An oral lubricant having usefulness for alleviating the symptoms of dry mouth and preventing accumulation of dental stains based on a polyvinyl alcohol polymer containing composition in an orally acceptable carrier or vehicle. The invention relates generally to an oral composition having a function in lubricating the mouth and preventing the formation of stains on the surfaces of the teeth. The active ingredients of the composition are a polyvinyl alcohol, a metal chelating agent, lipophilic vitamin, surface active material and a phenolic anti microbial agent with anti-inflammatory properties.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to an oral composition having a function in lubricating the mouth and preventing the formation of stains on the surfaces of the teeth. The active ingredients of the composition are a polyvinyl alcohol and a metal chelating agent.
The invention also encompasses a method of treating xerostomia comprising of administering to an affected individual a lubricant composition containing an alcoholic polymer and a metal chelating agent in an orally acceptable vehicle.
2. The Prior Art
Xerostomia commonly known as "dry mouth" is a condition in which the salivary glands do not produce sufficient quantities of saliva. This causes discomfort that can in some cases be quite severe. Without saliva, the mouth burns and the throat and tongue can undergo physiological changes. Teeth can also decay rapidly and the tongue can become smooth, cracked and vulnerable to infection.
The mouth is one of the body areas most exposed to the external environment. Normally, mucous forms a continuous protective layer in the nose, mouth and throat. A patient suffering from xerostomia not only has decreased fluid in the mouth, but also an insufficient quantity of mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharides to hold fluid in contact with the cells and create a barrier to irritation and infection.
Cases of xerostomia may vary from the mild, in which only slight dryness is experienced, to severe cases in which the patient will have serious problems with mastication, swallowing, digestion, speech, and the like. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,100 to Balslev et al., there is a number of causes of xerostomia, including the physiological (e.g., age, menopause, postoperative conditions, dehydration), as well as the psychological (nervousness). The reasons for mouth dryness may also be pharmacological (e.g., as a common side effect of many medications, including anti hypertensives, diuretics, anti-arthritics and anti-depressants) or as a result of radiotherapy. The most severe cases of xerostomia are caused by radiation therapy after head and neck surgery and by autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjogrens Syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Until recently, the treatments for xerostomia have had significant drawbacks. For example, symptoms of mild xerostomia can be somewhat alleviated by consumption of fluids, hard candy and throat lozenges. Because of the susceptibility of xerostomia patients to tooth decay and gum disease, however, the increased sugar intake associated with conventional candy and lozenges is of real concern. In addition, fluids or candy are typically not effective with more severe cases of xerostomia, nor do they provide long-lasting relief with mild cases.
Artificial saliva and salivary substitutes have been proposed as palliative treatments for the symptoms of xerostomia, which preparations have physical and chemical properties that simulate those of natural (human) saliva.
Artificial salvias of the prior art include compositions, which contain ions that mimic those found in natural saliva; glycerin, as well as carboxymethylcellulose-based preparations to provide the proper level of viscosity. Fluoride ions are sometimes included to prevent demineralization of tooth enamel. These compositions have not found wide acceptance as many patients find, that such preparations are irritating or distasteful, and that their lubricating effect is of relatively short duration. This lack of wide acceptance is believed due, at least in part to the fact that the artificial saliva preparations of the prior art do not fully possess the rheological characteristics of natural saliva which are responsible for natural saliva's lubricating effect. An article entitled "Lubrication and Viscosity Features of Human Saliva and Commercially Available Saliva Substitutes", M. N. Hatton et al, J. Oral Maxillotac. Surg. 45, 496-499 (1987), contains a full discussion of the problems associated with the presently available commercial saliva substitutes in the treatment of individuals with diminished salivary gland function.
In view of the problems, which occur when salivary secretion is deficient, it will be understood that it would be most desirable to have an oral lubricating composition for human use, to relieve the above-mentioned discomforts and inconveniences incurred by xerostomia or by a greater or lesser tendency to dryness of the mouth. Such a composition should have lubricating properties which are as close to the properties of the natural saliva so as to provide to the patient long-term relief from the symptoms of xerostomia or dry mouth.
The uses of lubricating polymers are well known the ophthalmic area. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,535 to Sherman discloses a rewetting solution that is particularly useful for rigid silicone copolymer contact lenses, including extended wear lenses. In one embodiment, the rewetting solution contains the combination of hydroxyethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,189 to Su et al. discloses ophthalmic solutions for improving the exchange of fluid in the area outside a hydrogel contact lens in the area underneath the hydrogel contact lens, in order to permit tear exchange to occur, thereby preventing the accumulation of waste matter and debris under the lens. The solution contains a hydrogel-flattening agent, for example urea, glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, or an amino-ethanol. Surfactants that are useful in the solution include poloxamer and tyloxapol. Suitable lubricants include hydroxylethylcellulose, polyvinylalchol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.
For a lubricating polymer to be useful in the oral cavity it should be non-irritating and have adhesive properties. Various polymers have been proposed for use in establishing adhesive contact with mucosal surfaces. See, for example, Biegajski, U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,478 to Lowey, U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,314 to Lowey, U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,323 to Yukimatsu et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,365 to Kwiatek et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,996 to Suzuki et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,299 to Suzuki et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,369 to Mizobuchi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,092 to Fankhauser et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,142; Nagai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,163 to Nagai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,848 to Browning, U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,580 to Schiraldi et al. Typically, these adhesives consist of a matrix of a hydrophilic, e.g., water soluble or swell able, polymer or mixture of polymers which can adhere to wet mucosal surfaces. Such polymers are inclusive of hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran, gaur-gum, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, pectins, starches, gelatin, casein, acrylic acid, acrylic acid esters, acrylic acid copolymers, vinyl polymers, vinyl copolymers, vinyl alcohols, alkoxy polymers, polyethylene oxide polymers, polyethers, and the like. These adhesives may be formulated as ointments, thin films, tablets, troches, and other forms. Often, these adhesives have had medicaments mixed therewith to effectuate slow release or local delivery of a drug rather then treat xerostomia or dry mouth.
Some of the polymers described above have several drawbacks. For example materials such as Carbopol (carboxyvinyl polymers), are not water soluble thus leave a tacky, greasy residue in the oral cavity of the wearer, and can cause sustained oral irritation and some forms of adhesives remain in the oral cavity for only short periods of time, e.g. generally not more than about 10 or 20 minutes, and therefore cannot provide for delivery of a substance over an extended period of time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,054 discloses a composition to treat xerostomia, which comprises of an aqueous solution of at least one polymer and at least one electrolyte, wherein the aqueous solution is preferably buffered and optionally contains at least one mucin. The polymer can be chosen for instance from the group which consists of scleroglucan, guar gum, xanthan gum, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid and polyvinyl alcohol. The therapeutic composition according to the invention can serve as saliva substitution agent, artificial tear water, in a mouth rinse or in a toothpaste. The aforementioned patient teaches that the mucin is critical because saliva mucins can adhere to both the surface of the teeth and to the oral mucosa and polyacrylic acid subsequently binds to the mucin in order to form a protective layer.
For a lubricant to be effective, it has to interact with the surfaces it is protecting. Referring to U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,054, the disadvantage of combining polyvinyl alcohol with an electrolyte is that the cation may interact with the polymer and cause precipitation of polyvinyl alcohol. Further, saliva is known to contain high concentrations of electrolytes, which may cause further precipitation of polyvinyl alcohol thus leaving a granular feeling in the mouth. Hence, the addition of a metal chelating agent to a formulation containing polyvinyl alcohol will aid in its anti-xerostomia properties. Further inclusion of salivary mucins have other disadvantages including; the mucins are biopolymers which are difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities and suitable purity, they are expensive and they may be obtained from animal salivary glands which may make the use of mucin unsuitable for some consumers and patients. Hence, there is a need to develop products that will retain moisture in the oral cavity that will be inexpensive, and will be acceptable to a majority of consumers. It will also be beneficial to develop products that have added benefits such as prevention of dental stains or accumulation of unaesthetic materials on tooth surfaces and also to prevent irritation/inflammation occurring as a result of dry mouth.

Oral lubricating and stain retarding compositions


A telephone and video telecommunications distribution network (10) includes a telecommunications switch (12) and an optical network unit configuration (20b). The telecommunications switch (12) receives telephony traffic at a common control section (14) and video information at a video bank section (18). The video bank section receives telephony traffic from the common control section (14) and places the telephony traffic into telephony ATM cells. Video information is carried in video ATM cells. The Video Dank section (18) multiplexes telephony ATM cells and video ATM cells onto a fiber optic communication link for transport to the optical network unit configuration (20b). The optical network unit configuration (20b) includes a full service optical line unit (80) that segregates telephony ATM cells from video ATM cells. The full service optical line unit (80) transfers video ATM cells to a video brick (31) for processing. The full service optical line unit extracts telephony traffic from the telephony ATM cells for transport to a conventional optical network unit (82).

Over the past decade, telephone companies have been confronted with increasing competition for their core businesses. Revenues from telephone services are either flat or in a declining state. In order to improve profit margins, telephone companies have dramatically reduced staff levels and diversified their businesses to reduce their reliance on telephone service profits. Telephone companies desire to expand revenue opportunities through the offering of new services. The most significant new service with respect to the residential customer is the delivery of video services such as analog multicast, digital multicast, and switched digital capabilities. Telephone companies look to gain a share of the cable television and video cassette rental revenue streams and to grow the total available market through successful marketing and distribution of new on-demand video services. Therefore, it is desirable that video services can be provided by telephone companies along with telephony services that are currently offered.

Optical network unit for communicating telephony and video information


A teaching device for sport configured motorcycles that restricts the angular inclination of the motorcycle and therefore its effective height from the ground when performing a wheelie in which the motorcycle is positioned on its rear wheel as it is driven. A bracket assembly extends from the rear wheel of the motorcycle with pavement engagement wheels positioned on its free end. The bracket assembly can be adjusted to afford different engagement angles to safely stabilize and restrict the effective height of the sport motorcycle's front wheel off the pavement during the “wheelie” maneuver thus providing a teaching platform for individuals practicing the art of wheelies on sport configured motorcycles.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to motorcycles and specifically sport type motorcycles that are characterized by different frame and body panel configurations that import a more streamline aerodynamic shaped and associated surfaces. Such sport motorcycles can be induced by their rider to be driven on the rear drive wheel by the rider's repositioning of their center of gravity and applying power to effectively elevate the front wheel.
2. Description of Prior Art
Prior art devices of this type have been directed to custom tail bars for specific vehicle application such as drag racing vehicles including motorcycles. Examples of prior art patents illustrate different wheelie devices can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,153,268, 4,353,571, 4,367,883, 5,330,221, 5,368,323, 6,149,179 and 6,423,914.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,268 a cycle stabilization accessory is claimed for bicycles that have a pair of telescopically adjustable armatures pivoted together, one of which has a small wheel on its free end.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,571 discloses a wheelie support for a typical motorcycle in which a back wheel fender extension is a fixed angular inclination for direct frictional pavement contact upon the execution of a wheelie.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,883 defines a wheelie support that is pivoted to a rear wheel axle and extends forward with an articulation wheel in selective engagement by an operator controlled structural member lifting up and under the rear wheel when engaged.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,221 shows a bicycle wheelie balancing device with a rearwardly extending support frame having a pivoted end wheel support portion which is in turn adjusted for degree of angular orientation by a secondary pivoted rod extending therefrom.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,323 is a bicycle safety bar device with multiple pairs of rear wheels on support rails extending from the bicycle.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,179 is directed to a wheelie stabilizer and safety device having a pivoted arm assembly extending from a spring urged mounting bracket on the rear axle of the bicycle.
Finally, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,914 illustrates a wheelie inhibitor device which has a switch housing secured to the vehicle with an electric switch that activates a rod extending therefrom preventing the wheelie action of the vehicle.


Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for detecting an interruption in memory initialization. A status bit for indicating whether memory initialization was interrupted or not is stored in a register. A basic input/output system (BIOS) sets the status bit prior to initialization and clears the status bit after initialization. The status bit cannot be reset by a standard platform reset. In operation, as the system is reset or turned on and prior to initialization, the BIOS checks the status bit to detect possible improper memory initialization. When the status bit is set, the BIOS concludes that a memory initialization had not completed and thus might be incorrect. The BIOS then causes power to be cycled to memory and any other steps needed are taken to return the memory to a functional state.

Memory devices and memory subsystems typically have certain initialization steps and/or register values that need to be programmed prior to normal operation. Certain events can cause the initialization to be done improperly including, but not limited to, a reset occurring during the middle of initialization.
If the memory initialization process is interrupted, the memory may wind up in a state in which operation is unpredictable. Memory initialization could be interrupted due to asynchronous resets, such as the user pressing a reset button or reset messages received from the local area network (LAN). The only way to return the memory to a proper state is to power cycle the memory for a sufficiently long time. After reset, there is no direct method for the BIOS to know if the memory is in an unpredictable state. It could infer this by performing extensive memory testing, however that takes a significant time and will slow the boot process.

Method and apparatus for detecting an interruption in memory initialization


Provided is a comb polyolefin. The comb polyolefin has a copolymer of a multifunctional acrylate monomer and a α,ω-diene monomer terminated with a polyolefin substituent. There is also a process for making a comb polyolefin. There is also a polymer backbone. There is also a polyolefin blend. There is also a lubricant composition including the comb polyolefin.

LDPE (low density polyethylene) exhibits excellent blown film processability but relatively low stiffness and impact toughness. LDPE was made using peroxide initiated radical polymerization of ethylene and contains both short and long chain branches. The excellent processability of LDPE is believed to be due to the presence of long-chain branch structures (dense comb, tree-like, and dendritic structures), although such structures have not been characterized analytically.
HDPE (high density polyethylene) has purely linear PE chains without any long and short chain branches. HDPE exhibits excellent stiffness but poor mechanical toughness and blown film processability.
LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) contains only short chain branches introduced through the addition of a linear alpha-olefin co-monomer. LLDPE has a heterogeneous composition distribution and exhibits good toughness and moderate stiffness but relatively low blown film processability.
mLLDPE (metallocene catalyst polymerized linear low density polyethylene) has a homogeneous composition distribution containing only short chain branches. mLLDPE exhibits excellent impact toughness and moderate stiffness but very poor blown film processability.
It would be desirable to have an additive for ethylene polymers and for propylene polymers that would enhance extensional hardness, processability, shear thinning, and melt strength. It would also be desirable to have an additive that does not significantly diminish impact toughness and mechanical stiffness of ethylene and propylene polymers.
Polyolefins with a comb-like topology or configuration can provide enhancement of physical properties of ethylene and propylene polymers. However, synthetic methods for comb polyolefins employed in the prior art have proven challenging to carry out, particularly when a tailored structure is desired. It would be desirable to have an effective and efficient process for making comb polyolefins, particularly those with tailored structures.
Polyolefins with a dense comb topology could be used as viscosity modifiers in lubricants. In addition to thickening the lubricant base stock, raising the viscosity index, delivering shear thinning, the comb-like polyolefins could potentially lower the contact friction of lubricants as comb structures are preferred in lubrication applications. It would be desirable to have a comb-like polyolefin that lowered the contact friction of lubricants.
Conventional polypropylenes exhibit only limited melt strength, which has resulted in processing difficulties in blow-molding of bottles and other articles. It would be desirable to have a polyolefin additive that would enhance the melt strength of conventional polypropylenes.

Comb polyolefin, process for making, and blends/compositions having same

ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company


The present disclosure provides display apparatuses, gate drive circuits, shift register units and driving methods thereof. The shift register unit includes: an outputting module, configured to output a composite output signal under a control of a potential of a pull-up node; a pull-up module, configured to charge the pull-up node under a control of a display control signal terminal and charge the pull-up node under a control of a potential of a black insertion node; a first reset circuit configured to, under a control of the reset signal terminal and the potential of the black insertion node, control a voltage control node to communicate with the pull-up node; a current-limiting circuit, connected between the voltage control node and a first voltage terminal; and a charging module, configured to charge the voltage control node under the control of the potential of the pull-up node.

In the field of display technologies, image smear may occur during a switching process of motion picture. In order to solve the problem of image smear, a black picture is usually inserted in a display stage. But, the existing gate drive circuits cannot control a pixel circuit to achieve the black insertion/black frame insertion function.

Display apparatuses, gate drive circuits, shift register units and driving methods thereof


A muffler for a two-stroke internal combustion engine has a housing enclosing a hollow space and having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet. Shaped sheet metal members are mounted in the housing and define an exhaust gas flow channel. The flow channel extends at least over a portion of its length in a plane of the sheet metal members. A first one of the sheet metal members has a projecting portion projecting from the plane of the sheet metal members and forming a connector of the flow channel. The connector communicates with the exhaust gas inlet. A second one of the sheet metal members has a projecting portion projecting from the plane of the sheet metal members and forming an end portion of the flow channel opening into the hollow space of the housing.

The present invention relates to a muffler for a two-stroke internal combustion engine, especially for a portable working tool such as a motor chain saw, a cut-off saw, hedge trimmer, cutter etc., wherein the muffler comprises a housing having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet and a flow channel formed by shaped sheet metal members inserted into the housing, whereby the flow channel extends at least over a portion of its length along the plane of the sheet metal members.
From European patent application 0 664 380 a muffler is known which is comprised of an inner shell of two sheet metal members resting on one another and a housing shell comprised of two outer sheet metal members resting on one another. The inner shell has a circumferential edge which is secured between clamping depressions of the housing shell in a spring-elastic manner. An exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet are positioned at opposed sides of the housing in the area of the connecting surfaces of the two outer sheet metal members and between the exhaust gas inlet and the exhaust gas outlet the flow channel extends that is formed by a respective shaping of the inner sheet metal members or by inserted tube members. The extension of the flow channel between the exhaust gas inlet and exhaust gas outlet is meanderlike.
In German Patent 42 06 839 a muffler for an internal combustion engine is disclosed whereby in the muffler a catalyst is arranged. The muffler comprises a two-part housing, i.e., a muffler body and a muffler cover which are detachably connected to one another. In the housing a thermal and acoustic insulation is provided which rests at the inner upper surface of the muffler cover. At the inner upper surface of the thermal and acoustical insulation layer a catalyst layer comprised of a catalyst fabric is positioned. A porous securing device is provided in the muffler cover which forces the thermal and acoustic insulation layer as well as the catalyst layer against the muffler cover whereby the porous securing device has an inner surface along which the exhaust gas will flow.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a muffler of the aforementioned kind that is of a simple design but, despite a small constructive size, provides minimal noise emission.

Muffler for a two-stroke internal combustion engine


Electrical connectors having actuating slides, for connection to a second complementary connector, the actuating slide being attachable to an outer housing part of the first connector and the actuating slide interacting with the second connector, are known. The actuating slides often have a U-shaped design and are fastened to the outer housing part of the first connector. In order to ensure correct functioning of the actuating slide with the first connector, it is necessary for the actuating slide to be pushed onto the housing of the first connector from a specific direction. In order to achieve this, the outer housing part has guide means for guiding the actuating slide and the actuating slide has corresponding complementary means. The guide means and/or the actuating slide are/is configured in such a way that the actuating slide and the outer housing part can be joined together only from one side of the housing part. At its end, for example, the outer housing part has openings into which the flanks of the actuating slide can be pushed, the flanks of the actuating slide being configured with different cross sections at least at one point, such that the actuating slide can be introduced into the openings only from one side and only in a predetermined orientation.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an electrical connector having an actuating slide.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electrical connectors having a multiplicity of electrical contacts are connected to complementary connectors and then form a connector pair. In this case, the higher the number of contacts to be connected, the greater is the force which is required to produce a connection between the connectors. It is known to use mechanical auxiliary means to connect the two connectors of the connector pair to one another. These mechanical auxiliary means may be designed either as an actuating slide or in the form of a lever. For connecting a connector with an actuating slide to a second complementary connector, it is possible to fit the actuating slide to an outer housing part of the first connector and the actuating slide interacting with the second connector in order to insert the pair of connectors one into the other.
Actuating slides are normally moved in a transverse direction with respect to the insertion direction of the connector. In this case, the actuating slide is integrated or fixed in one of the connectors and has either a guide slot or a guide groove or a pin, the connector to be connected then having the other part. If the two connectors are then joined together, the actuation of the actuating slide causes the lug to move through the slot. EP 587 174 A2 discloses an electrical connector arrangement, in particular for door connectors in automobiles. The connector arrangement has an insulating external housing and an actuating slide which has a U-shaped design. The connector housing is brought into the end position by actuating the actuating slide. The actuating slide in this case has at least one slot on each flank of the U. Pins which are arranged on the connector housing move in these slots.
Since the actuating slide and the external housing of the connector are produced in different work operations, it is necessary that they be joined together.

Electrical connector having an actuating slide


A method for synthesizing cDNA characterized by preparing a reaction solution that does not allow an endodeoxyribonuclease to show its activity, without thermal deactivation of the endodeoxyribonuclease or removal of the endodeoxyribonuclease, and carrying out a reverse transcription reaction, wherein the reaction solution contains a treated sample and a reverse transcriptase, the treated sample being formed by treating a sample comprising RNA and DNA with the endodeoxyribonuclease to degrade DNA in the sample. The method and the kit for synthesizing cDNA of the present invention are widely useful in genetic engineering fields.

In order to elucidate life phenomena, it is very important to analyze mRNA molecules of diversified genes. By the finding of an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, in other words a reverse transcriptase, it is made possible to carry out a reverse transcription reaction for synthesizing cDNA with RNA as a template, thereby making remarkable advancements in the method of analyzing mRNA molecules. The method of analyzing mRNA molecules using a reverse transcriptase now has become an essential experimental method in studies concerning genes. PCR method for amplifying DNA fragments with cDNA synthesized by a reverse transcription reaction as a template is referred to as RT-PCR method. The RT-PCR method is utilized in cloning of cDNA derived from mRNA or in the production of cDNA libraries, and also is useful as a method for examining an expression state of a particular RNA.
However, in a case where DNA is contaminated in a sample used in cDNA synthesis, a region on DNA encoding RNA or a pseudogene may be amplified, thereby making it difficult to selectively obtain only the DNA synthesized with RNA as a template. In order to inhibit the production of an amplified product derived from DNA contaminated in the sample, a method in which a nucleotide analog and a compound which lowers a Tm value are used during a reverse transcription reaction (Patent Publication 1), a method including degrading DNA in the sample with an endodeoxyribonuclease (hereinafter, may be referred to as endoDNase) such as deoxyribonuclease I (hereinafter, may be referred to as DNaseI), and thereafter carrying out a reverse transcription reaction, and the like are employed.
In a case where a reverse transcription reaction is carried out after degrading DNA in the sample with DNaseI, in order to inhibit the degradation of cDNA, the DNaseI is generally inactivated or removed prior to the reverse transcription reaction, by a heat treatment, a phenol/chloroform extraction or the like. However, it has been known that the phenol/chloroform extraction is complicated, and that a heat treatment in the presence of divalent metal ions which are essential for the reaction of DNaseI leads to hydrolysis of RNA. Although a method of actions with DNaseI and a reverse transcriptase at the same time is also proposed (Patent Publications 2 and 3), DNaseI would also degrade DNA in a DNA/RNA hybrid, so that the cDNA synthesized by a reverse transcription reaction in this manner is subjected to degradation with DNaseI.


A trocar includes a valve housing and cannula which define a working channel. A valve disposed in the valve housing along the working channel includes a gel material which defines a slit that functions as a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. The slit is formed by mating gel components which are preferably separated during storage of the device. This separation can be facilitated by a pull strip which can be pre-lubricated and inserted into the slit for ultimate removal prior to activation of the trocar.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to access devices which include compliant seal material, and more specifically to surgical access devices and methods facilitating maintenance of gel valves during periods of non-use.
2. Discussion of the Relevant Art
Access devices in general are disposed relative to a conduit and are adapted to provide input to a flow of fluid through the conduit. The device will typically is include a valve assembly which controls passage of the fluid in either a liquid state or a gas state. Such access devices may be adapted for use with fluids such as foods, oils, and grease, for example.
Devices of particular interest include surgical access devices which are commonly used to form a passageway across a body wall and into a body cavity or other body conduit. This passageway enables a surgeon operating exteriorly of the body to perform surgical operations within the body conduit by manipulating instruments through the passageway. These instruments might include, for example, scopes, needles, graspers, clamps, staplers, sutures and cutters.
Of course, the passageway, more commonly referred to as a working channel, also provides a path for fluids to exit the body from the body conduit. In order to inhibit this leakage of fluids, some access devices are provided with valves which can seal the working channel both in the absence of the instrument and in the presence of the instrument.
The sealing of the working channel is of particular importance in the case of laparoscopic surgeries where the abdominal cavity is inflated with an insufflation gas in order to distend the abdominal wall and thereby increase the size of the work environment. Trocars are commonly used as access devices for this type of surgery. The trocars include a cannula and a seal housing containing one or more valves which facilitate instrument access while inhibiting leakage of the insufflation gas.
Recently, trocar valves have been formed of highly compliant gel materials such as those disclosed and claimed by applicant in co-pending PCT Application Ser. No. PCT/US01/29682 filed on Sep. 21, 2001 and entitled "Surgical Access Apparatus and Method", which designates the United States and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/241,958 filed on Oct. 19, 2000, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. The specific use of these materials as trocar valves is disclosed in PCT Application Ser. No. PCT/US02/15696, which designates the United States and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/312,683 filed on Aug. 14, 2001. This application, which is entitled "Access Sealing Apparatus and Method", is also incorporated herein by reference and discloses many embodiments of trocar gel valves which are all applicable to the present invention.
The gel material included in these valves may have a slight degree of cohesion which tends to degrade the function of the valve over long periods of time, such as during storage and prior to use. For example, in an embodiment including a slit formed between mating gel components, a chemical or mechanical bond can tend to form across the slit over an extended period of contact. Of course, it is desirable to inhibit this formation of bonds or otherwise to maintain or recreate the slit prior to use of the trocar.

Access device maintenance apparatus and method


A pavement for vehicles and pedestrians, which is formed by a conventional foundation of stones and sand on which there are placed parallel alignments of elongate construction elements having an upper part and a lower part that are connected together by a narrowed intermediate part, the space between the narrowed parts of two adjacent alignments being filled with soil or compost in which a decorative plant is planted and a mechanism being arranged to achieve the regularity of the spacing between the alignments and the stability thereof.

The present invention relates to a pavement for vehicles and pedestrians which, while allowing a good flow of traffic, has a very particular decorative appearance.
Such a pavement having a decorative effect is described in the patent U.S. Pat. No. 2,215,159 of Apr. 30, 1938.
According to said patent, this surface is formed by a conventional foundation on which there are placed cement blocks having a convex upper surface and a flat lower surface, said surfaces being connected together by a narrowed intermediate part, the space between the narrowed parts of two adjacent elements being filled with soil or compost in which a decorative plant is planted.
According to said patent, the blocks are arranged at 90° with respect to one another.
This arrangement has the drawback of providing an unstable surface on account of the fact that the upper surface of the blocks is curved, such that said blocks tend to vibrate laterally during the passage of vehicles.
The German patent 27 33 311 of Jul. 23, 1977 describes means of stabilizing blocks placed side-by-side, said means being formed by rods having a circular section which are inserted into circular recesses, this not making it possible to obtain good vertical stabilization.
The patent U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,607 describes paving made of longitudinal elements that are placed side-by-side and secured together so as to produce slabs. This paving does not make it possible to arrange soil or compost, in which a decorative plant is planted, between the longitudinal elements.
The present invention relates to a pavement for vehicles and pedestrians formed by construction elements having an upper surface and a flat lower surface which are connected together by a narrowed intermediate part, the space between the narrowed parts of two adjacent construction elements being filled with soil or compost in which a decorative plant is planted, wherein the construction elements have an elongate shape and are arranged end-to-end so as to form parallel straight lines, the upper surface of the construction element being flat, and stabilizing means being arranged so as to cooperate with the construction elements of two adjacent lines in order to improve the vertical and lateral stability of the latter, the construction elements having longitudinal recesses, the stabilizing means having securing pieces interposed between the construction elements of a line, the securing piece having a body which is arranged between the longitudinal ends of two construction elements placed end-to-end and carries rods or protuberances able to be housed in the longitudinal recesses in the two construction elements between which said body is arranged so as to maintain the alignment of the two construction elements.


Device and method for restoring data in a digital VCR is disclosed in which redundancy is provided for detection of more reliable user data. The device optimally equalizes data reproduced in the VCR, and employs comparison detection in restoring the equalized data at the present time. This is accomplished by comparing the equalized data, at the present time, to either an even series prior data or an odd series prior data which has passed through the equalizing part. Determination of the data, at the present time, as not being of a positive polarity where the prior data is determined to be of a positive polarity and determination of the data, at the present time, as not being of a negative polarity where the prior data is determined to be of a negative polarity, thereby prevents the wrong determination applied to the above determination result in restoring the data to the present time.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital VCR and more particularly, to a device and a method for restoring data in a digital VCR in which redundancy is provided for more reliable detection of user data.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A conventional data restoring device in a DVCR (Digital VCR) will be explained with reference to the attached drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system of the conventional data restoring device in a DVCR, FIG. 2 illustrates a data detection method of the comparison detection part of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate ideal data produced from the equalizing part in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional data restoring device in a DVCR includes a pre-coder 10 for encoding received user data with leading arbitrary code, data converting part 20 for data conversion of a logic signal from the pre-coder 10 into an arbitrary voltage, a channel 30 for transmission of data converted in the data converting part 20, an equalizing part 40 for optimum equalization of the data received through the channel 30, and a comparison detecting part 50 for comparing the optimum equalized data in the equalizing part 40 to a preset reference value in detecting user data. For encoding the received user data, the pre-coder 10 has delays 11 and 12, and for modeling an actual channel, the channel 30 has delays 31 and 32.
The operation of the aforementioned system will be explained with reference to TABLE 1 shown below. TABLE 1 illustrates an example of data flow in the conventional data restoring device in a DVCR.
TABLE 1 __________________________________________________________________________ b.sub.k 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 a.sub.k 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 x.sub.k -1 -1 -1 -1 1 1 -1 -1 -1 -1 1 1 1 -1 1 1 -1 1 1 1 y.sub.k -- -- 0 0 2 2 -2 -2 0 0 2 2 0 -2 0 2 -2 0 2 0 b.sub.k -- -- 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 __________________________________________________________________________
Referring to FIG. 1, upon reception of user data b.sub.k recorded on a magnetic recording medium through a reproduction head (not shown), the pre-coder 10 has the delays 11 and 12 to encode the user data b.sub.k into a b.sub.k .sym.a.sub.k-2 model. That is, the user data b.sub.k received at the present time and data obtained by delaying the data from the pre-coder 10 two times through the delays 11 and 12 are subjected to an exclusive OR operation to produce an encoded value of a.sub.k. The data a.sub.k from the pre-coder 10 converts binary data "0" and "1" applied to the data converting part 20 into voltage values of "-1" and "1" to produce an x.sub.k value. Thus, when the a.sub.k value from the pre-coder 10 is "0", the data is converted into "-1", and if the value is "1", the data is converted into "1". The x.sub.k value, thus data converted, is applied to the equalizing part 40 through the channel 30 in which the x.sub.k value is modeled in an x.sub.k -x.sub.k-2 form. The equalizing part 40 then optimizes the equalization of the signal from the channel 30 to produce and apply a y.sub.k value to the comparison detection part 50.
Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, a series of the y.sub.k data through the equalizing part 40 can be divided into a series of even data and a series of odd data that shows a redundancy. All the symbols that are not "0" in each of the even and odd series have polarities different from prior symbols that are "0". In other words, if a symbol at a certain moment has a value of +2 or -2, a symbol at the next clock moment has a value of 0 or -2, or 0 or +2, but not +2 or -2.
The data value y.sub.k applied to the comparison detection part 50 is compared and detects the data in the three level detection method as shown in FIG. 2, to detect the user data b.sub.k. That is, referring to FIG. 2, in the three level detection method, a data signal received through the equalizing part 40 is determined to be a binary logic signal of "1" with reference to two threshold values of "+1" and "-1", when the applied signal is over "+1", a binary logic signal of "1" is generated for detecting the user data, when the applied signal is below "-1" a binary logic signal of "1" is generated for detecting the user data, and when the applied signal is a data signal between "+1" and "-1" a binary logic signal of "0" is generated for detecting the user data for detecting the user data.
Therefore, because the aforementioned three level detection method applied to the conventional data restoring system in a DVCR cannot utilize signaling redundancy, the conventional data restoring system has problems in that its reliability in the detection of user data is low, and it has no capability for correcting errors occurred in the received data.

Device and method for restoring data in digital VCR


An intake air crossover arrangement for an internal combustion engine having two cylinder banks in a V-shaped arrangement in which air compressed by at least one, and preferably two, turbochargers, is delivered via air ducts to respective intake manifolds for each cylinder bank wherein the air ducts twist at least in the crossover region and have a cross-sectional shape such that they sit in flat contact with one another, preferably by use of an integrally formed crossover pipe containing portions of both ducts. The crossover pipe may further include integral connections for exhaust gas recirculation respectively for each duct.

Being high-power automotive engines, internal combustion engines of this type are widely used in practice. The power of the internal combustion engine is increased by supercharging, i.e. by compressing the fresh air before it enters the cylinder. However, this compression stage simultaneously causes the charge air to become hot, thus exposing the internal combustion engine to thermal stress. It also has a detrimental effect on the exhaust gas temperature and hence on NOx emissions and fuel consumption. For this reason, the air delivered to the cylinder banks is cooled before it enters the intake manifolds as a rule, which can be done using external air or alternatively the engine coolant as the cooling means. A charge air cooler is often provided for this purpose. In many cases, the dwell time of the air in the air ducts is often used as a means of improving the cooling effect. To this end, particularly where two turbochargers are used, the turbocharger on the right side may be used to exclusively charge the cylinders on the left side and vice versa, resulting in extended length of the air ducts and therefore cross over on their respective paths between the turbochargers and their respective cylinder banks.
It is also known to recirculate the exhaust gas, which is an effective way of reducing NOx emissions. This being the case, a part of the exhaust gas from the cylinders is recirculated into the fresh air delivery. To ensure that the exhaust gas is mixed with the fresh air as efficiently possible there, the proportion of exhaust gas is not introduced directly into the intake manifold of a cylinder bank and instead is introduced into the air ducts at a certain distance upstream. This provides a mixing run of a specific length.
The disadvantage of these known internal combustion engines, however, is that the layout of the two air ducts assigned to the respective cylinder banks requires a considerable amount of fitting space inside the engine compartment of the motor vehicle. One particular reason for this is the fact that these air ducts cross over and therefore have to be run past one another, which means that they require a proportion of the compartment volume that is at least more than double that of a single air duct. In addition, this configuration of the air ducts also means that the respective connectors to or the turbochargers on the cylinder banks are disposed in differing positions.
These problems are further exacerbated if an exhaust gas recirculation system is provided, requiring appropriate connecting lines to be accommodated in the engine compartment, but these are not of an identical design as a rule because they connect into the air ducts at mutually offset points.

Internal combustion engine with at least two cylinder banks

International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC


A system for managing and reporting laboratory data wherein the data is obtained at remote data-taking stations, transferred instantaneously by wireless communication to a main data-storing/manipulating station for recording therein without being recorded at the remote data-taking stations, and reported only from the data-storing/manipulating.

During the development and production of many pharmaceutical and chemical products it is necessary to perform various tests and evaluations and maintain various records, then to manipulate the results of these tests and evaluations, and prepare various reports that interpret and summarize those results. Such activities are generally performed in accordance with a set of laws and guidelines provided by the agency, such as the FDA, which controls or approves the market-release of the products and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), prepared by the manufacturer's internal Quality Assurance department (QA), or by an independently contracted auditor.
It is estimated that in the pharmaceutical laboratory 70% or more laboratory staff time is spent on documentation related to these tests, not actual laboratory operations. Cycle times from sample arrival to certificate of analysis are often quoted at 10 to 15 days. The QC/QA review cycle often challenges the data or the analysis, generating investigations to support the conclusions. Out of spec or out of trend results discovered during review are well beyond the time of the operation that generated them. To reduce cycle time in the laboratory, it is imperative to present error free, valid measurements.
Several computer-based data management systems specifically intended for use in such analytical laboratories have been designed over the years and are known generically as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). LIMS systems and chromatography data systems are common systems in pharmaceutical labs. While these systems often archive the analytical results, and provide reports, they are usually oriented too late in the process to insure original data integrity.
The inventors believe that a critical need exists to capture, validate and secure laboratory data as close to the source as possible. Technology needs to be developed which will perform this function with simple equipment and clear interfaces for laboratory personnel and instruments.
Under present procedures, authorized analysts are provided with SOP's and, using properly calibrated instrumentation, perform the aforementioned tests and manually record the aforementioned data in accordance therewith. Once all data has been collected, it is transcribed into a batch record within a computer for interpretation and manipulation, and thereafter, for compilation into such reports as might be dictated by the SOP. The agency, auditor, or QA inspector can view the report(s), while simultaneously viewing the SOP and the supporting data to interpret the report and judge both its validity and its acceptability.
The approval and certification agencies for pharmaceutical products and many chemical products, such as the FDA, generally require the performance of such tests and evaluations and the production of such reports in conjunction with both development and production. Performance of these tests, access to the resulting data, and ability to manipulate it must be strictly limited to only authorized individuals. These requirements result in a tremendous physical and logistical problem, as the evaluation periods can be lengthy and huge quantities of data often accrue. Since present methods fail to recognize many anomalies in these requirements until the report-writing phase, that being the final phase in the process, tremendous delays and expense result when such anomalies prove results erroneous or invalid, polluting the batch record and causing the need for extensive re-testing so late in the process.
LIMS systems of some sort have always been essential tools in such research and development labs, in-process testing labs, and quality assurance labs as are involved in such testing and reporting. Typically, a LIMS is a software program loaded into the computer that receives the data collected from the instruments, either electronically or manually, manipulates and interprets it, maintains it, and presents it for independent inclusion in the required report(s). This information can thus be sorted and organized within the batch record or externally into various report formats based upon the type of report required.
As recently as the nineteen-seventies, laboratory notebooks and handwritten notes were the preferred tools used to track and record information. Thereafter, although handwritten notebooks are still in use today for certain data, custom-designed LIMS were configured by individual laboratories to allow certain analytical instruments to communicate directly with the main server. Such "in-house" systems, which are still being used to this day by many labs, can take considerable time and cost to develop, can require considerable resources and attention to maintain, yet still require many manual steps and documentation stages in order to satisfy most approval and certification requirements.
Even with the use of a LIMS, once data has been collected, it must first be downloaded, either manually or electronically, into the LIMS' batch record file. Each such recordation thus created presents an additional need for preservation and additional point of possible transcription error. Additionally, the recording of such data, which is generally proprietary, in and from numerous locations, increases the potential for access to this data by unauthorized individuals and presents a serious security concern.
Generally, data is either recorded manually or stored within a data collection system associated with the collecting instrumentation itself. For example, if an electronic scale is used, the weight data collected will normally be stored in a memory within that scale. Although this data can be transferred electronically to the server to minimize error, the need to maintain and report details about that original record is not eliminated.
Since the introduction of customized LIMS, great strides have been made in the electronic interfacing of instrumentation and data manipulating equipment. These have made feasible and provided an incentive for the development of a truly universal system to connect all instrumentation with both the server and the SOP's to thereby integrate all data, procedures, and results into one cohesive batch record which can produce one cohesive and inclusive report. This further provides an opportunity to reduce the record-keeping burden by minimizing record maintenance requirements, to improve security, and to expedite the evaluation process. Further, the cumbersome need to manually compare and interpret test results against the SOP can be eliminated and the discovery of invalidities and discrepancies prior to the final stage of the process can be realized.
By linking the testing, the recordation and manipulation of resulting data, and the generation of reports directly with the process itself, as provided by the present invention, it becomes possible to greatly streamline and expedite the approval process.


An error detection and correction circuit is provided that reduces the number of errors in a data signal sent over a high-speed serial link with little area overhead and without deteriorating the latency of the data transmission. An error detection and correction circuit on the transmit side may compute parity bits for each data packet of N bit-wise interleaved data packets and insert these parity bits into a serial data stream. A transmitter may send the serial data stream with the data packets and the parity bits over a high-speed serial link to a receiver. An error detection and correction circuit on the receive side may locate and correct single-bit errors and detect double-bit errors in each packet of the data signal. Thus, the error correction circuit may correct up to N errors in the N bit-wise interleaved data packets.

This invention relates to error detection and correction circuitry and, more particularly, to the use of error detection and correction circuitry in data communications over high-speed serial communication links.
Integrated circuits communicate with one another via communication paths sometimes also known as input-output (I/O) buses. An increasingly important communications type is data communication in the form of serial data streams over serial communication links. Serial communication can be faster than parallel communications and typically uses fewer pins.
It can be challenging to handle serial data streams at high data rates (e.g., at data rates above several Gbps) especially if communication links are subject to channel noise which may result in the introduction of errors during the transmission of the serial data stream from a transmitter over the communication link to a receiver. As a result, serial links often use error checking schemes such as the cyclic redundancy checking (CRC) error checking scheme or the Reed Solomon error correction scheme.
The implementation of error checking schemes typically involves a significant increase in circuit size and latency. Consequently, it is desirable to provide improved mechanisms for implementing error correction.

Methods and apparatus for detecting and correcting errors in high-speed serial communications systems


A modular refrigeration unit for use in a refrigeration cabinet has a condenser assembly, an evaporator assembly, and a bulkhead assembly positioned between the condenser assembly and the evaporator assembly. The refrigeration cabinet includes a condenser chamber and an insulated main chamber and mating surfaces defining an opening there between. The modular refrigeration unit includes a gasket assembly coupled to a periphery of the bulkhead assembly. The gasket assembly includes one vane mounted on a thermal breaker and engageable with the mating surfaces to form a substantially air-tight seal between the condenser chamber and the main chamber. The modular refrigeration unit is adapted for movement substantially transverse to the bulkhead assembly to engage the vane with the mating surfaces to form the substantially air-tight seal.

In certain known refrigerators, a condenser, a compressor, and an evaporator are individually built into a refrigeration cabinet. In these refrigerators, removal of any one of the condenser, the compressor, or the evaporator for maintenance or replacement would result in significant downtime. Also, a highly-skilled refrigeration technician would be required to attend at the refrigerator, resulting in significant maintenance costs. Accordingly, refrigeration units are known in which the condenser, the compressor and the evaporator are positioned on a base, for relatively easier installation and removal. For example, a refrigeration unit of the prior art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,929 (Bauman et al.).
Refrigerators of the evaporation type are known in which a known refrigeration unit is installed in the refrigeration cabinet and the refrigeration unit is insulated by insulated wall segments. Typically, the refrigeration cabinet includes a condenser chamber (in which the condenser and the compressor are located) which is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere, and an insulated cabinet chamber. An evaporator is typically located in the cabinet chamber, to cool air in the cabinet chamber.
Although removal and installation of the known refrigeration units is generally easier and faster than removal and replacement of individual components, known refrigeration units have some defects. In general, it is desirable that the refrigeration unit be as easily removable as possible to facilitate maintenance or repair. A substantially air-tight seal is needed between the condenser chamber and the cabinet chamber, to minimize heat transfer into the cabinet chamber. Because of the need for insulation of at least a portion of a refrigeration unit, installation of known refrigeration units in known refrigeration cabinets (and the removal thereof) typically requires the removal and addition of insulation separately. However, the removal and addition of insulation complicates the removal or installation (as the case may be) of the refrigeration unit. In addition, known refrigeration units typically do not include all the components needed for operation, further complicating removal or installation.
Also, depending on the user's requirements, the positioning of the refrigeration unit in the refrigeration cabinet may vary. However, in the prior art, a refrigeration unit is specifically designed for use only in a particular position (e.g., top-mounted, or bottom-mounted; front-loaded or back- or side-loaded) in the refrigeration cabinet. Manufacturing different refrigeration units for different positions in the cabinet, as is known in the art, results in relatively high manufacturing costs per unit.
There is therefore a need for an improved refrigeration unit and an improved refrigerator.

Modular refrigeration unit and refrigerator


Method and apparatus for distributing print jobs. A print job is generated at an application node of a network, and has associated therewith print parameters. The print job is routed to a distribution node on the network. The parameters are then parsed from the generated print job and the print job parameterized with predetermined metrics that are a function of at least one of the parsed parameters. The parameterized print job is then routed to a destination device on a destination node the network.

In the area of multi-processing one of the ongoing challenges is to develop methods and workflows that lend themselves to efficient uses of parallel processing. Today one of the most popular methods for describing documents, especially for printed delivery, is the well known PostScript® produced by Adobe Systems Incorporated. PostScript® has many benefits and is almost universally employed in many print markets today. However, it has a limitation which creates a significant barrier to efficient parallel processing. That limitation is created by the fact that within a PostScript® file, the boundaries and content of individual pages is buried within the file and can only be determined by processing the PostScript® file in some manner to establish the page boundaries and content. One popular method to do this is to transform or convert a PostScript® file into a portable document format (PDF) file, typically referred to as a "distilling" operation. This allows the page boundaries in a multi-page job to be established and thus allows multiple interpreters to operate on the pages individually, thus facilitating parallel processing. However, if the object is to process a job faster, one must take into account the time necessary to convert from a page dependent format as in the PostScript® file to the desired page independent format as in a PDF file. This added conversion time will add to the overall time to complete the job.


Methods and systems are provided that enable communication with a wireless device. In one such method, a communication event that is intended for a wireless device is detected and a user account associated with the wireless device is identified. Information associated with the user account is identified and a determination is made as to whether the information permits the communication event to occur. If the determination is that the information does not permit the communication event to occur, the communication event is terminated. If the determination is that the information permits the communication event to occur, the communication event is enabled.

In some applications involving wireless devices such as a cellular telephone, it is desirable to restrict the calls—whether the call is voice or data—that can be placed or received. For example, a Firefly™ cellular telephone is designed to be used by children and has limited functionality for a child to place or receive calls. Typically, a parent adds a number of a party the child is permitted to call to an internal phone book. The phone usually has one or more buttons that allow the child to place a call to the stored number, but does not provide a means for dialing numbers that are not stored in the phone book. In addition, the parent may select an option whereby the phone will reject an incoming call that is not from one of the stored numbers. Thus, the child can be restricted to placing calls to and receiving calls from parties who are "approved" by the parent or emergency services (e.g., 911).
Conventionally, the phone book and call restrictions are stored in and maintained by the hardware in the device. Thus, the restrictions are specific to the device itself. If the device's Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, which contains the user account information necessary to activate the device, is removed and placed into another compatible device, the new device will not be restricted to the numbers in the phone book. This, technically sophisticated children may be able to bypass their parent's restrictions by placing the SIM card into another device.
A device that has the functionality of the SIM card built-in (i.e., manufactured as part of the hardware of the device and therefore incapable of being removed without causing damage to the device) could address this issue. Unfortunately, manufacturing customized devices that have integrated SIM functionality could be more expensive than manufacturing a device that uses a standard SIM card. It may also be desirable to allow the user to move the SIM card from one device to another for interoperability or upgrade purposes. In addition, manufacturing a SIM card that could itself store the restrictions would most likely be significantly more expensive than using a standard SIM card.
Other situations also may involve restricted calling. For example, a company that issues telephones to its employees for certain tasks may wish to restrict calls to a certain geographic area, work-related parties, emergency services, etc. In addition, the company may wish to limit data transfers—such as text messages, audio or video information, or other types of data—to approved parties.
The Global System for Mobile communication standard (GSM) provides (using a standard called "Fixed Dialing Number" (FDN)) for a device feature that enables restrictions to be placed on outgoing calls. The restrictions may be placed using a "wildcard" setting, such as 404-236-****, where a call may be placed to any number that begins with the 404 area code and 236 prefix. The restrictions, however, are limited to a GSM-compliant device that has a SIM card (or Universal Integrated Circuit Card) that supports FDNs and has the feature turned on. In addition, the restrictions are only for outgoing calls; incoming calls are unaffected.
As noted above, device-based restrictions have significant drawbacks in that a sophisticated user can circumvent the restrictions by removing the SIM card and using another device. A network-based restriction would eliminate this problem by associating the restrictions with a user's account, which will always be effective regardless of which device the user is using. A conventional mechanism for establishing a network-based calling restriction involves international dialing. Typically, a cellular service provider has a default setting that does not allow a cellular telephone to dial international numbers. If a user wishes to make such calls, the user must contact a customer service representative of the cellular service provider and request the change. Because the international calling restriction is network-based it is independent of the device being used. For example, if a user removes the SIM card from his or her phone and inserts it into another phone, the restrictions will still be in place because the network will still access the user's account to check for any calling restrictions. Requiring the user to contact a customer service representative, however, is very inconvenient for most users, especially if the user wishes to create a list of approved numbers for incoming and/or outgoing calls. In such a case, the user would be forced to have a lengthy conversation with the customer service representative to enter all of the approved numbers, and would have to call in again every time the user wished to revise the numbers.
Thus, it can be seen a need exists for a user to have the ability to more easily place restrictions on incoming and/or outgoing calls in a network-based and device-independent manner. The present invention addresses this need.

Network-based subscriber calling restrictions


A closure is provided for a container opening. The closure includes a body for mounting to the container and a lid movable between a closed position and an open position. The lid and body are connected by a bistable, snap-action hinge structure having a web between two hinges. Stress-relief recesses are provided at an end edge of either the body hinge or the lid hinge or both.

A variety of packages, including dispensing packages or containers, have been developed for personal care products such as shampoo, lotions, etc., as well as for other fluid materials. One type of closure for these kinds of containers typically has a bistable hinge structure connecting a lid to a base mounted over the container opening. The hinge structure has a snap-action biasing force which maintains the lid in a selected closed or open position.
A hinge structure for a closure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,712 has a single, main geometric axis hinge and has two webs each defined by two hinges which diverge on either side of the web.
A snap-action hinge structure with significant improved operating characteristics is a dual axis hinge structure disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,824. The hinge structure is of the type that includes a web having a narrow central portion between two wider ends. An arcuate hinge connects a closure base to the web along one side of the web between the hinge ends. An arcuate hinge connects the closure lid to the web along another side of the web between the hinge ends. The hinge structure includes at least one abutment surface located so that when the lid is in the closed position, the abutment surface extends adjacent the web central portion from near one of the hinges toward the other hinge. During the closing and opening of the lid, the abutment surface is contacted by the web central portion whereby the position of the web is controlled.
Another snap-action, dual axis hinge structure with an improved design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,923. The hinge structure includes a web having a narrow, central portion between two wider ends which each defines a lateral edge. The hinge structure also includes a first arcuate hinge connecting the closure lid to the web along one side of the web between the lateral edges. The hinge structure includes another arcuate hinge connecting the closure base to the web along another side of the web between the lateral edges. The web has two spaced-apart regions of reduced thickness. The reduced thickness regions are located between, and are reduced in thickness relative to, the arcuate hinges. Each reduced thickness region extends to one of the adjacent, lateral edges. The hinge structure has enhanced resistance to fracture or failure. The improved resistance to failure results from a configuration that provides a particular distribution of stress along the outer or lateral edges of the hinge structure and a concomitant reduction in stress at the points where the outer edges of the hinge structure are connected to the two members, such as a closure body and a closure lid. Although such a hinge structure functions with improved operating characteristics, there are some applications, such as those involving a large number of opening and closing cycles, in which the dual axis hinge structure (as well as other biased hinge structures or bistable, snap-action hinge structures) may be more likely to fail or break.
It is believed that in a snap-action hinge structure which includes two or more hinges and includes a web having at least one wide end, the stresses are greater and/or are unevenly distributed, along the lateral edges of the web and at the corners of the web where each of the hinges terminates. Failure or fracture of such hinge structures is typically initiated at those regions where a lateral edge of the hinge structure web connects with the closure body and/or lid at the end of each hinge.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved snap-action hinge design in which the stresses in the hinge structure could be more carefully controlled. In particular, it would be beneficial if such an improved design could provide a lower stress, or reduced stress concentration, at each opposite end of the hinge structure.
It would be especially desirable to provide a hinge structure which would have reduced stresses at the opposite ends of each of two hinges in a dual axis hinge structure connecting a closure body and lid.
It would be beneficial if such an improved hinge structure design could also optionally accommodate a design that permits the hinge structure to provide the desired opening and closing angle range for the lid. A hinge structure with such a capability can provide performance features that are desirable in particular applications.
Also, it would be desirable if such an improved hinge structure could be readily incorporated in a closure that would accommodate efficient, high quality, large volume manufacturing techniques with a reduced product reject rate.
Further, such an improved hinge structure should advantageously accommodate its use in closures with a variety of conventional containers having a variety of conventional container finishes, such as conventional threaded or snap-fit attachment configurations.
The present invention provides an improved hinge structure which can accommodate designs having one or more of the above-discussed benefits and features.

Closure with hinged lid and stress relief recesses


A method and apparatus for examining an object by rotating a radiant energy generator around the object while projecting a beam of radiant energy towards the object to impinge the object at a plurality of angles in each of a plurality of planes substantially perpendicular to the z-axis, and detecting radiant energy leaving the object after impinging same, to produce sets of projection measurements representing slices of the object in the planes. During rotation of the radiant energy generator, the radiant energy beam is sequentially modulated between two locations along the z-axis to produce, during each rotation of the generator, two sets of projection measurements representing two slices of the object, which projection measurements are used in an interlaced manner for reconstructing the image of the object.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is a radiography apparatus to be used for computerized tomography. More specifically, this invention relates to an x-ray tube, beam collimation and data collection system to be used with a computerized tomograph in spiral scanning.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Computerized Tomography (CT) is a standard imaging technique in the radiology clinic. Spiral CT scanning is a technique, whereby the patient is transported through the x-ray beam during continuous rotation of the x-ray beam. The spiral technique results in a significant reduction in examination times versus the conventional CT slice-by-slice technique.
Trade-offs between volume coverage, scan time and image time quality are required in the selection of the spiral CT scan parameters-exposure technique factors, slice width, and patient table speed. In particular, the scanned volume may be increased with no increase in scan time through the use of faster table speed, however the faster speeds result in larger slice sensitivity profiles and reduced Z-dimension spatial resolution of the CT images.
While it is desirable to decrease the scan time for a given volume, or conversely increase the volume coverage for a given scan time through the use of faster table speeds, there is a reduction in image quality with the use of higher table speeds. The influence of table speed or pitch (slice width/table speed) on image quality has been documented in the literature (Polacin et al, Radiology 1992; 185:29-35). In particular, the use of pitch values greater than 1 results in severe broadening of the slice sensitivity profiles. The use of 180.degree. interpolation schemes serves to reduce the broadening of the slice sensitivity profiles at the cost of higher image noise. However, even with 180.degree. interpolation, there is still slice sensitivity profile broadening for large pitch values. For example, Polacin et al report a 30 percent slice sensitivity profile broadening with pitch=2 and a 180.degree. linear interpolation (LI).
Spiral CT examinations, due to their short scan times and reduced patient motion, produce superior multi-planar reformations (MPR) and 3D images. In addition, spiral CT has also enabled the development of CT angiography. The image quality of MPR, 3D and MIP (maximum intensity projection) images is dependent on the image quality of the axial CT slices. In particular, the Z-dimension spatial resolution of MPR, 3D and MIP images is dependent on the slice sensitivity profile of the axial CT images and the spacing of the axial CT images. Conflicting desires are encountered to obtain maximum scan volume coverage (i.e. maximum Z-dimension scan length) while simultaneously preserving high Z-dimension spatial resolution. In particular, spiral examinations with high pitch values enable large scan volume coverage, however the slice sensitivity profiles broadening of the axial CT slices reduces the Z-dimensional spatial resolution of the MPR, 3D and MIP images.
There remains, therefore, a need for method and apparatus to enable large volume acquisitions while preserving minimal scan times while simultaneously maintaining high Z-dimensional spatial resolution. In addition, there is a need for a method and apparatus to enable large volume acquisitions and high Z-dimension spatial resolution for MPR, 3D and MIP images.
There is further need for such a method and apparatus which is compatible with existing computerized tomography systems and is economical to manufacture and use.

Axially incremented projection data for spiral CT


An optical scanning observation apparatus having an internal focusing mechanism. suitable for in-vivo observation of animals, is provided. The optical scanning observation apparatus includes a light source, an objective optical system for focusing light onto the sample, a detection-light splitting device for splitting off collected detection light, a detector for detecting the focused detection light, a focus scanning device disposed between the detection-light splitting device and the objective optical system, and a lateral-direction scanning device, disposed between the focus scanning device and the objective optical system, for scanning the light in orthogonal directions relative to the optical axis. The focus scanning device further includes a focusing optical system having a positive and negative lens group and a lens driving device for moving one lens group to adjust the working distance of the objective optical system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical scanning observation apparatus.
This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-063822, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of Related Art
Known laser-scanning microscopes in the related art transmit excitation light and detection light, for in vivo observation of an animal or the like, using a single optical fiber (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2005-300278 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2006-79000). These laser-scanning microscopes employ a structure in which a collimator optical system between the fiber and a scanning mirror (an internal focusing mechanism) is driven to change the working distance, without changing the relative distance between an objective lens and a sample. With these laser-scanning microscopes, the tip of the objective lens can be brought into close contact with the sample to reduce the effects of breathing and pulsating of the animal. They are therefore optical scanning microscope systems designed for observation of animals.
On the other hand, configurations have also been disclosed in which the light path for excitation (excitation fiber) and the light path for detection (detection fiber) are separated to improve the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2005-202338).
In addition, some known microscopes use an internal focusing mechanism (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2004-317676). Laser light is focused by a positive lens, is returned to a collimated beam with another positive lens, and is radiated onto a sample via a deflection mirror, a beam expander, and an objective lens. Fluorescence from the sample travels along the reverse light path, is split off from the laser light by a dichroic mirror, and after passing through a focusing lens and a pinhole, is detected by a detector. The working distance (WD) is changed by moving the positive lens. In this case, the optical system for changing the focus position is of the Keppler type. By combining Japanese Unexamined Patent Applications, Publication Nos. 2005-202338 and 2004-317676, it is possible to realize a microscope having an internal focusing mechanism with a high SN ratio.
However, with the configuration in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2004-317676, it is necessary to temporarily focus the light between the two lenses. Theoretically, it is possible to reduce the focal lengths of the positive lenses to reduce the overall length, but the change in position of the lenses then becomes small in relation to the change in focal position at the sample as the focal lengths are reduced. As a result, positional control becomes more difficult. Furthermore, because the numerical aperture (NA) between the two groups of positive lenses becomes large, aberration correction becomes difficult.
For these reasons, a long focal length is unavoidable. As a result, when combining the technologies in Japanese Unexamined Patent Applications, Publication Nos. 2005-202338 and 2004-317676, the overall length of the focusing optical system unavoidably increases, resulting in the drawback that the observation apparatus (microscope) increases in size, making it unsuitable for in vivo observation of animals.


A growing station having a growing tray on a watering bench, the tray adapted to expose a pumping compartment within the lowermost portion of the watering bench, the tray also adapted to filter and collect water that has been sprayed thereon.

Indoor cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants is an increasingly popular method of producing living plants, whether for the horticulturist, hobbyist or professional nursery operator. In some operations, seeds are planted in flat, plant growing trays and these trays are exposed to light and watering conditions optimized for growth. Typically, these planting trays are arrayed in an open area and watered using a large spraying system which is adapted to provide fairly uniform watering over the entire open area. This introduces two factors of concern, the first being wastage of water sprayed between trays and typically not recovered, the second being maintaining operation of a large water pumping system so that optimum watering conditions are maintained. Another factor is providing different watering conditions that are optimized to meet the requirements of different plants.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,511 describes a self-watering tray for supporting and displaying a plurality of potted plants which can be watered from a water reservoir in the bottom of the tray, the tray comprising a plurality of wall sections which define spaced openings in the tray, each wall section being provided with a support located above the reservoir for supporting the potted plant at or above the water, and being laterally open to the adjacent wall sections below the supports to provide a continuous reservoir channel below the supports and pots, through which water can circulate for watering plants by capillary action.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,198 discloses a device for automatically watering potted type plants has a shallow reservoir base/tray capable of holding water and also capable of supporting at least one previously potted plant and also capable of supporting an inverted container, such as a typical screw top jar turned upside down, for containing additional water and/or other plant nutrients. A specially adapted support base is used to keep the bottom of the inverted container where the opening is located slightly above the bottom of the base/tray. The base/tray can have ribs or rails to keep the potted plant raised slightly above the lowest part of the tray but lower than the opening in the inverted container. The water container has a detachable lid with a hole. The detachable lid is attached to the water filled container not yet inverted and the lid and container are fixed to the base/tray while the hole is covered by the plant owner's finger creating a partial vacuum in the water container such that water will only flow from the water container when the water level in the tray/base drops below the level of the inverted container opening.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,762 claims a controlled release hydraulic watering system for either an individual plant pot or for a plurality of potted plants. The system utilizes a porous terra cotta water-receiving reservoir which, through permeation, can distribute water either into an individual potted plant at a controlled release rate without over-watering the plant contained therein or onto a capillary sheet and horticultural matting used in an irrigating tray containing a plurality of potted plants providing a proper amount of water to the tray for watering all the plants contained therein. The terra cotta reservoir may include an exterior side wall covering of horticultural matting, silica sand and a plastic sheet.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,800 entails a plant growing tray system which includes a tray with a plurality of individual plant cells having an open top and bottom and a detachable screen or perforated bottom. Each tray cell is designed to contain and hold a plant growing medium such as peat cake or peat-soil mix. A detachable bottom secured to the bottom part of the plant tray provides air pruning of plant roots and can be conveniently removed from the plant tray for easy removal of the individual plants or seedlings from the tray bottom. Air-pruning of plant roots eliminates root binding or tangling and accelerates root branching resulting in enhanced plant growth in the cell or after transplanting. The plant tray has a surrounding edge to hold a water level above the top of the tray cell or micro-feeding holes of each cell for self watering and to maintain uniform root zone temperature throughout the tray. The detachable screen or perforated bottom can be press fitted to the tray bottom to hold the peat mix and to provide effective air-pruning of the plant roots.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,235 discloses a portable planter for house plants comprising an upper plant holder means received in a lower vessel containing water for the plant such that the lower vessel is effectively closed to prevent loss of water vapor, the water level being below the bottom of the plant holder means, the bottom of said plant holder means including a support means comprising crossing reinforcing ribs supporting a removable aluminum window screen, said bottom being at least 34% open and holding fine particulate plant-supporting material at least directly on said screen and accommodating a substantial root system, said screen having openings at least 1/36 inch and smaller than about 150 inch in the largest dimensions.

Hydroponic growing station with integrated watering supply


Techniques related to implementing an always on face detection architecture at ultra low power are discussed. Such techniques include updating a face detection model at a host processor using positive and/or negative validation of face detection results from an always on microcontroller operating at ultra low power.

In some devices, face detection is run at all times (e.g., when the device has a display light that is dimmed, is placed in sleep or modern standby mode, etc.) to bring the device out of the low power mode when a face is detected. Thereby, the device is more user aware and power efficient as unnecessary power cycles are not used when a user is not engaging with the device. Current face detection systems have limitations in the context of such low power use cases. Some require high computational complexity and/or have limitations in accuracy of face detection.
Therefore, current techniques for face detection and/or recognition are not suitable for always on device capabilities. It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements have been needed. Such improvements may become critical as the implementation of always on devices in a variety of contexts becomes more widespread.

Real time adaptive training face detection for ultra low power always on architecture


Improved precursors for use in chemical vapor deposition of thin films of low-valent metals are provided, which are sterically saturated and protected from attack of the coreactant in the gas phase. Specific precursors have the formulae: EQU (L).sub.x M.sup.n+ (N(R.sup.1)(C(R.sup.2 R.sup.3)).sub.y N(R.sup.4 R.sup.5)).sub.z (I) EQU (L).sub.x M.sup.n+ (N(R.sup.1)(C(R.sup.2 R.sup.3)).sub.y O(R.sup.4)).sub.z(II) EQU (L).sub.x M.sup.n+ (N(R.sup.1)(C(R.sup.2 R.sup.3)).sub.y S(R.sup.4)).sub.z(III). wherein L is an auxiliary ligand; x is 0-6; M is a metal of valence 1 to 5; n is the oxidation state of the metal; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are hydrogen or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.12) alkyl groups; y is 1-5, z is 1-n.

Titanium nitride (TiN) is a technologically important transition metal nitride. Hoffman, Polyhedron, 13, 1169 (1994). It is a better electrical conductor than is titanium metal and its optical properties resemble those of gold. Toth, Transition Metal Carbides and Nitrides, J. L. Margrave, ed., vol. 7, Academic Press, New York (1971). Titanium nitride is also harder than all elemental metals and sapphire and almost as hard as diamond, having a melting point of about 3000.degree. C. Additionally, TiN is a low temperature superconductor.
TiN films have many potential applications because of their unique combination of properties. Fix et al., Chem. Mater., 5, 614 (1993). They are used, for example, as wear-resistant, friction-reducing coatings on machine tools and as gold-colored decorative coatings. Their optical properties also make them useful as wavelength selective transparent films, and in particular as solar control coatings on windows in warm weather climates. In microelectric devices, TiN films can be used as low resistance contacts, and as diffusion barriers in interconnect metallization schemes.
TiN, as well as other inorganic thin films such as Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 and AlN, are commonly prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In CVD, a heat decomposable volatile compound (often an organometallic compound), which may be called the precursor, is contacted with a substrate which has been heated to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the compound. A coating forms on the substrate which may be a metal, metal mixture or alloy, ceramic, metal compound or mixture thereof, depending on the choice of precursor and reaction conditions. Optionally, a reactant gas is employed to adjust the composition of the final coating. The desirable characteristics of CVD as a thin film formation method include its ability to produce a thin film with good step coverage on a substrate having projections, the ability to readily control the composition of the thin film, and the ability to form a thin film without contamination of, or damage to, the substrate.
However, known CVD processes for manufacturing TiN films, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 films, and films comprising other metals, suffer many limitations, primarily due to the precursors employed. For example, although CVD employing metalorganic precursors to produce TiN and Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 films is a feasible process, it is not optimal, since the known precursors (e.g., dialkylamino-derivatives of titanium such as Ti(NR.sub.2).sub.4 !, and Ta(OEt).sub.5, respectively) are either insufficiently volatile or react too easily with small molecules in the gas phase. The latter is an issue, for example, when ammonia is desired as a co-reactant in a deposition process. Therefore, a need exists for an improved precursor to be used in a CVD process for manufacturing films comprising metals.

Difunctional amino precursors for the deposition of films comprising metals