) reacts much faster than the uplink load control and the scheduler, RoT can be better controlled and uplink load can be more efficiently utilized. Therefore, Fast Congestion Control (FCC) can be a low cost implementation for considerable gain in the future.
A drawback of Fast Congestion Control (FCC) is that the block error rate (BLER) of the users targeted by FCC will increase substantially. This may cause problem especially for users with relatively high QoS requirement.
With interference cancellation (IC) the signal to noise interference ratio (SINR) can be significantly improved, and thus also an evident improvement in data rate. Both E-DPDCH and DPCCH can benefit from interference cancellation (IC), but it is important to realize the first initial channel estimate based on only DPCCH must be good enough to start the whole interference cancellation (IC) process, and that channel estimate is before any IC. Thus, the DPCCH quality must be good enough and a bad DPCCH quality can negatively impact the benefit we can get from interference cancellation (IC).
During data transmission in general, a receiver needs to know what type of Transport Format (TF) is valid for each transport channel, e.g., the number of bits that will be transmitted on the transport channel during a transmission time interval (TTI). A transport channel may have several different possible transport formats, which each transport format having a different Transport Format Identifier (TFI). A dynamic part of the Transport Format defines the Transport Block Size and a Transport Block Set Size (how many Transport Blocks can be delivered in on TTI); a static part of the Transport Format defines such parameters as the TTI, coding type and size; size of CRC, etc. Given the fact that plural transport channels may be used at one time, a parameter known as the Transport Format Combination (TFC) is used to express the TFIs for the plural channels. For example, the Transport Format Combination (TFC) provides information on how many bits (Transport Blocks) of each transport channel are transmitted in the next TTI.
For the Enhanced Uplink and its E-DCH, the possible E-TFCs, i.e., the possible transport block sizes, are predefined in the specifications similar to HS-DSCH. At connection setup, a set of up to eight reference E-TFCs (Enhanced Transport Format Combinations), their transport block size and quantization amplitude ratios, are signaled to the UE. Then, during an HSUPA connection, the UE can calculate the needed transmission power for each E-TFC based on the referenced E-TFCs and its quantized power ratio. At each TTI boundary, the UE determines the state of each E-TFC based on the E-TFC's required transmit power versus the maximum allowed UE transmit power. Once the E-TFC is selected along with all of the signaled parameters, the uplink is completely configured and the data rate for the next transmission is known.
As mentioned above, the NodeB scheduler sends scheduling grants to the UE. A scheduling grant includes an index value, with the index value sent in the scheduling grant being one of several possible index values stored in a table, each stored index value in turn being matched or paired with an associated power offset. Each power offset stored in the table is an indication of how much power relative to power of the DPCCH the wireless terminal is allowed to use for transmission of the E-DCH when the associated index is received in the scheduling grant. The grants may be either absolute grants or relative grants. Absolute grants, sent on the AGCH, provide an absolute limitation of the maximum amount of uplink power resources that the UE may use. The grants also inherently limit the uplink resources since there is a relation between the E-TFC, the number of codes, spreading factor, and modulation that the wireless terminal may use. Absolute grants are sent to the UE usually at the start of a HSUPA connection. The absolute grant value indicates the maximum E-DCH traffic to pilot power ratio (E-DPDCH/DPCCH) that the UE is allowed to use in the next transmission. Relative grants, sent on the E-RGCH, increase or decrease the power compared to the previously used to value. The relative grants can be sent every scheduling period, on a dedicated channel. Relative grants typically change the E-DPDCH power in small amounts relative to the previous value. The UE uses the information in the absolute and relative grants to calculate its "serving grant". This is serving grant is updated in accordance with the scheduling period. The serving grant permits the UE to calculate its maximum power to use to transmit data on the E-DPDCH(s). The UE has been informed at connection set up how much power is needed to use each physical channel combination, so the UE knows what is the maximum block size it can transmit for each TTI.
The power needed for an E-DCH transmission is calculated from two power offsets relative to the power for the DPCCH. One power offset is associated with each E-TFC and one power offset is associated with the hybrid ARQ profile. The resulting transmitter power is then calculated by adding these two power offsets to the DPCCH power. When the required transmitter power for different E-TFCs has been calculated, the UE can calculate which E-TFCs are possible to use from a power perspective. The UE then selects the E-TFC by maximizing the amount of data that can be transmitted given the power constraint and the scheduling grant.
Usually the maximum allowed power of a UE is determined by the maximum transmission power of a UE, for example 20 dBm, and power back off requirements, for example power back off for higher order modulation to reduce the PAPR (Peak to Average Power Ratio).
As stated above, the maximum allowed power is one of the limiting factors when the UE decides its transport format. The other two limiting factors are available data in the UE buffer and the scheduling grant set by the Node B. If UE is power limited, which means the power limit is the tightest limitation among all the limiting factors, the E-TFC selection in power limited scenario is illustrated in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B, on the other hand, illustrates an example E-TFC selection in a non-power-limited scenario. The UE can check if it is in a power limited scenario by comparing selected E-TFC using power limit and E-TFCs selected according to the grant limit and data buffer limit.
PCT/CN2011/001888, which concerns BLER Based Load Control Improvement and which is incorporated herein by reference, proposes a method wherein Block Error Rate (BLER) statistics are fed into the load control/scheduler so that the uplink radio resource utilization is enhanced by more aggressive utilization of Fast Congestion Control (FCC) while the BLER of the served EUL users is controlled within a predefined acceptable range by adjusting the load headroom/granted power offset accordingly.
With Fast Congestion Control (FCC), the DPCCH power is reduced by the inner loop power control (ILPC) in order to mitigate the RoT rush. However, there is a tradeoff between the better controlled RoT and the increased retransmission rate. With an aggressive Fast Congestion Control (FCC) algorithm, the uplink load can be well controlled, but there can be a very high retransmission rate due to the low DPCCH power which is not desirable especially for users with delay sensitive traffic.
This problem is more critical with power-based load estimation, since a decreased DPCCH power by Fast Congestion Control (FCC) will lead to a lower estimated DPCCH load, and consequently a higher granted power offset, which in turn leads to even higher BLER and consequently even higher retransmission rate. In other words, Fast Congestion Control (FCC) cannot be set too aggressively and some load margin still needs to be reserved especially with power based load estimation. Besides, as described above, a bad DPCCH quality can negatively impact the benefits obtained from interference cancellation (IC).
A proposed solution tends to retrieve the E-TFC grant when high block error rate is observed. However, there is considerable delay from when a new grant is scheduled to the new grant takes effect. Because of the long delay the negative effect due to interaction between FCC and power based load estimation cannot be effectively mitigated, and the negative impact on interference cancellation (IC) may still exist. For this and other reasons, Fast Congestion Control (FCC) may not be utilized too aggressively and some load margin still needs to be reserved. Moreover, the scarce downlink code resource also makes it is difficult to retrieve the grants of many users.

Congestion control method and aparatus for wireless networks


An inflatable bladder system for applying generally uniform pressure to parts being welded to insure proper contact at the welding interface includes a first sheet that is generally transparent to electromagnetic radiation to allow such radiation to pass therethrough. This electromagnetic radiation serves to heat the parts to a temperature sufficient to create a weld. The inflatable bladder also includes a second sheet that is also generally transparent to electromagnetic radiation. The second sheet is coupled to the first sheet to create a sealed volume therebetween. Fluid is selectively introduced into the sealed volume in order to expand the bladder into engagement with the parts being welded to exert a generally uniform pressure thereon.

The present invention generally relates to pressure bladders, and more particularly, relates to transparent pressure bladders for welding plastics and the like materials utilizing electromagnetic radiation.
Welding is commonly used to join plastic or resinous parts, such as automobile thermoplastic parts, at a welding zone. Typically, lasers have been used to provide the heat necessary to perform this welding operation (for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,609, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference). Such lasers provide a focused beam of electromagnetic radiation at a specified frequency (i.e., coherent monochromatic radiation).
Infrared lamps and heaters, among others, are also used to provide infrared radiation for heating a welding zone. One such process is Through-Transmission Infrared (TTIR) welding. The TTIR welding technique utilizes infrared radiation that passes through at least one part (sometimes called the xe2x80x9ctransmission piecexe2x80x9d) in order to heat the welding zone in at least one other part so as to provide sufficient heat to create a welded joint between the contacted parts.
As is common in many welding industries, undesirable results may occur as a result of improper contact between the parts being welded. That is, each of the parts being welded includes various inconsistencies or tolerances, which may effect the proper contact pressure between the parts in the area of the welding zone. The effect of failing to maintain proper contact pressure between the parts being welded in the area of the welding zone is a reduction in the integrity of the resultant welded joint. Accordingly, there is a need in the relevant art to provide a method of maintaining proper contact pressure between parts being welded to promote a strong and integral welded bond therebetween.
An ancillary concern when welding plastic or resinous parts is to also minimize undesirable effects, including deformation and marking of the overall part, caused by undesirable frequencies of radiation energy being passed into the parts being welded. Infrared lamps and heaters emit polychromatic radiation which typically has a broader frequency range (i.e., polychromatic) than laser sources. However, some of the frequencies within this broader range produce undesirable results. These undesirable frequencies heat portions of the parts beyond the targeted or desired welding zone and/or temperature, thereby possibly creating deformation and marking of the overall part. Solid materials have been used to selectively filter or absorb these undesirable frequencies before the radiation reaches the targeted parts. However, solid filters suffer from several disadvantages, including uncontrolled buildup of heat, as well as having to be continually replaced due to the damage or degradation caused by the radiation or heat byproduct. The degradation of the solid filter over a period of time inhibits the performance of the solid filter to absorb these undesirable wavelengths.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a method and apparatus capable of exerting a generally uniform pressure upon a part being welded to maintain proper contact pressure during the welding process to maximize the integrity of the welded joint. Additionally, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a method and apparatus that is generally transparent to desired wavelengths of radiation, yet is generally opaque to undesirable wavelengths of radiation.
In accordance with the broad teachings of the present invention, a primary object of the present invention includes providing an improved pressure bladder for exerting generally uniform pressure upon the parts being welded to assure proper contact therebetween during the welding process. It is another object of the present invention to provide a pressure bladder that is generally transparent so as not to substantially limit the transmission of desired laser radiation to the welding zone. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a generally transparent pressure bladder that may also act as a filter medium to substantially limit the undesirable radiation wavelengths, if needed. Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that will overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
In accordance with the broad teachings of this invention, an inflatable bladder system for applying generally uniform pressure to parts being welded to insure proper contact at the welding interface having an advantageous construction and method of use is provided. The inflatable bladder includes a first sheet that is generally transparent to predetermined electromagnetic radiation to allow such radiation to pass therethrough. This electromagnetic radiation serves to heat the parts to a temperature sufficient to create a welded joint. The inflatable bladder also includes a second sheet that is also generally transparent to predetermined electromagnetic radiation to allow such radiation to pass therethrough. The second sheet is coupled to the first sheet to create a sealed volume therebetween. Fluid is selectively introduced into the sealed volume in order to expand the bladder into engagement with the parts being welded to exert a generally uniform pressure thereon.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only.


A trolling motor automatic disconnect interrupts power to a trolling motor and controller from an electrical power source when the trolling motor is not in a trolling position. A relay operated switch between the trolling motor and controller and the power source connects and disconnects the trolling motor and controller to and from the power source. Contacts mounted on and inserted into and withdrawn from the water with an immersible portion of the trolling motor sense when the immersible portion of the trolling motor is disposed in the water. An inverting amplifier responsive to the status of the contacts energizes the relay to pull the switch to the connect condition when the immersible portion of the trolling motor is disposed in the water and deenergize the relay to pull the switch to the disconnect condition when the immersible portion of the trolling motor is not in the water. A time delay circuit maintains the energization of the relay to hold the switch in the connect condition for a predetermined time after the immersible portion of the trolling motor is removed from the water so that power to the motor is not interrupted due to the propeller momentarily and unintentionally leaving the water.. Alternatively, a mercury switch or mechanical disconnect mounted on the motor may replace the contacts so that when the motor is not in a stored condition, the inverting amplifier will energize the relay, and when the motor is in a stored condition, the inverting amplifier will disengage the relay.

This invention relates generally to boat motors and more particularly concerns trolling motors used for fishing.
Presently, trolling motors are connected to an on-board power source through a controller, generally having a pedal switch or the like operated by the pilot to activate the trolling motor.
Since the pedal switch is an externally accessible system, occasionally a trolling motor is inadvertently activated, resulting in untimely and unexpected operation of the trolling motor and the rotation of its propeller in or proximate areas of the boat accessible to passengers.
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a trolling motor automatic disconnect which prevents operation of the trolling motor unless the propeller is in the water.
A further object of this invention is to provide a trolling motor automatic disconnect which will not disconnect the trolling motor from its power source while the trolling motor is in its operating position even though the immersible portion of the motor momentarily leaves the water, for example, when waves cause the propeller to lift out of the water.


A system for bidirectional data and power transmission is shown and described. In an embodiment, a network power controller provides power to a node and communicates bidirectionally with the node. In an embodiment, the network power controller is coupled to an AC power source and provides both AC and DC power to the node. In an embodiment, the network power controller and node are coupled via a conduit comprising three wires, wherein the first wire carries DC power and communications, the second wire carries AC power, and the third wire is the neutral/ground line. In another embodiment, the network power controller and node are coupled via a conduit comprising two wires, wherein the first wire carries AC power and communications and the second wire is the neutral/ground line. In an embodiment, AC power having one phase or more can be controlled at the network power controller and the node.

Microprocessors are found in almost every electronic device that we use in our day-to-day lives. One important application of microprocessors has been in the control of electronic devices installed in vehicles, including automobiles, buses, and airplanes. In the past, many critical automobile functions have been accomplished mechanically. Automobile functions such as wheel differential adjustments and engine timing are now controlled using sensors and actuators electrically connected to microprocessors.
Microprocessors provide well-known advantages, including making diagnostics and repairs easier in complicated machines. Microprocessors have also been used to improve the efficiency of machines when used with sensors and actuators in a feedback loop, thereby obtaining more efficient modes of operation. There are, however, some disadvantages to the use of microprocessors.
A look under the hood of a newer automobile may be enough to see one disadvantage to microprocessor use. Before microprocessors became small enough and reliable enough to be installed in automobiles, it was possible to see how separate engine parts were connected, and even to see the road underneath. Nowadays engine parts are covered by wires and cables that run from sensors and actuators attached to the mechanical parts to microprocessors used for control. Extra wires and cables are disadvantageous: every extra wire installed consumes power and adds weight. More wires also make maintenance harder.
Unfortunately, it has been largely impossible for wires to be eliminated from most microprocessor system designs. Conventionally, a separate wire has been required for power, ground, and each of a plurality of data transmission lines between a microprocessor and one or more sensors or actuators attached thereto.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,906,618, which was granted to the present inventors in 2005 and is herein incorporated by reference, discloses a method and system for bidirectional power and data transmission. The disclosed method and system reduce the number of wires used in power and data systems.
A continued need exists however for further improvements to conventional power and data systems.


The present invention relates to the identification of 4Ig-B7-H3 protein as a tumor associated molecule that imparts protection from NK cell-mediated lysis via a 4Ig-B7-H3 receptor on NK cells. The invention provides compounds that interfere with interactions between the 4Ig-B7-H3 protein and its receptor that can be used to potentiate NK cell cytotoxicity. Also provided are compounds that bind 4Ig-B7-H3-expressing cells so as to inhibit or eliminate them. The compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of tumors, inflammatory conditions, infections and transplantation. Also provided are methods for diagnosing disease by detecting a 4Ig-B7-H3 protein.

Natural killer (NK) cells are a sub-population of lymphocytes that are involved in non-conventional immunity. Characteristics and biological properties of NK cells include the expression of surface antigens such as CD16, CD56 and/or CD57, and the absence of the alpha/beta or gamma/delta TCR complex expressed on the cell surface; the ability to bind to and kill cells that fail to express "self" MHC/HLA antigens by the activation of specific cytolytic enzymes; the ability to kill tumor cells or other diseased cells that express a NK activating receptor-ligand; and the ability to release protein molecules called cytokines that stimulate or inhibit the immune response.
NK cell activity is regulated by a complex mechanism that involves both activating and inhibitory signals. Several distinct classes of NK-specific receptors have been identified that play an important role in the NK cell mediated recognition and killing of HLA Class I deficient target cells. One such class of receptors, the NCRs (for Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors), includes NKp30, NKp46 and NKp44, all members of the Ig superfamily. Their cross-linking, induced by specific mAbs, strongly activates NK cells, resulting in increased intracellular Ca++ levels, triggering of cytotoxicity, and lymphokine release.
NK cells are negatively regulated by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-specific inhibitory receptors. These specific receptors bind to polymorphic determinants of MHC class I molecules or HLA present on other cells and inhibit NK cell lysis. In humans, certain members of a family of receptors termed killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs) recognize groups of HLA class I alleles.
NK cell population or clones that are KIR mismatched, i.e., population of NK cells that express KIR that are not compatible with a HLA molecules of a host, have been shown to be the most likely mediators of the graft anti-leukemia effect seen in allogeneic transplantation (Ruggeri, L., et al, Science 295, 2097-2100). One way of reproducing this effect in a given individual would be to use reagents that block interactions between inhibitory receptors on NK cells and their ligands which impart a protection from NK cell mediated lysis. Accordingly, practical and effective approaches in the modulation of NK cell activity would be of great value. Such an approach would be useful in the treatment of a wide range of diseases.
Certain proliferative diseases such as cancers lack effective treatment. Neuroblastomas, carcinomas and melanomas are particularly notable examples of such cancers. Neuroblastoma has a particularly poor prognosis. Neuroblastoma, the most common solid tumor of childhood, can arise anywhere along the sympathetic nervous system (Brodeur, G.-M. Neuroblastoma. (2003) Nat Rev Cancer. 3, 203-216; Schwab, M., Westermann, F., Hero, B., & Berthold, F. (2003) Lancet Oncol. 4, 472-480). Frequently, the primary tumor localizes in the abdomen with the adrenal gland being the most common site. The age of 1 year represents an important prognostic cut-off. Under 1 year of age most tumors are localized (stages 1-2) or, if disseminated, undergo maturation into benign ganglioneuromas or regress spontaneously (the so called stage 4S). On the contrary, most children of more than 1 year of age present with a highly disseminated disease at diagnosis with metastasis involving bone marrow (BM), brain, liver and skin (stage 4) and a very poor prognosis. Indeed, neuroblastoma is the tumor with the highest risk of death in children. In particular, due to drug resistance or relapse after conventional therapy, children at stage 4 have very poor survival rates (3 years probability survival <15%). One of the aims of the current research is to improve our understanding of the biological behavior of neuroblastoma and to identify novel markers that would be used for diagnosis, monitoring of the disease as well as for attempting innovative therapeutic approaches. In particular, the characterization of surface molecules expressed by neuroblastoma cells would allow a more precise identification and quantification of tumor cells, particularly in the BM, a frequent site of tumor relapses. This will improve the diagnosis and allow to better defining the risk grade in a particular patient as well as to deliver the most appropriate therapy. In this context, the disialoganglioside GD2 is generally used as a neuroblastoma-associated marker (Schulz, G., Cheresh, D.-A., Varki, N.-M., Yu, A., Staffileno, L.-K., & Reisfeld R.-A. (1984) Cancer Res. 44, 5914-5920; Hakomori, S. (1984) Annu. Rev. Immunol. 2, 103-126). However, anti-GD2-monoclonal antibodies (mAb) also react with cells other than tumor cells. A conceivable explanation is that GD2 shed from the cell surface of neuroblastoma may bind to the surface of other cells and react with anti-GD2 specific mAb (Ladish, S., Wu, Z.-L, Feig, S., Schwartz, E., Floutsis, G., Wiley, F., Lenarsky, C., & Seeger, R. (1987) Int. J. Cancer. 39, 73-76; Valentino, L., Moss, T., Olson, E., Wang, H.-J., Elashoff, R., & Ladisch, S. (1990) Blood 75, 1564-1567). Identification of novel surface antigens expressed by neuroblastoma would also allow to selectively isolate fresh tumor cells that could be assessed for their susceptibility to NK-mediated lysis. Indeed, in vitro-cultured neuroblastoma cell lines have been shown to be susceptible to NK-mediated lysis (Sivori, S., Parolini, S., Marcenaro, E., Castriconi, R., Pende, D., Millo, R., & Moretta, A. (2000) J. Neuroimmunol. 107:220-225). There is therefore a need in the art for novel surface antigens expressed on cancer cells.

Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions targeting 4Ig-B7-H3 and its counterpart NK cell receptor


Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the back end of line process for fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs). A barrier layer comprising a bottom part and a side part is formed within an opening for a metal contact, wherein the bottom part comprises a graphene material, the side part comprises an amorphous carbon material and covers a sidewall of the opening, and the bottom part and the side part are formed at a same time. A capping layer comprising a first part and a second part is formed on a dielectric layer and a metal contact, wherein the first part comprises a graphene material, the second part of the capping layer comprises an amorphous carbon material on the dielectric layer, and the first part and the second part are formed at a same time.

Generally, integrated circuits (ICs) comprise individual devices, such as transistors, capacitors, or the like, formed on a substrate. One or more metal layers are then formed over the individual devices to provide connections between the individual devices and to provide connections to external devices. The front-end-of-line (FEOL) is the first portion of IC fabrication where the individual devices (transistors, capacitors, resistors, etc.) are patterned in a wafer. FEOL generally covers everything up to (but not including) the deposition of metal layers. The back end of line (BEOL) is the second portion of IC fabrication where the individual devices get interconnected with wiring or metal layers on the wafer. BEOL generally begins when the first metal layer is deposited on the wafer. It includes contacts, insulating layers, metal layers, and bonding sites for chip-to-package connections.
The metal layers interconnecting individual devices typically comprise an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer in which interconnect structures, such as vias and conductive lines, are formed, through numerous and repetitive steps of deposition, patterning and etching of thin films on the surface of silicon wafer. While aluminum and aluminum alloys were most frequently used in the past for the metal layers, the current trend is to use copper (Cu) for metal layers because copper has better electrical characteristics than aluminum, such as decreased resistance, higher conductivity, and a higher melting point.
Barrier layers are used to prevent diffusion of the conductor materials of the metal layers, such as the aluminum or Cu, into the adjacent areas of the IC. As the interconnect line widths shrink continuously, how to fabricate the barrier layers with ultra thin, conformal coatings and excellent conductivities is an important issue to resolve and needs new methods and apparatus.
Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures generally refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated. The figures are drawn to clearly illustrate the relevant aspects of the various embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Method and apparatus for back end of line semiconductor device processing

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.