Methods and apparatuses for pupil remapping employing non-standard lenslet shapes in arrays; divergence of lenslet focal spots from on-axis arrangements; use of lenslet arrays to resize two-dimensional inputs to the array; and use of lenslet arrays to map an aperture shape to a different detector shape. Applications include wavefront sensing, astronomical applications, optical interconnects, keylocks, and other binary optics and diffractive optics applications.

The present invention relates to diffractive optical methods and apparatuses for performing pupil remappings, including within wavefront sensing systems.
Several different types of wavefront sensors have been used effectively for adaptive optics systems. These include Shack-Hartmann, curvature and shearing interferometer sensors. Each of these sensors has advantages and may be customized for the particular system. For example, curvature sensors have been coupled to bimorph deformable mirrors to take advantage of sensing the same wavefront derivative that the mirror needs for control. Shearing systems have been applied to segmented adaptive optics for tip/tilt and phase comparison of adjacent segments. For Shack-Hartmann sensors, the customization takes the form of selecting the number and arrangement of subapertures to match the deformable mirror.
A Shack-Hartmann sensor has several basic components: a lenslet array, a detector and data acquisition and analysis apparatus. Until recently there were relatively few techniques available for fabricating the lenslet arrays. However, with the advent of binary optics technology, many of these barriers have been removed.
Binary optics technology is the application of semiconductor manufacturing methods to the fabrication of optics. A lens or lens array is laid out on a computer CAD program and transferred to a photo-mask using an e-beam (or other) writing process. A series of photo-masks are used, in conjunction with various etch steps, to build up the structures of interest. This fabrication technique can be used to make arrays of lenses with .about.1 .mu.m features in completely arbitrary patterns. Lenslet arrays are straightforward to make with these methods, and can be extremely high quality with no dead space between elements.
FIG. 1 presents the basic fabrication sequence for making a binary optic, which is one technique for fabricating a diffractive optic (others include E-beam direct write, laser direct write, laser ablation, grey scale masks, melted photoresist, and ink-jet melted photoresist). (In the specification and claims, binary optics and diffractive optics are used interchangeably.) The desired surface shape is broken up into a series of discrete phase levels, with the overall shape approximated by these levels. These optics are binary only in the sense that they are made from discrete levels. Typically 16 level systems are used to make precision optics. The phase levels are fabricated in a digital fashion using a number of photolithography and etch steps. The masks for the photolithography process are designed using a customized CAD (computer-aided design) program and commercial mask layout software.
The advantage of binary optics is that the optical fabrication is not limited to spheres and simple surfaces. With some processes, the total etch depth is limited to a few micrometers, and the minimum feature size to about 1 .mu.m, and the total optic size is limited by the amount of computer storage available in the mask production computer. The feature size does not become a problem unless the f# gets very low. For the high f# lenslet arrays usually specified for wavefront sensing, this is rarely a difficulty. Furthermore, the lenslet size is usually fairly close to the size of the detector, and thus large optics are not required. It should be pointed out that none of these limits are hard and fast. Large binary optics have been produced, as well as extremely fast optics. Feature sizes less than 1 .mu.m can be obtained using direct write e-beam or x-ray lithography.
Using binary optics, an optical system can be laid out as an array of lenses, which is convenient for Hartmann sensing, or in any other arbitrary arrangements. In fact, the arrangement of lenses does not have to be regular or continuous.
Because a Shack-Hartmann sensor uses an array of lenses to sample the incoming wavefront, binary optics can be applied to advantage. In fact, lenslet arrays were one of the first demonstrations of binary optics. For a parabolic lens, the total sagitus for a lenslet can be written: ##EQU1## where d is the lenslet diameter, n is the index of refraction and s is the sag. For a typical f# 100 lens, with 32 lenslets per cm, this corresponds to a total sagitus of 0.85 .mu.m. While this is more than a wave for light in the visible spectrum, it is straightforward to build a lens with the complete contour. With a 16 phase level fabrication sequence, the lens RMS (root mean square) roughness would be <0.02 .mu.m. For visible light (0.5 .mu.m) this is better than .lambda./20 and has an efficiency of >99%. Even much larger or faster lenses would have adequate performance using this technique. Alternatively, a Fresnel lens could be laid out. This would have the advantage of maximum efficiency at a particular wavelength, but would be limited to an extremely narrow band because of strong chromatic aberration.
This lenslet array is also designed to have zero dead space between lenses. The lenslets are placed accurately to a (typically) 0.1 .mu.m grid. Since the features are specified to 1 .mu.m accuracy, there is no space between lenses; hence the array has a 100% fill factor. For wavefront sensing this can be important because any light leakage will degrade the noise performance of the total system.
Because of the 100% fill factor, and the high efficiency attainable for lenses that will operate over a broad range of wavelengths, binary optics is ideally suited for wavefront sensing and other diffractive optics applications.
By taking advantage of the arbitrary nature of binary optics, lenslet arrays can be customized for the particular adaptive optic system. Since the design of the array is determined by the software layout program, there is no fabrication penalty for designing complicated or esoteric patterns or surface shapes. For example, an asphere is no harder to design and fabricate than a sphere. Similarly, the designer is not limited to a particular aperture shape, size or pattern. The optic array can be designed to map from the telescope or deformable mirror pupil to that of the detector. In some cases, intermediate optics can be eliminated or simplified.
The present invention recognizes that there are several areas where such remapping can be applied. Optical system apertures are usually round, while detectors are usually square. By remapping from a round to a square pupil using a binary optics approach, the detector fill factor can be improved. In addition, the spacing of actuators on a deformable mirror may be different in x and y directions. These can also be adjusted. Further, often the size of the telescope pupil image is not the same as that of the detector, and relay imaging optics must be used. This can also be accomplished in the design of a proper binary optic.
The present invention employs customized lenslet arrays for Shack-Hartmann sensing and of methodologies used in the design of same. Novel remappings are presented affecting image size, aperture shape, segment shape, spot position and subaperture function.

Automated pupil remapping with binary optics


Even when a stiffener is omitted, the semiconductor device which can prevent the generation of twist and distortion of a wiring substrate is obtained.

A semiconductor device which makes flip chip connection of the semiconductor chip via the bump on the wiring substrate is proposed. The gap of the semiconductor chip and the wiring substrate is filled up with under-filling resin in this semiconductor device. In order to make heat radiation property high, a heat spreader is formed on the back surface of the semiconductor chip. In order to reinforce a wiring substrate and to maintain the surface smoothness of a heat spreader conventionally, a stiffener (reinforcing plate) was formed (for example, refer to Patent Reference 1).
What formed the build-up substrate by soft resin coating or a soft film being conventionally stuck on both sides of the hard core substrate containing a glass cloth was used as a wiring substrate. And wirings of fine pitch were formed in the build-up substrate. However, since the build-up substrate was soft, the rigidity of the wiring substrate itself was not high.    [Patent Reference 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-51568

Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract: As for a semiconductor device which has a wiring substrate, a semiconductor chip by which the flip chip bond was made to the wiring substrate, and a heat spreader adhered to the back surface of the semiconductor chip, and which omitted the stiffener for reinforcing a wiring substrate and maintaining the surface smoothness of a heat spreader, a wiring substrate has a plurality of insulating substrates in which a through hole whose diameter differs, respectively was formed, and each insulating substrate contains a glass cloth.


A tight-spot fitting includes an elongated body configured to be inserted into and extracted from an aperture of a device, a user-operable head configured to be manipulated by a user to rotate the elongated body with respect to the aperture of the device, a depression in the user-operable head dimensioned and configured to receive a corresponding driver, and a through-bore extending through the elongated body and the user-operable head into the depression. The through-bore is configured and dimensioned to receive a line therethrough such that when the elongated body portion is inserted into the aperture, the line spans the aperture and through-bore, and extends through the depression.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pass-through fitting and corresponding driver, particularly suited for use in preparative or analytical instrumentation and other applications, and methods for their use.
2. Description of Related Art
Fittings through which fluid tubing and other lines pass are well known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,997 to Altura discloses a fluid tube fitting and an adapter to tighten the fitting.
Similar fittings are often utilized in various preparative or analytical instrumentation, such as some types of chromatography, mass spectrometry instrumentation. Tubing is generally provided to fluidly interconnect various subassemblies that may be remote from one another and/or located in isolated environments. How and where to position and secure the tubing while maintaining the integrity of the fluid isolation may be a particular challenge.
The subassemblies often include fluid containers, valves, and other components having ports and other means through which the tubing runs. However, preparative or analytical instrumentation is often housed in such close quarters that the size and geometry of the fittings is a major design concern, and obtaining access to threaded fittings with a wrench even more so. In light of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to have methods and apparatus which overcome the above and other disadvantages of known fittings.

Tight-spot fitting and driver, and method of use thereof

Abstract: A tight-spot driver includes an elongated body, an operational end at a first end of the body, configured and dimensioned for insertion into a depression of a fitting, a user-operable head at a second end of the body, configured to allow a user to rotate the body in order to rotate the fitting when the operational end may be inserted in the depression of the fitting, and a slot extending from the operational end along at least a portion of the body. The slot is dimensioned and configured to accommodate a tubing the fitting extending the depression of the fitting

Abstract: A method of using the tight-spot fitting and driver is also disclosed.


Novel materials having high surface area rendering them suitable for a variety of applications including, but not limited to: catalysts for methane reforming; ammonia synthesis; alcohol synthesis from syngas; hydrodesulfurization; electrocatalysis for hydrogen evolution reaction; and as corrosion-resistant supports for platinum in PEM fuel cells. In general the method comprises the formation of a high-surface area refractory metal-based material using a novel synthesis pathway that avoids the production of intermediate oxide. The method may include the in situ formation of a sacrificial support that can be removed using non-aggressive means, such as, for example, chemical etching with a mild acid or by altering reaction conditions.

High surface area ceramic materials, such as Mo2N and Mo2C, have been investigated for their useful material properties which include, but are not limited to: catalysts for methane reforming, ammonia synthesis, alcohol synthesis from syngas, hydrodesulfurization, and electrocatalysis for hydrogen evolution reaction [5-10]. Additionally, Mo2C and Mo2N are known to possess high electrical conductivity, which in combination with their notable material hardness provide the potential to function as corrosion-resistant supports for platinum in PEM fuel cells [3].
Synthesis methods of high surface area Mo2N and Mo2C have been reported using a variety of methods, which can be summarized by three main reaction categories: carbothermal reduction, carburization, and ammonolysis of MoO3 [11-17]. In all three cases the molybdenum precursors are typically MoO3, (NH4)6Mo7O24.4H2O (AHM), or (NH4)2MoO4 (AM), where molybdenum is initially hexavalent. During the reduction of the precursor, an intermediate tetravalent phase (MoO2) is formed which is the species directly converted to nitride or carbide. High rates of solid state diffusion of the intermediate oxide phase, along with slow reduction kinetics, often result in extensive grain growth and low surface area carbides and nitrides [18]. To avoid this, these methods routinely employ temperature programmed reduction reaction (TPR) as a means of minimizing grain growth and maximizing surface area. Although effective, TPR typically requires long synthesis times at elevated temperature due to the slow ramp rates involved in the TPR profile.
As a result, TPR may be cost prohibitive to the scaling of these methods. Accordingly, alternative reaction pathways which yield high surface area materials are desirable.

Method for synthesis of functional ceramic materials


A competitive game program and virtual game player list are previously stored in a server. The server provides on network a competitive game service to a plurality of game players' terminals via communication lines. The server sets such that, under the condition that the number of competitors against the game players is below a predetermined number, the competitive game program is activated to play the competitive game with the game players, and notifies, as a competitor, a virtual game player's name previously entered on the virtual game player list, to the game players who are to play the competitive game with the competitive game program. Therefore, the game player can enjoy the competitive game with the virtual game player, even if the number of competitors is insufficient when receiving the competitive game service. This avoids the inconvenience that although the game player (user) has access to the competitive game site for the purpose of playing the competitive game, the player cannot help giving up playing the game.

Recently, a variety of information provision systems using network have been proposed to prepare information infrastructure.
Some of such information provision systems provides service to users, with which players at remote locations can play board games such as shogi (Japanese chess) and igo (Game of go) by using internet server, and a leased server and leased line for portable telephone, such as i-mode.
As typical representative of the system providing the board game service, there are techniques disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 56-3078 and 54-110033, and Publication of EP114210.
In the system disclosed in these Publications, a game player of a competitive game (a board game such as mah-jongg, shogi, igo, chess, or othelo) starts a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "PC") at the player's convenience to connect with a server through which the player can play the competitive game, thereby receiving the service.
However, against the system of the prior art, the following problems have been pointed out.
(1) It is seldom that the competitor is always present at the time of connect with the server. Therefore, the fact is that due to the absence of the competitor, the user often gives up receiving the competitive game service and releases the connection with the server. If this circumstance is frequent, the manager (administrator) of the server might lose the user (membership). From a cost standpoint, it is difficult to always guarantee a game player on access to the server.
(2) There is a competitive game in which the user can compete with the server side computer. It is equally true, however, that the user playing a game via a communication-line has such a potential desire that "he/she wants to enjoy the game with an actual human player." In addition, if the player of the communication-line competitive game knows that the competitor is the computer, it is meaningless to specially use the communication line because there is no difference with a game or consumer game that is already installed in a PC.

Server providing competitive game service, program storage medium for use in the server, and method of providing competitive game service using the server


A new cultivar of Diascia plant named ‘Aurora Cherry Blossom’ that is characterized by compact upright plant habit and elongated racemose inflorescences consisting of many white colored flowers with contrasting cerise colored eyes, is disclosed.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of twinspur, which is grown as a spring and summer flowering annual or perennial plant for use in containers, borders and in mass landscape planting. The new cultivar in the genus Diascia will be referred to hereinafter by the cultivar name 'Aurora Cherry Blossom'. The inventors have been interested and have collected plants of the genus Diascia since the early 1990s.
Diascia, which is native to southern Africa, provides showy annual and perennial (in mild climates) plants whose predominant flower color range in nature is in the range of soft to dark pink, also white, lavender-pink, salmon and apricot. Plants of Diascia which are raised from seed are inherently variable in growth habit, ranging from loose, weak plants with brittle stems to plants with significantly shorter internodes. Various breeding programs, including the inventors', have aimed to develop improvements in plant habit and also an extension of the color range into the deep pink, red or orange shades and ideally with very similar compact habits for each color.
Commencing in or around 1998, the inventors commenced a breeding project to develop a uniform series of Diascia which exhibit flowers held erect and above the foliage, in a range of colors, and borne on plants with compact habit. By 2003, the inventors had isolated certain seedlings which presented stiffly held longer racemes of individual flowers. Although the inventors deliberately selected and set aside parents for their presumed usefulness for immediate and future hybridization, the parents themselves were not named. The inventors estimate that approximately thirty generations of crosses preceded the selection of 'Aurora Cherry Blossom' in 2009. 'Aurora Cherry Blossom' was selected by the inventors as an individual seedling within a population of many hundreds of seedlings which flowered in that year. In general, whereas these seedlings exhibited a diverse range of plant and flower heights, habits, and colors, 'Aurora Cherry Blossom' was selected by the inventors for its combination of qualities including length of inflorescence, arrangement of individual flowers within the inflorescence, clarity of flower color, and compatibility with other candidates for a related series. The inventors consider that this combination of inflorescence characteristics is unique in the genus and that no close comparison varieties exist except for the inventors' series companion varieties 'Aurora Apricot' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,451), 'Aurora Light Pink' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,405) and 'Aurora Dark Pink' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,719). The flowers of 'Aurora Cherry Blossom' are predominantly white in color, the flowers of the comparison series varieties are apricot, light pink and dark pink respectively. In addition, plants of 'Aurora Cherry Blossom' exhibit a tighter, shorter and more upright habit than the plants of the comparison series varieties or in comparison with any of the seedlings previously raised by the inventors, including the parents.
The first asexual propagation of 'Aurora Cherry Blossom' was conducted in 2009 by the inventors at their nursery in Newport, Gwent, United Kingdom. The method of asexual propagation used was vegetative tip cuttings. Since that time the unique and distinguishing characteristics of 'Aurora Cherry Blossom' have been determined stable, fixed, and reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.


A system for pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with at least one communication line passing through a well tool mandrel, each communication line housed within a communication line conduit defined through the well tool and sealingly engaged to each end of its corresponding communication line conduit by way of a fitting and the fittings also sealingly engaged to the communication line conduit. The system generally comprises a testing conduit, a testing passageway system, and a testing plug. The testing conduit is defined in the well tool mandrel. The testing passageway system is defined in the well tool mandrel and provides fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. The testing plug provides fluid communication between a pressure testing source and the testing passageway system. A pressure source is operatively connected to the testing plug, and pressurized fluid is guided from the testing plug, through the testing passageway system, into the communication line conduits, and into contact with the with the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. Any leaks discovered as a result of this pressurization indicate the presence of a faulty engagement of the fittings or seals associated with the communication line conduits. This operation is performed prior to inserting the well tool in the well bore and without the pressurization of the well tool internal bore.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the field of downhole tool testing. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for pressure testing the fittings and seals associated with the lines or cables disposed through a well tool prior to insertion of the tool downhole and without the need to pressurize the tubing bore.
2. Related Art
It is sometimes necessary to pass and connect lines or cables through conduits defined in a well tool. Such lines or cables may include control lines, permanent downhole cables, permanent encapsulated cables, fiber optic lines, or chemical injection lines (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9ccommunication linesxe2x80x9d). The communication lines provide fluid, hydraulic, chemical, or electrical communication between elements above the well tool and elements beneath the well tool. In order to properly connect the communication lines, fittings and seals are disposed at least on the upper and lower ends of the conduits. The fittings and seals provide the sealing connection between the communication lines and the conduits so that the integrity of the communication lines is maintained throughout their entire lengths from their source to their downhole destination.
It is imporant to test the integrity of the communication line fittings and seals to ensure their proper operation. The testing of communication line fittings and seals is normally performed by pressurizing specific channels associated with the relevant communication line, connecting a gauge to one end of the communication line, and observing for any depressurization in the gauge which would indicate the existence of a leak. It would thus be beneficial to the prior art to provide a system and method to perform such testing.
Pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with a communication line becomes more intricate if the well tool carrying the communication line also includes settable elements (such as the seal elements in packers). In these cases, the pressurization of the specific channels associated with the relevant communication line must be achieved without prematurely setting the settable elements associated with the tool. It would therefore be beneficial to the prior art to provide a system and method for testing a tool""s communication line fittings and seals that does not cause the premature setting of any elements associated with the tool.
In addition, once the well tool is placed in the downhole environment, the testing of associated communication line seals and fittings is complicated. An easier and more practical approach would be to conduct the test of the communication line seals and fittings at the surface of the well prior to inserting the tool downhole. The prior art would therefore benefit from a system and method for testing a tool""s communication line fittings and seals at the surface of the well prior to the insertion of the tool in the well.
It is also more complicated to conduct tests that require the pressurization of the tubing bore of the well tool. Pressurizing the tubing bore requires seals on both ends of the well tool as well as relatively more powerful pressure supply equipment. It would therefore be beneficial to the prior art to provide a system and method for testing a tool""s communication line fittings and seals that does not require the pressurization of the tubing bore of the tool.
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a system and method that:
enables the testing of a tool""s communication line fittings and seals;
may be utilized in a substantial number of types of well tools;
enables such testing to be performed without prematurely setting any elements associated with the tool;
enables such testing to be performed at the surface of the well prior to the insertion of the tool inside the wellbore;
does not require the pressurization of the tubing bore of the tool; and
allows communication between the conduits which house the communication lines and the tubing bore thereby preventing the formation of atmospheric chambers.
Other objectives of the present invention will be obvious by reading the specification and claims appended hereto.
To achieve such objectives, my invention is a system for pressure testing the seals and fittings associated with at least one communication line passing through a well tool mandrel, each communication line housed within a communication line conduit defined through the well tool and sealingly engaged to each end of its corresponding communication line conduit by way of a fitting and the fittings also sealingly engaged to the communication line conduit. The system generally comprises a testing conduit, a testing passageway system, and a testing plug. The testing conduit is defined in the well tool mandrel. The testing passageway system is defined in the well tool mandrel and provides fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. The testing plug provides fluid communication between a pressure testing source and the testing passageway system. A pressure source is operatively connected to the testing plug, and pressurized fluid is guided from the testing plug, through the testing passageway system, into the communication line conduits, and into contact with the with the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits. Any leaks discovered as a result of this pressurization indicate the presence of a faulty engagement of the fittings or seals associated with the communication line conduits. This operation is performed prior to inserting the well tool in the well bore and without the pressurization of the well tool internal bore.
The operation of my testing system also provides an inventive method to conduct such pressure testing, the method comprising providing a testing conduit and a testing passageway system in the well tool mandrel, the testing passageway system providing fluid communication between the testing conduit and the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits; and injecting pressurized fluid from a pressure testing source, through the testing conduit, through the testing passageway system, into each communication line conduit, and into contact with the fittings and seals associated with each of the communication line conduits.

Apparatus and method for pressure testing the sealing engagement of the fittings associated with the communication lines of a well tool


An adjustable roof truss that includes roof truss members, roof base members and a central body containing a polymer matrix. The roof truss members include a pivot end, a connection end, a roof facing edge, an inside edge, and a pivot surface. The roof base members include a receiving end, a connecting end, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a contact surface. The roof truss members are pivotally connected to the roof base members by a pivot fastener inserted through a pivot opening on the roof base members and a stator opening on the roof truss members. One or both of the roof truss members and the roof base members include an embedded portion extending from the roof facing edge or the bottom edge respectively into the central body. Expansion hole(s) are positioned along the embedded portion such that the polymer matrix expands through the expansion holes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to structural members for use in building construction and in particular to roof truss systems for construction of roof framing for supporting roofs.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A truss is a generally rigid frame member designed to support a structure, such as a roof or a floor. Trusses come in many shapes and sizes for a variety of applications.
The building of roof trusses on the building site in residential and in small commercial buildings is an expensive and time-consuming operation. In addition, where a large number of such trusses need be built, they rarely turn out to be perfectly uniform. As a result, the building industry has gone to the prefabricated roof truss, which eliminates the costly on-site labor time.
Roof trusses for commercial and residential buildings are typically prefabricated using wooden beams and metal joiner plates. Such prefabricated structures are large and heavy and must be shipped from the factory to the building site in small numbers on a large truck. However, shipping height and width restrictions can impose constraints on truss geometry, particularly where the trusses are to be shipped via a public highway system.
As a result of shipping height and width restrictions, it is common for truss designers to design many trusses as "piggy-backs," which include small portions of the overall truss design and are more easily transported to the construction site. Once the piggy-back trusses are received at the building site, they are usually mounted on top of each other to obtain the desired roof geometry. When piggy-back trusses are used, special field framing and bracing is typically required to ensure that loads are properly transferred and structural stability is maintained. Although piggy-back trusses solve many problems encountered when shipping the trusses to the construction site, such truss arrangements typically result in additional material handling and set up costs which increase building construction costs.
An alternative to piggy-back trusses is to fabricate the trusses with one or more hinge assemblies to connect the structural members which form the trusses and, thus, render the truss collapsible for shipping purposes.
U.S. Pat. No. Ser. 5,553,961 discloses a hinge for use in connecting two coplanar wooden structural members of a wooden truss structure enabling folding of the structure to reduce its height for transport over the road. The hinge includes two pivotally interconnected plates each having teeth for nailing, them to the wooden members and one having fingers for engagement with a surface of a wooden member for accurate alignment.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,422 discloses a hinge connector for interconnection of disconnected truss members. The connector includes an elongate sheet metal plate having nailing teeth adapted to be driven into a truss member for permanently attaching it to one member. The truss can be collapsed and transported to the building site with the truss members disconnected.
The hinge assemblies set forth in these U.S. Patents are primarily for use with wooden trusses and are not well suited for trusses formed from, for example, steel or other metal materials.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,550, discloses a collapsible truss structure where the truss structure may be formed of steel channel members. Bolted arrangements are provided for pivotably and slidably connecting the members that form the truss.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,152 discloses a jackknife foldable roof truss including left and right heel sections, a jackknife foldable peak section and a center bottom chord.
Such arrangements are generally not cost effective to transport, manufacture and install. Thus, a hinged roof truss assembly that provides desired structural strength while reducing transportation, material handling and set up costs resulting in decreased building construction costs would be desirable.


A touch positioning method is adapted for use on a touch surface of optical identification (OID) technology. The touch surface has thereon multiple positioning marks which define multiple touch areas, and multiple identification patterns, each of which is disposed within a respective touch area and is indicative of a location of the respective touch area. The touch positioning method includes steps of capturing an image of at least one of the touch areas of the touch surface, determining, from among said at least one of the touch areas, a located touch area in which a center point of the image is located, and analyzing the identification pattern which is disposed within the located touch area, so as to obtain the location of the located touch area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical touch positioning method, more particularly to a touch positioning method utilizing optical identification (OID) technology.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical identification (OID) technology, by means of ink printing, is able to conceal digital information in a printed matter, and by means of an OID reader which combines optical and image processing techniques, the digital information concealed in the printed matter can be read. For example, a conventional reading pen on the market may be used to read an obscure OID code which is concealed in a drawing on a page of a book through the OID printing technique, and to generate a corresponding voice or music indication with reference to the OID code read thereby, so as to achieve educational and entertaining purposes.

Touch positioning method utilizing optical identification (OID) technology, OID positioning system and OID reader


The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.

None of the references described herein are admitted to be prior art to the claimed invention.
A target nucleic acid sequence can be detected by various methods using nucleic acid probes designed to preferentially hybridize to the target sequence over other sequences that may be present in a sample. Examples of target sequences include sequences that may be initially present in a sample, or produced as part of an amplification procedure, such as a sequence characteristic of a microorganism, a virus, a plant gene, or an animal gene such as a human gene. A reporter sequence which is produced as part of a detection method in the presence of a target sequence, but which has a sequence that is not dependent on the target sequence, can also be detected.
Hybridization of probes to target nucleic acid sequences can form detectable probe:target duplexes under appropriate conditions. Detection of such duplexes is facilitated using a labeled probe. Different techniques are available to reduce background due to signal from labeled probes not hybridized to a target sequence. Such techniques include using a physical separation step, a label preferentially altered in a probe:target duplex versus an unhybridized probe, and/or interacting labels.
Interacting labels are two or more labels which cooperate when in close proximity to one another to produce a signal which is different from a signal produced from such labels when they are farther apart so that their cooperation is diminished. The labels may be associated with one or more molecular entities. Detection systems can be designed such that the labels interact either in the presence of a target sequence or in the absence of a target sequence.
Taub et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,630 describes interacting labels present on two different nucleic acid molecules cooperating to produce a detectable signal in the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Hybridization of both molecules to the target sequence brings the labels into close proximity so that they can cooperate to produce a signal different from labels not cooperating in close proximity.
Morrison, European Application Number 87300195.2, Publication Number 0 232 967, describes a detection system involving a reagent made up of two complementary nucleic acid probes. One of the complementary probes contains a first label, and the other complementary probe contains a second label. The first and the second labels can interact with each other. Formation of a complex between the target sequence and one of the two complementary probes changes the interaction between the two labels.
Lizardi et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,118,801 and 5,312,728, describes a nucleic acid probe containing a target complementary sequence flanked by "switch" sequences that are complementary to each other. In the absence of a target sequence, the switch sequences are hybridized together. In the presence of a target sequence the probe hybridizes to the target sequence, mechanically separating the switch sequences and thereby producing an "open switch". The state of the switch sequence, whether open or closed, is indicated to be useful for selectively generating a detectable signal if the probe is hybridized to the target sequence.
Lizardi et al., International Application Number PCT/US94/13415, International Publication WO 95/13399, describes a "unitary" hybridization probe. The probe contains a target complementary sequence, an affinity pair holding the probe in a closed conformation in the absence of target sequence, and a label pair that interacts when the probe is in a closed conformation. Hybridization of the probe to the target sequence shifts the probe to an open conformation, which reduces the interaction between the label pair.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Molecular torches and their use under strand displacement conditions


A method of forming articles made of an inorganic fiber material using compression molding. In one respect, a method of forming an article, wherein the method includes providing a molding composition comprising inorganic fiber and an inorganic binder, and compression molding the molding composition into the article. In another respect, the method including providing a molding composition comprising inorganic fibers and a binder, and compression molding the molding composition into the article, wherein at least 75% by weight of the molded article is inorganic material. In some embodiments the cured binder is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 600° F. without significant degradation or deterioration due to heat. Articles made by the use of such methods and a molding composition for use in compression molding an article are also included.

Vacuum formed articles made of ceramic or refractory fibers are generally known. For example, it is known to mix chopped dry ceramic fibers with water and various fillers to form a slurry, and then vacuum form the slurry into various articles composed mainly of chopped ceramic fibers. Such articles are often used in high temperature environments, and can withstand high temperatures without decomposition or deformation of the articles. For example, fireplace boxes and artificial fireplace logs have been produced by using such vacuum forming techniques.
Vacuum forming techniques of forming ceramic fiber articles have been very useful, but it would be desirable to provide an alternative method of forming ceramic fiber articles that does not involve vacuum forming. Vacuum forming techniques tend to be slow, dirty, and relatively complicated. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide ceramic fiber articles that have increased strength, dimensional stability, and thermal conductivity properties as compared to those formed using vacuum forming techniques.

Compression molded inorganic fiber articles, and methods and compositions used in molding same


A resonator body for musical drum instruments is formed by shaping and gluing together several superimposed material layers, particularly wood veneer layers or plywood layers. The resonator body has the shape of a hollow cylinder. Abutting edges of the individual material layers extend in the direction of the resonator body axis and the abutting edges of the individual material layers are offset relative to each other in circumferential direction of the hollow cylinder. In order to ensure that the abutting edges are permanently and securely held together, the abutting edges of at least the outer material layer, preferably of all material layers, have contours which are toothed and complementary relative to each other and inter-engage in circumferential direction of the hollow cylinder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a resonator body for musical drum instruments. The resonator body is formed by shaping and gluing together several super-imposed material layers, particularly wood layers or plywood layers. The resonator body has the shape of a hollow cylinder. The abutting edges of the individual material layers extending in the direction of the body axis are offset relative to each other in circumferential direction of the hollow cylinder.
2. Description of the Related Art
In previously known resonator bodies of the above-described type, the abutting edges of each layer form seams which extend along straight lines and parallel to the body axis.
In resonator bodies which are not provided on the outer side thereof with a decorative plastic layer, but whose surface is formed by a varnished fine wood veneer, there may in rare cases be the disadvantage that the seam formed by the abutting edges of the outer material layer breaks open and that, as a result, not only the appearance of the resonator body is negatively affected, but also the sound behavior of the musical drum instrument is undesirably impaired.


A wiring board (package) includes: a cavity formed at a position corresponding to a chip mounting area of the outermost insulating layer on one side of both surfaces of the wiring board; a pad exposed from the surface of the insulating layer in the cavity; and a pad exposed from the surface of the insulating layer in a peripheral region of the cavity. A chip is flip-chip bonded to the pads in the cavity of the package, and another package is bonded to the pads in the peripheral region of the cavity, to thereby form a semiconductor device having a package on package (POP) structure.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wiring board and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a wiring board having a structure in which terminals (pads) for mounting a semiconductor element (chip) or the like or for external connection are exposed from an outermost insulating layer, and also to a method of manufacturing the same.
In the description below, the wiring board is also referred to as a "semiconductor package" for the sake of convenience.
(b) Description of the Related Art
In a trend to make semiconductor devices smaller (thinner) in size and higher in performance (function), there is a demand for package-on-package (POP) bonding for the purpose of reducing the mounting area of a semiconductor device in which electronic components such as semiconductor chips are mounted on wiring boards (in semiconductor packages). In the POP bonding, packages each including a semiconductor chip or the like mounted thereon are stacked in the vertical direction (height direction) thereof.
As one of methods of implementing the POP bonding, there is a method in which upper and lower packages are bonded to each other with an interposer placed therebetween. With this method, a semiconductor device is formed with a structure in which: a semiconductor chip is flip-chip bonded to the lower package (wiring board); terminals (pads) of the lower package are formed in a peripheral region of the chip on the lower package; terminals (pads) of an upper package (wiring board) are formed on the mounting surface side of the upper package in a region corresponding to the peripheral region; and the terminals of the lower and upper packages are bonded to each other via external terminals formed on both surfaces of an interposer having a thickness larger than that of the chip (inclusive of the electrode terminals thereof).
According to the bonding method, a process for fabricating the interposer is required additionally. The typical process for the fabrication includes the steps of: preparing a core member; forming through holes at required positions of the core member; filling the through holes with a conductor; forming resist layers on both surfaces; forming wiring layers in a required pattern in connection with the conductor; removing the resist layers; forming insulating layers (solder resist layers) through which external terminal formation portions of the wiring layer are exposed; and performing a required plating (nickel/gold plating or the like) on the external terminal formation portions.
In addition, as another method of implementing the above POP bonding, there is a method in which terminals (pads) of upper and lower packages are bonded to each other using solder. With this method, a semiconductor device is formed with a structure in which: a semiconductor chip is flip-chip bonded to the lower package (wiring board); and terminals (pads) formed in a peripheral region of the chip on the lower package are bonded via solder bumps to terminals (pads) formed on the mounting surface side of the upper package (wiring board) in a region corresponding to the peripheral region on the lower package.
An example of the techniques related to the above POP bonding is described in Japanese unexamined Patent Publication (JPP) (Kokai) 2008-16819. This publication discloses a bottom board (wiring board) of package-on-package structure which is electrically connected to a top board (wiring board) by solder balls. The bottom board includes a core board, pads formed on the surface of the core board corresponding to the positions of the solder balls, insulating layers stacked on the core board, through holes formed by removing portions of the insulating layers so that the pads are exposed, and a metal layer formed by filling the through holes and electrically connected to the solder balls.
As described above, in the conventional techniques, connection using an interposer or solder is performed for implementing POP bonding. However, in the case where an interposer is used for bonding, there arises a problem in that another process (considerable manufacturing steps) for fabricating the interposer is required, and a material for fabricating the interposer is required as well, to thus increase the manufacturing cost.
On the other hand, in the case where solder is used for bonding, the gap between the upper and lower packages is large because of the presence of the chip mounted between the packages. Accordingly, a large amount of solder (bump) is used for bonding the packages together. In this case, there are inconveniences such as separation of the bump (solder) during reflow soldering, and formation of a bridge between adjacent bumps. This leads to a problem in that the reliability of bonding between the upper and lower packages decreases.
In addition, because of the presence of the chip mounted between the upper and lower packages, both of the above bonding methods have another problem in that, where the chip has a large thickness, the whole POP structure cannot be constructed as small and thin as desired.

Wiring board and method of manufacturing the same


A spill control plug is arranged to be selectively inserted into and removed from tubing while the tubing is being tripped into or out of a well to contain the fluids therein.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a method and apparatus to reduce the amount of fluids that are released into the environment during well servicing operations.
2. The Prior Art
During servicing operations on wells that have very high fluid levels the probability of fluid being displaced out of the wellborne is great. Catch pans have been designed and placed beneath the tubing slips in order to contain as much of the fluids as is possible. However, when the tubing is run into the well large volumes of fluid often rise up and are ejected from the tubing operations, which may be as high as 65 feet above the surfacing floor. These fluids, when released from such height, have a tendency to be blown away from the floor and rain down upon the unit, the location and the servicing personnel.


An information processing apparatus is capable of reducing a burden on an operator to process data exchanged between systems. An information processing apparatus processes data including a data structure defining a plurality of machining processes selected from a laser cutting process, a punch cutting process, and a non-cutting process and implemented on a plate workpiece. The data structure includes shape information defining positions of machining lines that serve as targets of the machining processes, and machining information defining a type of each machining process corresponding to each machining line among the machining processes.

A method of manufacturing parts from a plate workpiece includes forming various outer shapes of the parts on the workpiece, and cutting the workpiece along lines defining the outer shapes of the parts to cut out the parts from the workpiece. The method may further include a machining process performed before or after the parts are cut out. Examples of such a machining process include a tapping machining process using a tap and a dice, a marking machining process, and a forming machining process such as bending using a press brake or the like. Numerical control is performed on a machining device performing these various machining processes on the basis of a machining program such as machining control data (hereinafter, referred to as an NC data) (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-234760, for example).
For example, the NC data is generated as follows. First, a designer designs a part with a design device having three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and the like installed. Design information, representing the resultant design, is output in a format such as a Drawing Exchange Format (DXF), to be information on an expanded plan view of the part. The design information, output from the design device, is input to an information processing apparatus for a machining device having two-dimensional CAD or CAM and the like installed. The design information input to the information processing apparatus for the machining device includes information on shapes of the parts, but includes no information on a machining process for each of the shapes. Thus, the operator designates the type (such as cutting or bending) of the machining process for each machining line, and then causes the information processing apparatus to generate the NC data defining the operation of the machining device.
In the conventional technique, the information on the type of the machining process is lacking in data exchanged between systems such as the design information output to the information processing apparatus for the machining device from the design device. This requires data processing imposing a large burden on the operator. For example, parts may be manufactured through a cutting machining process and a forming machining process. In such a configuration, the operator is required to assign the type of machining process to a machining line that serves a target of the cutting machining process to generate NC data for a machining device that performs the cutting machining process. Furthermore, the operator is required to assign the type of machining process to a machining line that serves a target of the forming machining process to generate NC data for a machining device that performs the forming machining process.
It could therefore be helpful to provide an information processing apparatus, a machining system, a data structure, and a data processing method capable of reducing the burden on an operator to process data exchanged between systems.

Information processing apparatus, machining system, data structure, and data processing method


A tri-sensor track association based on ranked candidate pairs and measures of their proximity is described. The track association employs a three dimensional assignment scheme, simple enough to be implemented in real-time, which preserves the most accurate pairwise links of the highest ranked pairs, requires at least two pairwise links for any tri-sensor global track association, and minimizes the time average statistical bearing displacement between associated tracks.

The present invention relates to multiple sensor integration (MSI), multiple sensor tracking (MST), and more particularly to the association of tracks generated by three collocated dissimilar sensor systems: radar, infrared (IR), and electronic support measures (ESM).
Radar Systems are commonly used to detect and track targets. Such a radar system includes a radar sensor and a computer. The radar sensor radiates electromagnetic energy, and then detects and measures the echoes returned from reflecting objects. The radar computer processes the radar measurements and uses them to maintain a collection of radar "tracks", where each such track estimates the position, velocity and other attributes of a target, enabling the prediction of the target's position. A radar system typically provides target range, azimuth, range rate, and azimuth rate information for each radar track. Some radars have height finding capability, in which case their radar tracks also include elevation information.
In many military applications, such as ship self-defense systems, other types of sensors, including IR sensors and ESM sensors, may also be used in addition to radar to enhance the detection and tracking of targets and to support the designation of targets to weapon systems.
An infrared sensor system detects infrared radiation. Such a sensor system uses radiation emitted by targets to detect and track targets. An IR track includes azimuth and elevation data, but no range data.
An ESM sensor system detects radio frequency energy. Such a sensor system includes a radio frequency receiver detecting and monitoring electromagnetic emissions from targets, and a processor estimating the waveform parameters, the angle-of-arrival, and the identification of the received signals. An ESM track typically provides bearing (angle-of-arrival), identification and waveform information, but does not include range or elevation information.
The integration of collocated multiple sensors is needed in ownship point defense applications for many reasons. The ownship multi-sensor integration enhances the target acquisition and tracking performance. A target undetectable by the ownship radar due to its small cross section or its position in the radar's multipath nulls may be detected and tracked by the ownship IR sensor, or, in the presence of radio frequency emissions from the target, by the ownship ESM sensor. A track undetectable by the ownship IR sensor due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions may be detected and tracked by the ownship radar and ESM sensor. A track undetectable by the ownship ESM sensor due to the lack of radio frequency emissions may be detected and tracked by the ownship radar and IR sensor. The ownship radar estimate of a target's position and identification may be significantly improved when that target is tracked by all sensors and the multi-sensor integration is performed. The improvement in that case is a result of using the more accurate target azimuth and elevation included in the IR track, and the more accurate target identification included in its ESM track.
The ownship multi-sensor integration may also be dictated by the need to support new or multiple weapon systems. Successful designation of a target to a weapon system whose main guidance is based on radio frequency emissions may only be performed if that target is known to be actively emitting.
When multiple targets are tracked by multiple ownship sensors, the number of tracks generated by each target could be as high as the number of sensors, and thus in the presence of numerous targets it becomes imperative to generate and maintain a coherent tactical picture of the environment, in which each target is represented by a unique global track. In a dense environment, an accurate tactical picture free of redundancies, conflicts and ambiguities can only be obtained by employing an automatic data fusion algorithm (procedure), which correctly and efficiently combines data generated by the ownship sensors into a global (central) track file. When individual sensor track files are maintained for each sensor, the multi-sensor integration typically involves a track-to-track association process which provides links (associations) between the sensor tracks potentially representing the same targets, and then fuses the data of the associated tracks.
Any multi-sensor track-to-track association employs an assignment scheme between the members of the different track files that it operates on. As an example, a radar/ESM track association operates on a radar track file and an ESM track file, and may assign a radar track to each ESM track, if certain association criteria are met. Such an assignment scheme, operating on two track files, is 2-dimensional. To determine the associations between a set of radar tracks and a set of ESM tracks means to establish a set of rules assigning the radar tracks to ESM tracks or the ESM tracks to radar tracks. The assignments could be one-to-one (when each radar track may only be linked to at most one ESM track and each ESM track may only be linked to at most one radar track) or many-to-one (e.g., when a radar track may be linked to more than one ESM track).
In case of a radar/IR/ESM track association, its assignment scheme operates on three track files: the radar track file, the IR track file and the ESM track file. Such an assignment scheme, operating on three track files, is 3-dimensional. Ideally, for each target which generates a track in each one of the three track files, those tracks should be associated to each other. When a tri-sensor track association procedure is based on first making 2-dimensional assignments (i.e., pairwise associations), conflicts and ambiguities may arise when the final 3-dimensional assignments (which we call global associations) are made. To illustrate such a conflict, an IR track and an ESM track may have pairwise links to the same radar track but not to each other. A new 3-dimensional assignment method which resolves such conflicts and ambiguities is the subject of this invention.
The following references are related to the subject matter of this invention and are described below:
[1] J. W. Thomas, A Radar-ESM Correlation Discriminant Using Bearing History, JHU/APL Report F3A-79-2-085, March 1979. PA1 [2] G. V. Trunk and J. D. Wilson, Association of DF Bearing Measurements with Radar Tracks, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, Vol. AES-23, No. 4, July 1987, pp. 438-447. PA1 [3] C. L. Morefield and C. M. Peterson, Data Association Algorithms for Large Area Surveillance, ORSA/TIMS Meeting, ORINCON Corp., May, 1978, La Jolla, Calif. 1978, DTIC AD-A086606/1. PA1 [4] C. B. Chang and L. C. Youens, Measurement Correlation For Multiple Sensor Tracking in a Dense Target Environment, Technical Report 549, Lincoln Laboratory, MIT, Lexington, Mass., Jan. 20, 1981, DTIC AD-A098001. PA1 [5] C. L. Bowman and M. Gross, Multi-Sensor Multi-Platform Track Association Algorithm Using Kinematics and Attributes, IEEE National Aerospace and Electronics Conference, Dayton, May 20-24, 1985, vol. 1, pp. 204-208. PA1 [6] S. S. Blackman, Multiple-Target Tracking with Radar Applications, Artech House, Norwood, Mass., 1986, pp. 363-367. PA1 [7] E. Davis, The Mission Avionics Sensor Synergism (MASS) Program, Proceedings of the 1987 Tri-Service Data Fusion Symposium, 9-11 June 1987, JHU/APL, Laurel, MD, Published by NADC, Warminster, Pa. 1987, pp. 366-372. PA1 [8] W. R. Ditzler, D. W. Cowan, A. G. Sutton and E. Benites, Integrated Multisensor Tracking, Proceedings of the U.S. DoD Tri-Service Combat Identification Systems Conference, Arlington, Va. 1986. PA1 [9] E. Benites, P. R. Decker, W. R. Ditzler and A. G. Sutton, A Demonstration of Multisensor Tracking, Proceedings of the 1987 Tri-Service Data Fusion Symposium, 9-11 June 1987, JHU/APL, Laurel, MD, Published by NADC, Warminster, Pa., 1987, pp. 303-311.
Radar/ESM track association algorithms have been known for some time [1] and continue to be the subject of research [2]. Algorithms are known which allow multiple ESM tracks to link with a single radar track but not vice versa, keep positional association (PA) lists of candidate radar tracks for association with each ESM track based on historical azimuth proximity, form links only when high confidence associations are obtained, and resolve ambiguities based on a sequential probability ratio test. The algorithm described in [1] keeps a running bearing difference history for each candidate track pair, and uses it, as a fine discriminant, to resolve association ambiguities, allowing one-to-one associations only. The logic proposed in [2] allows multi-links and uses a multiple hypothesis testing method based on the chi-squared distributed observed squared error in bearing.
One association algorithm, designed to integrate a radar system and an ESM system in support of a missile system homing on target radio frequency emissions, uses PA lists, allows multi-links reflecting different sensor resolution capabilities, employs a running time average absolute value bearing difference history for fine discrimination, and makes immediate association decisions for all ESM tracks when they receive updates, and periodically each radar scan.
References [3-9] describe multi-sensor track association algorithms which could integrate three or more sensors. The logic proposed in [6], and the logics [5] and [7-9], are based on sequentially pairwise associations involving 2-dimensional assignment logics, and fusion of tracks into central level tracks. Such logics may not detect global conflicts or ambiguities and are likely to propagate association errors. The algorithm described in [8] and [9] is a modification of [7] which employs a one-to-one assignment logic, a clustering and centroiding logic, and a splitting and merging logic to account for the different resolution capabilities of the radar and IR sensor. The computational complexity of such an algorithm could be prohibitive in applications using limited data processing capabilities. Reference [3] shows that the association problem is an assignment problem, notes that no efficient method for finding the optimal solution to the multi-dimensional (i.e., of dimension at least 3) assignment problem is known, and proposes a suboptimal solution recommended for low density environments, and allowing multi-links. The multi-link structure thus obtained may not be consistent with the specific target resolution capabilities of the different sensors. The association algorithm proposed in [4] is based on using Kalman filter residuals as measures of track similarity and reducing the one-to-one multi-dimensional assignment problem to a 0-1 integer programming problem. The run time of the integer program is shown, however, to grow exponentially with the number of potential correlations.

Automatic global radar/IR/ESM track association based on ranked candidate pairings and measures of their proximity


In the invention, propagating broad band and tonal acoustic components of noise characteristic of interaction of a turbomachine blade wake, produced by a turbomachine blade as the blade rotates, with a turbomachine component downstream of the rotating blade, are reduced. This is accomplished by injection of fluid into the blade wake through a port in the rotor blade. The mass flow rate of the fluid injected into the blade wake is selected to reduce the momentum deficit of the wake to correspondingly increase the time-mean velocity of the wake and decrease the turbulent velocity fluctuations of the wake. With this fluid injection, reduction of both propagating broad band and tonal acoustic components of noise produced by interaction of the blade wake with a turbomachine component downstream of the rotating blade is achieved. In a further noise reduction technique, boundary layer fluid is suctioned into the turbomachine blade through a suction port on the side of the blade that is characterized as the relatively low-pressure blade side. As with the fluid injection technique, the mass flow rate of the fluid suctioned into the blade is here selected to reduce the momentum deficit of the wake to correspondingly increase the time-mean velocity of the wake and decrease the turbulent velocity fluctuations of the wake; reduction of both propagating broad band and tonal acoustic components of noise produced by interaction of the blade wake with a turbomachine component downstream of the rotating blade is achieved with this suction technique. Blowing and suction techniques are also provided in the invention for reducing noise associated with the wake produced by fluid flow around a stationary blade upstream of a rotating turbomachine.

The noise generated by gas turbine engines can be broadly classified into three categories, namely, source noise such as fan and compressor noise, core noise, and jet noise. The first of these, fan noise, is expected to be the most important community noise source for next-generation subsonic aircraft engine technology. The reduction of aircraft community noise, i.e., the noise impact on residential communities, has become a major consideration in subsonic aircraft engine design. Since the 1960's, when the aircraft industry moved to favor high bypass ratio turbofan engines in an effort to increase engine efficiency, there have been only evolutionary advances in methods to reduce aircraft noise. But as regulatory standards for community noise continue to tighten, quieter higher thrust engines are required. In particular, a goal of reduction in current-day engine noise levels by an amount corresponding to a 6 dB effective perceived noise level (EPNL) has been established by the NASA Advanced Subsonic Technology Program. Conventional noise reduction technology is insufficient in meeting this goal.
For the case of subsonic fan tip speed, gas turbine engine fan noise generally is dominated by unsteady loading on both the stator/pylons and rotor. This unsteady loading arises from interaction of the stator/pylons and rotor with both random and periodic gusts introduced by a variety of sources. The most significant sources for these gusts are the blade wakes and tip clearance flows. Specifically, the interaction of the rotor blade wake and rotor blade clearance flow with the stator are expected to be a dominant noise sources on the next generation of gas turbine engines.
The fan rotor wake of a high speed gas turbine engine differs considerably from that associated with a two-dimensional, low speed airfoil. In the latter case, rotor wake-stator interaction, as well as unsteady stator loading due to interaction with endwall flows, are classically considered as periodic phenomena. In contrast, in high speed fans such as gas turbine engines, these phenomena are sources for pressure fluctuations with rich spectral content. Indeed, the wake structure of high speed compressor and fan blades has been the subject of considerable study due to their influence on stage efficiency as well as their impact on the interpretation of compressor performance measurements.
The blade wake structure produced by high speed fans is primarily determined by two design characteristics of modem machines, namely, the large variation in spanwise boundary layer loading resulting from a low hub-to-tip ratio geometry aimed at uniform spanwise total pressure rise, and the high degree of unsteadiness resulting largely from the high boundary layer loading and shock wave boundary layer interaction on sections of the blade designed to have supersonic speeds. These design characteristics thus produce a highly unsteady blade wake. In the case of a gas turbine engine compressor rotor, the interaction of the unsteady rotor blade wake velocity field with a down-stream stator results in an acoustic field that is harmonically much richer than would be expected from the classic airfoil wake-stator analysis.
The source of high-speed blade wake unsteadiness is generally agreed to be associated with two boundary layer phenomena, namely, vortex shedding in the wake, and diffuser instabilities. Vortex shedding in the wake is a condition similar to that of a von Karman vortex street except that it is quite three-dimensional, and that the shedding frequency is time-dependent. The vortex shedding is modulated at low frequencies, i.e., at about 1/10 rotor blade passing, by diffuser-like instabilities within the blade passages. Compressor rotor blading is typically designed using a two-dimensional diffuser criterion to be just at the point where the diffuser pressure recovery drops precipitously, i.e., in the regime of diffuser instability.
Several methods for reducing fan noise have been proposed; e.g., Groeneweg et al., in "Aeroacoustics of Flight Vehicles: Theory and Practice; Vol. 1: Noise Sources; Turbomachinery Noise," NASA RP 1258, August, 1991; suggests the addition of fan duct acoustic treatments to absorb noise, the design of rotor blades with minimum blade section drag at operating conditions where noise levels are critical, the design of fans with a rotor-to-stator spacing that is large enough for the rotor wakes to decay and mix before impinging the stator blades, increase in the number of rotor wakes, and increase in the stator chord to reduce the unsteady lift response associated with wake-stator interaction. These methods are generally employed to some extent in current gas turbine engine technology, but are insufficient to significantly reduce radiated engine noise, and are not capable of meeting the 6 EPNdB noise reduction goal set by NASA.


‘SAVaworry’ is a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant, primarily identified by its semi-double, yellow flowers, edge with a shade of red, on a low growing plant, having many prickles. The flowers open to fully expose beautiful dark yellow stamens. The mature plant seems to always be in bloom form late spring to mid autumn. In low light conditions the plant will still produce flowers but it will loose any red coloration and be a lighter shade of yellow. ‘SAVaworry’ will grow and bloom well in the greenhouse or outdoors, in the ground or in containers. When grown in full sun, the bright colors provide a bright spot of decoration.

This present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of hardy, bush type plant of the miniature rose class. This variety was created by myself, Wendy R. White, under controlled conditions in a greenhouse in Rowley, Mass., by crossing as seed parent the variety known as 'MORsegold' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,617) with the variety known as 'SAVachild' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,175) as pollen parent.
The idyllic goals of this breeding program were to create unique miniature roses with the qualities of disease resistance, hardiness, exhibition, hybrid tea form blooms born in abundance from late spring to late fall, and fragrance. The cultivar chosen as seed parent is known for its above average disease resistance and quantity of bloom production on a vigorous plant. The cultivar chosen as pollen parent is known for its award winning, exhibition, hybrid tea form blooms on an award winning plant. Fragrance was not factored into this cross. The resulting new cultivar has the disease resistance and vigor of 'MORsegold' with the color-markings and flower form of 'SAVachild', and combines the colors of the two, being yellow like 'MORsegold' but with the red edges similar to 'SAVachild'. The new cultivar has a low and spreading plant habit similar to 'MORsegold' but carries its flowers on stronger stems as on 'SAVachild'. The new cultivar has fewer petals than either parent.
Asexual reproduction by cuttings of this new cultivar in Rowley, Mass., and Arroyo Grande, Calif., shows that all distinguishing characteristics of this rose continually come true to form.


Partial data related to information data is received, image data corresponding to the received partial data is generated by sequentially processing the received partial data, and the generated image data is output to a display unit. Before output of the image data corresponding to the partial data to the display unit is completed, reception of the information data is started. Then, image data corresponding to the information data is generated by processing the received information data, and image data to be displayed on said display unit is switched to the image data corresponding to the information data from the image data corresponding to the partial data after the reception of the information data is started.

With rapid progress of the technology of compressing moving pictures and voice data, the high-speed data transmission technology using XDSL, optical fiber, etc., and widespread infrastructures, streaming replay for sequentially replaying moving picture data and voice data on a server on the Internet (hereinafter referred to as streaming contents) while receiving the data over the network has made remarkable progress. In the streaming replay, a user can enjoy the streaming contents on the server at any time.
On the other hand, as a broadcast system, a system of transmitting a program digest through a unicast at a request from a user on the sending side, and starting receiving program data transmitted through a broadcast after the transmission of the digest in the receiving side has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-118553).
There is also a system proposed for a case in which, when replaying of a recorded portion of contents is started while the contents are being recorded, the time to replay the recorded portion is shortened, and when the replaying of the recorded portion is finished, control is switched to replay the contents being broadcast (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2000-339857).
When one of two pieces of image data which are related to each other is replayed and the other piece of image data is consecutively replayed thereafter, changeover from the former image to the latter image may not be performed smoothly, which may disturb a viewer to enjoy the images.


A method for synchronously running an application in a high availability environment including a plurality of calculating modules interconnected by a very high-speed broad band network, includes: configuring the modules into partitions including a primary and a secondary partition and a monitoring partition; running the application on each running partition, inputs-outputs processed by the primary partition transmitted to the secondary running partition via the monitoring partition; synchronizing the runnings via exploiting microprocessor context changes; transmitting a catastrophic error signal to the monitoring partition; continuing the running by switching to a degraded mode, the running continuing on a single partition.

Known computer systems are all subjected to hardware- or software-based failures which affect their general operation at random instants. When one of these systems manages critical functions as regards life and property safety, the behaviour of the electronic system in the presence of a failure becomes a deciding factor of the overall reliability perceived by the users. This behaviour will define the resilience class of the system. It is fully dependant on technical choices made while designing the system because it is based on redundancies at the hardware level which always imply some cost. The resilience class is therefore the result of a trade-off between cost minimization and availability maximization.
Several types of solutions have been developed to best meet resilience requirements in terms of hardware. Four classes of hardware component failures and three classes of for software component failures can be taken as significant examples of events affecting the operation of a computer.
The four classes of hardware components examined are memories, input-output circuits, power supplies and cooling components, and processors.

Method and device for synchronously running an application in a high availability environment


An intelligent thermostat communicates with threat detectors to allow periodic remote testing of the detector. The real-time clock and calendar functions of the thermostat allow the consumer to program the day, time, and frequency of the testing. The thermostat then communicates a test control signal to each of the detectors to initiate the self-test. The communication may be wired or wireless. During testing the thermostat displays a detector test screen. Upon completion of the self-test, the thermostat displays a test results screen for user confirmation. This results screen will indicate that the test passed or failed along with any diagnostic information provided by the detector. The thermostat also provides a test initiation screen from which the consumer may initiate a detector self-test manually. Loss of communications with a detector is also communicated to the user, as is the location of the detector that first identified a threat.

Recognizing the lifesaving benefits of smoke and other threat detectors, more and more consumers are installing these devices in their homes. Indeed, many municipalities have enacted building ordinances that require that smoke detectors be installed in new construction and in order to sell an existing home. Apartment buildings and other commercial structures typically also include such smoke detectors. While many commercial structures and many newly constructed single-family dwellings include centrally powered smoke detectors, i.e. powered from the main electrical system of the dwelling, almost all other smoke detectors installed by consumers are battery powered. Indeed, many centrally powered smoke detectors still include a backup battery so that the benefits of the detector are not lost during a power outage.
Unfortunately, while the life saving benefits of the smoke detectors cannot be discounted, such smoke detectors continue to be a source of annoyance at times for consumers. One source of annoyance results from the fact that most smoke detectors are installed on the ceiling or otherwise in a location that is not easily accessible by the average consumer without using a stepladder. Since many such smoke detectors are battery powered as discussed above, these batteries periodically need to be tested. While most manufacturers recommend that the consumer periodically test the smoke detector to make sure that the batteries and other circuits therein are still operational, many consumers do not follow these recommendations based primarily on the difficulty of reaching the smoke detector test button. Unfortunately, without periodic testing of the smoke detectors, the consumer has no assurance that they are still operational. Still further, undetected failure of the smoke detector may well leave the consumer with a false sense of security, when indeed the consumer should actually be concerned.
There exists a need, therefore, for a system that provides periodic, automatic remote testing of a smoke or other threat detector without requiring user intervention.

Hazardous condition detection system and method and thermostat for use therewith


Systems and methods for determining the damage level of a battery are provided. An exemplary method includes measuring a terminal voltage of the battery over time while discharging the battery at a predetermined current; calculating a slope of a natural logarithm of a rate of change of a first voltage of the battery over time based on the terminal voltage of the battery; and comparing the calculated slope to a threshold slope that is based on measurements of a plurality of similar batteries with known conditions. The first voltage of the battery may correspond to a voltage across an RC component of an equivalent circuit model for the battery.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for determining the condition of a battery, such as a damage level of the battery.
There are several related art technologies for evaluating different aspects of the condition of a battery. For example, voltage sensing establishes a predicted voltage discharge curve for the battery with the voltage as a function of the state of charge (SOC), measures the voltage between the terminals of the battery, and compares the measured voltage to the predicted voltage discharge curve to determine the SOC of the battery. However, voltage sensing has the disadvantages that each voltage discharge curve is unique, and that the voltage discharge curve changes as the battery ages.
Another technique is known as coulomb counting, in which the remaining capacity of the battery is determined by measuring the current entering or leaving the battery, and integrating this measurement over time. The current may be measured by using a current shunt, Hall effect transducers, or giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors. Coulomb counting uses a fully charged battery as a reference point, and obtains the SOC by comparing the net charge flow with the charge in the fully charged battery. However, coulomb counting has the disadvantages of not directly measuring the energy in the battery, and assuming an initial value of charge in the fully charged battery based on Peukert's law.
An additional method is a cranking test, in which the voltage of the battery is measured during engine cranking and compared to threshold values. The state of health (SOH) of the battery is determined by this comparison. However, the cranking test has the disadvantage of requiring a controlled temperature.
Further, an AC conductance test measures the dynamic conductance of the battery by applying a time-varying small-amplitude AC signal to the battery and measuring the voltage response as a function of time. However, the AC conductance test has the disadvantages that repeated tests are needed at multiple frequencies, and the accuracy is diminished when testing more than one battery.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is another method for evaluating the condition of a battery. During the charge-discharge cycles, the composition of the active chemicals in the battery changes as the chemicals are converted between the charged and discharged states. This is reflected by changes to the battery's impedance. EIS estimates the battery's impedance at different AC frequencies. However, EIS has the disadvantages of requiring expensive equipment, as well as training to interpret the results.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method for determining a condition of a battery, such as its damage level, that overcomes the disadvantages discussed above. In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a method that a layperson or a technician with no knowledge of battery chemistry could perform. It would also be advantageous to provide a method in which the battery does not need to be in a rested open-circuit voltage state during testing. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a method of testing a battery during or after the manufacturing process for a new motor vehicle.

Systems and methods to determine the condition of a battery

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


A camera vision system for creating 3D reconstructions of objects may include a camera, a distance sensor having a fixed spatial relationship with the camera, and a system controller. The system controller receives distance sensor signals from the distance sensor indicating a sensor-to-object distance, determines a camera-to-object distance and a corresponding camera focus state based on the sensor-to-object distance, and transmits camera focus state control signals to cause the camera to adjust to the camera focus state. The system controller retrieves camera intrinsic parameter values for the camera focus state, transmits image capture control signals to cause the camera to capture an object image of the object, receives object image data from the camera for the captured object image, and stores the object image data and the camera intrinsic parameter values in an image database for use in the 3D reconstruction.

Camera vision systems, such as stereo vision systems and structured light, are used throughout various industries to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) scans of objects for various purposes. For high resolution 3D reconstruction, intrinsic camera calibration parameters, including focal length and distortion coefficients, must be known at pixel-level accuracy for a given focus state of a camera in order to generate an accurate and detailed reconstructed image of an object. Changes in the focus state of the camera (manual focus changes or dynamic focusing) are often required to take quality high resolution imagery in situations in which the distance from the camera to the object varies. The intrinsic parameters to be used for reconstructing captured images of the object into the 3D image are dependent on the focus state of the camera, so the correct intrinsic parameters must be selected when the focus state changes.

Adaptive camera control and calibration for dynamic focus


A system is described that is capable of operating as an energy conversion system that functions as a fuel cell and generates electrical current from a fuel or fuels, or as a reactor for conversion of starter materials into more complex molecules through ion-ion and ion-molecules and which may preferably be adapted to operate as a gas to liquid (GTL) process. The system ionises at least one fuel or starter material and manipulates, selects and transports ions for reaction by means of suitable electrostatic or electrodynamic ion guides, filters or drift tubes. The system of the present application replaces the electrolyte, catalyst and/or membrane found in classic fuel cells or GTL processes with an electrostatic or electrodynamic ion manipulation region such as an ion guide, analyser, drift tube or filter.

Fuel cells convert fuel from a fuel reservoir directly into electrical current. GTL plants convert natural gases such as methane into liquid fuels such as methanol or ethanol that can be easily stored and transported.
A critical feature of existing fuel cell and gas to liquid processes is the requirement for a catalyst and, in the case of fuel cells, an electrolyte. In most modern fuel cells the electrolyte is an ionic membrane. These features require careful engineering and selection of materials. Frequently precious or rare earth metals are utilised, contributing to the expense of the device. The use of precious metals as catalytic materials, and the price volatility of commodities, can make fuel cells and GTL technologies uneconomic. The reliability and longevity of these devices is limited by gradual deterioration of the effectiveness of catalytic materials due to mechanisms such as coating, deposition and oxidation. The overall efficiency of the cell or GTL process falls over time unless expensive materials are used. Similarly membranes and electrolytes exploited in fuel cells gradually deteriorate over time due to changes in their chemical composition and because of crystallisation, oxidation and coating with impermeable films or dielectric layers.
Patent document U.S. Pat. No. 6,924,401 B2 describes a plasma reforming process relying on random collisions of neutral (uncharged) molecules from starter materials (i.e. Oxygen, Methane) with ions and electrons in a local plasma, and their subsequent ionisation and reaction to produce a small quantity of Methanol. These reactions are unguided and consequently the overall yield is limited by the number of molecules that can intersect and collide in the small volume of the plasma, and then only a minority follow a reaction pathway that results in methanol.
Other examples of plasma reforming systems and methods are found in the following documents: "A review of direct methane conversion to methanol by dielectric barrier discharge" from Antonius Indarto, in IEEE Transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation, September 2008; JP2004285187A; JPH10182521A; "Single Step oxidation of methane to methanol—towards better understanding", P. Khirsariya, R. K. Mewada, Procedia Engineering 51 (2013) 409-415; "The future of GTL—Why smaller scale GTL still makes sense in a low-oil price world", Jeff McDaniel, GTL Technology Forum, Houston, Jul. 29-30, 2015; "The impact of catalyst-reactor performance on commercial GTL plant design and operation", Dr. Paul F. Schubert & Andre P. Steynberg, GTL Technology Forum, Houston, Jul. 29-30, 2015; WO2004024280A2, WO2010041113A1 and WO2013020042A1, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Energy conversion and reaction system and method


An electronic-mail apparatus comprises an acceptor that accepts an electronic-mail, an electronic-mail transmitter that transmits the accepted electronic-mail to a designated electronic mail destination address, and an operational panel that includes a start member that starts a transmission of an electronic-mail to a destination address. The operational panel designates an electronic mail destination address, and further designates an alternative destination address, to be used in case of a transmission completion failure, to which a message indicating a failure in completion of a started transmission of an electronic-mail is sent when the transmission of an electronic-mail started by the start member is not completed. The message provides an indication, at the alternative destination address, of a transmission completion failure during transmission of an electronic-mail.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an electronic mail system which can handle image information.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Japanese published unexamined patent application 2-172348 discloses a facsimile apparatus which includes an interface for connection with a computer network, and a controller for enabling an electronic mail to be outputted to the computer network via the interface. The facsimile apparatus is also connected to a telephone line to receive and output image information from and to the telephone line. In Japanese application 2-172348, the electronic mail outputted to the computer network represents a facsimile transmission result report or a facsimile reception result report rather than image information.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,411 discloses that voice facsimile and electronic mail messaging is integrated in a system which converts e-mail messages into voice-and-fax messages. An e-mail message is parsed into voiceable, prose, segments and non-voiceable, non-prose, segments. Prose segments are converted into voice message segments via text-to-speech facilities. Each non-prose segment is converted into a fax segment. Voice pointers to fax segments are inserted into the voice message, in places corresponding to the non-prose segments in the e-mail message.
The voice file and fax file are then stored for subsequent delivery of the message as an integrated voice-and-fax message. Conversion of integrated voice-and-fax messages into e-mail messages is likewise envisioned.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A sound processing device includes: a sound source that outputs a common sound signal to a first speaker for a vehicle exterior and a second speaker for a vehicle interior that are mounted on the vehicle; a notification sound controller that outputs a signal corresponding to a notification sound for notifying an approach of the vehicle to the first speaker based on the sound signal output from the sound source; and an acceleration sound controller that outputs a signal corresponding to an acceleration sound of the vehicle to the second speaker based on the sound signal output from the sound source.

Since electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles have low noise, there is a problem that pedestrians and the like are unlikely to notice the approach of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion at a low speed with a low road noise of the own vehicle. For this reason, low-noise vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are provided with a vehicle proximity notification device that warns a pedestrian or the like of approaching the vehicle by outputting a sound (also referred to as a notification sound) reminding the travelling state of the vehicle in motion (for example, see Patent Literature (PTL) 1 and 2).
In addition, there is also a problem that the acceleration sound in motion is so small that the passengers cannot get a sense of unity with the vehicle because electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles have low noise. For this reason, an effect sound generating device that detects acceleration and deceleration of a vehicle and generates a sound effect (acceleration sound) in accordance with the amount of acceleration and deceleration in the vehicle interior to enhance the dramatic effect is disclosed (for example, PTL 3).

Sound processing device, vehicle and sound processing method

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.