This invention relates to the photo-sensitive thermoplastic top-layer of optical media for registration of holograms, where the media consists of three transparent layers where the bottom layer is a glass substrate, the mid layer is an electro-conductive film of tin dioxide, and the top layer is a thermoplastic photo-sensitive amorphous molecular semiconductor film made of a matrix which has donor properties and forms transport bands for holes, and were the matrix is doped with;

This invention relates to the photo-sensitive thermoplastic top-layer of a media for registration of optical holograms in the holographic interferometry technique and devices. Certain compositions and novel compounds for the photo-sensitive thermoplastic media are disclosed. Such layers are often referred to as amorphous molecular semiconductor (AMS) films.
Optical holographic interferometry technique is well suited for non-destructive testing of internal defects in blocks and units of machines and devices, welded seams, as well as measuring stresses of an object during the object""s work load and residual stresses caused by technological processes of welding, forging, soldering etc. These applications are useful for fields such as offshore oil industry, shipping industry, process industry, air industry, and all types of constructions where strength is vital or fatigue may cause a problem.
In simple terms, the principle of non-destructive testing by holographic interferometry technique can be described as follows: First a hologram of an investigating area of the object is made. Then the object is exposed to a weak load in order to create stresses in the investigation area of the object. Further, the illumination of the registering medium containing the developed holographic image of the investigating area of the object with the reference beam, and illumination of the same area exposed to the load with the object beam are performed simultaneously. This occurs in such a way, that two light waves will be simultaneously behind the recording medium. One of which is created by illuminating the recording medium (containing the developed image) by the reference beam and which corresponds to the light wave scattered from the object during illumination by the object beam before loading, and the other corresponds to the light wave scattered by the studied object exposed to the load. As a result of the interference between these two light waves, an interferogram of the studied area is formed, and interference fringes localised on the object can be observed. An abnormal behaviour of the interference fringes gives evidence of the presence of a defect. One can estimate the size of the defect from the size of the region where the abnormal interference fringes are observed. Residual stresses are revealed and evaluated in a similar manner. The only difference is that in this case, a release of stresses in the investigation spot are performed instead of loading the object by drilling a small and shallow hole.
The recording of a hologram will typically be performed as follows: In the case when the registering medium consists of three layers: a glass substrate (first layer), a transparent electric conducting layer (second layer), and an AMS-film (third layer). First, the surface of the AMS-film is charged with positive ions by corona discharge. Then the hologram of the investigating area of the object is formed on the charged AMS-film surface. For this aim, the laser beam is divided by a splitter in two parts, one of them (let us denote it as reference beam) is directed to the charged surface of the AMS-film; and another one (denoted as object beam) is directed to the investigating area of the object in such way that having reflected from this area, it is directed to the charged surface of the AMS-film as well. The reference and the object beams are interfered and form the holographic image of the studied object, i.e. the spatial light intensity distribution on the charged surface of the AMS-film. The carrying spatial frequency of this distribution is determined by the angle between the reference and the object beams on the charged surface of the AMS-film, and the spatial frequency band is determined by the angle size of the investigated area of the object. Free electrons and holes are photo-generated in the AMS-film due to the light of the holographic image and the strong electric field (due to the film charging). The electrons migrate to the positively charged surface and neutralise the positive ions, and the holes migrate in the opposite direction are removed from the bulk film by passing into the transparent electro-conducting sub-layer. The latent electrostatic image of the hologram is formed on the charged surface of the AMS-film during the exposure time (the time when the charged surface of the AMS-film is exposed to the holographic light pattern). The latent image is the surface charge distribution and is proportional to the light intensities of the hologram image, but phase shifted by 180xc2x0. The variable spatial components of the charge density on the charged film surface results in appearance of the variable normal and tangential forces applied to the surface of the AMS-film. In other words, the latent image of a hologram can be considered as distribution of normal and tangential forces applied to the film surface. The electrostatic image is developed by heating the AMS-film up to the temperature of its transition into the viscous-flow state by means of passing an electric current pulse through the conducting tin dioxide sub-layer. When this takes place, the normal and tangential forces of the latent electrostatic image deform the AMS-film surface and the latent electrostatic image is transferred into a geometrical relief of the surface, which spatial distribution corresponds to the spatial light intensity distribution in hologram image. The heating of the AMS-film terminates at the end of the current pulse, and the geometrical relief becomes fixed. The created geometrical relief is a developed holographic image of the investigated object. When the registering medium with developed holographic image is illuminated by the reference beam, the holographic image of the investigated object is restored due to the diffraction of the beam by the geometrical relief of the surface.
As mentioned, this invention relates to a holographic registering medium based on amorphous molecular semiconductor films (AMS-films). Such a holographic medium is typically a flat piece made up of three transparent layers; a lower supporting layer made of glass, an intermediate layer of an electric conducting substance, and a top layer consisting of a thermoplastic photo-sensitive AMS-film. The intermediate layer is employed as an electric heat element for heating the top layer during the developing process, while the top layer is serving as the registering film.
Photo-sensitive AMS-films must possess at least four properties in order to be able to register holographic images. The film must be thermoplastic, it must provide physically separate transport bands both for holes and electrons, and it must provide centres for photo-generation of electron-hole pairs. The thermoplastic property is often ensured by employing a thermoplastic substrate which has good film forming properties as the film forming basis (let us denote this substrate as substance P). The transport bands for holes is provided by adding a substance which has good donor properties (substance D) and the transport bands for electrons is provided by adding a substance that has good acceptor properties (substance A). The centres for photo-generation is in conventional AMS-films provided by charge-transfer-complexes or exciplexes (these terms will be defined later). The centres for photo-generation of electron-hole pairs will be denoted as substance F.
Let us take a more detailed look of how the light intensity distribution above the film surface is transferred into an electrostatic image: When a light quantum is absorbed by a F-substance in the AMS-film it becomes excited, which results in a probability that a hole may escape from the F-molecule to a D-molecule and an electron may escape to an A-molecule. If this takes place, a Coulombically bonded electron-hole pair is created. Further, there is a probability that due to the influence of the applied high electric field, charge carriers of the electron-hole pair will not return back to the F-molecule, but would instead dissociate into free charge carriers (free electron and hole). The applied electric field (due to electric charges at the film surface), will cause the free electron to migrate in the electron transport band (manifold of A-molecules) up to the film surface and neutralise one of the deposited positive charges, and cause the free hole to migrate in the hole transport band (manifold of D-molecules) towards the conducting sub-layer where it will be eliminated from the AMS-film when reaching the sub-layer.
There are two important factors which controls these events. First there should be applied a strong electrical field for ensuring an efficient dissociation of the photo-generated bonded electron-hole pairs and a good driving force for the free charge carriers in the film. Second, the electron and hole transport bands are formed by different molecules and they are therefore separate in space. This means that the photo-generation centres also should contain spatially separated donor and acceptor parts in order to ensure that the absorption of a light quantum at the photo-generation centre would strongly lead to a spatial separation of an electron and a hole. If this takes place, an electron may transfer from the acceptor part of the F-molecule to an A-molecule (into the electron transport band) and a hole may transfer from the donor part of the F-molecule to a D-molecule (into the hole transport band), and thus create a Coulombically bonded electron-hole pair.
In most of the relevant prior art, the P and D-substance are implemented in one single substance, for instance in poly(N-vinylcarbazole) and different carbazole containing co-polymers. These compounds have good film-forming properties. In addition, they contain large conjugated pi-systems (carbazole group) that provide the donor properties and thereby form the transport band for holes. Similarly, it is common to employ a derivative based on a di-, tri-, or tetranitrofluorene group as the electron acceptor molecule and transport band for electrons. But there are of course many other molecules which have acceptor properties and can be employed as an A-substance.
The best known types of photo-generation centres are charge transfer complexes (CTC) and exciplexes. A CTC type photo-generating centre is a complex which forms between a molecule with donor and a molecule with acceptor properties. When such molecules come sufficiently close to one another, about 4 xc3x85, there is a probability that an electron from a D-molecule spends some time on an A-molecule and thus forming a weak covalent-like bond or a complex compound which normally absorbs in the visible range. When CTC absorbs a light quantum, a complete transfer of the electron from the D to the A-molecule occurs. An exciplex is a similar type of photo-generating centre. However, in contrast to CTC, the photo-generation of bonded electron-hole pairs by exciplexes is a two-photon process. The exciplex is formed between a D-molecule and a dye-molecule as follows: First, a dye-molecule absorb a light quantum (first photon) and achieves acceptor properties in the excited state. Next, a CTC-complex, which is called an exciplex, is formed between the excited dye-molecule and a D-molecule. The exciplex is able to absorb light in the visible range. In order to create (photo-generate) a bonded electron-hole pair, the exciplex has to absorb a second light quantum (second photon) and become excited. The excited state of the exciplex corresponds to a complete transfer of the electron from the D-molecule to the excited dye-molecule. Further, for creation of a bonded electron-hole pair, it is necessary that at least one of the charges, electron or hole, is passed from the exciplex to the nearest molecule in the corresponding transport band.
Both the above described types of photo-generation have however two essential drawbacks; the absorption coefficient is very small and the probability of charge recombination in the bonded electron-hole pair is high. The low absorption coefficient is due to low probability of tunnel transition of an electron from the D to the A-molecule in a CTC. In turn, this is determined by; a) a weak wave-function overlapping between HOMO-level of the D-molecule and LUMO level of the A-molecule as is evidenced by the very weak covalent-like bond between D and A-molecules, and b) a relatively large separation distance between A and D-molecules. The low absorption coefficient of the CTCs results in that only 3-5% of the incoming light becomes absorbed by the recording media which employ CTCs as photo-generating centres at optimal concentration of P and D-molecules and AMS-film thickness. The high probability of charge carrier recombination in the bonded electron-hole pair is determined by a high probability for return transition of these charges (both electron and hole) back to the photo-generating centre where they easily recombine. This is due to the following: Usually a CTC is formed by A and D-molecules which also may function as transport bands. As mentioned, during creation of a bonded electron-hole pair, an electron passes from the A-molecule of the excited CTC to a similar neighbouring A-molecule of the electron transport band, and a hole passes from the D-molecule of the excited CTC to a similar neighbouring D-molecule of the hole transport band. There are practically no potential barriers between neighbouring A-molecules of the CTC and the electron transport band, and between neighbouring D-molecules of the CTC and hole transport band. Thus, the electron and hole can easily return to the CTC and recombine. Probability for recombination depends on the electric field which prohibits the return of the electron and hole to the photo-generation centre, and it reaches about 0.95 at normally applied electric potentials with field strength in the order of 106V/cm.
From the above, it follows that registering media consisting of P and D-molecules and which employ CTCs as photo-generation centres have very low holographic sensibilities, in the order of 10 m2/J, since they only absorb 3-5% of the incoming light and the probability for recombination is as high as about 0.95. Examples of patent publications with these types of photo-generation are SU-1743300A, SU-1228672A, SU-972467A, SU-1768044A, and EP-550161.
Another important factor determining the holographic sensibility of AMS-film based recording media is the process of developing the electrostatic image into a geometrical relief. As mentioned, the electrostatic image is developed by heating the registering AMS-film up to its transition temperature to a viscous-flow state where the viscosity becomes very small. Then the normal and tangential electrostatic mirror-image forces applied to the film surface will deform it, and thus transfer the electrostatic image into a geometrical relief of the surface. The variable spatial components of the geometrical relief and the electrostatic image are phase coincident, and the carrier spatial frequency and the spatial frequency band of the geometrical relief are equal to the carrier spatial frequency and the spatial frequency band of the electrostatic image, respectively. The film viscosity decrease in the course of heating under the development process has to be very fast in order to prevent relaxation of the electric charges forming the electrostatic image due to enhancement of surface and bulk conductivity of the AMS-film. Thus, it is important to employ compounds in the recording medium which have a good plasticizing behaviour.
The importance of the plasticizing behaviour of the film during the developing of the electrostatic image is demonstrated by SU 1441718 which discloses a recording media where the AMS-film consists of poly(N-epoxypropylcarbazole) (PEPC) doped with 5% n-undecylester of 2,7-dinitro-9-dicyano-methylen-fluoren-4-carboxylic acid (referred to as n-UDDFC). PEPC functions as a combined P and D-substance while n-UDDFC is the A-substance. CTC-complexes serve as photo-generation centres which are formed between n-UDDFC and PEPC molecules. This media is claimed to achieve a photo-sensitivity of 120 m2/J, or in the order of 10 times its previous art. This finding is surprising since the relatively long carbon chain ((CH2)10CH3) of the n-UDDFC represents a steric hindrance for the formation of the CTC-complexes (the distance between A and D-molecules should only be about 4 xc3x85). Thus one should expect a reduced CTC-formation and therefore a reduced holographic-sensitivity. But this reduction is more than compensated by: a) an improvement of transport properties for electrons due to the part of the n-UDDFC molecules which do not participate in CTC-formation has fully empty LUMO levels which can transport electrons, which results in an increased probability for tunneling transition of an electron between neighbouring n-UDDFC-molecules and consequently to an increase in the electron mobility, and b) an enhancement of the film viscosity decrease rate during heating at the development process due to the enhanced plasticizing properties of A-molecules.
Even though the media disclosed in SU 1441718 has enhanced holographic-sensitivity compared to the other above cited patents, the main problem still remains to be solved. For many practical applications of devices based on holographic interferometry technique, a still higher holographic sensitivity and efficiency of the recording medium is required.
The main object of the invention is to provide a holographic recording medium that is sufficiently photo-sensitive and plasticizing to be able to perform real-time registering and developing of holographic images during non-destructive testing of materials by holographic interferometry.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a holographic recording medium that shows a holographic sensitivity above 1000 m2/J.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a holographic recording medium that can record holographic images within a total recording time of 3-5 milliseconds.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a holographic recording medium which is thermostable and robust, and which can be employed for at least 1000 recording/erasing cycles before it must be replaced.

Optical medium for registration of holographic interferograms

Abstract: a photo-sensitive substance (CICT) that has intramolecular physically separated parts with donor and acceptor properties, respectively, and which creates an intramolecular electron-hole pair when absorbing a light quantum, and which has a HOMO-level which is below the HOMO-level of the matrix substance, and

Abstract: a substance with acceptor properties that forms transport bands for electrons, which has a similar ring structure as the acceptor part of CICT to ensure a barrierless transfer of excited electrons from CICT to acceptor-molecules and which has attached a large hydrocarbon chain in order to enhance the plasticity of the film and to provide steric hindrance for the formation charge transfer complexes between acceptor and matrix molecules.


An operation method of communication node in a vehicle network is provided. The operation method includes transitioning from a sleep mode to an active mode and generating a first message that includes a first information indicating at least one communication node to be operated in the active mode. In addition, the method includes transmitting the first message to a second communication node to thus enhance performance of a vehicle network.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an operation of a communication node in a network, and more specifically, to a technique for waking up a communication node.
2. Related Art
Along with the rapid digitalization of vehicle parts, the number and types of electronic devices installed within a vehicle are increasing significantly. Electronic devices may be used in a power train control system, a body control system, a chassis control system, a vehicle network, a multimedia system, or the like. The power train control system may include an engine control system, an automatic transmission control system, etc. The body control system may include a body electronic equipment control system, a convenience apparatus control system, a lamp control system, etc. The chassis control system may include a steering apparatus control system, a brake control system, a suspension control system, etc. The vehicle network may include a controller area network (CAN), a FlexRay-based network, a media oriented system transport (MOST)-based network, etc. The multimedia system may include a navigation apparatus system, a telematics system, an infotainment system, etc.
Such systems and electronic devices constituting each of the systems are connected via the vehicle network, which supports functions of the electronic devices. The CAN may support a transmission rate of up to 1 Mbps and may support auto retransmission of colliding messages, error detection-based on a cycle redundancy interface (CRC), etc. The FlexRay-based network may support a transmission rate of up to 10 Mbps and may support simultaneous transmission of data through two channels, synchronous data transmission, etc. The MOST-based network is a communication network for high-quality multimedia, which may support a transmission rate of up to 150 Mbps.
Meanwhile, the telematics system, the infotainment system, and an enhanced safety system of a vehicle require high transmission rates and system expandability. However, the CAN, FlexRay-based network, or the like may not sufficiently support such requirements. The MOST-based network may support a higher transmission rate than the CAN and the FlexRay-based network. However, costs increase to apply the MOST-based network to all vehicle networks. Due to these limitations, an Ethernet based network may be considered as a vehicle network. The Ethernet-based network may support bi-directional communication through one pair of windings and may support a transmission rate of up to 10 Gbps.
As for an Ethernet-based vehicle network, the electronic devices constituting respective systems in the vehicle network may operate in an active mode, a sleep mode (or a doze mode), etc. The electronic devices basically operate in the sleep mode. In particular, the electronic devices may transition from the sleep mode to the active mode, and perform a particular operation in the active mode (e.g., an operation related to an infotainment system). To perform the particular operation, only some electronic devices are required to be woken up (e.g., activated from a sleep mode). However, both the electronic devices required for performing the particular operation and also other electronic devices may transition from the sleep mode to the active mode. In other words, electronic devices not involved in performing the particular operation may be woken up, thus causing unnecessary waste of resources.

Operation method of communication node in network


A system for establishing and maintaining a supersonic coherent gas jet, effective with either an oxidizing or an inert gas, employing a converging/diverging nozzle for establishment of a non-disruptive initial supersonic velocity, and a slower moving defined triple layered flame envelope coaxial with the jet for effective maintenance of the supersonic velocity. The invention is particularly useful for providing gas into a pool of liquid.

It is often desired to establish a flow of gas. For example, a flow of gas may be injected into a liquid for one or more of several reasons. A reactive gas may be injected into a liquid to react with one or more components of the liquid, such as, for example, the injection of oxygen into molten iron to react with carbon within the molten iron to decarburize the iron and to provide heat to the molten iron. Oxygen may be injected into other molten metals such as copper, lead and zinc for smelting or refining purposes or into an aqueous liquid or hydrocarbon liquid to carry out an oxidation reaction. A non-oxidizing gas, such as an inert gas, may be injected into a liquid to stir the liquid in order to promote, for example, better temperature distribution or better component distribution throughout the liquid.
Often the liquid is contained in a vessel such as a reactor or a melting vessel wherein the liquid forms a pool within the vessel conforming to the bottom and some length of the sidewalls of the vessel, and having a top surface. When injecting gas into the liquid pool, it is desirable to have as much gas as possible flow into the liquid to carry out the intent of the gas injection. Accordingly gas is injected from a gas injection device into the liquid below the surface of the liquid. If the nozzle for a normal gas jet were spaced some distance above the liquid surface, then much of the gas impinging on the surface will be deflected at the surface of the liquid and will not enter the liquid pool. Moreover, such action causes splashing of the liquid which can result in loss of material and in operating problems.
Submerged injection of gas into liquid using bottom or side wall mounted gas injection devices, while very effective, has operational problems when the liquid is a corrosive liquid or is at a very high temperature, as these conditions can cause rapid deterioration of the gas injection device and localized wear of the vessel lining resulting in both the need for sophisticated external cooling systems and in frequent maintenance shut-downs and high operating costs. One expedient is to bring the tip or nozzle of the gas injection device close to the surface of the liquid pool while avoiding contact with the liquid surface and to inject the gas from the gas injection device at a high velocity so that a significant portion of the gas passes into the liquid. However, this expediency is still not satisfactory because the proximity of the tip of the gas injection device to the liquid surface may still result in significant damage to this equipment. Moreover, in cases where the surface of the liquid is not stationary, the nozzle would have to be constantly moved to account for the moving surface so that the gas injection would occur at the desired location and the required distance between the lance tip and bath surface would be maintained. For electric arc furnaces, this requires complicated hydraulically driven lance manipulators which are expensive and require extensive maintenance.
Another expedient is to use a pipe which is introduced through the surface of the liquid pool. For example, non-water cooled pipes are often used to inject oxygen into the molten steel bath in an electric arc furnace. However, this expediency is also not satisfactory because the rapid wear of pipe requires complicated hydraulically driven pipe manipulators as well as pipe feed equipment to compensate for the rapid wear rate of the pipe. Moreover, the loss of pipe, which must be continuously replaced, is expensive.
These problems can be solved if a coherent jet can be established. A coherent gas jet retains its diameter and velocity, after ejection from a nozzle, far longer than does a normal gas jet. With a coherent jet, the injector tip may be positioned significantly further from the liquid surface while still enabling virtually all of the gas within the coherent gas jet to penetrate the liquid surface.
It is known that a coherent jet of an oxidizing gas can be established by surrounding the jet of oxidizing gas upon its ejection from a nozzle with a flame envelope formed by an annular stream of fuel around the oxidizing gas jet and a stream of oxidant annular to fuel stream. The fuel and oxidant combust to form the flame envelope which flows coaxially with the oxidizing gas stream and maintains it coherent for a long distance after ejection from the nozzle. However, this flame envelope arrangement does not work well if the gas is an inert gas. In such situations the velocity of the gas jet is quickly reduced and the coherency of the inert gas jet deteriorates rapidly. This is a particular problem where it is desired to switch from an oxidizing to an inert gas as this requires alteration of the gas lance ejection system.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a method for maintaining the velocity and the coherency of a gas jet irrespective of whether the gas jet is an oxidizing or an inert gas jet.
It is another object of this invention to provide a method for maintaining the velocity and the coherency of a gas jet while enabling the composition of the gas jet to be changed.

Supersonic coherent gas jet for providing gas into a liquid


A riser card for use in a chassis includes a body having a first end and a second end. The length of the body is adequate to simultaneously allow the first end and the second end to be proximately situated at a back and a front wall of the chassis respectively. The riser card also includes a female edge connector disposed on the body that receives a male edge connector of a motherboard.

Video playback, enhanced graphics, and extended audio connectivity are becoming the standard hardware building blocks to support multimedia. To achieve cost savings, these features are being integrated onto the motherboard. Sound and graphics add-in cards that were once required to support multimedia functionalities are now being integrated onto the motherboard in the form of specialized application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and in other instances are being brought into the processor itself. To achieve this integration, multimedia outputs need to be transmitted off the motherboard and multimedia inputs need to be transmitted onto the motherboard. Specifically, it is desirable to bring audio connectors, Universal Serial Bus connectors, as well as other indicators and switches to the front panel of a computer system chassis. The front panel of the computer system chassis is a location that is most accessible to the computer user. However, with today's form factors, it is a challenge to bring more input/output (I/O) connectivity out of the chassis and to the front panel.
One approach to bringing audio and video I/O out of the chassis in the past was to use cables to connect motherboard components to connectors mounted on spare expansion slots on the chassis. This approach had several disadvantage. First, the use of cables incurred additional costs. Second, cabling the motherboard components to connectors required additional time and resources from the manufactures.

Extended riser for implementing a cableless front panel input/output


A medical electrode for intracorporeal electrical stimulation of body tissue, particularly for intracardial stimulation of heart tissue, includes an electrode cable having an elongated, flexible conductor covered with insulation, and terminating at one end with an electrode head for contact with body tissue. An opposite end of the cable is connectable to a source of therapeutic electrical energy. The exterior surface of the insulation is provided with a helical element winding around a substantial portion of the length of the cable between the opposite ends. The helical element may be a thin-like projection, or a groove. A device for rotating the cable during implantation causes the cable, by virtue of the helical element, to be advanced through a vein.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a medical electrode for intracorporeal stimulation of body tissue, particularly for intracardial stimulation of heart tissue, and to a device for implanting such an electrode.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electrodes for medical purposes are generally known which include an electrode cable containing at least one elongated flexible conductor terminating in an electrode head at a distal end of the cable (as used herein, "distal" means distal from a yet-to-be-connected source of therapeutic electrical energy, and "proximate" means the end of the cable closer to that source). The electrode cable is provided with a layer of insulation.
It is of great importance for the electrode cable to be sufficiently pliant so that it is able, during advancement, for example, to heart of a patient via a vein, to follow the course of the vein without damaging the venous wall. The electrode cable is conventionally introduced using a stylet which is inserted into a channel in the cable. The stylet consists of a material having a sufficient stiffness required to advance the cable through the vein. At difficult passages, for example, where the cable must bend sharply, the stylet is often slightly retracted, so that the distal end of the electrode cable displays maximum pliancy. After such a passage has been negotiated, the stylet is again advanced to the distal end of the electrode cable in order to push the end into, for example, the atrium or into the ventricle, until the electrode head comes into contact with the heart wall for stimulation of the heart. Advancing the electrode cable in a vein with the aid of a stylet, which temporarily makes the electrode cable relatively stiff, is therefore not a simple procedure for the operator. Medical electrodes of the above-described type, wherein the cable is advanced through a vein with the aid of a stylet, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,136,703, 4,402,328 and 4,677,990.

Medical electrode and electrode implantation device


A radiation imager includes a photodetector array having topographically patterned surface features, which include support islands disposed over the active portion of one or more photodetectors in the photodetector array. A structured scintillator array having individual columnar scintillator elements is disposed in fixed relation to the photodetector array so that the individual scintillator elements are disposed on scintillator support islands. A barrier layer is disposed between the support islands and the photodetector array to minimize chemical interactions between the material forming the support island and the underlying photodetector array during the fabrication process. After the support islands have been patterned, the scintillator elements are grown by selectively depositing scintillator material on the support islands.

A variety of techniques are presently available for obtaining x-ray images. One common technique employs an x-ray absorbing phosphor screen which emits optical radiation which exposes photographic film held adjacent to the phosphor screen. This technique offers the advantage of high resolution, but is not effective in real time because of the need to develop the photographic film to obtain a visible x-ray image.
Another imaging device is the x-ray image intensifier tube. In this device x-rays are absorbed by a fluorescent screen which emits photons that are in turn absorbed in a layer of photoelectron emitting material. This material emits electrons which are then accelerated and focused on a phosphor screen to produce a higher intensity visible image. While this system operates in real time, it suffers from the disadvantage that it produces relatively low resolution images as a result of optical scattering, imperfect electron optics, loss of sharpness in the optics coupling the image intensifier to the camera and other effects. In addition, it is bulky, fragile, expensive and requires high voltage to operate.
Lubowski et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,454, issued Mar. 8, 1977 and entitled "Structured X-Ray Phosphor Screen," which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated by reference for background purposes, discloses a modified x-ray image intensifier which provides increased resolution through the use of a structured scintillator material as the fluorescent screen. This structured scintillator screen is produced by a vacuum evaporation process in which cesium iodide (CsI) is evaporated from a source boat and deposited on a topographically structured surface to produce columnar scintillator elements. During the deposition, the structured surface is maintained at a temperature in the range of 50.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. The scintillator is then fired at 450.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. to compact the scintillator elements. This is followed by another firing at 450.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. to compact the scintillator. Following the final deposition, the scintillator is fired at 615.degree. C.
In recent years, the art of electronic image processing has advanced rapidly. These advances have been made computed topography (CT) machines not only feasible, but very valuable medical diagnostic tools. However, such machines are substantially larger and more expensive than typical x-ray machines and are more suitable for obtaining images of slices through the body rather than a chest x-ray type of image of the body.
There is a need for high resolution x-ray imaging systems which have an improved modulation transfer function (MTF). The modulation transfer function is the output contrast divided by the input modulation and is a function of the spatial frequency of the modulation.
Semiconductor photosensitive imaging arrays are widely available today for use in television cameras, facsimile machines and a wide variety of other applications. The device disclosed in Beerlage U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,850, issued Mar. 6, 1990, is an example of a radiographic image detecting device using a semiconductor photodetector matrix and a scintillator array. The Beerlage device discloses use of a protective layer of silicon oxide or silicon nitride disposed over the semiconductor photodetector matrix, with grooves cut to form land portions on which scintillator crystals are formed. Devices such as that disclosed by Beerlage proved problematic in that formation of uniform protective layers having both the required thickness and good optical transmission qualities to form the land portions is difficult when using silicon nitride or silicon oxide alone. Other materials, such as polyimides, can be used for protective and/or insulative layers in such a device as they exhibit good optical transmission characteristics and are readily patterned, even in thick layers. Such polymer layers present additional problems, however, as earlier-deposited layers of the polymer in a photodetector array can swell, crack, or otherwise become structurally degraded when exposed to the organic solvents necessarily present when subsequent uncured layers of polymers are deposited. These organic solvents readily leach through the desirably thin common electrode material, such as indium tin oxide, and can thereby cause structural damage to a device having an underlying polymer layer. Making the electrode thicker to resist such solvents is undesirable as it reduces the optical transparency of the electrode and increases its electrical resistance, and both of these changes adversely affect overall device performance.
There is thus a need for a readily fabricated and effective device for providing increased resolution in real time radiation imagery for x-ray images of the type typically provided on x-ray film and for an electronic signal output of the radiation image rather than optical output to facilitate electronic processing of the image data.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an electronic output, x-ray sensing two-dimensional imaging array having high resolution. Another object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that is readily fabricated using an organic film, such as a polymer, to form topographically patterned surface features as foundations to support individual scintillator elements disposed over a photodetector array to provide high resolution imaging signals.

High sensitivity, high resolution, solid state x-ray imaging device with barrier layer


A heating system includes a heater, a switch providing alternating current to the heater, and a current sensor electrically connected between the switch and the heater. The heating system also includes a controller that controls operation of the switch. The controller activates the switch during a portion of a half cycle of the alternating current having increasing amplitude under a threshold. The controller determines, based on a signal received from the current sensor during the activation of the switch, a time period from the start of the half cycle to a threshold timing at which the alternating current reaches the threshold. The controller reactivates the switch at a timing on or after a timing obtained by subtraction of the determined time period from an end of the half cycle. The heating system is useable within an image forming apparatus.

In some image forming apparatuses including at least one heater, a known technique has been used for shortening First Print Out Time ("FPOT"), which is a time taken by an image forming apparatus from receiving a print request to outputting the first page, while limiting power supply to the one or more heaters. For example, in one image forming apparatus, voltage application is executed two times during a half cycle of alternating current. More specifically, the first voltage application starts at a timing at which a phase angle of the alternating current becomes 0 (zero) degree and ends at a timing at which the phase angle becomes an angle smaller than π/2 radians. The second voltage application starts at a timing at which the phase angle becomes an angle greater than π/2 radians but smaller than π radians and ends at a timing at which the phase angle becomes π radians. The timing at which the first voltage application ends and the timing at which the second voltage application starts are determined based on, for example, data obtained by, for example, experiment in advance.


An air induction unit having a first induction means to induce secondary air through a first induction opening into a stream of primary air to produce an air stream of mixed primary and secondary air, and a second induction means to induce additional secondary air into the mixed air stream through a second induction opening.

This invention relates to the field of air distribution of the type common to air conditioning systems in buildings. The invention particularly relates to air induction units used in such systems to induce secondary air into a stream of primary air supplied from a source for delivery to a zone of a building.
Air induction units are well known and typically comprise a box having a primary air inlet normally connected to a source of primary air and an outlet for delivering air to a point of use, such as a room or zone of a building. The induction unit is also typically provided with a secondary air inlet which permits secondary air to be induced or drawn into the unit for mixture with the primary air stream. The induction unit thus produces a stream of mixed primary and secondary air which is delivered to a conditioned zone. Control apparatus is also generally provided so that the amount of primary air can be regulated in response to a sensed condition such as temperature. It is also common to control the amount of secondary air induced in response to a sensed condition. This may be done by providing a damper associated with the secondary air inlet, appropriate control means being provided to operate the damper.
Particular situations are encountered in which it is desirable to provide induction units having high level induction capabilities in order to maximize the amount of secondary air which is induced so as to meet system air flow specifications. For example, energy conservation is a critical factor in the design of building air conditioning systems. One way to reduce system energy requirements is to design the system to operate at lower system primary air pressures than that often employed in older systems. In order to meet specified levels of air flow volume into building zones at these lower primary air pressures, induction of secondary air into the primary air stream must be increased.
Another typical situation in which such high level induction units would be desired is the case of an interior zone of a building in a heating mode in which the amount of additional heat required by the zone to adequately control temperature is relatively small. In such cases only a relatively low volume of primary air flow into the zone may be required with the result that this low volume air flow does not provide adequate air circulation within the zone. A solution to the air circulation problem is to provide an induction unit which permits an increase in the volume of air flowing into the zone by inducing secondary air into the primary air stream. By maximizing the induction of secondary air into the primary air stream air circulation within the zone can be improved. A further factor which may become important is that, generally, a single duct system and primary air supply serve both interior and exterior zones of a building. If a sufficiently high level of secondary air induction is not obtained in the interior zones, the specified volume of air discharged into the zone must be obtained by a higher level of primary air flow. Since the heating requirement of the interior zone is relatively low, a lower temperature supply system would be required. It may then be necessary to provide air distribution units with reheat capabilities in the exterior zones. This increases the cost of installation and operation of reheat units.
Several problems become evident when attempts are made to provide adequate air circulation within a zone having a low primary air volume requirement. A major factor is that space limitations associated with typical building air conditioning systems place size constraints on induction units which may be installed to deliver air to building zones. These induction unit size limitations necessarily limit the relative sizes of primary, secondary, and mixed air flow passages within the induction unit. It is apparent from momentum equations that there is a theoretical limit, determined by the geometry of air flow passages, on the amount of secondary air which can be induced at a single point of induction. Consequently, known induction units which induce air into the primary air stream at a single point have an inherent limit on their induction capabilities. Thus, the use of existing air induction units within system space limitations does not provide the air volume induction level required for satisfactory air circulation within the zone in many cases.
From the foregoing it is apparent that in situations in which it is desirable to obtain maximum induction of secondary air for a given primary air supply pressure, or alternatively, to deliver a specified volume of mixed primary and secondary air to the zone at a reduced primary air supply pressure there is a need for induction units having induction capabilities beyond that presently available in existing induction units.


A ink jet recording head has a discharge port forming member, an ink supply member for supplying ink into the discharge port forming member from an ink container, an ink discharge port formed by the discharge port forming member, and discharge pressure generation means for generating a discharge pressure for discharging ink from the discharge port. A discharge port forming face of the discharge port forming member and a face of the ink supply member are substantially coplanarly connected, and a protective member is adhered over both faces. The adhering area of the protective member per unit area of the ink supply member is smaller than that on the discharge port forming face.

The present invention relates to an ink jet recording head and an ink jet recording apparatus capable of forming an image by discharging ink onto a recording medium, and is intended to ensure that when a protective member is peeled off from a recording head when the header is mounted on the recording apparatus, adhesive material is not deposited in the vicinity or periphery of the ink discharge port, since ink discharge failure can result from such adhesive material remaining in that vicinity.
Recording utilizing an ink jet system recording head is widely employed as an image recording apparatus for information communication equipment such as printers, plotters, copying apparatus, word processors, facsimile apparatus, etc. Among such ink jet systems, the so-called bubble jet system utilizing the pressure of a bubble generated by an electrothermal converting member (as disclosed in Japanese Patent Applications Laid-Open Nos. 61-59911 to 61-59914) has the advantages of easily achieving compactization of the apparatus and a high image density in the images produced using such a system.
Such a recording head has the possibility of causing unstable ink discharge, resulting in the deterioration of print quality, due to:
1) adhesion of dust or the like in the ink discharge port of the recording head in the course of delivery (shipment) from the factory to the user through the transportation and warehouse storage;
2) evaporation of a part of the components of the ink in the vicinity of the discharge port, resulting in an increase in ink viscosity;
3) leakage of ink from the discharge port due to vibration, or being dropped, during transport; and
4) deformation of the discharge port due to mechanical shock in the course of transport.
In order to prevent such phenomena and to ensure the reliability of the printing operation, there has been adopted a method of applying a protective member in the vicinity of the discharge port and on the surrounding members, and further providing a cap member.
However, at the mounting of the recording head on the recording apparatus by the user, in order that the user does not forget to peel off the protective member, and in order that the protective member has a sufficient length to facilitate peeling by the user, there has been adopted a method of covering a peripheral area considerably larger than the necessary portion with a protective member in order to shield the discharge port from the exterior.
Such protective member is generally composed of a film substrate coated with an adhesive material, but, in consideration of the cost and efficient production of the protective member, there is employed an protective member bearing adhesive material not only on the necessary portion but on the entire surface to be attached to the recording head.
In such case, the adhesive material of the protective member adheres not only in the vicinity of the discharge port but also on the peripheral members over a considerably wire area, and, if the adhesive material adheres strongly to the recording head, for example, in the course of transportation after shipment from the factory, the adhesive material or a part thereof remains on the recording head at the peeling off of the protective member by the user, with the result that the recording head is mounted on the recording apparatus in a state bearing the adhesive material in the vicinity of or around the discharge port.
As a result, the adhesive material may directly cover the discharge port, and induce failure in the ink discharge, and the adhesive material remaining in the vicinity of the discharge port may be pushed thereinto by the wiping operation of the cleaning blade, resulting in failure in ink discharge or instability in the ink discharging angle, thereby significantly degrading the print quality.
In consideration of the foregoing, the object of the present invention is to avoid, with an extremely simple configuration, defective ink discharge resulting from adhesion of the adhesive material in the vicinity of or around the discharge port when the user peels off the protective member in mounting the recording head on the recording apparatus, thereby securely preventing defective printing inexpensively and providing an ink jet recording head and an ink jet recording apparatus of higher reliability.
The foregoing object can be attained, according to the present invention, by a configuration of the ink jet recording head including a discharge port forming member for forming an ink discharge port, an ink supply member for supplying ink to the discharge port forming member from an ink container, an ink discharge port formed by the discharge port forming member and discharge pressure generating means for generating a discharge pressure for discharging ink from the discharge port, where a discharge port forming face of the discharge port forming member and a face of the ink supply member are substantially coplanarly connected, a protective member is adhered to both faces, and the adhering area of the protective member per unit area of the ink supply member is smaller than that in the discharge port forming face.
In another aspect, in the ink jet recording head of the present invention, the adhering area per unit area is decreased in the vicinity of the ink discharge port by forming an irregularity on the surface of the protective member adhering to a portion of the surface other than the vicinity of the discharge port.
In another aspect of the present invention, the adhering area of the protective member per unit area other than the vicinity of the ink discharge port does not exceed 30%, preferably 10%, of the adhesive area of the protective member per unit area in the vicinity of the ink discharge port.
In still another aspect of the present invention, the adhering area per unit area is decreased in the vicinity of the ink discharge port by forming a fine irregularity on a portion of the surface other than the vicinity of the discharge port, on which the protective member is to be adhered.
In still another aspect of the present invention, the adhering area per unit area is decreased in the vicinity of the ink discharge port by forming plural recesses of a circular shape or a polygonal shape, such as a tetragonal shape, on a portion of the surface other than the vicinity of the discharge port, on which the protective member is to be adhered.
Alternatively, that the smaller adhesive area in the vicinity of the ink discharge port is attained by forming a plurality of grooves parallel to an array of the discharge ports, on a portion of the surface other than the vicinity of the discharge port, on which the protective member is to be adhered, or by forming a plurality of grooves unparallel to an array of the discharge ports, on the surface portion other than the vicinity of the discharge port, on which the protective member is to be adhered.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the protective member, in peeling perpendicularly to the face of the ink supply member and the discharge port forming face in succession in this order, has a vertical peeling adhesive force not exceeding 120 gf, preferably 80 gf, on the surface portion other than the vicinity of the discharge port.
Also, in the ink jet recording head of the present invention, the pressure generating means may be an electrothermal converting member.
In an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the recording head may be arranged to have the features of any of the above-mentioned ink jet recording heads of the present invention.

Ink jet recording head and ink jet recording apparatus


Disclosed is a system for self-checkout with anti-theft measures. The system comprises: an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) device configured to be affixed to a merchandise and uniquely identify the merchandise via at least one visually or wirelessly readable code; an Identification (ID) Code Reader configured to: obtain and process the at least one visually or wirelessly readable code associated with the EAS device, and extract information from one or more databases for facilitating a transaction of the merchandise; and an EAS Unlock Device configured to: detect a payment status of the merchandise indicated in the one or more databases based at least upon the at least one visually or wirelessly readable code associated with the EAS device, and in response to detecting a successful payment of the merchandise indicated in the one or more databases, detach the EAS device from the merchandise.

As consumers' demand for efficiency increases in this digital era, the checkout process is becoming one of the major inconvenience and difficulty for customers when shopping in retail stores. Long checkout lines are often formed during high foot-traffic times (e.g., holiday seasons). As a result, retailers' sales decrease as customers abandon their shopping carts after waiting in line for too long.
Accordingly, there is a demand for a seamless self-checkout solution that comes integrated with anti-theft technology and improves the brick and mortar shopping experience.

Self-checkout anti-theft systems and methods


A container of pilfer-proof construction formed from a single blank of fiberboard cut, scored and folded together in such a way that the closure panels thereof are locked inside of the container at inaccessible locations. Lock flaps on the top closure panel are securely held in place by lock tabs thereon engaged between multiple wall segments of the container end walls.

Fiberboard containers formed from a single blank of fiberboard and having a cover panel foldable to a closed position over the top thereof are known. U.S. Pat. No. 3,889,868 discloses a container having such a top closure.
However, there are no known prior art containers of such a type which are closed in such a way as to prevent the closure panels from being easily opened to obtain access to the contents of the container. There is a need for such a container of tamper-proof construction for use in mailing and shipping valuable articles.


An information collection method includes determining whether or not a vehicle satisfies predetermined conditions when a target device receives a test mode start request from an collection device, and when it is determined that the vehicle satisfies the predetermined conditions, starting the test mode. In the test mode, update of a predetermined counter is stopped. The collection device generates a first MAC based on the count value received from the target device and transmits an attack information acquisition request with the first MAC to the target device. If the attack information acquisition request with the first MAC is received from the collection device, the target device generates a second MAC based on the stopped count value, determines that the host device is normal in a case where the first MAC and the second MAC coincide with each other, and transmits the attack information to the collection device.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a communication system in which a plurality of electronic control devices and an collection device, such as a center device or an external tool, are connected through a network, and an information collection method which is executed in the communication system.
2. Description of Related Art
For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-165541 (JP 2005-165541 A) discloses a technique in which, in a communication system in which electronic control devices (monitoring target system) and a center device (damage analysis device) as an collection device are connected through a network, the center device collects information of electronic control devices attacked with an unauthorized access to analyze a damage situation.
In the communication system disclosed in JP 2005-165541 A, an attack where an electronic control device is damaged by an unauthorized access and an attack where there is an unauthorized access but an electronic control device is not damaged are automatically classified in collecting information.

Communication system and information collection method executed in communication system


A system for detecting failure in a system controlling an inductance load is provided. This system comprises a controller for providing a driving signal to the inductance load to control it, a dither signal generator for adding a dither signal to the driving signal to be provided to the inductance load, a first monitor for monitoring the dither signal included in the driving signal provided by the controller to detect failure in the controller by detecting an absence of the dither signal therein, and a second monitor for monitoring variation in level of the driving signal from the controller to deactivate failure detecting operation of the first monitor in response to variation above a preselected level to prevent the system from mistakenly interpeting transient level fluctuations as a system failure.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a system for detecting failure occurring in a control system operating an inductance load. More particularly, the invention relates to a failure detecting system applicable to various control systems such as for a four wheel steering system or an active suspension control system.
2. Background Art
A Japanese Patent First Publication No. 2-18169 discloses a rear wheel steering control system for a vehicle which includes an apparatus for detecting failure occurring in a load driving system.
This control system is operable to determine a rear wheel steering target angle based on a front wheel steered angle and vehicle speed so as to obtain an optimal vehicular dynamic characteristic when turning to steer the rear wheels at a phase angle opposite the direction of front wheels or at the same phase as the front wheels by means of a hydraulic actuator which improves traveling stability and steering responsiveness.
Internally, the above-mentioned control system includes a microcomputer for controlling hydraulic pressure to be applied to the hydraulic actuator and a driving circuit for the latter. The microcomputer calculates a necessary rear wheel steering angle. The driving circuit, in turn, provides current corresponding to the calculated rear wheel steering angle to an electromagnetic valve to apply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator for controlling rear wheel steering. In cases where a wire harness connected between the driving circuit and the electromagnetic valve is broken shutting off the driving current applied to the hydraulic actuator or in case of a short circuit, a maximum current is quickly applied to the hydraulic actuator and the system closes a cutoff valve to block the hydraulic fluid flow to the actuator allowing the remaining hydraulic pressure in the actuator to leak gradually through small clearances in the cutoff valve so as to reduce the hydraulic pressure level therein gradually to prevent sudden vehicular attitude change. Thus, to provide a highly safe control system for rear wheel steering two separate failure detection systems are required one for monitoring operation of the microcomputer and one to monitor the actuator driving circuit.
For monitoring the microcomputer, a clock signal generator is provided which generates clock signals to a signal line in which operation of the microcomputer can be monitored. A watchdog timer monitors the clock signals in a signal current output through the signal line to detect failure such as overload of the microcomputer. For monitoring the driving circuit, the system monitors the current value of a linear driving current flowing in the wire harness to detect failure. However, in cases where a short circuit occurs when driving current is flowing through the wire harness or disconnection of the wire harness occurs at a time when no current is present, the system cannot detect the failure. It will be thus appreciated that the time during which the failure can be detected is limited to a specific period. Additionally, since the system requires two separate failure detecting units for each of the microcomputer and the driving circuit, conventional systems such as described become complex and expensive.
Further, a Japanese Patent First Publication No. 64-63463, which is owned commonly by the assignees of this application, discloses another failure detecting system which includes a clock signal generator interposed between a microcomputer and a driving circuit for a rear wheel steering power cylinder to apply a current with a dither signal to the latter. The system monitors the dither signal in the current output from the driving circuit to detect failure in a system controlling a driven load.
However, because the system detects the failure after the signal is output from the microcomputer, it cannot detect failure in the microcomputer.

Apparatus for detecting failure occurring in control system for driving load


The present invention embraces a topical composition for inhibiting mammalian hair growth, particularly human beard hair growth (including hirsutism), comprising a water-soluble, hair-growth-inhibiting agent dispersed in an oil-in-water emulsion in the form of a lotion or cream. The invention also embraces a method of inhibiting mammalian hair growth by applying an effective amount of the above composition to the skin. The invention further embraces a topical composition for delivering a pharmacological agent to the skin.

This invention relates to a new topical composition for inhibiting mammalian hair growth. It also relates to a method of inhibiting hair growth by applying a topical composition according to this invention to the skin.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,489 it is disclosed that the topical application of a composition comprising an ornithine decarboxylase ("ODC") inhibitor will inhibit hair growth, including beard hair growth. A particularly advantageous ODC inhibitor for use in this application is 2-(difluoromethyl)-2,5-diaminopentanoic acid, also identified as .alpha.-(difluoromethyl)ornithine ("DFMO"). This patent demonstrates the effectiveness of ODC inhibitors for inhibiting hair growth by measuring changes in flank organ hair mass in adult male hamsters treated with ethanol solutions of such compounds. The patent also generally proposes the possible incorporation of ODC inhibitors in cosmetic formulations such as skin lotions and creams, but the effectiveness of such proposed formulations and their stability and aesthetic attributes are unknown. Since DFMO is a highly ionic material, it would tend to destabilize emulsion systems and would be difficult to formulate in such systems, particularly at higher dosage levels necessary to achieve maximum efficacy.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,007, U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,911, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,293, additional hair growth inhibitors are disclosed which are completely unrelated to the aforementioned ODC inhibitors. However, each of these patents discloses a water-ethanol vehicle for delivering the active compound. The vehicle comprises 68% water, 16% ethanol, 5% propylene glycol, 5% dipropylene glycol, 4% benzyl alcohol, and 2% propylene carbonate. This vehicle is not aesthetically pleasing or easy to use since it is very runny and feels wet and tacky. Moreover, the efficacy of the active material in this vehicle may not be optimum even though the vehicle contains two known penetration enhancers, namely benzyl alcohol and propylene carbonate.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a topical composition for inhibiting hair growth which is stable, highly efficacious and aesthetically pleasing.

Topical composition for inhibiting hair growth

51 Chatsworth Avenue, Winnersh, Wokingham


An apparatus and method for converting information from a text format to an audio format using distributed processing. A first set of computer readable program instructions receive information from a data source, convert the information from the text format to an intermediate format, and transmit the information in the intermediate format to a second data processor. A second set of program instructions, executable on the second data processor, are also included to convert the information from the intermediate format to the audio format. The first set of program instructions are executed on a remote, or server side, data processor, while the second set of program instructions are executed on a client side data processor. The first set of program instructions expand the information in the text format into phonemes using a grapheme to phoneme dictionary. The second set of program instructions convert the phonemes to audio output signals.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to devices for browsing information on an information network. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus and system for receiving personalized information from an information network in audio format using distributed text-to-speech processing.
2. Description of the Related Art
A number of different information networks are available that allow access to information contained on their computers, with the Internet being one that is generally known to the public. The capabilities, usefulness, and amount of information available from information networks are ever-increasing. Further, users often subscribe to one or more information services that are accessible via an information network. Currently, a user must browse the information network for information that is of interest to them. Oftentimes, a user must interrupt their use of an application program, such as spreadsheets or word processing programs, to browse the information network. Even messages sent from information networks to users via e-mail or instant messaging facilities require the user to take specific action to learn the content of the messages. Additionally, while some subscription services and portal services allow a user to customize the format and, to a certain extent, the content, of the information provided, a user must still manually navigate to the various sources of information to see if there is anything of interest to them. Still further, a user often has to sift through a lot of information that is of no interest to them, thereby consuming more time than necessary. Another drawback to current capabilities is that the user typically is not informed immediately when information of interest becomes available, but rather, must enter commands to browse the information sources, and therefore may not receive information of interest as soon as it is available.
In the prior art, systems are available to provide information requested from an information network in aural format, however, these systems require interaction with the user and do not provide the information that the user has indicated an interest in automatically as the information becomes available.
It is therefore desirable to provide users with the ability to prescreen information from various, selected sources, to reduce the amount of time required to find items of interest to the user.
It is also desirable to provide users with relevant information as soon as possible after the news becomes available.
It is also desirable to provide a summary of news items of interest to the user, and to allow the user to access more in-depth information regarding a particular summary.
It is further desirable to receive the information aurally, thereby allowing the user to receive information of interest without being required to interrupt their activity to manipulate or view the information.
There are several known methods for converting information from text format to audio format for output to an audio output device such as an audio speaker system. The information is typically in conventional orthography and the output is synthetic speech. The input is provided in the form of a digital signal which represents the characters of conventional orthography. The primary output is also a digital signal representing an acoustic waveform corresponding to the synthetic speech. Digital-to-analog conversion is a well known technique for producing analog signals which can drive audio speakers. The signal may have any convenient implementation, e.g. electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic or optical.
Speech converters usually include two major sub-units namely an analyzer and a synthesizer. The analyzer divides the original input signal into small textual elements. The synthesizer converts each of these small elements into a short segment of digital waveform and it also joins these together to produce the output.
It will be appreciated that the linguistic analysis of a sentence is exceedingly complicated since it involves many different linguistic tasks, and a wide variety of linguistic processors are commercially available, each of which is capable of doing at least one of the tasks. Further, different portions of the linguistic analysis can be distributed among at least two different data processors.
One category of linguistic processors is designated as xe2x80x9cconvertersxe2x80x9d in that they change the nature of the symbols utilized. For example a xe2x80x9cconverterxe2x80x9d alters a signal representing a word or other linguistic element in graphemes into a signal representing the same element in phomenes using a grapheme to phoneme dictionary. This dictionary requires a large amount of storage space, and it is therefore preferable to store and maintain one dictionary in a central location, such as a network server, so that it may be accessed by several users, instead of storing and maintaining separate copies of the dictionary on each user""s workstation. The benefits of maintaining large resources on servers are both ease of maintenance and reduced client system resource requirements. Further, converting the phonemes to an audio signal generates a large amount of data, and transferring the data in audio format requires a large amount of bandwidth.
The invention disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/409,000, filed Sep. 29, 1999, entitled xe2x80x9cSystem and Apparatus For Dynamically Generating Audible Notices From An Information Networkxe2x80x9d discloses a text-to-speech (TTS) engine that resides either in a client-side processor, in a server-side processor, or which is distributed among data processors in the system. TTS processing functions are computationally intensive and some tasks require a large amount of storage space and bandwidth for data transfer. Therefore, it is further desirable to distribute the TTS engine between at least two data processors in a manner which optimizes processing time, data transfer, and storage space efficiency.
In addition to grapheme to phoneme TTS converters, there are other TTS engines that use different algorithms for transforming text data to audio data. Typically, these other TTS engines also involve converting text data to an intermediate format that requires less storage than the data in audio format. Therefore, it is also desirable to distribute other types of TTS engines between at least two data processors in a manner which optimizes processing time, data transfer, and storage space efficiency.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for converting information from a text format to an audio format, wherein the text to speech conversion is distributed among two or more data processors. One data processor executes a first set of program instructions to receive information in text format from a data source, to convert the information from the text format to an intermediate format, such as phonemes, and to transmit the information in the intermediate format to the second data processor. The second data processor executes a second set of program instructions to convert the information from the intermediate format to the audio format. In one embodiment, the first data processor, such as a network server, includes one or more databases to aid TTS synthesis, such as one or more grapheme to phoneme dictionaries, that are accessible by multiple users. The second data processor is a client side data processor, such as a client workstation.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer program product for dynamically generating audible notices from an information network using distributed text to speech processing. The information network includes a client processor and a remote processor, such as a network server. The computer program product includes a first set of program instructions that are executed on the remote processor that generate an intermediate representation of the information, such as a phonemic representation. The computer program product further includes a second set of program instructions that are executed on the client side processor that allow a user to preselect at least one data source that is accessible from the information network, to receive information from the at least one preselected data source, and to convert the information from a text format to an audio format based on the intermediate representation of the information.
In one embodiment, the first set of program instructions utilize a dictionary for translating graphemes to phonemes that is stored in a location that is accessible by the first set of program instructions.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for dynamically generating audible notices from an information network which includes preselecting at least one data source from the information network, receiving information from the at least one preselected data source, converting the information from a text format to an intermediate format in a remote processor, converting the information from the intermediate format to an audio format in a client processor, and transmitting audio signals representative of the information in audio format. In one embodiment, the text is converted into an intermediate phonemic representation using a dictionary for translating graphemes to phonemes. The dictionary is stored in a location that is accessible by the remote processor. The phonemes are converted to audio output signals in the client processor.
Each embodiment of the present invention distributes the text to speech processing so that multiple users can take advantage of resources requiring a large amount of storage space from a remote, centralized processor, such as a network server. Intermediate processing of the information is performed at the remote processor to take advantage of the centralized resources, thus reducing the amount of data transfer from the remote processor to the client processor. The information, in intermediate format, is then transferred to the client processor, where it is converted to audio output signals. This feature also advantageously reduces data transfer requirements, since audio output format typically requires a large amount of data storage compared to the intermediate format.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the objects, features, and technical advantages of the present invention so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood.

System and apparatus for dynamically generating audible notices from an information network


Animal feed or human food which contains added conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) can enhance growth and prevent anorexia and weight loss due to immune stimulation (e.g., endotoxin exposure) and the adverse effects of catabolic hormones (i.e., IL-1). Methods of treatment using CLA also are disclosed.

Researchers have observed anorexia and weight loss or reduction in weight gain in humans and animals that have been exposed to immune stimulants, such as endotoxin (LPS). The intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (i.e. endotoxin) into chickens decreases food intake and growth rate for 24 hours, alters nutrient metabolism, and induces fever.
Recent studies (Klasing et al., 1987, J Nutr. 117:1629) have confirmed that the vaccination of domestic fowl with several immune stimulants also can result in a substantial reduction in feed intake and induce weight loss or decreases in weight gain. In a study recently conducted with white Pekin ducks, two vaccinations reduced final carcass weight by as much as 0.4 lbs./bird and breast meat by 0.075 lbs./bird. Broilers and Single Comb White Leghorns (egg laying chickens) also have been observed to have reduced weight gains following immune stimulation. The potential losses due to immune stimulation costs the poultry industry millions of dollars per year. At the present time, antibiotics are used to prevent such weight loss but the use of antibiotics for this purpose is expensive and not without disadvantages.
In a similar manner anorexia, weight loss, and reduced growth of humans that are subjected to chronic immune stimulation because of infections, surgery, or exposure to immune stimulants is devastating to health and well being.
The mechanism by which immune stimulation causes anorexia, weight loss and reduced growth is known to be mediated by catabolic hormones released following immune stimulation (i.e., macrophage cytokine known as interleukin-1 or IL-1). The production of IL-1 from macrophages simultaneously stimulates T-cells to release IL-2, an anticarcinogenic compound which is desirable, but the release of IL-1 and other catabolic hormones from stimulated macrophages and possibly other immune-regulated cells induces an undesirable systemic reduction in skeletal muscle synthesis and increased muscle degradation resulting in weight loss or a decline in weight gain. Thus, while IL-1 and related immune hormones are essential cytokines for immune function, their systemic hormonal effects are devastating and have prevented its acceptance for immune therapy.
There is a need for feed additives, pharmacologic agents, and methods which can enhance growth and prevent the weight loss and anorexia that follows immune stimulation. There also is a need for a feed additive, pharmacologic agent, and method that can counteract the adverse effects of IL-1 and other hormones that induce tissue catabolism.

Methods for preventing weight loss, reduction in weight gain, and anorexia due to immune stimulation


A magnetic key holding plaque comprised of a plaque having an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of magnets are secured within the inner surface of the plaque. A plurality of magnetic pendants are secured within the outer surface of the plaque opposed from the plurality of magnets.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic key holding plaque and more particularly pertains to holding keys with aid of magnets with a magnetic key holding plaque.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of key holders is known in the prior art. More specifically, key holders heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of holding keys are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,425 to Cooper et al. discloses a magnetic holder for keys and the like and method of manufacturing the same.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,250 to Corrado discloses a magnetic key holder.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,376 to Brown, deceased et al. discloses a pocket holder with magnetic clasp.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,325 to Hubachek discloses a key ring and/or chain holder.
U.S. Pat. No. Design 308,757 to Sanford discloses the ornamental design for a combined picture mirror and key holder.
U.S. Pat. No. Design 259,453 to Warhaftig discloses the ornamental design for a wall mounted rack for keys.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objective and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a magnetic key holding plaque for holding keys with aid of magnets.
In this respect, the magnetic key holding plaque according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of holding keys with aid of magnets.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved magnetic key holding plaque which can be used for holding keys with aid of magnets. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


An exercise machine in which four interconnected movable stations are provided, two hand and two foot, one hand and one foot station being connected by a cable by way of pulleys for moving the stations in opposite directions in response to the exertion by the user of a preponderant force upon one of the stations, the other hand and foot station being connected by another cable by way of pulleys for moving the stations in opposite directions in response to the exertion by the user of a preponderant force upon one of the stations, and the two foot stations being connected to one another for moving the foot stations in opposite directions in response to the exertion by the user of a preponderant force upon one of the foot stations. A method of exercise is provided that includes pitting all four members, both arms and both legs, against one another to cause all four members to move separately but simultaneously, the members moving in response to the exertion of a preponderant force by a member or members.

There is a widespread awareness of the need to exercise the human body rhythmically, for long enough periods of time, frequently and strenuously enough to increase respiration and pulse rate so that the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are stimulated, toned, strengthened and kept active and healthy. Iso-kinetic exercise that also tones and strengthens the peripheral muscle systems, subjects joints to many repeated movements, and structurally loads skeletal bones to keep them elastic and chemically stimulated so they do not deteriorate because of lack of demand, is ideal for these purposes.
Swimming, cycling, calisthenics and jogging are the most widespread forms of iso-kinetic activity. All exercise the cardiovascular system. Each, however, has limitations. In swimming, the midrif is not fully exercised because twisting and bending are minimized. Since we swim suspended in water, essentially free of gravity, bone structures are not stressed and tendons are not conditioned to withstand sudden strains. Cycling has the same limitations, and the additional limitation of almost no upper body exercise. Well designed calisthenic routines, such as aerobic dance if done non-stop and for sufficient time can work out the entire body very effectively. However, since they are not done against resistance, they do not increase strength to the extent that may be desirable. Jogging is simply a calisthenic essentially challenging the legs alone. It has the dangerous limitation of putting jarring strains on the foot, ankle, knee and hip structures.
There are stationary bikes in widespread use. There are good treadmills which permit very natural running. There are many other kinds of exercising equipment available using weights, springs, motors, clutches, etc., for resistance exercising, but these do not encourage continuous, prolonged, repetitious, rhythmic movements of the aerobic, iso-kinetic, cardiovascular respiratory system conditioning kind.
There have been many machines or arrangements of pulleys by which arms and legs have been linked to pull against one another. Gifford et al. U.S. Pat. No. 232,022 and Clease U.S. Pat. No. 821,783 are early examples. Gehri, U.S. Pat. No. 2,716,027, Fundom, U.S. Pat. No. 2,772,881, Macabet, U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,474, Codina, U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,114, Kupperman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,752, Flannery, U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,815, Hayes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,420, Flick, U.S. Pat. No. 3,582,069, Denison, U.S. Pat. No. 2,614,609, Swiss No. 574,743 (1974), Swiss No. 194,252 (1938), Swiss No. 200,296 (1938) and German No. 611,028 (1935) are other examples.
The machine of this invention can maximally load the cardiovascular and respiratory systems by providing interconnected coordinated movement of all four limbs at the same time, each providing resistance against which they all move individually. It permits many repetitions, continuously and rhythmically, including bending, stretching, twisting, balance and coordination of movements. The method of use of the machine of this invention, pitting all four of the members and torso against one another in continuous motion, is a source of overload which provides continuous, in-motion self regulated variable and progressive resistance. The construction of this machine also permits the use of the machine to exercise one limb against another, and sitting and reclining exercises as well, in addition to its primary use.
One of the objects of this invention is to provide a machine by which one can exercise the body iso-kinetically with self imposed resistance, increasing as the body strengthens.
Another object is to provide such a machine which is simple, rugged, dependable, and economical.
Another of the objects of this invention is to provide a method of exercising the body iso-kinetically with self-imposed resistance, increasing as the body strengthens.
Other objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the following description and accompanying drawing.


A drive force control portion firstly changes a front wheel command torque (Tfcm) and a rear wheel command torque (Trcm) so that each command torque reaches a torque in a predetermined range. The drive force control portion releases the restriction on the change of the rear wheel command torque (Trcm) after the front wheel command torque (Tfcm) and the rear wheel command torque (Trcm) have entered the predetermined range. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the vehicle stability in a vehicle that includes a plurality of power sources that drives a plurality of wheels.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a control device, more particularly, relates to a control device for a vehicle that includes a plurality of power sources that drives a plurality of wheels, and to a control method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
A vehicle that includes a plurality of power sources that drives a plurality of wheels, and a control device for such a vehicle are known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2001-171378 discloses a control device for a four-wheel drive vehicle in which either group of the front wheels and the rear wheels are capable of being driven by a first motor and the wheels of the other group are capable of being driven by a second motor.
This control device finds a target drive force on the basis of the degree of driver's operation of output operating means, and of the vehicle speed. Then, the control device controls the front wheel drive force and the rear wheel drive force for outputting the target drive force from the front wheel side and the rear wheel side on the basis of the state of the vehicle or the operation state of the vehicle.
In the four-wheel drive vehicle as described above, the front wheel drive force and the rear wheel drive force are determined by distributing the target drive force to the front wheel side and to the rear wheel side. The drive forces based on this distribution are transmitted to the front wheels and the rear wheels. However, in the four-wheel drive vehicles as described above, the rate of change of the drive force against time is restricted with a certain constant value, taking into consideration the vehicle stability and the influence on the vehicle behavior when the drive force is transmitted to the front wheels and to the rear wheels. In some cases, the rate of change of the drive force is different between the front wheels and the rear wheels.
If the drive force is controlled in this way, it can happen that the drive force at the time of accelerating or decelerating the vehicle is different in sign between the front wheels and the rear wheels (e.g., the sign of the front wheel drive force is negative while the sign of the rear wheel drive force is positive). For example, in the case where the target drive force changes from a negative value to a positive value in order to accelerate the vehicle, the front wheel drive force and the rear wheel drive force also change from negative values to positive values. If the rear wheel drive force changes faster than the front wheel chive force, it is more likely to happen that the front wheel drive force remains a negative value although the rear wheel drive force is a positive value.
If the sign of the torque is different between the front wheels and the rear wheels, and the torque difference is large between the front wheels and the rear wheels, it is conceivable that the vehicle stability will decline, for example, in the case where the vehicle is turned on a road whose friction coefficient μ is extremely low. However, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2001-171378 does not disclose a concrete means of solution to this problem.

Control device for vehicle, and control method thereof