Disclosed is an apparatus and method for driving an organic light emitting display device which controls a current flowing in a display panel to be lower than a current limit value, the apparatus comprising a display panel including a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel is provided with a light emitting device which emits light according to a current corresponding to a data voltage; and a panel driver that predicts a panel current value flowing in the display panel on the basis of data of a preceding frame and data of a current frame simultaneously displayed on the display panel, and controls the data voltage to be displayed on the display panel so as to make the panel current value be lower than a preset current limit value.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to an organic light emitting display device, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for driving an organic light emitting display device which facilitates to control a current flowing in a display panel to be lower than a current limit value.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Due to recent multimedia developments, there is an increasing demand for a flat panel display. In order to satisfy this increasing demand, various flat panel displays such as liquid crystal display, plasma display panel, field emission display and organic light emitting display are practically used. Among the various flat panel displays, the organic light emitting display device has been attracted as a next-generation flat panel display owing to advantages of rapid response speed and low power consumption. In addition, the organic light emitting display device can emit light in itself, whereby the organic light emitting display device does not cause a problem related with a narrow viewing angle.
Generally, the organic light emitting display device displays an image by applying a data voltage to each pixel, and controlling a current flowing in an organic light emitting device according to a data current corresponding to the data voltage. For this, each pixel includes the organic light emitting device, a switching transistor, a driving transistor, and at least one capacitor.
An amount of light emitted from the organic light emitting device is proportional to a current amount supplied from the driving transistor. The switching transistor is switched according to a scanning signal, whereby the switching transistor supplies the data voltage supplied from a data line to the driving transistor. The driving transistor is switched according to the data voltage supplied from the switching transistor, whereby the driving transistor generates the data current based on the data voltage, and supplies the generated data current to the organic light emitting device. The capacitor maintains the data voltage supplied to the driving transistor for 1 frame period.
Generally, the organic light emitting display device according to the related art displays the image on a display panel by a data addressing method, wherein the data addressing method updates data of a current frame in data of a preceding frame displayed on the display panel. Accordingly, the organic light emitting display device according to the related art is disadvantageous in that an overcurrent momentarily flows in the display panel according to the image of preceding and current frames, as shown in FIG. 1.
In more detail, as shown in FIG. 1, the preceding frame has black data to be displayed on an upper region of the display panel, and white data to be displayed on a lower region of the display panel. The current frame has white data to be displayed on the upper region of the display panel, and black data to be displayed on the lower region of the display panel. If displaying the data of the preceding frame and the data of the current frame according to a vertical synchronous signal on the display panel by the data addressing method, the white data of the preceding frame and the white data of the current frame may be simultaneously displayed on the display panel during a partial addressing period of the current frame, whereby the overcurrent, which is higher than a current corresponding to the data for each frame, flows in the display panel.
Meanwhile, the organic light emitting display device according to the related art has a maximum allowable current value capable of flowing in the display panel so as to ensure reliability of device (or product) and safety from the overcurrent. For example, on assumption that the maximum allowable current value of the organic light emitting display device according to the related art is 10 A, if the current value flowing in the display panel according to the white data in each of the preceding and current frames shown in FIG. 1 is 10 A, the current value flowing in the display panel for almost all sections of the current frame is higher than the maximum allowable current value, 10 A.
In the organic light emitting display device according to the related art, a power supplier may be shut-down due to the overcurrent momentarily flowing in the display panel according to the image of preceding and current frames, whereby the image is not displayed on the display panel, thereby deteriorating the reliability of device (or product).

Apparatus and method for driving of organic light emitting display device


A packet switching network system for use in transferring information that is in the form of packets and including an originating device and a destination device for communicating therebetween through a packet switching network, the originating device including a sending device having a first buffer with a predetermined first buffer size, the first buffer being used to store information that is to be sent to the destination unit, the sending device for sending a request packet including the first buffer size, through the packet switching network, to the destination device, the destination device including a receiving device having a second buffer with a predetermined second buffer size, the second buffer size being used for storing information that is received from the originating device, the receiving device for receiving a request packet including the first buffer size from the originating device, determining whether or not the received first buffer size is supported by the destination device, and accordingly sending back a response, through the packet switching network, to the originating device, wherein, during initialization, the originating device and the destination device enter into negotiations as to a mutually-acceptable buffer size that is to be used for information transfer by the packet switching network system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention related generally to the field of computer networks and in particular, to transferring of voice information over frame relay in packet switching network environments.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a networking environment where information, such as data, voice, video, audio and like information, is destined to travel from one remotely situated device to another device, two types of such networking environments may be employed: circuit switching network and packet switching network.
FIG. 1 shows conceptual views of both of these types of networking environments. A circuit switching network 10 is shown to include a first telecommunication device 12, which may be a telephone, coupled through a path 14 to a second telecommunication device 16, which may also be telephone. The coupling between the two devices 12 and 16, through the path 14, includes various equipment, 18 and 20, which effect transfer of the information being communicated through the path 14. The circuit switching network 10 is shown in FIG. 1 to demonstrate that when information is being transferred from a given source to a particular destination, such as from device 12 to device 16, the information will always take the same path, i.e. through the equipment 18 and 20.
In contrast thereto, a packet switching network 22 is shown in FIG. 1 to demonstrate that the information being transferred does not necessarily take the same path when it is transferred from one device to another. In FIG. 1, the packet switching network 22 is shown to include a first telecommunication device 24, coupled through a packet switching network structure 26, to a second telecommunication device 28.
The packet switching network structure 26 includes a plurality of network equipment, such as routers 30, 32 and 34. Information that is being, for example, transferred from the first device 24 to the second device 28, does not necessarily take the same path every time. At one time, such an information may take a path 36, which goes through the equipment 30 and 32 and when sent again another time, the same information may go through a different path 38, which includes the equipment 34. In fact, in packet switching networks, there is much equipment through which information may travel to get from one device to another. The path that information takes is in part a function of the intensity of traffic through the network. For example, if the devices 24 and 28 were telephone devices and there were calls being made during a time when many callers were initiating phone calls, the path that the voice information would take is likely to be entirely different than when the devices 24 and 28 transfer voice information during a time when there are not many callers accessing the system. An example of what the packet switching network structure 26 may be is the Internet, in which case, voice may travel therethrough to get from the device 24. In this case, examples of what the devices 24 and 28 may be are personal computers (PCs).
Thus, in circuit switching networks, the same path is used to transfer information and that path is apriori known, whereas, in the case of packet switching networks, the path that information takes is firstly based upon the availability of the equipment and circuits and secondly not a dedicated path or apriori known. Accordingly, transfer of voice information through the Internet is less costly than the transfer of the same kind of information through a circuit switching network. That is, in a circuit switching network, such as used by traditional telephone companies, each user is assigned a dedicated path whereas in an Internet environment, multiple users share the same path.
In a packet switching environment such as the Internet, since different paths may be taken for transfer of information, different amounts of time delay are associated with the transfer of data. For example, in FIG. 1, in the packet switching network 22, if the information being transferred between devices 24 and 28 takes the path 36, this may result in less delay than if the same information transfer were to take the path 38 since the latter is going through an additional router. As the path that information will take in a packet switching network environment is unknown, so is the delay associated with that path. Accordingly, information being transferred is first buffered (or temporarily stored) to account for the delay associated with the transfer of information.
When information is sent through a packet switching network environment, it is broken up into various packets and each packet is sent in a frame over the network. When all of the packets of the same information arrive at their destination, they are placed back together for use by the user. Data being sent in this respect is not much affected by the delay that each packet may experience because even if this delay accumulates to minutes, a user is not particularly disturbed to wait that long before receiving data. However, when this information is in the form of voice, i.e. voice sent over the Internet, the accumulative amount of delay experienced by the separate packets that are sent through the Internet is often times annoying to the users. For example, if one were to speak through a telephone that was coupled to transfer information through the network and would have to wait 10 seconds to receive a voice back from another user at the destination site, there would be much disturbance to the listener.
To account for this delay, prior art methods and apparatus have employed buffering techniques to store the information that is to be transferred in a temporary location while previous information is being sent through the network. On the receiving side, the information that is received is buffered while the user is listening to the information previously received. However, due to the buffer size differences between the sending side and the receiving side of the network, there, nevertheless, remains a significant problem with the delay associated with transferring voice information through a packet switching networking environment, such as the Internet, that has proven to be disturbing to users of this type of system.
There is therefore a need to maximize the performance of a system for transfer of voice information from one device to another through a packet switching network such as to avoid unnecessary delay experienced by users of the system.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

DSP voice buffersize negotiation between DSPs for voice packet end devices


A quick release clamp having two crescent halves coupled at one end by a hinge and a spreader spring at the opposite end. A cam follower is coupled to the spring end of the crescent halves and configured to receive a handle. A handle, containing a cam configured to engage the cam follower, which when parallel to the hinge does not engage the cam and the clamp is open, and when rotated a quarter turn engages the cam and closes the clamp.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to clamping devices.
More particularly, the present invention relates to devices normally employed as clamps on generally cylindrical pipes or bars.
In a further and more specific aspect, the present invention relates to retaining weights on weightlifting and barbell devices.
2. The Prior Art
Devices which are used as clamps on pipes, bars, shafts and the like are well known in the art. Specifically, devices for retaining weights on a bar for weightlifting applications are well known. Generally, a bar is provided onto each end of which disk shaped weights are mounted alone or in combination. Each disk shaped weight has a hole through its center, through which the bar is inserted. The weight disks are prevented from sliding off the bar by a collar which is placed on the bar between the outermost weight disk and the end of the bar. There are a large variety of collars, each preventing the weight disks from moving.
When weightlifting devices of the barbell type are used, it is very important that the disk shaped weights are securely held on the bar. Considerable damage could occur if a weight disk were to become detached while the barbell was in use. Many of the prior art collars are secured to the bar with a screw extending through the collar. When the screw is tightened, it engages with the bar, locking the collar in place. While these clamps are generally effective, since the screw engages a very small area of the bar, it must be very tight to be adequately secured. This frequently makes the clamp difficult to remove, even when the screw has a lever to facilitate engaging and disengaging the collar. This may be a problem, since many times, a collar must be removed frequently so the weight configuration can be changed. This can occur because an exercise program requires different weights, or more than one person is using the barbell and each requires different weights.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a quick releasing clamp.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a barbell clamp which securely engages the bar, but is easily removed.

Quick release weight bar clamp and method for use


A cellular phone of a member, who newly joins a group, creates a member list including a group ID and profile of a leader, and transmits a participation contact mail including a profile of the corresponding new member to a cellular phone of the leader. The cellular phone of the leader adds the profile of the new member to a member list after receiving the participation contact mail. The participation contact mail is transferred to the cellular phones of other existing members registered in the member list. The cellular phones of the existing members add the profile of the new member to their member lists in response to the received contact mail and transmit their profiles to the cellular phone of the new member. The cellular phone of the new member adds the profiles of the existing members to the member list in response to the received participation contact mail.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for exchanging mail among members belonging to a group without passing through the server apparatus using terminal devices such as cellular phones.
2. Description of the Related Art
In accordance with development of recent information communication techniques, e-mail (hereinafter simply referred to as mail) is widely used as a means of communication. The mail is exchanged among members of the group in some cases. The following methods were conventionally used for exchanging mail among the members of the group.
In a first method, a list of group members is registered in a server apparatus on the Internet. Mail sent by any one of the members of the group is transmitted to other members of the group via the server apparatus. In a second method, a list of group members is registered in a terminal device of each member. Each member designates this list to send mail to other members.
In the first method, since the single list of the group members is placed in the server apparatus, mail transmitted by any member can be sent to all members without fail. The server apparatus manages the list of the group members and transmits mail to each member. However, the server apparatus needs neither list nor mail. Since maintenance and management of the server apparatus, which has no direct relation with the members of the group, are performed, each member has to pay a usage charge to use the server apparatus. When maintenance and management expenses are covered by advertising revenue, each member does not have to pay the usage charge. However, advertisement is attached to mail, which is transmitted to each group member, from the server apparatus. Moreover, advertising mails are sent to the members from the server apparatus, sometimes annoying the members.
In the second method, the list of group members is managed by the terminal device of each member of the group. Each member can transmit the mail to other members according to the list managed by his/her own terminal device. Actually, however, since each member has to manage the list manually, he/she sometimes finds the management annoying. When a member neglects to manage the list, his/her list may not be the same as the list managed by other members, especially if a new member joins the group or a member withdraws from the group. This caused problems in which the newly joined member does not receive mail from another member and the member, who already withdrew from the group, still receives mail from other members.

System for exchanging mail among members belonging to group


The present information comprises the stages of: applying frequency analysis to positional information on a platform, generating virtual positional information on the platform based on a frequency analysis result; extracting a signal based on the generated virtual positional information; and performing a synthetic aperture processing based on the extracted signal, and in this manner, even if the positional information lacking in precision and inaccurate is used, the shake compensation of the platform in the synthetic aperture processing system can be effectively performed.

The present invention relates to a platform shake compensation method in a synthetic aperture processing system of radar or sonar.
Heretofore, in general, it is known that the shake of a platform mounting a synthetic aperture processing system adversary affects a synthetic aperture result. In the case of synthetic aperture radar using an electric wave, a moving velocity of the platform is far slower than a rate of propagation of an electric wave, so that the effect of the shake is small. Hence, if angle compensation and geometry compensation are performed in almost all the cases, a sufficiently detailed image can be acquired, and moreover, even in case the system is moved by an aircraft under bad weather, if the shake compensation is performed by using positional information by GPS (Global Position System) and INS (Inertial Navigation System), the situation can be coped with. However, in the case of synthetic aperture sonar using a sound wave, a moving velocity of the platform is relatively close to a rate of propagation of a sound wave, and moreover, it is often the case that an ocean wave gives to the platform a shake of a large vibration amplitude, and therefore, under the circumstances, it takes a lot more than the compensation used by the synthetic aperture radar to be sufficient to cope with the situation.
When the shake compensation method using the positional information is applied particularly to the synthetic aperture sonar, what becomes an issue is accuracy of the positional information. Accuracy of a position found by the synthetic aperture sonar is generally several centimeters to several tens of centimeters. However, accuracy of the position of the GPS is several meters or more, and accuracy of the position of the INS is unable to acquire accurate positional information independently due to its configuration. When shake compensation is performed by using inaccurate positional information, its position error also adversely affects the synthetic aperture result, and in case the position error is larger than the actual shake, the result after the compensation becomes much worse. At present, there is no measurement apparatus which can satisfy the positional accuracy required by the synthetic aperture sonar, and therefore, compensation processing is not effectively functioned. Hence, the synthetic aperture sonar under test working is limited to such extent of achieving a limited success in a lake or gulf where oceanographic phenomenon is mild and the shake of the platform is extremely little. Further, in the case of the synthetic aperture radar also, though the effect of the shake is little, it makes no difference as it still remains as a problem.

Platform shake compensation method in synthetic aperture processing system

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology


A passive long term facsimile transmission storage and retrieval system, which includes a facsimile logger passively coupled to at least one telephone line connected to a facsimile machine is provided. The facsimile logger acquires and stores the facsimile transmissions that occur on the telephone line, on long term archive media. The system also includes a database coupled to the facsimile logger and at least one workstation coupled to the facsimile logger. The database holds relevant data associated with the stored facsimile transmission. The workstation is able to search for and retrieve the facsimile transmissions previously stored by the facsimile logger on the long term archive media.

The use of facsimile transmission equipment has been steadily increasing over recent years. Facsimile transmission is a very convenient mechanism of transmitting documents and images from one location to another in near real time. The almost instantaneous transmission speed of facsimile transmission equipment is a huge advantage over regular conventional mail delivery and accounts for the immense popularity of facsimile as the transmission mechanism of choice in many business.
With the exploding use of facsimile equipment today, there are many businesses that conduct a substantial amount of their business through facsimile transmissions. In addition, many businesses and government agencies use facsimile equipment to send and receive data on a daily basis. These same companies typically also employ sophisticated telephone systems for handling their high volume of inbound and outbound telephone calls. Many businesses such as banking institutions, insurance companies and government entities have an additional requirement of recording and archiving telephone conversations occurring on company telephones. The necessity of recording telephone calls might be required for any number of reasons such as security, liability, eavesdropping, etc. Telephone archiving systems exist today and are employed by many businesses to record, on a long term basis, all internal and external telephone calls.
As with voice telephone call long term storage and retrieval, there is a long felt need by many businesses to be able to store on a long term basis, both inbound and outbound facsimile transmissions. Facsimile storage systems exist in the prior art however none disclose the long term storage, archival and retrieval of facsimile transmissions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,955, issued to Neudorfer, discloses a system for interfacing central office telephone lines with internal facsimile machines. Incoming facsimile transmission data is placed in a memory temporary storage area after being received and before being transmitted. Facsimile transmissions are deleted from the storage after they are transmitted.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,433, issued to Clarkson et al., discloses a system and method for automatically indexing facsimile transmissions into an image management system by applying telephony data accompanying the facsimile transmission to index the transmission by use of a substitution table.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,562, issued to Metser et al., discloses an automated facsimile/voice memory managing system which includes a facsimile board, a voice response board, a storage device and central processing unit (CPU). The storage means disclosed, however, is used to store facsimile transmission on a temporary basis.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,300, issued to Harvath et al., discloses a facsimile store and forward network that includes a network access device and an address processing unit that cooperates to interface an originating facsimile machine with a store and forward inbound node. Facsimile transmission, however, are stored on a temporary basis only.
Another potential problem that exists in present facsimile transmission storage devices is that if the facsimile transmission equipment is using a proprietary non-standard facsimile protocol, it becomes impossible to receive and store it without knowledge of the protocol. One solution to this problem is to have the facsimile transmission recording equipment determine the facsimile protocol to use and subsequently instruct the two facsimile machines accordingly.

Facsimile long term storage and retrieval system


An audience measurement service may monitor broadcasts in a region, ingesting closed captioning data, metadata, displayed text or logos, performing facial recognition on people, and/or generating audio/video fingerprints of broadcast content to create a database of content and associated keywords, along with times at which the content was broadcast. The audience measurement service may receive user search queries from a search provider and detect “spiking” queries. The audience measurement service may determine whether the spiking queries are related, contextually and temporally, to an item of content identified in the database, and infer that users generating the queries likely viewed the item of content. In some implementations, the audience measurement service may also infer that the users likely viewed other items of content (e.g. advertisements) displayed during the prior or subsequent few minutes on the same broadcast channel as the query-triggering item.

Audiences for content blocks, such as broadcast media or online streamed media, including commercial advertising, are typically measured via single-source data panels consisting of individuals or households recording content exposure over time. In one typical system, panel members carry a portable pager-sized device with a microphone that listens for embedded subaudible codes or watermarks in audio of media programs and records the codes it hears, indicating that the panel member was present while the program was being shown or played. The device periodically transmits its logs to a measurement server, which aggregates logs from a plurality of the devices to determine a representative viewership for the program.
At best, panels are only statistically representative of a larger population, and may become very expensive to implement as the panel size is increased in order to reduce statistical error. Additionally, panel compliance is difficult to ensure, as members may fail to carry measurement devices or fill out logs. Finally, in many instances, panel measurement data may be ambiguous to a household, and fail to distinguish between different household members' preferences.

System and method for associating search queries with remote content display


Indium oxide nanowires are used for determining information about different chemicals or Biologics. Chemicals are absorbed to the surface of the nanowires, and cause the semiconducting characteristics of the Nanowires to change. These changed characteristics are sensed, and used to determine either the presence of the materials and/or the concentration of the materials. The nanowires may be between 10 and 30 nm in diameter, formed using a comparable size particle of catalyst material. The nanowires may then be used as part of the channel of a field effect transistor, and the field effect transistor is itself characterized.

Semiconducting metal oxides have been used for chemical sensing.
Indium oxide, or In2O3 has been found to have advantageous sensitivities to certain gases, such as O3, Cl2, NO2, NH3, CO and H2 when used as a sensor. Sensors of this type may be characterized in terms of their sensitivity. The sensitivity of a sensor is defined as the ratio of the resistance of the sensor after exposure, divided by the resistance of the sensor prior to exposure. The sensitivity of indium oxide thin-film devices may be around 58% for diluted NO2 gas, with a response time of several minutes.
Thin-film sensing devices have inherent limitations. These devices may have a limited maximum sensitivity based on the limited surface to volume ratio for the thin films. Moreover, many of these thin-film devices are intended to be operated at high temperatures, for example, 200 to 600° C. These high temperatures may enhance the chemical reactivity between the sensor materials and the surrounding gases. However, this high temperature requirement may be inconvenient for many applications.

Chemical sensor using semiconducting metal oxide nanowires


Systems and methods provide foreign call back number compatibility. The systems and methods receive a local telephone number assigned to a subscriber, the subscriber having a non-local telephone number as the normal calling number of the subscriber. Furthermore, the systems and methods query a database with the local telephone number to obtain the non-local telephone number and to provide the non-local telephone number. In addition, systems and methods provide a foreign call back number compatibility database. The systems and methods receive a local telephone number assigned to a subscriber and a non-local telephone number comprising the normal calling number of the subscriber and saving the local number and the non-local number to a database.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for providing foreign call back number compatibility, for example, for VoIP users who place calls from a static location, where the service was initially installed by the service provider. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing foreign call back number compatibility for voice-over-internet-protocol E9-1-1 calls.
II. Background Information
The Internet has become a mainstream network for communicating not just data, such as email and pictures, but also for providing real-time bi-directional voice communications. Voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) is an industry standard that has evolved to enable users to place telephone calls through the internet, instead of through the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A conventional telephone may now be connected to the internet using an interface device that converts analog telephone signals to digital signals that can be communicated through the internet. A telephone call may be communicated through the internet to a VoIP provider, who converts the call back to an analog signal and places the call through a PSTN that is local to the called telephone. Accordingly, a user can dial a telephone number in a conventional manner and have the call routed through the internet, instead of through a PSTN.
Some telephone services, however, may only be available to users who make calls through a PSTN, and may not be available if the calls are made through the internet. For example, when a user places a call to an emergency number, such as a "911" call, through a PSTN, the emergency call may be routed to a public safety answering point (PSAP). The caller's location and the calling telephone's number may be automatically communicated to a PSAP technician, who may then route the call to the proper emergency service provider.
Users who subscribe to VoIP services may elect to be assigned a telephone number that is not local to that user's local geographic rate center (e.g., a non-local telephone number or a foreign call back number.) For example, a user who resides in Atlanta, Ga., may elect to have a telephone number that is local to Chicago, Ill. Accordingly, such a VoIP telephone number may not be able to be forwarded directly to the PSAP that is normally associated with the caller's location, and/or it may not provide useful information on the caller's location if it were able to be forwarded directly to the PSAP.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for methods and systems for providing foreign call back number compatibility more optimally. Furthermore, there is a need for providing foreign call back number compatibility for VoIP E9-1-1 calls.

Methods and systems for providing foreign call back number compatibility for VoIP E9-1-1 calls


The present invention is an in-vehicle charger for detecting ground faults originating in sections in which alternating current is flowing. This device is an in-vehicle charger (100) for charging a vehicle-mounted battery, wherein the device is provided with: a bridge rectifier (14) for converting alternating current supplied from a power source to direct current; a ground fault detecting circuit (21) for outputting a test voltage when a test current flows in a circuit in the in-vehicle charger (100) and, based on changes in the test current in response to the presence or absence of a ground fault resistor, for detecting a ground fault in the circuit of the in-vehicle charger (100); and a controller (23) for controlling the ground fault sensing circuit (21) so as to output a test voltage exceeding the forward voltage of a diode provided by the bridge rectifier (14).

Since a high-voltage battery is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric automobile or a hybrid automobile, there is a need to provide a ground fault detector in order to ensure the safety of a passenger.
As an example of the ground fault detector, for example, PTL 1 discloses a vehicle ground fault detecting apparatus which highly precisely detects a ground fault of a DC power supply (battery). The vehicle ground fault detecting apparatus applies a rectangular wave pulse signal to one end (a measurement point A) of a coupling capacitor, obtains a measurement voltage when the rectangular wave pulse signal is an H level and a measurement voltage when the rectangular wave pulse signal is an L level, and detects an occurrence of a ground fault based on a difference between the measurement voltages.

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A method of producing a sugar liquid with a cellulose-containing biomass as a raw material includes (1) hydrolyzing a cellulose-containing biomass to produce an aqueous sugar solution, and (2) filtering the aqueous sugar solution obtain in (1) through an ultrafiltration membrane having a molecular weight cutoff of 600 to 2,000 to remove a fermentation inhibitor(s) into the permeate side and collect a sugar liquid from the feed side.

The process of fermentation production of chemical products using sugars as raw materials has been used to produce various industrial materials. At present, as the sugars to be used as fermentation feedstocks, those derived from food materials such as sugar cane, starch and sugar beet are industrially used. However, in view of the fact that rise in the prices of food materials is expected due to future increase in the world population, or in an ethical view of the fact that sugars for industrial materials may compete with sugars for food, a process of efficiently producing a sugar liquid from a renewable nonfood resource, that is, cellulose-containing biomass, or a process of using the obtained sugar liquid as a fermentation feedstock to efficiently convert it to an industrial material, needs to be constructed in the future.
As the prior art for obtaining sugar from biomass, methods wherein concentrated sulfuric acid is used to hydrolyze cellulose and hemicellulose contained in the biomass into monosaccharides represented by glucose and xylose (Japanese Translated PCT Patent Application Laid-open No. 11-506934 and JP 2005-229821 A), and methods wherein pretreatment is carried out for improving the reactivity of biomass, followed by hydrolysis of the biomass by enzymatic reaction (JP 2001-95594 A and JP 3041380 B) are generally known. In such cases, in hydrolysis of a cellulose-containing biomass, decomposition of the cellulose and hemicellulose components and the like proceeds while decomposition reaction of produced sugars such as glucose and xylose proceeds, leading to production of by-products such as furan compounds including furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural, and organic acids including formic acid and acetic acid, which is problematic. These compounds have inhibitory actions during the fermentation step using a microorganism and cause inhibition of the growth of the microorganism, leading to a decreased yield of the fermentation product. Therefore, these compounds are called fermentation inhibitors and have been seriously problematic when a sugar liquid derived from a cellulose-containing biomass was used as a fermentation feedstock. As a method of removing such fermentation inhibitors in the sugar liquid production process, a method by removing fermentation inhibitors with a nanofiltration membrane or reverse osmosis membrane is known (WO 2010/067785).


A control arrangement for apparatuses (1) with several functional actuators operated with a low voltage and supplied by a mains-operated transformer (2) provided with a mains activation device. A manually actuated switching unit (3) consolidated into a switching panel (12) and serves to control the actuators and the mains activation device by switching contacts such as pushbuttons. Transmission paths are provided to transmit control commands to the mains activation device and to the actuators. The switching unit (3) is simplified by separate switching contacts (4, 4′) and (5, 5′) and separate transmission paths (4A) and (5A) respectively provided in the switching unit (3) for the main activation device and for the functional actuators respectively, while the control circuits of the mains activation device and of the functional actuators are permanently separated from one another.

Such a control arrangement is known from EP 0 615 667 B2, in which this control arrangement is described on the example of a multi-motor adjusting apparatus for a bed frame. The solution proposed in this publication makes it possible to activate the mains voltage for the mains transformer and to issue the control command for the apparatus (bed frame adjusting apparatus) with the aid of the electric pushbutton required for the respective adjusting function. The adjusting function is only carried out and the mains voltage for the mains transformer is only activated as long as the pushbutton is depressed. This means that the mains transformer is only switched on during the very short time intervals in which it is actually required. The known disadvantages of transformers that are not mains-activated, e.g., permanent current consumption, transformer humming, and emission of an electromagnetic field, can be reliably prevented. However, it is necessary to arrange an auxiliary voltage source in the control circuits of the mains activation device and of the functional actuators, which are coupled by a single pushbutton in this known control arrangement. This is necessarily realized in the form of a parallel connection between the low-voltage output of the mains transformer and the auxiliary voltage source. The mains activation device in the mains supply line of the mains transformer, which is realized separately from the switching unit, can only be activated in this way with the aid of one of the switching contacts of the switching unit that is initially voltage-free due to the mains isolation. Once this activation takes place, the switching unit is supplied with an operating voltage by the mains transformer as long as the switching contact of the switching unit is operated. During this time, the auxiliary voltage source competes with the operating voltage source (mains transformer).
Based on these circumstances, the invention aims to simplify the switching unit. It would, in particular, be desirable to eliminate the problems of competing voltage supplies of the switching unit.

Control arrangement for mains-operated apparatuses that are supplied with a low voltage and provided with a mains activation device


This invention refers to an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette device. The electronic cigarette includes an outer shell defining a display window, and a thermometer module disposed on the outer shell; the thermometer module comprises a measuring unit, a display unit located within the outer shell and a circuit processing unit; the measuring unit gets a temperature data of an object to be measured or medium and transmits the temperature data to the circuit processing unit, and finally the circuit processing unit controls the display unit to display the temperature data. The measuring unit comprises a temperature sensing component located at an outer wall of the outer shell of the electronic cigarette and pins electrically connected the temperature sensing component to the circuit processing unit. The electronic cigarette has a function of sensing and measuring body temperature, or temperature of other objects or medium, such as the ambient temperature.

Currently electronic cigarettes capable of sensing and measuring body temperature have not yet appeared on the market, the existing electronic cigarettes include a sucking rod and a power rod, and the sucking rod includes: a sucking cylinder, a sucking nozzle, a liquid smoke cup used for storing liquid smoke, and an atomizing device fixed in the sucking cylinder and comprising individual atomizer and atomizing cup.
Existing electronic cigarettes have the following shortcomings: they not have the function of measuring body temperature or object temperature, or the ambient temperature; since the atomizing device is fixed to the sucking cylinder and can not be replaced, the atomizing device is disposable; the atomizing device adopts an individual atomizer, atomizing speed of the liquid smoke is slightly slower, and the amount of smoke is less; because the sucking nozzle and the liquid smoke cup are individually manufactured, the structure is more complex and production cost is higher.

Electronic cigarette and electronic cigarette device

HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., SHENZHEN BRANCH


A versatile water sprayer is provided. The sprayer includes a tubular handle connecting one end to a water source and the other end to an universal adapter which is composed of a plurality of coarse surfaced hollow joints and connected at the other end with an atomizer which either has a plurality of different sized water passages at a forward surface or a plurality of tangential nozzles in lateral periphery. So that this sprayer is characterized in that the water can be sprayed forward in selective mount or adjustably sprayed laterally over a large area such as a garden or green pastures. The universal adapter is flexible to be bent toward multi-directions.

The present invention relates to sprayer and/or atomizer apparatus and more particularly to a versatile water sprayer which is rotatable and flexible so as to twist to multi-directions.
Typical water sprayer (as shown in FIG. 1) includes generally a bent pipe 1 and an atomizer 2 releasably connected with the pipe 1 which in turn connects to a water source. The atomizer 2 includes a perforated forward surface 3 from which the water spurts out. Other types of the water sprayer include a tubular handle which connects on one end to the atomizer and the other end to a hose. The handle is bent according to the ergonomics so as to facilitate the handle grip of the user. Because these types of the water sprayers have their solid structure, they are difficult to spray upward unless the water will wet the user himself. Besides, they can not rotate to spray the water to a large area such as a garden or a pastures, they are limited in use.


Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A base station may configure uplink resources within a slot to enable a user equipment (UE) to transmit an acknowledgment (ACK) feedback message for multiple downlink semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) configurations. For example, the base station may transmit an additional configuration to the UE that indicates uplink resources that the UE can use to transmit acknowledgment feedbacks for multiple downlink messages received according to the SPS configurations, where the UE determines which uplink resource to use based on a number of acknowledgment information bits to be transmitted for the acknowledgment feedback message. For example, if the number of acknowledgment information bits is below a threshold value, the UE may use a first uplink resource configured by the base station. Alternatively, if the number of acknowledgment information bits is above the threshold value, the UE may use a second uplink resource.

Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform spread orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of base stations or network access nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE).
In some wireless communications systems, a base station may transmit a downlink message to a UE, where the UE transmits acknowledgment feedback indicating whether the downlink message is received correctly or not. For example, if the downlink message is received and decoded correctly by the UE, the UE may transmit a positive acknowledgment (ACK) in the acknowledgment feedback to the base station. Alternatively, if the downlink message is not received or decoded correctly by the UE, the UE may transmit a negative acknowledgment (NACK) in the acknowledgment feedback to the base station, and the base station may perform a mitigative action based on receiving the NACK feedback message (e.g., retransmit the downlink message, increase transmission power for the downlink message, etc.). However, in some cases, the UE may receive multiple downlink messages for which the UE is to provide acknowledgment feedback, which may cause collisions for the acknowledgment feedback and issues for the UE that is to prepare the acknowledgment feedback for the multiple downlink messages.

Acknowledgment feedback for multiple active downlink semi-persistent scheduling configurations


Novel 3-substituted-1-aryl-2(1H)-quinolones useful as anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperproliferative skin disease agents are disclosed. The quinolones are represented by Formula 1: ##STR1## Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment employing such compounds are also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,246 discloses substituted pyrazolo [4.3-C] quinolines having the formula: ##STR2## which are disclosed as being able to antagonize the activity of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and as being useful as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of disease states involving enzymatic tissue destruction.
European Patent Application, Publication No. 0 120 483A1 published Oct. 3, 1984 (Application No. 84103231.1 filed Mar. 23, 1984) discloses (1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-2(1H)-quinolones of the formula: ##STR3##
In the formula "A" is --CH.dbd. or --N.dbd.; "R" is H or alkyl of 1-4C; "n" is 0, 1 or 2; and "X" is H, alkyl of 1-4C, alkoxy of 1-4C, halogen, methylmercapto, methylsulfonyl, or two X's can be combined as methylenedioxy; with the proviso that, when X is methylmercapto or methylsulfonyl, then n must be 1. The document discloses that the compounds are useful as anti-allergy agents.
European Patent Application, Publication No. 0 226 357A1, published Jun. 24, 1987 (Application No. 86309207.8 filed Nov. 11, 1986) discloses substituted 2-(1H)-quinolones of the formula: ##STR4##
In the formula "Het" is a 5-membered monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic group containing at least one nitrogen atom in the aromatic ring and attached by a nitrogen atom to the 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-position of the quinolone. In the formula "R", which is attached to the 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-position of the quinolone, is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, hydroxy, CF.sub.3, halo, cyano or hydroxymethyl. According to the document, these compounds are cardiac stimulants.
Commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin, indomethacin and piroxicam act by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme, frequently leading to such side effects as gastric irritation and ulcers. Thus, there is a need for compounds with anti-inflammatory properties which do not cause or show a marked reduction in the incidence of such side effects. This invention provides compounds having anti-inflammatory as well as anti-allergy activity which affects both 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and cyclooxygenase (CO) derived mediators and should lead to less incidence of serious side effects.

3-Substituted-1-aryl-2(1H)-quinolones useful as anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory agents


The present invention provides an improved oil pan that acts as a radiated noise reduction product. More specifically, the invention addresses the case of a broad frequency forced response sound radiation for structurally rigid cast aluminum engine oil pans. The improved oil pan comprises a foam rubber isolating layer coupled to the oil pan and a urethane outer barrier layer coupled to the foam rubber isolating layer. The oil pan has side walls comprised of a plurality of differently-sized flat panels. The vibration isolation takes place locally on the oil pan surfaces, not at the attachments that connect the oil pan to the engine. The net result is a significant reduction in the oil pan radiation efficiency within the desired frequency range of 2 kHz and above.

A typical oil pan is placed beneath a cylinder block and crank shaft of an internal combustion engine. The oil pan is configured to receive oil that drains or is otherwise exhausted from the cylinder block and the crank shaft and/or main bearings that support the crank shaft. The oil collects in a sump of the oil pan and is then pumped from a sump pick-up location into a lubrication system associated with the engine. The oil pan is subject to loud noise and vibrations emanating from the engine.
Traditional means for reducing radiated sound from engine components include damping of structural resonance, acoustic absorption of sound through acoustic absorption covers, and isolation of the engine component from the source of vibration input energy at the site of attachment.
The proper selection of the most effective solution is known after it is determined whether the radiated noise is the result of a resonant response or forced response. Resonant response refers to the tendency of a system to amplify more oscillatory energy directed at it at the frequencies that match the system's natural frequency of vibration than at other frequencies i.e the system radiates more noise at the resonant frequencies of the system. Forced response refers to a system that radiates noise in a broad frequency range. Unlike resonant response, there is no dominant specific radiation frequency in forced response.
Acoustic absorption covers cannot be implemented on oil pans in production as the materials used for acoustic absorption covers deteriorate under exposure to the under-vehicle environment of salt, water, stones, road debris, and the close proximity to high temperature exhaust system components within the package space available. The method of attachment isolation of the engine component cannot be used in cast aluminum engine oil pans because they are structural components that must react to powertrain-bending forces.

Apparatus and method for forced response acoustic isolation enclosure in cast aluminum oil pan


A device and system for detecting dynamic strain. The device comprises a longitudinally extending carrier and an optical fiber embedded along an outer surface of a length of the carrier. The optical fiber comprises at least one pair of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) tuned to reflect substantially identical wavelengths. The system comprises the device and an interrogator comprising a laser source and a photodetector. The interrogator is configured to perform interferometry by shining laser light along the optical fiber and detecting light reflected by the FBGs. The interrogator outputs dynamic strain measurements based on interferometry performed on the reflected light.

In a variety of industries, such as the oil and gas industry, the effect of dynamic strain on various components may be material for determining whether those components are functioning properly and for forecasting the expected life of those components. Dynamic strain may also be monitored for detecting failures in components such as well casing and pipelines. Research and development accordingly continue into methods, systems and techniques for detecting dynamic strain.

Device and system for detecting dynamic strain


A method of measuring light levels, particularly the measurement of exterior light levels in the zone of approach to a tunnel in which vehicles are moving, and from which exterior light levels the minimum light level to be programed inside the tunnel can be calculated, by means of a photo-sensitive cell installed in a recessed tube in order to sense light levels contained within a cone defined by the center of the cell, which constitutes the apex of the cone, and by at least the open end of the tube. The method includes limiting the quantity of light rays entering into tube via the cone, and a device is provided for implementing the method.

This invention is concerned with a method of measuring light levels, particularly the measurement of exterior light levels in the zone of approach to a tunnel in which vehicles are moving, and from which exterior light levels the minimum light level to be programed inside the tunnel can be calculated, by means of a photo-sensitive cell installed in a recessed tube so arranged as to sense light levels contained within a cone defined by the center of the cell, which is located along the axis of the tube and which constitutes the apex of the cone, and by at least the open end of the tube.
It is known that the interior light level in a tunnel, particularly in the mouth of the tunnel, must be adapted to the prevailing exterior light level in the zone of approach to the tunnel and that, for users entering the tunnel, this adaptation must maintain the proper level of visibility.
The idea of measuring this exterior light level--generally referred to as the adaptive light level for drivers--in order to calculate the minimum light level to be programed inside the tunnel has previously been conceived according to two distinct methods, to wit:
The first method, known as "L.sub.20.", is one in which the light level in the zone of approach to a tunnel is treated as a constant corresponding to the arithmetic mean of light levels contained within a 20.degree. cone of revolution, which corresponds very nearly to the driver's field of vision, the latter being limited by the edges of the windshield in the driver's vehicle.
This method is implemented by means of a light meter used in the lighting control system for tunnels. The light meter, the response curve of which is constant between 0.degree. and 20.degree., consists substantially of a photo-sensitive cell provided at the back of a tube of circular transverse cross-section, such that the center of the light meter is located on the axis of the tube. The 20.degree. opening of the above-mentioned cone is, on the one hand, defined by the center of the photo-sensitive cell and the rim of the tube delineating the tube's open end and, on the other hand, obtained through the means of a group of diaphragms, with openings of various diameters, aligned in planes perpendicular to the axis of the tube. The open areas of these diaphragms decrease in size along the front-to-back direction inside the tube.
Even though it has the advantage of simplicity, the L.sub.20. method has the disadvantage of lacking a precise physiological response to the phenomenon of light level adaptation by the human eye.
A second method, known as "L.sub.seq ", is based on the fact that it is essential to determine the light level to which the driver's eye is physiologically adapted in the zone of approach to the tunnel in order to calculate the light required inside the tunnel, and particularly in the mouth of the tunnel.
The factor that influences adaptive light level is the light level under haze conditions (L.sub.seq) equivalent to that produced by the various light levels in a vehicle driver's field of vision.
According to known researchers, such as STILES, HOLLADAY, and FRY, said light level L.sub.seq obeys the following law: Light level L.sub.seq is directly proportional to the illumination falling on the eye from various light sources in the eye's field of vision, and inversely proportional to the square of the angle between the direction of view and the light source.
Thus, in measuring light levels that will determine the light level at the mouth of a tunnel, this method involves taking into consideration the various light levels in a vehicle driver's field of vision. A light meter capable of making aforesaid measurement, in accordance with the law stated above, requires a lens (known as a "FRY lens") which is highly complicated and very costly; this has the disadvantage of restricting the application of L.sub.seq method and the use of such a light meter.

Method of measuring light levels and device for implementing this method

Financiere des Applications de l'Electricity S.A.


The invention provides a method of operating a channel recommendation system, including, providing a channel recommendation bid interface, receiving a bid request on the interface, and displaying a recommendation link to the channel on at least one user recommendation display device based on the bid request. Real time viewership information may also be used in the operation of the channel recommendation system.

The networked world, particularly the Internet, World Wide Web (WWW), and television service has numerous communication formats and interactions. Some of the most ubiquitous include email, HTML web pages, and television. Over the past several years, there has been an increased interaction between these methods of communication and interfaces including information related to user profiles, various network information sources and feed formatted content.
FIG. 1 shows representative feed formatted content 100. Feed formatted content is structured data, such as for example Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Extensible Markup Language (XML), or a subset of a general format such as RSS (Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication), a hybrid or extension of some such standard, or the like. Feed formatted content 100 may be accessed through a feed, stored in a local file, or the like. A feed is the data returned when a request for feed formatted content is made. Feed formatted content may include a feed header 101. In one embodiment, feed header 101 includes a header labeling feed formatted content 100 as XML data, and further provides two element wrappers: rss and channel. Feed formatted content 100 often represents multiple items, as is that displayed in FIG. 1. Each feed item 106 may represent one or more news headlines, events, search results, items for sale or any other data. Feed item 106 may contain any number of elements. For example, it may include a title element 107, link element 108, and a description element 109. The term feed formatted content may describe an entire feed, a portion of a feed, a feed item, or a portion of a feed item.
It would be useful to provide a method for channel recommendations and shared communications based on various network information sources.

Method of operating a channel recommendation system

Abstract: The invention further provides a method of operating a shared information system, including, receiving a recorded clip recommendation request, determining a recipient based on the recommendation request, wherein the recipient is a user different from the recommendation source, determining a recorded video clip based on the recommendation request, determining an ad based on a profile associated with the recipient, and associating the determined clip and the determined ad with the recipient. Real time viewership information may also be used in the operation of the shared information system.


A process of making a multi-layered product from an extruded sheet or web of material (42) having parallel upper and lower walls (130) and a plurality of spacers (134) extending between the upper and lower walls (130) is provided. Portions of the extruded web or extrudate (42) are removed in selected areas. The lightened web is then folded. Outer skins are then applied to the folded web. The extrudate (42) is formed into a product (10) having a plurality of cells (14). The cells (14) may have one or more openings (34), allowing access to an interior of the cell (14) and reducing the weight of the product (10).

In the aerospace industry, honeycomb products have been used as a core component for sandwich panels and boards that are resistant to buckling and bending. These honeycomb products each comprise a plurality of cells, which in cross-section have a generally hexagonal shape. Such products may be fabricated from aluminum, fiber paper or plastic, among other materials. A sandwich structure may be prepared having two cover layers or skins which are welded, adhesively bonded or otherwise secured to the honeycomb product to create a multi-layered or multi-laminate material. Interest expressed in other industrial sectors concerning the use of lightweight sandwich structures is continually growing, due at least in part to the realization of its high strength properties while maintaining a relatively low structural weight-per-volume of product.
A multi-layered or multi-laminate material having a honeycomb product as the core thereof may be used in the packaging industry. However, in automobile part packaging and comparable markets, such a product must compete with corrugated paperboard or corrugated plastic or like materials which may be produced quickly and relatively inexpensively.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,836 discloses a honeycomb core for use in a sandwich material in which the material of the honeycomb core is cut and then folded to create a plurality of hexagonal cells. Due to the cuts in the sheet prior to folding the sheet, the resultant cells may be weaker than desired.
A process for producing a folded honeycomb core for use in sandwich materials from a continuous uncut web is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,974. U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,351 discloses another process for producing a folded honeycomb core which includes scoring a corrugated material before rotating interconnected corrugated strips. The honeycomb core resulting from using either of these methods may have material which adds to the weight of the honeycomb core, but may not significantly improve the strength of the honeycomb core.
Accordingly, there is a need for a product which may be used alone or in a multi-layered material, and which has a favorable strength-to-weight ratio.
There is further a need for a process for manufacturing a product, such as a core for use alone or in a multi-layered material, which is less expensive and may be produced in higher quantities than heretofore known processes.

Method of making sandwich-like product starting with extruded profile


Invention provides a self latching, object-holding fixture designed to release a held object whenever the object is turned slightly in either direction. Fixture has a shaped housing and the object to be held has a mated opening of a similar matching shape. Placing an object to be held locks the object to the fixture by spring-loaded latching action. The fixture housing covers a fixed spring holding base that is anchored by any suitable means to a support surface. Covering that fixed-position base, except for exposed spring-loaded keeper latches, is a rotatable casing having a pair of spring compression cam surfaces carried by the casing. Using a cam follower action, these cam surfaces selectively cause the spring to collapse in response to the rotation of the casing holding in either direction of casing rotation. As the object/casing is turned slightly, this cam follower/spring collapse action releasably disengages the keepers from the object being held.

The field of the invention relates to a new and improved lock/release method and a self-locking/bi-directional, turn-release fixture. More specifically, the field relates to a bi-directional striker actuated release for such a locking fixture, and particularly to such a fixture that will release a locked device by a slight turn applied to the locked device in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
The specific field of the invention as described herein relates to an environment of travel containers for a vehicle, but other environments such as spice racks, shipboard use holders, toys and the general latch/release field will equally benefit from the principles of this novel invention
In today""s society, our fast paced and hectic travel requirements, have made drinking coffee and other liquids in a vehicle an everyday occurrence. Every commuter has noticed, in an adjacent expressway lane, that his fellow commuter is drinking morning coffee on the way to work. Service and comfort stations, generally catering to such travel demands, display a wide variety of travelling containers. The particular lock/release fixture of this invention, while it is no means so limited, is described in such a travelling container environment.
A search was done and that search has disclosed a number of related references, some of marginal relevance, which will be discussed hereinafter. The references disclose a diverse number of method and apparatus for travel mugs and fixtures for holding same. Generally speaking, the search reveals that various designs of travel mugs and bases for use in a vehicle, together with some way for stabilizing a container in place on a base are well known. Additionally, some of the prior art seeks to provide structure aimed at preventing spillage.
None of the search references, however, demonstrate the integrated, novel features of this invention which provide a simple way to self lock a travel mug by placing the mug unto a mug-holding fixture, together with a simple release of that mug for removal from its locked position. A divided latch keeper pair is bi-directionally spring loaded for self latching and a spreadable release in either rotational direction.
The prior art developed by the search included the following patents:
Each of the patents will now be reviewed, taking the patents of the search in the order listed above:
Sadler shows two protruding ears located near the bottom of a mug in combination with a coin holder cap which fits over a base. An upstanding circular track receives a cup bottom and has located therein a pair of opposed tapered slots for engagement with the cup ears for holding the cup in place. Turning the cup frictionally holds the cup in place to prevent spillage. This reference discloses cup holding, but does not suggest a centrally located nut nor the split keeper latching and/or unlatching features of the present invention.
Allen et al discloses a funiary urn that is seated in cross-shaped uprights and is attached to a base by a central bolt 64. (Please see FIG. 4.) This airtight container is not for the same purpose and is clearly distinguishable from the present invention. Note in particular that there is no teaching, desire, nor need to turn about xe2x85x9th of a turnxe2x80x94right or leftxe2x80x94for unlocking purposes.
Campbell shows an adjustable circular base with upstanding velcro straps for holding a beverage container. Campbell also shows a base structure having hooks and elastic bands for attachment to a carpet or seat of a vehicle. Other than some superficial resemblance as to shape, this reference is not relevant to the structure or concepts of the present invention.
Lan discloses a suction cup base that provides a non-turnover support system for a cup, glass, etc. A flexible cupule 2 hooks with a series of containers 31 and 32 that receive an object 5 to be held. Both the structure and method of the present invention are markedly different than that disclosed by Lan. In particular, there is no teaching or suggestion in Lan of any form of self locking and/or unlocking by turning, much less any split striker latching operation for a bi-direction rotational release.
Thompson discloses a wedge shaped base to hold a drinking vessel upright on sloping seats. A notch and recess lock is shown in FIG. 8 of Thompson. This approach does not suggest a self locking/slight-turn-unlocking feature of the present invention.
Bridges shows a raised track 31, FIG. 4, having a guiding bead 32 on a base 33 for guiding the bottom of a cup 10 into a recess in base 33. The cup has an outer ring 21 near its bottom 34 as shown in FIG. 1. The purpose of the Bridges ring 21 and guide track 31 is to center a cup over the recess so that it can drop safely into that recess. This art, centered as it is on guiding for a free drop of the cup, does not teach or suggest any split striker keeper latching or self locking and/or unlocking by a small turn in either direction as provided by the present invention.
Persch discloses a bottle dispenser for specially shaped bottles 4 having a tapered foot 5. The Persch base 1 has two rotating disks with apertures in each, and these disks, or stars, as Persch calls them, form a locking device for grasping the bottle near the tapered foot of the bottle. A blind bore 25, pressure spring 27 and ball 26 stops the rotating stars in either a removal or locked position for the bottles.
Silberger discloses a conventional lazy susan type spice rack having a central spindle and two tiers for holding spices that can be rotated into position for easy handling. This reference is not relevant to the present invention.
These four design patents are mostly relevant for showing types of container designs that have been patented by others. None of them are particularly relevant to the structure of the present invention.
In my pending parent Application the Examiner did a search and found many of my claims allowable over the following references:
In summary, the conceptual approach underlying this invention relies upon different operating principles than those disclosed by the above listed art. A divided striker keeper is not disclosed nor is there any reliance in the art on turning a held object in order to initiate a desired release by use of a spring loaded divided keeper. None of the references teach or suggest that a bi-directional turn of a held object will cause cammed unloading of a latching spring in order to cause a pair of latch keeper halves to release a held object.
This invention provides a self latching, object-holding fixture that is designed to self latch. Further, it is designed to self release an object when the object is turned slightly in either rotational direction. The inventive fixture has a shaped housing with the object being held, having a mated opening of a similar matching shape. Placing the object and the matching housing together causes the object to become latched. Rotating the object in either direction through a limited arc causes the object to become unlatched.
The housing covers a spring holding base that is anchored to an external support surface by any suitable means (central bolt or by peripheral screws, for example).
A limited-arc rotatable casing covers that fixed-position base. Exposed spring-loaded keeper sections project from openings in the casing. The rotatable casing may have up to three or more pairs of independent spring compression cam surfaces located on its interior underside. One each of these rotating cam surfaces, depending upon the direction of rotation, serves to releasably disengage the object being held as the objectxe2x80x94and therefor the casingxe2x80x94is rotated by a user.
The fixture of the invention includes, on the fixed base, a mounting recess for anchoring a pair of spring-loaded striker keepers with an exposed downwardly inclined leading edge. A forward edge of the striker keepers projects through and slightly beyond a side opening in the casing. This striker, for self latching purposes, is adapted for back and forth sliding movement into and out of the casing when an object (such as a container, for example) is placed over the casing.
The split keepers, during a self-latching mode of operation, slide in concert inwardly as a unit; and, under urging of spring loading on the striker, automatically self lock an object in place. The surrounding casing, which houses the spring and striker mechanism, rotates in either direction on a fixed supporting base. Arc limiting stops in the form of shoulders in arcuate openings of a rotatable plate provide for limited-arc rotation of this housing. At these limit positions the previously held object is in an unlockedxe2x80x94or free-to-removexe2x80x94position.
Each keeper is split into two halves, and each half is adapted for movement in opposite and spreadable directions. These keepers are spring biased such that they may move apart and become concealed within the casingxe2x80x94as the casing is rotatedxe2x80x94so that the object is freely released from a locked position.
Keeper halves are moved in opposite directions by a cam that moves one halve away from the other as the casing turns. Thus, one keeper half of the pair is moved in response to a cam contact against one side of a figure-8 shaped latching spring. This cam is adapted to ride against and compress that keeper""s spring surface as the casing is rotated. A side opening in the casing, as the casing turns, conceals the other keeper halve. Thus, the keepersxe2x80x94in response to a casing rotation in either directionxe2x80x94unlocks the previously locked-in-place object.
In one embodiment the latching spring and split keeper pair are formed from a split flexible loop spring that has been turned back upon itself into a shape resembling a figure eight. This figure eight spring configuration has both a closed loop and a split loop section formed by an overlapping spring intersection. The closed loop is located in a fixed housing recess positioned toward the center of the casing, while the split loop section is located outboard near the casing periphery where the keeper pair are exposed beyond a forward edge of the side opening.
The fixed support base also includes an interior stop post that is located just beyond the intersection of the figure eight loops. That stop post both compresses the spring and positions two opposed bias spring arms with sufficient tension that the split keeper sections are normally biased together and compressibly held for unitary sliding movement during self locking. This stop post in one embodiment has a T shaped top for added support and strength. Direct or torque-causing loads on a latched object are strongly resisted by a transverse wing on the top of the stop post.
As the casing rotatesxe2x80x94via a latched object as turned by a userxe2x80x94one half of the figure eight spring collapses away from the stop post, and the other half is prevented from moving by the stop post. That other half is encompassed by the turned casing. In so doing, the locking spring tension has been sufficiently altered that the object is freely released from its formally locked position by the casing cam action described below.
The above-described spring collapse is caused by an interior casing cam which rides against one spring bias arm in a direction that tends to move the keeper pair apart, and concurrently moves the cammed keeper inwardly. Such casing and cam movement further moves the keeper sections apart as the arc of the rotation increases. When the spring has compressed sufficientlyxe2x80x94and the casing has rotated over the non-collapsing spring sectionxe2x80x94both keeper halves are fully concealed within the casing.
Accordingly, the locking striker edges are no longer in a position of contact with the striker plate, or puck, on the object and the object may be lifted free of the fixture nut. Upon so doing, the spring tension causes the casing to automatically rotate back to its starting position with keeper edges exposed so that the fixture is ready to again repeat the whole process.
As research continued on my inventionxe2x80x94and destructive tests on pre-production models were donexe2x80x94some plastic part breakage was experienced under extreme loads. I therefore developed a further embodiment of my invention that withstands those extreme loads without breakage.
I discovered that a side load on a held object was an adverse condition. Such a load (depending on the height of the object experiencing the load) caused a large moment arm force which might result in part breakage. This drawback was cured by T-shaped anti-torque stop pins having transverse wings at the top of the stop posts. Such posts are located directly on the mounting base. The keeper spring pairs were held under the wing of the stop pin and the breakage did not take place. However, this correctionxe2x80x94as more and more tests were donexe2x80x94revealed another problem relating to direct pulls on a latched object.
As larger pull loads were applied, such loads would deform and deflect the bottoms of the keeper pairs upward, and the mating edge of the puck downward, creating unintended sloping surfaces. These large load tests of direct pull on the latched object, combined with the above-noted deflected surfaces overcome the overlapped spring tension and force the striker keeper pairs open. Upon application of sufficient force the keepers withdrew into the casing and resulted in a premature release. A mating notch and ridge interlocks the keeper strikers and the casing openings, and that interlock solved the premature release problem.
Keeper interlocks on the strikers and casing openingsxe2x80x94one per keeper pairxe2x80x94take the form of mating recess and keeper ridges which become mutually engaged during a direct pull. Thus, a pair of raised ridges or teeth on the upper surface of a keeper pair engages with a matching mating recess in the underside of the top casing opening that houses the keeper pair. These interlocks serve an anti-spread function that prevent the keepers from spreading apart and/or retracting under high direct pull loads. Such spreading otherwise results in an undesired release. This refinement, though seemingly small in structure, has increased the load resistance of my invention several fold, and makes it a secure lock under dynamic load conditions.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a lock/release fixture that easily self-locks an object in place.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a releasable fixture which may be released by a slight turn in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a self locking bi-directional lock/release fixture capable of safely and conveniently holding a drinking container in a vehicle for release by either a left or right handed passenger.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a pair of spring loaded, side-by-side locking/release keepers, which keepers are responsive to a rearward movement resulting from downward contact by a piece to be locked for automatically seizing the piece in a self-locked condition.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a pair of spring loaded, side-by-side locking/release keepers, which keepers are responsive to a cam follower movement and housing concealment for latch release.
It is another object of this invention to provide a self locking/turn release container that is adapted to hold a mug, bottle or can in a non-spillable condition in a vehicle.
It is yet another object of this invention to employ spring loaded divided latch keepers and a cam collapsed spring for release of an object being held.
It is still one further object of this invention to employ anti-spreading mating surfaces on a keeper pair to absorb greater direct pulls without experiencing any part breakage.
It is yet one further object of this invention to provide anti-torque wings on locking pins in order to absorb greater amounts of load applied to a held object.
It is a further object of this invention to locate a winged pin over latched keeper springs in order to absorb greater loads on a held object without experiencing part breakage.
It is a further object of this invention to provide ridged keeper pairs for additional locking against increased loads.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a fitted notch in the casing to receive ridged keeper pairs for additional locking.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a fitted notch of limited width relative to keeper ridges which prevents spreading under load.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a keeper pair ridges, mating casing notches which prevent keeper retraction under load.

Self locking bi-directional lock/release fixture


The invention relates to a device and a method by means of which personalized printed items can be produced and printed out. The invention permits a user inexperienced in carrying out research to compile information in accordance with personal search criteria. The information found is automatically adjusted to the dimensions of the printed item set by the user so that said user is able to compile a personalized book containing numerous ample passages without first having to familiarize himself with a search algorithm or data bank structures. The invention is designed especially for use in the non-fiction domain since large volumes of scientific data are already stored in electronically readable data banks. Other applications of the invention include the compilation of sample passages from fiction books or the production of a customized travel guide.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a device and to a method for processing and printing information.
2. Description of the Related Art
During the course of the progress of information technology, information is being made available in more and more different ways. What is probably the fastest development has been accomplished in the field of electronically stored information. Nonetheless, there continues to be a need to print out information. There is a need to get electronically stored information in a high-performance fashion and to supply the information in printed form to interested parties easily and quickly.
A specific field has been created for this purpose, which is referred to as "Print on Demand" (PoD). In this field, for example, services are offered with which books can be printed at specific print stations in response to an individual order. This method makes it possible that large editions of the books need not be printed and stored centrally and be delivered to the dealers from the central warehouse; rather, the dealer merely receives the information to be printed in the book in electronic form and prints out the information in book form with the dealer's print station. Since the dealer is usually located close to the final consumer, the dealer can offer the consumer an arbitrary book without keeping it in stock and can deliver it a short time later. For example, such a system is described under the title "Entwicklung neuer Medien-Konzepte für PoD-Dienstleister" in the periodical Deutscher Drucker No. 35/98 of 17 Sep. 1998. Such systems also make it possible for the informational content of the books or, respectively, for the corresponding data to be delivered to the print station via the Internet. For example, Xerox Corp. offers a corresponding service under the trademark "Xerox Book in Time".
Compared to conventional publishing and book retailing, the advantages of such PoD systems are that the costs for transporting the books over long distances are avoided and that no costs are incurred for warehousing the books, since the books are printed just-in-time on demand, small editions can be economically published, and the number of books to be printed is independent of the size of the edition, so that an arbitrarily great number of books is printed given a corresponding demand. Moreover, this means faster delivery for the customer since the electronic communication of the respective book content via data networks can ensue in a few minutes. This is particularly true of rarely ordered books.
A software program is known under the trademark HP Web PRINTSMART, whereby information from different Internet web sites can be read out or stored and printed out as a single document with a continuous format. With this program, for example, a user can compile the user's daily paper, which the user fetches via the Internet and prints out on the user's printer. The special characteristic of this program is that web pages that are formatted for display at a picture screen are converted into a format suitable for the printer. This program merely reads information from web pages.
The information stored in the web page usually serves advertising purposes and can thus serve only conditionally as an information source for a specific topic.
There are numerous electronic data banks that can cover general topics are that are specialized for specific fields, particularly occupations. Such data banks are usually only available to limited user circles who have contracted with the vendors of these data banks to the effect that they are allowed to use the data banks in exchange for a corresponding payment.
Even though enormous quantities of information are electronically stored and accessible via data networks, only selected and extremely limited circles have access to such information sources. It is thus hardly possible to get an overview of the electronically stored information for a specific topic of interest for someone who does not have such access to these information sources or who wants to be informed in a field outside that person's specific field.
The German Patent document DE 196 51 788 A1 discloses a method for data determination and editing in information networks such as, for example, the Internet. A targeted, time-saving search for arbitrary information is supposed to be possible with this method. This method is characterized by "intelligent" search engines that, for example, eliminate redundant datasets, abort the search when the number of datasets exceeds a prescribed maximum, or a further search run is implemented when the number of identified relevant datasets is higher than this limit, whereby the user or the search program provides a further relevant search word and a second search run is started. In this method, the individual search passes are interactively implemented, as a result whereof the user respectively intervenes in the search.
The above-mentioned German Patent document DE 196 51 788 A1, further, discloses a training matrix with synonymous descriptors that enable a search for descriptors having the same content after an unsuccessful search. In this method, for example, the user is automatically assisted by automatic suggestions of further search terms (descriptors) in order to carry out an optimally precise search, whereby the given maximum limit of datasets should not be exceeded.
The publication "Das Patent Informationssystem PATIS", by Dr. Volker Hartung and Dr. Klaus Ströβner, German Patent and Trademark Office, May 1994, discloses a search system for searching patents that comprises a data network, data terminals such as, for example, search stations, archive computers, and control computers, etc. Given this search system, input masks can be employed for inputting the desired search terms.
Formulation aids for locating search terms for the data bank search with which search terms can be input into corresponding input masks are described in training documents for the patent information system DEPATIS, particularly on pages 51 and 53.

Device and method for processing and printing information


A fluid ejection assembly includes a first layer, and a second layer positioned on a side of the first layer. The second layer has a side adjacent the side of the first layer and includes barriers defining a fluid chamber on the side, a drop ejecting element formed within the fluid chamber, and a thermal conduction path extended between the fluid chamber and the barriers.

An inkjet printing system, as one embodiment of a fluid ejection system, may include a printhead, an ink supply which supplies liquid ink to the printhead, and an electronic controller which controls the printhead. The printhead, as one embodiment of a fluid ejection device, ejects ink drops through a plurality of orifices or nozzles and toward a print medium, such as a sheet of paper, so as to print onto the print medium. Typically, the orifices are arranged in one or more arrays such that properly sequenced ejection of ink from the orifices causes characters or other images to be printed upon the print medium as the printhead and the print medium are moved relative to each other.
In one arrangement, the drops of ink are developed by a firing resistor which generates heat within a fluid chamber and develops a bubble which displaces fluid that forms a drop at the orifice. Unfortunately, the heat generated with the fluid chamber may affect operation of the printhead.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The present invention relates to altering the physical and/or chemical properties of at least part of at least one tissue in the eye. In a specific embodiment, it relates to the treatment and/or prevention of myopia. An activating energy source is utilized to photopolymerize or crosslink molecules in the sclera, thereby increasing the strength of the tissue. The individual is administered a crosslinking reagent or photopolymerizable molecule that becomes associated with the membrane, which is then precisely exposed to an energy source, such as light or ultrasound.

Myopia affects approximately 25% of the U.S. population, and as high as 80% of the Asian population in some countries. High degrees of myopia (such as >8 diopters, for example) are less common, but are associated with progressive chorioretinal degeneration. In the subset of high myopes who develop this degeneration (pathologic myopia) irreversible visual loss occurs, often during the fifth and sixth decades of life. In Asia, pathologic myopia is the leading cause of untreatable blindness, affecting approximately 1% of the population. At present, there is no proven effective treatment for pathologic myopia.
In degenerative myopia there is progressive axial enlongation of the eye. The excessive axial enlargement in degenerative myopia causes stretching and thinning of the ocular coats (sclera and chorioretinal tissues). Because this stretching and thinning occurs preferentially in the posterior pole and involves the macula, eyes with degenerative myopia are subject to visual loss. The causes of scleral thinning and stretching in degenerative myopia are incompletely understood, but enhanced turnover of scleral collagen and alteration of scleral glycosaminoglycans are contributory in the disease. As the mechanical properties of the sclera are altered in myopia, the eye is prone to stretching due to the load effect of intraocular pressure. Currently, there are no proven means to prevent the excessive ocular enlargement that occurs in degenerative myopia. Were it possible to retard or prevent ocular enlargement, progression of myopia could be diminished and visual loss prevented at least in part. Increasing the tensile strength or modulus of the sclera is a means to prevent ocular enlargement and reduce progression of myopia.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,541 is directed to methods to improve visual acuity including administering a photoactive compound in an amount sufficient to localize to a target ocular tissue and irradiating the target tissue with light from a laser, wherein the wavelength of radiation is absorbed by the photoactive compound and the radiation is conducted for a time and at an intensity sufficient to improve visual acuity. In specific embodiments, the photoactive compound is a green porphyrin. U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,510 is directed to an identical method having a particular irradiation timing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,349 regards methods to treat conditions of the eye characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as AMD, by administering a liposomal formulation of a green porphyrin in an amount and time sufficient to localize in the neovasculature, followed by irradiation of the neovasculature with laser light, wherein the light absorbed by the green porphyrin occludes the neovasculature. In the related U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,303, the irradiance is in a range from about 300 mW/cm2 to about 900 mW/cm2.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,525 is directed to method and apparatus controlling dosimetry of photodynamic therapy.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,942 regards methods of occluding vasculature in a mammalian eye including co-administering intravenously a fluorescent dye encapsulated with heat-sensitive liposomes and a tissue-reactive agent activated by irradiation. The liposomes are heated in the eye to release their contents, wherein the tissue-reactive agent remains inactive, followed by monitoring of fluorescent dye flow within the vasculature. The tissue-reactive agent is activated in the vasculature having subnormal blood flow, such that the activated agent chemically occludes the vasculature. The related U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,314 methods further comprise co-administration of a tissue-specific factor effective to impair growth or regeneration of a blood vessel. The related U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,727 regards related diagnostic reagents and kits.

The Regents of the University of California


An ultra-thin rear projection display system (RPDS) is disclosed. The system uses a small flat mirror, a small non-rotationally symmetric mirror and a larger non-rotationally symmetric mirror to achieve a D-to-d ratio of around 11:1 while rendering a significantly distortion free image on the screen. The first two mirrors are significantly smaller than the size of the screen, while the third mirror is significantly larger than the first two mirrors but smaller than the screen. In one embodiment, the lens and light engine are positioned horizontally to one side and, in another example, the lens and light engine are positioned vertically, projecting downwards. In one example, an image processor is used to correct for the remaining distortions. In another example, the system is adapted such that the light rays forming the projected image are within a certain range of angles such that a TIR Fresnel lens could be used to collimate the image.

Rear projection display systems with thin housings have been demonstrated or have been proposed. Two such applications are described in United States Patent Application Publication No. U.S.20030231261 and United States Patent Application Publication No. U.S.20040141157, both assigned to Silicon Optix Inc. In these prior art disclosures, the ratio of the screen diagonal to the thickness of the housing (the so-called D-to-d ratio) of the systems is about 6:1. It is desirable to push the D-to-d ratio even higher which is the subject matter of the current disclosure.