An apparatus includes a vibration correction unit configured to correct an image shake occurring due to vibration, a first detection unit configured to detect an angular velocity of the vibration, a second detection unit configured to detect an acceleration of the vibration, a calculation unit configured to calculate a correction value based on the output of the first detection unit and the output of the second detection unit, an output correction unit configured to correct an output of the first detection unit based on the correction value and to change a frequency characteristic of a signal based on the output of the first detection unit to apply an apparent frequency-dependent characteristic to the correction value, and a driving unit configured to drive the vibration correction unit based on an output of the first detection unit, an output of the output correction unit, or a combined output thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image stabilization control apparatus and an imaging apparatus configured to correct or prevent an image shake or image degradation occurring due to vibration such as hand shake.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, all operations of a camera significant to shooting, such as an operation for determining the exposure and a focusing operation, are automatically performed. Accordingly, even a user who is not accustomed to using a camera may very rarely fail in photographing.
In addition, a recently marketed camera includes an image stabilization control apparatus, which includes a vibration correction unit, a driving unit, and a vibration detection unit and is configured to prevent an image shake occurring due to vibration. By using such a recent camera, a photographer may rarely fail in photographing.
An image stabilization control apparatus configured to prevent an image shake is briefly described below. The hand shake that may occur on a camera during shooting is vibration of, usually, 1 to 10 Hz frequency. To take a photograph without any image shake even when such vibration is applied to a camera when the shutter release button is pressed, it is necessary to detect the vibration applied to the camera and displace a lens for correcting an image shake (hereinafter simply referred to as a "correction lens") according to the detected value.
Therefore, to shoot an image without any image shake even when camera is vibrated, it is necessary to detect a precise level of the vibration on the camera and to correct the variation in the optical axis occurring due to the vibration. The vibration (on a camera) can be calculated, in principle, by using a vibration detection unit provided on the camera. More specifically, such a vibration detection unit detects the acceleration, the angular acceleration, the angular velocity, and the angular displacement and executes an operation on an output thereof to correct an image shake.
Under a general shooting condition, angular vibration (rotational vibration), which may occur according to the orientation of the camera, is the primary cause of the possible vibration. Therefore, a conventional camera includes an angular velocity meter only to detect vibration. In such a camera, it is intended that an image shake be suppressed by driving a vibration correction unit (e.g., a correction lens), which displaces the optical axis according to a signal from the vibration detection unit, with a driving unit.
Meanwhile, when an image is taken at a close distance (under a shooting condition in which a high imaging magnification is used), a significant image degradation due to parallel vibration, which may otherwise cause little image degradation, may occur in addition to angular vibration, which may occur due to the orientation of the camera. Under a shooting condition in which an object image is taken at such a close object distance as about 20 cm as in the case of macro photography, or if the focal length of an imaging optical system is very large (400 mm, for example) even when a sufficient object distance of 1 meter is secured, it becomes necessary to positively detect the parallel vibration and drive the vibration correction unit.
In this regard, in a method discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-225405, an acceleration meter (acceleration sensor) configured to detect an acceleration is provided to detect parallel vibration and drive a vibration correction unit according to the detected parallel vibration value and an output from an angular velocity meter, which is separately provided.
However, in the method discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.07-225405, the signal output from the ACC to be used in detecting parallel vibration may change due to disturbance noise or an environmental change such as temperature change. Accordingly, with the method discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-225405, it is difficult to correct parallel vibration with a high accuracy.

Image stabilization control apparatus and imaging apparatus


According to one embodiment, an apparatus is for use with a remote circuit. The apparatus has a first input for receiving an input voltage, a second input for receiving a power supply voltage, and a third input for receiving an input clock having a high state corresponding to the power supply voltage and a low state corresponding to a return for the power supply voltage. The apparatus includes a first shift circuit coupled to the first input and the third input, and configured to output a first output clock, the first output clock having a low state corresponding to the input voltage. The apparatus further includes a second shift circuit coupled to the first input and the first shift circuit, and configured to output a second output clock, the second output clock having a high state corresponding to the input voltage.

The present disclosure relates, in general, to electronics and, more particularly, to operational amplifiers (e.g., high voltage precision amplifiers) and level shifters for shifting reference levels of signals for driving input transfer gates.
Precision operational amplifiers may be used to perform signal conditioning (e.g., for analog sensors). In this regard, the amplifiers may perform low voltage amplification and/or bandpass filtering. Additionally, precision operational amplifiers may be used to perform high- or low-side current sensing (e.g., for power management). In this regard, the amplifiers may be included as part of a feedback loop.
In an ideal operational amplifier, a differential input signal is amplified such that the output is 0V when the input signal is 0V. However, in actual devices, an output of 0 volts may result from a non-zero differential input signal that compensates internal voltage or current offsets (mismatches). The non-zero differential input is referred to as the input offset voltage. Architectures used for reducing the input offset voltage include using a chopper amplifier architecture, an auto-zero architecture or different combinations of chopper amplifier and auto-zero architectures.

SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC


A printed circuit board apparatus, configurations and methods are presented which provide for close spacing between the HUB and multiple processors as well as a common configuration for two or four processor boards. A printed circuit board is provided with conductive apertures and portions corresponding to an efficient Packaging allowing for the attachment of the processor-chip on one side of the printed circuit board, and the HUB and other supporting electronic components on the other side of the printed circuit board. This configuration allows for the close spacing of the electrical conductors of the HUB and the processors without the limitations imposed by the physical dimensions of the respective hardware. Additionally, a symmetric packaging of the conductive apertures and portions about a centerline of the printed circuit board allows for a simple design modification to allow for a two two-processor board to be manufactured from a similarly configured four-processor board.

The present invention relates generally to the field of printed circuit boards, and, more particularly, to component packaging on a printed circuit board.
Modern high performance computers contain a number of printed circuit boards (PCB) to carry and interconnect the various integrated circuit chips and other components that make up the computer system. Computers may be configured to have one or more subsystems, each in its own right a computer, that are interconnected into a larger, greater capacity computer. Each subsystem may contain basically the same components assembled in a chassis. Within a given subsystem, there may be, among others, a processor board, a power board, and any number of secondary or daughter boards that are carried upon a support structure within the subsystem chassis. These subsystems of boards are carried in racks in the computer chassis.
Processor boards are so named as they contain one or more processors, or central processing units (CPU). The CPU is an integrated circuit (IC) chip that is considered the xe2x80x9cbrainsxe2x80x9d of the computer. The processor board serves as a communication medium for the exchange of electrical signals among the one or more attached processors and other electrical components attached to the processor board, daughter cards, and other components. The processor board is commonly referred to as a backplane, mother board, system board, or mainboard, depending on its finction and configuration.
The processor board is a printed circuit board. A PCB is a relatively thin, flat sheet structure. The PCB may be made of laminations of reinforced fiberglass or plastic and metallic interconnects which electrically link the components attached to the board.
Processor boards contain one or more processors. Some processors are actually an assembly consisting of a processor module and a power conditioning module. These assemblies are relatively large, taking up considerable surface area of the processor board. Even though the assembly""s corresponding electrical contact pins require considerably less PCB surface area, the physical dimension of the assembly requires considerable PCB surface area if attached to the PCB using conventional methods. Careful placement consideration of other components is also a factor, considering that component to component distances must be minimized.
Additionally, for a given printed circuit board size, the large processor assemblies take up considerable surface area of the board. In some cases, components which are typically attached to the PCB in close proximity to the processor, are moved to other locations on the board or moved entirely off the board onto daughter boards. As a consequence, the distances between electrical components become large which is detrimental to the performance of the system as a whole.
Another electronic component attached to the processor board is an IC chip set commonly known as the HUB. The HUB controls the computer""s electrical components such as, among others, the one or more processors, the memory, and the communication between other PCBs and to external peripherals. In the recent past, processor board configurations provided for one processor controlled by one HUB. In order to increase the performance of a computer, designers have added additional processors on a single processor board creating multiple processor computers. A limitation to a computer""s performance, among others, is caused by the distance between electrical components, and in particular, the distance between the HUB and the one or more processors. As these distances become greater, the performance of the computer is compromised.
Another consideration in computer processor board design is in the cost of manufacture. The cost of tooling and producing PCB""s of different sizes and configurations is a cost burden. The PCB designer is economically encouraged to design PCB which require a minimal amount of retooling.
There is a need in the art for a PCB configuration of the electrical components to minimize the distance between the HUB and the one or more processors. Further, there is a need for a PCB configuration such that PCB utilization of surface area is maximized for a given PCB size. Additionally, there is a need for a PCB configuration that can be economical to produce for different computer configurations using substantially the same PCB configuration, to provide for economy of manufacturing. The packaging of such assemblies requires consideration of cooling, power, mechanical placement, electrical specification and cost. The overwhelming size of the new generation of processors compared with previous generations of processors presents a unique challenge to PCB configuration and packaging.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for an improved method of PCB component configuration to address the challenges of minimizing the distance between electrical components and to relieve manufacturing cost burdens.
The above-mentioned disadvantages associated with large processors mounted on printed circuit boards, and other disadvantages, are addressed by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
New apparatus, methods and configurations are provided that allows for a minimizing interconnect distances between the HUB and the one or more processors. The configuration and methods include placing the processors on one side of the processor board and the HUB placed on the opposite side of the processor board and in close proximity to the processor electrical leads. This enables the interconnection distance between the processor leads and HUB leads to be minimized and not restricted by the physical size of the processor and HUB housings.
In particular, an illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of apertures piercing through the PCB, wherein electrical leads of electrical components may pass through and be soldered. The PCB has a top surface and a bottom surface. The pattern of apertures on either side is substantially the same as the apertures pierce through the PCB. A plurality of groupings of apertures corresponding to the electrical lead patterns of larger electronic components are provided. Specifically, two HUB-chip conductive portions are provided, each HUB-chip conductive portion adapted to receive a HUB-chip. Additionally, four processor-chip conductive portions are provided. Each processor-chip conductive portion is adapted to receive a processor-chip. Two processor-chip conductive portions are disposed on opposite sides of each HUB-chip conductive portion in a symmetrical, mirror image arrangement.
Each processor-chip conductive portion has a plurality of terminating resistor conductive portions positioned around three sides of the processor-chip conductive portion. Terminating resistor conductive portions are adapted for the attachment of terminating resistors.
Two HUB-chips, a plurality of terminating resistors, and various other electronic and mechanical components are attached to one side of the PCB. Four processor assemblies are attached to the converse side of the PCB.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the apertures and conductive portions on the left half of the PCB are a mirror image of the apertures and conductive portions on the PCB right half. In one embodiment of the invention for a PCB adapted for four processors, a plurality of electrical paths between the PCB left half and the PCB right half are provided for necessary electronic exchange.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the PCB is adapted to be severed about the junction of the left half and the right half of the PCB. The PCB does not have interconnected electrical paths between the left and right halves of the PCB, allowing for the PCB to be severed to produce two two-processor printed circuit boards.

Printed circuit board component packaging


A method and a device for twisting at least two ends of thread in order to mutually connect the at least two threads, which method comprises the steps of: providing at least two ends of thread running substantially mutually parallel and in the same direction; holding the threads fixedly at a first position at a distance from the ends of thread; rotating the ends of thread on a rotation axis running substantially parallel to the ends of thread; and reducing the distance between the first position and the ends of thread in order to create a thread twist.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for twisting at least two ends of thread in order to mutually connect the at least two threads.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the processing of, among other things, waste paper, cardboard waste etc., it is usual to press the waste into bales which can then be readily transported to for instance a paper factory, an incinerator etc. This waste may for instance consist of plastic, paper or grass.
Such bales are pressed in a bale pressing machine. The waste is tipped for this purpose into a channel, whereafter a ram displaceable in the channel compacts the waste tipped into the channel. The compacted material is subsequently carried to a tying station. It is usual at the moment to tie up the bales with steel thread. In order to mutually connect the ends of a binding thread these ends are twisted together. This possible as a result of the properties of steel thread.
In view of the changing requirements in respect of the delivery of bales to for instance incinerators, there is a resulting desire for bales to be supplied without steel thread. This is because after incineration steel thread is left behind in the ash and must then be processed separately, or the steel has an adverse effect on such bundled material for the fodder industry The drawback of the present bale-pressing machines is that they are only suitable for steel thread. Threads of other material cannot be applied in such machines.

Method and device for twisting of two ends of thread


A method for data transfer between a client system and a server comprises receiving one or more user-defined file transfer specifications and establishing a communication channel between a client system and a server system based on the file transfer specifications. The method also includes initializing transfer of operation data between the client system and the server system via the communication channel. The method further includes providing an exception notification to one or more user-designated recipients if the transfer of the operation data between the client system and the server system is inconsistent with the file transfer specifications.

Many of today's commercial and industrial work environments involve machines or other equipment systems that operate in geographical areas that are located remotely from one another and from a job-site command center. In order to monitor the health, productivity, and status of these machines, each machine may be equipped with on-board data collection devices for monitoring various aspects associated with operations of the machine. The machines may also include communication equipment for facilitating data communication between the on-board data collection devices and an off-board system, such as a computer system associated with the job-site command center. The collected data may be analyzed to diagnose health or productivity problems associated with one or more of the equipment systems.
In some work environments, particularly those that employ large numbers of machines, the volume of data received by the job-site may quickly become too cumbersome for the job-site computer system to handle. Many project managers and job-site personnel simply do not have the appropriate training to monitor and analyze the large volume of data received by the job-site computer system. To address these problems, some equipment manufacturers and dealers offer subscriber-based services that receive machine data from a plurality of job-sites in a centralized data monitoring server. The centralized data monitoring server may analyze the data received from computer systems associated with one or more job-sites. The data monitoring server may also provide diagnostic and prognostic reports summarizing the health, status, and productivity of the equipment systems to one or more project managers or business entities associated with the job-site.
Although subscriber-based diagnostic services may provide a cost-effective and reliable solution to job-site data management and reporting, the transfer of large amounts of machine data securely, reliably, and in a timely fashion can be problematic. For example, should one or more communication channels between the job-site computer system and the data monitoring server become interrupted or disabled, the data monitoring server may not receive machine data in time to diagnose and/or resolve problems associated with one or more machines. This may potentially lead to unnecessary equipment downtime and/or losses in job-site productivity. Thus, in order to enhance reliability of data transfer in machine work environments, an integrated machine data file transfer system that monitors file transfers between a sender and intended recipient, identifies potential data transfer problems, and promptly notifies the sender and recipient of any communication problems may be advantageous.
At least one data transfer system has been developed that notifies the sender and recipient of a successful data transfer procedure. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0177422 ("the '422 publication") to Tararoukhine et al. describes a file transfer and data management system that tracks the status of a document or file to be uploaded to a file transfer server. The system of the '422 publication may detect when the file has been uploaded to the file server and automatically provide an email notification of the uploaded file to the intended recipient and the sender of the file. Additionally, the system may provide an e-mail notification to the sender of the file when the intended recipient has downloaded the file from the file server.
Although conventional systems exist that provide e-mail notifications when files have been successfully transferred, they may still be insufficient. For example, conventional systems may not be equipped to monitor data transfer based on user-defined file transfer specifications, detect exceptions to data transfer specifications, and provide exception notifications if the file transfer session was not in conformance with the specifications. Thus, in order to ensure the reliable, efficient, and timely transfer of machine data between a remote job-site and a data monitoring server, an integrated, "real-time" file transfer protocol that provides an exception-based notification system may be required.
The presently disclosed system and method for remote machine data transfer is directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

System and method for remote machine data transfer


A ballast includes a drive circuit, a half-bridge inverter, a transformer, and a filter. The drive circuit is configured for generating a drive signal on receiving a power. The half-bridge inverter is configured for generating a power AC signal according to the drive signal generated by the driver. The power AC signal is fed back to the drive circuit, for determining a non-overlap time of the drive signal. The transformer is configured for generating a high frequency signal based on the power AC signal. The high frequency signal is configured for lightening a lamp, and maintaining the lightening of the lamp. The filter is used for filtering out noise in the feedback power AC signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a ballast, and more particularly relates to a ballast for a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL).
2. Description of Related Art
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are used in a variety of environments ranging from televisions to computers. Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) are common light sources used in the LCDs, because of their high brightness, low power consumption and low heat-generation.
Ballasts are used for controlling the CCFL during startup and operation. Typically, a ballast includes an oscillator, a drive circuit, a half-bridge inverter, and a resonant LC circuit. The oscillator is used for generating a series of pulses, and applying the pulses to the drive circuit. The drive circuit is configured for outputting two drive signals to the half-bridge inverter on receiving the pulses. The two drive signals are applied to two field effect transistors (FET) in the half-bridge inverter, for driving the two FETs, to be turned on alternatively. The half-bridge inverter outputs a square wave accordingly. The square wave is applied to the resonant LC circuit, thus the resonant LC circuit sends a high-level signal, for driving the CCFL to start to work.
The output of the half-bridge inverter directly depends on a non-overlapping time of the two drive signals, further affecting the startup of the CCFL. However, as the drive circuit outputs the drive signals without any feedback, it is difficult to adjust the non-overlapping time of the two drive signals, thus the non-overlapping time of the two drive signals may not be consistent with each other. Furthermore, as there are a lot of external and internal interferences and noise, the non-overlapping time becomes unstable, which causes difficulty in the starting of the CCFL.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a kind of ballast which is able to stably drive the CCFL.

Ballast for cold cathode fluorescent lamp

Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd.


A tool hard film that is to be disposed as coating on a surface of a tool, the tool hard film being a TiCrMoWV oxycarbide, oxynitride, or oxycarbonitride having a phase with a NaCl-type crystal structure as a main phase, the oxycarbide, oxynitride, or oxycarbonitride having fine crystals due to introduction of oxygen.

Surfaces of metal machining tools including cutting tools for machining a work piece by cutting such as drills and taps and rolling tools for machining a work piece by plastic deformation such as rolling taps, are coated with tool hard films for improving the abrasion resistance. TiN-based, TiAlN-based and AlCrN-based coatings are widely used for the tool hard films and improvements are achieved for further increasing the performance thereof. For example, this corresponds to a hard laminated film described in Patent Document 1. However, an oxidization property and welding resistance are still insufficient and the tool life may be reached relatively early depending on a type of work material and a cutting condition.
In this regard, a single layer cutting tool hard film made of a nitride or carbonitride of TiaCrbAlcMo1-a-b-c is proposed in Patent Document 2. It is described in Patent Document 2 that when the atom ratios are set within ranges of 0.2≦a≦0.7, 0.01≦b≦0.2, 0.01≦c≦0.2, and 0.1≦(1−a−b−c) and the total film thickness is set within a range of 0.2 μm≦total film thickness≦10.0 μm, a cutting tool hard film having both the abrasion resistance and the welding resistance is acquired.

Hard film for machining tools and hard film-coated metal machining tool

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION TOHOKU UNIVERSITY


An electronic musical instrument with which, without difficulty to a user, it is possible to reproduce and save and the like the musical tones that the user has performed and to carry this out in units having musically satisfactory breaks. For each count of one beat by a beat counter, the time information for the musical tone data that are stored at that timing is stored in a beat time information table. When a skip-back button is operated during the recording, an address having a musically satisfactory break is acquired by computation based on the time information and the storage address of the operation timing, the time information of said table, and the sampling period. Therefore, even in those cases where optimization processing of the memory has been done during the recording, there is no need to update the storage address at that time. In addition, it is possible to carry out the reproduction and saving of beat units having musically satisfactory breaks by carrying out the reproduction and the saving at the storage address units that have been acquired.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument and, in particular, to an electronic musical instrument with which it is possible for musical tones that a user has performed to be reproduced and saved in units in which the breaks are musically satisfactory.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electronic musical instruments are known which save or reproduce performance information at a specified address or at a specified time prior to the issuance of an instruction from a user who stores performance information during a specified period of time. (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Kokai) Number Hei 6-348260, the "'260 application"). In addition, electronic musical instruments are also known that are furnished with an automatic performance capability with which the musical tones that have been stored in advance are generated and automatically performed in conformance with the tempo that has been set by the user. In those cases where the user saves or reproduces the musical tones that have been performed or saves or reproduces the performance information, it is preferable that the saving or reproduction be started and ended in units in which the breaks are musically satisfactory such as units of beats or bars.
However, with the electronic musical instrument cited in the '260 application, since the starting or ending of the saving or reproduction is not done in units in which the breaks are musically satisfactory, the user must carry out the adjustment of the relevant start position or end position him or herself.


An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a main body storing portion provided at the main body, a unit attachable to the main body, a unit storing portion provided at the unit, a reading section to read first information in the unit storing portion to the main body storing portion, an updating section to update second information in the main body storing portion, a writing section to write the second information to the unit storing portion, and a determining section to determine whether the second information can be written to the unit storing portion based on the first information and the second information before writing the second information to the unit storing portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a unit of an image forming apparatus, and an information control method of an image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a background art, there is present a constitution of an image forming apparatus including an image forming main body, and a unit attachable to the image forming main body (for example, process cartridge). Further, according to such an image forming apparatus, there are provided storing portions respectively to the unit and the image forming main body, at respective predetermined timings, 1. information is read from the unit to the image forming main body, 2. the information is updated in accordance with a history of using the unit, and 3. the updated information is written to the unit. For example, according to technologies disclosed in JP-A-2000-98826, JP-A-2002-169429, in the case in which a power source of the image forming apparatus is made ON, when a main body door for making access to the unit is closed, 1. the information is read from the unit to the image forming main body, at each time of forming an image, 2. the information is updated, and when one page of an image has been finished to form or one job has been finished, 3. the updated information is written to the unit.

Image forming apparatus, unit of image forming apparatus and information control method of image forming apparatus


Clusters of quantized feature vectors are processed against each other using a threshold distance value to cluster mean values of sets of parameters contained in speaker specific codebooks to form classes of speakers against which feature vectors computed from an arbitrary input speech signal can be compared to identify a speaker class. The number of codebooks considered in the comparison may be thus reduced to limit mixture elements which engender ambiguity and reduce system response speed when the speaker population becomes large. A speaker class processing model which is speaker independent within the class may be trained on one or more members of the class and selected for implementation in a speech recognition processor in accordance with the speaker class recognized to further improve speech recognition to level comparable to that of a speaker dependent model. Formation of speaker classes can be supervised by identification of groups of speakers to be included in the class and the speaker class dependent model trained on members of a respective group.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to speech and speaker recognition systems and, more particularly, to speech recognition systems supplemented by a speaker recognition system and including signal processing model substitution for use by a potentially large number of speakers.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many electronic devices require input from a user in order to convey to the device particular information required to determine or perform a desired function or, in a trivially simple case, when a desired function is to be performed as would be indicated by, for example, activation of an on/off switch. When multiple different inputs are possible, a keyboard comprising an array of two or more switches has been the input device of choice in recent years.
However, keyboards of any type have inherent disadvantages. Most evidently, keyboards include a plurality of distributed actuable areas, each generally including moving parts subject to wear and damage and which must be sized to be actuated by a portion of the body unless a stylus or other separate mechanical expedient is employed. Accordingly, in many types of devices, such as input panels for security systems and electronic calculators, the size of the device is often determined by the dimensions of the keypad rather than the electronic contents of the housing. Additionally, numerous keystrokes may be required (e.g. to specify an operation, enter a security code, personal identification number (PIN), etc.) which slows operation and increases the possibility that erroneous actuation may occur. Therefore, use of a keyboard or other manually manipulated input structure requires action which is not optimally natural or expeditious for the user.
In an effort to provide a more naturally usable, convenient and rapid interface and to increase the capabilities thereof, numerous approaches to voice or sound detection and recognition systems have been proposed and implemented with some degree of success. However, variations in acoustic signals, even from a single speaker, which may represent a command, present substantial signal processing difficulties and present the possibility of errors or ambiguity of command understanding by the system which may only be partially avoided by substantial increase of processing complexity and increase of response time.
For example, a simple voice actuated system which relies on template matching of the acoustical content of an utterance theoretically requires a particular word or phrase to be input for each command which can be used by each enrolled (e.g. authorized) user. Therefore, even a moderate number of recognizable commands for each of a moderate number of users can require comparison with a very large number of templates while not guaranteeing successful or accurate voice recognition due to variation of the acoustical signal each time a command may be uttered. Conversely, a speaker independent system would only require enrollment of commands to be recognized and a correspondingly reduced number of template comparisons but accuracy of command recognition or understanding by the system would be severely compromised by additional variation of acoustical signals from speaker to speaker. In continuous speech recognition using Hidden Markov Models (HMM), the speech is usually characterized by a large number of lefemes (portions of phones in a given left and right context). The recognition of an utterance involves aligning the utterance against different hypotheses and computing the likelihood of each hypothesis. In this context, the stochastic distribution of acoustic feature vectors corresponding to each lefeme must be properly modeled. What was said for template matching remains applicable to each lefeme: speaker dependent systems present less variability than speaker independent systems which must account, at the lefeme level, for not only intra-speaker variations but inter-speaker variations as well.
Accordingly, it can be understood that while improved performance can be expected from a speaker dependent system, such improved performance has heretofore only been achieved at the expense of greater processing complexity and memory requirements when the speaker population becomes large. In other words while it is possible to build a speaker dependent model for a small number of users, such a process cannot, as a practical matter, be repeated indefinitely as the speaker population size increases.
That is, as an incident of modelling a lefeme of a speaker, the signal components which represent corresponding acoustic components of the lefeme will have some statistical distribution of parameters (e.g. spectral content, cepstral vector, etc., each having a mean, variance and a weight) even for a single speaker and a single utterance. In general, intra-speaker variability of the acoustic vectors associated to the same lefeme are usually smaller than inter-speaker variability.
Accordingly, when modelling the probability distribution of the likelihood that a particular parameter will, in combination with other parameters, correspond to a particular lefeme, must be modelled as a sum of overlapping distributions (e.g. Gaussian distributions), referred to as mixture components which take into account intra-speaker and inter-speaker signal variations in the system.
As will be readily understood, the sum of non-coincident distributions tends to widen the distribution (e.g. increase the variance) of the resulting distribution reflecting such a sum. Thus, as the number of speakers increases the number of mixture components of a signal, the definition of states of the parameters corresponding to a speaker and/or an utterance degrades.
In systems which rely on matching of templates or any other type of representation of acoustic signals, the increasing variances thus developed tends to cause ambiguity in the matching process. This problem may be compounded in speech recognition systems which are supplemented by speaker recognition and use of speaker dependent signal processing models since lack of success in speaker recognition may prevent the application of any speaker dependent model while an incorrect model may be used if an incorrect speaker is identified. Thus, there is a need to resolve the disadvantages between speaker-dependent and speaker-independent speech recognition systems which have heretofore been considered as mutually exclusive.

Speech recognition using thresholded speaker class model selection or model adaptation

International Business Machines Corporation


Circuits and methods for determining component ratios are provided. An analog to digital converter circuit may include comparison capacitors arranged in an upper group and a lower group for quantizing analog signals into the digital domain. In addition to determining the lower bits during an analog to digital conversion of an input sample, the lower group of comparison capacitors may also be used during calibration mode to quantize a ratio signal that represents the capacitor mismatches of the upper group rather than using a dedicated digital-to-analog converter to perform this function.

The invention relates to component ratio determination. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for determining component ratios and the application of correction factors in sampling systems.
Although real world signals are analog, it is often desirable to convert them into the digital domain using analog to digital converters (ADCs). Circuit designers are motivated to perform this conversion because of the efficient methods currently available for the transmission, storage and manipulation of digital signals. A digital representation of an audio signal, for example, allows a CD player to achieve virtually error free storage using optical discs. The need for complicated signal processing may also necessitate analog-to-digital conversion because such signal processing is only feasible in the digital domain using either digital computers or special purpose digital signal processors. Signal processing in the digital domain is also particularly useful in such areas as biomedical applications to provide the required accuracy for such tasks such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In operation, an analog to digital converter acquires a representative analog signal (a "sample") and compares that sampled signal to a reference level in order to quantize the sampled signal into the digital domain. For example, a sampled analog input signal may be compared in succession to multiple different voltage levels which are based in part on the reference level. The outcome of these comparisons is used to create a digital word which represents the digital value of the sampled analog signal. Such converters are known in the art as Successive Approximation Register converters (SARs).
One popular type of SAR is the charge redistribution SAR which uses a charge-scaling digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to sum the sampled analog input signal with preset fractions of the reference level. This is typically implemented using an array of individually switched, binary-weighted capacitors which combine to produce the preset fractions of the reference level. The sum of the input signal and the preset fractions of the reference level are successively compared to a preset level (e.g., ground) to produce comparison bits until the resolution limit of the converter is reached.
In order for the ADC described above to operate with the desired precision, its capacitors must be properly proportioned with respect to one another or conversion errors occur. The ADC relies on precise proportioning ratios in order to produce the preset fractions of the reference level with sufficient accuracy to ensure meaningful and accurate conversion of the sampled analog input signal. For example, in many ADCs it is common for comparison capacitors to be connected with one common terminal and arranged in descending order, with each subsequent capacitor having a value of half of the preceding larger capacitor. Each capacitor typically has a unique terminal that is selectively connected to one of two terminals of a reference level source and forms a voltage divider with the other comparison capacitors.
This causes a preset fraction of the reference level to develop on the common terminal of the comparison capacitors, which is summed with the sampled analog input signal. The common terminal of the comparison capacitors is then connected to a comparator which provides a digital output based on the comparison of the summed value to the known value.
Nevertheless, when capacitor values vary due to imprecision associated with manufacturing tolerances, the voltage divider ratios are adversely affected, introducing errors in the preset fractions of the reference level. This, in turn, introduces errors in the digital quantization process.
In view of this known problem, numerous schemes have been proposed that correct this conversion error. One known solution involves the use of trim tables that compensate for errors or "mismatches" in comparison capacitors during the conversion process. This is generally accomplished by providing a trim table that includes compensation values which are added to, or subtracted from, the summed voltage to correct for any errors in the applied fractional reference level due to capacitance mismatch (i.e. to compensate for the incorrect amount of charge provided by the improperly proportioned capacitors).
Such trim tables are populated with values that may be determined during a calibration phase and are based on comparisons of the generated digital representations, which are converted back to analog, with the original sampled analog input signal. This approach requires the use of another dedicated DAC circuit, such as a sub-DAC, that converts the digital trim table entries back to the analog domain for subsequent combination with the summed signal during the conversion process to provide the compensation necessary to correct for capacitor imprecision.
This type of architecture, however, suffers from several drawbacks. For example, the dedicated DAC circuit of these prior art systems are exposed to processing gradients, package stress and other factors which may differ significantly from those of the primary measurement DAC, which may introduce correction factor errors. Additionally, valuable die space must be devoted to the dedicated DAC, which has no purpose other than to perform the calibration function.
Furthermore, in such systems, the application of one or more trim table correction factors occurs during the actual analog to digital conversion process itself. That is, every time a bit is tested against the sampled analog input signal, the dedicated DAC provides charge that adjusts the weight of the bit under test to the desired weight. Thus, the dedicated DAC is perpetually active during the conversion, constantly switching charge in and out for every bit test. This type of calibration during conversion may be referred to as "in-the-loop" calibration.
The constant capacitive switching associated with this in-the-loop calibration approach introduces noise in the system, adversely affecting the analog portions of the circuit, and undesirably imposes a significant switching load on the reference source, both of which may degrade circuit performance.
Thus, in view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods that overcome these and other drawbacks of the prior art.

Systems and methods for characterizing component ratios and generating a digital representation of same


A method and an apparatus are disclosed for current limiting, as is a switchgear assembly having an apparatus such as this. Liquid metal is passed along a resistance element for the current limiting path, in order to achieve current limiting without any arcs for network-dependent short-circuit currents. Exemplary embodiments relate, inter alia, to: an electrical resistance, which rises non-linearly in the movement direction of the liquid metal for a soft current limiting characteristic, a resistance element in the form of a dielectric matrix having channels for the liquid metal, and a combined current limiter circuit breaker. Advantages are, inter alia, reversible current limiting and possibly current disconnection without arcs, also suitable for high voltages and currents, fast reaction times, low wear, and maintenance-friendliness.

DE 199 03 939 A1 discloses a self-recovering current limiting device with liquid metal. A pressure-resistant insulating housing is arranged between two solid metal electrodes, in which housing liquid metal is arranged in compressor areas and in connecting channels which are located between them and connect the compressor areas, thus resulting in a current path for nominal currents between the solid electrodes. The current path in the connecting channels is narrower than in the compressor areas. The connecting channels are severely heated when short-circuit currents occur, and emit a gas. Avalanche-like gas bubble formation in the connecting channels results in the liquid metal vaporizing into the compressor areas, so that a flow-limiiting arc is struck in the connecting channels, in which there is now no liquid metal. Once the overcurrent has decayed, the liquid metal can condense again, and the current path is ready to operate again.
WO 00/77811 discloses a development of the self-recovering current limiting device.
The connecting channels broaden conically upwards so that the filling level of the liquid metal can be varied, and the rated current carrying capacity can be changed over a wide range. Furthermore, the offset arrangement of the connecting channels results in the formation of a meandering current path, so that a series of current-limiting arcs are struck when the liquid metal vaporizes as a result of overcurrents. Pinch effect current limiters such as these require a very stable design in terms of pressure and temperature, which involves a complex design. The use of arcs for current limiting results in high wear in the interior of the current limiter, and erosion residues can contaminate the liquid metal. The recondensation of the liquid metal immediately after a short circuit results in a conductive state again, so that no disconnected state is provided.
DE 40 12 385 A1 discloses a current-controlled disconnection apparatus whose functional principle is based on the pinch effect with liquid metal. A single, narrow channel that is filled with liquid metal is arranged between two solid metal electrodes. When an overcurrent occurs, the liquid conductor is drawn together by the pinch effect as a result of the electromagnetic force, so that the current itself constricts the liquid conductor, and disconnects it. The displaced liquid metal is gathered in a supply container, and flows back again after the overcurrent event. The contacts are disconnected without any arcs. However, the device is suitable for only relatively small currents, low voltages and slow disconnection times, and does not offer a permanent disconnected state.
DE 26 52 506 discloses an electric heavy-current switch with liquid metal. On the one hand, a liquid metal mixture is used in order to wet the solid metal electrodes and in order to reduce the contact resistance. In this case, the liquid metal is driven by mechanical displacement, for example by moving contacts or pneumatically driven plunger-type pistons, against the force of gravity into the contact gap. The liquid metal can additionally be stabilized and held fixed in the contact gap by a pinching effect, on the basis of which a current-carrying conductor experiences radial striction as a result of the current flowing through it. External magnetic fields and stray magnetic fluxes, for example resulting from the electrical power supplies, can cause flow instabilities in the liquid metal and are shielded, and may be permitted during disconnection in order to assist the quenching of the arc in the liquid metal. This has the disadvantage that gradual current limiting is not possible, and arcs between the solid electrodes cause oxidation in the liquid metal. The design of the heavy-current switch includes seals for liquid metal, inert gas or a vacuum, and is correspondingly complex.
GB 1 206 786 discloses an electrical heavy-current switch based on liquid metal as claimed in the precharacterizing clause of the independent claims. In a first position, the liquid metal forms a first current path for the operating current and is passed along a resistance element during current switching, and is moved to a second position in which it is connected in series with the resistance element and reduces the current to a small fraction. The heavy-current switch is designed to produce high-intensity current pulses in the megaampere and submillisecond range for plasma generation.

Method and apparatus for current limiting by means of a liquid metal current limiter


A method of manufacturing an optical film includes: providing a template; coating an aluminum film on one surface of the template; electrolyzing the aluminum film and generating a plurality of regular microstructures on the aluminum film; providing a substrate; transferring the microstructures of the template to the substrate to form a plurality of microstructures on the substrate; and modifying the surfaces of the microstructures of the substrate to obtain a layer containing hydrophobic functional groups on the surfaces of the microstructures of the substrate.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an optical film and a method of manufacturing an optical film which has anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is very important to reduce reflection of optoelectronic devices so as to improve the utilization efficiency of light. Multilayer anti-reflective films are used to achieve anti-reflective effect, but the cost of the multilayer anti-reflective film is high and the bond between the layers of the multilayer anti-reflective film is weak. Furthermore, the multiplayer anti-reflective film cannot be self-cleaning and may be dirty after a period of time.
Therefore, what is needed is an optical film and a method of manufacturing an optical film having both anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties which can overcome the above mentioned shortcomings.

Optical film and method for manufacturing the same


The disclosed computer-implemented method for system recovery from a system user interface process malfunction may include (i) determining that a system user interface (UI) process is executing on the computing device, (ii) determining that a message indicating a malfunction of the system UI process is displayed on the computing device, (iii) identifying a mobile application that was executing on the computing device at a time of the malfunction of the system UI process, and (iv) in response to identifying the mobile application that was executing at the time of the malfunction of the system UI process, performing a security action for recovery from the malfunction of the system UI process. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

In the digital age, people may rely on their digital devices for a wide variety of activities, such as to communicate with others (e.g., email, calls, text messages, etc.), to create content, and/or manage activities. If the digital device suffers a malfunction that causes the device to become inoperable, the productivity of the user may be disrupted. In some cases, such malfunctions may occur without a clear path to recovery, especially if only a vague message regarding the occurrence of the malfunction is displayed on the digital device without recommendations for how to resolve the malfunction. In some instances, users may need to restart their device, but this may only be a temporary solution, as the malfunction may occur again. In some instances, such malfunctions may be caused by installing updates to the operating system and/or third-party applications of the device. Existing solutions for such errors may include requesting the user to perform a factory reset for the computing device or uninstalling application updates, which may not resolve the issue that caused the malfunction. Additionally, such solutions may not be presented to the user through the computing device, but rather through other communication channels, such as Frequently Asked Questions on a technical support website, or the like, which may not be readily available to the user of the inoperable device. The instant disclosure, therefore, identifies and addresses a need for systems and methods for system recovery from a system user interface process malfunction.

Systems and methods for system recovery from a system user interface process malfunction


The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a recombinant polyclonal protein composition, in particular a recombinant polyclonal antibody composition. The method comprises obtaining a collection of cells transfected with a library of variant nucleic acid sequences, wherein each call in the collection is transfected with and capable of expressing one member of the library, which encodes a distinct member of a polyclonal protein that binds a particular antigen and which is located at the same single site in the genome of individual cells in said collection, wherein said nucleic acid sequence is not naturally associated with said cell in the collection. The cells are cultured under suitable conditions for expression of the polyclonal protein, which is obtained from the cells or culture supernatant. The present method is suitable for manufacturing recombinant polyclonal antibodies, thereby making available a superior replacement of plasma-derived therapeutic immunoglobulin products.

A number of infectious diseases and cancers lacks efficient therapies. Monoclonal antibodies have generally not been successful against these targets, partly due to variability of the complex targets and adaptive mutations of target proteins causing immune escape from monoclonal antibody recognition. Polyclonal antibodies on the other hand are able to target a plurality of dynamic targets, e.g., on viruses or cancer cells. Also, polyclonal antibodies have the highest probability of retaining activity in the event of antigenic mutation.
Different commercially available polyclonal antibody therapeutics exist including: 1) normal human immunoglobulin isolated from the blood of normal human donors; 2) human hyperimmune immunoglobulin derived from the blood of individual human donors carrying antibodies against a particular disease target, e.g., a virus, which they previously have encountered either through infection or vaccination; and 3) animal hyperimmune immunoglobulin derived from the blood of immunized animals.
Immunoglobulin purified from human blood has proved effective against infections with hepatitis B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, cytomegalovirus and other herpes viruses, rabies virus, botulinum toxin, etc, as well as in the neonatal rhesus D prophylaxis. Immunoglobulin purified from the blood of rabbits immunized with human T cells is used to afford T cell immunosuppression in the treatment or prevention of transplant rejection (e.g., Thymoglobulin). Normal human immunoglobulin has been utilized to boost the immune system of immunodeficient patients, as well as in the therapy of various autoimmune disorders.
Nevertheless, widespread immunoglobulin use has been limited due to the constrained supply of donor blood raw material, problems with batch-to-batch variations, and variable safety. Animal-derived immunoglobulins in particular are faced with the same problems of immunogenicity as was observed for animal-derived monoclonal antibodies in the 1980s and 1990s. Finally, as with other blood products, the risk of transmission of infectious agents such as HIV, herpes or hepatitis viruses or prions remains. Accordingly, while clinicians acknowledge that polyclonal antibodies are a preferred therapeutic in some situations, their use has been very limited.
New approaches to generate human immunoglobulins arose with the transgenic animal techniques. Transgenic mice carrying human immunoglobulin loci have been created (U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,166). These mice produce fully human immunoglobulins, and antibodies against a specific target can be raised by usual immunization techniques. However, larger antibody yields are limited because of the relatively small size of mice. Larger animals have also been made transgenic for the human immunoglobulin genes, e.g., cows, sheep, rabbits, and chickens (Kurolwa, Y. et al. Nature Biotechnology; 2002; 20: 889-893). However, producing polyclonal antibodies for therapy from the blood of such animals is not without complications. First, the immunophysiology of the animal and humans may display considerable differences, causing a difference in the resulting immune repertoire, functional rearrangement, and diversity of the antibody response. Second, mitotic instability of the introduced immunoglobulin loci might influence the long-term production of antibodies. Third, it is technically challenging to delete the animal's own immunoglobulin loci so that e.g., the animal antibody production will not exceed the production of human antibody. Fourth, the risk of transmission of infectious agents such as viruses, prions or other pathogens accompanies the administration of human antibodies produced in animals.
Accordingly, there is a need for manufacturing technologies for producing recombinant polyclonal proteins, such as antibodies, in sufficiently large amounts and with minimal batch-to-batch variations for safe clinical uses. Efficient methods for manufacturing homogenous recombinant proteins using eukaryotic (in particular mammalian) expression cell lines have been developed for the production of a variety of proteins including monoclonal antibodies, interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factor, coagulation factors VII, VIII and IX. Many of these techniques are based on transfection and random integration of the gene of interest into the genome of the expression cell line followed by selection, amplification, and characterization of a high-producer expression clone and propagation of this clone as a master expression cell line.
The expression of an inserted foreign gene may be influenced by "position effects" from surrounding genomic DNA. In many cases, the gene is inserted into sites where the position effects are strong enough to inhibit the synthesis of the product of the introduced gene. Furthermore, the expression is often unstable due to silencing mechanisms (i.e. methylation) imposed by the surrounding chromosomal host DNA.
Systems allowing integration and expression of a gene of interest in mammalian cells at a specific genomic location have been developed for the expression of a homogenous recombinant protein composition (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,959,317 and 5,654,182; WO 98/41645; WO 01/07572). WO 98/41645 describes the site-specific integration for production of a mammalian cell line that secretes, for example, antibody. However, this expression is monoclonal and there is no indication that transfections could be done with a library of vectors. Nor are there any suggestions how to maintain the original diversity generated by specific VH-VL combinations in a library.

Method for manufacturing recombinant polyclonal proteins


An apparatus, a system and a method secure and/or display a device on a fixture. Additionally, the apparatus, the system and the method attach and/or secure the device and/or a detachable means of the device to the fixture. A housing and/or a cable connects the device and/or the detachable means of the device to an alarm box and/or an alarm board. The housing has an optical sensor and/or a sensor board with a micro-controller and/or a resistor in communication with the micro-controller. The alarm box and/or the alarm board is in communication with an optical sensor and/or the micro-controller via a cable. A power source is in communication with the micro-controller via the cable to control a voltage which delivers from the power source to the device. Furthermore, the cable extends outward with respect to the fixture and/or a retracting means which allows the device and/or the detachable element of the device to be manipulated and/or to be examined by a customer and/or a user.

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or for displaying a device on a fixture. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or for displaying a portable electronic device, such as, for example, a camera, a camcorder, a digital camera, a digital music player, a video game, a digital video player, a digital video recorder, a personal data assistant (hereinafter "a PDA"), a cellular telephone and/or the like. The apparatus, the system and the method for securing and/or for displaying the device on the fixture may be utilized to prevent theft of and/or destruction of the device. The device may be a portable electronic device which may be, for example, displayed for sale by a retailer, a wholesaler and/or the like.
The apparatus, the system and the method for securing and/or for displaying the device on the fixture may have a housing attached to the device. A sensor board and/or an optical sensor may be contained within the housing. The sensor board may have a first micro-controller and/or the first micro-controller may be in communication with an optical sensor. The sensor board may be connected to an alarm box, an alarm board and/or a power source. Further, the alarm box and/or the alarm board may be in communication with the optical sensor on the sensor board and/or an external sensor via a cable. The optical sensor may monitor and/or may detect detachment of the device from the sensor board and/or the housing. Alternatively, the optical sensor may detect an attempt to separate the device from the sensor board and/or the housing. As a result, the alarm box may be activated and/or an audio signal may be produced. The external sensor may detect detachment of a detachable element of the device.
The sensor board may have a resistor thereon and/or the resistor may be in communication with the device and/or the second micro-controller on the sensor board. The power source may be in communication with and/or may be controlled by the second micro-controller on the sensor board via the cable. The second micro-controller and/or the resistor may control a voltage from the power source to the device. Moreover, the sensor board may have a first light emitting diode (hereinafter "LED") may indicate that the device is secured to the housing and/or may indicate that the detachable element of the device is secured to the housing. A second LED may indicate that the voltage is provided to the device.
It is generally known, for example, that vendors, retailers and/or wholesalers may display a device to a customer at, for example, a retail store and/or sales facility. The device is a camera, a digital camera, a portable compact disc player, a PDA and/or a cellular telephone. The device may have a detachable element, such as, for example, a camera lens, an ear piece, head phones, a head set, a wireless head set, a battery, a speaker, a case to hold the device therein and/or the like. The device is traditionally displayed in conjunction with a fixture, such as, for example, a cabinet, a table, a wall, a column, a shelf and/or the like. A cable attaches the device to the fixture. The device is secured to the fixture by the cable. Often, the cable is not durable to prevent breaking and/or allows the device to be easily separated from the fixture.
An alarm system is often provided that attaches to the device. An attaching means is utilized to secure the device to the alarm system and/or the fixture. However, the attaching means and/or the device may be manipulated by an individual attempting to steal and/or to damage the device. The device may be separated from the alarm system and/or the attaching means by the individual. As a result, the individual may steal and/or may damage the device. Moreover, the detachable element of the device is not secured by the alarm system and/or the attaching means. As a result, the individual may steal and/or may damage the detachable element.
Often, a second cable is required to attach the alarm system to the device. A third cable, such as, for example, a power cable is connected to the device to supply a voltage to the device. Each device requires a specific voltage, such as, for example, five volts to operate without damaging the device. Often, the power cable contains pairs of electrical wires which attach directly to the device. However, each pair of electrical wire is only capable of delivering a single voltage, such as, for example, five volts. Therefore, only one pair of electrical wires provide the specific voltage required by the device. As a result, different pairs of electrical wires must be provided and/or utilized with each device which requires a different voltage, such as, for example, seven volts. Having to attach a different pair of wires to each device is inconvenient and/or is burdensome.
Furthermore, the cables which secure the device often prevent a customer and/or a user from manipulating and/or examining the device. The device is often fixed to a surface of the fixture or the cable attaching the device to the fixture has a length which is not adjustable. Accordingly, the customer and/or the user may not be able to pick up and/or to move the device to examine the device, such as, to examine various characteristics of the device for example, the weight, the texture, the feel, the configuration of the device and/or the like. A longer cable incorporated with the device and/or the fixture allows the customer and/or the user to examine the device. However, the longer cable is impractical and/or tangles with other cables and/or the device or other devices. Furthermore, the customers and/or the user having disabilities are prevented from moving the device to a location which allows for examination and/or inspection of the device.
A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or for displaying the device on the fixture. Additionally, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or displaying the device on the fixture which may provide mechanical security and electrical security to the device and/or the detachable element of the device. Further, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or displaying the device on the fixture which may visibly indicate that the device and/or the detachable element of the device is mechanically secured and/or is electrically secured. Still further, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or displaying the device on the fixture which may utilize a retracting means to adjust a length of the cable. Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or displaying the device on the fixture which may trigger an alarm when the device and/or the detachable element of the device is separated from the alarm box and/or the housing. Furthermore, a need exists for an apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or displaying the device on the fixture which may utilize a micro-controller and/or a resistor to provide a voltage from a power source to the device corresponding to a required operational voltage of the device.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Apparatus, a system and a method for securing and/or for displaying a device on a fixture


The present invention relates to a dental implant device. A fixture is provided with an abutment coupler at the upper portion of a commercialized fixture type. The abutment coupler has a female screw formed inside, and is formed at the lower portion with an implant screw. An abutment is formed at the lower portion with a first coupler and at the upper portion with a second coupler. The first coupler is coupled to the abutment coupler, and provided with a first sleeve resting groove on the outer circumferential surface of the second coupler. A solid screw is formed at the lower portion with a coupling screw and at the upper portion with a head. The head has a second sleeve resting groove formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof, in which sleeves formed inside an artificial tooth crown are press-fittingly coupled to the first and the second sleeve resting grooves.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dental implant device and a correction device therefor. More specifically, the invention relates to a dental implant device, in which the sleeve of an artificial tooth crown is coupled to the sleeve resting grooves formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of an abutment and a solid screw, the abutment and the solid screw coupled to a fixture implanted into an edentulous site of a jawbone, so that a screw-loosening problem can be prevented. The invention also relates to a correction device used for the dental implant device, which allows the exact locations of the abutment and the solid screw in an oral cavity to be transferred to a working model.
2. Background of the Related Art
In general, a dental implant is a substitute itself for a lost natural tooth, or a dental operation, in which a screw shape fixture is secured to the jawbone and fused with the jawbone for a predetermined period of time, and then an abutment, i.e. a coupling part, and a prosthesis such as an artificial tooth crown are fixed to the fixture so as to restore the original function of a tooth.
An example of the dental implant described above is "Dental Implant Structure", Korean Patent Application No. 2002-0027055, filed by the present inventor.
FIG. 1 shows a structure of a conventional dental implant.
As shown in FIG. 1, the dental implant comprises: a fixture 1 having a screw coupling hole 1a formed at the inside thereof along the central axis thereof by a predetermined depth, the fixture being opened at the upper end thereof, and a threaded screw 1b formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof; an abutment 2 coupled to the upper end of the fixture 1 and having a locking slit 2a formed at the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface thereof; a screw 3 coupled to the screw coupling hole 1a of the fixture 1 through the abutment 2 and having a sleeve inserting groove 3a formed at the upper portion thereof to be connected to the locking slit 2a of the abutment 2; and a locking sleeve 4 or a general screw 3b, the sleeve fitted into both the locking slit 2a of the abutment 2 and the sleeve inserting groove 3a of the screw 3.
In addition, a coupling part 1c of a polygonal shape is formed at the upper end of the fixture 1 and a corresponding recess part 2b is formed at the lower end of the abutment 2, such that the coupling part 1c and the recess part 2b are coupled to each other, thereby preventing rotation of the abutment 2 when the abutment 2 is coupled to the fixture 1.
In addition, an artificial tooth crown coupled to the outside of the abutment 2 is set up through the following steps which are not described in the conventional application.
FIGS. 2 to 6 show a conventional operation process of a dental implant.
First, the fixture 1 is implanted into an edentulous site of a jawbone and firmly coupled to the jawbone in 6 months or so if the jawbone is in the upper jaw, whereas 4 months or so are required if it is in the lower jaw. (refer to FIG. 2)
With the fixture 1 being firmly fixed as above, a dental analog 5 is coupled to the fixture 1 and an impression 6 is taken. (refer to FIG. 3)
With the impression 6 being taken, a wrap analog 7 is coupled to the dental analog 5 which is embedded in the impression 6, and with a silicon 8 of a gum shape being coupled to the impression 6, a working model 9 is formed by filling plaster. (refer to FIG. 4)
With the working model 9 being formed as above, the impression 6 is separated, and the work is performed with the crown 10 being fixed to the working model 9.
At this point, with the abutment and the screw being coupled to the wrap analog 7 which is fitted into the working model 9, the crown 10 is coupled. (refer to FIG. 5)
Then, with the abutment 2, the screw 3, and the locking sleeve 4 being coupled to the fixture 1 inside an oral cavity, the crown 10 is fixed to the outside of the abutment 2. At this point, cement is used to bond the abutment 2 and the crown 10. (refer to FIG. 6)
However, a conventional implant structure has problems described below.
First, in a conventional operation procedure using a screw, the crown 10 cannot be free from the screw-loosening problem.
Second, since the a thread of the conventional implant fixture 1 is connected to an inner screw, due to the mechanical tolerance between the thread of the fixture 1 and the dental analog 5, the tolerance made during the process of transferring to the working model 9, the crown 10 manufactured at the working model 9 does not fit inside the oral cavity.
Third, conventionally, since the abutment 2 and the crown 10 are bonded by cement, when the screw comes loose, the crown 10 must be broken to tighten the screw again, and, furthermore, the screw-loosening problem occurs again.

Dental implant device and correction device therefor


A downhole pump is provided having characteristics that permit it to be installed in a subterranean well in order to pump well fluids at a substantial pressure to operate a downhole tool, such as an inflatable packer. The pump is mechanically driven by motors whose diameter permits insertion through the well and whose output characteristics are suitable for driving the pump means. A single mounting bracket supports the motors in a housing and prevents counter rotation of the motor stators. The motors are immersed in a clean fluid inserted at the well surface and the clean fluid is maintained at the well hydrostatic pressure by a compensating piston.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a motor and pump construction preferably dimensioned to permit the insertion of the motor and pump unit through a previously installed tubing string in a subterranean well. The pump is utilized to pump well fluids for the operation of a downhole tool, such as an inflatable packer.
2. Summary of the Prior Art
Inflatable packers which are operable by well fluids pressurized by a downhole motor driven pump have been previously disclosed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,681,706 to POTTORF and 2,839,142 to HUBER. While each of these patents disclose a motor and pump unit which is insertable into a well through a previously installed casing and operates to pump well fluids to expand an inflatable packer, these prior art references furnish no information as to the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the motor that are required to effect an efficient operation of the downhole pump.
Conventional motors available in the market place are not designed to withstand the high temperature--high pressure environment encountered in subterranean wells at depths in excess of 10,000 ft. Such motors must be able to drive pumps to supply well fluids as the activating fluid for a down hole well tool, such as an inflatable packer. Such motors must be able to generate sufficient power to drive the pump means to produce a desired flow rate and overcome pressure differentials encountered in such well operations.
It is, accordingly, an object of this invention to provide an electric motor driven pumping unit preferably capable of being inserted through a previously installed tubing string which will function to efficiently pressurize well fluids for the operation of a downhole tool, such as an inflatable packer.


A table for use in an office-type environment includes a height-adjustable work surface and an article-supportive surround which extends upwardly from a rear edge of the work surface. The work surface is horizontally enlarged and slopes upwardly away from the front edge thereof to facilitate the storage and organization of documents. Also, the article-supportive surround is formed from three vertically adjacent but horizontally offset shelves which provide additional area for the storage of documents in a readily viewable upright position.

Most offices include conventional work surfaces such as tables and desks for supporting papers and the like as they are being used. However, for jobs or projects which have a large volume of papers, conventional work surfaces typically provide limited table or desk top space. This limited space can make it more difficult to manage or control a large amount of papers or documents as they are being used. More specifically, the worker typically has a limited amount of space in which to spread out and display the documents which can make it more difficult to sort and organize the documents. Further, even when the documents are spread out on the work surface, those documents that are stored in the areas of the work surface located farthest away from the worker typically are more difficult to access and view.
It is an object of the invention, therefore, to provide a work station which overcomes many of the difficulties of conventional work surfaces associated with displaying and accessing documents thereon.
This invention relates to a table having an increased surface display area which facilitates the display and organization of the documents being used by a worker, i.e. the worker's work-in-progress. The work station of the invention includes a horizontally enlarged work surface and an article-supportive surround extending upwardly therefrom which more effectively displays the work-in-progress.
More particularly, the work surface is horizontally enlarged so as to provide an area for writing and supporting documents thereon. Preferably, the work surface slopes upwardly away from the user seated at the table so as to store documents thereon at an inclined angle which makes it easier to review and locate the documents.
The article-supportive surround extends sidewardly along the entire back edge of the work surface, and extends upwardly therefrom. In particular, the article-supportive surround defines a plurality and preferably three shelves which are vertically joined together but are horizontally offset. Each shelf includes a bottom wall which extends generally rearwardly and an upright wall which extends upwardly at an inclined angle so as to store papers in an upwardly inclined position. Thus, documents can be readily stored on the shelves.
The article-supportive surround preferably is formed of a rigid open frame connected to the work surface and a flexible mesh or screen which covers the frame and defines the bottom and upright walls of the shelves. The screen not only is light in weight but also facilitates the flow of air and light therethrough.
Accordingly, with this table, a worker can work thereat while being able to readily store, see and access documents located either on the work surface or the article-supportive surround. The table thereby makes it easier for a worker to organize his or her work-in-progress.
Other objects and purposes of the invention, and variations thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.


A wireless receiver includes a radio frequency (RF) receiving unit and a baseband receiving unit. A first path of the RF receiving includes a first filter, and is arranged for receiving an input RF signal and generating a first baseband input signal; a second path is arranged for receiving the input RF signal and generating a second baseband input signal. The baseband receiving unit is arranged for receiving the first baseband input signal and the second baseband input signal to generate a baseband decoded signal. One of the first path and the second path is an in-phase path, and the other is a quadrature-phase path. When the RF receiving unit operates in a first mode, the RF receiving unit only uses the first path to receive the input RF signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The disclosed embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless receiver, and more particularly, to a wireless receiver and related wireless receiving method capable of switching between a single radio frequency (RF) receiving path and a double RF receiving path.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A wireless receiver, such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) receiver, a Ling-Term Evolution (LTE) receiver, or a Worldwide Interoperability Microwave Access (WiMax) receiver, uses the in-phase path and the quadrature-phase path in the radio frequency (RF) circuit for demodulation, such as a Complementary Code Keying (CCK) or an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), to decode. In general, the conventional wireless receiver will reduce the power consumptions of each element in the in-phase path and the quadrature-phase path (such as the mixer, the low pass filter, or the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)). However, the element design has its physical limit, and thus above method is not able to satisfy requirements for low power consumption of some products (especially the mobile devices). Thus, an innovative design for reducing the power consumption is required to solve the above-mentioned problems.

Wireless receiver and method for wireless reception


Methods and systems are described for diagnosing a multiple speed, relay controlled engine cooling fan system. One method includes measuring the change in current drawn from a battery-alternator system when fan speed is modified. A degradation in cooling fan operation is flagged when measured current change differs from an expected change.

Vehicle cooling systems may include various cooling components such as radiators, cooling fans and blowers, condensers, liquid coolant, etc. An electro-drive engine cooling fan may be powered by an electric motor that is either variable speed or relay controlled. An electric fan controlled by a variable speed motor may be diagnosed by smart controllers connected to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Another example approach is shown by Wiltsch (US 2001/0199036) where a cooling fan is diagnosed by measuring current after the fan is triggered by a predefined signal. A current measuring device is coupled to a fan which can be triggered "on", "off" or to an intermediate position. The device detects a current signal after the fan is triggered which is then compared with a predefined threshold. Any deviation from the predefined threshold results in a determination of a degraded fan.
The inventors herein have identified potential issues with the above approaches. In the example of a relay controlled fan, there is limited diagnostic capability due to the lack of smart controllers. This problem is particularly exacerbated for a fan system with multiple speeds which include several relays. Likewise, with regard to the current measurement approach, errors can be introduced in the vehicle electrical system due to the presence of other electrical loads that may be drawing current from the same voltage source as the fan, and unexpected or unknown transitions in such loads. Thus, interference from such electrical loads can result in erroneous current measurements for the fan and, consequently, lead to an incorrect diagnosis regarding cooling fan degradation.
The inventors herein have recognized the above issue and identified an approach to at least partly address the issue. In one example approach, a diagnostic method for a multiple speed, relay controlled fan system is provided. The method comprises measuring the change in current drawn from a battery-alternator system as fan speeds are varied during vehicle travel at lower speeds while other electrical loads are maintained in a more stable condition. Further, the difference between current drawn before and after a fan speed modification is compared with an expected change and a degradation is indicated if the absolute of a relative current change is more than an expected error threshold.
For example, while the vehicle is traveling at low speeds and larger electric loads like an air conditioner or defogger are in a stable condition, a fan diagnostic may be enabled. The PCM may command a change in fan speed and once the speed is stabilized, multiple current draw readings are acquired. For example, the fan speed may be changed from a stop or "off" position to a "low" speed state. Prior to changing the speed, the current drawn from the battery and alternator when the fan system is at an "off" position may be measured. Once the fan speed at "low" speed position has stabilized, the current drawn from the battery-alternator system may be measured. The difference between current drawn at an "off" position and current drawn at "low" speed may be calculated and compared with an expected difference to arrive at a relative error based on an expected change. If the absolute error calculated is more than an expected threshold, fan degradation may be detected. A malfunction indicator lamp may be lit on the dashboard after multiple degradation detections.
In this way, a multiple speed cooling fan system operated by relay controlled motors can be examined for degradation without any additional changes to existing hardware or the need for extra sensors, thereby, minimizing costs. By carrying out the diagnosis when other electrical loads are under more stable conditions, or by delaying requested changes in the other electrical loads, any change in current drawn from the battery-alternator system can be ascribed to the cooling fan system. Further, the cooling fan diagnostic may be disabled when other electric loads are fluctuating to minimize noise and errors.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

Diagnostic method for multiple speed relay-controlled electric fan


The present invention discloses, in one aspect, a synchronizing circuit for synchronizing transmitted data. In one embodiment, the synchronization technique comprises a subsystem configured to compare positive and negative transitions of a core clock signal with positive and negative transitions of a source clock signal to determine a relationship between the transitions of the core clock signal and positions of the negative transitions of the source clock signal. The synchronization circuit also comprises logic circuitry coupled to the subsystem and configured to generate a final sampling signal based on the relationship. In addition, the synchronization circuit comprises a data sampler coupled to the logic circuitry and configured to sample a source data signal synchronized with the source clock signal using the final sampling signal, and to generate a core data signal synchronized with the core clock signal based on the sampling. Also disclosed is a method of synchronizing a data stream, and a data transfer assembly incorporating the synchronization circuit and the method.

Since the introduction of the digital age, the execution of processing functions within a computer system typically requires the transmission of data from one domain to another. Each domain, the source clock domain where the data originates and the core clock domain to which the data is transmitted, has its own local clock on which the timing of the various components in each domain is based. To transmit the data, the original data stream, which is synchronized to a local source clock in the source clock domain, is sent to buffers or similar components in the core clock domain. However, due to manufacturing specification differences and the like, the frequencies of these local clocks typically differ. With differing frequencies, the reconstructed data stream in the core clock domain is not synchronized with the components in the core clock domain and, thus, cannot easily be used with those components. As a result, attempts for synchronizing the data once it arrives in the core clock domain have continued to develop.
One technique for synchronizing the regenerated data is to extract the clock from the incoming data stream itself. This approach typically employs a phase-locked loop (PLL) or similar circuit for this purpose. However, the longer the distance between the two domains, for example, in chip-to-chip transfers, the more pulse edge distortion typically appears on the data signal when received. As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult to extract good timing information from the data signal. To make matters worse, such distortion usually increases even further over longer periods of time and, thus, the valid period of each data byte becomes smaller and smaller. Those who are skilled in this field of art understand this to be "closing of the eye," which requires the sampling interval to become more and more precise as this distortion increases to avoid an increase in bit error rate (BER) in the reconstructed data. Furthermore, PLL circuits usually occupy a lot of valuable chip real estate and are sensitive to noise and often trying to couple to other PLL circuits located nearby. Moreover, many or all of these difficulties are typically found whether the data is transferred serially from the source clock domain to the core clock domain, or whether the data is deserialized for parallel transmission from one to the other.
Another approach would be to ensure that the frequency of the core clock in the core clock domain matches that of the source clock where the data originates. Unfortunately, this approach is not practical since various manufactures and differing standards are typically employed when manufacturing the various processing chips typically involved in this type of data transfer. For example, a chip having a central processor for a computer system may be manufactured by one company and designed to operate using a local clock at a given frequency. Then, a memory chip, in which data employed by the processing chip is stored and retrieved, may be manufactured by a different company and designed to operate at a completely different local clock frequency. Thus, to ensure matching local clock frequencies, separate chips operating at the same frequency would have to be selected or specially constructed, typically increasing overall manufacturing difficulty and costs associated with the finished products.
A related approach has been to transfer a deserialized source clock in parallel, along with the deserialized data streams, on its own interconnect between the two domains. Thus, with this approach, the actual local source clock is sent to the core clock domain. However, without almost perfectly matched, low loss circuits at the receiving end, distortion, and thus BER in the reconstructed data, typically impedes good data recovery. In addition, if different frequencies are present in the two domains, the transferred data must still be synchronized with the local clock in the core clock domain if it is to be used with local components operating at the core clock frequency. As a result, some or all of the problems discussed above may still become prevalent.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a synchronization circuit, providing a synchronization technique, for synchronizing data transferred from one domain having a given local clock frequency to another domain having a different local clock frequency, that does not suffer from the typical deficiencies associated with conventional synchronizing techniques.

Circuit and related method for synchronizing data signals to a core clock

International Business Machines Corporation


Techniques for forming VFETs with differing gate lengths are provided. In one aspect, a method for forming a VFET device includes: patterning fins in a substrate, wherein at least one of the fins includes a vertical fin channel of a FET1 and at least another one of the fins includes a vertical fin channel of a FET2; forming a bottom source and drain; forming bottom spacers on the bottom source and drain; forming gates surrounding the vertical fin channel of the FET1 and FET2; forming top spacers on the gate; and forming top source and drains at the tops of the fins by varying a positioning of the top source and drains relative to at least one of the vertical fin channel of the FET1 and the FET2 such that the FET1/FET2 have an effective gate length Lgate1/Lgate2, wherein Lgate1>Lgate2. A VFET device is also provided.

As opposed to planar complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices, vertical field effect transistors (VFETs) are oriented with a vertical fin channel disposed on a bottom source/drain and a top source/drain disposed on the fin channel. VFETs have been pursued as a potential device option for scaling CMOS to the 5 nanometer (nm) node and beyond.
A reduction in chip power consumption can be realized by increasing the gate length (Lgate) of transistors (as compared to nominal transistors) along non-critical paths on the chip as this reduces off current leakage. However, it is difficult to implement FETs of differing lengths in VFET architecture due to challenges in aligning the junction with the physical gate.
Thus, techniques for effectively forming VFET devices with differing Lgate would be desirable.

Vertical transistors with different gate lengths