Methods and apparatus are provided for managing interference in a wireless backhaul network comprising a plurality of hubs, each hub serving a plurality of remote backhaul modules (RBM), using power control with a one-power-zone (OPZ) constraint. Each hub uses a transmit frame structure comprising a plurality of zones, each RBM is scheduled on a different zone, and the same power level is maintained across all zones within a transmit frame. Under the OPZ constraint, and for scheduling policies under which the number of zones assigned to each RBM is fixed, the power and scheduling sub-problems are decoupled. This enables power control independent of scheduling, using methods having lower computational complexity. Methods are disclosed comprising iterative function evaluation or Newton's method approaches based on a weighted sum-rate maximization across the network, which can be implemented in a distributed fashion. Some of the methods can be implemented asynchronously at each hub.

Interference mitigation is a key challenge in improving the capacity of future wireless networks. In a densely deployed and interference-limited network, an effective way to mitigate interference is through power control. The successful implementation of power control is, however, also dependent on its algorithmic complexity, the hardware limitations of the wireless front-end, and especially the ability to integrate power control with system-level operations such as scheduling.
The use of power control for interference mitigation is of particular interest for wireless backhaul networks, which are deployed as a means to increase the network throughput for areas with high data traffic demand.
Interference mitigation is a particular consideration in the development of next-generation wireless backhaul products for compact base-stations, and Non Line of Sight (NLOS)-type backhaul networks, for example. NLOS backhaul technology provides a cost-effective approach for increasing the cell site capacity of PicoCell and MicroCell deployments. In a system of this type, a cellular network may comprise several PicoCells, each covering a relatively small area, as a means to increase the network capacity for areas with dense data traffic. The users within each PicoCell are served by their own PicoCell base-station, also called access modules (AM). The AMs are co-located with the remote backhaul modules (RBM) of the backhaul network. Each RBM is connected to a hub via wireless backhaul radio links. These radio links provide an alternative to expensive optical fiber links. Each hub serves multiple RBMs. The hubs are responsible for the transmission strategies and radio resource management for the different RBMs. Unlike the classical relay problem, the backhaul architecture assumes that the wireless backhaul links and the access links operate at different frequencies. From a backhaul design perspective, the interest is therefore in mitigating the interhub interference, thereby maximizing the aggregate data capacity of the RBMs and the backhaul network.
Typically, conventional wireless backhaul networks operate using a maximum power transmission strategy. However, it is desirable to be able to optimally adjust the power level of the radio transmitters with the goal of reducing undesirable interference. This power control problem has been extensively studied in the literature.
In general, power allocation is inherently coupled with scheduling. Thus, the optimization of the overall system performance requires a joint power control and scheduling. Existing efforts in the literature often involve either an exhaustive search, for small networks, or local iterative optimization of scheduling and power control, for which convergence and complexity may be issues for practical implementation. An iterative approach to joint power control and scheduling is disclosed, for example, in [1] the above referenced, related co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/463,478, entitled "Interference Mitigation with Scheduling and Dynamic Power Spectrum Allocation for Wireless Networks" by Dahrouj et al., and in [2] PCT patent publication No. WO/2011/037319, published Mar. 31, 2011, by T. Kwon et al., entitled "Method and Device for User Scheduling and Managing Transmit Power in a Communication System".
Other references that discuss scheduling and power control include: [3] S. G. Kiani and D. Gesbert, entitled "Optimal and Distributed Scheduling for Multicell Capacity Maximization" IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 288-297, January 2008"; [4] L. Venturino, N. Prasad, and X. Wang, entitled "Coordinated Scheduling and Power Allocation In Downlink Multicell OFDMA Networks," IEEE Trans. Veh. Technol., Vol. 6, No. 58, pp. 2835-2848, July 2009; and [5] A. L. Stolyar and H. Viswanathan, entitled "Self-Organizing Dynamic Fractional Frequency Reuse For Best-Effort Traffic Through Distributed Intercell Coordination," in INFOCOM, April 2009.)
However, in practice, scheduling may happen on a different time scale than power control, thus, iteration between the power control and scheduling are not necessarily practical.
Thus, there is a need for alternative systems and methods for power control, and in particular, practically feasible methods for managing interference through power control, which provide low computational complexity and fast convergence.

Method and apparatus for managing interference in wireless backhaul networks through power control with a one-power-zone constraint


An NC system capable of operating without a delay even if it uses a personal computer of low real-time processing performance. The NC system includes a general-purpose personal computer having a main bus and a plurality of expansion slots on the main bus. An NC board is installed in one of the expansion slots to control a servomotor and so forth. A PLC board is installed in another of the expansion slots to effect sequence control and so forth. The NC board and the PLC board are interconnected by a subbus other than the main bus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a numerical-control system (hereinafter referred to as "NC system") for machine tools or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to an NC system that utilizes a general-purpose personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "personal computer").
2. Description of the Related
Recently, with the progress of numerically-controlled machine tools, there has been an increasing demand for NC systems. A typical existing NC system contains a CPU, e.g., a microprocessor, and has a part that analyzes an NC program and sends a control signal to a servomotor for each control axis, and a part that executes sequence control such as tool change. Such an NC system can be realized by using a general-purpose computer. If an NC system is realized by using a personal computer, which is now available at low cost, it is possible to reduce the cost of the NC system. The term "personal computer" used herein means a small-sized general-purpose computer for personal use (for a single user), and it includes FA personal computers (i.e., personal computers for factory use) in addition to so-called OA personal computers (i.e., personal computers for business use).
Recently, with the achievement of high-performance personal computers, it has become possible to realize an NC system using a personal computer capable of real-time processing to a certain level. A conventional NC system utilizing a personal computer is arranged as shown in FIG. 2. A personal computer 1 has a motherboard 2 including a CPU, e.g., a microprocessor, a main memory, an interrupt controller, a bus controller, etc. A main bus 3 is connected to the motherboard 2, and a plurality of expansion slots 4 are provided on the main bus 3. The expansion slots 4 are designed to hold various input/output expansion boards, an interface board for an external storage, etc., and to connect them to the main bus 3, thereby making it possible to expand the functionality of the personal computer 1. The main bus 3 is a bus for connecting the expansion boards and the motherboard 2. The CPU on the motherboard 2 accesses each expansion board through the main bus 3.
An NC board 6 is installed into one of the expansion slots 4 to send a control signal to a servomotor for each control axis. A PLC (Programmable Logic Control) board 7 is installed into another expansion slot 4. The PLC board 7 is used to output a control signal for sequence control and input information concerning the position of each movable member. For example, to forcedly stop a table of a machine tool at a stroke end of the table, the personal computer 1 recognizes that the table has reached the stroke end by accessing the PLC board 7, and outputs a table movement stop instruction to the NC board 6.
Although personal computers have been highly improved in performance, the real-time processing performance thereof is still inadequate for numerical control. In particular, when a nonpreemptive multi-task operation is executed, or when a long-time interrupt occurs for accessing an external storage, for example, there may be a time delay which is unacceptable for real-time processing. When the above-described table is to be brought to an emergency halt at the table end by a personal computer-based NC system having the conventional arrangement, the delay in processing executed by the personal computer 1 causes a delay in detection of the stroke end or a delay in issuing an instruction to the NC board 6, which may cause the table to collide with a stationary member. Such a collision may break the machine tool body.


An electrical interconnect has a circuit substrate and an electrical connection point on the circuit substrate. The electrical connection point includes a lattice of conductive material that is adjacent a gap in the circuit substrate and has anchor points that are attached to the circuit substrate. In some configurations, a conductive epoxy encapsulates at least a portion of the lattice of conductive material and may include a second electrical connection point that is bonded to the other electrical connection point through the conductive epoxy.

Conductive epoxy provides many advantages in bonding different layers of an electrical apparatus. For example, print or other liquid dispensing techniques can dispense the epoxy, allowing for larger scale or quicker preparation in bonding two structures together, while creating electrical connections. Many epoxies retain some elasticity after curing, offering advantages for flexible circuit substrates.
Flexible interconnects often take the form of metalized pads serving as a bond point for the conductive epoxy. These pads are flat metal areas on each of the surfaces undergoing bonding. The amount of conductive epoxy used often represents a failure point in creating a robust electrical connection. If too little epoxy is used, the connection tends to fail during thermal cycling. The epoxy typically separates from one or the other surface to which it is attempting to bond. If too much epoxy is used, the epoxy squeezes out beyond the intended conductive surfaces and may cause electrical shorts to other conductive surfaces.

Suspended lattice for electrical interconnects


Blast pressure gauges and methods for detecting blast pressure during a blast test. The gauges operate independently of power sources, are portable, and are used in harsh environments including test ranges. Each embodiment is constructed to detect blast pressures as required in the circumstances of a particular blast test.

When testing explosives or warheads it is necessary to collect data regarding the characteristics of the resultant blast. In particular, blast pressure data are needed to determine the magnitude of the blast and the blast range for a warhead. For example, blast pressure data are needed to determine whether a warhead meets its operational lethality requirements. In addition, blast pressure data are needed to ensure accurate calculations of warhead/delivery vehicle safe separation requirements.
The detonation area around a warhead explosion is a very destructive environment. The environment is so harsh that weapon tests must be conducted at long distances from populated areas. The instruments used to measure explosion data are likely to be destroyed. Blast pressure gauges known in the art require electrical power and must be connected to a recording device via an electronic circuit. These gauges, with their electrical wiring and data transmission lines, are time consuming to set up. In addition, electrical power is not readily available in some test locations to operate the gauges and the recording devices. When the warhead is tested in an enclosed volume such as a room or a cave, reflected blast pressure can invalidate the data recorded. Therefore, there is a need for blast pressure gauges that are easily transported, simple to set up, independent of power sources or data transmission lines, easy to read and inexpensive.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A device for judging the type of color of a document judges in real time on the basis of read data whether or not a document is a color document or a black-and-white document. It is judged whether or not each pixel is a color pixel on the basis of the read data. When not less than a predetermined number of color pixels are continuously detected, the presence of a color block is detected. When there are not less than a predetermined number of color blocks in one line or there is a relatively long color block having not less than a constant length in one line, it is judged that the line is a color line. When not less than a predetermined number of color lines, for example, 100 color lines are detected, it is judged that the document is a color document.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a device for judging the type of color of a document which can be utilized for, for example, a digital color copying machine and a printer capable for multicolor printing, and more particularly, to a device for judging the type of color of a document for judging whether a document is a color document containing chromatic color information or a black-and-white document containing only achromatic color information.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Some digital color copying machines being commercially available have a mechanism for judging the type of color of a document for prescanning the document to read its image data and automatically judging from the image data read whether the document is a black-and-white document containing only achromatic color information or a color document containing chromatic color information.
In the mechanism for judging the type of color of a document in such a digital color copying machine being commercially available, the image data read is stored once in an image memory, the composition ratio of yellow (hereinafter referred to as "Y"), magenta (hereinafter referred to as "M") and cyan (hereinafter referred to as "C") colors constituting the data stored is investigated for each pixel, and the type of color of the document is judged on the basis of the results of the investigation.
When it is judged that the document is a black-and-white document containing only achromatic color information. copies are made using black (hereinafter referred to as "Bk") toner particles. On the other hand, when it is judged that the document is a color document containing chromatic color information, color copies are made using toner particles in three colors, that is, Y, M and C colors or toner particles in four colors, that is, Y, M, C and Bk colors.
The above described mechanism for judging the type of color of a document has the disadvantages in that a highcost image memory is an indispensable constituent element because the image data read must be stored once in the image memory so as to judge the type of color of the document, and the type of color of the document cannot be judged in real time on the basis of the image data read because the image data is stored once in the image memory.

Device for judging the type of color of a document


The invention provides a buffer device for a processing apparatus for semiconductor components. The apparatus comprises a transportation track for conveying semiconductor components between processing machines, and a transfer mechanism for transferring semiconductor components between the transportation track and a receiving section of a processing machine along a travelling path. The buffer device is operative to receive and store semiconductor components from the transfer mechanism.

It has become a norm to automate most, if not all of the process steps involved in the packaging of semiconductor components. Such automated assembly lines are also commonly referred to as in-line packaging equipment. With increased automation, the need to manage semiconductor components in an in-line system is becoming more important. An efficient transportation system is thus required to take into account varying processing speeds on different equipment in the in-line assembly system and reduce idling time when waiting to proceed to the next process.
In a typical in-line transporter for semiconductor assembly equipment, the work flow of the in-line transportation mechanism of the semiconductor components such as leadframes and other substrates into a work-holder is unidirectional. Being unidirectional makes the transportation process easier to handle. However, with increased sophistication in semiconductor packaging equipment, the ability of in-line transportation mechanisms to manage bi-directional movement becomes an advantage. An example of this is in the case of a wire-bonding machine with dual bond heads which can simultaneously perform wire-bonding on two separate leadframes. In a conventional wire-bonding machine with a single bond-head, unidirectional transportation has proven generally adequate. However, dual bond-head wire bonders have been configured to allow bi-directional flow of the leadframes into the work-holders of the wire-bonding machine for bonding and out of the work-holder after bonding.
Bi-directional transportation can be useful in the event that one of the transportation mechanisms or one of the bond heads on the wire-bonding machine is not functioning. Therefore, an operator may have to avoid routing leadframes through the non-functioning transportation machine or bond head. Since this might mean leadframes being transported in two directions along the same travel paths (as will be explained in greater detail below), there needs to be a system in place to avoid congestions or bottlenecks along the transportation paths.

Buffer device for semiconductor processing apparatus


Provided is a method of controlling an uplink noise level in a multi-radio unit (RU) environment in which each RU measures an ordinary noise level using a power monitoring function thereof when there is no user traffic and then controls an uplink noise level based on the ordinary noise level.

The development of the information industry requires technology for transmitting various kinds of large amounts of data at high speeds. To this end, a distributed antenna system (DAS) for removing a shadow region and extending coverage by providing a plurality of distributed antennas in an existing cell is being researched. A DAS is a system employing a plurality of distributed antennas connected to a single base station (BS) by wire or through a dedicated line, and the BS manages the plurality of distributed antennas which are a predetermined distance or more from each other in the cell served by the BS itself.
A DAS is distinguished from a centralized antenna system (CAS) in which a plurality of BS antennas are concentrated at the center of a cell in that a plurality of antennas are located a predetermined distance or more from each other in a cell. Also, a DAS is distinguished from a femto cell in that the unit of each distributed antenna does not have control over the region of the antenna but a BS at the center of a cell has control over all distributed antenna regions located in the cell.
Further, a DAS is distinguished from a multi-hop relay system in which a BS and a remote station (RS) are wirelessly connected or an ad-hoc network in that distributed antenna units (referred to as "RUs" below) are connected by wire or through a dedicated line. Moreover, a DAS is distinguished from a repeater structure for simply amplifying and transmitting a signal in that each distributed antenna may transmit different signals to respective terminals adjacent to the antenna according to control of a BS.
In such a DAS, RUs may support a single or multiple mobile terminals by simultaneously transmitting/receiving different data streams, and thus a DAS may be regarded as a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system.
In a DAS, while a downlink signal is copied to each RU and then transmitted through the antenna of the RU, uplink signals are received through the antennas of all RUs and then combined and processed at a digital unit (DU). Therefore, the noise level of an uplink signal from one arbitrary RU affects the noise levels of uplink signals of all RUs.
Meanwhile, control of a noise level in a mobile communication system is intended to correct a noise level which changes along with a change of the gain of an input circuit over time. An uplink signal in a DAS is the sum of uplink signals received from all connected RUs. Therefore, when all the RUs have the same noise level, the noise level of an uplink signal finally combined at a DU increases in proportion to the number of connected RUs. On the other hand, when the noise levels of respective RUs are different, a noise level combined at a DU depends on an uplink signal of an RU having a relatively high noise level. In this case, the overall noise level is estimated to be higher than when all RUs have the same noise level, resulting in a relative reduction in cell coverage.
Therefore, it is necessary to optimize cell coverage by equally adjusting noise levels at all RUs, and for this sake, it is necessary to measure a pure noise level when there is no user traffic. To this end, Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment for measuring an absolute time may be installed in each RU, or a DU may frequently notify each RU of absolute time information. However, such a method complicates a system or a procedure and also increases cost.
This work was supported by the ICT R&D program of MSIP/KEIT, Republic of Korea. [10041628], Industrial Core Technology Development Project for next generation communication network]

Method of controlling uplink noise level in multi-RU environment


An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device to photograph an object and to convert an image of the object into an electronic image signal, a feature detection device to conduct a feature detection for a white balance control in accordance with the image signal, a white balance control device to conduct the white balance control by using a result of the feature detection device, a zoom area selection device to select the zoom area of the image signal in accordance with the imaging device, a display device to display the image signal of the area selected by the zoom area selection device, and a feature detection area selection device for a selecting area to conduct the feature detection for the white balance control.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more specifically, to an imaging apparatus having an effective white balance control.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A digital camera as an image input device has been used widely spread together with a development of a personal computer in recent years. Especially, the digital camera is used by means of a photographer who has no special techniques, in many cases. Many digital cameras are adapted to set automatically a shutter speed, an exposure, and a focusing corresponding to an object in order to eliminate a failure in photographing.
Moreover, generally a person is used as the object in many cases; there is also a digital camera, which specially equips a person specific set-up mode. An important thing for these digital cameras is how to carry out a white balance control accurately, and a quality of a photographing result is depended on the accuracy of this white balance control.
Two methods have been used for the white balance control of an electronic imaging apparatus generally. The first method is to measure a color of a light source by an external sensor to carry out the white balance control in accordance with the measured color of the light source. The second method is to conduct an extraction of a feature with respect to a color from an output signal of an image pick up device to carry out the white balance control based on the result of the extraction of the feature.
In a conventional electronic imaging apparatus, the detection of a screen feature for the white balance control has been executed with respect to a display range selected as well as an AE. In this case, because the feature is extracted from only within the screen, when most part of the screen is occupied by a skin color such as a portrait photographing, there is a case that a judgment of the color of the light source for the white balance control is miss-judged as a light source having a low color temperature.
Consequently, as the prior art, Japanese Paten Laid-Open Hei 7-284003 discloses that an object area, which conducts processing of AE, AF, and AWB in accordance with an electronic zoom area, is optimized by changing the object area of conducting the processing of AE, AF, and AWB in accordance with a magnification of an electronic zoom. Basically, this prior art is adapted to conduct the processing within the range of the electronic zoom as the object area.
Moreover, in the imaging apparatus including a conversion function of an aspect ratio disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3278206, an extraction area of a white balance data in accordance with a conversion correction is changed. This is the area correction in accordance with the aspect conversion, and therefore data from an outside of a displayed area are not used for the white balance control.

Imaging apparatus including control device for controlling white balance


The present invention is for particulate compositions and methods for producing them that can absorb or scatter electromagnetic radiation. The particles are homogeneous in size and are comprised of a nonconducting inner layer that is surrounded by an electrically conducting material. The ratio of the thickness of the nonconducting layer to the thickness of the outer conducting shell is determinative of the wavelength of maximum absorbance or scattering of the particle. Unique solution phase methods for synthesizing the particles involve linking clusters of the conducting atoms, ions, or molecules to the nonconducting inner layer by linear molecules. This step can be followed by growth of the metal onto the clusters to form a coherent conducting shell that encapsulates the core.

It is known that solid metal nanoparticles (i.e. solid, single metal spheres of uniform composition and nanometer dimensions) possess unique optical properties. In particular, metal nanoparticles (especially the coinage metals) display a pronounced optical resonance. This so-called plasmon resonance is due to the collective coupling of the conduction electrons in the metal sphere to the incident electromagnetic field. This resonance can be dominated by absorption or scattering depending on the radius of the nanoparticle with respect to the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic radiation. Associated with this plasmon resonance is a strong local field enhancement in the interior of the metal nanoparticle. A variety of potentially useful devices can be fabricated to take advantage of these specific optical properties. For example, optical filters or chemical sensors based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) have been fabricated.
A serious practical limitation to realizing many applications of solid metal nanoparticles is the inability to position the plasmon resonance at technologically important wavelengths. For example, solid gold nanoparticles of 10 nm in diameter have a plasmon resonance centered at 520 nm. This plasmon resonance cannot be controllably shifted by more than approximately 30 nanometers by varying the particle diameter or the specific embedding medium.
Metal colloids have a variety of useful optical properties including a strong optical absorption and an extremely large and fast third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) polarizability. These optical properties are attributed to the phasic response of electrons in the metallic particles to electromagnetic fields. This collective electron excitation is known as plasmon resonance.
At resonance, dilute metal colloid solutions have the largest electronic NLO susceptibility of known substances. However, the utility of these solutions is limited because their plasmon resonance is confined to relatively narrow wavelength ranges and cannot readily be shifted. For example, silver particles 10 nm in diameter absorb light maximally at approximately 355 nm, while similar sized gold particles absorb maximally at about 520 nm. These absorbance maximums are insensitive to changes in particle size and various dielectric coatings on the particles.
One method of overcoming this problem is to coat small nonconducting particles with these metals. For example, the reduction of Au on Au2S (reduction of chloroauric acid with sodium sulfide) particles has been shown to red shift the gold colloid absorption maximum from 520 nm to between approximately 600 nm and 900 nm, depending on the amount of gold deposited on the Au2S core and the size of the core. Zhou, et al. (1994). The ratio of the core radius to shell thickness can be controlled by changing the reactant concentrations or by stopping the reaction. In this case, the diameter of the particle core is directly proportional to the red shift in the wavelength of light that induces gold plasmon resonance. However, gold-sulfide particle diameters are limited to sizes of approximately 40-45 nm with a thin gold shell (less than 5 nm). The limited size of the gold-sulfide particles of Zhou et al. limits the absorbance maximum to wavelengths no larger than 900 nm. See, also Averitt et al. (1997) An additional limitation of such particles as defined by Zhou et al. is that both the core and the shell are grown as a result of a single chemical reaction, thus limiting the choice of the core material and the shell material to Au2S and Au respectively. In addition, only the ratio of the core radius to shell thickness may be controlled; independent control of the core radius and the shell thickness is not possible.
Neideljkovic and Patel (1991) disclosed silver-coated silver bromide particles that are produced by intense UV irradiation of a mixture of silver bromide, silver, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). The Neideljkovic particles range in size from approximately 10 to 40 nm and are irregularly-shaped, as determined by transmission electron micrography. Predictably, the spectra obtained from these particle preparations are extremely broad.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,139, Bimboim et al. disclosed theoretical calculations indicating that metal-coated, semi-conducting, nanometer-sized particles containing should exhibit third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility relative to uncoated dielectric nanoparticles (due to local field enhancement). Their static calculations were based on hypothetical compositions. The preferred embodiments disclosed by Birnboim et al. are, in fact, not particles with metallic shells on their surfaces. In those embodiments theoretically proposed by Bimboim et al. that do in fact propose a metal outer shell, there is an additional requirement as to the specific medium in which they must be used in order to properly function.
However, Bimboim does not disclose methods for preparing the disclosed hypothetical compositions. Furthermore, Birnboim's calculations do not take into account surface electron scattering. Surface electron scattering strongly modifies the optical response of all metallic structures that possess at least one dimension smaller than the bulk electron mean free path (e.g. in Au at room temperature the bulk electron mean free path is about 40 nm). This effect reduces the local field enhancement factor that in turn reduces the resonant third order nonlinear optical susceptibility associated with the nanoshell geometry. See, Averitt et al. (1997). Since typical shell thicknesses for these compositions fall below 40 nm, Birnboim et al's theoretical calculations fail to account for this effect which is an important aspect of the optical response for functional metal nanoshells. Finally, it is important to realize that the hypothetical metal nanoshells of Bimboim pertains specifically to the enhancement of the third order nonlinear optical susceptibility.
Moreover, Birnboim-type particles are by definition particles much smaller than a wavelength of light (less than 0.10 times a given wavelength of light), and are particles in which the dielectric property of the nanoshell (in those instances where it is in fact a metal shell that is used in Bimboim et al.) are defined as the bulk dielectric property of the metal selected. In practice, this requires these smaller-than-a-wavelength particles to have metal shell layer thicknesses of many nanometers (e.g., for Au, such minute particles meeting the theoretical requirements of the Birnboim calculations and the bulk dielectric properties of Au required thereby, would necessarily have shells at least 40 nm in thickness). The physical limitations placed on the construction of such particles is therefore considerable.
Methods and materials are needed that can be used to shift the wavelength of maximum absorption of metal colloids. Methods for producing materials having defined wavelength absorbance maxima across the visible and infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum are needed Particularly, such metal nanoshell composites should be constructed in a manner to allow a choice of core material, core dimensions, and core geometry independent of those criteria for the shell material. Compositions produced by these methods should have relatively homogeneous structures and should not have to rely on suspension in a particular medium in order to exhibit their desired absorption characteristics. Moreover, materials and methods are needed that are not limited in the radial dimensions of the shell layer by the bulk dielectric properties of the metal selected, and are not limited in size to much smaller than a wavelength of light. Materials impregnated with these compositions could be used in such diverse applications as optical switching devices, optical communication systems, infrared detectors, infrared cloaking devices, passive solar radiation collection or deflecting devices and the like.

Nanoparticle comprising nanoshell of thickness less than the bulk electron mean free path of the shell material


A clamping device, such as a barbell collar, includes a primary member having a cylindrical body with a central passage configured to receive a mounting member therethrough, an actuator mechanism connected to the primary member and moveable between a locked position, where the primary member securely engages the mounting member, and an unlocked position, where the primary member is removable from the mounting member. The clamping device also includes a retaining mechanism configured to releasably retain the actuator in the unlocked position.

A clamping device is an apparatus that engages one or more objects for the purpose of securely retaining the object or objects. Clamping devices in the form of barbell collars are commonly used during weight training in connection with a barbell with removable weights loaded on in it. Such a clamping device can be employed to resist separation of the removable weights of that assembly. Thus, a clamping device that can securely engage the barbell is desirable to prevent movement of the weights while on the barbell. It is desirable for a clamping device that is able remain securely engaged throughout the entire movement required of an exercise, as well as successive repetitions.
Various types of barbell collars and other clamping devices exist, and many include actuator mechanisms to tighten the clamping device to engage the barbell. Such actuator mechanisms may move freely when not tightly engaged, creating difficulty in installing the clamping device and controlling the position of the actuator.
The present disclosure is provided to address this need and other needs in existing clamping devices. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.


An AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate in which particles having a grain size of at least 0.2 μm on a surface of the AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate are at most 20 in number when a diameter of the AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate is two inches, and a cleaning method with which the AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate can be obtained are provided. Further, an AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate in which, in a photoelectron spectrum of a surface of the AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with a detection angle of 10°, a ratio between a peak area of C1s electrons and a peak area of N1s electrons (C1s electron peak area/N1s electron peak area) is at most 3, and a cleaning method with which the AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate can be obtained are provided. Still further, an AlN substrate in which, in a photoelectron spectrum of a surface of the AlN substrate by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with a detection angle of 10°, a ratio between a peak area of Al2s electrons and a peak area of N1s electrons (Al2s electron peak area/N1s electron peak area) is at most 0.65 and a cleaning method with which the AlN substrate can be obtained are provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an AlxGayIn1-x-yN (0<x≦1, 0≦y≦1, x+y≦1) substrate and a cleaning method of the AlxGayIn1-x-yN (0<x≦1, 0≦y≦1, x+y≦1) substrate. The present invention also relates to an AlN substrate with which an epitaxial film of low haze level can stably be grown, and a cleaning method of the AlN substrate. In this specification, AlxGayIn1-x-yN (0<x≦1, 0≦y≦1, x+y≦1) is abbreviated as AlxGayIn1-x-yN.
2. Description of the Background Art
An AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate can be suitably used as a substrate for various semiconductor devices such as optical devices and/or electronic devices.
A representative growth method of an AlxGayIn1-x-yN crystal is HVPE (Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy) method, and an AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate can be manufactured from the AlxGayIn1-x-yN crystal. By growing various epitaxial films on the surface of AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrate, semiconductor devices such as optical devices and/or electronic devices can be obtained.
Among AlxGayIn1-x-yN substrates, an AlN substrate has an energy bandgap of 6.2 eV, a thermal conductivity of about 3.3 WK−1cm−1 and high electric resistance, and therefore it is receiving attention as a substrate for various semiconductor devices such as optical devices and/or electronic devices.
The AlN substrate can be manufactured from an AlN crystal grown through HVPE method or sublimation method. By growing various epitaxial films on the surface of the AlN substrate, semiconductor devices such as optical devices and/or electronic devices can be obtained.
For example, a light emitting diode obtained by growing an AlGaN film and the like on an AlN substrate is disclosed in Toshio Nishida et al., "GaN-free transparent ultraviolet light-emitting diodes", 2003, Appl. Phys. Lett., vol. 82, No. 1. Additionally, a light emitting diode formed on a bulk AlN substrate is disclosed in Toshio Nishida et al., "The Characteristics of UV-LED Grown on Bulk AlN Substrate Under Large Current Injection", the 51st spring meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics and Related Societies, extended abstracts, March 2004, p. 409.


A method of producing an edible, shelf-stable legume and/or cereal food product comprises cooking a substrate such as legume seeds and/or cereal grains under conditions effective to maintain a total content of water in the substrate at about 20 to 60 wt % and inactivate microorganisms, lectins, enzymes, trypsin inhibitors, and hemagglutinins, while increasing protein and starch digestibility and palatability, admixing the cooked substrate with an ingredient selected from the group consisting of fats or oils, sweeteners, humectant agents, salts, edible acids, flavorings and preservatives, cooking under conditions effective to pasteurize the admixture and produce a flowable food product having a total water content of about 20 to 45 wt % while preventing the protein from further denaturing, and cooling and forming the food product into a desired shape. An edible, shelf-stable legume and/or cereal food product is prepared by the method described above. The product has a water activity (A.sub.w) of 0.65 to 0.87, pH of 4.0 to 6.0 and a moisture content of 20 to 45 wt %.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an edible, shelf-stable legume and/or cereal food product that is nutritious, tasty and palatable. This invention also relates to a method of processing legumes and cereals, alone or in combination, to produce the food product.
2. Description of the Background
The nomenclature of "field-dried legumes" is generally intended to describe mature dried seeds of many types of beans, peas, and lentils grown as field crops, that are broadly consumed by man across the world. Although soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), which are also known as "ground nuts", are classified as legumes, the energy for the young plant in these seeds is stored primarily in the form of oil. In contrast, the oil content in "field-dried legumes" is low, usually under 3 wt %, with much of the energy for the seedling being stored in the form of starch, e.g., about 35 to 40 wt %, which is only a minor component of soybeans and peanuts, e.g., about 1 wt % and 5 wt %, respectively.
In the present context, mature, field-dried legume seeds will simply be referred to as "legumes" to avoid confusion when describing wet or dry processing intermediates and products. In the context of this invention, the term legumes encompass low-fat, high-starch legumes, as well as mixtures thereof with high-oil type legumes, provided that the total amount of oil contributed by the high oil type legume to the product does not interfere with its processing or achievement of desirably textured products.
Legumes include many genuses and species, among which are the following. Phaseolus vulgaris L. is perhaps the best known group of beans in the Americas and Northern Europe. This group of beans includes common field bean species like black, cranberry, Great Northern, kidney, navy, pink, pinto and large and small white beans. The chickpea, Cicer arietinum L., also known as the garbanzo bean and Bengal gram, is a basic food in eastern Mediterranean countries, Northern Africa and Southwest Asia. The black-eye pea, Vigna unguiculata, is a major protein source in Central Africa, which was brought to the New World where milder-flavor varieties like the cream pea are also used. The mung bean or green gram, Vigna radiata, is best known in the United States as the source of bean sprouts, but is consumed in many additional ways in Eastern and Southern Asia. Vicia faba L., known as the faba bean, broad bean, horsebean, and occasionally as the field bean, has long been a food of the "poorest of the poor of the world", and is used in Eastern Europe, and Northern Africa. Other beans of widespread use are the pigeon pea and red gram of Egypt, India and Brazil or Cajanus cajan sometimes growing as a perennial bush; the Kesari dahl or chicking vetch or Lathyrus sativus L., grown and eaten during droughts in India that may cause nervous paralysis of the lower limbs among young men if not properly prepared; the lima bean or Phaseolus lunatus L. requiring thorough cooking to inactivate hemagglutinin; and the escumite or tepary bean or Phaseolus acutifolius Gray var of Northern Mexico and Southwest United States, highly toxic in the raw state. Other commonly-used dry legumes include lentils such as Lens culinaris L. and L. esculenta L., and dry green and yellow peas or Pisum sativum L., frequently used in North America and Northern Europe.
As a group, legumes are a rich source of nutrients, generally containing about 17 to 25 wt % protein on a dry weight basis, and about 58 to 68 wt % carbohydrates, much of which are in complex forms favored by nutritionists. Further, field beans, peas and lentils are sources of water-soluble vitamins, potassium and magnesium, dietary fiber and natural antioxidants.
Advantages of legumes include short growing periods enabling their production in areas with limited frost-free days and/or short rainy seasons, relatively high protein yield per unit of land, and long-term storability of the seeds given their low fat content and natural resistance to insects.
Legumes, however, also have disadvantages. Many varieties of beans, including those used in the United States, have high levels of trypsin inhibitors, hemagglutinins and other toxic compounds or anti-growth factors that must be removed by leaching and/or deactivation by cooking. In addition, legumes contain about 3 to 7 wt % flatulence oligosaccharides or sugars such as raffinose, stachyose, verbascose, and ajugose, among others. These oligosaccharides are not digested and absorbed in the human stomach or small intestine due to a lack of suitable enzymes. They pass into the large intestine, where they are metabolized by random colon bacteria, sometimes producing odiferous gases and discomfort.
Beans are often unpopular in sophisticated societies due to their producing intestinal discomfort and gas venting, and because they are a staple of the poor. In addition, beans typically require lengthy cooking. Their cooking time may, however, be reduced by presoaking, a process that also leaches out some of the stronger flavored components and hull pigments. Seeds of most varieties, however, develop a "hard shell" during storage, a condition in which water uptake is greatly retarded and the cooking time of the bean is significantly increased as the crop ages. Unfortunately, the areas of the world where beans are the last resort of storable, concentrated food protein often are also faced with shortages of water, and especially fuel to cook them adequately for their safe use.
Cereal crops such as wheat, corn or maize, rice, barley, oats, sorghum and millet also are storable and are widely used as food stuffs. Although their protein content, generally about 8-13 wt %, and up to 19 wt % for oats, is lower than that of legumes, cereal grains are eaten in greater quantities than legumes or soybeans and are the major sources of plant protein in the world's human diet. Cereal seeds account for as much as 70 wt % of the total caloric intake of humans in some regions.
The protein contained in cereal seeds includes a good supply of the sulfur-containing essential amino acids methionine and cystine, but is otherwise nutritionally unbalanced due to an insufficient content of the essential amino acid lysine. In contrast, the protein of legumes and soybeans is high in lysine but low in the sulfur-containing amino acids. Nutritionists have found that cereal grains and either legumes or soybeans optimally complement one another when mixed in an approximate proportion of about 7:3 wt:wt; this results in a total dietary protein content that has the approximate nutritional quality of meat protein.
Given the high nutritional quality that a mixture of legumes and cereals provides, it would be highly desirable to have a ready-to-eat, shelf-stable precooked food product made of legumes and/or cereals that would be inexpensive to prepare and could be made available to the population at large, including the poorest segments of the population.

Intermediate moisture legume and cereal food product and method of producing


In a transuranium elements transmuting reactor core in which a reactor is charged with a plurality of fuel assemblies at a core and an amount of a transuranium element to be added is controlled so as to prevent a fuel element contained in the fuel assemblies from melting, the amount of the transuranium elements to be added to the fuel element is controlled so as to keep an excess reactivity of the reactor substantially zero through an operation of the reactor. A charging density of minor actinides is set to lessen outwards of a core central portion in a core area where a plutonium content is made even. The charging density of minor actinides is set high accordingly in an area where a plutonium is enriched high at the core of a plutonium enriched area where a plutonium content varies. A transuranium elements transmuting fuel pin is formed by charging a transuranium fuel material in a fuel clad and the transuranium fuel material includes at least one of fuel materials consisting of an enriched uranium and an uranium-plutonium mixed fuel and a fertile material consisting of a natural uranium and a depleted uranium contain transuranium elements. In a transuranium elements transmuting assembly including a wrapper tube and a plurality of fuel pins enclosed in the wrapper tube, each of said fuel pin including a fuel clad. At least one part of the fuel pins are formed by charging a transuranium fuel material in the fuel clad with a transuranium fuel material inside.

The present invention relates to a technology for transmuting transuranium elements and more particularly to a transuranium transmuting reactor core for transmuting the transuranium elements at a fast reactor and also to a transuranium elements transmuting fuel pin and fuel assembly charged into a reactor core of a fast reactor.
A spent fuel discharged from a thermal reactor such as boiling water reactor or the like includes transuranium elements (hereinafter called TRU elements) such as neptinium-237 (.sup.237 Np), americium-241 (.sup.241 Am), americium-243 (.sup.243 Am), curium-242 (.sup.242 Cm), curium-244 (.sup.244 Cm) and others which are high-level radioactive wastes, and in minor actinides (hereinafter called MA elements) present after eliminating plutonium (Pu) from the TRU elements, there exists elements such as .sup.237 Np, .sup.241 Am, .sup.243 Am or the like having an extremely long half life such as 2.14 million Years, 432 years, 7,380 years, which cannot be quenched within a short period of time. Thus, it is desired that the MA elements are transformed into elements with a short half life through a nuclear transmutation in a short period of time.
A prior art includes technique for transmuting the TRU element which comprises using a fast reactor extremely high in a neutron energy as compared with a thermal reactor and subjecting the TRU elements charged into a fuel charged in a core of the fast reactor to a nuclear transmutation ((1) "Conceptional Design Study on Actinide burning Fast Reactor", T. Osugi et al., JAER1-M 83-217, issued by Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute in December 1983; (2) "Transmutation of Transuranics in FBR", A. Sasahara, T. Matsumura, F7, Fall Meeting Reports, Atomic Energy Society of Japan, 1988).
The prior art TRU elements transmuting comprises transmuting the aforementioned MA elements by causing a transmutation shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C to the typical MA elements of .sup.237 Np, .sup.241 Am and .sup.243 Am which are main objects of transmuting at a fast reactor core.
In FIGS. 9A to 9C, F.P. denotes fission products, and elements given in a square border around indicates that of being easy to cause a fission against a neutron energy in the fast reactor, namely, that its energy averaged fission cross-sections are about 1 burn or over.
The prior art TRU elements transmuting process utilizes a feature of the fast reactor core effectively, and the feature comes in:
(1) Since a neutron energy of the fast reactor core is high, a neutron capture is hard to occur in .sup.237 Np, .sup.241 Am and .sup.243 Am and the like, and thus an evil influence of the fast reactor on a neutron economy according to the charging of the TRU elements into the reactor core is relatively small (a neutron capture cross-section getting small according as the neutron energy becomes high as shown in FIG. 18).
(2) The fast reactor is generally high by about 1 digit in a neutron flux level as compared with the thermal reactor, therefore the TRU elements can be subjected to a nuclear transformation even if a fission and neutron capture cross section on an energy average is small, and thus a high transmuting efficiency of the TRU elements is ensured.
In the prior art transmuting of the TRU elements, nothing has been taken particularly into consideration for charging amount of the TRU elements charged into a fast reactor core and its distribution in core when carrying out a transmuting of the TRU elements. Still, however, only a self-evident technical care on charging the core with the TRU elements as much as possible has been considered for enhancing a transmuting efficiency of the TRU elements.
However, if the fast reactor core is charged with the TRU elements as much as possible, then the following problems are capable of resulting therefrom.
(1) If the MA elements to be transmuted is added to uranium-plutonium mixed fuel, a melting point of the mixed fuel lowers. Then the melting point drop is capable of causing a fuel melting, thus a measure such as lowering a reactor power or the like will be necessary for avoiding the fuel melting, which may deteriorate the transmuting efficiency of the MA elements.
(2) As will be apparent from FIGS. 9A to 9D, the typical MA elements to be transmuted is generally hard to bring about a fission, and hence is transformed into fissionable elements by a neutron capture. Accordingly, if the fast reactor core is charged with the TRU element excessively much, then, as shown in FIG. 19, an amount of fissionable elements produced newly by the neutron capture of the MA element according to a neutron irradiation comes to exceed fissionable elements transmuted by fission, thus an excess reactivity of the fast reactor increasing.
Consequently, if the charging amount of the TRU elements and its distribution are not specified properly, an excessive change or distortion may arise on a reactor power distribution and a neutron flux distribution, thus leading to problems on safety and characteristics of the reactor.
(3) The TRU elements to be transmuted are easy to cause an alpha-decay in most cases, and an alpha ray energy emitted at the time of the alpha-decay is relatively high at 4 to 6 MeV generally. Accordingly, if the MA elements are added much to a fuel, a calorific value and a source intensity of gamma ray, neutron and others become excessive from the state of a fresh fuel before loading into the fast reactor core. Further, at the time of assembling, storage and transportation of new fuel assemblies in which the MA elements are enclosed, a heat removing of the alpha ray energy becomes difficult and the fuel overheats to lead to a failure in a worst case.
(4) When charging a fast reactor uniformly with the TRU elements to be transmuted at the core with a core for which a plutonium enrichment is one kind as a base, a radial distribution of the power density, namely a radial power distribution during operation of the reactor becomes small according as it comes outside, as shown in FIG. 20, therefore a transmuting efficiency of the TRU element and a plant power generation efficiency being unsatisfying.
(5) When charging the reactor uniformly with the TRU elements at the core with the fast reactor core for which a plutonium enrichment is two or more than two kinds as a base, a radial power distribution of the core is improved as compared with FIG. 20 by an adjustment of the plutonium enrichment, a flatting requirement can thus be satisfied, however, as shown in FIG. 21, for example, there arises a portion where the power distribution largely fluctuates according to burn-up.
On the other hand, a flow rate of a coolant flowed for cooling down the fast reactor core is constant through the lifetime of a reactor plant. The flow rate of the coolant to fuel assemblies is set adaptively to the time when the power is maximized. Thus, when the output distribution fluctuates largely according to the burn-up of the fuel, a heat removing efficiency deteriorates, a heating efficiency gets lowered furthermore, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of an economical operation of the reactor plant.

Transuranium element transmuting reactor core


A method for detecting a dust spot (16) in a digital image (10) includes the steps of determining (226) an expected dust spot configuration (344) of the dust spot (16) in the image (10); applying (228) a statistic order filter to a value channel of an HSV color space of the image to generate a filtered value for each pixel being evaluated (349), the filtered value being based upon the expected dust spot configuration (344); and comparing (230) the filtered value to an actual color space value of a plurality of pixels (348) in the digital image (10) to generate (232) a binary image (350). In one embodiment, the method can also include the step of comparing (234) the binary image (350) to the expected dust spot configuration (344) to determine a probability of the presence of the dust spot (16) in the digital image (10).

Cameras are commonly used to capture an image of a scene that includes one or more objects. Many digital cameras include an imaging sensor which may have a filter positioned near the sensor. Unfortunately, dust particles can become attached to the filter and can consequently produce dark spots (also referred to as "dust spots") in a captured image. This problem can be relatively common, particularly with cameras that have interchangeable lenses. Detection of dust particles is important to give a photographer early warning that the sensor and/or filter need cleaning, or to allow automatic removal of dust spots in captured images.
Currently, certain conventional cameras can detect and/or remove dust spots in captured images. However, in these types of cameras, a calibration image of a flat field (such as a blank wall or a sky) that clearly shows the presence of dust particles may be required for creating a dust map. In an alternative method, multiple images taken consecutively are used to create a dust map. Unfortunately, these conventional methods either require an entirely flat field image or multiple images to generate the requisite dust map.

Method for detecting existence of dust spots in digital images based on locally adaptive thresholding


Disclosed herein is a single integrated circuit chip with a main logic that operates a vehicle component such as a valve driver. Isolated from the main logic within the chip is a safety area that operates to verify proper operation of the main logic. The safety area is internally powered by an internal regulated voltage generated by an internal voltage regulator that generates the internal regulated voltage from an external voltage while protecting against shorts of the external line delivering the external voltage. The safety area includes protection circuits that level shift external analog signals downward in voltage for monitoring within the safety area, the protection circuits serving to protect against shorts of the external line delivering the external analog signals.

Modern vehicles increasingly are equipped with a variety of safety systems, particularly in view of the fact that such modern vehicles increasingly utilize drive-by-wire controls to receive driver input. For example, instead of a vehicle's steering wheel, brake pedal, and gas pedal being mechanically connected to a hydraulic or cable system for controlling the vehicle, one or more of such controls may be connected to a sensing apparatus that communicates the driver's intent to a controller, which in turn effectuates the driver's intent, potentially with modifications for safety.
For example, when a driver presses on the gas pedal to request that rotational torque be applied to the drive wheels of the vehicle, instead of the gas pedal operating a cable that mechanically operates components of the vehicle's engine (e.g., throttle blade), the gas pedal may cooperate with a sensor apparatus to generate an electrical output that is ultimately provided to a transmission controller and a throttle blade controller. The transmission controller, for example, in turn controls the vehicle's transmission, for example by actuating valve drivers that control shifting of the gears of the transmission. Since this transmission controller is actually in control of the transmission rather than the driver, it is desired for fault detection to be performed to determine whether the controller is operating properly.
As a consequence of this desire for safety in the view of drive-by-wire vehicle controls, the ISO 26262 standard was developed to include the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) risk classification scheme. The ASIL levels range from ASIL-A (lowest) to ASIL-D (highest). An ASIL level is determined by three factors, namely the severity of a failure, the probability of a failure occurring, and the ability for the effect of the failure to be controlled.
For vehicle components that directly control the movement of the vehicle, such as the transmission and braking systems, ASIL-D applies, and not only are faults to be meticulously detected but the circuits and components used to check for those faults are also to be checked and verified for proper operation.
One of the most common requirements under ASIL-D for transmission controllers is to guarantee a safe switch-off of a power stage, such as may include failsafe pre-drivers and valve drivers. The switch-off is to be guaranteed even in case the common switch-off path, usually implemented via an interaction between logic core and analog driver blocks in the power stage, is not working due to a fault. For this reason, a redundant switch-off path and redundant switch-off circuitry is generally implemented. This redundant switch-off path is generally integrated within a protected area isolated through a deep trench isolation. This protected area is commonly known as a "Safety Area".
One such arrangement may be seen in FIG. 1. Here, a vehicle system 10 includes a main logic 11, such as a transmission controller, in communication with safety circuits 13 inside a safety area 12. The safety circuits 13 determine whether the main logic 11 is operating correctly and provide for an alternative switch-off path in the event of a detected failure.
The safety circuits 13 within the safety area 12 are to operate completely independently from other functions within the main logic 11 and integrated circuit chip 10, and as such their designs include, among other features, independent isolated voltage. Current designs achieve this goal by fully isolating supply lines that enter the safety area 12 from the rest of the integrated circuit chip 10, which therefore requires a separate isolated power pin to avoid a fault that is able to effect both the safety area 12 and the blocks driven by the safety area 12, and involve a large amount of die area for isolating the supply lines. While this does address the concern, the drawbacks are not desirable for certain applications, and therefore additional development into this area is needed.

Stand-alone safety isolated area with integrated protection for supply and signal lines


The present invention relates to a system adapted to position a medical device, such as an ablation catheter, at a location where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium. The system optimally includes a deflectable catheter and a sheath. An ablation member is disclosed for use with the positioning system, wherein the deflectable catheter and the sheath cooperate so as to facilitate positioning of the ablation member at the location.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system adapted to position an ablation catheter at a location where a pulmonary vein extends from the left atrium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cardiac arrhythmia's, particularly atrial fibrillation, are a pervasive problem in modern society. Although many individuals lead relatively normal lives despite persistent atrial fibrillation, the condition is associated with an increased risk of myocardial ischemia, especially during strenuous activity. Furthermore, persistent atrial fibrillation has been linked to congestive heart failure, stroke, and other thromboembolic events. Thus, atrial fibrillation is a major public health problem.
Normal cardiac rhythm is maintained by a cluster of pacemaker cells, known as the sinoatrial ("SA") node, located within the wall of the right atrium. The SA node undergoes repetitive cycles of membrane depolarization and repolarization, thereby generating a continuous stream of electrical impulses, called "action potentials." These action potentials orchestrate the regular contraction and relaxation of the cardiac muscle cells throughout the heart. Action potentials spread rapidly from cell to cell through both the right and left atria via gap junctions between the cardiac muscle cells. Atrial arrhythmia's result when electrical impulses originating from sites other than the SA node are conducted through the atrial cardiac tissue.
In most cases, atrial fibrillation results from perpetually wandering reentrant wavelets, which exhibit no consistent localized region(s) of aberrant conduction. Alternatively, atrial fibrillation may be focal in nature, resulting from rapid and repetitive changes in membrane potential originating from isolated centers, or foci, within the atrial cardiac muscle tissue. These foci exhibit consistent centrifugal patterns of electrical activation, and may act as either a trigger of atrial fibrillatory paroxysmal or may even sustain the fibrillation. Recent studies have suggested that focal arrhythmia's often originate from a tissue region along the pulmonary veins of the left atrium, and even more particularly in the superior pulmonary veins.
Several surgical approaches have been developed for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. For example, Cox, J L et al. disclose the "maze" procedure, in "The Surgical Treatment Of Atrial Fibrillation. I. Summary", Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 101(3):402-405 (1991) and "The Surgical Treatment Of Atrial Fibrillation. IV. Surgical Technique", Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 101(4):584-592 (1991). In general, the maze procedure is designed to relieve atrial arrhythmia by restoring effective SA node control through a prescribed pattern of incisions about the cardiac tissue wall. Although early clinical studies on the maze procedure included surgical incisions in both the right and left atrial chambers, more recent reports suggest that the maze procedure may be effective when performed only in the left atrium (see for example Sueda et al., "Simple Left Atrial Procedure For Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Associated With Mitral Valve Disease" (1996)).
The left atrial maze procedure involves forming vertical incisions from the two superior pulmonary veins and terminating in the region of the mitral valve annulus, traversing the inferior pulmonary veins en route. An additional horizontal incision connects the superior ends of the two vertical incisions. Thus, the atrial wall region bordered by the pulmonary vein ostia is isolated from the other atrial tissue. In this process, the mechanical sectioning of atrial tissue eliminates the atrial arrhythmia by blocking conduction of the aberrant action potentials.
The moderate success observed with the maze procedure and other surgical segmentation procedures have validated the principle that mechanically isolating cardiac tissue may successfully prevent atrial arrhythmia's, particularly atrial fibrillation, resulting from either perpetually wandering reentrant wavelets or focal regions of aberrant conduction. Unfortunately, the highly invasive nature of such procedures may be prohibitive in many cases. Consequently, less invasive catheter-based approaches to treat atrial fibrillation through cardiac tissue ablation have been developed.
These less invasive catheter-based therapies generally involve introducing a catheter within a cardiac chamber, such as in a percutaneous translumenal procedure, wherein an energy sink on the catheter's distal end portion is positioned at or adjacent to the aberrant conductive tissue. Upon application of energy, the targeted tissue is ablated and rendered non-conductive.
The catheter-based methods can be subdivided into two related categories, based on the etiology of the atrial arrhythmia. First, focal arrhythmias have proven amenable to localized ablation techniques, which target the foci of aberrant electrical activity. Accordingly, devices and techniques have been disclosed which use end-electrode catheter designs for ablating focal arrhythmia's centered in the pulmonary veins, using a point source of energy to ablate the locus of abnormal electrical activity. Such procedures typically employ incremental application of electrical energy to the tissue to form focal lesions.
The second category of catheter-based ablation methods is designed for treatment of the more common forms of atrial fibrillation, resulting from perpetually wandering reentrant wavelets. Such arrhythmias are generally not amenable to localized ablation techniques, because the excitation waves may circumnavigate a focal lesion. Thus, the second class of catheter-based approaches have generally attempted to mimic the earlier surgical segmentation techniques, such as the maze procedure, wherein continuous linear lesions are required to completely segment the atrial tissue so as to block conduction of the reentrant wave fronts.
For the purpose of comparison, ablation catheter devices and related methods have also been disclosed for the treatment of ventricular or supraventricular tachycardias, such as disclosed by Lesh, Md. in "Interventional Electrophysiology—State Of The Art, 1993" American Heart Journal, 126:686-698 (1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,995 to Desai.
While feasible catheter designs for imparting linear ablation tracks have been described, as a practical matter, most of these catheter assemblies have been difficult to position and maintain placement and contact pressure long enough and in a sufficiently precise manner in the beating heart to successfully form segmented linear lesions along a chamber wall. Indeed, many of the aforementioned methods have generally failed to produce closed transmural lesions, thus leaving the opportunity for the reentrant circuits to reappear in the gaps remaining between point or drag ablations. In addition, minimal means have been disclosed in these embodiments for steering the catheters to anatomic sites of interest such as the pulmonary veins.
None of the catheter-based ablation assemblies disclose a system adapted for positioning one end of a linear ablation element within a first ostium of a first pulmonary vein and the other end of the ablation element within a second ostium of a second pulmonary vein. Nor does the prior art disclose a method for securing the ablation element between a first and second anchor, thereby maintaining a desired linear position in contact with the atrial wall and facilitating the formation of a linear ablation track along the length of tissue between the anchors.


Method and apparatus for communication in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network are provided. The method comprises a first peer in the P2P network selecting a primary Internet Protocol (IP) address from a plurality of IP addresses associated with the first peer. The method further comprises the first peer providing the primary IP address to a second peer as an address the second peer is to use in initiating communication with the first peer. The apparatus comprises a user equipment (UE) that includes a processor configured such that the UE selects a primary IP address from plurality of IP addresses associated with the UE and registers the primary IP address in the P2P network.

As used herein, the terms "user equipment" and "UE" might in some cases refer to mobile devices such as mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, handheld or laptop computers, and similar devices that have telecommunications capabilities. Such a UE might consist of a device and its associated removable memory module, such as but not limited to a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) that includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) application, a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) application, or a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM) application. Alternatively, such a UE might consist of the device itself without such a module. In other cases, the term "UE" might refer to devices that have similar capabilities but that are not transportable, such as desktop computers, set-top boxes, or network appliances. The term "UE" can also refer to any hardware or software component that can terminate a communication session for a user. Also, the terms "user equipment," "UE," "user agent," "UA," "user device" and "user node" might be used synonymously herein.
As telecommunications technology has evolved, more advanced network access equipment has been introduced that can provide services that were not possible previously. This network access equipment might include systems and devices that are improvements of the equivalent equipment in a traditional wireless telecommunications system. Such advanced or next generation equipment may be included in evolving wireless communications standards, such as long-term evolution (LTE). For example, an LTE system might include an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) node B (eNB), a wireless access point, or a similar component rather than a traditional base station. As used herein, the term "access node" will refer to any component of the wireless network, such as a traditional base station, a wireless access point, or an LTE eNB, that creates a geographical area of reception and transmission coverage allowing a UA or a relay node to access other components in a telecommunications system. An access node may comprise a plurality of hardware and software.
A traditional telecommunications network typically includes a plurality of central components that act as controllers and coordinators for control plane and user plane traffic to and from the clients in the network. A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a distributed communication system, wherein the nodes act as peers, configured to perform both client and server functions. As used herein, the terms "peer", "node", and "peer node" might be used synonymously. P2P network architectures may be self-organizing, with peers joining and leaving at any time. P2P networks therefore have the ability to link heterogeneous network environments, such as the internet, ad-hoc networks, and home networks, and may realize highly scalable, extensible, and efficiently distributed applications. As there are no centralized network control entities, P2P networks handle functions such as call switching and data routing in a distributed manner, for instance, via defining an overlay network structure and implementing an overlay routing protocol.
P2P networks may be managed or unmanaged. An unmanaged P2P network is fully decentralized, with all peers configured to function as both clients and servers to the other nodes on the network. On the other hand, a managed P2P network may comprise at least one peer acting temporarily as a server, which is managed by the network operators or P2P service providers.
Due to the dynamic structure of P2P networks, each peer is configured to maintain a connection table and to track information on other peers. The connection table may comprise information such as, for instance, node identifier and Internet Protocol (IP) address. If the information on any node in the connection table changes, the other peers may update their respective connection tables.

Method and apparatus for handling peers with dynamic IP connectivity status in peer-to-peer networks


Disclosed is a method for preparing (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid and (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester using an inexpensive industrially available enzyme capable of assuring superior optical purity and yield. At this time, the hydrolytic enzyme is selected from the group consisting of Savinase, Alcalase, Novozym 243, Everlase, Esperase, Protease 7 and Acylase, whereby (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid and methyl ester thereof having an optical purity of at least 99% e.e. can be obtained through a simplified preparation process, thus generating economic benefits.

In general, (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid and methyl ester compounds thereof are currently used as an intermediate of many novel medicines in experimental and clinic steps, and as well, may be applied as an intermediate of a therapeutic agent for the treatment of hypertension, such as Perindopril™, which is presently commercially available from Servier (France), when being converted to (2S)-(2α,3αβ, 7αβ)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid through hydrogenation. Thus, intensive researches on (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid and (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester have been performed.
At present, the production of optically active (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid and methyl ester thereof is largely classified into four methods, that is, (1) recrystallization using a chiral auxiliary, (2) asymmetrical hydrogenation using a chiral auxiliary, (3) chemical synthesis through asymmetrical reduction using a chiral auxiliary, and (4) enantioselective hydrolysis using a microorganism and an enzyme.
First, the recrystallization method is characterized in that an optically active compound is used as an auxiliary, and thus a certain optical isomer is selectively pre-cipitated as a salt and separated from the other optical isomer. In this regard, (+)-alpha-methylbenzylamine is used as the chiral auxiliary to separate only (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid having optical purity of 96% e.e. (Vincent M. et al., Tetrahedron Letters, 23(16), 1677, 1982).
In addition, (−)-(R,R)-4-(O2N)C6H4CH(OH)CH(NH2)CH2OH is utilized as the chiral auxiliary, along with acetylated indoline-2-carboxylic acid, thereby separating only the acetylated (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid with an optical purity of 99% e.e. (Hendrickx A. J. J. & Kuilman T., EP 937,714 (1999)). However, the recrystallization method is disadvantageous in that the used chiral auxiliary is expensive and also is difficult to recover, thus negating economic benefits. Thus, it is difficult to apply the above method to commercial industries.
Second, the asymmetrical hydrogenation method using the chiral auxiliary is characterized in that a substrate and a metal catalyst having a chiral ligand are added to a solvent, followed by optically selective hydrogenation of the substrate. For example, acetylated indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester is hydrogenated, together with [Rh(norbomadiene)2]+SbF6− as the catalyst, and bis(diphenylphosphinoethyl)-biferrocene(S,S)-(R,R)-PhTRAP as the ligand, in an isopropanol solution containing cesium carbonate, under the conditions of 60° C. and 5.0 Mpa, to produce acetylated (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester with an optical purity of 95% e.e., as the yield of 95% (Kuwano R. et al., JACS, 122(31), 7614, 2000). The above method is advantageous in terms of high yield of the product, but suffers from drawbacks, such as low optical purity, and the use of expensive chiral auxiliary for the hydrogenation, in which the chiral auxiliary is difficult to synthesize. Further, since the above hydrogenation method requires expensive equipments and facilities, it cannot be employed for a large-scaled process.
Third, the chemical synthesis method through the asymmetrical reduction using the chiral auxiliary is characterized by optically selective reduction of a pro-chiral type nitrophenyl pyruvic acid by use of the chiral auxiliary, to prepare an alcohol derivative, which is then used as an intermediate to produce optically active (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid. In this regard, while D-(+)-Proline and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are used as the chiral auxiliary and a reducing agent, respectively, nitrophenyl pyruvic acid is subjected to an optically selective reduction, thus synthesizing (S)-alpha-hydroxybenzenepropionic acid with the yield of 85%. Subsequently, the synthesized (S)-alpha-hydroxybenzenepropionic acid is chlorinated, followed by reducing a nitro group to an amine group to make a cyclic structure in a basic aqueous solution, to finally synthesize (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid (Buzby G. C. Jr et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,806 (1988)). However, the above method is disadvantageous in that (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid is synthesized through many reaction steps, for example, four steps from nitrophenyl pyruvic acid, thus obtaining a very low reaction yield, not more than 32%. Further, the above method is disadvantageous in terms of the use of expensive of D-(+)-proline, and thus it is impossible to produce the target product economically.
Fourth, the enantioselective hydrolysis method using the microorganism and the enzyme includes two type processes proposed separately by Asada et al. and Oreste et al.
By Asada et al., alcohol having a higher molecular weight, selected from the group consisting of butanol, amylalcohol, benzylalcohol, cyclohexanol, cyclohexandiol, glycerol, glycerol-alpha-monochlorohydrine, ethyleneglycol, dichloropropanol, monochlorohydrine, and pentantriol, reacts with racemic indoline-2-carboxylic acid to prepare an ester compound, which is then subjected to an optically selective resolution by use of an industrial enzyme and an enzyme purified from microorganisms, to produce (S)- or (R)-ester compound, which is then further hydrolyzed, concentrated, crystallized, precipitated and filtered, thus finally obtaining (S)- or (R)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid having high optical purity (Asada et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,822 (1990)).
Although the ester compound composed of alcohol having a higher molecular weight, used as the substrate, can increase the yield due to the enhancement of an adsorption ratio to a hydrophobic resin filled in a column, it decreases the number of moles per unit volume in the same amount, compared to ester compounds having a lower molecular weight, thereby lowering the yield of the overall reaction, resulting in increased process costs.
Among the enzymes and microorganisms using by Asada et. al., steapsin and a hydrolytic enzyme derived from Arthrobacter nicotianea have relatively higher activity.
Although steapsin is an inexpensive lipase obtained from the pancreas of pigs, it has only 25% of protein based on total amounts thereof, in which the protein further includes amylase and protease. Thereby, side reactions occur and thus impurities are easily produced. Also, upon separation and purification of the product, since an emulsion layer is formed by impurities and unnecessary proteins in the total proteins of Steapsin, the separation/purification process is difficult to perform, and as well, the purification yield decreases.
Moreover, the enzymes derived from the microoranisms are different in titers and activities according to culture conditions of the microorganisms, and the purification of enzymes requires a complicated process, such as column chromatography. Further, the (S)- or (R)-ester compound obtained from the enzymatic reaction can be converted to (S)- or (R)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid having high optical purity by means of complicated processes, such as hydrolysis, concentration, crystallization, pre-cipitation and filtration. Hence, the reaction process suffers from complexity and the lower yield, thus negating economic benefits.
Meanwhile, by Oreste et al., the racemic acetylated indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester is selectively hydrolyzed by the microorganism and the enzyme to produce the acetylated (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester having optical activity (Oreste G. et al., DE 3,727,411 (1988)). However, since the resultant acetylated (S)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester has the yield of 9% and the optical purity of maximal 98% e.e., the above method cannot be applied for an industrial production process requiring both high optical activity and high yield. Further, because the acetyl group should be removed from the product, the chiral center may be easily racemized, therefore decreasing the optical purity.

Method for preparing (s)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid and (s)-indoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester using hydrolytic enzyme


The present disclosure is directed to a method for applying a multi-colored coating to a composite structure comprising applying a first co-curable film layer comprising a first color marking to a composite tool, applying a second co-curable film layer comprising a second color marking over the composite tool and at least partially over the first co-curable film layer to create a lay-up of a multi-colored marking, applying a composite structure over the lay-up of the multi-colored marking, and curing the lay-up of the multi-colored marking and the composite structure in a single curing step to create a cured multi-colored coating on the composite structure. A multi-colored coating for marking a composite structure and an aircraft part having a multi-colored marking are also provided.

Many components, for example, vehicle, aerospace (e.g., aircraft and the like), and other components, are constructed of strong but light-weight composite materials that help to minimize the overall weight of the structure, e.g., an aircraft. These composite materials often comprise carbon reinforcement fibers distributed within a polymeric matrix.
Commercial aircraft and vehicle manufacturers often desire to mark or brand the aircraft or vehicles with information or indicia (e.g., model numbers, company names, company logos, or other decorational or informational markings, including words, numbers, lettering, and designs of any sort). Marking, however, has proven challenging with respect to parts made from composite materials. Painting or printing on these composite structures often causes an increase in manufacturing process times, such as paint operation flow time, thus increasing costs and time required to manufacture the part. In some cases, the part may include complex three-dimensional curvature(s), which may be difficult to print on.
Conventional methods of painting an aircraft require multiple steps of masking, painting, and demasking. For applying an aircraft livery with multiple colors, it may be necessary to perform the steps of masking, painting, and demasking for each color in the livery, which may add to the overall amount of time required to paint the aircraft. In addition, the aircraft livery must be applied in a precise manner to avoid gaps that may otherwise expose a typically-white undercoat which may detract from the overall appearance of the aircraft. Furthermore, the process of applying paint to the aircraft surfaces must be carried out with a high level of control to ensure an acceptable level of coating thickness to meet performance requirements, such as weight, electromagnetic effects, aerodynamics, etc.
Further complicating the marking of composite structures may be the need for enhanced durability of the marking, to protect it from environmental conditions, as well as the desire to coat multiple colors or complex indicia on a composite part, as each layer of coating using traditional marking and painting methods may reduce smoothness of the surface of the composite structure.
In addition, maintaining desired flow characteristics over coated or painted aircraft surfaces, for example coated or painted on the wings or tail of an aircraft, may be challenging. In order to avoid impact on desired boundary layer characteristics during flight, there are allowable criteria for paint edges and waviness. There may also exist restrictions for three-dimensional surface discontinuities, such as those that may occur from inclusions caused by debris, dust, or dry coating overspray, as well as from multiple layers of applied paint, for example paint in multiple colors to create a design or distinguish lettering.
Known methods and systems exist for applying multi-color airline designs on exterior surfaces of an aircraft. For example, such known methods and systems may include building up coating or paint layers on either a primer layer or a basecoat field color layer using tape and/or masking techniques. These known methods and systems for applying multi-color airline designs on an exterior surface of an aircraft may make it difficult to meet or maintain aerodynamic performance requirements, such as requirements for coating or paint edge angles or coating or paint edge peaks that help to ensure a preferred aerodynamic performance.
Accordingly, there remains a need for marking processes that reduce processing time and/or expense while providing adequate multi-colored designs and a smooth, aerodynamic surface.


A snow removal machine including a housing with a forward opening through which snow enters the snow removal machine. At least one rotatable member is positioned and rotatably secured within the housing for engaging and eliminating the snow from within said housing. The snow removal machine also includes a surface treatment application system with a treatment material dispensing system connected to the housing for dispensing a liquid or solid deicer and/or anti-icing treatment material over an area from which snow has been removed.

As is well known, after snow falls it is desirable to remove the snow from areas that are used by pedestrians and vehicles. As used herein, the term "areas" includes sidewalks and other known pedestrian walkways such as walking paths, stairs, patios and decks, as well as driveways and certain roadways, parking areas and alleyways that are cleaned after a snowstorm with a conventional shovel, snowblower, or other equipment that carries a plow.
Larger conventional snow removal machines, such as snowblowers, can be mounted to the front of wheeled vehicles such as tractors. In these instances, a driver sits on the vehicle and drives the attached snowblower during its operation. Other conventional snow removal machines are walk-behind models that are self-propelled or manually pushed by the operator. Self-propelled models typically include a belt drive power transmission system having a driving pulley connected to the output shaft of an engine, a driven pulley connected to one end of a rotating shaft, and an endless belt positioned around the driving and driven pulleys for transmitting power from the engine to the rotating shaft, so that the wheels of the snowblower rotate in response to the operation of the engine when the transmission system is engaged. Examples of conventional snow removing machines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,018, U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,237, U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,730, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,812, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Two major types of snow blowing systems are used in snowblowers. These systems include one-stage blower systems and two-stage blower systems. A one-stage snowblower usually has a housing including a sub-housing. The sub-housing has a front opening where the snow is taken in between spaced apart sidewalls, as a powered rotating member, such as an impeller or brush, cuts or sweeps the snow. An engine is mounted on the housing and the impeller is journalled into the sidewalls of the sub-housing. The impeller is rotated by a direct drive mechanism connected to the engine as is known. In a one-stage snowblower, the impeller is the only powered device used for collecting the snow and throwing the snow out the snowblower's snow exhaust chute or front opening.
A two-stage snowblower is similar to a one-stage snowblower in that it has a main housing with a front sub-housing having spaced apart sidewalls and an engine mounted to the main housing. However, a two-stage snowblower uses an auger journalled between the spaced apart sidewalls of the sub-housing to collect the snow to be brought into an opening of the sub-housing. The auger is generally a pair of opposing helical members that in a first stage rotate to force the snow into the opening of the sub-housing. In the second stage, a fan is located to the rear of the opening. The fan forces the snow up and out of the snow exhaust chute as the fan rotates.
In the typical operation of a snowblower, a scrapper at the front of the sub-housing opening lifts the snow into the sub-housing where the rotating auger(s) or impeller cuts the snow. However, no matter the type of conventional snowblower used to clear an area, after the snowblower passes over the area, a layer of snow, ice and/or slush will remain. This can be due to the inability of the snowblower to scrape all of the snow, ice and/or slush off the surface of the area because of damage to the opening of the sub-housing. This can also be caused by an irregular/uneven surface in the area being snowblown that results in the front opening of the snowblower riding over the highest point of the irregular/uneven surface and thereby passing over some of the snow, ice and/or slush. No matter the cause of the leftover snow, ice and/or slush, the mere fact that it remains after the snowblower has gone over the area can create a very dangerous situation for people traversing the area, especially if the remaining snow and slush freeze and turn to ice. In order to treat this situation, many people attempt to spread a deicer on the surface of the area using their hand or a manual spreader after they have completed using their snowblower. However, these spreaders may not provide enough deicer to effect a substantially complete clearing of the path. Alternatively, an excessive amount of the deicer may be applied over the area to be treated. Excessive amounts of deicer can cause significant waste of the deicer and structural damage to the surface of the area that will only add to the inability of a snowblower to effectively clean off that area in the future. Additionally, excessive amounts of deicer can be environmentally dangerous and cause injuries to people and animals that use the treated area. As a result, a system for properly applying a predetermined and accurate amount of a treatment material is needed.
Moreover, modern society places a premium on the time that people have to complete occupational tasks as well as house and yard work. As a result, the additional steps of having to separately retrieve and distribute deicing and/or anti-icing agents is undesirable as it adds to the total time required to complete the snow removal and treat the area from which the snow was removed.
A need therefore exists in the art for a snow removal device that applies a treatment material to the surface of an area after a snowblower has passed over that surface in order to deice the surface and prevent the formation of future ice and snow on the surface. A need also exists for such a device that eliminates the additional steps of retrieving the deicing and/or anti-icing material and applying it separately from the snow removal operation.

Snow removal machine with system for applying a surface treatment material