A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided that is adapted to interact with a mold that defines a mold axis. The gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame that defines a frame axis and has a first mounting plate and a spaced-apart second mounting plate. A pivoted support is carried by the frame and capable of rotation in at least a first and a second rotational degree of freedom. A mold-engaging device is carried by the pivoted support and has a first carriage plate proximal the pivoted support and a second carriage plate axially spaced-apart from the pivoted support for receiving the mold therebetween. At least one actuator having a first end is carried by the frame and a second end is carried by the second carriage plate for imparting lateral translation to the second carriage plate relative to the frame axis. An associated method is also provided.

In order to measure certain physical properties, such as density, modulus, and moisture content and compressive strength of some materials such as soil or paving material, loose samples of the soil or paving material are formed into test specimens under reproducible conditions using laboratory compaction machines. In order to replicate actual expected conditions, it is desirable to compact the test specimens under conditions that simulate actual use. For a paving material sample, this requires simulation of the kneading force applied to the paving material by a paving roller, such as rollers with smooth or sheeps/pad-foot drums or pneumatic wheels, or vibratory compactors such as those used in intelligent compaction. Simply applying a compressive force to the sample does not adequately simulate the kneading action of the paving roller, as the paving roller also applies a shear force to the material being compacted. As a result, compaction machines that apply an orbital motion to the paving sample during compression have been developed to simulate actual conditions of use. For simplicity of implementation and analysis, the orbital motion in many current compaction machines has been restricted to gyration along a circular orbit.
The combination of shear and compaction effort applied to the gyrating specimen is designed to imitate or simulate the kneading effect of in-situ compaction of a material using a rolling compactor.
Various disadvantages have been associated with previously developed gyratory compactors. For example, some gyratory compactors include a ram that is applying compressive force from one end of a cylindrical mold, while the other end of the mold is gyrated by rotating a base supporting the other end of the mold. However, these machines could not easily determine and maintain a consistent angle of gyration due to inconsistencies during rotation of the base, supporting the opposite end of the mold, and flexure of the gyratory compactor during operation. Current implementations further include the use of a mechanical interference to constrain the shape of the gyration motion.
Another example of a gyratory compactor apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,642 to King et al. (the '642 Patent). The '642 Patent describes a gyratory compactor apparatus design for facilitating ergonomics and efficiency, while improving consistency of operating parameters. The gyratory compactor described therein allows the user to slide the cylindrical compaction mold into the compaction chamber without the necessity of lifting the mold. In addition, the compactor of the '642 Patent includes an integral specimen removal ram, which facilitates easy removal of the specimen from the mold. In addition, the frame design reduces frame deflection that could undesirably affect the angle of gyration. Further, the angle of gyration of the compactor apparatus can be changed by simply replacing a single component of the apparatus. Notwithstanding the advances that have been made in the art of gyratory compactors, there is a need for smaller and less costly designs, with improved operational efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, there is a need for a gyratory compactor having improved ergonomics. For example, placement and removal of the mold containing the sample should be accomplished with minimal difficulty. Additionally, it would be desirable to produce a lightweight frame design that also minimizes frame flexure, thus providing more accurate test results. Moreover, it would be advantageous to enable release of water content when the sample material is fully or partially saturated soil or an emulsified asphalt. Also, it would be advantageous to provide a compactor design that allows the user to quickly, easily, dynamically, and/or in real-time change, control, and calibrate operating parameters, such as the angle of gyration, shape of gyration, and ability to control applied axial load. Further, there is a need in the art for a gyratory compactor that provides a constant, precise, and accurate internal angle of gyration during the compaction procedure with minimal deviation therefrom. The main issue is that the current gyratory compactors do not simulate the actual in-situ motion of the aggregate binder mix. This is mainly because of the hard steel boundary in close proximity to the center of the compaction pressure. If a more realistic compaction sample is to be formed, then the confining boundaries of the current gyratory machines must model the real road-compactor in the field. This necessitates a boundary that exerts the proper stress vectors, shear and viscous damping found in an actual half space of the asphalt base continuum as opposed to representing a perfectly rigid structure. The stress and strain of the gyratory boundary should substantially be a faithful representation of the actual field compaction process which depends on the mix design, base, and environment.

Gyratory compactor apparatuses and associated methods


A power converter (10) includes a controller (12) configured to generate a switching signal. A first section (14) is coupled to the controller (12) and has first and second switches (26,30). The first section (14) is configured such that the first and second switches (26,30) operate in an alternating manner in response to the switching signal. A second section (16) is coupled to the controller (12) and has third and fourth switches (50,54). The second section (16) is configured such that the third and fourth switches (50,54) operate in an alternating manner in response to the switching signal. The first and second sections (14,16) are coupled to a node (88). A detection circuit (18) is coupled to the second section (16). The detection circuit (18) is configured to measure a voltage at the node between the operation of the third and fourth switches (50,54) and deactivate the second section when the voltage is above a predetermined threshold.

Modern electrical devices, such as computers, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs), include electrical components that may be powered by regulated direct current (DC) supply voltages of specific values, when the only electrical power available may be from a different DC voltage source having a voltage level different from the DC supply voltage or voltages desired. Further, the available DC voltage source may be substantially unregulated. For example, in desk-top computers, unregulated DC voltages are typically derived from alternating current (AC) mains by rectification and crude filtering to produce a voltage source having an average DC value with a substantial ripple corresponding to the mains AC frequency. This unregulated voltage is typically different in magnitude from the voltage or voltages required to power the various components in the computer. In battery operated devices, such as lap-top computers, cellular phones, or PDAs, the voltage supplied by the battery may vary substantially over time, and it may be of a different value than the voltage or voltages required to power the individual components of the device.
Power converters, such as switched-mode DC-DC converters, are often used in such applications, as they provide improved efficiency over dissipative conversion methods. In such switched-mode DC-DC converters, an unregulated input voltage is converted into a periodic pulse waveform that has an average value which varies with the ratio of the pulse width to the pulse period. This conversion is typically performed by controlling the states of several switches, such as field effect transistors (FETs), connected between the input voltage and particular device. By controlling the states of the various transistors, a desired average current can be impressed through the inductor and thus efficiently control the power flow between the power source and the load.
Two important parameters in the performance of such converters are gate drive losses (QG) and resistive losses (I2RON) of the switch FETs. Resistive losses are most significant when the converters are operating at high loads (i.e., currents). Conversely, at lower loads, gate drive losses are dominant because of the small amounts of current flowing through the converters decrease the resistive losses. In order to maximize converter performance, attempts are often made to minimize and balance these losses by optimizing the FET sizes.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a power converter with improved efficiency with respect to gate losses and resistive losses. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

Power converter with improved efficiency


A pipe cleaning machine for driving a pipe cleaning coil. The pipe cleaning machine includes a hand lever having a switch which can be used by the operator to both engage the drive and to change the direction of rotation.

Existing portable pipe cleaning machines (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,683) have a drive power unit that is provided with a powered pipe shaft. Through this pipe shaft, a pipe cleaning coil will be inserted. Above and beyond that, these machines contain a clamp mechanism that is attached to the pipe shaft for the temporary stable coupling of the pipe shaft with the pipe cleaning coil in a temporary conveyance position; i.e. a position in which rotation is conveyed or transmitted to the pipe cleaning coil. A hand lever on the top of the drive housing unit is provided for the operation of the clamp mechanism for temporarily coupling the pipe shaft with the pipe cleaning coil. The hand lever is operated by one of the operator's hands during use.
The front end of the pipe cleaning coil is equipped with a tool designed to hit an obstruction present in a pipe or canal. In operation, when the tool hits an obstruction, the pipe cleaning coil is turned to the right or left in constant alteration to allow a further intrusion of the tool on the pipe cleaning coil against the obstruction. Heretofore, the changeable shifting of the turning direction of the pipe cleaning coil was achieved through the use of a switch that was affixed to the back of the housing unit for the power unit. In that situation, the switch was located outside of the real field of activity, namely on the back of the pipe cleaning machine in a position hard for the operator to reach. Because the operator must constantly lead the pipe cleaning coil with one hand out of the pipe shaft, in order to push the pipe cleaning coil into the pipe to be cleaned, and with the other hand must push the hand lever, every time the switch had to be touched the work procedure was interrupted. This was inconvenient and time consuming.


The present invention relates to a composition and method comprising purified HA, a second anti-neoplastic agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the purified HA and the second anti-neoplastic agent are administered to a mammal having cancer in an amount effective to treat the cancer.

Hyaluronic acid (hereinafter, "HA") is a glycosaminoglycan with repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine that exists as a high molecular mass polymer (106 to 107 Da) in its native form (Laurent et al. FASEB J. 6:2397, 1992). HA is a major non-structural component of connective tissue and is important for maintaining extracellular matrix architecture and for promoting cell motility, adhesion and proliferation (Entwistle, J. Cell Biochem. 61:569, 1996).
The effects of both low molecular mass HA (≦5×105 Da) and high molecular mass HA (>5×105 Da) on normal cells has been studied extensively (McKee et al. J. Biol. Chem. 272:8013, 1997; Hodge-Dufour et al. J. Immunol. 159:2492, 1997; Rooney et al. Int J Cancer 60:632, 1995). However, little is known about the effects of HA on malignant cells. In vitro, HA (>0.320 mg/ml) inhibited proliferation of B16F10 murine melanoma cells by 50 to 90%. In vivo, HA (1 mg/ml), administrated over 7 days by an Alzet osmotic pump into the immediate vicinity of a B16F10 murine melanoma tumor, reduced tumor volume >85%. In vivo, HA (>750 mg/kg) administered with various other therapeutic agents over various periods of time, reduced or eliminated rectal, gastric, breast, prostate and endometrial cancers (PCT/CA/00283). In vivo, hyaluronan (HA) (7.5 mg/kg), administered with 2.5 mg/kg of the lipophilic, tubulin-stabilizin, chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel (TAXOL®), decreased tumor mass of colon 26-cells seeded into BALB/c mice. It was proposed that the water-insoluble paclitaxel binds to hydrophobic patches on HA and that the binds to HA receptors on the surface of malignant cells and, thereby, delivers the paclitaxel directly to the malignant cells (PCT/CA98/00660) That is, HA functions as a delivery agent for the paclitaxel and the efficiency of this delivery depends on the expression of HA cell surface receptors such as CD44. However, as colon-26 cancer cells express high levels of HA receptors, HA alone significantly inhibits the growth of these cancer cells (Freemantle et al Int. J. Tissue React. 17:157, 1995).
Cancer is an aberrant net accumulation of atypical cells that results from an excess of cell proliferation, an insufficiency of cell death, or a combination of the two. Cell proliferation is characterized by replication of total cellular DNA and the division of one cell into two cells (Hochhauser D. Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy Agents 8:903, 1997). Cell death is affected by immune-mediators including, but not limited to, IL-6 and IL-12 that initiate cytolytic processes and that promote apoptosis, and by apoptosis inducers that directly initiate pathways leading to cell death (Muzio et al. Cell 85:817, 1996; Levine, A. Cell 88:323, 1997).
Current cancer treatments act by inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells or by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. However, many of these treatments have proven to be less than adequate for clinical applications and, at standard dosages, are inefficient or toxic, have significant adverse side-effects, result in development of drug resistance or immunosensitization, are debilitating and compromise the quality of life of the patient. Moreover, the costs of these treatments are substantial, both to the individual patient and to society.
Therefore, there is a continuing need for novel cancer treatments that inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, are effective at dose regimens associated with minimal toxicity, and are cost effective.

Hyaluronic acid in the treatment of cancer


The invention provides an organometallic complex, containing oxygen free organic ligands, for the deposition of a metal, preferably copper, silver or gold, and preferably by way of chemical vapor deposition. The organometallic complex having the formula[(Do)nMLx]k                where M is a metal preferably selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag and Au;        Do is selected from the group comprising ethers, phosphines, olefins, sulfides, pyridines, carbonyl, hydroxyl, cyclopentadiene, benzene derivatives, allyls, alkyls, amines, polyamines, aniline derivatives, cyclooctadiene and combinations thereof;        n is an integer having a value from 0 to 4;        k is an integer having a value from 1 to 4;        x is an integer having a value from 1 to 4; and        L is an amidinate ligand of the formulaR1—NC(R2)N—R3        where R1, R2 and R3 are selected from the group consisting of alkyls, allyls, aryls, heteroaryls, hydrogen, non-metals and metalloids; and where R1, R2 and R3 are different or the same.

The deposition of thin films of pure metals, alloys and semiconductors is of central importance for the manufacturing of microelectronic devices. The materials are generally deposited by the thermal decomposition of volatile compounds (Chemical Vapor Deposition, CVD).
The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and gold (Au), commonly referred to as the coinage metals, has attracted substantial attention over the last decade. Apart from specialized, small scale applications like the design and repair of X-ray lithographic masks and the generation of monodisperse nanoclusters, the metals have also been attracting attention for use in the manufacturing of microelectronic devices. A fundamental problem resulting from the use of metals is their ohmic resistivity and the heat thus generated. The dissipation of the resistively generated heat has become a limiting factor for microcircuit manufacturing and has led to the replacement of the previously popular aluminum with copper.
CVD of the coinage metals is described in Nast R. et al. Chem. Ber. 1963, 96, 2127 and in Nast R. and Lepel, W. H., Chem. Ber. 1969, 102, 3224. Although the resulting complexes of the process described are too labile to act as good CVD precursors and are non-volatile due to their polymeric nature, they can be transformed into a new class of volatile Cu(I) complexes by reacting them with donor ligands.
Cu(II) complexes are suitable in the presence of reducing gases, most commonly hydrogen (H2) and the first copper CVD publication reported by van Hermert et al. J. Electrochem. Soc. 1965, 112, 1123 was based on this principle.
To this day, the deposition of copper, silver and gold, has almost exclusively relied on the diketonate complexes as described in James, A. M. et al. Inorg. Chem 1998, 37, 3785.
The deposition of the coinage metals benefits from the low thermodynamic stability of their respective oxides, carbides, nitrides and hydrides. As a result, reasonably pure metallic films of copper, silver and gold have been obtained from oxygen containing complexes as described, for example, in Nast et al. 1963; Nast et al. 1969; Lakshmanan, Sik and Gil, W. N., Thin Solid Films 1999, 338, 24; Edwards D. A., et al. Mater. Chem. 1999, 9, 1771; and Holl, M. M. B. et al., Inorg. Chem., 1994, 33, 510. The use of reactive gases, for example H2, and higher substrate temperatures can further reduce contamination with oxygen or carbon, but the presence of oxygen in the ligand is problematic due to the formation of copper oxides which increase the electrical resistance of the copper films because of their semiconductor nature. These same problems apply to other heteroelements like fluorine or phosphorous which are introduced to enhance the volatility of the complexes.
Amidinate complexes of Cu, Ag and Au have been described previously, for example in Kilner M. and Pietryszowski M., Polyhedron, 1983, 2, 1379; Cotton, F. A., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1988, 110, 7077; and Hartmann E. et al., Naturforsch, 1989, 44b, 1. However, such complexes are generally non-volatile tetramers of type Cu4L4 (L=amidine) or dimers that are rendered involatile by the presence of large aryl substituents.
This invention describes the synthesis and use of metal complexes of a specific class of oxygen free organic ligands, known as amidines, to achieve the deposition of a variety of different materials including metals and metal alloys. The deposition reactions are preferably conducted from the gas phase and at elevated temperatures.
Amidinate complexes have been described for a variety of metals but have not been used as precursors for the manufacturing of metals, alloys or metal based materials like metal oxides, metal carbides, etc.

Class of volatile compounds for the deposition of thin films of metals and metal compounds


A new and distinct hybrid of Pulmonaria plant characterized by silver leaves with undulate margins and large, blue violet flowers.

Pulmonaria hybrid.
xe2x80x98Silver Shimmersxe2x80x99.
The present invention relates to a new and distinct hybrid of Pulmonaria, of the family Boraginaceae, which originated as an open-pollinated cross between unknown parents in a breeding program carried out in Canby, Oreg. This is known to be an outcross because Pulmonaria does not normally self-pollinate. Due to the fact that the instant plant and parent plants are interspecific hybrids from several generations of interbreeding and selecting, no species designations are given.
This new plant is characterized by:
1) Highly silvered foliage;
2) Undulating leaf margins;
3) Large, blue violet flowers;
4) Compact habit;
5) Excellent vigor.
This new cultivar has been reproduced only by asexual propagation (division and tissue culture). Each of the progeny exhibits identical characteristics to the original plant. Asexual propagation by tissue culture using standard micropropagation techniques with terminal and lateral shoots as done in Canby, Oreg., shows that the foregoing characteristics and distinctions come true to form and are established and transmitted through succeeding propagations. The present invention has not been evaluated under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary with variations in environment without a change in the genotype of the plant.

Pulmonaria plant named xe2x80x98Silver Shimmersxe2x80x99


A water filtration system includes a housing with a valve having an inlet and an outlet. A filter media bed within the housing includes four filter media including silver impregnated activated carbon; coconut carbon or copper zinc; calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, garnet and silica sand; and gravel. The filter media bed is configured to provide a desired flow rate, e.g., of 10 g/m @ 15 psi. The filter media bed may include 3-9% of the first filter medium, 40-60% of the second filter medium, 12-23% of the third filter medium and 20-30% of the fourth filter medium or less. Additionally, the valve may include a drain line port through which the less dense filter media can be flushed from the housing and new filter media provided into the housing without the need to physically uninstall or replace the system.

Water filters, purifiers and conditioners are well known. There is a continuing desire to clean water that is supplied to households, e.g., by municipalities, as evidenced by the demand for bottled water as well as the variety of water filtration devices that are used with tap water. Water provided by municipalities typically include contaminants such as particulate solid material, e.g., sand, chips of various metal oxides and the like, and chemicals, e.g., principally chlorine or other chemicals used in the municipal purification process but including as well such chemicals as carbonates usually associated with "hard" water. The removal of the solid contaminates is typically effected by filtration. Chemical contaminates in tap water are typically removed using media that includes sodium and/or potassium salts, which many consider undesirable from an environmental perspective.
Moreover, after a period of service all filtration systems require servicing, such as cleaning and reconditioning. In conventional home filtration systems, servicing typically entails removal of the system, which can be time consuming and cumbersome.
Thus, what is desired is a water filtration system that is environmentally friendly and that can be easily serviced when required.


Technical solutions for video event recognition relate to the fields of knowledge graphs, deep learning and computer vision. A video event graph is constructed, and each event in the video event graph includes: M argument roles of the event and respective arguments of the argument roles, with M being a positive integer greater than one. For a to-be-recognized video, respective arguments of the M argument roles of a to-be-recognized event corresponding to the video are acquired. According to the arguments acquired, an event is selected from the video event graph as a recognized event corresponding to the video.

With the explosion of video in the information age, video understanding becomes an important technical requirement, such as video event recognition (also referred to as video event understanding). The video event recognition is intended to understand deep content of a video and to achieve the purpose of understanding the deep content by analyzing and reasoning events in the video.
At present, video recognition is mostly video action recognition or video scene recognition, but there is no corresponding video event recognition method.

Video event recognition method, electronic device and storage medium

BEIJING BAIDU NETCOM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A device creating patterns on greeting cards and the like has at least one stencil for applying a pattern onto a flat surface. A stencil holder that has securing elements for securing the at least one stencil in a predetermined position relative to the stencil holder is provided. The stencil holder also has elements for positively securing the surface of the article onto which the pattern is to be applied relative to the stencil holder. The elements for securing the surface of the article are in the form of a recess that provides a positive securing action for the surface of the article alone or in combination with an adapter.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a device and a method for applying patterns and/or labels to a substantially flat surface of an article, in particular, a postcard or greeting card, a leaf insert for photo albums, a certificate or the like, by employing a stencil.
2. Description of the Related Art
The terms postcard or greeting card are meant to include all conceivable types of greeting cards, invitation cards, message cards, congratulatory notes and the like. However, since devices and methods of the aforementioned kind are usually employed for producing hand-crafted greeting cards, often only the term card will be used in the following without this limiting the device and the method to cards in their literal sense. As a non-limiting example, certificates and leaf inserts for photo albums should be mentioned that can be processed in the same way by means of the device according to the invention and by means of the method according to the invention.
The term labels is used to include individual letters and numerals as well as complete greeting messages and congratulatory messages, for example, "Merry Christmas" or "Congratulations". For reasons of simplification, the term pattern will be generally used in the following wherein the term pattern is to include any type of ornamental design and labeling of any kind.
It has been known for some time that the application of patterns, particularly onto the surface of the aforementioned cards and the like, is done by employing stencils.
The stencils can be differentiated as follows: so-called single-layer stencils and two-layer or multi-layer stencils, wherein the two-layer or multi-layer stencils in fact are two or more separate stencils whose patterns supplement one another, in particular, in such a way that the bars or bridges of certain patterns, for example, those securing a central surface of a pattern e.g. in the case of the letter O, are not visible in the finished pattern.
It was found that many users have problems when using the single-layer as well as the multi-layer stencils.
An obvious problem in the case of multi-layer stencils that must be employed sequentially is the required alignment of a stencil that is applied at a later time relative to the pattern that has been created by using the first stencil. In the past, this has been done in such a way that onto the surface that has been processed or is to be processed by means of the stencil, i.e., generally a sheet of paper or cardboard, the position of the first stencil is marked by pencil and additional stencils are then aligned later on relative to these pencil markings. This method is however imprecise because it allows only an approximate alignment that is purely based on visual estimation of the second and any additional stencil relative to the pencil markings. Moreover, when removing the pencil markings, there are usually erasure marks visible on the surface, in particular, because the paper or cardboard that is to be processed is sensitive with regard to mechanical wear and can be easily damaged upon using an eraser for removing the markings.
In the case of single-layer stencils, the alignment of the stencil relative to the card is a problem for many users because the number of design possibilities as a result of free choice regarding the positioning of the stencil relative to a card is perceived by many users as a disadvantage rather than an advantage. This problem also occurs in regard to multi-layer stencils because the first stencil can be freely positioned relative to the card.
At least a partial solution of the problems in regard to working with stencils is proposed in DE 1 954 970 A1. This reference discloses a device with which multi-layer stencils and particularly a stencil on which several elements to be applied sequentially are provided for producing a pattern can be secured in certain positions relative to a frame. However, this does not relieve the user from the free choice with regard to the arrangement of the pattern relative to a card; a limitation is provided only in the case where punched cards are used that can be fixed on the frame. The device therefore is not suitable for producing high-quality greeting cards that are to be free of punched holes.
DE 2 210 925 A1 discloses a stencil and a stencil holder for labeling elongate textile webs, in particular, laundry identification labels, wherein the web to be labeled is guided at the top and bottom edges by the stencil holder. In this arrangement, there is also the problem of free choice because the individual stencils can be positioned in a longitudinal direction of the web at any location.

Device and method for applying patterns and/or labels to a substantially flat surface of an article


The invention relates to a clamping claw having a securing leg and a clamping leg for securing an object in a first recess of a support, with the clamping claw in the installed state being secured on the support by way of its securing leg by means of a bolt and clamping the object in the recess by means of its clamping leg. To split the application of axial force applied to an object by a clamping claw in part into an application of force that acts transversely thereto, the clamping claw includes two portions, namely a clamping base and a clamping finger, the clamping base sits on the support in the installed state of the clamping claw, the clamping finger has a securing leg and a clamping leg, and the installed state the securing leg sits on the clamping base over an oblique plane formed as a sliding surface and clamps the object with its clamping leg.

Clamping claws are generally used to secure an object in a recess of a support. The clamping claws have a securing leg and a clamping leg, with the clamping claw in the installed state being secured on the support by way of its securing leg by means of a bolt and clamping the object in the recess by means of its clamping leg.
Such clamping claws are used, for example, as part of a cutting tool for machining metallic materials, with the support also being referred to as a gripping holder. The object that is clamped by means of the clamping claw in this connection is a cutting plate made from a ceramic material, hard metal or other material that is suitable for machining.
The underlying aim of the invention is to convert the application of axial force applied to an object by a clamping claw in part into an application of force that acts transversely thereto so that the object is pressed not only onto the support, but also onto the side wall of the recess.
The clamping claw includes two portions, namely a clamping base and a clamping finger.
The clamping base sits on the support in the installed state of the clamping claw.
The clamping finger has a securing leg and a clamping leg, and in the installed state the securing leg sits on the clamping base over an oblique plane formed as a sliding surface and clamps the object with its clamping leg.
During clamping the bolt presses the securing leg of the clamping finger onto the clamping base and secures both on the support, in which case as a result of the oblique plane that is formed as a sliding surface the securing leg and thus the clamping leg of the clamping finger execute a lateral movement transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis of the clamping base.
The application of force applied to the object by the clamping claw is split into an axial component and a component that acts transversely thereto.
So that the component that acts transversely in relation to the axial component draws the object into the recess of the support, a trough, for example, into which, for example, a cam on the clamping leg of the clamping finger engages, is arranged in the object.
The clamping base is advantageously secured on the support in a secure manner with respect to rotation, but so that it can be displaced in the clamping direction. To this end, at least one projection that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the clamping base and engages into a longitudinal slot in the support that is matched thereto is arranged on the clamping base.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping base at its end that faces the securing leg of the clamping finger has an oblique plane that is formed as a sliding surface, and the securing leg of the clamping finger at its end that faces the clamping base likewise has an oblique plane that is formed as a sliding surface. Both sliding surfaces are matched to each other and are formed so that they slide one on top of the other.
The clamping base in the installed state preferably rests with a first guide surface against a second guide surface on the securing leg so that the securing leg of the clamping finger is arranged on the clamping base in a secure manner with respect to rotation. Since the clamping base also sits on the support in the installed state in a secure manner with respect to rotation, the clamping finger is also arranged on the support in a secure manner with respect to rotation. This is necessary in order to achieve correct clamping of the object.
Advantageously, the clamping base has a projecting flange with which the clamping base sits on a recess in the support in the installed state.
The clamping claw is preferably a part of a cutting tool for machining metallic materials, in which case the support is a gripping holder and the object is a cutting plate.
In an advantageous embodiment, arranged on the clamping leg of the clamping finger there is a raised portion, like a cam for example, which in the installed state engages into a corresponding trough in the object or in the cutting plate.
In a preferred development in accordance with the invention, the raised portion or the cam on the clamping leg of the clamping finger is formed as a circular ring which in the installed state engages into an object or a cutting plate that has a spherical or circular raised portion and in so doing embraces the raised portion.
The invention is explained in greater detail in the following with the aid of six figures.

Ceramtec AG, Innovative Ceramic Engineering


An object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous resin composition and its uses, wherein the aqueous resin composition combines the blocking resistance and the frost damage resistance and thereby can secure the durability over a long period of time even under circumstances where a severe temperature cycle is present. As a means of achieving this object, the aqueous resin composition according to the present invention is an aqueous resin composition comprising an acrylic resin emulsion and a crosslinking agent as essential components, with the aqueous resin composition being characterized in that, when a coating film is formed from the aqueous resin composition, the formed coating film exhibits an elongation ratio (E (%)) that satisfies a specific relational expression along with the glass transition temperature (TgT (° C.)) of the acrylic resin in the emulsion.

A. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an aqueous resin composition and its uses. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aqueous resin composition and its uses, wherein the aqueous resin composition can form such as a coating film excellent in both the blocking resistance and the frost damage resistance.
B. Background Art
Since the past, aqueous coatings prepared from water-soluble resins or water dispersion type resins (e.g. emulsions) have been applied in place of solvent-base coatings in order to avoid environmental problems caused by such as emission of organic solvents into the air. However, when compared with the solvent-base coatings, the aqueous coatings uses water as the medium and therefore have had problems of being inferior in such as driability, durability (e.g. water resistance, weather resistance) and finished appearance of coating films and further involving difficulty in enhancing the hardness of coating films.
In order to solve such problems, attempts are made to enhance the finished appearance and durability (e.g. water resistance) of coating films by such as combining different kinds of emulsions (e.g. refer to patent document 1) or adding specific crosslinking agents (e.g. refer to patent documents 2 and 3).
Generally, when a coating film is formed from a coating, there is a case where the appearance and durability of the formed coating film are spoiled by a phenomenon (which is called blocking behavior) such that the coating film and a layer contacting therewith stick together for the cause that the coating film undergoes pressure during its storage or use. For preventing such a blocking behavior, the coating film needs to be finished into a still harder film. On the other hand, in order to enhance the durability of the coating film during cycles between low and high temperatures, the flexibility is demanded to the coating film. Accordingly, for obtaining the durability of the coating film over a long period of time regardless of rapid temperature variation, it is important to combine the blocking resistance and what is called frost damage resistance.
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-200181/2001 (Kokai)
[Patent Document 2] JP-A-019721/2001 (Kokai)
[Patent Document 3] JP-A-295275/1993 (Kokai)
However, both have trade-off relations with each other, and it is therefore difficult to combine both properties. Thus, it is the present state of arts that the combining of both properties has not come true yet.


An image processing apparatus suitable for use in a laser beam printer includes an input circuit for inputting image data, and a processing circuit for processing the image data input via the input circuit. The processing circuit includes a converter for converting resolution of the image data, and for outputting converted image data. The processing circuit further includes a pulse-width-modulated signal generating circuit for generating a pulse-width-modulated signal in accordance with a pattern of the image data.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more specifically to an image processing apparatus which can improve the quality of the output image.
2. Related Background Art
A known image processing apparatus, such as a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, etc., is used for converting dot resolution in an image.
Such a known image processing apparatus is structured to print recording data (data to be recorded) in such a way as simply to increase the size of a dot by four times, in a case where a printer designed to operate at a dot recording resolution of 400 dpi (dots per inch) is used for printing recording data of 200 dpi, for example.
However, the known image processing apparatus suffers from the problem that the whole output image is darkened, or what should be a thin line of the output image is excessively wide because four times the size of dot is used for printing notwithstanding the printer has an ability of 400 dpi dot resolution.
The apparatus further has a defect that printing density is darkened in such a manner as to give the output image a strange appearance in the case where an isolated dot of, e.g., 200 dpi size, processed by an artificial halftone processing method, is printed.
Especially, a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic method of printing has the defect that an increase of a darkened rate is conspicuous because of a fogging phenomenon which occurs due to the overlapping and combination of adjacent dots, or because of the round shape of the beam spot.
In recent years, an error diffusion method has been proposed as an artificial halftone processing method. When a laser beam printer records an image based on binary data processed by the error diffusion method, there is a possibility that dots may be linked in a highlight portion because the shape of the dots is round and the size of the dots is large. This has resulted in the defect that what should be a thin line in the output image is made to seem fat, or sometimes, a peculiar striped pattern occurs in the output image.
Methods for obtaining a fine line of a proper width and generally for obtaining a proper reproduced image are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,387,983; 4,476,474; 4,517,579; 4,878,068; and 4,905,023, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, but further improvement of those methods has been sought.

Image processing apparatus adaptable for use at variable resolution


Radial cross sections of a male screw rotor and a female screw rotor at a contact portion therebetween for transmitting power from the female rotor to the male rotor are profiled in the shape of roulettes, for example, cycloids, generated by the rolling of rolling curves, for examples, circles, along pitch circles of the rotors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a screw rotor used in an oil-flooded screw compressor driven by a female rotor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Although a popular type of oil-flooded screw compressor is driven by a male rotor, an oil-flooded screw compressor driven by a female rotor to obtain a large number of revolutions is also well known. In the oil-flooded screw compressor, about 90% of input power is consumed by the male rotor and the remainder, about 10%, is consumed by the female rotor. Accordingly, in the oil-flooded screw compressor driven by the male rotor, 10% of input power is transmitted from the male rotor to the female rotor at a contact portion between tooth surfaces of the male and female rotors.
On the other hand, in the oil-flooded screw compressor driven by the female rotor, 90% of input power is transmitted from the female rotor to the male rotor at the contact portion. Therefore, much contact stress, what is called, Hertz stress acts on the contact portion, which causes pitting if the area of the contact portion is small. As is well known, when a convex tooth surface and a concave tooth surface are in contact with each other, the Hertz stress is proportional to the square root of the difference between the reciprocals of radii of curvature of the tooth surfaces. Therefore, the oil-flooded screw compressor driven by the female rotor is particularly required to minimize the Hertz stress at the contact portion, and it is important that the rotor tooth surfaces at the contact portion be equal in curvature. When the curvatures are equal, no Hertz stress arises, which makes it possible to prevent pitting.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60-153486 discloses a screw rotor in which tooth surfaces at a contact portion are equal in curvature. In this screw rotor, the contact portion is shaped like an arc whose center is located on a pitch circle. FIG. 4 shows this screw rotor. A tooth surface enclosed by a circle X is shaped like an arc having the center at a point O on the pitch circle. FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged views of the circle X shown in FIG. 4. In FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, M denotes a male rotor, F denotes a female rotor, and P.sub.M and P.sub.F denote pitch circles of the male rotor M and the female rotor F, respectively.
In this screw rotor, if the center distance between the male and female rotors M and F has no error as designed, the male and female rotors M and F are in uniform planar contact with each other over a wide range as shown in FIG. 5. It is actually impossible, however, to reduce the error to zero. If the center distance is not equal to the designed value, the rotors at the contact portion are in local contact, which is shown as point contact in radial section, as shown by the arrow Y in FIG. 6.
Therefore, in the case of the screw compressor driven by the female rotor, pitting of the screw rotor is inevitable in actuality.

Oil-flooded screw compressor with screw rotors having contact profiles in the shape of roulettes


A method for preparing non-agglomerating mixed bed ion exchange resin systems without affecting the ion exchange kinetics of the anion exchange resin component of the mixed bed system is disclosed. Pretreatment of the anion exchange resin component with a sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic) polyelectrolyte is particularly effective in providing non-agglomerated mixed bed systems without affecting ion exchange kinetics. Treatment levels of 10 to 800 milligrams per liter of anion exchange resin with sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic) polyelectrolyte having number average molecular weight from 5,000 to 1,000,000 are particularly preferred.

This invention concerns a method for preparing non-agglomerating mixed bed ion exchange resin systems without affecting the ion exchange kinetics of the anion exchange resin component of the mixed bed system. More particularly it concerns a method for neutralizing the surface charges of the anion exchanging component of the mixed bed system by treatment with a sulfonated poly(vinylaromatic) polyelectrolyte.
The use of mixed bed ion exchange resins for deionization of aqueous solutions is widespread. Surface interactions between the cationic and anionic resin particles cause clumps or agglomerates of resin to form that lead to poor flow distribution in the bed and hence inefficient operation. Various approaches used to overcome this undesirable agglomeration include treatment with water-insoluble crosslinked ion exchange emulsion particles (U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,328), and treatment with water-soluble resinous polyelectrolytes to neutralize the surface charges of the treated resins (U.S. Pat. No. 2,961,417). Treatment with insoluble ion exchange emulsion particles (U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,328) involves high usage levels and extensive washing of the treated resin to remove the emulsion particles; and treatment with water-soluble resinous polyelectrolytes (U.S. Pat. No. 2,961,417) reduces mixed bed agglomeration but also reduces the ion exchange kinetics of the treated resin, thereby lowering the overall efficiency of the mixed bed system.
Despite the aforementioned attempts to produce non-agglomerating mixed bed ion exchange systems, no previous treatment has been found to be completely effective at low use levels for declumping mixed bed systems efficiently while having negligible effect on the performance (such as ion exchange kinetics) of the treated resins to produce purified water. No one had, heretofore, discovered that if certain water-soluble polyelectrolytes of selected molecular weights were used at specific treatment levels, that the best combination of non-agglomeration and mixed bed ion exchange kinetics could be achieved.
The present invention seeks to overcome the problems of the prior art by providing an improved process for preparing non-agglomerating mixed bed ion exchange systems without significantly affecting the ion exchange kinetics.

Mixed bed exchange resin system and method of preparation


A panoramic field of view acquiring system comprises three telescopes, which acquire three separate images, each typically covering a little over one third of the total required scene and a multiplexer, which is used to transmit the three images, one at a time, to an appropriate detector. Standard imaging techniques are then used to coordinate the images to form a complete picture and display them as required.

The art has developed systems for aircraft navigation and targeting purposes, particularly forward looking infrared (FLIR) line of sight systems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,740 discloses a system for obtaining images of two fields of view of one or two scenes with a radiation sensor by the use of a single detector and common signal processing circuitry. Said patent describes a field of view sensor providing a narrow view and a wide view by two independent telescopes, which are combined by use of a field of view switch comprising a chopper wheel or an optical switch in synchronized operation with a mirror scanner.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,364 discloses a FLIR system for providing both navigation and pilotage functions for which a wide field of view is provided, and a target acquisition or tracking/targeting function, for which a narrow field of view is provided. The wide field of view permits implementation of a pilotage function while the narrow, optionally magnified field of view, implements a targeting function. Both lines of sight are coupled in a single IR detector and two separate FLIR video image signals are generated using a single common processor, one for pilotage and one for targeting.
It is seen that the art provides systems for assisting an aircraft pilot in directing the aircraft and in finding and tracking a target. However, no matter what the width is of the wider of the two fields-of-view, it has a limited angular span and the presence of a narrow field of view, while useful for targeting, does not contribute to the inspection and analysis of the geographical area over which the aircraft flies. The two telescopes that are provided in said prior art have different functions and provide different information and do not complement one another.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a system that would permit acquiring and showing a complete panoramic picture of a relevant geographical area. It would also be desirable if such a system, which could provide discovery, alarming, and location of threats from any direction, could provide such a panoramic view by use of a singe detector. A singe detector system would have many advantages including reduced cost, volume, and weight, over multi detectors system. Examples of applications in which the usefulness of such a system is readily apparent are found in military operations. Typical threats that could be detected and their paths located include enemy missiles, rockets, and bullets, which can come from any direction. Artillery barrages and flight missions could be guided and followed by a system providing such a panoramic view, from a headquarters or forward station on the ground, from which instructions could be transmitted to the artillery unit on the ground or to an aircraft pilot in the air. As another example, the system of the invention can be mounted on an aircraft and could be directly used by the pilot in performing his mission.
It is therefore a purpose of this invention to provide such a system and to provide it by means of an optical system the components of which are known in the art and can be easily acquired, assembled, coordinated and controlled by persons expert in the optical art.
It is another purpose of this invention to provide a system that provides such panoramic views with a single detector.
Other purposes and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

Panoramic field of view acquiring and displaying system

Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.


An inflation valve and systems for inflating an inflatable device includes a valve. The valve includes an outer body, a command chamber within the outer body and an inlet chamber, the inlet chamber having an inlet connected to the source of inflation gas and an outlet connected to the inflatable device. The valve also includes a vent fluidly connected to the command chamber, the vent including a vent body having one or more vent holes formed therein and an elastomeric sleeve surrounding a portion of the vent body and covering the one or more vent holes.

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of inflation valve assemblies.
Pneumatic inflation systems discharge a high pressure stored gas to inflate an inflatable device. The high pressure stored gas is to be discharged within a specified time by the opening an inflation valve.
In typical operation, the inflation valve is a flow isolation valves actuated by mechanical or electrical means. In many of the platforms inflation valves are operated (e.g., initiated) by electric squib. This electric squib initiator has regulatory issues and feature single shot actuation.
Another approach is to utilize a 2-way solenoid to initiate the inflation valve.


An approach for forming a common network using shared private wireless networks is described. A shared access platform receives a request, from a user device, for connectivity to a wireless service provider network formed by a plurality of customer premise nodes. The shared access platform also authenticates, in response to the request, the user device for access to the wireless service provider network based on permission settings established for the plurality of nodes in association with the wireless service provider network.

Service providers are continually challenged to deliver value and convenience to consumers by providing compelling network systems and services. One area of particular interest involves management of network resources, namely bandwidth, to ensure high network performance and availability even for the consumer level market (as opposed to enterprise customers). Consumers have adapted to the availability of broadband services by deploying high-speed private networks to access a multitude of sophisticated services, thereby placing greater strain on resources of the network service providers. With the increasing use of the network resources by user devices to access games, movies and other data intensive applications, bandwidth management can become problematic in bandwidth constrained environments. These user devices, such as smartphones or tablets, are generally able to connect to a cellular network as well as a wireless network (e.g., WiFi), and thus, can consume resources of either networks. However, little attention has been focused on managing such usage from the perspective of the service provider, as the interests of the end users and the service providers are generally in opposition.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need for better utilization of network resources, while enhancing coordination of resources of the end users' network and the network of the service provider.

Method and system for forming a common network using shared private wireless networks


A camera comprises an exposure aperture, a shutter blade supported for pivotal movement from a covering position over the exposure aperture to an uncovering position removed from the exposure aperture and having an indentation along an edge of the shutter blade, and a striker movable within the indentation in a forward direction against one portion of the edge to pivot the shutter blade from its covering position to its uncovering position. The striker is movable in the forward direction out of the indentation when the shutter blade is pivoted to its uncovering position, in order to allow the shutter blade to be returned to its covering position, and is movable in a reverse direction to return to the indentation when the shutter blade is in its covering position. Another portion of the edge faces the one portion of the edge within the indentation to contact the striker in the indentation, in order to prevent the shutter blade from being dislodged from its covering position due to a physical shock to the shutter blade.

Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,678 issued Mar. 18, 1990 discloses a camera that comprises an exposure aperture, a shutter blade supported for pivotal movement from a covering position over the exposure aperture to an uncovering position removed from the exposure aperture and having an indentation along an edge of the shutter blade, and a striker movable within the indentation in a forward direction against one portion of the edge to pivot the shutter blade from its covering position to its uncovering position. It appears that the striker remains in the indentation when the shutter blade is pivoted to its uncovering position and is moved in a reverse direction when the shutter blade is returned to its covering position. Also, it may be possible that a physical shock to the shutter blade, such as when the camera is dropped onto a hard surface, will dislodge the shutter blade from its covering position.


A unitary valve housing has an upper and lower portion. The upper portion has an inner chamber for accommodating two spaced apart balls and a cylindrical side skirt with oppositely positioned openings. The lower portion is cylindrical in shape and has a top shelf with adjacent circular openings for seating the two balls and openings communicating with a bottom of the lower portion. The two openings on the upper portion side skirt are aligned with oppositely positioned openings in a side of the lower housing. A secondary shelf is located in the lower housing below each of the two circular openings contiguous with the side openings. A lower end of the lower housing portion is attached to a conduit.

The present invention relates to air vent valves to relieve a vacuum developed in conduits. More particularly, it refers to a dual ball valve for vacuum relief of domestic sewage piping systems in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.
A single ball valve air vent is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,198. Such a valve has received widespread commercial acceptance and is adequate to carry out its intended purpose. However, for large sewer pipes with drainage from multiple commodes a single air flow channel may not be adequate. For this reason the search continues for more efficient air flow in air vent valves.


A computer-implemented method includes detecting that a first script has been modified to an updated script and that the first script is currently running. A data key point is selected from among a set of data key points available in the first script. At the selected data key point in the first script, a current state of the first script is saved in a storage object external from the first script, responsive to detecting that the first script has been modified. An execution point is selected in the updated script. The current state of the first script is loaded into the updated script. The updated script is run from the execution point, with the current state of the first script.

The present invention relates to scripts and, more specifically, to continuing a running script after modification.
Scripts are often used for long-term jobs, such as performance testing or stress testing. In such cases, for example, a script is used to present numerous scenarios to a system being tested. However, during a long-term job, a user, such as a tester or a system administrator, may wish to modify the script. This may be the case, for example, to change a function of the script based on observations of the script's current run. Typically, after modifying the script to a new version, the user will want the new version of the script to go into effect right away. Thus, the user stops the running version and runs the new version in its place.

Continuing a running script after modification

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


Technologies for media management for column-based memory systems include a memory controller including an indirection table. The memory controller receives a memory access to a column-addressable memory indicative of a memory row address. The memory controller determines a logical sub-block identifier based on the memory row address and looks up a physical sub-block identifier in the indirection table. The memory controller issues a redirected memory access indicative of the physical sub-block identifier to the column-addressable memory. The memory access may include a column read. The memory controller may perform a media management operation by copying or moving data from a source physical sub-block to a destination physical sub-block. The memory controller updates the indirection table with the destination physical sub-block for the associated logical sub-block identifier. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

In many compute operations, such as matrix operations (e.g., matrix multiplication), data is manipulated by a compute device in rows and columns. Two formats for storing matrix data in memory are row-major format and column-major format. In row-major format, consecutive elements of the rows of the matrix are contiguous in memory. Conversely, in column-major format, consecutive elements of the columns are contiguous. Performing a matrix multiplication involves reading a given matrix in row-major format, reading another matrix in column-major format, and multiplying the respective rows and columns with one another. Often, the memory may store matrices in either row-major or column-major format and convert the matrix as needed during an operation. However, doing so increases latency and computational cost. As an alternative, a matrix may be stored in both row-major and column-major formats, but doing so increases memory usage.
Certain memory technologies may allow individual columns (e.g., bits) of data to be directly addressed. In those technologies, an entire column of data may be read and/or written in a single operation. For example, certain types of stochastic associative memory (SAM) may allow for both row and column-wise reads with similar latency.

Technologies for media management in column-addressable memory media systems


There is disclosed a mounting assembly for structurally mounting a peripheral device to a portable computer. The mounting assembly comprises a bracket arranged to be structurally secured to the portable computer and comprising a first coupling; and a second coupling which in use is attached to or part of the peripheral device. The first and second couplings are arranged to be releasably engaged to form a structural connection, such that in use the peripheral device can be structurally mounted to the portable computer. There is also disclosed a portable computing apparatus comprising a portable computer, a peripheral device and a mounting assembly; and a electronic entry control board for mobile telemetry monitoring apparatus comprising a portable computer, a wireless communication unit and a mounting assembly.

The invention relates to a mounting assembly for structurally mounting a peripheral device to a portable computer. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a mounting assembly for structurally mounting a wireless communication unit to a portable computer of a mobile telemetry monitoring apparatus for monitoring firefighters.
Firefighters and other rescue personnel are often required to enter hazardous environments, such as burning buildings. In such circumstances, each firefighter is provided with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) which provides breathable gas to the firefighter. The breathing apparatus may be provided with a personal monitoring device which provides information to the firefighter, such as the gas pressure in the breathing apparatus.
To ensure the safety of the firefighters within a firefighting or other hazardous incident, it is also desirable to monitor their status from outside of the incident. This is typically the responsibility of a designated entry control officer. Typically, the entry control officer uses an entry control board (ECB) to record information regarding the firefighters.
Recently, electronic ECBs have been implemented which are able to remotely monitor the breathing apparatus of each firefighter from outside of an incident. Each firefighter is provided with a personal monitoring device which transmits telemetry data such as temperature and the quantity of breathable gas remaining in their breathing apparatus. The ECB typically receives and displays the telemetry data to the entry control officer, and may also send information to the firefighters, such as an evacuation signal activated by the entry control officer.
Previously considered electronic ECB arrangements comprise a laptop computer provided with separate a wireless communication unit connected by a cable. Whilst this arrangement may be satisfactory, since there are two separate units, the ECB may have limited portability.
It is therefore desirable to provide an improved ECB that may have improved portability, and a mounting assembly for mounting a wireless communication unit to a portable computer.


The invention is a roll up cat scratching pad with, flanges, for example for securing the ends to the top and bottom of a door. A flexible base member provides rollup ability and vertical support for extended horizontal platforms. These provide for resting and exercising of animals, e.g. felines, and extend away from the flexible base member. The extended platforms include tubular shaped tunnels and flat shaped ledges. A frontal strap extends vertically across the apparatus for further vertical support. Cat resistant material e.g. carpeting may be used to cover the apparatus especially the resting perches. Attachment devices at the top and bottom of the pad allow it to be secured to the top and bottom of structures e.g. doors. The pad may be rolled up for easy transport.

The invention relates to the field of animal husbandry and in particular cat climbing toys. Cat trees are a sort of cat scratching posts that are vertically supported. Typically cat scratching pads are covered by material that is attractive enough for cats to scratch and still apply some abrasive force to the cat's claws. The materials used include e.g. carpeting.

Roll up cat scratching pad with horizontal ledges


A method and a micromechanical component which counteract manufacturing-process-related mechanical stresses in the membrane are provided. The membrane is formed on a substrate in a layer system and spans a cavity in the substrate. The layer system includes at least one base layer formed on the substrate for circuit elements. At least one structured masking layer is also formed on the base layer for defining the circuit elements. The masking layer is structured in the area of the membrane in such a way that mechanical stresses acting in the area of the membrane under vacuum are at least partially compensated, the intrinsic stress of the masking layer being taken into account in the layout of the structuring.

In the field of sensor applications, components are often used in practice which include micromechanical components such as a membrane, for example, in addition to an integrated circuit. For cost reasons and considerations regarding miniaturization of such components, it is advantageous to structure the membrane before the actual semiconductor process. In a conventional manufacturing method known in the art, for example, a porous area is first produced in the surface of a silicon substrate. After growing an epitaxial silicon layer on the substrate surface, the porous area is transformed into a cavity at high temperatures; this cavity is spanned and sealed by the thin epitaxial layer. The cavity usually contains a vacuum. The epitaxial silicon layer is used not only for sealing the cavity, but it also functions as a base layer for circuit elements, which are subsequently produced by deposition or diffusion, for example. In general, high-temperature steps, carried out at a process pressure of up to one atmosphere, are required for producing the circuit elements.
It has been found that the membrane of a component, which, as described previously, is exposed prior to processing of the circuit elements, has a deflection toward the cavity even at room temperature and vacuum (p=0 bar).
This effect is at least in part due to the material properties of the silicon layer. Although silicon has an almost perfect elastic behavior at room temperature, it becomes softer and plastically deformable if the ambient temperature rises over 500 K to 800 K. Since some of the deposition processes that are required for manufacturing the circuit elements take place under pressure and at significantly higher temperatures of over 1000 K, while the cavity has vacuum in it, the thin silicon layer over the cavity is deformed inward toward the cavity. In this case, the edge of the cavity, i.e., the membrane, is under tensile stress, while the center of the membrane is under compressive stress. At high process temperatures the silicon layer is plastically deformed, at least at the points of high tensile stress. This plastic deformation remains preserved even at room temperature and without external pressure.
In addition, the elastic deformation of the thin silicon layer is "frozen in" by deposition of further layers under pressure. Even the first layer deposited on the deformed silicon layer is formed on a surface that is larger than that of the undeflected silicon layer. Therefore, this deposited layer functions as a wedge, which prevents the full relaxation of the silicon layer when the process pressure is removed. This effect is further reinforced by the production of further layers. Mechanical stresses acting in the membrane under vacuum (p=0 bar) are thus "frozen in."
The circuit elements situated on or in the membrane are usually components of an analyzer circuit, such as a Wheatstone bridge circuit, for example, with which, for example, the pressure that a corresponding deflection of the membrane causes may be determined. The mechanical stresses "frozen in" in the membrane, which remain effective even at an ambient pressure of p=0 bar, often result in practical problems in signal detection and analysis. In the case of an integrated bridge circuit, the mechanical stresses "frozen in" in the membrane result in an undesirable stress offset shift.

Micromechanical component and method for manufacturing such a component


The present invention provides methods and compositions, i.e. synthetic libraries of binding moities, for identifying compounds which bind to a metal atom or to non-metal ions, e.g., cationic or anionic molecules.

Those skilled in the art are well aware of the technological importance of chelating agents for removing metal ions from various effluents, such as waste water, plating baths and the like. Chelating agents provide means of manipulating and controlling metal ions by forming complexes that usually have properties that are markedly different from those of the original metal ions or the chelators. These properties may serve to reduce undesirable effects of metal ions in drinking water, waste water, sewage and the like.
In this regard, many industries utilize heavy metals and/or rare earth metals in their manufacturing processes. Such use typically results in liquid (generally aqueous) waste streams that contain residues of the rare earth or heavy metals utilized in the given manufacturing process. For example, the waste stream resulting from electronics, electroplating and photographic processes typically contain metal ions such as copper, nickel, zinc, chromium, cadmium, aluminum, lead, antimony, silver and gold, amongst others in aqueous solutions accompanied by various anions such as sulfate, chloride, fluoroborate and cyanide. Because of the potential adverse effects of such metals on health and the environment, the removal of rare earth metals and heavy metal ions from aqueous waste streams is a problem of continuing significance. There is a growing need in the relatively new area of environmentally benign chemistry to design organic ligands in order to selectively remove and recover environmentally and economically important metal ions from aqueous solution.
Furthermore, the relationship of ligand structure to the chemical and physical properties of derived metal complexes is a central theme in such vital and disparate fields as selective catalysis, treatments for heavy metal poisoning, sensor discovery, and bioinorganic chemistry. The numerous advances made in these fields highlight the utility of complexes with well-designed structural, electronic and/or stereochemical features. However, the rational design of such complexes remains extremely challenging, especially if novel physical and chemical properties are sought. In this context, a systematic method for the expedient generation of new classes of coordination complexes would clearly be of great value.
The present invention provides methods and compositions, i.e. synthetic libraries of binding moities, for identifying compounds which bind to a metal atom. The subject method comprises (a) chemically synthesizing a variegated library of potential binding moieties (xe2x80x9cPBMsxe2x80x9d), and (b) screening the library of PBMs to isolate/identify those members that bind to a metal atom, or to non-metal atoms, e.g., cationic, anionic and even neutral molecules. Utilizing such combinatorial chemistry techniques as, e.g., direct characterization, encoding, spatially addressing and/or deconvolution, the molecular identity of individual members of the PBM library can be ascertained in a screening format.
Another aspect of the present invention pertains to kits for carrying of the instant method.
Still another aspect of the present invention provides compositions including one or more of the PBM compounds identified by the instant method.

Combinatorial approach for generating novel coordination complexes

President and Fellows of Harvard College


An improved system for tuning process control equipment applies a load change of amplitude .delta.q to the process to effect a change in it and, therefore, in the controlled variable. Monitoring the response of the controller to that change, the system identifies an observed overshoot, OVS.sub.o, in the manipulated variable signal. From that overshoot signal and a predetermined theoretical overshoot signal, OVS.sub..tau., the system generates an optimum gain, K.sub.opt, as a function of the mathematical expression K.sub.opt =K*(1+OVS.sub..tau.)/(1+OVS.sub.o), where K is the current gain of the automatic control subsection, OVS.sub.o is the observed overshoot, and OVS.sub..tau. is the predetermined overshoot.

The invention relates to process control and, more particularly, to improved methods and apparatus for determining optimum gain settings for process control equipment.
"Process control" refers to the control of the operational parameters of a process by monitoring one or more of its characteristics over time. It is used to ensure that the quality and efficiency of a process do not vary substantially during a single run or over the course of several runs. Process control has application in both the manufacturing and service sectors.
A process control unit, or "controller," typically operates by monitoring and comparing a process characteristic, the controlled variable, with a desired "setpoint" level to determine whether the process is operating within acceptable bounds. As the controlled variable begins to deviate from the setpoint, the controller manipulates one of the process inputs, the manipulated variable, to bring the process back to the desired level of activity.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a process controller can oversee a process in which fluid flows at a constant rate from a continuously refilled tank. The controller monitors the liquid level in the tank and, when necessary to prevent the tank from running dry or overflowing, adjusts an inlet valve to increase or restrict the inflow.
Among the controllers developed by the art is the so-called proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller shown in FIG. 2a. This generates the manipulated variable signal, m, as a predetermined mathematical function of the controlled variable signal, c. The output of such a controller can be expressed by the mathematical relation: ##EQU1## where, m is the manipulated variable;
e is the error (the difference between the controlled variable and the setpoint); PA1 P, I and D are, respectively, the proportional band, integral time constant and derivative time constant of the controller. PA1 K is the current gain of the automatic control subsection, PA1 OVS.sub.o is the observed overshoot, and PA1 OVS.sub..tau. is the predetermined overshoot. PA1 .tau..sub.1 is a primary time constant of that process; and PA1 .tau..sub.d is a dead time of that process. PA1 .tau..sub.2 is a secondary time constant of the process and PA1 .tau..sub.d is a dead time of the process. PA1 .tau..sub.1 is a primary time constant of the process PA1 .tau..sub.2 is a secondary time constant of the process, and PA1 .tau..sub.d is a dead time of the process.
The art has also developed controllers which operate by modeling the specific processes they control. This is in contrast to the PID controller, which generates the manipulated variable signal as a generalized function of the controlled variable signal. One such model-based controller is the dead time controller, which uses the process dead time and lag (as well as the controlled variable) to generate the manipulated variable.
Dead time is the time it takes a change in the manipulated variable applied to a process to be reflected by a change in the controlled variable generated by that process. Lag is the time, after the dead time period, that it takes the controlled variable to move approximately 63% of its final value, following a step change in the manipulated variable.
A dead time controller of the type referred to above is shown in FIG. 2b. It is constructed by adding a "dead time" element, i.e., a time delay, into the integral feedback loop of a PID controller. This controller is referred to by the mnemonic "PID.tau..sub.d."
To function properly, a process controller must be tuned to the process it controls. According to a prior art open-loop tuning method, controller settings are made in accord with values of parameters such as the process gain, K.sub.p, which reflects the magnitude by which the process responds to a step change in the manipulated variable. In accord with a conventional open-loop method, the operator applies a single step to the process, monitor its response and, from that, makes calculations necessary to determine the process parameters.
According to the prior art closed-loop tuning method, the controller is used to drive the process/controller loop into oscillation, and from that, process parameters are inferred. Under this method, the controller is typically placed in proportional mode and the band setting, P, is decreased until the loop begins to cycle. In that state, the process parameters are determined, for example, from the natural period of oscillation and the controller proportional band setting.
While the aforementioned methods are acceptable for tuning conventional PID controllers, they have not proven successful for model-based controllers and, particularly, controllers with dead time, such as PID.tau..sub.d controllers.
It is, accordingly, an object of this invention to provide improved systems for process control. More particularly, an object is to provide improved methods and apparatus for tuning process control equipment.
A further object is to provide improved methods and apparatus for tuning model-based controllers and, more particularly, dead-time controllers.

Method and apparatus for generating an optimal gain of process control equipment


A long line fishing hook apparatus includes a reel having a core bounded by side walls. To accommodate hooks attached to a mainline by snoods, at least one side of the reel is provided with a plurality of spiral or arcuate slots as defined between adjacent curve or track members. A the mainline is wound about the reel core by an auxiliary wheel, the hooks are successively directed transversely into the access of respective ones of the slots and urged toward the core of the apparatus. The arcuate disposition of the slots allows for the reception of a substantial number of hooks over those numbers which could otherwise be accommodated. With the slots describing an arc of substantially 180 degrees or more, an Archimedean spiral arrangement exists.

This invention concerns a reel/spool which is used to mechanically wind a mainline on and off between the inner side/sides of the reel/spool. There are provided curves/tracks for long-line hooks. The curves/tracks define slots therebetween which are arched in accordance with an Archimedean spiral such that a vastly increased hook capacity is achieved in view of the greater total linear extent defined by the arcuate slots.
The invention concerns a reel/spool which is used to wind a fishing line on and off while curves/tracks forming arcuate slots serve to receive hooks for use in long-line fishing. The curves/tracks are formed on the inner side of the reel/spool with certain intervals in between in order for the hooks to be steered/guided into their right place. The curves/tracks can both be on one of the inner sides or both inner sides of the reel/spool. Hooks enter curves/tracks mechanically on a steering bar when the line is hauled so that each hook enters a curve/track and by the rotation of the spool/reel, the hook moves towards the core of the spool/reel. By opposite rotation of the spool/reel a hook leaves or is removed from the curves when a line is set. The curves/tracks are arched in accordance with Archimedean law. The hook can be steered into the curves/tracks in two ways. By using the hook-bend as steering and by use of protuberance/knob steering. By using this curve/track system, the tendency of a hook to become tangled in the mainline is avoided, whether using rope line or monofilament line.
By separating the hooks from the mainline and putting them into slots as defined by the curves/tracks, tangles are avoided. There is a method known since 1988 (according to East German patent no. 0524321), to wind a mainline on a spool/reel and separate the hooks from the mainline by storing them on gripping arms on the reel. In that way a very limited amount of hooks can be stored on the reel. It is therefore necessary to use many such reels on board fishing boats or, the reels have to be very big, (but then they are difficult to manage), in order to lay a line with the most suitable amount of hooks. By using arched curves/tracks based on the Archimedean law, it is possible to store a much greater number of hooks on the reel/spool than on the above mentioned gripping arms. The Archimedean system gives very long tracks/curves for hooks on the inner side of the spool and it is possible to have curves/tracks on both of the inner sides or flanges of the reel/spool. With a straight line defining the shortest distance between two points, it follows that by arching the tracks and slots, the linear extent between the access to each slot and the terminus of each slot at the core of the reel, will be significantly greater and therefore, many more hooks may be stored within each slot of the instant apparatus. Now, since monofilament line is becoming more and more widespread, it is even more important to find a way to store as many hooks as possible in a space as compact as possible. It is precisely this that the present invention is focused on, that is, to store as many hooks as possible in a space as compact as possible and it is also possible to use the invention for conventional mainline.
The invention is now explained with reference to the attached drawings.

Apparatus for handling hooks as used in long line fishing


A circuit for sharpening a pixel image includes M accumulators which provide a rolling sum for each of a sequence of image pixel values. Each rolling sum comprises the sum of pixel values in the accumulator, all pixel values resident in the M accumulators comprising an array of pixel values, with one such accumulator including a central array pixel value. M inputs apply a sequence of at least N image pixel values to each of the M accumulators. Each sequence of N image pixel values is logically arrayed along a first dimension of the image and each sequence changes as each new image pixel value is input and an oldest image pixel value is removed. Each time a new image pixel is input to an accumulator, the accumulator outputs a new rolling sum of the image pixel values present therein. An arithmetic circuit determines from each set of M rolling sums, an average pixel value of the array of image pixel values, and then derives a difference between the central image pixel value and the average image pixel value. This arithmetic action arrives at a filtered central image pixel value which is substituted for the central image pixel value, thereby achieving a high boost filtering of the pixel image.

Low cost color copiers are able to effectively handle the reproduction of color documents and especially, continuous tone color image data. However, due to a mixture of image scanner inaccuracies and non-linearities in color mapping, color copiers tend to cause text to be rendered with either too little or too much color. As a result, black text can be reproduced with lines that are too thin or evidence a shade of grey, rather than dark black.
The non-linearities in color mapping arise from chromatic misalignments between color planes which may, at times, be on the order of a dimension of a pixel. Such misalignment affects the sharpness of text boundary, introduces extraneous colored regions around the text and makes black discrimination more difficult. A further effect is "optical flare" which results from a combination of limited optical resolution in the copier's optics and the effects on the scanner of stray light. Optical flare can affect different print color channels disproportionately; can skew the color of the black text causing it to seem to shift towards green; and can lighten the intensity of the black text. The width of the text can also be affected.
Many image processors today use image convolution to improve image presentations. For instance, a form of image convolution is utilized when dither patterns are applied to a scaled image to improve its grey scale rendering. Image convolution, when applied to a pixel-based raster image, involves a logical superimposition of an N.times.M matrix window of values over an area of the image, in "alignment" with pixels of the image. The matrix window, at each position, manifests a value which is logically combined (e.g., by multiplication of the values) with an aligned image pixel, to arrive at a resultant product. The products are then added and substituted for a central image pixel within the matrix window so as to modify the central pixel in accordance with the logical operation performed using the matrix window. The matrix window is then shifted across the image so as to subject every pixel to the convolution process.
Depending upon the size of the matrix window and the number of values in the matrix window, the image convolution process can be time-consuming and processing intensive. Nevertheless, the prior art has employed image convolution in attempting to improve (or "sharpen") an image's boundaries. The basic prior art approach to such print sharpening is called "high-boost filtering". Such filtering enables the high frequency components of an image to be isolated and added back into the original image to make the edges of the original image both sharper and darker. More specifically, the prior art has subjected a pixel image to an initial low-pass filtering action to derive a "blurred" version of the original image. That blurred image is then subtracted from the original image to accomplish an "unsharp" masking. This action identifies the high frequency components of the original image.
More specifically, since an image is represented by discrete pixel values, the term "frequency" refers to the spatial frequencies in "cycles per pixel" units. As in one dimensional signal processing, pixel edge transitions have many frequency components and image regions which show large rates of intensity change have many high-frequency components. Hence, if areas of an image can be identified which exhibit high frequency components, those portions of the image can be sharpened by "high frequency boosting" through the alteration of the pixels where the high frequency components reside.
Even though the concept of high boost filtering to enhance image edges is known; the use of matrix windows, the shifting thereof across high-definition pixel images of (e.g. 300-600 dpi), and the resultant processing of the results are computationally intensive and time-consuming.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide improved apparatus for high boost filtering of a pixel image so as to enhance image edges.
It is another object of this invention to provide a circuit which implements a high-boost filtering procedure, wherein matrix calculations are minimized.

Circuit for sharpening of edges of a pixel image in a color copier


A pressure deck assembly for a fuselage includes a longitudinal beam extending a length along a roll axis of the fuselage. The longitudinal beam includes a central member and opposing first and second flanges extending from the central member. The first flange includes a first upper side and a first lower side. The second flange includes a second upper side and a second lower side. The pressure deck assembly includes a pressure deck that includes first and second deck segments. The first deck segment is joined to the first flange of the longitudinal beam along the first lower side of the first flange. The second deck segment is joined to the second flange of the longitudinal beam along the second lower side of the second flange.

The fuselage of some aircraft is constructed with a pressure deck assembly, which is sometimes referred to as a "pressure deck" or a "horizontal pressure deck". The pressure deck assembly forms a dividing structure that divides the height of the fuselage into different compartments, for example to support the floor of a compartment (e.g., a passenger compartment, a cargo compartment, etc.), to separate a pressurized compartment (e.g., a passenger compartment, a cargo compartment, etc.) from an unpressurized compartment (e.g., a wheel well, etc.), etc. Pressure deck assemblies sometimes include longitudinal beams that extend along the length of the fuselage.
The operating environment of some aircraft calls for the fuselage to include as many corrosion resistant components as possible. However, corrosion resistant metals such as titanium can be relatively heavy, for example as compared to corrosion resistant composite materials such as carbon fiber. Accordingly, it may be less desirable to fabricate the longitudinal beams of the pressure deck assembly from corrosion resistant metals. Moreover, while some corrosion resistant composite materials are lighter than many corrosion resistant metals, the inter-laminar tension (ILT) capabilities of some corrosion resistant composite materials may be insufficient to withstand the pressure loads exerted on the pressure deck assembly during operation of the aircraft.

Longitudinal beam joint for a pressure deck assembly


A method and system schedule data for dequeuing in a communication network. The communication network includes an eligible scheduling node, a scheduling context structure, and an existence of data structure. In response to determining that an eligible scheduling node does not contain at least one child identifier in the scheduling context structure, an eligible child is selected for dequeue from the existence of data structure. At least one eligible child from the existence of data structure is absorbed into the scheduling context structure. The at least one eligible child includes the child selected for dequeue. Absorbing a child includes removing the child identifier from the existence of data queue and adding the child identifier to the scheduling context structure.

Every computer and communication network which transfers data packets must implement some form of scheduling to insure that data traffic progresses through the network at a particular rate. At any given moment, a network may have hundreds of thousands or even millions of connections containing data queues waiting for transport through the network. Some form of scheduling is required to enable network elements to process these data queues in a fair and efficient manner.
In a perfect implementation of a scheduler system, all scheduler states would be perfectly synchronized for accuracy through a multi-level scheduling hierarchy. The scheduler would instantaneously absorb bursty high bandwidth enqueues of data and changes of state injected by intervening scheduling processes. In this perfect implementation, any decision the scheduler makes would be a fair, e.g., correct, decision. However, in more typical implementations, some of the scheduler states can be out-of-date due to other intervening processes, leading to occasional academically incorrect, e.g., unfair, decisions.
A hierarchical scheduler having a computational complexity of O(1), using commonly known "big-O" notation, allows a relatively small number of data structure updates per scheduling level, per scheduling decision, e.g., typically enough to satisfy a scheduling event and a modest average enqueue rate per scheduling level. However, the scheduler may be processing hundreds of thousands (even millions) of scheduler nodes in the hierarchy. The processing order for scheduling should flow down the scheduling hierarchy and the processing order for enqueues should ideally flow up through the same hierarchy; but other processes in the system can simultaneously interact, or interfere with the scheduler state. For example, an enqueue process can generate multiple enqueue events per scheduler decision. A multicast enqueue implementation can generate multiple enqueue events per scheduler decision with a potentially bursty distribution. Additionally, an orthogonal scheduler, such as rate-based scheduling, can generate bursts of state changes to many scheduler nodes and queues per scheduler decision.
Sometimes non-O(1) algorithms are preferred due to ease of implementation, but to maintain accuracy, it could be necessary to run them at a relatively high update rate, thereby increasing processing requirements. Findings of the non O(1) algorithms may need to be merged into a primary O(1) scheduler state, which also could represent an assist or an interference. In this environment, it is very difficult for the O(1) scheduler to maintain dominance over these other intervening or interfering tasks when the other may be actually be capable of changing state more rapidly than the O(1) scheduler itself.
For example, consider a scheduler with a simple round robin scheduler implemented as a scheduling control queue ("SCQ") containing children which are currently scheduling. The scheduler transmits from the child indicated by the head element of the SCQ and then moves the head element of the SCQ to the tail of the SCQ. If there is more than one child in the SCQ the next scheduler decision will pick a different child based on the new head element in the SCQ. In a stable system with data always available, all children of the scheduler are in the SCQ and they each take their turn scheduling in a round robin transmission pattern. However, if many children of the scheduler are not eligible to transmit or have no data to transmit, they will not be present in the SCQ.
At some point, a burst of children not in the SCQ could become eligible for scheduling. The traditional solutions include designing a scheduler system which can accommodate the maximum burst rate of state changes and absorb the children into the scheduler as their state changes or queuing the burst of children with new state outside the scheduler (the queue is invisible to the scheduler) and absorbing new children into the scheduler state as quickly as possible.
The traditional implementation of designing a scheduler system which can accommodate these bursts of child state changes and absorb children into the scheduler is very difficult to implement in very complex, multi-level scheduling systems because the scheduling system tends to have a large amount of state changes per scheduler instance. Consider a scheduler with 4 levels of scheduling, such that the Level 1 ("L1") scheduler chooses one of 100 Level 2 ("L2") schedulers, the selected Level 2 scheduler chooses one of its 1000 Level 3 ("L3") schedulers, and the selected Level 3 scheduler chooses one of 8 queues to transmit data from. Because there are 100 Level 2 and 100,000 Level 3 schedulers in this system, the system is usually designed as a single circuit per scheduling level with two of the 100,100 contexts loaded into the circuits to make a decision. If the physical scheduler circuits are complex, the absorption of child state can be very difficult because it may require that a Level 3 context be loaded into the scheduler, a corresponding L2 context be loaded and then the L3/L2/L1 state being updated. This must happen in the gaps between when the scheduler is loading context to making transmission decisions.
Therefore, what is needed is a method and system for allowing a primary scheduler to control the order of importance of updates arriving from intervening processes when making scheduling decisions.

Method and system for scheduler dominated merge of state changes