The present invention provides a method for calibrating a MIPC column wherein the calibration relates to the determination of the organic solvent component in the mobile phase required to elute dsDNA fragments of different base pair lengths at specific retention times. Since a MIPC column affords highly reproducible separations, once calibrated, the base pair length of unknown dsDNA fragments can be determined by comparing their retention times to those obtained on a standard calibration chromatogram. The standard calibration chromatogram is obtained by chromatographing a standard dsDNA ladder containing fragments of known base pair length. In addition, a method is provided to determine the presence of nicks in dsDNA using MIPC under fully denaturing conditions, e.g., 80.degree. C. In one embodiment, this method is applied to the detection of mutations in dsDNA.

The term "nick" is defined herein to mean a double stranded (ds) DNA fragment wherein one of the strands is contiguous and the complimentary strand contains at least one break, wherein two adjacent bases are not covalently linked. "Nicks" in DNA fragments occur for a variety of reasons. For example, when long DNA fragments are constructed by enzymatic ligation of shorter strands, some fragments may not be completely ligated. Important and widely used products of DNA ligation comprise commercially produced DNA sequencing "ladders" (BioRad, Inc., Richmond, Calif.; Life Technologies, Inc., Germantown, Md.). DNA "ladders" are mixtures of DNA fragments, wherein the fragments comprise a defined range of base pair lengths and the fragments in the ladder differ by a constant base pair increment. For example, a 100 base pair (100 bp) ladder contains DNA fragments which differ by 100 bp increments over a range of 100 bp to 3,000 bp, i.e., 1000 bp, 200 bp, 300 bp, 400 bp . . . 3,000 bp. Such DNA ladders are used as base pair length standards to calibrate electrophoresis gels. The accuracy of such ladders is of critical importance, since defective or impure ladders may lead to incorrect interpretation of sample results when compared to the standard base pair ladders. However, while a ladder containing nicks might be usable as a standard for gel electrophoresis, Applicants have found that such a ladder is not suitable for use as a standard using the more accurate and sensitive separation methods described herein.
Nicks are also formed when an enzyme which recognizes a base pair mismatch (mutation) in a heteroduplex, binds within the vicinity of a mutation and cleaves one strand of the DNA duplex which contains a non-complimentary base while leaving the other strand intact. Many such enzymes are known in the art and they are the basis of one form of mutation detection. For a comprehensive description of this subject see U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,178 to Chirikjian (1998). This reference and the references contained therein are incorporated in their entireties herein.
A nick in dsDNA cannot be detected by either gel or capillary electrophoresis of native DNA directly. Nicked strands can be detected, however, using denaturing polyacrylamide gels (Molecular Cloning, 2.sup.nd Ed. Sambrook et al. eds. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989, incorporated herein by reference). Gel electrophoresis can also separate and detect nicked double stranded fragments which have been tagged with fluorescent or radioactive probes. However, this approach is costly and very labor intensive in that it requires the preparation of DNA fragments tagged with expensive probes. Methods which depend on gel electrophoresis (GEP) for separation of DNA fragments are subject to inherent deficiencies. This separation method is difficult to implement, not always reproducible, not accurate, difficult to quantify, and routinely takes five hours or more to complete (not counting set up time).
Other limitations in using GEP are related to the development and interpretation of bands on gels. The bands are often curved rather than straight, their mobility and shape can change across the width of the gel and lanes and bands can mix with each other. The sources of such inaccuracies stem from the lack of uniformity and homogeneity of the gel bed, electroendosmosis, thermal gradient and diffusion effects, as well as host of other factors. Inaccuracies of this sort are well known in the GEP art and can lead to serious distortions and inaccuracies in the display of the separation results. In addition, the band display data obtained from GEP separations is not quantitative or accurate because of the uncertainties related to the shape and integrity of the bands. True quantitation of linear band array displays produced by GEP separations cannot be achieved, even when the linear band arrays are scanned with a detector and the resulting data is integrated, because the linear band arrays are scanned only across the center of the bands. Since the detector only sees a small portion of any given band and the bands are not uniform, the results produced by the scanning method are not accurate and can even be misleading.
DNA molecules are polymers comprising sub-units called deoxynucleotides. The four deoxynucleotides found in DNA comprise a common cyclic sugar, deoxyribose, which is covalently bonded to any of the four bases, adenine (a purine), guanine(a purine), cytosine (a pyrimidine), and thymine (a pyrimidine), hereinbelow referred to as A, G, C, and T respectively. A phosphate group links a 3'-hydroxyl of one deoxynucleotide with the 5'-hydroxyl of another deoxynucleotide to form a polymeric chain. In double stranded DNA, two strands are held together in a helical structure by hydrogen bonds between, what are called, complimentary bases. The complimentarity of bases is determined by their chemical structures. In double stranded DNA, each A pairs with a T and each G pairs with a C, i.e., a purine pairs with a pyrimidine. Ideally, DNA is replicated in exact copies by DNA polymerases during cell division in the human body or in other living organisms. DNA strands can also be replicated in vitro by means of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
Sometimes, exact replication fails and an incorrect base pairing occurs, which after further replication of the new strand results in double stranded DNA offspring containing a heritable difference in the base sequence from that of the parent. Such heritable changes in base pair sequence are called mutations.
In the present invention, double stranded DNA is referred to as a duplex. When the base sequence of one strand is entirely complimentary to the base sequence of the other strand, the duplex is called a homoduplex. When a duplex contains at least one base pair which is not complimentary, the duplex is called a heteroduplex. A heteroduplex duplex is formed during DNA replication when an error is made by a DNA polymerase enzyme and a non-complimentary base is added to a polynucleotide chain being replicated. Further replications of a heteroduplex will, ideally, produce homoduplexes which are heterozygous, i.e., these homoduplexes will have a complimentary, but altered sequence compared to the original parent DNA strand. When the parent DNA has the sequence which predominates in a natural population it is generally called the "wild type."
Many different types of DNA mutations are known. Examples of DNA mutations include, but are not limited to, "point mutation" or "single base pair mutations" wherein an incorrect base pairing occurs. The most common point mutations comprise "transitions" wherein one purine or pyrimidine base is replaced for another and "transversions" wherein a purine is substituted for a pyrimidine (and visa versa). Point mutations also comprise mutations wherein a base is added or deleted from a DNA chain. Such "insertions" or "deletions" are also known as "frameshift mutations". Although they occur with less frequency than point mutations, larger mutations affecting multiple base pairs can also occur and may be important. A more detailed discussion of mutations can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,039 to Modrich (1995), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,400 to Cotton (1997). These references and the references contained therein are incorporated in their entireties herein.
The sequence of base pairs in DNA codes for the production of proteins. In particular, a DNA sequence in the exon portion of a DNA chain codes for a corresponding amino acid sequence in a protein. Therefore, a mutation in a DNA sequence may result in an alteration in the amino acid sequence of a protein. Such an alteration in the amino acid sequence may be completely benign or may inactivate a protein or alter its function to be life threatening or fatal. On the other hand, mutations in an intron portion of a DNA chain would not be expected to have a biological effect since an intron section does not contain code for protein production. Nevertheless, mutation detection in an intron section may be important, for example, in a forensic investigation.
Detection of mutations is, therefore, of great interest and importance in diagnosing diseases, understanding the origins of disease and the development of potential treatments. Detection of mutations and identification of similarities or differences in DNA samples is also of critical importance in increasing the world food supply by developing diseases resistant and/or higher yielding crop strains, in forensic science, in the study of evolution and populations, and in scientific research in general (Guyer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:10841 (1995); Cotton, TIG 13:43 (1997)). These references and the references contained therein are incorporated in their entireties herein.
Alterations in a DNA sequence which are benign or have no negative consequences are sometimes called "polymorphisms". In the present invention, any alterations in the DNA sequence, whether they have negative consequences or not, are called "mutations". It is to be understood that the method of this invention has the capability to detect mutations regardless of biological effect or lack thereof. For the sake of simplicity, the term "mutation" will be used throughout to mean an alteration in the base sequence of a DNA strand compared to a reference strand. It is to be understood that in the context of this invention, the term "mutation" includes the term "polymorphism" or any other similar or equivalent term of art.
Analysis of DNA samples has historically been done using gel electrophoresis. Capillary electrophoresis has been used to separate and analyze mixtures of DNA. However, in addition to the problems cited herein above, these methods cannot distinguish point mutations from homoduplexes having the same base pair length.
In addition to the deficiencies of denaturing gel methods mentioned above, these techniques are not always reproducible or accurate since the preparation of a gel and running an analysis is highly variable from one operator to another.
Recently, an HPLC method was introduced to effectively separate mixtures of double stranded polynucleotides, in general and DNA, in particular, wherein the separations are based on base pair length (U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,236 to Bonn (1996); Huber, et al., Chromatographia 37:653 (1993); Huber, et al., Anal. Biochem. 212:351 (1993)). These references and the references contained therein are incorporated herein in their entireties. However, the reproducibility, accuracy, column life, and reliability of this method have not been adequately addressed. Aspects of DNA separation and mutation detection by HPLC which have been recognized and addressed by Applicants include the treatment of, and materials comprising chromatography system components, the treatment of, and materials comprising separation media, solvent pre-selection to minimize methods development time, optimum temperature pre-selection to effect partial denaturation of a heteroduplex during chromatography and optimization of the chromatographic separation for automated high throughput mutation detection screening assays. These factors are essential in order to achieve unambiguous, accurate and reproducible mutation detection results using HPLC. Applicants, through their own work, have gained an understanding of the unique mechanism involved in the liquid chromatographic separation of DNA and termed their separation method "Matched Ion Polynucleotide Chromatography" (MIPC). This understanding has allowed Applicants to address the aspects related to the HPLC separation of polynucleotides in general and DNA in particular which have heretofore been unknown in the art.
There exists a need for a reliable method of calibrating a MIPC column to determine the relationship between the mobile phase composition and the base pair length of eluted fragments.
There exists a need for an accurate and reproducible analytical method for detecting nicked DNA which is easy to implement. Such a method, which in addition, can be automated and provide high throughput sample screening with a minimum of operator attention, is also highly desirable.

Analysis of nicked DNA by matched ion polynucleotide chromatography


In order to improve the holding power of a tool chuck, especially a tool chuck for use with percussion or impact drills, without the use of elastic friction elements that impede intentional opening and closing, the invention describes a tool chuck in which cooperating, preferably conical surfaces disposed respectively, on the stationary collet and the rotating structure of the chuck engage one another when the chuck is closed and clamps the inserted tool. Additional relative rotation imparted to the rotating structure with respect to the collet causes clamping forces to be applied to the inserted tool and further causes the cooperating conical surfaces to be pressed against one another, thereby generating high surface pressures which oppose the unintentional opening of the chuck even during the presence of axial percussion shocks.

Drill chucks are known which include a friction brake, consisting of, for example, an elastic O-ring which is disposed between respective cylindrical surfaces of the chuck bushing and the internal chuck members. The known friction device has the disadvantage that intentional opening of the chuck is impeded during the entire opening process. For this reason, the frictional forces must be kept relatively weak which diminishes the effectiveness of the known device to accomplish its purpose, i.e., to prevent the unintentional opening of the drill chuck.


A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘BBDRASUN’, characterized by its upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; numerous double flowers that are yellow and pink in color; and good postproduction longevity.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant, botanically known as Begonia×hiemalis, commercially known as Elatior Begonia, and hereinafter referred to by the name 'BBDRASUN'.
The new Begonia plant is a naturally-occurring whole plant mutation of the Begonia×hiemalis cultivar BBDRA, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,700. The new Begonia was discovered and selected by the Inventor from within a population of plants of 'BBDRA' in a controlled greenhouse environment in Rijsenhout, The Netherlands during the spring of 2007.
Asexual reproduction of the new Begonia plant by terminal cuttings in a controlled greenhouse environment in Rijsenhout, the Netherlands since the autumn of 2007, has shown that the unique features of this new Begonia plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A plurality of simulated toy teeth and method for making are described for use with toys including toy stuffed animals and toy dolls. The teeth include a flexible tubular casing that is expanded by placing a fill material therein. The ends of the casing are sealed to contain the fill material. At least one constrictive band is placed around at least a portion of the casing which compresses both the casing and the fill material therein thereby reducing the overall circumference of the casing underneath the band. The visual effect is to provide a plurality of teeth, one of each of the teeth being disposed on either side of each constrictive band. The flexible casing is curved as desired to accommodate the shape of the toy and is then attached as desired to the toy.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention, in general, relates to toys and, more particularly, to simulated toy teeth for the visual enhancement of toy stuffed animals and toy dolls.
Manufacturers of toy stuffed animals and toy dolls continually strive to either improve realism, or to add greater visual impact to their toys. If the toy stuffed animals appear more realistic or if they merely seem to "stand out" when compared with other similar types of toys, they are then more likely to be purchased. Accordingly any of the features and characteristics of toy stuffed animals and toy dolls are varied in an attempt to enhance their appearance, and, ultimately to improve sales.
In particular the eyes and mouth contribute a disproportionate amount of visual impact to such kinds of toys. Current types of toy eyes are inexpensive to manufacture and generally have been capable of adding the desired dramatic expression to toy stuffed animals and toy dolls.
However, simulated toy teeth for the visual enhancement of toys have proven to be difficult to produce inexpensively and therefore toy manufacturers have relied upon types of simulated toy teeth that are less than ideal. Also presently known types of simulated toy teeth are difficult to attach to toy stuffed animals and to dolls. Plastic and other types of toy teeth, if not adequately attached, pose a choking hazard to small children who might bite or otherwise pry the teeth off of the toy.
Accordingly there exists today a need for simulated toy teeth for use with toy stuffed animals and toy dolls that are inexpensive to manufacture, easy to attach, resistant to removal apart from the toy, and which are capable of creating a preferred type of visual effect.
2. Description of Prior Art
Simulated toy teeth for use with toy stuffed animals and toy dolls are, in general, known. However simulated toy teeth constructed in accordance with the principals of the present invention are not believed to be presently known.
While the structural arrangements of the known types of simulated toy teeth may, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices.


Display device displays a character string of lyrics and accompaniment information. Characters or unit words of the lyrics corresponding to a current performance position and a next performance position are displayed in different display styles, in accordance with progression of the performance. Pieces of the accompaniment information corresponding to the current performance position and the next performance position may be displayed in different display styles, in accordance with the progression of the performance. Thus, even when the characters or unit words of the lyrics corresponding to the current and next performance position are displayed in an overlapping condition, a user is allowed to readily distinguish between the overlapping characters or unit words.

The present invention relates generally to music-piece-data display controlling apparatus and methods for displaying lyrics and chord names in accordance with tones reproduced on the basis of a selected set of music piece data, and more particularly to an improved music-piece-data display controlling apparatus and method which display lyrics, chord names and instrument-performance assisting information in accordance with progression of tones in an easy-to-read manner.
In some of the conventionally-known automatic performance apparatus such as electronic musical instruments and karaoke apparatus, background pictures (images) and lyrics of a user-selected music piece are displayed sequentially on a predetermined display screen as an automatic performance (i.e., reproduction) of a music piece proceeds on the basis of the music piece data. From Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. HEI-6-308991, for example, there has also been known an automatic performance apparatus which, for a user who wants to play a musical instrument to an automatically-performed music piece, displays, on the screen, not only lyrics of a predetermined performance section of the music piece but also chord names corresponding to the lyrics. Generally, these known automatic performance apparatus employ a music-piece-data display controlling apparatus, by which individual characters of the lyrics and chord namesxe2x80x94the terms xe2x80x9ccharacterxe2x80x9d as used herein in connection with lyrics refers to a character in the case of a song in mono-syllable language such as Japanese, or a unit word or phonetic unit in the case of a song in poly-syllable language such as English unless specified otherwisexe2x80x94, not to mention the background pictures, are sequentially changed in color in accordance with the progression of the automatically-performed music piece so that the user can play a desired musical instrument, such as a guitar or piano, to the automatically-performed music piece by operating the musical instrument in accordance with the sequentially-changing display color of the characters.
However, the conventionally-known music-piece-data display controlling apparatus are designed to change the display color of only the lyrics character or unit word corresponding to a current performance position (i.e., a position being currently performed) of the music piece. Thus, in a case where the chord progression and lyrics are displayed together and if a predetermined character string of the lyrics to be displayed can not be appropriately fit within a corresponding measure range of the displayed chord progression, the character of the lyrics for the current performance position of the music piece would be displayed too close to or in an overlapping relation to the character of the lyrics for a next performance position of the music piece, which thus tends to result in a hard-to-read, inappropriate display. Similar problem would occur to the displayed characters of the chord names. Particularly, for a character of the lyrics to be sung with a long vowel, two or more chords are sometimes to be displayed in corresponding relation to such a character of the lyrics. If, in such a case, the two or more chords are displayed simply in correspondence with the character to be sung with a long vowel, the chord names would be displayed in an overlapping condition and tend to be very hard to read on the screen. Namely, with the conventional music-piece-data display controlling apparatus, the individual characters of the lyrics are shown on a video display one after another simply at fixed uniform intervals as defined by the character font, and so each character of the lyrics can be displayed only within a predetermined limited width on the screen, with the result that a plurality of chords are sometimes displayed in an overlapping relation to each other.
Further, because only the lyrics and corresponding chord names are displayed on the screen for the user desiring to play the musical instrument to the performed music piece, the user can not know, from the display screen, individual timing for playing the instrument and individual pitches to be performed on the instrument, and thus the display provided via the conventional music-piece-data display controlling apparatus tends to be inconvenient and unsatisfactory.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved music-piece-data display controlling method and apparatus which displays lyrics or chord progression on a predetermined display screen in an easy-to-read fashion. It is another object of the present invention to provide a music-piece-data display controlling method and apparatus which allow a user to readily perform a musical instrument manually to progression of an automatic performance of a music piece by displaying individual performance timing for playing the musical instrument and tone pitches to be performed on the musical instrument in accordance with a performance progression of a music piece.
In order to accomplish the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: causing a display device to display a character string of lyrics for a predetermined performance section of a music piece in accordance with progression of a performance of the music piece; and controlling, in accordance with the progression of the performance, display of the character string of lyrics on the display device in such a manner that a character or unit word of the lyrics corresponding to a current position in the progression of the performance and a character or unit word of the lyrics corresponding to a next position in the progression of the performance are displayed in different display styles. The character string of lyrics is liable to be displayed on the display device with some adjoining characters or unit words of the lyrics overlapping each other at least partly, and thus, the controlling step performs control such that the overlapping characters or unit words of the lyrics are displayed in different display styles so as to be visually distinguished from each other.
According to the present invention, the display of the character string of lyrics on the display device is controlled, in accordance with the progression of the performance, in such a manner that a character or unit word of the lyrics corresponding to the current position in the progression of the performance and a character or unit word of the lyrics corresponding to the next position in the progression of the performance are displayed in different display styles. Thus, in a situation where the character string of lyrics is liable to be displayed on the display device with some adjoining characters or unit words of the lyrics overlapping each other at least partly, the overlapping characters or unit words of the lyrics are controlled to be displayed in different display styles for visual distinction from each other. Namely, even when the characters or unit words of the lyrics corresponding to the current and next performance positions are displayed in an overlapping condition, the inventive arrangement of displaying the characters or units word of the lyrics corresponding to current and next positions in different display styles in accordance with the performance progression allows a user to readily distinguish between the overlapping characters or unit words. Namely, even in a situation where adjoining lyrics characters are displayed in succession with a partial overlap, the different display styles of the overlapping adjoining lyrics characters allows the user to readily distinguish between the overlapping adjoining lyrics characters and thereby provides a visual display that is very easy for the user to read.
The present invention also provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: causing a display device to display accompaniment information for a predetermined performance section of a music piece in accordance with progression of a performance of the music piece; and controlling, in accordance with the progression of the performance, display of the accompaniment information on the display device in such a manner that a piece of the accompaniment information corresponding to a current position in the progression of the performance and a piece of the accompaniment information corresponding to a next position in the progression of the performance are displayed in different display styles. This way, even when pieces of the accompaniment information corresponding to the current and next performance positions are displayed in an overlapping condition, i.e. even in a situation where adjoining pieces of the accompaniment information are displayed in succession with a partial overlap, the different display styles allows the user to readily distinguish between the overlapping adjoining pieces of the accompaniment information. Thus, even when characters representing the adjoining pieces of the accompaniment information are displayed in an overlapping condition, the different display styles allows the user to readily distinguish between the overlapping characters and thereby provides a visual display that is very easy for the user to read.
The present invention also provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: causing a display device to display a character string of lyrics and accompaniment information for a predetermined performance section of a music piece in accordance with progression of a performance of the music piece; controlling, in accordance with the progression of the performance, display of the character string of lyrics on the display device in such a manner that a character or unit word of the lyrics corresponding to a current position in the progression of the performance and a character or unit word of the lyrics corresponding to a next position in the progression of the performance are displayed in different display styles; and controlling, in accordance with the progression of the performance, display of the accompaniment information on the display device in such a manner that a piece of the accompaniment information corresponding to the current position in the progression of the performance and a piece of the accompaniment information corresponding to the next position in the progression of the performance are displayed in different display styles.
By thus displaying, in the different display styles, the lyrics characters and pieces of the accompaniment information corresponding to the current and next positions when displaying the lyrics characters and accompaniment information in accordance with the performance progression, the user is allowed to distinguish between the displays corresponding to the current and next positions even when they are displayed with a partial overlap. Further, because the accompaniment information is displayed near the display of the lyrics with the display style varied in accordance with the performance progression, the user is allowed to readily enjoy performing the accompaniment while viewing the displayed lyrics.
The present invention also provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: causing a display device to display a character string of lyrics for a predetermined performance section of a music piece in accordance with progression of a performance of the music piece; controlling, in accordance with the progression of the performance, display of the character string of lyrics on the display device in such a manner that a character or unit word of the lyrics corresponding to a current position in the progression of the performance and a character or unit word of the lyrics corresponding to a next position in the progression of the performance are displayed in different display styles; and displaying accompaniment information near the character string of lyrics displayed on the display device, in accordance with the progression of the performance.
The present invention provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: causing a display device to display a character string of lyrics for a predetermined performance section of a music piece in accordance with progression of a performance of the music piece; and displaying chord information in accordance with the progression of the performance and in corresponding relation to the character string of lyrics displayed on the display device, the step of displaying chord information determining respective positions of pieces of the chord information, to be displayed in succession, such that displays of the pieces of the chord information do not overlap each other. Intervals between characters or unit words in the character string of lyrics, to be displayed on the display device by the step of causing, can be varied to become non-uniform, depending on the positions of the pieces of the chord information displayed by the step of displaying chord information. For example, in a situation where a plurality of pieces of chord information are to be displayed in succession between lyrics characters and they are likely to be displayed in an overlapping condition, the present invention displays the lyrics characters with the interval therebetween increased appropriately depending taking into account the positions of the pieces of the chord information. With the thus-increased interval between the lyrics characters, two or more pieces of the chord information, to be displayed in succession between the lyrics characters, can be displayed with no overlap therebetween.
The present invention further provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: causing a display device to display a character string of lyrics for a predetermined performance section of a music piece in accordance with progression of a performance of the music piece; displaying accompaniment information near the character string of lyrics displayed on the display device, in accordance with the progression of the performance; and displaying information indicative of performance timing of the accompaniment information, in corresponding relation to display of the accompaniment information by the step of displaying accompaniment information. With this arrangement, the user or human player can make a performance operation corresponding to the accompaniment information (e.g., chord information) to the displayed performance timing and thereby can enjoy an accompaniment ensemble in accordance with the progression of the music piece performance.
The accompaniment information is typically in the form of chord information, in which case the detecting step detects performance timing of a predetermined performance part on the basis of performance data of the predetermined performance part other than chord data and the performance timing of the predetermined performance part detected by the step of detecting is displayed in corresponding relation to the accompaniment information. With this arrangement, the human player can perform a chord accompaniment without monotonousness and can even further enjoy an accompaniment ensemble in accordance with the progression of the music piece performance.
Further, the present invention provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: displaying lyrics in accordance with progression of a performance of a music piece, and creating data of a display screen that displays, in corresponding relation to display of the lyrics, accompaniment information matching with the progression of the performance. In this case, a plurality of the display screens can be created which differ from each other at least in time-axial display scale. The music piece data display method further comprises a step of selecting one of the display screens and causing the display device to display the selected display screen. Because there can be created a plurality of the display screens of different time-axial display scales and any one of the display screens having an optimum display scale, the present invention can always provide a very efficient music piece data display.
The present invention also provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: displaying, by chord names, a chord progression for a predetermined performance section of a music piece in accordance with progression of a performance of the music piece; and simultaneously displaying component tones of a chord corresponding to a current position in the chord progression and component tones of a chord corresponding to a next position in the chord progression in different display styles visually distinguishing therebetween. By the chord name display, a chord progression throughout the predetermined performance section (e.g., several measures) can be readily known. Also, because chord component tones to be performed at the current position and chord component tones to be performed at the next position are displayed in detail in separate distinguishable styles, the present invention can provide a user-friendly performance guide that is very easy even for a sheer beginner to read.
The present invention also provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: identifying an available pitch range of a keyboard to be used for a performance of a music piece; and displaying component tones of a chord to be currently performed in accordance with a chord progression of the performance, the step of displaying being capable of displaying chord component tones in a turn-back fashion such that any chord component tones can be displayed within the available pitch range of the keyboard identified by the step of identifying. Even where the keyboard has an available pitch range of just one octave, any designated chord component tones beyond the keyboard pitch range are displayed in a turn-back fashion (with an octave shift) as appropriate. Thus, the present invention can provide a proper chord performance guide.
Further, the present invention provides a music piece data display method which comprises the steps of: causing a display device to display lyrics for a predetermined performance section of a music piece and chord names corresponding to a chord progression in the predetermined performance section, in accordance with progression of the performance; and making a display indicating, on a diagram simulating a keyboard, component tones of at least a chord corresponding to a current position in the chord progression. By the display of the lyrics and chord names, lyrics and chord progression throughout the predetermined performance section (e.g., several measures) can be readily known. Also, because at least chord component tones to be performed at the current position are displayed in detail in separate distinguishable styles, the present invention can provide a user-friendly performance guide that is very easy even for a sheer beginner to read and manipulate.
The present invention may be constructed and practiced not only as the method invention but also as a music-piece-data display controlling apparatus. The present invention may also be practiced as a program for execution by a processor such as a computer or DSP., as well as a recording medium storing such a program. The processor may be a dedicated processor having incorporated therein dedicated logic in hardware, not to mention a general-purpose processor such as a computer executing a desired software program.

Method and apparatus for displaying music piece data such as lyrics and chord data


A circuit arrangement for a switching system having microprocessors for decentralized execution of switch-oriented jobs is provided wherein a separate microprocessor, autonomously functional for its jobs, is provided in a network level for the connection of a respective class of connection lines with specific and identical transmission properties and in a switching level for the connection of devices respectively provided for executing specific and identical switching tasks and services. All microprocessors are connected with one another by way of a common data bus, whereby the transmission of messages in the transmitting and receiving directions between the microprocessors occurs in the form of information blocks provided with address information. A central clock pulse is provided, under whose control only one respective microprocessor is cyclically connectible for the transmission of an information block and all other microprocessors are connectible to the common data bus for the reception of an information block. Each microprocessor receives an information block only upon the presence of an address intended for the connection lines or devices connected to the microprocessor concerned.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement for a switching system having microprocessors for decentralized execution of switch-oriented tasks.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the construction of telegraph switching systems, one has heretofore pursued the path of a greatest possible centralization. This development was encouraged by the construction of computer-controlled switching systems. However, with the increasing size of a switching system, the sequences required for the execution of all switch-oriented tasks becomes more and more complex and not surveyable. The sequences are only capable of being governed with a very extensive programming expense. As an example, one problem which arises is the observance of the real time requirements which are absolutely necessary for the execution of switch-oriented tasks and which is usually solved in traditional centrally-controlled systems with the assistance of interrupt procedures. By so doing, blocking situations arise at peak loads which are only capable of being governed with a great expense. Also, in view of the multiplicity of lines to be connected to a switching system operating with various transmission processes and with various transmission speeds and codes, problems occur in a centrally-controlled system, above all, because with a change of the connections, a reconfiguration of the entire system structure is also required at the same time.
With the development of microprocessors, a cost-effective component has been made available which is easily programmable and, therefore, is suitable for a multiple employment without special expense.

Circuit arrangement for a switching system

200
MS
File;900
MS
File
FSS 15 W;18 F;18 J


An arrangement for supporting a rotation adjustment mechanism of a rotary body in a vehicle seat, wherein the rotary body is supported between a bracket fixed to the seat and a hinge element having no rotation adjustment mechanism. A part of the bracket is provided within the rotary body and disposed substantially at a central vertical line of that particular rotary body. The rotation adjustment mechanism is attached on such part of the bracket, whereas on the other hand, the hinge element is disposed in one of two symmetrical lateral sides of the rotary body relative to the afore-said central vertical line. Hence, a load applied to the rotary body is mainly received by the bracket and escaped therethrough to the vehicle seat.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rotary element or body rotatably provided between two seat backs of a split-type vehicle seat, such as a foldable center backrest rotatably interposed between the two seat backs, and a rotation adjustment mechanism for angular adjustment of the rotary body. In particular, the invention is directed to an arrangement for supporting such rotation adjustment mechanism and rotary body in the split-type seat.
2. Description of Prior Art
A split-type seat is widely used as a rear seat (e.g. a second seat or third seat) having a pair of independent seats combined together as one seat unit, wherein the two seats each comprises a seat back and a seat cushion (see FIG. 1), as opposed to a normal bench rear seat which only consists of one integral seat back and seat cushion unit. In this split-type of seat, a rotary element or body, such as a foldable center backrest, rotatable-type armrest, and the like, is pivoted between two seat backs in such a way to be rotatable forwardly and backwardly relative to the two seat cushions. Thus, such rotary body can be set in a horizontally extending position where it is in a generally parallel relation with the seat cushions and can be set in an upright position where it lies substantially flush with the seat backs.
For instance, as can be seen from FIG. 1 (not the prior art), there is known a splititype rear seat having a center backrest (at 12) rotatably provided between the two separate seat backs. In most cases, this center backrest is of a bilaterally supported type wherein its both lateral walls are rotatably supported by a pair of connecting elements, respectively. As typically disclosed from the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-177459, the bilaterally-supported-type center backrest has two centers of rotation at the respective two lateral walls thereof, with such an arrangement that a rotation adjustment mechanism is provided at one of the two rotation centers to permit angular adjustment of the center backrest relative thereto, while on the other hand, a rigid hinge bracket (i.e. a free hinge element without any rotation adjustment means) is provided at another of them to allow free rotation of the center backrest relative thereto. In that way, the center backrest per se is stably supported between the rotation adjustment mechanism and hinge bracket in the split-type vehicle seat, while permitting for its angular adjustment to attain a desired inclination angle for supporting the back of a passenger.
However, in the foregoing conventional arrangement, it is found that a large spacing is defined between the rotation adjustment mechanism and hinge bracket due to the fact that they are disposed on the two respective lateral walls of center backrest. This means, in a way, that a maximum distance is given between those two elements. Therefore, dynamically stated, a load applied to the center backrest is inevitably imparted as an intensive great load only to the rotation adjustment mechanism, which necessitates a reinforcement of the latter to withstand the intensive great load. In other words, it is necessary to compensate for the dynamical imbalance of load exertion between the hinge bracket and rotation adjustment mechanism so as to prevent undesired twisting or deformation of the center backrest. This reinforcement has been done, for example, by increasing the thickness of connecting parts of the rotation adjustment mechanism, adding a reinforcing bracket thereto, or providing various reinforcements to the frame of rotation adjustment mechanism.
Nevertheless, those reinforcements are found defective in increasing the weight of associated reinforced portions and reinforcement part, making the structure more intricate, and increasing the costs involved.
In view of the above-stated drawbacks, it is therefore a primary purpose of the present invention to provide an improved arrangement for supporting a rotation adjustment mechanism of a rotary body in a vehicle seat, which is light in weight with inexpensive costs while providing an optimal dynamical balance for supporting the rotary body and rotation adjustment mechanism.
To achieve such purpose, the arrangement for supporting a rotation adjustment mechanism of a rotary body in a vehicle seat, in accordance with the present invention, basically comprises:
a bracket fixed to the vehicle seat, which is so adapted that the rotation adjustment means is rotatably supported thereon;
the bracket being provided within the rotary body such as to be disposed substantially at a central vertical line of the rotary body;
a hinge means without any rotation adjustment means provided therewith, which is so adapted that the rotary body is hingedly, rotatably supported thereon; and
the hinge means being disposed at one of two symmetrical lateral sides of the rotary body in relation to the afore-said central vertical line.
Accordingly, the bracket is situated centrally of and within the rotary body to provide a maximum strength sufficient to directly receive a great load applied to either of front and rear surfaces of the rotary body, thereby avoiding exertion of the load on the hinge means and eliminating a dynamical imbalance between the rotation adjustment mechanism and the hinge means as found in the prior art. Therefore, it is possible to positively prevent any twisting deformation of the rotary body, and also, the bracket requires no reinforcement, contributing to reduction of weight and costs involved.
Additionally, the rotary body remains stably supported at its both lateral sides between the bracket and hinge means, just in the same way as the ordinary bilaterally-supported structure stated previously.
Preferably, the bracket may be generally of a plate-like structure having a substantially planar both side walls and so disposed as to orient such both planar side walls in a direction to the central vertical line of rotary body, thus extending in a direction orthogonal with a widthwise direction of the rotary body. Further, such plate-like bracket be fixedly connected with a seat cushion of the vehicle seat, Hence, the bracket is not only easily given a rigidity enough to receive most of the great load without any reinforcement thereto, but also effectively escapes and disperses most of the great load through its wide planar wall down to the vehicle floor.

Arrangement for supporting rotation adjustment mechanism of rotary body in vehicle seat


Tannate compositions containing active pharmaceutical ingredients to be used for treating nausea, vomiting, pain, convulsions, and insomnia and manufacturing processes for preparing the tannate compositions.

The use of tannate salts of active pharmaceutical ingredients is well known. U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,597 describes tannate products containing pyrilamine tannate and phenylephrine tannate. The January 1990 issue of Annals of Allergy, Volume 64, describes combinations of chlorpheniramine tannate, pyrilamine tannate and phenylephrine tannate. An article in Clinical Medicine, dated September 1965, pages 1475-1478, describes tablets of pyrilamine tannate, chlorpheniramine tannate and amphetamine tannate. Phenylephrine tannate compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,846 and phenylephrine tannate and chlorpheniramine tannate compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,358. None of these references describe the problems with tannate pharmaceutical products caused by the large size of the tannate molecule. Because of its size, the percentage of active free base within the tannate salt is significantly lower than that in other salt forms such as the hydrochloride or maleate. The presence of low active percentages and the variable purity of the commercially available tannate salts leads to the stoichiometry of the active free base to tannic acid in the tannate salts to vary from batch to batch. This problem was noted in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,599,846 and 5,663,415. This causes significant processing problems during manufacture and increases the likelihood that commercially available pharmaceutical products contain variable and in some instances, sub-therapeutic levels of the active drug substances creating dosing problems. None of these references suggest or describe pharmaceutical compositions containing tannate salts of active ingredients that are prepared with reduced variability in active drug content and increased certainty that the active drug is delivered within the therapeutic range. Also, none of the references suggest or describe tannate pharmaceutical compositions in the therapeutic classes of active ingredients for antinausea, antiemetic, antiinsomnia analgesics, or anticonvulsives.
None of the references discussed above suggest or describe the production of a tannate composition by means of an in-situ conversion of the active ingredient to the tannate salt in the presence of a dispersing agent using the method described herein to provide a dosage form which affords a sustained release of the active ingredient over prolonged intervals of time. Since the prolonged drug release character of the tannate salt enables the development of less frequent dosing regimens, such a composition is needed to improve patient compliance with dosage requirements.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Tannate compositions, methods of making and methods of use


Computer systems and methods for displaying on a device associated with a calling party visual content customized by a called party are disclosed. In one implementation, a device associated with a calling party includes one or more processors may be configured to obtain a request to establish a communication session with a device associated with a called party. The one or more processors may be further configured to, in response to obtaining the request to establish the communication session, attempt to initiate the communication session and transmit an identifier associated with the called party to a server and obtain display data from the server. The display data may be generated based on configuration data associated with the called party. The one or more processors may be further configured to cause display of visual content generated based on the display data.

Caller ID is a telephone service that displays information derived from the calling party's phone number on the called party's phone at the start of the call. The derived information often includes the name of the individual or business that owns the phone number. In some situations, other information may be displayed, such as the phone number and the location (e.g., City and State) associated with the phone number.
Historically, the information shown on the called party's phone may be truncated to fifteen characters because of display limitations associated with older phones. The advent of smartphones with larger displays, however, allows for longer names, as well as other media such as photos.

Communication systems and methods for causing display of visual content on a screen associated with a calling device


A method and apparatus improve the playback fidelity and quality of a compact disk player by controlling charge conditions in the zone of interaction between the playback read head and a CD. In one form of apparatus, an electrode is associated with the read head, and an ion generator coupled to the electrode provides an electrostatic field. The introduction of random noise to the field potentiates or enhances the improvement.

This invention relates to apparatus and a method for enhancing the playback fidelity of digital disks. Such disks, also called "laser disks", "compact disks" or simply "CD's", are widely used for musical recording as well as video and information storage and retrieval.
A CD typically consists of a recording medium of transparent plastic, associated with a layer of protective material. Data, which in the case of audio recording constitutes an acoustic waveform expressed in digital (binary) code, is placed on the recording medium as a series of microscopic "pits" of differing lengths and constant depth. The pits are arranged in a spiral track around the center of the disk. A reflective coating is applied to the pitted surface, and the protective layer is applied over that. The pits are typically between about 1 and 3 micrometers in length and about 0.5 micrometers wide. In playback, a laser beam is focused on the pit track from beneath the rapidly spinning disk, and "reads" the pits and the spaces between them, by sensed reflection, as a stream of "zeros" and "ones". The track is scanned at a constant linear rate of about four feet/second, a rate which translates into rotation when sensing is at the center at about 500 revolutions per minute, slowing to about 200 revolutions per minute as scanning reaches the outer periphery of the disk.

Apparatus and method for enhancing playback fidelity of compact disks


A multieffect distillation process separates multicomponent mixtures containing three or more components into at least four product streams each enriched in one of the components. Thermally linked high pressure and low pressure columns are used in the process. The feed is fed to one of the two distillation columns and a product stream is produced from each end of this distillation column. A mixture stream also is produced from an intermediate location of this column and sent to the other distillation column. A product stream is produced from each end of the other distillation column.

The present invention pertains to the field of distillation of fluid mixtures, and in particular to multieffect distillation processes to separate multicomponent mixtures containing three or more components into four product streams each enriched in one of the components.
Multieffect distillation has long been considered as one of the methods to reduce energy consumption in distillation columns. In a multieffect distillation, two heat integrated distillation columns are used. This heat integration is achieved by operating one column at a higher pressure than the other. Feed is fed to one of the distillation columns. The vapor from the top of the high pressure column is condensed by heat exchange with the liquid at the bottom of the low pressure column. Thus, the vapor in the high pressure column provides the boilup duty for the low pressure column.
There are several studies on the use of multieffect distillation for a binary feed distillation, the earliest being that of distilling air to produce nitrogen and oxygen. For this purpose, air is treated as a binary mixture and is fed to a high pressure column. The crude liquid oxygen from the bottom of the high pressure column is fed to an intermediate location of the low pressure column. The bottom of the low pressure column is boiled by condensing the nitrogen vapor from the top of the high pressure column. Both nitrogen and oxygen are produced from the low pressure column.
There are several more multieffect distillation processes for binary distillation. Details of these appear in a paper by Wankat ("Multieffect Distillation Processes", P. C. Wankat, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., pages 894-905, volume 32, 1993). Tyreus and Luyben studied the multieffect distillation for propylene-propane and methanol-water separations ("Two Towers Cheaper Than One?", B. D. Tyreus and W. L. Luyben, Hydrocarbon Processing, pages 93-96, July 1975). They found that as compared to a conventional single distillation column, the multieffect distillation consisting of two distillation columns required about 46% less steam for propylene-propane separation and about 40% less steam for methanol-water separation.
Recently, multieffect distillation processes for the distillation of ternary feed mixtures have been explored. This is due to an attractive feature of multieffect distillation in reducing the boilup needs from an external heat source.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,832 (Roberts) discloses a multieffect distillation process consisting of three distillation columns to separate air into three product streams each enriched in oxygen, argon and nitrogen respectively. The use of three distillation columns and an associated increase in the number of reboilers and condensers make this process unattractive.
Annakou and Mizsey ("Rigorous Comparative Study of Energy-Integrated Distillation Processes", O. Annakou and P. Mizsey, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., pages 1877-1885, Volume 35, 1996) have proposed four multieffect distillation processes each consisting of two distillation columns to distill a given ternary mixture. These four prior art processes are shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. In these processes, a ternary mixture having components A, B and C (mixture ABC) is separated into three product streams each enriched in one of the components. A is the most volatile component and C is the least volatile component.
In the prior art process of FIG. 1, the ternary feed mixture 100 is fed to an intermediate location of the high pressure column 110. (A location of a distillation column is an "intermediate location" when there is at least one separation stage above and one separation stage below that location. A "separation stage" is a mass transfer contract device between liquid and vapor phases, such as a suitable mass transfer tray or a packed height of a suitable packing.) The vapor stream 184 enriched in component A from the top of the high pressure column is condensed in the reboiler/condenser 116. A portion of the condensed stream 186 provides the reflux for the high pressure column and the other portion provides the A-enriched product stream 190. From the bottom of the high pressure column, a portion of the A-lean binary stream that is enriched in components B and C (stream 140) is recovered as stream 142. The pressure of this stream is reduced across valve 130 and fed to the low pressure column 120. A product stream 198 enriched in component B is produced from the top of the low pressure column, and product stream 194 enriched in the heaviest component C is produced from the bottom of this column. The boilup at the bottom of the low pressure column is provided by vaporizing some bottom liquid in the reboiler/condenser 116. This reboiler/condenser provides thermal linking between the high pressure column and the low pressure column.
The prior art process in FIG. 2 is similar to the one in FIG. 1 in that it also uses a high pressure column 110 and a low pressure column 120 that are thermally linked through a reboiler/condenser 116. However, the feed stream 100 is now fed to an intermediate location of the low pressure column, and the product stream 190 enriched in the most volatile component A is recovered from the top of this column. The A-lean and essentially binary stream 140 containing components B and C is now collected from the bottom of the low pressure column and is increased in pressure across a pump 236 and then fed as stream 144 to the high pressure column 110. The high pressure column produces two product streams (198, 194) each enriched in components B and C respectively.
The prior art process of FIG. 3 is similar to the one in FIG. 1 in that it also uses a high pressure column 110 and a low pressure column 120 that are thermally linked through a reboiler/condenser 116. The feed stream 100 also is fed to an intermediate location of the high pressure column. However, rather than producing an A-enriched product stream from the top of the high pressure column, a product stream 194 enriched in the heaviest component C is produced from the bottom of this column. The vapor stream 350 at the top of the high pressure column is now lean in C but rich in both components A and B. After condensation, a portion of the condensed stream is withdrawn as stream 356, reduced in pressure across a valve 330 and fed to the low pressure column. The product streams (190, 198) enriched in components A and B are produced from the low pressure column.
The prior art process of FIG. 4 also uses a high pressure column 110 and a thermally linked low pressure column 120. The feed mixture is fed to an intermediate location of the low pressure column. The C-enriched product stream 194 is recovered from the bottom of the low pressure column. A mixture lean in C but rich in A and B is recovered as stream 356 from the top of the low pressure column, pumped through pump 436 and fed to the high pressure column. The high pressure column produces the A-enriched and the B-enriched product streams (190, 198).
A common feature of all the prior art processes in FIGS. 1 through 4 is that the ternary feed mixture is fed to one of the two thermally linked columns. In the distillation column, the feed is distilled into a product stream at one end and an essentially binary mixture stream at the other end. The binary mixture is then fed to the other distillation column and a product stream is recovered from each end of this distillation column. In all, three product streams each enriched in one of the components is produced.
It is well known that among the conventional distillation column processes, a fully thermally coupled distillation system requires the lowest heat duty for a ternary distillation ("Minimum Energy Requirements of Thermally Coupled Distillation Systems", Z. Fidkowski and L. Krolikowski, AlChE Journal, pages 643-653, Volume 33, 1987). However, Annakon and Mizsey found that the multieffect distillation column processes of FIGS. 1 through 4 generally required less heat duty than the fully thermally coupled distillation system. The ternary mixtures studied by them are: pentane-hexane-heptane; isopentane-pentane-hexane; and butane-isopentane-pentane. Furthermore, they found that in the cases of relatively pure products, the multieffect distillation process is always the most economical solution.
It is desired to have multieffect distillation processes with even lower heat demand than the prior art multieffect distillation processes for the distillation of a multicomponent feed mixture.
It is further desired to have multieffect distillation processes that are easy to operate while having low heat requirements.
It is still further desired to have multieffect distillation processes using only two distillation columns for the distillation of ternary mixtures.
It also is desired to have multieffect distillation processes which overcome the difficulties and disadvantages of the prior art to provide better and more advantageous results.


A gas turbine engine compressor module subassembly construction and associated assembly method and tooling includes a threaded inner bore on the first stage compressor adapted to receive a tubular tool that slips axially between the compressor bores and the engine central shaft. Securement of the accessible tooling to the module's stationary structure permits assembly and handling of the module independently of the engine shaft.

Gas turbine engines such as utilized in aircraft are characterized by a relatively highly complex mechanical design of a variety of components. Assembly, aftermarket support, repair and overhaul of such complicated machinery may be time consuming and relatively expensive. To facilitate field support of such engines, more modern designs are modular in concept. This means the engine is designed into a plurality of subassemblies or modules, few in number, which may be individually removed or assembled to the remainder of the engine modules. Thus, such a modularly designed engine allows the removal and replacement of a single module in the field so that the engine may be returned to service as rapidly as possible. The removed module may then be fully disassembled, repaired and/or overhauled at a remote site with minimal overall engine or aircraft down time.
An important consideration in such modularly designed engines is that the components designed to be carried as a single modular subassembly be interrelated to one another regarding frequency of required overhaul and/or susceptibility of failure or damage during the life of the engine. From this it will be apparent that there are economic disadvantages in designing into a single module a group of components having significantly greater life expectancy or overhaul frequency, than another group of components therewithin, since the components with greater life expectancy would be required to be disassembled and replaced from the operating engine at the same frequency as the components with lower life expectancy.
One complexity in designing a modular gas turbine engine relates to the central through shaft assembly which may be typically supported to the engine stationary structure at locations adjacent the forward and aft ends of the engine. The design of a modular subassembly disposed wholly intermediate these shaft supports often leads to difficulties in accessibility and tooling for assembly and disassembly of the intermediate module without disturbing the central shaft assembly.


Systems, methods, and processing nodes for communicating with a wireless device via at least two access nodes include receiving, at a gateway node, data addressed to a first network address of the wireless device, transmitting, via a donor access node, a first portion of the data within a first bearer addressed to a second network address of the wireless device, and transmitting, via a relay access node wirelessly coupled to the donor access node, a second portion of the data within a second bearer addressed to a third network address of the wireless device.

Wireless networks incorporating access nodes, relay access nodes, and other small-cell access nodes are becoming increasingly common, and may be referred to as heterogeneous networks. Relay access nodes improve service quality by relaying communication between an access node, and wireless devices in the wireless network. For example, relay access nodes may be used at the edge of a coverage area of an access node to improve coverage and/or service, as well as in crowded areas having a high number of other wireless devices to increase the available throughput to the wireless devices being relayed. Relay access nodes are generally configured to communicate with the access node (i.e. a "donor" access node) via a wireless backhaul connection, and to deploy a radio air-interface to which wireless devices can attach.
"Dual Connectivity" refers to the ability for wireless devices to attach to at least two access nodes, and transmit/receive information via two wireless connections simultaneously. However, there are limits to utilizing dual connectivity in networks comprising access nodes and relay access nodes.

Communicating with a wireless device via at least two access nodes


A sole designed for attachment to an article of footwear, made of a hard polymer outsole connection plate affixed to a flexible polymer outsole that has a series of threaded imbed anchors housed therein for the attachment of various designs of interchangeable cleats. The cleats reside in detents formed on planar channels across the width of the outsole and extend above a series of tapered raised pads formed on the bottom face of the outsole.

Fishermen that fish from the banks of waterways encounter treacherous footpaths. There is moss and algae covering the shoreline as well as large, current smoothed rocks to lose one's footing on. Prior art conventional boots and shoes utilize polymer soles with aggressive style treads geared more for terra firma. These, while providing good traction on the shore, do not fare well when in the water. Similarly, roofers encounter slippery roofs with similar problems and poor solutions.
Outdoor shoes or boots are generally geared to a specific type of terrain, whether it be gravel, bush, sand, rock, etc. The purpose dictates the design and components of the footwear. The soles may be made of a polymer with a low durometer or a high durometer, the spacing on the sole pads may be narrow or wide, and there may be sole traction imbeds for enhanced grip. The problem with these types of prior art footwear is encountered when an outdoorsman is traversing mixed terrain. A certain sole design may be of huge benefit and offer superior traction advantage over loose gravel yet pose a treacherous situation when used on slippery, wet stones or on mossy boulders.
Thus, adaptable and specifically tailorable footwear that can be configured for the various terrains expected to be encountered, either prior to entering that area or at the site would be a welcome option to the outdoorsman terrain that is slippery, whether above or below a waterline, woulis provided by the embodiments set forth below.


In a hydraulically-operated vane rotor equipped variable valve timing control device for an internal combustion engine, a fluid-communication control mechanism is configured to switch, after having started the engine, a communication hole from a communicated state to a fluid-communication restricted state prior to switching operation of a lock mechanism from a lock state in which rotary motion of a vane rotor relative to a housing is restricted to an unlock state in which rotary motion of the vane rotor relative to the housing is enabled. As a result of this configuration, it becomes possible to apply, after having started the engine, an appropriately controlled hydraulic pressure to all of vanes, with hydraulic pressure supplied to either all phase-retard chambers or all phase-advance chambers, thereby ensuring a good control responsiveness of the vane rotor.

One such valve timing control device for an internal combustion engine, has been disclosed in the following prior-art Patent document 1.
That is to say, the valve timing control device disclosed in the Patent document 1, is configured to lock a relative rotation phase of a vane rotor to a housing (a timing sprocket) in a predetermined relative rotation phase relationship between them by engagement of a lock pin during an engine stopping period, thereby improving a startability.
Also provided in the vane rotor is a fluid-communication control mechanism for permitting fluid-communication between a phase-retard side communication passage and a phase-advance side communication passage through an annular groove formed in the outer periphery of a communication pin. For instance, when an engine has stalled with the vane rotor whose relative rotation phase has been kept in a maximum phase-retard state, the fluid-communication control mechanism permits two adjacent hydraulic chambers (that is, a phase-retard side hydraulic chamber and a phase-advance side hydraulic chamber), arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other and defined on both sides of a vane, to be communicated with each other. This increases a fluttering motion of the vane rotor, caused by positive and negative alternating torque transmitted from the camshaft, thereby enabling the vane rotor to be moved to the predetermined relative rotation phase rapidly.

Valve timing control device for internal combustion engine


A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention provides a system and method for the collection of a DNA sample(s) and ridge and valley signature(s) from a subject during a continuous time slot, hereinafter called a collection window. More particularly, the present invention provides for both simultaneous and combined collection of samples of DNA and ridge and valley signatures from a subject during a single collection window. Most particularly, the present invention provides for both simultaneous and combined collection in a single physical location of forensic quality samples of DNA and ridge and valley signatures from a subject during a single collection window of no more than about 45 or no more than about 30 minutes duration or no more than about 15 minutes duration.
2. Description of the Related Art
Humans have ridges and valleys on their hands and feet. A ridge and valley signature is the pattern formed by the ridges and valleys within at least one of the areas within the hands and feet. Ridge and valley impressions from a subject's fingers are commonly known as fingerprints. Animals also commonly have unique patterns on their footpads. In dogs and cats, for example, these patterns are called paw prints.
Many entities collect demographic and ridge and valley signature data to verify a subject's identity or to preserve a subject's uniquely identifying ridge and valley signatures for later use. Ridge and valley data are typically collected using paper and ink or optical imaging systems. Biometrics is the science of using digital technology to identify individuals based on that individual's unique physical and biological qualities, e.g., fingerprints, iris scans, and DNA. These biological qualities can be captured at different levels with the most useful and accurate being forensic quality. For example, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains standards for forensic quality ridge and valley signature capture and transmission. The standards are set forth in the following documents, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference:                Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint Information, ANSI/NIST-CSL 1-1993.        Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification, Federal Bureau of Investigation, March 1998, CJIS-RS-0010 (V6R2).
When ridge and valley signatures are captured according to these standards, the signatures are said to be of forensic quality. Among other attributes, forensic quality signatures must digitally represent the ridge and valley patterns of an individual as an image with at least 500 dots per inch resolution.
Another biometric tool that has been increasingly used in the law enforcement field is DNA association with an individual. It should be understood that in the text of this patent that "DNA sample" and "DNA bearing sample" both mean a biological sample that contains DNA which can be analyzed with scientific methods. The Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains a DNA database, called the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, through which Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies may request forensic DNA matching. The forensic quality of CODIS and any State or Local DNA database is maintained by using recognized DNA sampling guidelines. These guidelines are:                1. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must wear clean, dry rubber gloves and change them between collecting samples.        2. Any instruments used by a system monitor for the collection of a DNA sample (e.g., scissors, swabs, etc) must either be disposed of or thoroughly cleaned and dried between collecting samples.        3. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must avoid touching the area where the DNA is located.        4. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must not sneeze, cough, talk, or otherwise release saliva over the sample.        5. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must not touch his/her face or other body parts while collecting the sample.        6. The system monitor collecting a DNA sample must ensure than no hairs, eyelashes, or other such personal substances of the system monitor touch the DNA sample.        7. The collected DNA sample must be completely air-dried before packaging and, preferably, the drying environment should be sterile to prevent environmental contamination.        8. The collected and air-dried DNA sample should be placed into a new, clean, dry, paper bag for transportation and not in a plastic bag, since plastic bags can retain moisture that can degrade the forensic quality of the DNA sample.        9. Externally applied tape should be used to securely close a bag containing a DNA sample as staples can physically harm the DNA sample, or chemically contaminate it.        10. A DNA sample must be stored in a cool, dry location, out of direct sunlight because sunlight, heat, and moisture can damage the DNA sample.        11. All DNA samples must be packaged independently of one another to avoid cross-contamination.        12. The DNA sample collection medium, such as adhesive paper or tape, must never be exposed to the environment until the DNA sample is to be taken, and should be kept in a sterile package until needed, in order to prevent environmental contamination.
The following documents provide further background information concerning DNA collection standards and the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.                What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence. National Institute of Justice, Brochure #BC000614, NIJ, September 1999. http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/bc000614.pdf        Collection and Preservation of Evidence. Schiro, George, Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory. http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/evidenc3.html        Collection Of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Reference Specimens To Aid In Remains Identification, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Marine Corps Order #MCO 1771.1A, Jun. 15, 1999. http://www.usmc.mil/directiv.nsf/df51342d91236d2685256517004eb026/ 883calc315dllfe9852568500061751a?OpenDocument        Evidence Handling Guide, L.A. Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, Crime Laboratory.
Early patents directed to capture and enhancement of images of fingerprints did not yield forensic quality prints and/or did not capture a subject's DNA. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,982,836, 4,120,585, and 4,340,300 all issued well prior to the FBI's definition of forensic quality prints therefore these systems had not been designed with these exacting standards in mind. Likewise, such fingerprinting patents make no provision for collection of DNA samples. U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,836 to Green et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a transparent pressure-sensitive gel for capturing a pattern of a finger being pressed thereon, through which gel a beam of polarized collimated light is passed and the modified light beam emitted by the gel being projected through a polarization analyzer to produce an enhanced image of the fingerprint that is input to an image comparator.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,585 to De Palma et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a pliable optical prism that deforms to partially capture a mirrored topographic configuration of the surface of a finger pressed thereon, for production of an image that is input to an optical imaging system (such as a fingerprint reader).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,300 to Ruell, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a transparent polymer fingerbed that is elastic to form a topographic relief of a finger pattern, the fingerbed facing a sensor plate having a light source coupled to one edge such that the output beam is directed onto a light sensitive are of an electro-optical sensing array for input to an image processing system.
A large body of later patents exists for devices that capture ridge and valley data digitally using optical imaging systems. A variety of other collection techniques have been developed and patented as well that rely on physical properties such as capacitance, infra-red radiation, and ultrasound.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,347 to Podmaniczky et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches an optical imaging system between an object plane of a total reflection prism and an image plane, mainly for a fingerprint reading apparatus, comprising an optics for imaging the object plane to the image plane, and an electronic image detector in the image plane. The prism has a first surface receiving light for illuminating the object plane through the interior of the prism and a further surface through which light reflected from the object plane passes towards the optics.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,969 to Keagy et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a thin, inexpensive, removable platen for a direct fingerprint reader without a permanently attached platen, wherein the platen is removable and is formed as a transparent area on a credit card, passport or identification card or as a separate card. The portable platen on the card is inserted over an imaging area of a direct fingerprint reader and light from the direct fingerprint reader passes through an optical surface formed on the underside of the portable platen, is reflected off the fingerprint and passes back through the optical surface to the imaging apparatus where the image is digitized and analyzed and having the optical surface is formed such that the incident light is not refracted away from the fingerprint and the reflected light from the fingerprint is not refracted away from the imaging apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,665 to Suga, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a fingerprint detecting device including a flat transparent body, a light source, a thin surface film layer, a fluid layer, and an image detection unit, wherein the transparent body on which a skin surface of a finger is pressed has a surface constituted by a scattering surface with a fine three-dimensional unevenness such that the light source irradiates incident light from inside of the transparent body on the skin surface pressed against the surface of the transparent body, the surface film layer is formed on the surface of the transparent body via a small gap, on which a three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferred by pressing the finger, the fluid layer is formed by sealing one of a gas and a liquid in the gap between the surface of the transparent body and the surface film layer, and is pressed by the surface film layer on which the three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface is transferred and the image detection unit detects an image fingerprint pattern on the basis of the light from the light source, the reflection of which is changed at the surface of the transparent body, when the surface film layer comes into contact with the surface of the transparent body in accordance with the three-dimensional pattern of the skin surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,319 to Fujiwara, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a fingerprint input apparatus that includes a prism, a light source, a pinhole, and an imaging plane, wherein the prism is placed such that a surface in one direction serves as a fingerprint collection surface, the light source irradiates light on the fingerprint collection surface through the prism, the pinhole is set in the path of light which is reflected by the pattern surface of a finger placed on the fingerprint collection surface and emerges from the prism such that the light emerging from the prism and passing through the pinhole is formed into an image on the imaging plane and when the prism is substituted by air, an optical fingerprint collection surface equivalent to the fingerprint collection surface is set to be substantially parallel to the imaging plane.
None of these systems capture forensic quality ridge and valley signatures and DNA samples. However, there are existing optical imaging systems, known as LiveScan systems, which capture forensic quality ridge and valley signatures directly into a digitized format as opposed to traditional ink and paper methods. There are also various means of collecting DNA samples. For instance, existing methods include blood drawing, hair pulling, and buccal swabbing.
Livescan refers to the use of a computer-based device which reads the fingerprint patterns of a subject directly from the subject's fingers. Therefore, the prints are collected into an electronic medium from a "live" person's fingers rather than being read from an inked paper card.
The device typically uses a specially coated glass platform or platen upon which the subject's fingers are rolled or pressed. Images are captured from underneath the platen by one or multiple Charged Couple Device cameras (CCD) or one or multiple CMOS cameras and converted into digital files. Captured images, along with the demographic information about the subject, can then be transmitted electronically to a central database for print comparison.
For example, LiveScan systems are available from sources listed in TABLE 1.
TABLE 1NameWeb AddressCross Match Technologieshttp://www.crossmatch.comHeimann Biometric Systemshttp://www.hbs-jena.com/Identixhttp://www.identix.com/Printrakhttp://www.printrakinternational.com/
Cross Match Technologies manufactures a LiveScan device on which a silicone film is placed directly on a platen and the person presses directly into the silicone film to enhance fingerprint image quality. The film is not removable on a person-by-person basis and is not designed to collect DNA.
While LiveScan is designed to capture both rolled and slapped fingerprints, other devices that capture one or several fingerprints not conforming to the FBI specification exist. Single digit capture devices which capture one digit at a time are available from sources listed in TABLE 2.
TABLE 2NameWeb AddressCross Match Technologieshttp://www.crossmatch.comExact IDhttp://www.exactid.com/Identixhttp://www.identix.com/Secugenhttp://www.secugen.com
These systems may not collect forensic quality images as defined above by the FBI and none of these existing single digit capture devices also collects DNA.
Another significant problem of most prior art optical imaging systems is that these may produce ridge and valley signatures that are distorted due to movement of the ridge and valley area on the surface of the scanning device as the ridge and valley area is being scanned. Observed distortions include smudging and stretching of ridge and valley patterns. All prior art systems do not possess the capability to optionally acquire DNA samples as the ridge and valley signatures are being collected.
Regardless of the collection method, each prior art forensic quality ridge and valley signature results in data presumed to uniquely identify an individual to those skilled in the art of fingerprint identification. Usage of the ridge and valley signatures in this way makes ridge and valley signature association with an individual a very valuable biometric tool.
Most of the prior art DNA sampling techniques are unsuitable for mass collection of DNA samples. For example, invasive prior art techniques, such as finger pricking, blood drawing, and oral swab, can easily create situations in which the system monitor and the subject are both placed at risk. In addition, the system monitor must have special training. A less invasive technique, such as skin scraping, is also not acceptable since preparation to take the sample may irritate the subject due to removal of body hair or live skin tissue. In each of these cases, maintaining the training and the tools required for DNA sampling can be very costly.
A prior art technique to take DNA samples from a subject's ridge and valley areas provides a non-invasive method in which preparation is minimal and the risks to all parties are minimized. U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,439 to Chung, et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, teaches a method and a combined kit for taking a sample of the epidermis by means of an adhesive sheet and storing the sample, and extracting DNA from the epidermis sample stuck to the adhesive sheet.
Published U.S. patent application Ser. No. 20020037094, by Salva Calcagno and Eduardo Luis, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a safety identification device for collecting fingerprints and DNA related material from an individual, for use in verifying the identity of an individual, such as in documents and forms. The device comprises at least one layer for collecting and retaining the fingerprint and the material from the individual, and at least another layer attached to the at least one layer for protecting and preserving the material for determining the DNA of the individual. This patent application considers the use of OCR for fingerprint matching. OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is used extensively for reading alphabetic characters but, as those skilled in the art know, OCR is not used for matching fingerprints. Further, this patent application teaches collection from only the fingers of an individual and does not consider collection from the remainder of the hands or the feet. Salva Calcagno and Eduardo Luis do not teach or suggest collection of forensic quality ridge and valley signatures. For example, as a subject applies their ridge and valley signatures to a DNA capture film, certain portions of the ridges may not contribute to the DNA sample since there is no bio-matter on that portion of the skin. Hence, when the DNA capture labels are enhanced there are breaks in the ridge patterns. Likewise, there may be filled-in portions in the valleys as some portions of the valleys may contain excessive bio-matter. For these reasons, the ridge and valley signatures obtained with the method of Calcagno et al. cannot meet the stringent requirements of being classified as forensic quality ridge and valley signatures. Calcagno et al. teaches an invention that is noninvasive and uses DNA capture film to acquire a sample of a subject's DNA. However, its non-invasive DNA collection system fails to provide for the collection of forensic quality ridge and valley signatures, at the same time or otherwise.
WO 97/18009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a system and a kit for non-invasive collection of DNA-bearing material from the inner cheeks of a living person or corpse. This includes swabs of high modulus fibers that scrape DNA material from the inner cheeks to obtain sufficient material for future identification. It specifically teaches away from sampling cells from skin. It also mentions a kit that includes the swabs and a means for obtaining and recording ink fingerprints.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,922 to Harvey, et al., incorporated herein by reference, discloses devices and methods for the collection, storage, and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from fluid samples for subsequent genetic characterization, primarily by conventional amplification methods. It can be used to collect, store, or purify nucleic acids either from a biological source other than untreated whole blood, the biological source having naturally occurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, (including either a buccal swab, cerebrospinal fluid, feces, lymphatic fluid, a plasma sample, a saliva sample, a serum sample, urine, or a suspension of cells or viruses), or from a treated whole blood source that has naturally occurring nucleic acid amplification inhibitors present, as well as added blood stabilization components that also inhibit nucleic acid amplification. In particular, an absorbent material that does not bind nucleic acids irreversibly is impregnated with a chaotropic salt. A biological source sample is contacted with the impregnated absorbent material. Any nucleic acids present in the biological source can be either eluted or resolubilized off the absorbent material.
Therefore, in view of the above-described references, there still exists a need for a noninvasive DNA collection system that captures forensic quality DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures (forensic quality or otherwise), during a single data collection window, to increase the available DNA database collection as well as improve the efficiency, effectiveness, safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of DNA and fingerprint sample collection. That there has been a long-felt need for such a forensic quality system is indicated by the length of time that has elapsed since the filing of the first patent cited above that teaches capturing live fingerprints, some 29 years, without the invention of such a system.

System and method for collecting DNA and fingerprints


There is provided user equipment of a radio communication system including the user equipment, a base station, and a core network apparatus including a reception unit configured to receive information indicating one or more types of NAS protocols supported by the core network apparatus from the base station; a selection unit configured to select a type of a NAS protocol to be transmitted to the core network apparatus based on the information indicating the one or more types of the NAS protocols received by the reception unit; and a transmission unit configured to transmit a NAS message of the type of the NAS protocol selected by the selection unit to the core network apparatus.

In Long Term Evolution (LTE), a radio communication scheme referred to as 5G has been studied to achieve larger capacity of systems, further acceleration of data transmission speeds, further reduction of latency in radio sections, and the like.
Radio communication systems configured to support 5G radio access technology (new Radio Access Technology (RAT)), evolved E-URTA, and an access technology other than 3GPP (non-3GPP access type) have been studied along with the study of 5G radio communication schemes (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). According to Non-Patent Document 1, the radio communication system is referred to as a next generation system. The next generation system includes a next generation core network.

User equipment, radio communication system, and communication method


A label positioning mechanism for use with a label printing machine: The label positioning mechanism includes a feed wheel which is rotatably mounted in the body of the printing machine and is formed on its circumference with a label strip advancing surface. A label positioning member is pivotally connected to the machine body such that it is rotatable toward and away from the label advancing surface of the feed wheel. Springs normally urge the label positioning member toward the feed wheel. There is an arm mechanism that has one end fixed to an operating shaft. The arm has another end that is pivotally connected to the label positioning member. The operating shaft is rotatably mounted in the machine body. The operating force of the operating shaft may be transmitted to the label positioning member when the operating shaft is actuated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a label strip positioning mechanism for use with a label printing machine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a label printing and applying machine, in order to feed a continuous strip of labels onto the printing platen, a rotatable feed wheel includes teeth that engage slits that are formed in the continuous label strip. The label strip must be brought into contact with the feed wheel. A label strip positioning member in the body of the printing machine is moved to and from the label strip engaging periphery of the feed wheel. However, prior art label positioning mechanisms cannot reliably bring a continuous label strip into contact with the feed wheel or facilitating the operations of loading and unloading the label strip on and off the feed wheel.

Label positioning mechanism for a label printing machine