Featured is a method for reducing frequency of taking background spectra in FTIR or FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. Such a method includes determining if there is a pre-existing reference spectrum available and if such a reference spectrum is available, acquiring a present reference scan before acquiring a sample scan. The method also includes comparing the present reference scan with the pre-existing reference spectrum to determine if there is one or more non-conformities therebetween and if there is/are one or more nonconformities, determining if the one or more non-conformities are resolvable or not. If the one or more non-conformities are resolvable; resolve each non-conformity in a determined manner and thereafter acquiring a scan of the sample, and if the non-conformities are not resolvable, then acquiring a new reference sample and thereafter acquiring a scan of the sample.

Many applications exist for methods to measure and identify unknown materials or substances as well as for portable measurement devices embodying such methods. Such applications include, for example, field identification of unknown substances by law enforcement, hazardous materials personnel, fire personnel and security personnel, as well as detection of prohibited substances at airports and in other secure and/or public locations, and identification of pharmaceutical agents, industrial chemicals, explosives, energetic materials, and other agents. Such field identification situations can include those where it is desirable to obtain such identification information under time critical situations. Also, to be useful in a variety of situations, it is advantageous for the portable measurement devices to have a handheld form factor and to rapidly provide accurate results.
In certain embodiments, the measurement devices and methods provide for contact between a sample of interest and the measurement device via a prism that is, for example, positioned in a protrusion of the measurement device's enclosure. The prism, which can be formed from a material such as diamond or Zinc Selenide, operates by ensuring that non-absorbed incident radiation is directed to a detector after undergoing total internal reflection within the prism. As a result, reflected radiation is coupled with high efficiency to the detector, ensuring sensitive operation of the measurement devices.
Samples of interest can be identified based on the reflected radiation that is measured by the detector. The reflected radiation can be used to derive infrared absorption information (e.g., absorption spectrum) corresponding to the sample, and the sample can be identified by comparing the infrared absorption information to reference information that is stored in the measurement device. In addition to the identity of the sample, the measurement device can provide one or more metrics (e.g., numerical results) that indicate how closely an infrared absorption spectrum or information matches the reference information. Further, the measurement device can compare the identity of the sample of interest to a list of prohibited substances—also stored within the measurement device—to determine whether particular precautions should be taken in handling the substance, and whether additional actions by security personnel or the like, for example, are warranted. A wide variety of different samples can be interrogated, including for example solids, liquids, gels, powders, and various mixtures of two or more substances.
When measuring the infrared absorption spectrum of a sample of interest using a conventional technique; a background or reference spectrum without the presence of the sample is typically taken close in time to acquiring the spectral information for the sample. The spectral data for the background or reference spectrum is taken so as to minimize environmental and/or instrument effects on the absorption spectrum being acquired.
The process for acquiring a background or reference spectrum typically involves performing or acquiring N scans of spectral data. As illustration, the process for certain measurement devices involves taking about 8 scans to arrive at a background or reference spectrum with an acceptable signal to noise ratio. This is not limiting as about 64 scans can be taken to establish a background spectrum, such as when the measurement device is being used under laboratory conditions.
Using techniques well known in the art (e.g., Fourier transform), the acquired spectral data is processed and combined so as to yield a background or reference spectrum. This background or reference spectrum is then used in combination with a subsequently acquired spectrum for a sample of interest to determine the spectral output or spectrum that is associated with the sample. This process of establishing a background or reference spectrum every time a sample is to be analyzed, however, may not be beneficial in some applications, such as when time is of the essence in determining the absorption spectrum associated with the sample, this process increases the time required to determine the make-up of the specific sample being analyzed.
One specific analysis technique that is used is generally referred to as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy which obtains infrared spectrum of absorption, emission or Raman scattering of a solid, liquid or gas. In this process a Fourier transform (a mathematical process) is used to convert the raw data into the actual spectrum. In use, an FTIR spectrometer simultaneously collects spectral data in a wide spectral range.
In FTIR spectroscopy, rather than shining a monochromatic beam of IR light at the sample, a beam containing many frequencies of infrared light shines on the sample, and one measures how much of that broadband beam is being absorbed (e.g., absorbed by the sample). Next, the beam is modified to contain a different combination of frequencies, giving a second data point. This process can be repeated as many times as desired. Afterwards, a computer deconvolves the acquired spectral data to infer what the absorption is at each wavelength. In other words, the computer (e.g., digital processor) processes the data so to yield a spectrum representative of the sample of interest.
The beam described above is generated by starting with a broadband light source—one containing the full spectrum of wavelengths (e.g., IR wavelengths) to be measured. The light shines into a Michelson interferometer—a certain configuration of mirrors, one of which is moved by a motor. As this mirror moves, each wavelength of light in the beam is periodically blocked, transmitted, blocked, transmitted, by the interferometer, due to wave interference. In this way, different wavelengths are modulated at different rates, so that at each moment, the beam coming out of the interferometer has a different spectral output.
Each such movement of the mirror generally corresponds to a scan and is generally considered the process of acquiring spectral data associated with one movement of the mirror. As indicated above, the absorption spectrum associated with the sample or the background results from a computer or other digital processing device/apparatus, taking all the acquired spectral data and processing it so as to infer what the absorption is at each wavelength.
There is found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,248,588 (owned by the assignee of the present invention), an apparatus that includes: (a) an enclosure including an aperture; (b) a prism mounted in the enclosure so that a surface of the prism is exposed through the aperture; (c) an optical assembly contained within the enclosure, the optical assembly including a radiation source and a radiation detector, the source being configured to direct radiation towards the prism and the detector being configured to detect radiation from the source reflected from the exposed surface of the prism; and (d) an electronic processor (e.g., digital processor) contained within the enclosure, the electronic processor being in communication with the detector. This apparatus can be configured so that, during operation, the electronic processor determines information about a sample placed in contact with the exposed surface of the prism based on radiation reflected from the exposed prism surface while it is in contact with the sample. Such an apparatus also routinely performs a process that yields a background or reference spectrum from N scans (e.g., 8 scans) as described herein, which process is undertaken close in time to the taking of the sample spectrum.
It thus would be desirable to provide new methods, devices and/or apparatuses that would be capable of reducing the frequency of taking background or reference spectra such as when using FTIR spectroscopy or FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a device and method that could be used as a portable chemical identification analyzer in the hot zone of an emergency response while not requiring the background or reference spectrum to be taken close in time to the taking of the sample spectrum. It also would be particularly desirable to perform checks prior to acquisition of the sample spectra which can be used to assess the ATR interface when using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy techniques, as well as compensating for changing conditions whenever possible.

Method for reducing frequency of taking background/reference spectra in FTIR or FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and handheld measurement device embodying same

Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc.


A driving apparatus for a vibration-type actuator that applies an AC voltage to an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and generates a driving force between a vibration member and a movable member includes a voltage amplitude command unit configured to instruct an amplitude of the AC voltage, a pulse width command unit configured to monotonically increase a pulse width command and a change rate of the pulse width command according to an increase in a voltage amplitude command, and output a pulse width command, and a pulse signal generation unit configured, when a pulse signal that directly or indirectly generates the AC voltage is generated at the same frequency as the AC voltage to apply the AC voltage to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element, to generate a pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to the pulse width command based on the pulse width command.

1. Field of the Invention
One disclosed aspect of the embodiments relates to a driving apparatus for a vibration-type actuator. In particular, one embodiment relates to a driving apparatus for a vibration-type actuator in which a unit that generates an AC voltage applied to an electro-mechanical energy conversion element is a pulse generation unit and an amplitude of the AC voltage is changed by adjusting a pulse width.
2. Description of the Related Art
As one form of a vibration-type actuator, a vibration-type actuator including a plurality of piezoelectric elements whose polarities are alternately inverted, a vibration member adhering to the piezoelectric elements, and a movable member pressed against and brought into contact with the vibration member is known. In this vibration-type actuator, a two-phase AC signal, in which each phase has a phase difference of 90° from each other, is applied to each piezoelectric element. Accordingly, a traveling wave is generated on the vibration member, and the movable member may obtain a driving force by a frictional force. The vibration-type actuator is advantageous in that a driving torque at a low speed is great and a response is good, as compared to an actuator using an electromagnetic force.
In general, as a method for controlling a rotation speed or a position of the vibration-type actuator, a method for controlling any one or a combination of a frequency, a voltage amplitude, and a phase difference of an AC voltage is known. In particular, the frequency-based control in which a dynamic range is wide and speed control is easy is the most common control scheme. However, the voltage amplitude-based control and the phase difference-based control considering their characteristics have also been discussed as control schemes. The voltage amplitude-based speed control exhibits a stable control characteristic, particularly in low-speed control, and is effective in high-precision position control, as compared to the frequency-based control. However, a method for changing amplitude of a pulse signal by controlling a supply voltage or a method for changing a gain of an amplifier is necessary to change the voltage amplitude, and there is a problem that a circuit becomes complicated.
As solutions to such an issue, several schemes of changing a pulse width of a pulse signal to change an amplitude of an AC voltage applied to a vibration-type actuator has been discussed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-305771 discusses the following vibration-type actuator.
Specifically, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-305771 discusses a configuration in which a pulse signal is produced using a known triangular wave comparison scheme PWM modulation, and a voltage corresponding to a desired voltage amplitude is compared with a triangular wave at a higher frequency than a driving frequency to thereby output a signal having a desired voltage amplitude. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-189823 discusses a technique in which when speed of a movable member is controlled, voltage command value is determined based on a state amount of a vibration-type actuator and a command value of the state amount and a pulse width of a pulse signal is linearly changed according to a change in the voltage command value.
However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-305771, the pulse signal is generated at a higher frequency than a driving frequency to linearly change an amplitude of an applied voltage according to a change in command value of a voltage amplitude. Accordingly, there are problems in which a loss increases and a driving circuit becomes complicated due to switching when the pulse signal is generated. Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-189823, there is a problem in which since the amplitude of the driving voltage is not linearly changed according to a change in a pulse width, an AC voltage having an amplitude according to a command value may not be applied to the vibration-type actuator.

Driving apparatus for vibration-type actuator


A method is described for the preparation of lactulose by isomerizing lactose to lactulose, followed by complexing lactulose to boric acid. The isomerization reaction is carried out in alkaline solution, and it is followed by splitting the lactulose-borate complex in acidic solution and separating the two components. Separation is achieved by crystallizing boric acid, filtering the crystals out of the product mixture, evaporating the product mixture to form a concentrate, recirculating the concentrate to the crystallization step where it is mixed with fresh reaction mixture in order to provide volume and nuclei for the crystallization of the boric acid in the reaction mixture, then passing the resulting mixture through another filtration step followed by an additional separation step by column chromatography.

1. Field of the Invention
Lactulose, or 4-O-.beta.-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructose, is a synthetic disaccharide which is synthesized by the isomerization of lactose, or 4-O-.beta.-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucose, a widely available natural disaccharide. Current processes, however, result in low yields which are difficult and expensive to purify. Thus, the high cost of production and difficulty of preparation have provided an incentive to develop an effective and efficient preparation method. This invention relates to a continuous process for isomerizing lactose to lactulose with boric acid as a complexing agent which provides a high-quality product at a cost substantially lower than that currently available.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Lactulose was first prepared by a Lobry deBruyn-Alberda van Ekenstein alkaline isomerization of lactose in dilute calcium hydroxide solution (Montgomery and Hudson. 1930. J. Am. Chem. Soc. vol. 52, pp. 2102-2106). Other strong alkalis such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and strong organic bases have also been utilized in the isomerization reaction. These methods resulted in low yields, however, due to numerous side reactions which lead to the formation of degradation by-products difficult to separate from the reaction mixture. The by-products also imparted a brownish color to the lactulose syrup, and purification steps were necessary not only for their removal but also for that of unreacted starting materials and calcium ions as well.
Subsequent methods for producing lactulose utilized complexing reagents to shift the pseudo-equilibrium established during base-catalyzed isomerization in favor of the ketose and to prevent degradative side reactions. The use of aluminate (U.S. Pat. No. 3,546,206 issued Dec. 8, 1970) and borate ions (Mendicino, J. F. 1960. J. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 82, pp. 4975-4070; Carubell, R. 1966. Carbohydr. Res. vol. 2 pp. 480-485) have been reported for this purpose with varying degrees of effectiveness. The lactulose yield is higher and the product more pure (U.S. Pat. No. 3,546,206, supra; Mendicino, supra), however, both reagents are very difficult to remove from the reaction mixture. In addition a borate:sugar ration of 50:1 (as reported by Mendicino, supra) is required for optimal yield of product, thereby substantially increasing the difficulty of removing borate from the reaction mixture after isomerization is complete.
Base-catalyzed isomerizations have also been carried out utilizing amines as catalysts. Ammonia (Hough et al. 1953. J. Chem. Soc. pp. 2005-2009) has been successfully employed for converting lactose to lactulose; however, both primary and secondary amines have resulted in the formation of by-products such as glycosylamines (Ellis and Honeyman. 1955. Adv. Carbohydr. Chem. vol. 10, pp. 95-168) and Amadori (Hodge, J. E. 1955. Adv. Carbohydr. Chem. vol. 10, pp. 169-205) compounds. The use of the teritary amine triethylamine avoided this problem (U.S. Pat. No. 3,514,327 issued May 26, 1970) since the amine did not form adducts with reducing sugars; however, there was considerable alkaline degradation associated with the process. The combination of the treatment of lactose in the presence of borate (at a molar ratio of 1:1) with tertiary amine (Hicks and Parrish. 1980. Carbohydr. Res. vol. 82, pp. 393-397; Hicks, U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,922 issued Jun. 16, 1981) minimized degradative side-reactions and resulted in high yields of lactulose with a minimal use of borate.
Carobbi et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,221 issued Aug. 20, 1985) disclosed the isomerization of lactose to lactulose in the presence of a basic magnesium salt and sodium hydrosulphite. Extensive purification is required, however, in order to remove unreacted lactose, Mg and Na ions and the related anions. The addition of hydrosulphite results in a reduction in the amount of degradation products in the reaction mixture. Sulphite, bisulphite and phosphite ions are believed to react with these products to form sugar sulphonic acids and sugar phosphonic acids. These compounds pose disposal problems because they are environmentally undesirable however, therefore they must subsequently be removed. Alternatively, de Haar et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,430 issued Jun. 25, 1991) taught the addition of hydrogen peroxide or sodium chlorite to reaction mixtures containing sulphite, bisulphite or phosphite. Hydrogen peroxide serves to oxidize the degradation products of lactulose to carboxylic acids which can be removed by ion exchangers. Sodium chlorite is also an effective coreagent, however, due to the requirement for sodium hydroxide in the isomerization reaction, corrosive compounds such as chlorine and chlorodioxide are formed.
While the conversion of lactose to lactulose in the presence of borate has proven to be particularly effective, a commercially feasible process has remained elusive due to the difficulty of effectively separating the lactulose product from the reaction mixture.

Continuous process for the production of lactulose from lactose using boric acid as a complexsation agent

The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture


In a valve timing control for an engine having an electronic throttle control system, the response of a valve timing control mechanism is estimated by operating condition of the engine. In addition to controlling a relative rotation angle of the VVT, a throttle correction gain for correcting the opening angle of a throttle valve so as to be adapted to the response of the VVT is calculated. The throttle valve is controlled by the calculated gain. When the response of the VVT is slow, the opening angle of the throttle valve is corrected on the basis of the response. Thus, a rapid engine acceleration is suppressed, thereby preventing occurrence of misfire.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a valve timing control system and method for an internal combustion engine, which can change opening and closing timings of either an inlet valve or an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine in accordance with an engine operating condition.
2. Related Art
A typical conventional valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-80733. This system includes an electronic throttle system for controlling the opening angle of a throttle valve by driving an electric motor in accordance with accelerator position or the like, and a valve timing control mechanism (valve operation changing mechanism) for changing the opening and closing timings of the inlet valves of the internal combustion engine in accordance with an operating condition. A shock effect is cancelled, which is otherwise caused by the torque difference occurring when a cam in the valve timing control mechanism is changed over by changing the relation between the position of the accelerator pedal and the opening angle of the throttle valve.

Valve timing control for internal combustion engine with valve timing-responsive throttle control function


A silent electronic keyboard instrument for operation in conjunction with a synthesizer for transmitting sound only electronically to a headphone terminal, and exhibiting keyboard operation substantially duplicative of acoustic piano keyboard operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an electronic keyboard instrument with a synthesizer, which imitates as realistically as possible the sound of a string instrument, in particular a grand piano, preferably as a silent practice instrument exclusively with a headphone socket.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Professional musicians, in particular pianists, must practice daily on their instruments, which particularly in flats with poorly soundproofed walls is even perceived as a disadvantage by neighbors who are music enthusiasts. Therefore, there has been a trend to provide for the pianist "electronic grand pianos" with a headphone socket, in order that he can do his practice with this otherwise silent instrument without annoying the neighbors. In purely "electronic grand pianos", which have neither strings nor a soundboard to generate the sound, the usual mechanism in conventional pianos is missing and is instead replaced with electric switches, or the like. This means that the pianist, upon pressing down a key perceives a completely different touch than in a conventional grand piano, which has an adverse effect on his practicing.
From U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,803, an electronic keyboard instrument is known in which on the upper face of a lifting member is a weight, which generates an inertia force when the keys are actuated, so that a touch corresponding to a piano key mechanism is supposed to be created. However, the lifting member lies on the tip of an impact tongue, which projects from the upper surface of the key end. Thereby, the inertia force of the weight is felt immediately from the beginning to the end of pressure on the key without any perceivable intermediate gradation.
From U.S. 4,667,553, likewise a lifting member with an additional weight rests on the upper face of a piano key. In addition, below the key front end, a resiliently deformable cup element is provided. If the key is pressed at first only two-thirds of the possible way down, only the weight on the lifting member and another weight on the key end have an effect. With further pressure until full depression of the key, the cup element has to be deformed by the under-side of the depressed keys, so that for the player, an additional pressure sensation is created which is supposed to approximate the natural touch of a piano action. However, this does not do justice to the typical effect of the damping mechanism of a piano or grand piano on the customary key touch. Against this, above all, is the resilience of the cup element.
The object of the invention is, in an electronic keyboard instrument for imitating the sound of a piano or grand piano, so to form the key mechanism that the usual touch of a grand or piano is not lost, but the behavior of the key when touched corresponds as closely as possible to the acoustic original.

Ed. Seiler Pianofortefabrik GmbH & Co. KG


Methods for self-sufficient healthcare coverage are described. Some embodiments may include receiving requests to pay healthcare claims. The money to pay these claims may be allocated from one or more healthcare-related financial account associated with employers and employees. Some healthcare-related financial accounts may be associated with investment accounts. By investing funds from a healthcare-related financial account into an investment account, at least a portion of the income from the investment account may be reallocated back to the originating healthcare-related financial account to allow it to grow. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Health insurance can be costly, and with rising healthcare costs, insurance premiums seem to be going nowhere but up. At the same time, deductibles are increasing as well. Some companies use claims processing systems which allocate payments on a restrictive basis and draw funds from pools generated from the premium payments of numerous customers.


A method for operating a liquid ring vacuum pump employs taking vibration measurements of the pump and comparing the measurements with a prescribed cavitation threshold. In addition, a measurement representing the liquid content in the gas to be conveyed is taken. This measurement is compared with a prescribed threshold. The rotational speed of the liquid ring vacuum pump is reduced if the prescribed cavitation threshold has been exceeded and the liquid content is less than the prescribed threshold. The rotational speed is increased if the prescribed cavitation threshold has been exceeded and the liquid content is greater than the prescribed threshold. A liquid ring vacuum pump is designed for implementing the method. Due to the regulation depending on the oscillations of the pump, the pump can be operated near the cavitation boundary without any risk of damage.

The invention relates to a method for operating a liquid ring vacuum pump. In the method, measured vibration values of the pump are recorded and are compared with a predefined cavitation threshold value. Moreover, the invention relates to a liquid ring vacuum pump which is suitable for carrying out the method.
In liquid ring vacuum pumps, there is the problem that cavitation can occur in different operating states. If the pump is operated over a relatively long time period under cavitation conditions, this represents a high mechanical load for the components of the pump, by way of which high mechanical loads the pump can quickly be destroyed. Previous liquid ring vacuum pumps are therefore designed in such a way that a sufficient distance is always maintained from the operating states, in which cavitation can occur. Although the pump is therefore protected against damage as a result of cavitation, part of the possible performance capability of the pump is not utilized as a result of the distance from the cavitation limit.

Liquid ring vacuum pump with cavitation regulation


A plant wall and module for growing plants is disclosed in which the plant wall and module provide for the controlled delivery of water and nutrients to plants located on the plant wall and module. The plant wall may include a matrix of modules, each module filled with an inert growing medium. The inert growing medium preferably includes openings in which plants are secured and from which plants can grow from the growing medium. An irrigation system delivers water and nutrients to each module and may be removed and replaced from the plant wall without removal of the irrigation system. In addition, a drainage channel, such as a rear drainage channel, is formed so that excess water may exit from the modules. Capillary breaks may also be provided within the growing medium of each module to aid in the distribution of water and nutrients throughout the growing medium.

Walls from which plants grow are known in the prior art. Such walls may be formed from a matrix of rectangular box building components secured to a backing board. Each component is filled with a growing medium, and plants grow through apertures in a front face of a component with their roots positioned in the growing medium. Such components and walls are described in UK Patent Publication 2457537.
One problem with these walls relates to the loss of valuable nutrients. The plants in the walls are irrigated with water, which contains nutrients. As the nutrient-containing water is fed into the components, excess water is pulled downwardly by gravity, trickles down through apertures in the bottom face of an upper wall component, and then enters a lower component immediately below the upper wall component through its top face. This leads to over-irrigation of the plants at the bottom of the wall. In addition, plants grow inconsistently over the wall. Plants at the bottom of the wall die from excessive water, while plants at the top of the wall can die from inadequate water and nutrients.
Another problem with the prior art is that irrigation pipes are integrated with and inseparable from the wall components. If it is desired to remove a component from the wall, for example to replace it or provide it with new plants, the irrigation pipes also need to be disconnected. The disconnection and removal of the irrigation pipes is time consuming and inefficient, and may adversely affect the plants and roots, for example, by damaging the plants and roots.
A need exists for a structure that provides for the controlled delivery, distribution, and drainage of water and nutrients to a plant wall for use in growing plants. The wall components or modules used in the plant wall would then provide for a more even distribution of water and nutrients across all levels of the plant wall.

Plant wall and modules for growing plants


The present disclosure discloses a microfluidic structure, a microfluidic chip and a detection method. The microfluidic structure includes: a first base substrate and a second base substrate opposite to each other, an antibody area located between the first base substrate and the second base substrate and storing an enzyme-labeled first antibody, a cleaning area storing cleaning liquid, a signal substrate area storing a signal substrate solution and a detection area with a second antibody and an ion sensitive film fixed thereon, wherein all channel areas from the antibody area, the cleaning area and the signal substrate area to the detection area each have a driving electrode structure driving liquid drops to move; and the detection area has a thin film transistor connected with the ion sensitive film.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been one of main diseases which do harm to human health. In recent years, along with increasing study on this disease, cardiac markers in blood samples can be detected so as to prevent as soon as possible or rapidly diagnose this disease, thereby preventing disability, mortality and other consequences caused by myocardial infarction to the maximum degree. The cardiac markers can sensitively and specifically reflect myocardial damage and its severity in circulating blood so as to serve as markers of screening, diagnosis, prognosis evaluation and treatment effect follow-up visit of myocardial damage.
The cardiac markers mainly include cardiac troponin (cTnI), myoglobin, creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), etc.

Microfluidic structure, microfluidic chip and detection method


A multi-display control system enables an operation screen to come up on an operator's front screen when an application performing a display operation changes, without the need for the operator to move the display image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-display control system for controlling an image signal generator and an image display apparatus, and more specifically relates to a multi-display control system and an image display apparatus, which control an image signal generator having a predetermined format used for example in a personal computer or a work station, and an image display apparatus configured to contain a display device such as a liquid crystal, a CRT, or a plasma display (PDP), and also perform image display control when multiple units of said image display apparatus are connected to said image signal generator.
2. Description of the Related Art
For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2001-67055 and the like, an image display apparatus is disclosed which can display images in multiple displays by interchanging various input signals with each other. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a multi-display control system which controls displays, used in the image display apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2001-67055. In this figure, a two input-type display apparatus 10 and a two input-type display apparatus 20 are connected to each other by a signal line 30.
A signal A is input to a connector 11 of the two input-type display apparatus 10, and in the same way a signal D is input to a connector 22 of the two input-type display apparatus 20. Moreover, a connector 12 and a connector 21 which are not in use, are connected to each other. In the display apparatus 10, when the user operates an interchange switch 16 to select the connector 11, the selector 14 connects the connector 11 to a display 15. As a result, the display 15 displays the image corresponding to the signal A. Also, when the user selects the connector 12 by means of the interchange switch 16, the selector 14 connects the connector 12 to the display 15. Moreover, that selection signal operates a selector 23 via the connector 12 and the connector 21. As a result, the selector 23 connects the connector 22 and the connector 21. This time, because the connector 12 and the connector 21 are already connected, as a result the display 15 can display the image corresponding to the signal D input to the connector 22. Also in the display apparatus 20, by operating the interchange switch 26, the operation can be performed in the same way as above. As a result, because the various signals input to the display apparatuses 10 and 20 can be interchanged with each other and displayed, a very effective supply of information can be performed during explanations and presentations and so on to customers.
Also, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2000-352962, a technique is disclosed in which a frame is selected to display an image, by using an index image signal for discriminating an image display apparatus, to discriminate an index. According to this technique, even if the number of display apparatuses increases, there is no increase in the number of connection cables and image signal generators for generating image signals. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an index-type multi-display system as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2000-352962. In FIG. 10, multiple image display apparatuses 32 configured containing display devices such as liquid crystal panel, CRT, or plasma display (PDP) and the like, are connected to an image signal generator 31 which generates image signals having a predetermined format used in personal computers and work stations and so on. In the figure, each image display apparatus 32 has been given a different image display apparatus number 31, 32, to 3n.
The image signal generator 31 outputs as a composite signal; a net image signal which is actually displayed in the image display section of the liquid crystal panel or the like provided in the image display apparatus 32, a similar signal which corresponds to this net image signal, and a transmission index signal substituted for one part of the net image signal. The composite signal output from the image signal generator 31 is transmitted in parallel to the multiple connected image display apparatuses 32. The multiple image display apparatuses 32 comparison check the pre-allocated image display apparatus numbers with the transmission index signal, and only the conformed net image signal is displayed in the image display section of the appropriate image display apparatus 32. As a result, there is no increase in the number of image signal generating devices and connection cables, and arbitrary image can be displayed on any image display apparatus.
Furthermore, recently, because operating systems (OS) such as Windows (registered trademark) are supporting multi-display, multi-display applications have become fairly widespread. However, in the conventional multi-display described above, even if the image display process is performed as a hypothetical single-sheet page, the image actually displayed by the application is displayed separately on various different display apparatuses.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual view showing an operation of a conventional multi-display system, showing a state in which a hypothetical single-sheet page image is displayed separately on multiple image display apparatuses. As shown in FIG. 1, even when processed as a hypothetical single-sheet page 5 within the computer, the display actually displayed by the application is fixed, and due to performing operations by displaying multiple applications on the screens of multiple image display apparatuses 32, when the application in use changes, the display in use (that is, the image display apparatus 32) changes also. Therefore, a working space depending on the application in use is not displayed on the image display apparatus 32 which faces to an operator, and it becomes necessary for the operator to move in front of each image display apparatus 32. Also, in the multi-display control system of the image display apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2001-67055, it is necessary for the user to operate a switch to interchange the display, and when three or more display apparatuses are being used, it is necessary to provide the connector for each displays, and the connection cables increase and also the multi-display control system becomes complicated.
The present invention takes the above problems into consideration, with the object of providing a multi-display control system with improved image display operating efficiency, which in a state where the multi-display is in use, the operation screen will come up on the operator's front screen even in the case where the application performing the operation changes, and it is not necessary for the operator to move the display image.

Multi-display control system and image display apparatus

Abstract: When the conditions for image detection have been met, it is detected where the position of a mouse is on a hypothetical single-sheet page 5 (process 1). Next, from the position detection result it is assessed if the mouse is on a second sub display apparatus 8 (process 2). Then in the case where the assessed operating screen is not the main display apparatus 6, the screen contents of the second sub display apparatus 8 and the screen contents of the main display apparatus 6 are exchanged and displayed on the respective image display apparatuses. That is, the screen contents of the second sub display apparatus 8 are transformed to the main display apparatus 6, and the screen contents of the main display apparatus 6 are transformed to the second sub display apparatus 8 (process 3). As a result, the working space shown by the mouse can always be brought to the front screen, and the operating efficiency of the image display can be further improved.

NEC-Mitsubishi Electric Visual Systems Corporation


A twisting exerciser device includes a platform rotatably disposed on a base, a bearing device disposed between the base and the platform, and a curved member having two end studs engageable with the base and the platform for securing the curved member to the platform and the base, and the curved member is contactable with a supporting surface for allowing the user to step on the platform and to conduct a balancing exercise. The platform includes a pivot axle rotatably engaged with the base, and the base includes a number of seats for supporting bearing members which are engaged between the platform and the base for rotatably supporting the platform on the base.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a twisting exerciser, and more particularly to a twisting exerciser device including a structure changeable to different status or configuration for allowing the user to easily and safely and stably operate or conduct various kinds of twisting exercises or operations.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical twisting exercisers or mechanisms comprise a platform rotatably supported on a base with a bearing device for allowing the user to rotate the platform relative to the base and to conduct the twisting exercises or operations.
However, normally the bearing device normally include a number of roller or ball bearing members in surface contact with the platform and the base and may have a great friction formed between the platform and the base and may generate a great noise when the platform is rotated relative to the base.
Typical tilting or balancing exercisers comprise a rounded or curved element attached to the bottom of a disk or plate or foot support that may be provided for supporting a user thereon, and for allowing the user to attempt to maintain the disk or plate or foot support in a horizontal position or status, or for allowing the user to conduct the balancing exercises or operations.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,586 to Tuthill et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,635,325 to Chiang et al. disclose two of the typical disk balancing exercisers or interactive training devices comprising a disk or plate or foot support with threaded hole in its center for threading or engaging with the threaded bolt or screw which includes a hemispherical shoe attached to the bottom portion thereof for pivotally engaging with a supporting surface or ground and for allowing the typical disk balancing exercisers to be operated to maintain the foot support in a horizontal position or status, and for conducting the balancing exercises or operations.
However, the threaded bolt or screw and the foot support may be inclined or tilted a lot relative to the supporting surface or ground, and the users, particularly the elders and the children may feel afraid and may not use or operate the typical disk balancing exercisers, or the tilting operation or the inclination of the movable plate is limited by the supporting member that may not be easily twisted or inclined or tilted relative to the supporting surface or ground, and the movable plate may not freely pivoted or rotated relative to the immovable base to conduct the balancing exercises or operations. Similarly, the elders and the children or the beginners may feel afraid and may not use or operate the typical disk balancing exercisers.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional twisting and/or twisting exercisers.


Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method facilitating selection of a portfolio of computational resources for a project. The system and method may comprise determining computational resource capacity characteristics from historical usage data relating to use of a heterogeneous inventory of computational resources, the computational resource capacity characteristics comprising a trace history representative of the availability of various components of the heterogeneous inventory of computational resources at various points in time. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may comprise calculating a plurality of finishing times for a project by performing a plurality of simulation runs based on the computational resource capacity characteristics, wherein each of the plurality of simulation runs begins at a different time in the trace history. Further, embodiments of the present invention may comprise assembling the plurality of finishing times into a distribution, constructing a risk measure using the distribution, and facilitating selection of a portfolio for the project from the heterogeneous inventory of computational resources based on the risk measure and the plurality of finishing times.

Computational resources may be defined as any of the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components that form a computer system. There may be limited computational resource availability for a given project. For example, a company may own a set of computers, a number of which are already consumed by functions outside of the project. If the project is large enough, it may exceed the capacity of any single resource in the set of resources available for use on the project. Further, it may be necessary to combine resources because it is not feasible to obtain or use a state-of-the-art resource that has the appropriate capabilities (e.g., because costs associated with such a resource are prohibitive under a limited budget). Thus, it may be necessary to utilize a collection of multiple computational resources for the project.
Collections of computational resources are typically subject to capability upgrades over time. For example, computer resources may be upgraded to handle increased system burdens. Further, certain computational resources may require upgrades because they become obsolete or because they fail (e.g., a license may expire or a hardware component may no longer suffice to run newer software applications). In these situations, it may not be feasible to upgrade an entire collection of computational resources due to budget constraints and/or time limitations (e.g., availability of personnel). Accordingly, some computational resources allocated to a particular project may have upgrades while others do not. This may result in multiple generations of technology (e.g., various hardware capabilities) within a single collection of computational resources. This multi-generational technology results in a heterogeneous computational resource environment. Difficulties arise in such environments with the assembly of computational resources to efficiently and adequately address certain project needs.

System and method for selecting a portfolio of resources in a heterogeneous data center

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter, wherein said hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter is heated, then separated into a vapor phase and a liquid phase by flashing in a flash/separation vessel, separating and cracking the vapor phase which comprises less than about 98% of the hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter, and recovering cracked product. The salt and/or particulate matter are removed in the liquid bottoms stream from the flash/separation vessel.

Steam cracking, also referred to as pyrolysis, has long been used to crack various hydrocarbon feedstocks into olefins, preferably light olefins such as ethylene, propylene, and butenes. Conventional steam cracking utilizes a pyrolysis furnace which has two main sections: a convection section and a radiant section. The hydrocarbon feedstock typically enters the convection section of the furnace as a liquid (except for light low molecular weight feedstocks which enter as a vapor) wherein it is typically heated and vaporized by indirect contact with hot flue gas from the radiant section and, to a lesser extent, by direct contact with steam. The vaporized feedstock and steam mixture is then introduced into the radiant section where the cracking takes place. Pyrolysis involves heating the feedstock sufficiently to cause thermal decomposition of the larger molecules. The resulting products including olefins leave the pyrolysis furnace for further downstream processing, including quenching.
Crude oil, as produced from the reservoir, is typically accompanied by some volume of saltwater and particulate matter, also known as sediment or mud, from the reservoir formation. As used herein, the term "particulate matter" includes mud, mud blends, mud particles, sediment and other particles included in the hydrocarbon feedstock. Field separation is used to remove the bulk of the saltwater and particulate matter, but some small quantity typically remains in the crude and is reported as basic sediment and water (BS&W) in reporting crude oil quality. Undesalted crude is sometimes processed in a refinery atmospheric pipestill in which the salt and particulate matter will concentrate in the bottoms fraction (atmospheric residue) from distillation of the crude. Additionally, crude or undesalted atmospheric residue can be further contaminated with salt prior to processing by contact with sea water during shipping. Prior to refining, the crude oil, or a bottoms fraction from distillation of the crude oil, is generally passed through a desalter which uses heat, clean water, and an electric current to break the emulsion, thereby releasing water and particulate matter from suspension in the crude oil or bottoms fraction. The salt and some of the particulate matter leave with the desalter effluent water. Some of the particulate matter remains on the bottom of the desalter vessel and is periodically cleaned out. The desalted crude or residue fraction derived from crude leaving the desalter is very low in salt and particulate matter.
In a situation where crude oil, atmospheric residue, or any other hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter is used as the feedstock for a reactor, a desalter would constitute a significant additional facility investment. Using undesalted crude oil or undesalted atmospheric residue as a feedstock in a conventional cracking furnace would, however, result in deposition of salt (primarily NaCl) and particulate matter as the liquid hydrocarbon feedstock was vaporized for cracking. Any non-volatile hydrocarbons would cause rapid coking around the dry point. The salt and particulate matter which also lay down cause corrosion of the convection tubes; and if any salt remained in the feed after the dry point and deposited in the radiant section of the furnace, it would result in removal of the protective oxide layer on the radiant tubes. Therefore, provisions must be taken to remove the salt and particulate matter.
Conventional steam cracking systems have been effective for cracking high-quality feedstock which contain a large fraction of volatile hydrocarbons, such as gas oil and naphtha. However, steam cracking economics sometimes favor cracking lower cost heavy feedstocks such as, by way of non-limiting examples, crude oil and atmospheric residue. Crude oil and atmospheric residue often contain high molecular weight, non-volatile components with boiling points in excess of 590° C. (1100° F.) otherwise known as asphaltenes, bitumen, or resid. The non-volatile components of these feedstocks lay down as coke in the convection section of conventional pyrolysis furnaces. Only very low levels of non-volatile components can be tolerated in the convection section downstream of the dry point where the lighter components have fully vaporized.
To address coking problems, U.S. Pat. No. 3,617,493, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses the use of an external vaporization drum for the crude oil feed and discloses the use of a first flash to remove naphtha as vapor and a second flash to remove vapors with a boiling point between 450 and 1100° F. (230 and 590° C.). The vapors are cracked in the pyrolysis furnace into olefins and the separated liquids from the two flash tanks are removed, stripped with steam, and used as fuel.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,718,709, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a process to minimize coke deposition. It describes preheating of heavy feedstock inside or outside a pyrolysis furnace to vaporize about 50% of the heavy feedstock with superheated steam and the removal of the residual, separated liquid. The vaporized hydrocarbons, which contain mostly light volatile hydrocarbons, are subjected to cracking.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,634, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a process for inhibiting coke formation in a furnace by preheating the feedstock in the presence of a small, critical amount of hydrogen in the convection section. The presence of hydrogen in the convection section inhibits the polymerization reaction of the hydrocarbons thereby inhibiting coke formation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,443, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a process wherein the feedstock is first preheated and then withdrawn from a preheater in the convection section of the pyrolysis furnace. This preheated feedstock is then mixed with a predetermined amount of steam (the dilution steam) and is then introduced into a gas-liquid separator to separate and remove a required proportion of the non-volatiles as liquid from the separator. The separated vapor from the gas-liquid separator is returned to the pyrolysis furnace for heating and cracking.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/188,461, filed Jul. 3, 2002, which is fully incorporated herein by reference, describes a process for cracking heavy hydrocarbon feedstock which mixes heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with a fluid, e.g., hydrocarbon or water, to form a mixture stream which is flashed to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase, the vapor phase being subsequently cracked to provide olefins. The amount of fluid mixed with the feedstock is varied in accordance with a selected operating parameter of the process, e.g., temperature of the mixture stream before the mixture stream is flashed, the pressure of the flash, the flow rate of the mixture stream, and/or the excess oxygen in the flue gas of the furnace.
While the references address the use of heavier hydrocarbon feedstocks, none of the references address the possibility of using an undesalted hydrocarbon feedstock for a cracking furnace. It has now surprisingly been found that it is possible to operate a steam cracking furnace with a hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter. This is particularly advantageous when the feedstock additionally contains non-volatile components.

Steam cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks containing salt and/or particulate matter


A protocol analyzer for analyzing traffic on a bus. A system includes a tap, a pod and an analyzer. The tap includes differential inputs for the bus. One of the differential inputs is a line from the bus and the other is a reference input that has been divided. The reference input enables the system to determine whether data on the bus is high or low even in situations where the operating voltage of the bus is unknown.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to analyzing signals between a host and a device by tapping the bus. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to detecting the operating voltages of the device while tapping the bus between the host and the device.
2. The Relevant Technology
Protocol Analyzers are devices that help diagnose and detect problems that occur on networks. Protocol analyzers can also be used on buses that exist between a host and a device for similar purpose. Typically, protocol analyzers view traffic on the network or over a bus or other connection as it occurs. As the data is being monitored, the protocol analyzer may detect a problem or some defined condition. At this point, the analyzer triggers and captures the data present on the network or occurring on the bus. The range of data captured can depend on the size of the analyzer's buffer. The analyzer can also be configured such that the captured data represents data that occurred before the triggering event, after the triggering event, and/or both before and after the triggering event. In addition, the data can also be captured without a triggering event. Rather, data can be captured until the buffer is full. In effect, the capture is a snapshot of the data that was present on the network around the time that a problem occurred. The captured data can then be analyzed to help resolve many problems and improve communications on the network or between a host and a device.
Some protocols, however, are difficult to implement in analyzers. SD (Secure Digital Cards), SDIO (SD Input/Output Cards), MMC (Multimedia Cards) and CE-ATA (Consumer Electronics-Advanced Technology Attachment) are examples of protocols that are difficult to analyze. Some of the reasons are related to the physical sizes of devices that use SD, SDIO, MMC or CE-ATA. Other reasons are related to the cost. CE-ATA connectors, for example, have a limited number of insertion cycles. Because protocol analyzers are repeatedly connected and disconnected, cost can become a significant issue when analyzing CE-ATA. In addition, many consumer devices do not operate at the same voltage levels. This can complicate the issue of connecting a system to a protocol analyzer when the voltage levels are not known beforehand.


The invention provides methods of detecting bacteria in fluids, including blood, platelets and other blood products for transfusion, and urine. The methods are based on lysing the bacteria to release ATP and detecting the ATP. Eukaryotic cell contamination is a problem to be overcome, because eukaryotic cell contain large amounts of ATP. Thus, some of the methods involve separating intact eukaryotic cells (e.g., platelets) from intact bacterial cells before lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme that catalyzes a reaction, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Typically, the enzyme is luciferin, and the reaction is monitored by detecting light produced by the luciferin. Other methods of the invention involve contacting a fluid sample with a support surface that binds bacterial cells, lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Apparatuses for carrying out the methods are also disclosed.

Over nine million platelet units are transfused in the United States every year. The platelets are stored at room temperature to prevent loss of function and thus are particularly susceptible to bacterial contamination. Platelets are often given to cancer chemotherapy patients to treat platelet depletion and the resulting anemia and risk of bleeding caused by chemotherapy. These patients are also immunocompromised and thus at particular risk from bacterial contamination of the platelets. The number of cases of illnesses and death due to contaminated platelets has only recently been gathered.
Bacterial contamination has been the leading cause of transfusion-related deaths over the past three years (1). Bacterial contamination levels as low as 102 to 103 CFU/ml have been associated with fever and positive blood culture. Studies at Johns Hopkins and Dana-Farber revealed rates of sepsis following platelet transfusion from 0.005% to 0.14%, depending on the site and whether the platelets were derived from random donors or single donor apheresis. In the 33,829 transfusions documented, a total of nine cases of sepsis were found (2, 3). The rate of sepsis appears to be lower than the rate of bacterial contamination in studies of platelet purity. It has been widely suggested that the rate of sepsis from platelet transfusion is underreported for a variety of clinical and regulatory reasons.
Because of the risk of sepsis, the FDA requires platelets to be discarded after five days of storage. For a short period (1984-1986) the FDA permitted platelet storage for seven days, reversing the regulation after data on bacterial proliferation proved troublesome (4).
The available means for testing for bacteria in platelets are too slow, not sensitive enough, or too cumbersome. One method is culturing the growth of microorganisms from the platelets, such as the BACT/ALERT system. However, this requires culturing for one to three days (5). Another method is gram staining of a sample of platelet concentrate for visual microscopic identification of bacteria. But this requires significant labor and was only sensitive to 106 colony forming units (CFU) per ml (5). Acridine orange staining and fluorescence microscopy improved the sensitivity to 104-105 CFU/ml (5). Visual observation of platelet swirling, or assaying for pH or glucose concentration changes have also been used, but these are not sufficiently sensitive or reliable (5).
A PCR method was used to detect Yersinia enterocolitica. This method was quite sensitive, but took six hours and was specific for only one species (5).
Fluorescent antibodies have also been used to detect bacteria with flow cytometry (5). That has the potential to be sensitive, but is expensive, fairly time consuming, and is only detects the species recognized by the antibodies.
A method of detecting bacteria using detection of labeled oligonucleotides that hybridize to bacterial rRNA (6). But the process took four hours.
Bacteria have been detected by luminescence detection of bacterial ATP (7, U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,592). Bacteria are lysed to release their ATP, and the ATP is detected by reaction with luciferase and luciferin to produce light. However, eukaryotic cells have far more ATP than bacterial cells, so even a small contamination with eukaryotic cells gives unreliable results. In one method, blood cells were lysed with TRITON X-100, the debris was separated from bacteria by density gradient centrifugation, and the bacterial cell layer of the gradient was extracted, treated to lyse any bacteria, and assayed for ATP by the luciferin-luciferase assay (8).
New methods to detect bacteria in platelets are needed. Preferably, the methods would be inexpensive, fast, detect bacteria of any clinically significant species, and be sensitive, i.e., detect very low numbers of bacteria. New methods of detecting bacteria in other fluids are also needed. These fluids include whole blood for transfusion, whole blood taken from a patient for diagnosis of sepsis, bone marrow stem cells for a bone marrow transplant, serum, plasma, and urine. Rapid detection of bacteria in urine is needed for diagnostic purposes in both human and veterinary medicine.

Rapid and sensitive detection of bacteria in blood products, urine, and other fluids


In a storage system having a first storage control apparatus and a second storage control apparatus, the first storage control apparatus has: a first memory; a second memory; an input/output control unit for data transfer information in the second memory; and a data transfer control unit having a data buffer and a data transfer register for controlling data transfer between the first memory and second storage control apparatus based on the data transfer information read from the second memory and written in the data transfer register. When a second data transfer is controlled while a first data transfer is controlled, the data transfer control unit writes the first data transfer information and data stored in the data buffer into the second memory, reads the second data transfer information from the second memory and writes the second data transfer information into the data transfer register to control the second data transfer.

The present invention relates to a storage control apparatus and a method of controlling storage control apparatuses.
With the recent advance of information technologies, a remote copy realizing disaster recovery and the like are operated in which a plurality of storage apparatuses are interconnected to be able to communicate each other and the storage apparatus received a data input/output request from an information processing apparatus accesses data stored in another storage apparatus. This technique is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,792.
The data input/output performance at the other storage apparatus is restricted by the communications between two storage apparatuses.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Storage control apparatus and method thereof


A scintillator, for use in a radiation imaging device, has a light-emitting face, a radiation receiving face, and a perimeter extending between the light-emitting face and the radiation receiving face, the perimeter including an edge, the edge having an edge thickness. The scintillator emits scintillation light from the light emitting face in response to radiation incident on the radiation receiving face. The scintillator has one or more light guides formed within a peripheral region of the scintillator proximate to the edge. The light guides can improve the positional accuracy of a radiation imaging device including the scintillator.

A scintillation material, or scintillator, produces light in response to incident radiation, typically ionizing radiation such as gamma rays or x-rays. Such a material can be a crystal such as thallium-doped sodium iodide, NaI(Tl), or a non-crystalline material such as a plastic.
Radiation detectors using scintillators include gamma cameras, x-ray detectors, and other radiation imaging or sensing devices. The scintillator generally has a radiation receiving face on which radiation such as gamma rays are incident. The scintillator has a light output face from which light emerges in response to incident radiation, and also an outside edge. For example, a disk-shaped scintillator would have a cylindrical edge surface. An optical window, such as glass, is typically bonded to the light output face of the scintillator. An array of light sensors, such as photomultiplier tubes, receive scintillation light emitted from the light output face of the scintillator, and transmitted through the window to the detectors. A plastic "light pipe" is sometimes interposed between the window and the light sensors.
The light is generated within the scintillator as pulses (also termed scintillation events). The positions of light pulses generated within the scintillator are used in imaging applications, such as SPECT (single photon emission tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography) imaging. Such uses may be generally referred to as scintillation imaging.
A problem in scintillation imaging is that reflections from the edge of the scintillator will reduce the measured positional accuracy of imaging data, particularly for scintillation events occurring close to the edge of the scintillator. Light from scintillation events occurring near an edge will be reflected from that edge, causing a serious reduction in ability to accurately determine the position of such events. In practice, a dead zone may exist around a peripheral region, proximate to the edge of the scintillator or window, from which meaningful positional data cannot be collected. This dead zone or "edge effect" reduces the effective usable portion of the scintillator. In addition, the presence of this unusable region at the periphery of the detector prevents the detector from being positioned optimally in many medical applications, for example breast and brain scintigraphy. The increase in detector bulk caused by the wasted portion of the detector may also make it difficult to position the detector sufficiently close to the patient in applications such as heart scintigraphy and many forms of SPECT.
In some detector designs, it is desirable to have more than one scintillator element in close proximity to another. In this situation, the junctions between elements tend to act as reflecting edges causing an unusable dead zone of edge effect on each side of the junctions.
This problem is well recognized in the field. For example, a previous attempt to solve this problem is described in U.S. patent application Publication 2003/0034455 to Schreiner et al., which suggests segmenting the scintillator into a number of triangular segments. However, such segmentation adds to the cost of a device, is difficult to fabricate and may cause problems if the scintillator absorbs moisture from the air. For example, it is well known that sodium iodide should be protected from atmospheric moisture.
Another attempted solution is described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,891 to Pergale et al., which suggests providing a diffused light reflector around the periphery of the optical window. However, it can be difficult to provide a true diffused reflector, as reflection properties of many materials and the crystal edge will change with time and environmental conditions. In addition, such diffused edge treatments have been found in practice to provide an unsatisfactory degree of improvement to the problem.
Hence, there is a need for improved scintillators and radiation detectors which reduce or eliminate the undesirable effects of edge reflection.


A multiple stage transmission of a planetary design having first, second and third planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), at least first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), first and second brakes (03, 04) and first, second third and fourth clutches (14, 15, 36, 56). Selective engagement of the planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), the rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), the brakes (03, 04) and the clutches (14, 15, 36, 56) produces different reduction ratios between the drive shaft and the driven shaft such that seven or eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear is achieved.

In the prior art, automatic transmission, particularly for motor vehicles, comprise planetary gear sets shifted by means of friction and shifting elements such as clutches and brakes and usually have one starting element, such as a hydrodynamic converter or a fluid clutch, optionally provided with a lock-up clutch and subject to a slip effect.
Such a transmission results from EP 0 434 525 A1. It essentially comprises one drive shaft and one driven shaft disposed parallel with each other, one double planetary gear set disposed concentrically with the driven shaft and five shifting elements in the form of three clutches and two brakes, the optional locking of which by pairs determines the different gear ratios between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. This transmission has a front-mounted range change set and two power paths so that six forward gears are obtained by selective engagement by pairs of the five shifting elements.
Here two clutches are needed in the first power path for transmitting the torque from the front-mounted range change set to two elements of the double planetary gear set. These are situated in the power flow direction essential downstream of the front-mounted range change set in the direction of the double planetary gear set. In the second power path, one other clutch is provided which loosely connects it with another element of the double planetary gear set. The clutches are arranged here so that the internal disc carrier constitutes the output.
In addition, the U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,463 publication has disclosed a compact multiple stage transmission of a planetary design, particularly for motor vehicles, which has two planetary gear sets and one front-mounted range change set, the same as three clutches and two brakes. In this known multiple stage transmission, two clutches C-1 and C-3 are provided in a first power path for transmitting the torque from the front-mounted range change set to the two planetary gear sets. The external disc carrier or the cylinder or piston and pressure compensation side of the clutch C-3 is here connected with a first brake B-1. Besides, the internal disc carrier of the third clutch C-3 is connected with the cylinder or piston and pressure compensation side of the first clutch C-1, the internal disc carrier of the first clutch C-1 is located on the output side and connected with a sun gear of the third planetary gear set.
From the Applicant's DE 199 49 507 A1 is further known a multiple stage transmission where two non-shiftable front-mounted range change sets are provided on the drive shaft which, on the output side, produce two rotational speeds which, together with the rotational speed of the drive shaft, are optionally shiftable by selective engaging of the used shifting elements, to a shiftable double planetary gear set acting upon the driven shaft in a manner such that to change over from one gear to the next sequential higher or lower gear of the two specifically actuated shifting elements, respectively, only one shifting element has to be engaged or disengaged.
From DE 199 12 480 A1 is known an automatically shiftable motor vehicle transmission having three spider planetary gear sets, the same as three brakes and two clutches, for shifting six forward gears and one reverse gear and having one drive shaft and one driven shaft. The automatically shiftable motor vehicle transmission is designed so that the drive shaft is directly connected with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set and the drive shaft is connectable, via the first clutch, with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set and/or via the second clutch with the spider of the first planetary gear set. Additionally or alternatively, the sun gear of the first planetary gear set is connectable, via the first brake, with the housing of the transmission and/or the spider of the first planetary gear set with the housing, via the second brake, and/or the sun gear of the third planetary gear set with the housing via the third brake.
DE 102 13 820 A1 has also disclosed a multiple stage automatic transmission comprising one first input path T1 of a first reduction ratio; one input path T2 which has a higher reduction ratio than said input path T1; one planetary gear set having four elements, said four elements being one first element, one second element, one third element and one fourth element in the sequence of elements in a rotational speed diagram; one clutch C-2 which transmits rotation of the input path T2 to the first element S3; and clutch C-1 which transmits the rotation from the input path T2 to the fourth element S2; one clutch C-4 which transmits rotation from the input path T1 to the first element; one clutch C-3 which transmits rotation from the input path T1 to the second element C-3; one brake B-1 which creates engagement of the fourth element; one brake B-2 which creates engagement of the second element; and one output element coupled with the third element R3.
With the scope of the Applicant's DE 101 15 983 A1 is described a multiple stage transmission having one drive shaft connected with a front-mounted range change set, one driven shaft connected with a rear-mounted range change set and having a maximum of seven shifting elements by the optional shifting of which at least seven forward gears can be shifting without group shift. The front-mounted range change set is formed by a front-mounted planetary gear set or a maximum of two non-shiftable front-mounted planetary gear sets coupled with the front-mounted planetary gear set, the rear-mounted range change set is designed as a two-spider-four shaft transmission with two shiftable rear-mounted range change sets and four free shafts. The first free shaft of said two-spider-four shaft transmission is connected with the first shifting element, the second free shaft with the second and third shifting elements, the third free shaft with the fourth and fifth shifting elements and the fourth free shaft is connected with the driven shaft. For a multiple stage transmission with a total of six shifting elements, the invention additionally proposes to connect the third free shaft or the first free shaft of the rear-mounted range change set with a sixth shifting element. For a multiple stage transmission having a total of seven shifting elements, the invention proposes connecting the third free shaft additionally with a shift shifting element D′ and the first free shaft additionally with a seventh shifting element.
Within the scope of the Applicant's DE 101 15 987 has been described a multiple stage transmission having at least seven gears. Said transmission, together with the drive shaft and the driven shaft, comprises one non-shiftable front-mounted range change set and one shiftable rear-mounted range change set in the form of a two-spider-four shaft transmission. The front-mounted range change set comprises one first planetary gear set which, together with the input rotational speed of the drive shaft, offers a second rotational speed which can optionally be shifted to a rear-mounted range change set. The rear-mounted range change set consists of two shiftable planetary gear sets which, with the six shifting elements, can shift at least seven gears, with two power paths being formed. At the same time, group shifts are always advantageously prevented during each shifting operation. One 9-gear multiple stage transmission has further become known from DE 29 36 969; it comprises eight shifting elements and four gear sets.
Automatically shiftable vehicle transmissions of a planetary design have already generally been widely described in the prior art and are subject to permanent developments and improvement. Said transmissions thus must have a sufficient number of forward gears, the same as one reverse gear and a ratio very well suited for motor vehicles with a high total spread and favorable ratio ranges. They must also make possible a high starting ratio in a forward direction and contain a direct gear, the same is adequate for use both in passenger and in commercial vehicles. In addition, said transmission must have low construction cost, especially require a low number of shifting elements and prevent double shifts in a sequential shifting mode so that in case of shiftings in defined gear groups only one shifting element is changed.
The problem on which this invention is based is to propose a multiple stage transmission of the type mentioned above in which the construction cost is optimized and, in addition, the efficiency degree improved in the main drive gears with regard to towing and gearing losses. In addition to the shifting elements and planetary gear sets, low torque must act in the inventive multiple stage transmission, the rotational speeds of the shafts, shifting elements and planetary gear sets are also to be kept as low as possible. The number of gears, as well as the transmission spread, must also be increased so that seven or eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear can be advantageously implemented. In addition, the inventive transmission must be adequate for any design of the vehicle, especially for a front-transverse arrangement.

Multiple gear stage automatic transmission


A satellite radio wave capturing method of a GPS receiver, in which an offset value of an oscillator of the GPS receiver is calculated by subtracting a Doppler frequency deviation of the first captured satellite radio wave from an actual received frequency of the first captured satellite radio wave, and with respect to the second and subsequent satellite radio waves to be captured, the search center frequencies are reset by using the calculated offset value, and an oscillating frequency of the oscillator is changed by using the set search center frequency as a reference, thereby capturing the radio wave of the target satellite. The elapsed time which is required from the power-OFF at the preceding position measurement by the GPS receiver to the power-ON at the present position measurement is measured. In accordance with the duration of the measured elapsed time, a determination is made to see whether or not the offset value of the oscillator which has been obtained at the preceding position measurement and stored in a memory in the GPS receiver is used as an offset value of the oscillator at the present position measurement. The mean value of a plurality of offset values obtained within a predetermined time just after the power-ON of the GPS receiver is calculated and stored. At the next power-ON of the receiver, the stored mean value of the offset values is used as an initial offset value at the start of the position measurement.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of capturing satellite radio waves by using an oscillator of a low accuracy in a GPS receiver.
2. Description of the Related Background Art
A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a position measuring system using artificial satellites. According to the GPS, six orbits which circulate the earth are set in the sky of an altitude of about 20200 km, a plurality of artificial satellites are put onto the orbits, and GPS signals including navigation data for measuring the position are transmitted to the earth from the satellite by a spread spectrum system. The radio waves of three or four satellites which are necessary to measure the position are received by a GPS Receiver on the ground (or sea or air), thereby enabling position information such as latitude, altitude, and the like at the signal received position which are necessary to be processed in a real-time manner by using the navigation data included in the GPS signal from each of the satellites.
The GPS signal which is released to the private citizen is a signal called a C/A code and is transmitted at a frequency of 1575.42 MHz. The capture the satellite radio wave, therefore, it is sufficient for the receiver to be in a standby mode at the frequency of 1575.42 MHz, in principle. Since the GPS satellite is not a geostationary satellite, however, the received frequency is fluctuated due to a Doppler effect and, further, an oscillating frequency of the oscillator of the GPS receiver is also fluctuated due to an offset.
To actually capture the satellite radio wave, therefore, a search center frequency of the satellite radio wave is set by deviating the frequency by a frequency corresponding to only the deviation amount of the received frequency due to the Doppler effect (hereinafter, such deviation amount is referred to as a "Doppler frequency deviation") and an offset amount of the oscillator. The search center frequency is set to a start point and the satellite is searched while gradually widening the search band width. At a time point when the oscillator is locked to the satellite radio wave, the capture of the relevant satellite radio wave is completed. By repeating such a capturing operation, the respective radio waves from satellites of the number which are necessary for position measurement are captured.
In the capturing operation of the satellite, as the search center frequency becomes closer to the actual received frequency of the satellite radio wave, the time which is required to capture the satellite radio wave decreases more and more. Main factors to set the search center frequency are the Doppler frequency deviation and the offset value of the oscillator. The Doppler frequency deviation is a phenomenon which inevitably occurs due to the earth circulating motion of the satellite and its value (up to a maximum of about .+-.6 kHz) can be previously obtained from the orbit data of the satellite and the schematic present location data. To set the search center frequency to a value which is as close to the actual received frequency as possible, it is desirable to reduce an error of the offset value of the oscillator of the GPS receiver to be as small as possible.
For this purpose, the conventional GPS receiver uses a crystal oscillator (hereinafter, referred to as "TCXO") with an accuracy compensation of an extreme high accuracy as an oscillator. According to the TCXO, by compensating the temperature characteristic of a quartz resonator by an electric circuit, an extremely high accuracy of a range of about .+-.2 to .+-.5 [ppm] (about .+-.3 to .+-.8 [kHz] as a frequency) is given in a wide temperature range of -40.degree. to +85.degree. C. An accuracy of the oscillator which is used in an ordinary communicating apparatus generally lies with a range of about .+-.50 to .+-.100 [ppm], preferably, about .+-.20 [ppm].
In the conventional GPS receiver, since the TCXO of a high accuracy is used, the value obtained at the time of the preceding position measurement is stored (backed up) into a memory in the receiver as an offset value of the oscillator of the GPS receiver, and the stored offset value is read out at the time to start the next capturing operation of the satellite radio wave and is used. When the user tries to use an oscillator of a low accuracy, since a change in the offset value is large, the backup value obtained at the preceding position measurement cannot be used as it is. To capture the satellite radio wave, it is necessary to search a desired satellite over a fairly wide frequency range, so there is a problem in that it takes a long time to capture the satellite radio wave.
Since the conventional GPS receiver uses the TCXO of a high accuracy, the aging change of the offset value is ignored and even after the first satellite radio wave was captured, the searching operation of another satellite is continued without updating the offset value. In the case where the initial set offset value has largely been changed due to some causes, therefore, even when the TCXO of the high accuracy is used, the satellite radio wave cannot be captured so long as the satellite radio frequency is not searched over a wide frequency range. It takes a fairly long time to capture radio waves from a plurality of satellites which are necessary for position measurement.
The TCXO used in the conventional GPS receiver, further, is very expensive as compared with a crystal oscillator of a low accuracy which is used in an ordinary communicating apparatus. The use of such an expensive TCXO exerts a large influence on the manufacturing costs of the GPS receiver.

Satellite radio wave capturing method for a global positioning system (GPS) receiver


A void-containing polyester is disclosed which is excellent in concealing properties, whiteness, and thermal dimensional stability. A void-containing polyester film includes an internal void-containing layer (layer A). The void-containing layer contains a polyester matrix resin and a polypropylene dispersed resin, and satisfies the following requirements (1) to (3), and an apparent density of the film is in a range of 0.8 to 1.2 g/cm3.    (1) A melt viscosity (η1) of the polyester resin at a melting temperature of 280° C. and a shear rate of 121.6 sec−1 is 90 to 400 Pa·s    (2) A melt viscosity (η2) of the polypropylene resin at a melting temperature of 280° C. and a shear rate of 121.6 sec−1 is 300 to 850 Pa·s    (3) A melt viscosity ratio (η2/η1) of the polyester resin and the polypropylene resin at a melting temperature of 280° C. and a shear rate of 121.6 sec−1 is 1.5 to 4.5.

Synthetic paper, which is a paper substitute containing a synthetic resin as a main component, is superior in water resistance, moisture absorption dimensional stability, surface stability and the like as compared with natural paper, and it is used in many ways, such as a label and a sticker, a poster, a recording paper, and a packaging material. Polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, polyester resins or the like are used as the main raw material of the synthetic paper, and in particular, polyester resins typified by polyethylene terephthalate have excellent mechanical characteristics, thermal characteristics, and the like, thus they have been developed for a wide range of applications.
In general, examples of a method for obtaining a film having a function similar to that of paper include a method for containing many fine voids inside the film; a method for roughening by performing surface treatment such as sand blasting treatment, chemical etching treatment or matting treatment on a flat film; and the like. Among them, the former method for containing many fine voids inside the film is often employed, because of its merits such that, it can not only provide concealing properties and whiteness like paper but also reduce the cost per area since it can reduce the weight of the film itself, and excellent image clarity at the time of printing since it can provide moderate flexibility and cushioning properties.
As a method for generating fine voids inside the film, generally, an incompatible thermoplastic resin (hereinafter referred to as incompatible resin) is first mixed into a matrix made of a polyester resin to obtain a melt of sea-island structure in which the incompatible resin is dispersed in the polyester resin. Then, an unstretched sheet is formed by extrusion from a die and stretched in at least one axial direction to generate voids by interfacial peeling between the polyester resin and the incompatible resin. The incompatible resin is also referred to as a void-generating agent. Polyolefin resins such as polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, and polymethylpentene resins; polystyrene resins and the like are preferably used as the type of the incompatible resin of an island component, with respect to the polyester resin as a sea component.
In the void-containing polyester film obtained by the above method, light is reflected at the interface between the polyester portion inside the film and the void portion, so that concealing properties and whiteness like paper can be obtained. Considering the reflection efficiency, it is known that a high reflection efficiency can be obtained by finely dispersing the incompatible resin as the island component and forming fine voids. Further, as the specific surface area is increased by finely dispersing, it is possible to efficiently reduce the weight (lower specific gravity) with a small addition amount. As a method for finely dispersing an incompatible resin, a method for adding a compatibilizer (also referred to as a dispersing agent) such as a surfactant or polyethylene glycol has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Void-containing polyester film and method for producing same


A storage device includes: a storage unit for writing data into a rotating storage medium via a writing head; a nonvolatile memory; a temporary storage memory for storing a plurality of writing commands temporarily; and a controller for executing the plurality of writing commands so as to selectively write data into the storage unit or the nonvolatile memory, rearranging the writing commands stored in the temporary storage memory in accordance with efficiency for executing the writing commands to write data into the storage unit, sequentially executing the rearranged writing commands in descending order, and executing in parallel at least one of the writing commands that has not been executed to write data into the nonvolatile memory until all the data to be written in accordance with the writing commands are stored in either the storage unit or the nonvolatile memory.

Storage devices having a mechanism in which data is written on a rotating storage medium via a writing head are used as nonvolatile large-capacity storage devices for various kinds of applications. Typical examples of such storage devices include magnetic disk devices. Also, optical disk devices, magneto-optical disk devices, etc., are classified into such a category. Such a storage device is capable of writing serial data at a considerably high data writing rate. However, such a storage device requires a waiting period for mechanically moving a writing head to a specified region. This leads to a problem of a slow random access rate. In particular, such a storage device has a problem in that, in some cases, the access time from the execution of a writing command up to the start of a writing operation is significantly delayed, depending upon the position at which the writing head was located immediately before the execution of the writing command.
Compared to rotating storage devices, nonvolatile memory devices such as flash memory have the advantage of a high random access rate, and the advantage of small irregularities in access time depending upon the region (address). In recent years, the capacities of such nonvolatile memory devices have increased dramatically, and they have begun to be used as a substitute for rotating storage devices in some fields of application. However, nonvolatile memory has a problem in that there is a limit to the number of times data can be repeatedly written to the same storage region. For example, nonvolatile memory has the disadvantage that writing data one hundred thousand times or more deteriorates the storage performance of a storage cell. In order to compensate for this disadvantage, a combination of a rotating storage device (unit) and a nonvolatile memory device has been proposed as discussed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-115232, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. H07-84880, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. H10-154101, and Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2003-167781.

Storage device including a controller for rearranging writing commands


Embodiments attribute network data transfers to applications executing on a computing device. A data transfer service executes on the computing device to receive and process data transfer requests. The data transfer requests, populated by the applications, have identifiers attributed thereto to enable monitoring of the network data transfers per identifier. For example, network data transfers associated with different mail accounts of a mail program or different web sites of browser are attributed separately. Data usage statistics relating to the network data transfers for each identifier may be generated and presented to the user for review.

With the increased popularity of smart telephones, tablets, and other mobile devices, there has been a similar increase in the amount of data handled by the networks of mobile operators. To reduce the strain on network infrastructure and to reduce network transfer costs, mobile operators are shifting from offering simple unlimited mobile data plans to offering capped and metered plans. Some of these capped and metered plans are complex, with allotted data caps varying based on network type, time of day, etc. Further, the fees for exceeding the allotted data caps may be significant and may also vary based on network type, time of day, etc. The existing systems generally lack mechanisms to help the user understand and manage network data consumption and transfer costs in view of the data usage plans.
As a result, with the existing systems, users can unknowingly exceed the allotted data caps and experience bandwidth throttling (e.g., a reduction or limit placed upon the rate of consumption) and/or be presented with a much larger than normal monthly bill, resulting in "bill shock." Throttling and bill shock can impact the user experience, leading to dissatisfied customers, increased customer service calls, and negative impressions of the mobile operators.
Some of the existing systems are focused on measuring network data consumption at content providers. However, server-based tracking such as by web site address in some of the existing systems fails to identify which particular application originated the request, at least because multiple applications on a device can access the same web site address. For example, some of the existing systems are not suitable for environments in which applications on a device queue data traffic with a centralized service executing on the device. In such environments, the identity of the originating application is not maintained and hence the network data usage is mis-attributed to the centralized service (rather than being attributed to the originating application). Such attribution is meaningless to the user trying to evaluate the amount of network data consumed by each application.

On-device attribution of network data usage


Dehydrated vegetable pieces having incorporated therein a mixture of sodium chloride of concentrations of at least 2% and an alkali metal carboxylate at a concentration of 1 to 4%.

Dried vegetables are important articles of commerce and are used extensively in the food industry in soups, casseroles, dried packaged foods of various types and many other processed food applications.
Conventional dried vegetables are usually prepared from blanched pieces of vegetable which are dried in hot air to a moisture content of about 5%. These vegetable pieces take a considerable time to rehydrate, in the order of 5 to 20 minutes depending on the dimensions of the piece.
The current consumer demand for convenience food products has created a requirement for many types of packaged "instant" foods. These vary for example from soup mixes that can be used after rehydration for 60 seconds with the addition of boiling water, to products with stove-top or microwave cook-times of two to five minutes.
A range of freeze-dried vegetable pieces is available with rapid rehydration times. These suffer from the disadvantage of being very expensive and very fragile. In addition, in mixes, because of their low bulk density, they tend to float on top of the product rather than incorporate within it as would a fresh vegetable.