An algorithm process for treating fly ash found in flue gas to prevent rapping reentrainment of fly ash particles comprising adding ammonia to the fly ash particles in a stoichometric amount of one part or somewhat less of ammonia to one part of sulfur trioxide, such that rapping reentrainment of fly ash particles in the flue gas is prevented. An algorithm is used to determine the amount of sulfur in the flue gas.

Many utilities now burn a variety of coals at their fossil plants. This practice is growing for several reasons, including (1) the need to lower SO2 emissions by burning low-sulfur coals and (2) the need to reduce fuel costs to enhance competitive position. Frequently, changes in types of coal have adverse affects on ESPs. Low-sulfur coals produce high resistivity ash that is difficult to collect in an electrostatic precipitator (the technology most commonly used to control particulate emissions from coal-fired power plants). Inexpensive coals are frequently variable in their properties and sometimes high in ash or low in sulfur or both. SO3 conditioned ash, before it enters a precipitator, can lower ash resistivity and improve ESP performance. In fact, this well established technology is used at several hundred plants both here and abroad to control fly ash resistivity from low-sulfur or variable-sulfur coals.
Ammonia conditioning can be combined with SO3 conditioning in difficult applications. Ammonia, injected at the proper rate, reacts with SO3 (really sulfuric acid vapor) in the flue gas to produce ammonium bisulfate. This compound is liquid at typical ESP operating temperatures and produces two beneficial effects. First, it co-precipitates with the ash and increases the cohesivity of the ash, thereby reducing ash re-entrainment. This effect lowers outlet emissions due to re-entrainment, a problem that is frequently significant in small ESPs. Secondly, the presence of the ammonia compound makes certain difficult ashes easier to condition. In this country, the combination of ash from an eastern, bituminous coal and a high ESP operating temperature produces a difficult SO3 conditioning situation that can be alleviated through the addition of ammonia. Ammonia conditioning systems are simple and reliable, but the controls for these systems are not sophisticated. It is important to add ammonia at the correct rate to ensure optimum ESP performance and minimum ammonia emissions.
For some fly ashes, dual conditioning with SO3 and NH3 can improve collection efficiency by reducing the amount of re-entrainment by producing a dust that agglomerates due to the formation of ammonium sulfate and ammonium bisulfate on the fly ash particles. Dual conditioning also increases the temperature at which SO3 conditioning for ash resistivity reduction is effective.
The injection of sulfuric acid into the flue gas stream from a coal-fired boiler is used to lower the resistivity of the fly ash from coal combustion to optimize the collection of fly ash in an electrostatic precipitator. The efficiency of collection of fly ash in electrostatic precipitators is proportional to the electrical power input to the precipitator. The power input to the precipitator is proportional to the current density at which the precipitator operates. The current density at which a precipitator can be operated is directly related to the dielectric strength of the dust layer divided by the resistivity of dust layer. In general, as the dust layer resistivity decreases, the operating current density for the precipitator increases. If the dust layer resistivity is too high, then the electrical potential across the dust layer increases to the point at which the dust layer electrically breaks down forming-so-called back corona. If the dust layer resistivity is too low, the electrostatic holding force to keep the dust layer collected on the precipitator collection plates is too low. In which case the collected dust will be in re-entrained in the flue gas stream increasing emissions and reducing the efficiency of the precipitator.
Though the invention is directed mainly at fly ash collection, it is also applicable to the control of excessive SO3 emissions from the conversion of SO2 to SO3 in a selective catalytic reactor (SCR) for NOx emission control. In the case of an SCR, ammonia is added after the air preheater in the correct portion to form ammonium bisulfate for collection in a precipitator or baghouse (fabric filter).
Prior Art Patents
Humbert (U.S. Pat. No. 3,523,407) teaches the addition of predetermined amounts of ammonia water into a particle-laden gas stream to produce ammonia bisulfate.
McKewen (U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,676) adds ammonium sulfate or ammonium bisulfate to a flue gas stream.
Kalka (U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,044) teaches a method of adding ammonia to flue gas; SO2 and SO3 may be present when the ammonia is added and ammonium sulfate is formed. Kalka does not teach the herein disclosed invention in that ammonium bisulfate is not disclosed as being formed. Nor is there recognition of the need to employ stoichometric amounts and nor is there recognition in Kalka that ammonium bisulfate treated fly ash will facilitate removal of fly ash from the plates of an electrostatic precipitator.
Wright (U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,142) teaches the use of ammonia in flue gas as a conditioning agent, however, the stoichometric relationship between ammonia and sulfur trioxide is not recognized, nor is the beneficial effect of reducing particle reentrainment.
Objects of Invention
An object of this invention is to produce a process wherein the removal of fly ash from flue gas is enhanced.
A further object of this invention is to enhance the effectiveness of SO3 for the removal of fly ash from flue gas.
A main object of this invention is to add optimum amounts of ammonia to flue gas containing fly ash to produce enhanced fly ash adhesiveness.
A further object of this invention is the addition of optimum amounts of sulfur trioxide (SO3) and ammonia to a flue gas stream, involving an electrostatic precipitator, to enhance fly ash separation from said flue gas.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification.


Disclosed are shell catalysts which contain, on powdered or shaped supports, one or more metals from groups VIII and IB of the Periodic Table of Elements. The catalysts are obtained by coating the support with the catalytically active metals in aqueous solutions of mono- or bimetallic colloids of these metals, wherein the colloids are stabilized by highly hydrophilic surfactants.

The present invention relates to shell catalysts which contain one or more metals from the groups VIII and IB of the Periodic Table of Elements on a powdered or formed support. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for their preparation using preformed, surfactant-stabilized mono- or bimetallic colloids of the metals concerned, and methods of use of the catalysts.
Shell catalysts are those in which the catalytically active components, generally specific metals or noble metals, are essentially concentrated in a more or less thick outer shell of the catalyst particle. There are preferably used in catalytic reactions and there is a danger that over-reaction can occur if the reactants are in contact with the catalytically active components for too long a time. They are also preferably used in those reactions in which transport of material to the catalytically active components in the interior of the catalyst particle restricts catalytic activity.
The preparation of shell catalysts, in particular on porous supports, using conventional impregnation techniques generally requires precoating of the catalyst particle with reagents and materials which hinder deep penetration of the catalytic components into the catalyst particles. Nevertheless, only relatively thick shells, more than 0.1 mm thick, are possible using this technique.
Thinner shells can be produced using colloidal techniques in which the catalytically active components are deposited on the catalyst particles or catalyst supports in the form of colloids.
Known colloid techniques sometimes include separate preparation of the metal colloids and/or in situ methods without isolation of the colloidal metal particles produced as intermediates. The metal colloids may be present either in a reduced form or also in a non-reduced form.
Nakao et al. (J. Colloid Interface Sci. (1989), 131: 186) describe the adsorption of aqueous, surfactant-stabilized noble metal colloids on ion exchangers. Polyethyleneglycol ethers, tetraalkylammonium halides or alkylbenzene-sulfonates, for example, were used as neutral, cationic and anionic surfactants. The metal content of the noble metal colloid solutions was less than 0.1 g/l (ca. 0.01 wt. % of metal).
A. Honji et al. (J. Electrochem. Soc., (1990), vol. 131) describe the use of sugar esters of long-chain carboxylic acids, such as e.g. sorbitane monolaurate, for the preparation of surfactant-stabilized Pt colloids. Methanol in a large excess is used as reducing agent. The colloids are preferably prepared in situ in the presence of a support.
The known processes have the disadvantage that highly dilute colloidal solutions have to be used, for stability reasons, in comparison to conventional impregnation processes. This means, however, that catalysts with only relatively small amounts of deposited metal can be prepared. Typical metal contents for this type of catalyst are less than 1 wt. % with respect to the dry weight of the catalyst. Higher metal contents of more than 5 wt. % or even more than 10 wt. %, such as those required for fuel cell catalysts, for instance, cannot be prepared using highly dilute colloidal solutions. Although the in situ process does enable the use of more highly concentrated production mixtures, the properties of the colloid particles produced in this way and fixation of them to supports can only be controlled to a limited extent. A number of critical preparation parameters, such as e.g. temperature, concentrations of bases, reducing agents, etc., have to be adjusted very precisely and often at the same time in order to deposit the metal colloid onto a support in the desired form.

Shell catalysts, processes for their preparation and their use


A writing utensil for a free-flowing writing fluid, comprising a closed reservoir with the writing fluid therein that has an outlet aperture for the writing fluid and a further aperture, an elongate writing tip which communicates with the outlet aperture of the reservoir and is slidably supported, and a valve which is disposed inside a communicating path between the writing tip and reservoir and interacts with the writing tip so as to cause the valve to open the communicating path if a force acts onto the writing tip, wherein the further aperture connects the reservoir to the surroundings via an air line.

The present invention relates to a writing utensil for a free-flowing writing fluid. The text which now follows refers to a writing utensil which is also suited for use in drawing, depicting, and marking things. In particular, writing utensils in the sense of the application also comprise markers, highlighters, felt tip pens and the like.
From GB 2 310 592, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a marker is known which has a valve for the control of liquid passage into a supply duct from a reservoir. The supply duct extends up to a marker tip through a feeding element. The feeding element is of a retractable configuration in order to open the valve when the marker tip is urged against a surface. An auxiliary chamber is provided between the valve member, which is formed as a sphere, and the feeding element. The forechamber is sealingly closed by an elastic membrane in such a way that if the pressure on the writing tip lessens the membrane returns to its initial position while pulling the valve member back into the valve seat.
DE 40 15 586 C3, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, has made known an utensil for applying a fluid for writing, depicting, printing or drawing things or the like, which has a liquid container, a writing tip, and an air, supply tube which connects the container interior to the outer atmosphere. In addition, a capillary liquid tank is provided which is formed as a fluid-conveying device. In the known utensil, the fluid-conveying device completely extends through the interior of the tank. The air supply tube additionally is filled with a capillary material to prevent liquid from leaking via the tube.
From U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,650 B1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a pencil is known in which the ink is discharged through a valve. A writing tip is disposed to be longitudinally displaceable in the front portion of the pencil. While writing is done the writing tip is pushed back and the valve opens so that ink may be fed to the writing tip. At the same time, the ink inflow to the valve is blocked by a head of the retracted writing tip so that merely a predetermined amount of ink is supplied to the writing tip. If this amount of ink is used up the pencil needs to be lifted off in order that the valve be closed again and fresh ink may flow to the valve again.
WO 93/05966, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, has made known a writing utensil the reservoir of which connects to the surroundings via a through bore. The writing fluid is sealed from the through bore by means of a movable plug.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a leak-proof writing utensil which, by using simple means, creates a continuous flow of writing fluid.


A method and system are provided that synchronize one or more appliances to one or more users' schedules. Sensor data may be obtained from a sensor. The sensor data may indicate a state of a first appliance. A user location may be determined. A first characteristic of the first appliance may be obtained. Based upon the user location and the sensor data, a schedule indicating when the user will desire a state change of the first appliance may be determined. A feature of the first appliance may be dynamically modified to cause the first appliance to operate according to the schedule. A notice may be sent to the user that contains information about the first appliance.

Modern appliances may have some synchronization features incorporated into them. For example, a dryer typically requires substantially more time to dry clothes than a washer does to wash the same amount of clothes. Damp clothes left unattended after being washed in the washer may gain a foul odor. Some modern washer and dryer appliances may synchronize one of the appliances with the other. Appliances may be connected and communicate over a network.
A goal of many appliance management systems is to optimize energy usage based on, for example, patterns of consumption, time of day, and user presence. For example, HVAC systems may be adaptive in response to environmental conditions in order to decrease the amount of energy consumed. Such systems have been described both for commercial and residential applications. A user-centric appliance management system, that personalizes the actions of one or more appliances based on one or more users irrespective of or in addition to energy consumption may be desirable.

Synchronization of appliances to a schedule of a user


Systems and methods of this invention display data using pixels with information indicated by color and intensity changes, particularly used for monitoring of physiological variables in real time. For certain methods, physiological data can be acquired by sensors, acquired data can be stored in data frames, data frames can be processed using computer-implemented methods, and processed data frames can be scaled to a display frame for display on a display device. Using such methods, a spot made up of a group of pixels can be updated during a time frame, or cycle using a computer-implemented method, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or a time dependent function. Newly received data can be combined with prior received data to indicate time-dependent changes. In this way, each spot contains a cumulative history of data starting at some initial time. In other embodiments, visual contrast can be enhanced between desired data and other data. In further embodiments, two or more different types of data can be plotted together to indicate relationships between variables. Real time monitoring of signals during therapeutic treatment using light, electricity or other nerve or muscle stimuli can allow a user to monitor physiological responses during stimulation and to make rapid decisions about medical treatment.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a display, either analog or digital, of one or more signals computed to convey important information about the underlying process responsible for the signal or signals. More particularly, the present invention relates to generating a display by transforming one or more signals into a spatial relationship of two or more dimensions and processing the relationships to display important features to the viewer.
2. Related Art
The display of any function is intended to communicate information to a user. A display of signals requires the viewer to decide if a relationship exists between the signals. Interpretation is simplified when associated signals are processed before display. For an example of a well-related set of signals, an electrocardiogram can display information from each electrode's signal in parallel and display the calculated signals derived from summing two or more signals. Additionally, calculations may be used to derive averaged signals presented as short segments showing the characteristics of the bulk electrical activity of the heart which are meaningful to the cardiologist.
The problem of "what" to display becomes important in processes that are not well connected. An example poorly-connected signals, includes combined signals from an accelerometer and surface electromyograph (SEMG). An SEMG is a device used to monitor physiological activity and is attached to the skin to measure the electrical activity of a muscle. An accelerometer connected in the area affected by the muscle can measure the motion of that area. Muscle activity and accelerometer motion are related only when both sensors are placed appropriately and will be poorly-related when placed in other locations.
The conventional display on a SEMG is an analog meter, or a numerical display indicating electrical voltage. The SEMG can be hooked to an oscilloscope, or its signal provided to a personal computer to enable providing a display of voltage vs. time, and storage of the display for later reference. The time an event occurs can be "displayed" by controlling how long each data point takes to traverse the screen. Data can be displayed using an XY oscilloscope to provide some display of the time an event occurs by having a decay time for each illuminated image point or area.
It is desirable to provide an improved display for physiological activities, or for the display of a variety of other functions, to allow a user to more accurately and rapidly monitor the activity or function.

Systems and methods for displaying changes in biological responses to therapy


A shaft has a driving end and a driven end. A plurality of driving adaptors with various handles are releasably connected to the shaft driving end. A plurality of driven adaptors with various tools for performing operations within a limited space work area, such as an inaccessible space, a confined space, or keyhole excavation, are releasably connected to the shaft driven end. The driving adaptors are positioned outside of the limited space work area. The driven adaptors are positioned within the limited space work area. The handle is manipulated at the shaft driving end to transmit selected rotational and translational movements through the shaft to the tool to perform operations in the limited space work area.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an extension tool and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for performing operations in limited space work areas.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many working environments include inaccessible or limited space work areas, such as subterranean keyhole excavation spaces, underground vaults, sewers, tanks, storage bins, diked areas, vessels, silos, and other confined spaces. A confined space generally has limited or restricted means of entry or exit. A confined space is accessible to workers to the extent that it is large enough to enter and perform assigned work and is not designed for continuous occupancy. The hazards associated with a confined space may include storage of hazardous material, usage of hazardous material, hazardous activities or other hazards associated with the external environment.
Many workplaces contain spaces that meet the regulatory definitions of a confined space because their configurations impede the activities of workers who must enter and exit the space to perform work. Also, workers encounter workplaces where work is to be performed in a space that is completely inaccessible to the extent that the workers must operate tools from a position remote from or out of the inaccessible area. In many instances, a worker will face increased risk of serious physical injury, entrapment, engulfment, exposure to hazardous materials, or hazardous atmospheres. Hazardous atmospheres include atmospheres that include flammable, toxic, irritating, or corrosive components.
Some confined spaces are "permit-required" confined spaces. Permit-required confined spaces may contain or have the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere. Permit-required confined spaces may also contain a material that has the potential to engulf an entrant. Permit-required confined spaces may also have an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes down-ward and tapers to a smaller cross section. Permit-required confined spaces may contain any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.
The need to minimize disruption to the surrounding landscape has led to the development of minimally invasive technology or subterranean "keyhole" excavations. Subterranean keyhole excavation involves performing work above ground using extension tools to access valves, couplings, and the like on a subterranean natural gas pipeline or water line. The objective of subterranean keyhole excavation is to perform as much work underground with the smallest possible ground opening. A small opening is cut in the pavement, so that earthen material around the pipe is excavated to provide access to a particular section of the pipeline. The target holes are typically 18 inches in diameter, but may be as small as twelve inches in diameter. Typically, a valve or some fixture is replaced or repaired. These operations are performed by using tools that extend through the keyhole to the underground pipeline.
Various extension tools have been disclosed for performing conventional operations. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0025649 discloses a wrench extension that includes an elongated member, a grip, and a pair of brackets extending from the elongated member. The grip is positioned on one end of the elongated member. One of the brackets is positioned on the opposite end. The other bracket is positioned in spaced apart manner from the first bracket, so that the brackets receive a wrench or other suitable tool. The brackets are welded onto the member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,820 discloses an extensible wrench handle having a removable wrench head. The handle includes a tubular member with a telescoping extension extending therefrom. The extension is connected to the tubular member through a conventional fastening mechanism. The wrench head is pivotally attached to the extension.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,039 discloses a wrench having a pair of pivotally connected driving stems. One of the driving stems includes a yoke. A pin inserts through the yoke to connect the driving stems to one another.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,016 discloses a screw and bolt clamp drive. The drive includes a rotating elongated cylindrical rod. The rod receives a conventional power drill having a conventional chuck. The rod connects to a base frame on the opposite end. The base frame includes receives a pair of block jaws for gripping screws or bolts.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,161 discloses an adjustable tool extension. The extension includes a plurality of cylindrical telescoping members. A first member includes an upper end that includes a recess for receiving a drive end of a ratchet. A second member includes a drive end that can be coupled to various tools. A third member connects the first member to the second member.
Extension handles having clevis-type connections have been disclosed for performing conventional operations. U.S. Pat. No. 3,186,264 discloses an extendable wrench. The wrench includes a handle, a handle shaft, a head shaft, and a head. The handle shaft is threadedly attached to the head shaft. The head includes a socket holder that attaches to the head with a pin.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,189 discloses an extension tool for attaching and removing threaded components. The tool includes an arm that includes a handle, a connecting portion, and a member that connects to a fitting. A pin connects the fitting to the member.
Various extendable valve operators or valve keys for underground operations have also been disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,590 discloses a tool for removing and replacing an operating nut on a subterranean gate. The tool includes an operating nut, a shaft, a handle, and a slide.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,068 discloses a valve operator for opening and closing valves in underground operations. The valve operator includes a lower member, an upper member, and a pin connecting the lower member to the upper member. The lower member includes a lower end portion that releasably engages an underground valve nut.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,285 discloses an extendable utility valve key having a clevis-type connection. The key includes a tubular member having a t-shaped handle. The tubular member receives a second member that connects to one of a plurality of base portions. The tubular member connects to the second member via a clevis-type connection. Accordingly, while it is known to make extended valve operators and valve keys, there is a need for an improved extension tool for operation within limited space work areas.

Interchangable extension tool for performing operations in limited space work areas


In a belt layer structured by a plurality of zigzag endless belts which are layered in a tire radial direction and are folded-over at both ends in a tire widthwise direction and are disposed uniformly over an entire region, an angle θ1 of an inner side cord portion and a tire equatorial plane, an angle θ2 of an outer side cord portion and the tire equatorial plane, and an angle θM of an intermediate cord portion and the tire equatorial plane, are θ1>θM>θ2.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radial tire for an airplane which is used in airplanes such as passenger jet planes or the like, and to a method of manufacturing the radial tire for an airplane.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, structures such as disclosed in WO 2003/061991 have been known as a radial tire for an airplane. As shown in FIG. 7, the radial tire for an airplane disclosed in WO 2003/061991 has an endless zigzag belt ply in which cords, which extend in the circumferential direction while zigzagging by being folded over at both ends of the ply, are embedded substantially uniformly at the entire region.
In a radial tire having such an endless zigzag belt ply, the cut ends of the cords are not exposed at the both ends of the belt. Therefore, even in cases in which the angle of inclination of the cords with respect to the tire equatorial plane is made to be small in an attempt to improve the total strength of the belt, the shearing strain between layers at the ends of the belt is low, and it is difficult for belt end separation to arise. As a result, the belt layer can be made to be lighter-weight by reducing the total number of belt plies while maintaining the prescribed safety rate. Further, this lightening of the weight of the belt layer can suppress the occurrence of a standing wave during high-speed traveling such as immediately before takeoff on a runway. Therefore, tires having the above-described endless zigzag belt ply are extremely well suited to be tires for airplanes.
In the endless zigzag belt ply having the above-described structure, in cases such as when a belt width W changes among plural layers or the like, the need arises to make the angle of bending of the cords at the ply end be different from those of the adjacent cords. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, when the belt width changes from W1 to W2, the angle of intersecting a tire equatorial plane E also varies from θ1 to θ2. Between adjacent cords before and behind the change, a gap H arises, overlapping I arises, the rubber between the cords within the belt after vulcanization cannot be sufficiently ensured, and strain increases.
Further, in a tire in which the above-described endless zigzag belt ply and a spiral belt ply, in which inextensible, high elastic modulus cords are wound spirally in the tire circumferential direction, are layered, there is little change in the cord angles of the endless zigzag belt ply within the mold at the time of vulcanization. Therefore, after vulcanization as well, the aforementioned gap H and overlapping I remain, and this is a cause of an increase in strain. Such strain is an impediment to improving the durability of the pneumatic radial tire for an airplane.

Radial tire for airplane with zigzag endless belt and method of manufacturing radial tire for airplane with zigzag endless belt


Apparatus for controlled tissue ablation includes an elongated relatively flexible antenna with a first, strip-like, conductor having opposite faces and proximal and distal ends, a dielectric spacer covering one face of the first conductor, and a second, serpentine, conductor composed of a series of similar segments positioned flush against the spacer and being coextensive lengthwise with the first conductor. The second conductor has a distal end connected to the distal end of the first conductor and a proximal end. An electrically insulating enclosure surrounds the conductors. The proximal ends of the first and second conductors may be connected via a coaxial cable to a remote microwave transmitter/receiver unit.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a microwave apparatus for controlled tissue ablation. It relates especially to such apparatus which incorporates a minimally invasive microwave antenna catheter which can transmit and receive signals at different frequencies.
It is well known in the medical field to transmit electromagnetic energy to internal tissue by way of an antenna placed close to the tissue in order to heat the tissue sufficiently to ablate or necrose same by hyperthermia. Invariably the antenna is incorporated into a catheter which can be inserted into the body and positioned near the tissue of interest. In many cases, catheter ablation of tissue is the preferred treatment for cardiac arrhythmia.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore, various antenna types have been used for ablation/necrosis treatment applications. These include monopole, dipole and helical antennas as well as capacitor tip antennas. See, for example, my U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,583,556, 5,683,382 and 6,932,776. Although those prior antennas and the apparatus associated therewith are certainly capable of heating tissue, they are not particularly suitable for carrying out minimally invasive procedures such as the ablation of heart tissue. This is because the prior antennas are relatively large and stiff making it difficult to place the antenna in the position necessary to treat the problem of cardiac arrhythmias. Such treatment usually requires that the antenna be placed close to one of the major blood vessels where it connects to the heart and to deliver a uniform, predictable and controllable heating pattern to ablate or necrose tissue in the vessel wall that will produce a lesion of just the right size to treat the arrhythmias.
Also, the antenna catheters commonly used for this purpose do not monitor the actual temperature of the tissue being heated by the catheter. At most, they may incorporate a thermister or thermocouple in the catheter tip that is used to control the output of the transmitter that produces the microwave energy radiated by the antenna. However, those devices simply sense the temperature at the catheter, not the actual temperature of the tissue being treated. This can result in the tissue being underheated in which case the procedure will take longer than it should, or being overheated resulting in unintended damage to the tissue adjacent to the desired lesion.

Microwave apparatus for controlled tissue ablation


Methods and apparatuses are presented controlling access to a radio resource of a multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) user equipment (UE). For example, an example method is presented that includes initiating a call on a first subscription of the UE, and generating, during the call, a message for transmission to a network entity associated with a second subscription of the UE. Additionally, the example method may include starting a timer upon receiving the message at a transmission buffer of the UE. Moreover, the example method may include determining, upon expiration of the timer, that the message is pending transmission at the transmission buffer to the network entity, and transmitting the response based at least in part on determining that the message is pending transmission upon expiration of the timer. Responses may also be transmitted during inactivity gaps in the call.

The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses for transmitter sharing in multi-subscriber identity module user equipment (UE).
Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts, and so on. Such networks, which are usually multiple access networks, support communications for multiple users by sharing the available network resources. One example of such a network is the UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN). The UTRAN is the radio access network (RAN) defined as a part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a third generation (3G) mobile phone technology supported by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The UMTS, which is the successor to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technologies, currently supports various air interface standards, such as Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division-Code Division Multiple Access (TD-CDMA), and Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA). The UMTS also supports enhanced 3G data communications protocols, such as High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), which provides higher data transfer speeds and capacity to associated UMTS networks.
As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, research and development continue to advance the UMTS technologies not only to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access, but to advance and enhance the user experience with mobile communications.
Additionally, some UEs are configured to facilitate communication via multiple unique subscriptions, each being associated with a subscriber identity module (SIM) of multiple SIMs present on the device. In other words, multi-SIM devices (e.g., dual-SIM, dual active (DSDA) or dual-SIM, dual standby (DSDS) devices) may include one SIM associated with a first subscription and a second SIM associated with a second subscription. Furthermore, each subscription may be associated with one or more radio access technology (RAT) types.
In multi-SIM UEs, a single radio resource and its associated transceiver chain may be shared between the individual subscriptions. Furthermore, if one subscription enters a traffic or an access state (e.g., initiates and/or conducts a call) it may be given priority access to the radio resource for as long as the call lasts. As a result, other subscriptions of the UE will be unable to initiate a call, transmit measurement reports, receive signaling messages, or transmit responses to these signaling messages during the call so long as the shared radio resource gives priority to the subscription conducting the call.
Thus, as multi-SIM and/or multi-RAT UEs share limited communications resources, there is a need for methods and apparatuses to allow for non-call subscriptions of the UE to utilize the shared radio resource during a call on another subscription.

Signaling radio bearer timer for dual-sim dual-active user equipment transmitter sharing


An aromatic amine derivative represented by formula (1):

Generally, an organic electroluminescence (EL) device includes an anode, a cathode, and at least one organic thin film layer interposed between the anode and the cathode. When applying a voltage between both electrodes, electrons are injected into an emission region from the cathode side and holes are injected into the emission region from the anode side. The injected electrons and holes are recombined in the emission region to generate an excited state. When the excited state returns to a ground state, light is emitted. Therefore, to obtain a high-efficiency organic EL device, it is important to develop a compound which efficiently transports electrons or holes into an emission region and facilitates the recombination of electron and hole.
Generally, when driving or storing an organic EL device in a high-temperature environment, various problems occur, for example, the emission color is changed, the emission efficiency is reduced, the driving voltage is increased, and the emission life is shortened. To eliminate these drawbacks, various hole transporting materials have been proposed, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an aromatic amine derivative in which a N-carbazolyl group is directly bonded to a 9,9-diphenylfluorene skeleton, Patent Document 2 discloses an aromatic amine derivative in which a 3-carbazolyl group is directly bonded to a 9,9-dimethylfluorene skeleton, Patent Document 3 discloses an aromatic amine derivative in which a N-carbazolylphenyl group is bonded to a 9,9-diphenylfluorene skeleton via a nitrogen atom, and Patent Document 4 discloses an aromatic amine derivative in which a 3-carbazolyl group is bonded to a 9,9-diphenylfluorene skeleton via a nitrogen atom. Patent Document 5 describes an aromatic amine derivative which includes a skeleton selected from a fluorene skeleton, a carbazole skeleton, a dibenzofuran skeleton, and a dibenzothiophene skeleton.
However, the aromatic amine derivatives disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5 are still insufficient for reducing the driving voltage, improving the efficiency at low-voltage driving, and prolonging the lifetime. Therefore, a further improvement has been required.
Patent Document 6 describes an aromatic amine compound having a triphenylene skeleton and a dibenzofuran skeleton (or a dibenzothiophene skeleton). Many of the exemplary compounds thereof must have a carbazole skeleton or a terminal diarlyamino group as an essential structure. Patent Document 6 further describes the following compounds.

The above compounds have a 1-dibenzothiophenyl group or a 1-dibenzofuranyl group. Since these groups are less effective for improving the efficiency and the lifetime, the above amine compounds having a 1-dibenzothiophenyl group or a 1-dibenzofuranyl group are poor in the efficiency and the lifetime.
Therefore, it has been required to develop a material for an organic EL device, particularly a hole transporting material, which realizes an organic EL device exhibiting a high efficiency even at a low-voltage driving and having a long lifetime.

Aromatic amine derivative, and organic electroluminescent element using same

Abstract: wherein HAr1, Ar2, L1, L2, and L3 are as defined in the specification, is useful as a material for constituting an organic EL device and realizes an organic EL device having a high efficiency and a long lifetime even when driving at a low voltage.


The current application discloses compositions and methods for treating a subterranean formation. CO2 swellable elastomers can be used in a treatment fluid to at least partially block a high permeability region, therefore improving the performance of an operation such as matrix stimulation, acidizing, and acid fracturing.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
The present application relates to the treatment of subterranean formations. More particularly, the present application relates to compositions and methods utilizing CO2 activated swellable elastomers in acidizing or matrix stimulation.
Hydrocarbons (oil, natural gas, etc.) are typically obtained from a subterranean geologic formation (i.e., a "reservoir") by drilling a well that penetrates the hydrocarbon-bearing formation. In order for hydrocarbons to be "produced", that is, travel from the formation to the wellbore (and ultimately to the surface), there must be a sufficiently unimpeded flowpath from the formation to the wellbore. This flowpath is through the formation rock, e.g., solid carbonates or sandstones having pores of sufficient size, connectivity, and number to provide a conduit for the hydrocarbon to move through the formation.
In order to achieve sufficient production, hydrocarbon wells (e.g., oil wells) are often treated by removing (by dissolution) near-wellbore formation damage or by creating alternate flowpaths by fracturing or dissolving small portions of the formation at the fracture face. These variants of a stimulation operation are known as "matrix treatment", "acidizing," and "acid fracturing", respectively. Generally speaking, acids, or acid-based fluids, are useful for these stimulation operations due to their ability to dissolve both formation minerals (e.g., calcium carbonate) and contaminants (e.g., drilling fluid coating the wellbore or penetrated into the formation) introduced into the wellbore/formation during drilling or remedial operations. Conductive flow channels called wormholes are also formed, which extend approximately radially from the wellbore.
However, when acid is pumped into a subterranean formation, the acid flows preferentially into the highest solubility or the highest permeability regions, such as large pores, vugs or natural fractures. Acid reaction in the high-solubility or high-permeability region would leave the low permeability region substantially untreated. This is less desirable because the high permeability region already has high conductivity, and the low permeability region is more in need of the treatment. Moreover, acid that enters vugs or natural fractures may be substantially wasted.
There is a need for a fluid that can automatically plug the high permeability region and divert to the low permeability region.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Swellable elastomer and its use in acidizing or matrix stimulation


A distributed software application comprises a plurality of software components within a plurality of executables. A manager component for the distributed software application handles: an addition of one or more first resources to the distributed software application on behalf of the distributed software application and/or a removal of one or more second resources from the distributed software application on behalf of the distributed software application.

In known distributed software applications, software components are distributed among a plurality of executables (i.e., software capsules or software entities). Each of the executables contains one or more software components that perform some portion of the functionality of the distributed software application. As the workload of the distributed software application change over time, the software components perform a startup and/or a shutdown one or more of the executables. For example, the software components add an executable to cope with an increased workload.
An executable in one example contains a first software component and a second software component that perform separate portions of the functionality of the distributed software application. When an increased workload requires only the first software component and not the second software component, a startup of the executable causes an inefficient allocation of resources for the distributed software application.
As one shortcoming, a software developer must create extra software within the first and second software components to perform the startup and/or shutdown of the executables. As another shortcoming, the startup of the executables for an increased workload may cause an inefficient allocation of resources.
Thus, a need exists to promote an increase in resource allocation efficiency for increased workload of distributed software applications.

Manager component resource addition and/or resource removal on behalf of distributed software application


Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide powered fastener driving tools and clean lubricants for powered fastener driving tools that reduce contaminant, residue, and deposit buildup or accumulation in the powered fastener driving tools, and thus reduce necessary maintenance for such powered fastener driving tools (or increases the time intervals between such necessary maintenance of powered fastener driving tools).

Powered fastener driving tools are well known and commercially widely used throughout North America and other parts of the world. Powered fastener driving tools are typically electrically powered, pneumatically powered, combustion powered, or powder-actuated. Powered fastener driving tools are typically used to drive fasteners (such as nails, staples, and the like) to connect a first object, material, item, or other workpiece to a second object, material, item, or other workpiece.
Various known powered fastener driving tools include: (a) a housing; (b) a power source or supply assembly in, connected to, or supported by the housing; (c) a fastener supply assembly in, connected to, or supported by the housing; (d) a fastener driving assembly in, connected to, or supported by the housing; (e) a trigger mechanism partially in, connected to, or supported by the housing; and (f) a workpiece contact element (referred to herein as a "WCE") connected to or supported by the housing. The WCE is configured to contact a workpiece and to operatively work with the trigger mechanism, such that the WCE needs to be depressed or moved inwardly a predetermined distance with respect to the housing, before activation of the trigger mechanism causes actuation of the power fastener driving tool.
Powered fastener driving tools typically have two different types of operational modes and one or more mechanisms that enable the operator to optionally select one of the two different types of operational modes that the operator desires to use for driving the fasteners. One operational mode is known in the industry as the sequential or single actuation operational mode. In this operational mode, the depression or actuation of the trigger mechanism will not (by itself) initiate the actuation of the powered fastener driving tool and the driving of a fastener into the workpiece unless the WCE element is sufficiently depressed against the workpiece. In other words, to operate the powered fastener driving tool in accordance with the sequential or single actuation operational mode, the WCE element must first be depressed against the workpiece followed by the depression or actuation of the trigger mechanism. Another operational mode is known in the industry as the contact actuation operational mode. In this operational mode, the operator can maintain the trigger mechanism at or in its depressed position, and subsequently, each time the WCE is in contact with, and sufficiently pressed against the workpiece, the power fastener driving tool will actuate, thereby driving a fastener into the workpiece.
One issue with various known powered fastener driving tools such as various known pneumatic powered driving tools and various known combustion powered driving tools is that they need to be taken out of service for maintenance and specifically for cleaning on a regular basis due to contaminant, residue, and/or deposit (such as dust, dirt, and/or soot) build-up inside of these powered fastener driving tools.
More specifically, various known combustion powered fastener driving tools are powered by hydrocarbon fuel from removable fuel cells. These removable fuel cells typically contain a suitable hydrocarbon fuel, and an oil (such as UCON 650 oil) mixed into the hydrocarbon fuel for lubrication of the tool. This known UCON 650 oil has the following properties:

Powered fastener driving tools and clean lubricants therefor


Harmonic imaging using harmonic Golay-coded excitation that encodes the fundamental and second harmonic signals utilizes the transmit sequences encoded using QPSK implemented as quarter-cycle circular rotations or shifts of the base pulse. This is implemented by time shifting the chips of the transmit sequence encoded with a xe2x80x9cjxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cxe2x88x92jxe2x80x9d code symbol by xc2xc fractional cycle at center frequency relative to the chips encoded with a xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cxe2x88x921xe2x80x9d code symbol. A different QPSK transmit code is used for each of four transmits A, B, C and D. The transmit codes are selected such that (A-B) and (C-D) are encoded by Y and xe2x88x92X, respectively, while (A2-B2) and (C2-D2) are encoded by X and Y, respectively, where X and Y form a Golay code pair. The coding and decoding technique achieves fundamental suppression and second harmonic compression for a given Golay code pair X and Y.

This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems and more particularly, to methods for harmonic ultrasound imaging using coded excitation.
Conventional ultrasound imaging systems comprise an array of ultrasonic transducer elements which transmit an ultrasound beam and then receive the reflected beam from the object being studied. Such operation comprises a series of measurements in which the focused ultrasonic wave is transmitted, the system switches to receive mode after a short time interval, and the reflected ultrasonic wave is received, beamformed and processed for display. Typically, transmission and reception are focused in the same direction during each measurement to acquire data from a series of points along an acoustic beam or scan line. The receiver is dynamically focused at a succession of ranges along the scan line as the reflected ultrasonic waves are received.
For ultrasound imaging, the array typically has a multiplicity of transducer elements arranged in one or more rows and driven with separate voltages. By selecting the time delay (or phase) and amplitude of the applied voltages, the individual transducer elements in a given row can be controlled to produce ultrasonic waves which combine to form a net ultrasonic wave that travels along a preferred vector direction and is focused at a selected point along the beam. The beamforming parameters of each of the firings may be varied to provide a change in maximum focus or otherwise change the content of the received data for each firing, e.g., by transmitting successive beams along the same scan line with the focal point of each beam being shifted relative to the focal point of the previous beam. For a steered array, by changing the time delays and amplitudes of the applied voltages, the beam with its focal point can be moved in a plane to scan the object. For a linear array, a focused beam directed normal to the array is scanned across the object by translating the aperture across the array from one firing to the next.
The same principles apply when the transducer probe is employed to receive the reflected sound in a receive mode. The voltages produced at the receiving transducer elements are summed so that the net signal is indicative of the ultrasound reflected from a single focal point in the object. As with the transmission mode, this focused reception of the ultrasonic energy is achieved by imparting separate time delay (and/or phase shifts) and gains to the signal from each receiving transducer element.
An ultrasound image is composed of multiple image scan lines. A single scan line (or small localized group of scan lines) is acquired by transmitting focused ultrasound energy at a point in the region of interest, and then receiving the reflected energy over time. The focused transmit energy is referred to as a transmit beam. During the time after transmit, one or more receive beamformers coherently sum the energy received by each channel, with dynamically changing phase rotation or time delays, to produce peak sensitivity along the desired scan lines at ranges proportional to the elapsed time. The resulting focused sensitivity pattern is referred to as a receive beam. Resolution of a scan line is a result of the directivity of the associated transmit and receive beam pair.
The output signal of the beamformer channels are coherently summed to form a respective pixel intensity value for each sample volume in the object region or volume of interest. These pixel intensity values are log-compressed, scan-converted and then displayed as an image of the anatomy being scanned.
Conventional ultrasound transducers transmit a broadband signal centered at a fundamental frequency f0, which is applied separately by a respective pulser to each transducer element making up the transmit aperture. The pulsers are activated with time delays that produce the desired focusing of the transmit beam at a particular transmit focal position. As the transmit beam propagates through tissue, echoes are created when the ultrasound wave is scattered or reflected off of the boundaries between regions of different density. The transducer array is used to convert these ultrasound echoes into electrical signals, which are processed to produce an image of the tissue. These ultrasound images are formed from a combination of fundamental (linear) and harmonic (nonlinear) signal components, the latter of which are generated in nonlinear media such as tissue or a blood stream containing contrast agents. With scattering of linear signals, the received signal is a time-shifted, amplitude-scaled version of the transmitted signal. This is not true for acoustic media which scatter nonlinear ultrasound waves.
The echoes from a high-level signal transmission contain both linear and nonlinear signal components. In certain instances ultrasound images may be improved by suppressing the fundamental signal and emphasizing the harmonic (nonlinear) signal components. If the transmitted center frequency is at f0, then tissue/contrast nonlinearities will generate harmonics at kf0 and subharmonics at f0/k, where k is an integer greater than or equal to 2. (The term xe2x80x9c(sub)harmonicxe2x80x9d refers to harmonic and/or subharmonic signal components.) Imaging of harmonic signals has been performed by transmitting a narrow-band signal at second harmonic frequency f0 and receiving at a band centered at frequency 2f0 followed by receive signal processing.
Tissue-generated harmonic imaging is capable of greatly improving B-mode image quality in difficult-to-image patients. One fundamental problem faced by tissue-generated harmonic imaging is low harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) since the harmonic signals are at least an order of magnitude lower in amplitude than the fundamental signal. A secondary problem is insufficient isolation of the harmonic signal from the fundamental as measured by a low harmonic-to-fundamental ratio (HFR).
Coded Excitation is the transmission of long encoded pulse sequences and decoding of the received signals in order to improve image SNR and/or resolution. The energy contained in a long transmit pulse sequence is compressed into a short time interval on receive by virtue of the code. Coded excitation is a well-known technique in medical ultrasound imaging. For example, the use of Golay codes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,869 issued on Nov. 16, 1999 and assigned to the instant assignee.
Likewise the techniques of tissue harmonic imaging and harmonic imaging using contrast agents are known. Harmonic imaging images the nonlinear signal components produced inside the body that are used to both reduce clutter when imaging tissue and to enhance contrast agent signal when imaging blood flow. The technique of tissue harmonic imaging is presented in Averkiou et al., xe2x80x9cA New Imaging Technique Based on the Nonlinear Properties of Tissues,xe2x80x9d Proc. 1997 IEEE Ultrasonics Symp., pp. 1561-1566 (1998), while harmonic imaging using contrast agents is presented in de Jong et al., xe2x80x9cCharacteristics of Contrast Agents and 2D Imaging,xe2x80x9d Proc. 1996 IEEE Int""l Ultrasonics Symp., pp. 1449-1458 (1997). Tissue harmonics can greatly improve B-mode image quality in difficult-to-image patients, while contrast harmonics can greatly improve vascular studies.
Harmonic imaging that uses two transmits with 180-degree phase shifts has been disclosed. Pulse inversion between the two transmits suppresses the fundamental signal and leaves the harmonic signal to form the image. Harmonic coded excitation that uses pulse sequences with 0 and 90-degree phase symbols (e.g., xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cjxe2x80x9d, where j2=xe2x88x921) has been disclosed by Takeuchi in xe2x80x9cCoded Excitation for Harmonic Imaging,xe2x80x9d Proc. 1996 IEEE Int""l Ultrasonics Symp., pp. 1433-1436 (1997) and by Chiao et al. in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/494,465 filed on Jan. 31, 2000. However, a method to suppress the fundamental signal on reception was not specified in those disclosures. Harmonic coded excitation using Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) (i.e., symbols 1, xe2x88x921, j and xe2x88x92j) with suppression of the fundamental signal on reception was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,947 issued on Apr. 18, 2000 and assigned to the instant assignee.
There is need for a harmonic imaging technique which does not use transmits that are 180 degrees apart and in which complete pulse compression is not prevented due to spectral mismatch between xe2x80x9cplusxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cminusxe2x80x9d harmonic pulses (particularly for broadband pulses).
Harmonic imaging using harmonic Golay-coded excitation encodes the fundamental and second harmonic signals, and subsequently performs decoding on reception to suppress the fundamental signal and to compress the second harmonic signal. Using this technique, the SNR and/or resolution of the second harmonic image can be improved. In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the invention, four encoded sequences are transmitted to generate two fundamental and two second harmonic Golay-encoded pulse sequences on reception. Upon decoding of these received sequences, the fundamental signal is suppressed and the second harmonic signal is compressed.
More specifically, the amplitude of the transmitted pulse sequences is set sufficiently high to generate harmonic signals from the nonlinearity of the tissue. For each transmit focal zone, four separately encoded sequences are transmitted, received, filtered, and combined to form the decoded (compressed) second harmonic signal with fundamental component suppressed. This process is then repeated for subsequent focal zones to form an entire image frame.
In accordance with the preferred embodiments, the transmit sequences are encoded using QPSK implemented as quarter-cycle circular rotations or shifts of the base pulse. This is implemented by time shifting the chips of the transmit sequence encoded with a xe2x80x9cjxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cxe2x88x92jxe2x80x9d code symbol by xc2xc fractional cycle at center frequency relative to the chips encoded with a xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cxe2x88x921xe2x80x9d code symbol. (The QPSK transmit code symbols are xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cxe2x88x921xe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cjxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cxe2x88x92jxe2x80x9d.) For the second harmonic signal, the phases of the chips of the encoded transmit sequence are 90xc2x0 apart, which is implemented by circularly shifting the one chip by a quarter cycle in a transmit sequence memory. (The term xe2x80x9ccircularly shiftingxe2x80x9d as used herein means that the time samples which are dropped at the front end of a shifted chip are added at the back end of the shifted chip.)
A different QPSK transmit code is used for each of four transmits A, B, C and D. The transmit codes are selected such that (A-B) and (C-D) are encoded by Y and xe2x88x92X, respectively, while (A2-B2) and (C2-D2) are encoded by X and Y, respectively, where X and Y form a Golay code pair. X is a sequence such that X=x(n), n=0, 1, 2, . . . , (Nxe2x88x921), and X denotes the reversal of X given by X=x(Nxe2x88x921xe2x88x92n) for n=0, 1, 2, . . . , (Nxe2x88x921). The same is true for Y and Y. A Golay code pair X and Y satisfies the complementarity property X*X+Y*Y=xcex4(n), where the xe2x80x9c*xe2x80x9d symbol denotes convolution and xcex4(n) is a Kronecker delta function.
The coding and decoding technique disclosed herein achieves fundamental suppression and second harmonic compression for a given Golay code pair X and Y. The received signal from the second transmit is subtracted from that of the first transmit, and the received signal from the fourth transmit is subtracted from that of the third transmit to form the Golay-encoded fundamental and Golay-encoded second harmonic signals. Formation of the encoded harmonic signal from the difference of two received signals is necessary to equalize the spectra of the second harmonic signals representing the xe2x80x9cplusxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cminusxe2x80x9d code symbols, since the second harmonic signals generated from different QPSK transmit pulses may not be exactly inverted in phase (e.g., the second harmonic response of the xe2x80x9cjxe2x80x9d pulse may not be equal to the negative of the second harmonic response of the xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d pulse). The Golay-encoded harmonic signals are then compressed by matched filtering and summing the filter outputs, thereby canceling the fundamental signal to leave the second harmonic signal for image formation.

Harmonic golay-coded excitation with differential pulsing for diagnostic ultrasound imaging


A package includes a printed circuit board (PCB), and a die bonded to the PCB through solder balls. A re-workable underfill is dispensed in a region between the PCB and the die.

In the formation of wafer-level chip scale package (WLCSP) structures, integrated circuit devices such as transistors are first formed at the surface of a semiconductor substrate in a wafer. Interconnect structures are then formed over the integrated circuit devices. Solder balls are mounted on the surface of the wafer. The wafer may be sawed into dies.
The dies may be bonded to printed circuit board (PCB) directly. Conventionally, the dies that were directly bonded to PCB were small dies. Accordingly, the stresses applied the solder balls that bond the dies to the respective PCBs were relatively small. Recently, increasingly larger dies need to be bonded to PCBs. The stresses occurring to the solder balls thus became increasingly greater, and the methods for reducing the stresses are needed. However, underfill could not be used in the WLCSP to protect the solder balls. The reason is that if the underfill is applied, the bonding between the dies and the PCBs is not re-workable, and the dies can no longer be removed from the respective PCB in the situations that the dies are defective. As a result, if the underfill is applied, the defective dies cannot be replaced with known good dies once bonded, and the entire PCBs fail.

Wafer-level chip scale package with re-workable underfill

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


An inkjet printhead assembly is provided comprising an ink supply channel and inkjet nozzle arrangements arranged on the ink supply channel. Each nozzle arrangement comprises a chamber and a movable actuator. Each chamber has an ink inlet and ink ejection ports, with the chamber and ink supply channel being in fluid communication via the ink inlet. Each movable actuator is arranged to selectively cause ejection of ink from any one of the ejection ports while causing an inflow of ink from the ink supply channel into the chamber via the ink inlet.

Many ink jet printing mechanisms are known. Unfortunately, in mass production techniques, the production of ink jet heads is quite difficult. For example, often, the orifice or nozzle plate is constructed separately from the ink supply and ink ejection mechanism and bonded to the mechanism at a later stage (Hewlett-Packard Journal, Vol. 36 no 5, pp33-37 (1985)). The separate material processing steps required in handling such precision devices often add a substantial expense in manufacturing.
Additionally, side shooting ink jet technologies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181) are often used but again, this limits the amount of mass production throughput given any particular capital investment.
Additionally, more esoteric techniques are also often utilized. These can include electroforming of nickel stage (Hewlett-Packard Journal, Vol. 36 no 5, pp33-37 (1985)), electro-discharge machining, laser ablation (U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604), micro-punching, etc.
The utilization of the above techniques is likely to add substantial expense to the mass production of ink jet print heads and therefore add substantially to their final cost.
It would therefore be desirable if an efficient system for the mass production of ink jet print heads could be developed.

Printhead having common actuator for inkjet nozzles


A system includes a mobile handset with a handle portion and a gripper portion coupled to the handle portion. The handle portion includes a first dock configured to removably receive a user interface device. The gripper portion is configured to receive an insertion tube of a non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection device and to control the insertion tube relative to an inspection point.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to non-destructive testing (NDT) system, and particularly to systems and methods for a mobile device cradle and tube gripper of a NDT inspection device.
Certain equipment and facilities, such as power generation equipment and facilities, oil and gas equipment and facilities, aircraft equipment and facilities, manufacturing equipment and facilities, and the like, include a plurality of interrelated systems, and processes. For example, power generation plants may include turbine systems and processes for operating and maintaining the turbine systems. Likewise, oil and gas operations may include carbonaceous fuel retrieval systems and processing equipment interconnected via pipelines. Similarly, aircraft systems may include airplanes and maintenance hangars useful in maintaining airworthiness and providing for maintenance support. During equipment operations, the equipment may degrade, encounter undesired conditions such as corrosion, wear and tear, and so on, potentially affecting overall equipment effectiveness. Certain inspection techniques, such as non-destructive inspection techniques or non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, may be used to detect undesired equipment conditions.
In a conventional NDT system, an insertion tube with sensors at a head end is used to inspect the equipment and facilities at an inspection point. The sensors at the head end obtain inspection data and transmit the inspection data to an NDT inspection device (e.g., base unit). The head end may be moved via controls on the NDT inspection device. Additionally, sensor data may be processed and monitored by the NDT inspection device. However, the inspection point may be remote from the NDT inspection device. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to control and monitor the head end of the insertion tube near the inspection point.

System for mobile device cradle and tube gripper of non-destructive testing inspection device


The invention is a process for preparing a prefabricated vehicle window comprising the sequential steps of:. (a) placing a cover film in a receptacle to provide a film cavity, with a portion of the cover film extending out of the receptacle, wherein the cavity is of a dimension sufficient to hold a bead of adhesive which would extend around the entire periphery of the window; PA0 (b) depositing a bead of an uncured, deformable adhesive in the cavity on top of the cover film in an amount sufficient to slightly overfill the cavity; and PA0 (c) contacting the bead of adhesive with a vehicle window under conditions sufficient to press adhesive out of the cavity and between the vehicle window and the portion of the cover film extending over the sides of the receptacle such that the adhesive pressed out of the cavity bonds the film to the window along the edges of the bead of adhesive.

This invention relates to the mounting or installation of vehicle windows and, more specifically to vehicle windows which are mounted or installed through the use of an adhesive.
It is known to mount vehicle windows in a vehicle through the use of an adhesive such as, for example, a moisture-curable urethane adhesive. In such a mounting procedure, the edge of the window is glued to a flange of a vehicle body. In such procedures, however, it is usually necessary to apply the moisture-curable adhesive to the window just prior to the mounting of the window, since exposure to atmospheric moisture prior to mounting will, over a period of time, cause the adhesive to cure and lose its ability to bond effectively to the vehicle flange. However, if the adhesive is applied just prior to mounting of the window, the vehicle manufacturer must purchase, operate, and maintain a substantial amount of pumping and dispensing equipment, as well as store substantial quantities of the moisture-curable adhesive. In addition, in the case of automotive windshields, the vehicle manufacturer may also need to maintain a full line of pumping and dispensing equipment to apply one or more glass primers (usually a clear primer followed by a wiping operation, followed by the application of a "blackout" primer) to the glass surface prior to the application of the moisture-curable adhesive.
It is also known to pre-apply moisture curable adhesive to a window, and then cover the adhesive with moisture-proof foil in such a manner that the foil does not touch the bead of adhesive. The air enclosed in the foil is then evacuated and the package is filled with a dry protection gas. Upon application, the foil is completely removed to expose the uncured adhesive, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,853.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,853 also describes a process for pre-applying moisture curable adhesive to a window by first preparing a cured bead of adhesive adhered to the window in the shape of a receptacle for a second bead of uncured adhesive, placing a bead of moisture-curable adhesive in the receptacle which does not completely fill the receptacle, and then placing a covering over the receptacle which does not touch the uncured bead of adhesive. Upon application, the foil is completely removed from the receptacle to expose the uncured adhesive.
It would be desirable to develop a process for the pre-application of a moisture curable adhesive which does not require the use of protection gases or the removal of the cover foil during application, nor require the vehicle manufacturer to maintain a full line of pumping and dispensing equipment and a supply of adhesive and primers.

Process for the preparation of a vehicle window


An SDRAM controller includes a service unit for receiving an SDRAM service request from at least one requester; a memory for storing instructions for performing a plurality of SDRAM transactions; and a lookup table of a sequence of addresses corresponding to at least a portion of the instructions stored in the memory, the portion of the instructions defining the SDRAM transaction. The service unit is configured to execute the SDRAM transaction based on the sequence of addresses in the lookup table. Also included is an arbiter for receiving service requests from multiple requestors to access the SDRAM, and another lookup table of identifiers corresponding to the multiple requestors, the identifiers stored in another sequence of addresses. The arbiter is configured to sequentially access each address in the other sequence of addresses, and grant service to a requestor based on an identifier stored in an address accessed.

SDRAM is a generic name for various kinds of dynamic random access memories (DRAM) that are synchronized with the clock speed of a microprocessor. In this manner, an SDRAM increases the number of instructions that the microprocessor may perform in a given time.
Typically, SDRAMs are fabricated as separate integrated circuits from other system components. The SDRAMs, microprocessor, and other components of the system are interconnected via a system bus. An SDRAM controller, which is placed between the system bus and the SDRAM, facilitates communication between the microprocessor and the SDRAM, and controls the functioning of the SDRAM. Many of the SDRAM controllers are application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), each providing specific functionality for a predetermined SDRAM.
The memory in the SDRAM is organized in banks. Typically, the number of memory banks may range from 2 to 16, or more. Corresponding to each of these SDRAM banks, there is a memory request queue in the SDRAM controller. A memory request basically involves a row address strobe (RAS) command and a column address strobe (CAS) command for accessing data in a memory bank. The controller has a request scheduler and a RAS/CAS generator which processes requests for all the memory banks in an orderly and timely manner. To control the operation of an SDRAM, the controller may use standard signals, such as address, row address select (RAS), column address select (CAS), write enable (WE), and data input/output mask (DQM) assertions.
The controller, typically, may handle multiple requests from different requestors, such as multiple processors. The controller may arbitrate among these different requestors and grant service (reading data from or writing data to a memory bank) to each requestor in an orderly manner.
In an SDRAM, when a row address and a column address of the initial data have been specified, subsequent addresses are automatically generated to output data in succession synchronously to a clock. The number of data (burst length) provided in succession may be selected by a number, such as 2, 4, or 8. In a burst mode for data accesses synchronously to the clock, data may be read out at a higher speed, since data are accessible per clock.
Because SDRAM memory cells are capacitive, the charge they contain dissipates with time. As the charge is lost, so is the data in the memory cells. To prevent this from happening, an SDRAM must be refreshed. This is done by periodically restoring the charge on the individual memory cells. In addition, the SDRAM may use a feature called auto pre-charge, which allows the memory chip circuitry to close a page automatically at the end of a burst. Auto pre-charge may be used, because the burst transfers are of a fixed length, and the end time of the transfers is known.
Long lead times are typically required to develop and manufacture a custom device, such as an SDRAM controller. Moreover, by the time the SDRAM controller is commercially available, new features may be introduced into the SDRAM, thereby necessitating another design and development of the SDRAM controller and causing more expense. Furthermore, in a multiple requestor environment, the requirement of each requestor for accessing data may change, thereby necessitating yet another design and development phase and causing even more expense.
A need arises, therefore, for a controller that may be used in an application/project and reused in another application/project, without having to undergo an expensive design and development phase. A need also arises for a controller that may accommodate changing needs of a data requestor, as well as the addition or deletion of a data requestor. This invention addresses such needs.

Microprogrammable SDRAM memory interface controller


Disclosed are electric cables with improved armor wires used with wellbore devices to analyze geologic formations adjacent a wellbore. The cables include at least one insulated conductor, and one or more armor wires surrounding the insulated conductor. The armor wires include a low density core surrounded by a corrosion resistant alloy clad, where the alloy clad includes such alloys as beryllium-copper based alloys, nickel-chromium based alloys, superaustenitic stainless steel alloys, nickel-cobalt based alloys, nickel-molybdenum-chromium based alloys, and the like. The low density core may be based upon titanium or titanium alloys. The cables of the invention may be any useful electric cable design, including monocables, quadcables, heptacables, quadcables, slickline cables, multiline cables, coaxial cables, or seismic cables.

This invention relates to electric cables, and methods of manufacturing and using such cables. In one aspect, the invention relates to electric cables with light weight corrosion resistant armor wires used with wellbore devices to analyze geologic formations adjacent a wellbore, methods of manufacturing same, as well as uses of such cables.
Generally, geologic formations within the earth that contain oil and/or petroleum gas have properties that may be linked with the ability of the formations to contain such products. For example, formations that contain oil or petroleum gas have higher electrical resistivity than those that contain water. Formations generally comprising sandstone or limestone may contain oil or petroleum gas. Formations generally comprising shale, which may also encapsulate oil-bearing formations, may have porosities much greater than that of sandstone or limestone, but, because the grain size of shale is very small, it may be very difficult to remove the oil or gas trapped therein. Accordingly, it may be desirable to measure various characteristics of the geologic formations adjacent to a well before completion to help in determining the location of an oil- and/or petroleum gas-bearing formation as well as the amount of oil and/or petroleum gas trapped within the formation. The zones to be analyzed can be vertically underneath the well bore surface opening or at angles deviated up to 90 degrees or more from the main well bore.
Logging tools, which are generally long, pipe-shaped devices may be lowered into the well to measure such characteristics at different depths along the well. These logging tools may include gamma-ray emitters/receivers, caliper devices, resistivity-measuring devices, neutron emitters/receivers, and the like, which are used to sense characteristics of the formations adjacent the well. A wireline cable connects the logging tool with one or more electrical power sources and data analysis equipment at the earth's surface, as well as providing structural support to the logging tools as they are lowered and raised through the well. Generally, the wireline cable is spooled out of a truck or an offshore platform unit, over a pulley, and down into the well.
Wireline cables are typically formed from a combination of metallic conductors, insulative materials, filler materials, jackets, and metallic armor wires. Armor wires typically perform many functions in wireline cables, including protecting the electrical core from the mechanical abuse seen in typical downhole environment, and providing mechanical strength to the cable to carry the load of the tool string and the cable itself.
Armor wire performance may also be dependent on corrosion protection. Harmful fluids in the downhole environment may cause armor wire corrosion, and once the armor wire begins to corrode, strength and pliability may be quickly compromised. Although the cable core may still remain functional, it is not economically feasible to replace the armor wire(s), and the entire cable must typically be discarded.
Conventionally, wellbore electrical cables utilize galvanized steel armor wires (typically plain carbon steels in the range AISI 1065 and 1085), known in the art as Galvanized Improved Plow Steel (GIPS) armor wires, which do provide high strength. Such armor wires are typically constructed of cold-drawn pearlitic steel coated with zinc for moderate corrosion protection. The GIPS armor wires are protected by a zinc hot-dip or electrolytic coating that acts as a sacrificial layer when the wires are exposed to moderate environments.
Commonly, sour well cables constructed completely of corrosion resistant alloys are used in sour well downhole conditions. While such alloys are well suited for forming armor wires used in cables for such wells, it is commonly known that the strength of such alloys is very limited.
As deviations in the well bores are increasing, the zones to be reached for evaluation or production may be at large angles relative to the well bore opening. To reach these zones, the cable must be tractored, but the reach may be limited as cables with galvanized steel armor wires may not be sufficiently light to satisfy these requirements. Furthermore, deviated well bores are typically sour as higher concentrations of corrosive agents are typically present.
Thus, a need exists for electric cables that are low weight with improved corrosion and abrasion protection. An electrical cable that can overcome one or more of the problems detailed above while conducting larger amounts of power with significant data signal transmission capability, would be highly desirable, and the need is met at least in part by the following invention.

Lightweight armor wires for electrical cables


A computing device can obtain a session key for encrypting data that is communicated between a client device and the computing device. The computing device can receive, from the client device, an encrypted request for data. The encrypted request can be encrypted by the client device using the session key. The data requested can be stored on a second computing device. The computing device can send, to the second computing device, a copy of the session key and the encrypted request for data. The second computing device can decrypt the data using the session key and can also encrypt data responsive to the request using the session key.

Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) provide cryptographic protocols that allow computing devices to securely communicate data over networks, e.g., the Internet. In one example, when establishing a secure communication channel, a client and a server can perform a handshake during which the client and the server exchange random numbers and a special number called the pre-master secret. These exchanged numbers can be combined with other data to generate a shared secret, i.e., the master secret, between the client and the server. The client and the server can then use the master secret to generate session keys.
The session keys are symmetric cryptographic keys that can be used to encrypt and decrypt data that is communicated between the client and the server through the secure communication channel. Thus, for example, once the session keys have been generated, the client can encrypt data to be sent to the server using the generated session key and, upon receiving the encrypted data, the server can use the generated session key to decrypt the encrypted data. Typically, a secure communication channel is needed to protect data being exchanged between the client and the server from being seen by third-party observers.

Secured communication in network environments


An image forming apparatus automatically identifying top and bottom of document image based on characteristics with regard to shapes or positions of data, etc. recorded on document. Distribution states of pixel cumulative values in main scanning direction and sub scanning direction of image signals provided by scanning the document, are analyzed and top and bottom of the document image is identified from the result of analysis. Further, it is possible to identify the top and bottom of the document image by analyzing the distribution states the pixel cumulative values in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction of the image signals and identifying letter series regions and line segment regions displaced therefrom. In addition thereto, it is possible to automatically identify the top and bottom of the document image based on distribution states in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction of specific signs included in the image signals provided by scanning the document or distribution states of pixel cumulative values of specific image regions including the specific signs.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of automatically recognizing top and bottom of document image.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In recent times, there have been proposed image forming apparatuses having a variety of automatic processing functions such as an apparatus recording two sheets or four sheets of document fed from an automatic document feeding device on one sheet of record paper, an apparatus having book binding function collating record paper on which image is formed and binding it by staplers, and the like.
It is important for effectively using an image forming apparatus having such an automatic processing function to arrange in order top and bottom of plural sheets of document fed by an automatic document feeding device. In case where copies are formed without noticing mixing of document of which top and bottom is reversed which is noticed later, even if one sheet thereof is mixed, the formed copies have to be abandoned. Accordingly, enormous time and expense are dissipated in the case of a large number of copies.
Therefore, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus which automatically determines top and bottom or sideway arrangement of document image and rotates the document image in the normal direction when it discovers document of which top and bottom is reversed, or which is arranged sideways. For example, in an image forming apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,811, samples of data image are selected from image data obtained by scanning document, the samples are compared with separately prepared reference letters whereby top and bottom or a rotational angle of document image is determined and the document image is rotated in the normal direction if modification thereof is necessary.
Also, there has been disclosed a mark recognition apparatus which although not automatically determining top and bottom or sideway arrangement of document image, designates desired region (closed loop) and command in document image by a marker pen and conducts image processing in compliance with the command designating the region, for example, image processing eliminating the designated region, moving image of the designated region to another designated location, etc. (refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 04-170864).
In addition thereto, there has been proposed a technology in which, when a previously designated specific pattern is identified in document image, the specific pattern is converted into white image or eliminated (refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 04-343570 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 04-245860).
However, according to the means for selecting samples of letter image from image data obtained by scanning document and determining top and bottom or a rotational angle by comparing the samples with separately prepared reference letters, even in the case of processing by extracting the samples of letter image, a high level image processing of reading letters and comparing them with reference letters is necessary. Therefore, the cost of the apparatus is significantly increased by adding the means for automatically determining top and bottom or sideway arrangement of document image to the image forming apparatus.

Image forming apparatus capable of recognizing top and bottom of document image


An electro-hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission comprises a manual selector valve for operator direction of line pressure fluid to a drive passage when drive is selected or to a reverse passage when reverse is selected. A drive/reverse passage connects the drive passage and the reverse passage. A first check ball is disposed between the drive passage and the drive/reverse passage and a second check ball is disposed between the reverse passage and the drive/reverse passage wherein the check balls operate to pressurize the drive/reverse passage when either drive or reverse is selected. The system further includes six fluid operated selectively engageable friction devices, three friction device actuators each associated with one of the six friction devices, in parallel relation and electronically actuated to direct fluid from the drive passage to the respective friction device, and a two-friction device actuator operative to direct fluid from the drive/reverse passage to one of two friction devices. Three pressure-operated feed protection valves are disposed intermediate of two of the actuators and their two friction devices, which operate to prevent flow to the two downstream friction devices.

This invention relates to transmission controls for a power transmission.
Power transmissions of the automatic shifting type have a plurality of selectively establishable gear ratios between the engine and ground engaging mechanism for the vehicle. The ratios are generally established by hydraulically operated friction devices such as clutches and brakes. The engagement and disengagement of these friction devices are controlled by valve mechanisms which direct hydraulic fluid to and from the operating piston of the devices. With the advent of electronically controlled transmissions, each valve mechanism is controlled by a separate electrical element such as a solenoid. In the event one of the valve-controlling solenoids becomes inoperative, it is desirable for the transmission control system to ensure that only allowed combinations of friction devices may be engaged simultaneously so not more than one drive ratio occurs.
The present invention provides a transmission control system for an automatic transmission, which ensures that simultaneous establishment of more than one drive ratio does not occur.
The control system comprises a manual selector valve for operator direction of line pressure fluid to a drive passage when drive is selected or to a reverse passage when reverse is selected. A drive/reverse passage connects the drive passage and the reverse passage. A first check ball is disposed between the drive passage and the drive/reverse passage and a second check ball is disposed between the reverse passage and the drive/reverse passage wherein the check balls operate to pressurize the drive/reverse passage when either drive or reverse is selected. The system further includes six fluid operated selectively engageable friction devices and three friction device actuators each associated with one of the six friction devices, in parallel relation and electronically actuated to direct fluid from the drive passage to the respective friction device. The system also includes a two-friction device actuator operative to direct fluid from the drive/reverse passage to one of two friction devices where a mode valve and associated actuator determine which of the two friction devices are pressurized. Three pressure-operated feed protection valves are disposed intermediate of two of the actuators and their two friction devices. Each feed protection valve may receive at least one signal pressure by open actuators feeding downstream friction devices. The signal pressures shift the valve to prevent flow to downstream friction devices which are incompatible to be engaged simultaneously.
The system minimizes the number of components while still ensuring the transmission is protected against any combination of actuator interruption.

Hydraulic control for a 5-speed automatic transmission