A four-head type magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus uses control pulses having two kinds of duty factors for preventing a first video head from reproducing video signals recorded by a second video head opposite to the first video head and performing the recording and reproducing of the video signals by an identical video head. An electronic splicing control for such a recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a duty-factor changing device for setting a first and second values of the duty factors of the control pulses at the time of normally recording video signals and changing the first and second values into a third and fourth values, respectively at the time of performing the electronic splicing of video signals, in such a manner that one of the third and fourth values is nearly equal to one of the first and second values. Thereby, the electronic splicing control can fully prevent a video head from reproducing video signals recorded by another video head opposite thereto, and at the same time the electronic splicing of video signals can be well performed.

1. Field of The Invention
This invention generally relates to an electronic splicing device, which is used to edit videotape by carrying out electronic splicing (i.e., assemble editing) thereof, for use in a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus such as a video tape recorder (VTR) and more particularly to an electronic splicing device for use in a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus in which two mutually orthogonal pairs of azimuth video heads are mounted on a rotating drum having small diameter and the azimuth video heads of each pair have the same azimuth angle but the azimuth angle of the azimuth video heads of one of the pairs is different from that of the azimuth video heads of the other pair.
2. Description of The Related Art
Referring first to FIG. 9, there is shown a conventional four-head VTR provided with two mutually orthogonal pairs of azimuth heads (A, C; and B, D), which function as recording and/or reproducing heads and are equally spaced apart and mounted on a rotating drum of small diameter, so that adjacent azimuth video heads are spaced apart by 90 degrees. As illustrated in this figure, video tape is guided by stationary guide posts or poles 12 and 14 and is further pulled around a part of the peripheral surface of the drum 10 over an angular range which is a little more than 270 degrees. The diameter L of the drum 10 is selected in such a manner to meet the condition L=(2/3)M where M is head drum diameter of an ordinary existing two-head video recorder.
Further, the azimuth video heads A and C of one of the pairs have the same azimuth angle. Similarly, the azimuth video heads B and D of the other pair have the same azimuth angle. In case where this conventional four-head video tape recorder is of NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) type, each of these heads A, B, C and D and travels by one track pitch while rotates by a slightly larger than 270 degrees at about 45 revolutions per second (rps) around an axis of rotation of the drum 10. (Incidentally, in case where this conventional four-head video tape recorder is of CCIR (Commite Consultatif International des Radio-Communications) type, each of the heads A, B, C and D runs at approximately 37.5 rps.) The relative linear velocity or speed of each of the heads with respect to the tape in case of this conventional VTR is equal to that obtained in the ordinary existing VTR. Thus, this conventional four-head VTR provides tape compatibility with ordinary existing two-head VTRs. Further, two video signal frames are recorded or reproduced during three revolutions of the drum 10.
When video signals are recorded and reproduced by using the video heads of the same pair of a conventional four-head VTR, there may occur two cases with regard to video heads used to record the signals on a track and reproduce the signals from the identical track. Namely, in one of the two cases, the identical head (e.g., the head A) is used for both recording and reproducing of the signals. Hereunder, the reproducing of signals in this case will be referred to as "proper track reproduction". In the other case, a video head used to record signals on a track is different from another head used to reproduce the recorded signals from the identical track. For example, the head A is used to record video signals on a track and further the head C, which is mounted at an opposite position on the drum 10 with respect to the head A, is used to reproduce the signals from the very identical track. Hereunder, the reproducing of signals in this case will be referred to as "improper track reproduction".
In case of the "improper track reproduction", a video head used for recording video signals (hereunder sometimes referred to as a recording head) is not identical with a video head used for reproducing the video signals (hereunder sometimes referred to as a reproducing head), which, however, has the same azimuth angle as the recording head does. Further, the reproducing head is liable to differ in mechanical and electrical characteristics from the recording head. This hinders the reproduction of an image with high picture quality. Therefore, it is preferable to prevent occurrence of the "improper track reproduction". An example of a countermeasure for preventing the occurrence of the "improper track reproduction" is disclosed in, e.g., the Japanese Patent Application Provisional Publication No. 59-217256 Official Gazette (see the corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,976). In accordance with the invention disclosed therein as illustrated in FIG. 10 (B) of the instant application, the duty factor of a control signal to be recorded on a tape is adapted to vary every frame with respect to a video signal shown in FIG. 10 (A).
Namely, the duty factor is large in frames recorded by using the heads A and B, while the duty factor is small in frames recorded by using the heads C and D. Thus, it can be judged from the time of a fall in a pulse of the control signal which of the head A and the head C (alternatively, which of the head B and the head D) a reproducing head is. Thereby, the occurrence of the "improper track reproduction" can be prevented. The above described technique of preventing the occurrence of the "improper track reproduction" by making use of variation in duty factor of a control signal does not demand special signal processing. Further, a VTR employing this technique ensures tape compatibility with devices such as a Video Home System (VHS) VTR and a Super VHS (S-VHS) VTR.
Generally, in a VTR, when editing signals are recorded on videotape, an electronic splicing operation (i.e., an assemble editing operation or assembled recording operation) is frequently performed by temporarily stopping a recording operation, moving the videotape in a reverse direction over a predetermined distance and then resuming tape travel in a forward direction so as to start to record a new signal immediately after (i.e., substantially in continuance with) a previously recorded signal. As an example of techniques of improving the precision of the electronic splicing, can be cited an editing system of carrying out assembled recordings disclosed in the Japanese Patent Application Provisional Publication No. 60-179960 Official Gazette (see the corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,991). In this editing system, when the recording of video signals is once stopped, a joint indication signal (hereunder referred to simply as an indication signal) is recorded on videotape as a signal indicating change in duty factor of a control signal. Further, a beginning point for resuming the recording of a video signal on the tape is detected on the basis of the indication signal.
FIG. 11 shows signal waveforms for explaining an example of operations of this editing system. When a recording pause instruction is issued in the course of a recording operation in order to interrupt the recording of video signals and perform an electronic splicing operation (i.e., assemble editing operation), an indication signal, of which the duty factor is equal to 65% , is recorded on the tape as a control signal (see FIG. 11(B)). At that time, the recorded control signal on the tape has a pattern as illustrated in FIG. 11(C).
Further, at the time (indicated by an arrow F1) when a pulse, which follows immediately after a fourth pulse of the indication signal, of a head indicating signal shown in FIG. 11(A) falls, a video signal gets into a "muted" state, that is, the recording of the video signal is suppressed (see FIG. 11(D)). Subsequently, at the time (indicated by an arrow F2) when about 1 millisecond (mS) elapses from a fall of a fifth pulse of the indication signal, the recording of the control signal is ceased (see FIGS. 11(B), (C) and (E)). After that, the tape is rewound by a predetermined distance.
Next, when the pause (or temporary stop) in the recording of the video signal is ended and the recording operation is resumed, the rewound tape is driven and further the control signal recorded as above described is reproduced (see FIG. 11(k)). Namely, the processing of detecting the pattern of the recorded control signal on the tape (see FIG. 11(F)) is performed (see FIG. 11 (G)) and the recorded control signal is thus reproduced (see FIG. 11(H)).
Thereafter, at the time (indicated by an arrow F3) when about 1 mS elapses from a fall of a third pulse of the indication signal, a servo mode gets into a recording mode (see FIG. 11(J)). Further, the recording of video signals is started (FIG. 11(L)) at the time (indicated by an arrow F4) when a pulse, which follows immediately after a fourth pulse of the indication signal, of the head indicating signal falls (see FIG. 11(I)). As above described, the "muting" of the video signal is effected at the time F1 when the pulse, which follows immediately after the fourth pulse of the indication signal, of the head indicating signal falls, so that the electronic splicing of the video signal is carried out without loss of a video track on which the video signal is recorded. In FIG. 11, the arrows F1 and F4 indicate splice points, at each of which two adjacent records of video signals are spliced (i.e., starting positions of frames, each of which does not overlap with an adjacent frame).
Incidentally, the recording of the control signal is started (see FIG. 11(M)) at the time (indicated by an arrow F5) when a period of time corresponding to one frame elapses from the time (indicated by an arrow F3) of changing a servo mode. Thus, the recorded control signal on the tape has a pattern as illustrated in FIG. 11(N).
As described above, in each of cases of preventing the occurrence of the "improper track reproduction" and of performing the electronic splicing, the changing of the duty factor of the control signal is performed. Therefore, in order to simultaneously realize both of the prevention of the occurrence of the "improper track reproduction" and the electronic splicing, it is necessary to regulate the change in the duty factor according to control codes. Here, with regard to the duty factor of the control signal, prerequisites for simultaneously realizing both of the electronic splicing and the prevention of the "improper track reproduction" are summarized below.
(1) For the purpose of preventing the "improper track reproduction", the duty factor should be changed every frame. For example, if the duty factor for a certain frame is small, the duty factor for frames adjacent to the frame should be larger.
(2) On the other hand, for the purpose of carrying out the electronic splicing, an indication signal, which is continuous over several frames, should be recorded.
(3) In addition, for the sake of maintaining tape compatibility with other devices, VHS standards should be satisfied.
By taking into account the fact that according to the VHS standards, the duty factor for a control code "0" should range from 55% to 65%, the simplest way for simultaneously realizing both of the change of the duty factor as above described in the prerequisite (1) and the continuous indication signal as above described in the prerequisite (2) (i.e., realizing both of the electronic splicing and the prevention of the "improper track reproduction") is to change the duty factor in accordance with TABLE 1.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Control Control Code "0" Signal Code "1" Normal Code Indication Duty Signal Signal Signal Factor Small Large Small Large Small Large ______________________________________ % 25 30 55 58.3 61.7 65 ______________________________________
Incidentally, in case of the control code "1" signal shown in TABLE 1, VHS standards inhibit the VTR from simultaneously realizing both of the change of the duty factor as above described in the prerequisite (1) and the continuous indication signal as above described in the prerequisite (2).
The duty factor set in accordance with TABLE 1 can be discriminated by a single comparator (hereunder sometimes referred to as a "duty comparator"). In case of the control code "0" signal a reference value 56.6% is used by the "duty comparator" to judge or determine which of 55% and 58.3% is actually set as the duty factor; 60% is used to determine which of 58.3% and 61.7% the actual value of the duty factor is; and 63.4% is used to determine which of 61.7% and 65% is the actual value of the duty factor. Thus, the difference between each of the values of the duty factor and the corresponding reference value is in the order of 1%.
The above described judgement on the duty factor for preventing the "improper track reproduction" is performed immediately after a transition period in an operation of a VTR in order to decrease loss of time and improve operability of a VTR. Thus, if the comparison between the actual value of the duty factor and the reference value is made by using the above described reference value, of which the difference from the duty factor is not sufficiently large, in a transition state in which an operation of feeding the tape is not sufficiently stable, a malfunction can occur.
The present invention is accomplished to obviate the above described drawbacks of the conventional VTR.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an electronic splicing device for use in a magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus which can not only prevent the occurrence of the "improper track reproduction" but perform an electronic splicing of video signals well.

Electronic splicing operation control device for a four head type magnetic recording and/or reproducing apparatus


Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for identifying spectral peaks in a neuronal spiking representation of a signal, such as an auditory signal. One example method generally includes receiving a signal; filtering the signal into a plurality of channels using a plurality of filters having different frequency passbands; sending the filtered signal in each of the channels to a first type of spiking neuron model; sending the filtered signal in each of the channels to a second type of spiking neuron model; and identifying one or more spectral peaks in the signal based on a first output of the first type of spiking neuron model and a second output of the second type of spiking neuron model for each of the channels.

1. Field
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to neural networks and, more particularly, to identifying spectral peaks in a neuronal spiking representation of a signal.
2. Background
An artificial neural network is a mathematical or computational model composed of an interconnected group of artificial neurons (i.e., neuron models). Artificial neural networks may be derived from (or at least loosely based on) the structure and/or function of biological neural networks, such as those found in the human brain. Because artificial neural networks can infer a function from observations, such networks are particularly useful in applications where the complexity of the task or data makes designing this function by hand impractical.
One type of artificial neural network is the spiking neural network, which incorporates the concept of time into its operating model, as well as neuronal and synaptic state, thereby increasing the level of realism in this type of neural simulation. Spiking neural networks are based on the concept that neurons fire only when a membrane potential reaches a threshold. When a neuron fires, it generates a spike that travels to other neurons which, in turn, raise or lower their membrane potentials based on this received spike.
A neural network may be emulated in software or in hardware (e.g., by an electrical circuit) and utilized in a large range of applications, such as image and pattern recognition, machine learning, motor control, and the like. Each neuron (or neuron model) in the neural system may be implemented as a neuron circuit. The neuron membrane charged to the threshold value initiating the output spike may be implemented, for example, as a capacitor that integrates an electrical current flowing through it.

Methods and apparatus for identifying spectral peaks in neuronal spiking representation of a signal


A processing system has a stored, encrypted data structure that is decrypted to provide verification data values. System data values are retrieved from locations distributed about a memory storing system data. The verification data values are compared with corresponding system data values to determine if a predetermined threshold of verification data values matches the system data values. The system resumes operation if the predetermined threshold is met.

The present invention relates generally to processing systems and, more particularly, a method and system for resuming operation of a processing system from a sleep state.
Processing systems such as computer systems or systems on a chip (SOC) often have various modes of operation, such as functional mode, sleep mode, and deep sleep mode. The system has a certain configuration in each of its modes and must run a certain procedure to transition or switch from one mode to another. In the sleep state one or more components of the system may be powered-off or configured to operate in a power-saving mode. The sleep state may be a deep sleep mode in which a majority of components of the system are powered off. Data used by the system may be saved to a memory device in the sleep state. To resume operation from the sleep state, a boot or power-up procedure is performed in which data necessary to resume operation is loaded from the memory device.
It is desired for the resume operation to be fast—such as within 1 second—and secure. In order to provide security against data corruption or malicious intervention with the data stored in the memory device, the data should be authenticated. In some approaches a cryptographic operation such as a hash of a boot image stored in the memory device is determined and compared against a result of a second cryptographic operation obtained from a previously stored signature for the image. The result of the second cryptographic operation may be obtained by decrypting the signature. However this process is time-consuming in that it requires a cryptographic operation to be performed on the entire boot image and decryption of the signature to obtain the second result.
Furthermore, in some systems, a two-stage resume process is used. In a first stage of the process, instructions stored in a secure-boot ROM are executed to load a first-level boot image from non-volatile memory, which may be located off-chip, to on-chip memory. The instructions in the secure-boot ROM then authenticate the first-level boot image before a processor of the system begins to operate from the first-level image. In a second stage, a second-level boot image, such as containing an operating system, is loaded into external memory before the processor authenticates the second-level image. This approach is time consuming since authentication is performed twice. Thus, it would be advantageous to have a fast and secure method to transition from one state to another state.


The present invention provides a shared I/O port and a configurable interconnect allowing any of a plurality of cores to access any pin of a shared I/O port. Preferably, one of the plurality of cores is designated as a master core at least with respect to the configuration of the shared I/O port(s), and the remaining cores desiring to gain access to the shared I/O port(s) are designated as non-master or slave cores. It is the responsibility of the master core to reassign chip resources such as the shared I/O port(s) for use by either the master core or by any of the shared cores. Preferably, all shared I/O ports are controlled by default by the master core. The slave cores communicate with the master core through a suitable internal messaging system. If a slave core requires use of a particular I/O pin or I/O port not already configured appropriately for its use, the slave core will send an appropriate message to the master core through the messaging system, e.g., a dual port memory mailbox. Preferably, the master core will then pass a message back to the requesting slave core indicating completion of the requested reconfiguration. The master core preferably keeps track of which core currently has control of each I/O pin or port using appropriate internal registers. The master core communicates with the relevant I/O pin or port using its I/O data bus, while the slave core communicates with the relevant I/O pin or port using its I/O data bus. IOP configuration signals from the master core configure and thus determine which core in the multi-core integrated circuit or hybrid circuit has access to I/O control modules or registers to control the direction, mode, interrupt generation capability, and/or status of the shared I/O port(s).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to input/output (I/O) ports. More particularly, it relates to the efficient use of I/O ports with multi-core integrated circuit designs.
2. Background of Related Art
Many processors (e.g., microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs)) communicate with external or peripheral devices using general purpose input/output (I/O) ports. While address and data buses are also typically provided by processors, I/O ports allow flexibility in designs to accommodate signals not necessarily comporting to the strict timing requirements of an address and data bus communication. For instance, I/O ports are ideal for writing and/or reading single bit data (rather than byte or word-length data) to or from a particular device.
An I/O port typically includes a plurality of I/O pins, e.g., eight (8) I/O pins. Each I/O pin is typically configurable as either an input or an output. The configuration of each I/O pin typically takes place during an initialization of the relevant core, and may be reconfigured during operation of the relevant core.
FIG. 3 shows the relevant portions of a conventional arrangement of I/O ports and pins with respect to a plurality of cores (e.g., processors) on a common integrated circuit or hybrid circuit.
In particular, a plurality of cores 600-604 are arranged on an integrated circuit or on a hybrid circuit 650. Each of the cores 600-604 has its own purpose or function, and is provided individual access external to the circuit 650 by pins protruding from a hermetically sealing package formed around the circuit 650. Each core 600-604 typically includes a respective I/O port 620-624, and each respective I/O port 620-624 has an associated number of I/O pins 630-634.
In today""s world of integrated circuit design, a significant restriction that designers have had to cope with is the limited number of external pins available for use in any particular package design. The external pins are generally soldered or socketed onto a printed circuit board (PCB).
Generally, as the required number of external pins increases, the size of the package design must increase accordingly to accommodate the larger number of external pins. Ideally, designers would like to have an unlimited number of external pins available for interfacing a given integrated circuit or hybrid circuit device with the external world (e.g., a PCB). Unfortunately, design trends are toward reduced size of components, allowing devices having reduced size.
As technology advances, the need has arisen for multiple cores within the same integrated circuit or hybrid circuit. However, the ability to keep external pin count to a minimum in light of the additional cores (e.g., processors) within an integrated circuit becomes quite strained.
In response to the need for multiple cores within a given integrated circuit or hybrid circuit, designers have been forced to rely on expensive packaging solutions, such as high density pin grid arrays with, e.g., hundreds of external pins to be bonded out, to accommodate the large number of external interfaces to be made with respect to each core.
There is a need for a more efficient design allowing multiple cores within an integrated circuit or hybrid circuit to communicate with the external world exhibiting reduced pin count.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a multi-core circuit device comprises a first core and a second core. A configurable interconnect includes a communication path to the first core and to the second core. A shared I/O port allows use of at least one shared I/O pin by one of the first core and the second core based on a configuration established by the configurable interconnect.
A method of sharing at least one I/O pin between a plurality of cores in a multi-core circuit device in accordance with another aspect of the present invention comprises configuring the at least one shared I/O pin from a first one of the plurality of cores in the multi-core device for use by another one of the plurality of cores in the multi-core circuit device, upon initiation of operation of the multi-core circuit device.


Advanced epoxy cationic resins are prepared from an epoxy-based resin containing oxirane groups by converting at least some of the oxirane groups to cationic groups is improved by using as the epoxy-based resin a blend of (I) an epoxy-based resin obtained by reacting in the presence of a suitable catalyst (1) a diglycidylether of an oxyalkylated aromatic or cycloaliphatic diol, such as a condensation product of bisphenol A, ethylene oxide and epichlorohydrin, optionally (2) a diglycidylether of a dihydric phenol, for example a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, (3) a dihydric phenol such as bisphenol A, and optionally (4) a capping agent such as p-nonylphenol and (II) a different cationic epoxy-based resin. Such resin blends can be utilized in cathodic electrodeposition coating systems. Use of the diglycidylether of an oxyalkylated diol provides coating compositions with lower viscosity and produces deposition coatings of higher film build and better surface appearance than compositions without this component.

Electrodeposition has become an important method for the application of coatings over the last two decades and continues to grow in popularity because of its efficiency, uniformity and environmental acceptance. Cathodic electrodeposition has become dominant in areas where highly corrosion-resistant coatings are required, such as in primers for automobile bodies and parts. Epoxy based systems provide the best overall performance in this application and are widely used.
Cathodic electrodeposition resins based on conventional epoxies obtained by reacting liquid diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A with bisphenol A to produce higher molecular weight epoxy resins have known disadvantages. Such products tend to have excessively high softening points resulting in poor flow out. In addition, such products require excessive amounts of solvent during their preparation. In order to improve flow, it has been proposed to modify such conventional epoxy resins by reaction with a diol in the presence of a tertiary amine catalyst. Thus, Bosso et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,839,252, describes modification with polypropylene glycol. Marchetti et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,947,339, teaches modification with polyesterdiols or polytetramethylene glycols. Wismer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,467, describes still another modification with diols derived from cyclic polyols reacted with ethylene oxide. These various modifications, however, also have disadvantages. Tertiary amines or strong bases are required to effect the reaction between the primary alcohols and the epoxy groups involved. Since these reactions require long reaction times, they are subject to gellation because of competitive polymerization of the epoxy groups by the base catalyst. In addition epoxy resins containing low levels of chlorine are required to prevent deactivation of this catalyst.
Many coating formulations applied by electrodeposition include pigments to provide color, opacity, application, or film properties. U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,405, Sturni et al., describes pigment grinding vehicles especially useful in preparing stable, aqueous pigment dispersions for water-dispersible coating systems, particularly for application by electrodeposition. The final electrodepositable compositions, as described, contain the pigment dispersion and an ammonium or amine salt group solubilized cationic electrodepositable epoxy-containing vehicle resin and other ingredients typically used in electrodepositable compositions. Among the kinds of resins used are various polyepoxides such as polyglycidyl ethers of polyphenols, polyglycidyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols and polyepoxides having oxyalkylene groups in the epoxy molecule.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,419,467 and 4,575,523 describe the reaction of an epoxy resin with oxyalkylated diols to form resins useful in electrodeposition. Such reactions have several attendant disadvantages, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,720, Col. 1, lines 25-51. Use of the glycidyl ethers of such a diol, as described herein, eliminates or greatly reduces these problems.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,720 teaches the use of glycidyl ethers of cyclic polyols, including oxyalkylated polyphenols, in combination with polymercapto compounds to form electrodeposition resins. These glycidyl ethers were not used in combination with glycidyl ethers of polyphenols and polyphenols, as described herein, nor were there advantageous properties as modifiers for bisphenol A-based epoxy resins in electrodeposition anticipated, such as improvement in film thickness and appearance.
Moriarity et al. disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,850 an aqueous dispersion of a blend of (A) an ungelled reaction product of a polyepoxide and a polyoxyalkylenepolyamine, which is then at least partially neutralized with acid to form cationic groups, and (B) an additional cationic resin different from (A). The resulting dispersion is applied by cathodic electrodeposition and is disclosed as providing high throw power and films which are better appearing, more flexible and more water-resistant.
Anderson et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,523, discloses a film-forming resin composition which when combined with a crosslinking agent and solubilized, is capable of depositing high build coatings in cathodic electrodeposition processes. The resin is a reaction product of a modified epoxy formed by reacting a water-soluble or water-miscible polyol, an excess of polyamine, and an aliphatic monoepoxide.
Fowler, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,242 discloses aqueous epoxy resin dispersions wherein one component is the reaction product of a diglycidyl ether of a dihydric phenol, a dihydric phenol, a diglycidyl ether of a polyoxyalkylene glycol and a diisocyanate.
Bowditch describes, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,461, epoxy resins derived from diglycidyl ethers of oxyalkylated bisphenols advanced with bisphenol A; however, there is no suggestion that these products can be used to make cathodic electrodepositable coatings.
McIntyre, Rao and Hickner disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,104 issued May 9, 1989 an improvement in a method for preparing an advanced epoxy cationic resin from an epoxy-based resin containing oxirane groups by converting at least some of the oxirane groups to cationic groups. The improvement is stated to reside in using as the epoxy-based resin an advanced epoxy resin obtained by reacting in the presence of a suitable catalyst (1) a diglycidyl ether of a polyetherpolyol such as the condensation product of dipropylene glycol and epichlorohydrin having an epoxy equivalent weight of 185, (2) a diglycidyl ether of a dihydric phenol such as a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and (3) a dihydric phenol such as bisphenol A and optionally a capping agent such as p-nonylphenol.
Anderson and Hickner disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,575 issued Sep. 5, 1989 an improvement in preparing an advanced epoxy cationic resin from an epoxy-based resin containing oxirane groups by converting at least some of the oxirane groups to cationic groups. The improvement is stated to reside in using as the epoxy-based resin, an advanced epoxy resin obtained by reacting in the presence of a suitable catalyst (1) a diglycidyl ether of an oxyalkylated aromatic diol or oxyalkylated cycloaliphatic diol, (2) a diglycidyl ether of a dihydric phenol and (3) a dihydric phenol.
Rao and Hickner disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,230 issued Sep. 19, 1989 an improvement in a method for preparing an advanced epoxy cationic resin from an epoxy-based resin containing oxirane groups by converting at least a portion of the oxirane groups to cationic group. The improvement is stated to reside in using as the epoxy-based resin an advanced epoxy resin obtained by reacting in the presence of a suitable catalyst (1) a diglycidyl ether of an aliphatic diol free of ether oxygen atoms, (2) a diglycidyl ether of a dihydric phenol and (3) a dihydric phenol.
Rao and Hickner disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,572 issued Nov. 28, 1989 an improvement in a method for preparing an advanced epoxy cationic resin from an epoxy-based resin containing oxirane groups by converting at least some of the oxirane groups to cationic groups. The improvement is stated to reside in using as the epoxy-based resin an advanced epoxy resin obtained by reacting in the presence of a suitable catalyst (1) a diglycidyl ether of an aliphatic diol which is essentially free of ether oxygen atoms, such as a diglycidyl ether of 1,4-butanediol, (2) a diglycidyl ether of a dihydric phenol such as a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and (3) a dihydric phenol such as bisphenol A and optionally a capping agent such as p-nonylphenol.
The automobile industry still has needs in the areas of controlled film thickness. The ability to build thicker, uniform films which are smooth and free of defects will allow the elimination of an intermediate layer of paint known as a primer surface or spray primer, previously required to yield a sufficiently smooth surface for the topcoat. Such an elimination results in removal of one paint cycle and provides more efficient operations. Thicker electrocoat primers may also provide improved corrosion resistance.

Controlled film build epoxy coatings using glycidyl ethers of oxyalkylated aromatic and cycloaliphatic diols


A method and process for providing a memory dump of less than the entire contents of memory is provided. The memory locations to be dumped are selected on the basis of recency of use, so that there is a high probability that portions of memory needed for analysis or evaluation of the computer system will be included in the selective dump. Preferably, the select ion is made on the basis of information or hardware which is already provided in the computer system. In one preferred embodiment, memory to be dumped is selected on the basis of memory locations encoded for by a translation lookaside buffer.

Among the tools and methods used for evaluating and analyzing the performance of computers is a memory dump. In typical prior memory dumps, the contents of all memory locations, along with various registers, accumulators, and the like, are written to a permanent storage medium. A memory dump is either initiated by a user or is automatically initiated upon detection of certain conditions, such as error conditions.
A memory dump is used to assist in evaluating computer performance, and, in particular, for diagnosing pathologic or error conditions in a computer. By knowing the contents of the memory locations, registers, and the like, the analyst can, in most cases, determine the source of the error or pathologic condition. This enables the analyst to determine what, if any, alterations to the software and/or hardware need to be undertaken to prevent or reduce the recurrence of such error conditions in the future.
Certain error conditions are associated with overwriting or destruction of some memory locations. In a few cases, the destruction or overwriting occurs at memory locations which had previously contained the data needed to analyze the error condition. Nevertheless, in the great majority of cases, information needed to analyze the error condition is found somewhere in the memory dump.
A difficulty with providing a memory dump is that it prevents at least a part of the computing device from operating in its normal fashion. That is, the memory dump takes a certain amount of time and, during this time, the computer is not available for its normal use. A further difficulty with memory dumps is that large volumes of data are produced. When memory dumps are stored, as is often the case with large producers of computers, the volume of storage needed for past memory dumps can be quite large.
Both the above-mentioned problems are exacerbated as larger memories are provided for computers. In a computer with a main memory of, e.g., 96 megabytes (mb) (96.times.2.sup.10 bytes), a dump of the full memory might take 10-12 minutes.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide for a memory dump which generally produces the information needed for analysis, but which takes less time and less data storage to accomplish.

400
MS
File;
425
MS
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FSS 200 MS File;900 MS File


A method and apparatus is provided to improve upon the efficiency of a power amplifier. Suitable hardware/software in the form of circuitry, logic gates, and/or code functions to construct an envelope tracking waveform of an input communications signal and modulate the input supply voltage based on power amplifier circuitry operational parameters such as slew rates.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure described herein relates generally to wireless communications and more particularly to processes and circuits used to support wireless communications.
2. Description of Related Art
Communication systems are known to support wireless and wireline communications between wireless and/or wireline communication devices. Such communication systems range from national and/or international cellular telephone systems to the Internet to point-to-point in-home wireless networks to radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. Each type of communication system is constructed, and hence operates, in accordance with one or more communication standards. For instance, wireless communication systems may operate in accordance with one or more standards including, but not limited to, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 4GPP (4th Generation Partnership Project), LTE (long term evolution), LTE Advanced, RFID, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, AMPS (advanced mobile phone services), digital AMPS, GSM (global system for mobile communications), CDMA (code division multiple access), LMDS (local multi-point distribution systems), MMDS (multi-channel-multi-point distribution systems), and/or variations thereof.
Depending on the type of wireless communication system, a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone, smartphone, two-way radio, tablet, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer (PC), laptop computer, home entertainment equipment, RFID reader, RFID tag, et cetera communicates directly or indirectly with other wireless communication devices. For each wireless communication device to participate in wireless communications, it includes a built-in radio transceiver (i.e., receiver and transmitter) or is coupled to an associated radio transceiver (e.g., a station for in-home and/or in-building wireless communication networks, RF modem, etc.). As is known, the receiver is coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., MIMO) and may include one or more low noise amplifiers, one or more intermediate frequency stages, a filtering stage, and a data recovery stage. The low noise amplifier(s) receives inbound RF signals via the antenna and amplifies them. The one or more intermediate frequency stages mix the amplified RF signals with one or more local oscillations to convert the amplified RF signal into baseband signals or intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The filtering stage filters the baseband signals or the IF signals to attenuate unwanted out of band signals to produce filtered signals. The data recovery stage recovers raw data from the filtered signals in accordance with the particular wireless communication standard.
As is also known, the transmitter includes a data modulation stage, one or more intermediate frequency stages, and a power amplifier. The data modulation stage converts raw data into baseband signals in accordance with a particular wireless communication standard. The one or more intermediate frequency stages mix the baseband signals with one or more local oscillations to produce RF signals. The power amplifier amplifies the RF signals prior to transmission via an antenna. As communications network capacities evolve, energy consumption is readily becoming an important factor. Recent developments in envelope tracking are aimed at consuming energy more efficiently.

Optimal envelope tracking reference waveform generation


Embodiments of the invention suppress collision between a head element section and a magnetic disk. In manufacturing a hard disk drive (HDD) according to an embodiment of the present invention, recession R is preliminarily measured for each head slider. Recession R means the amount of recession of the head element section relative to the slider. Write current and heater current values respectively for the write device and the TFC heater are registered based on the measured recession. Since these values are set according to the recession of the head element section, it is possible to prevent each head element section from colliding with the magnetic disk while reducing the clearance between each head element section and the magnetic disk.

The present invention relates to a data storage apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a mechanism which controls the protrusion of a head element section in a data storage apparatus and a manufacturing technique which facilitates the control.
As known, there are a variety of data storage devices which use different types of media such as optical disks and magnetic tapes. Among them, the hard disk drive (HDD) has become so popular as to be one of the indispensable storage devices for today's computer systems. Further, not limited to computers, the hard disk drive is widening its range of application more and more due to the superior characteristics, covering moving picture recording/reproducing apparatus, car navigation systems, cellular phones, removable memories for digital cameras and so on.
Each magnetic disk used in hard disk drives has a plurality of data tracks formed concentrically. In each data track, a plurality of data sectors are recorded which contain a plurality of servo data, including address information, and user data. A plurality of data sectors are recorded between servo data. Data can be written to and read from a desired data section by a head element section of a head slider held on an actuator which is swung to access the data section according to the address information of the servo data.
During operation, the head slider forms a spacing in the order of several or several ten nanometers between it and the magnetic disk by using the air flow which is caused by the rotating magnetic disk. To allow the head slider to stably hover or glide, the magnetic disk should have a flat and smooth surface. In order to realize high recording density, however, tiny bumps are formed on the magnetic disk surface. It is difficult to form these tiny bumps uniformly in height. That is, it is difficult to completely remove abnormally high bumps.
In the case of a head element section using a magnetoresistive effect transducer, if an abnormally high bump touches the head element section, this contact raises the temperature of the element section due to frictional heat, which temporally changes the resistance and therefore causes an abnormality in the read signal. This abnormality is called a Thermal Asperity (TA). Further, it is possible that the magnetic head itself may be damaged if the magnetic head makes harsh contact with a tiny bump.
As a solution to this problem, a magnetic disk drive is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 10-269527). A head slider mounted in the magnetic disk drive is characterized in that a head element section formed by thin film process technology is recessed from the head slider surface so as to depart more from the magnetic disk. That is, this technique forms a recessed head element step on the slider in order to prevent the magnetic head from making contact with tiny bumps on the magnetic disk.
In terms of magnetic read/write, however, this technique causes more deterioration in performance if the recession of the device element section is enlarged since the clearance between the head device section and the magnetic disk becomes larger although thermal asperities can be suppressed. Enlarging the recession does not simply mean a better result.
As a solution in terms of both head failure and performance, a head slider is disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2003-272335). In addition to a write device and a read device, the head element section of this head slider has a thermal expansion element and a contact detector near the read and write devices. Further, the head element section is recessed in advance from the slider surface which faces the magnetic disk. In the magnetic disk drive, as necessary for write or read, electricity is supplied to the thermal expansion element to expand the element. This makes the head element section closer to the magnetic disk. If the expansion is excessive, the head element section may protrude beyond the slider surface faced toward the magnetic disk. In this case, it is possible that the head device section may make contact with tiny bumps on the magnetic disk. So as to avoid contact with tiny bumps due to excessive protrusion, the amount of electricity supplied to the thermal expansion element is adjusted according to the spacing detector.
This technique makes it possible to prevent the head element section from making contact with tiny bumps on the magnetic disk while controlling the spacing between the head element section and the magnetic disk. However, head sliders which are actually mounted in data storage apparatus have different flying characteristics. Furthermore, the recession of the head element section differs among the head sliders.
In addition, in a comparison between a head slider having a small recessed head element step on a slider and a large flying height and a head slider having a larger recessed head element step on a slider and a small flying height, it is more difficult for the former than the latter to judge whether the head element section is protruded beyond the slider surface faced toward the magnetic disk when the thermal expansion element is energized and expanded for write or read.
Therefore, this technique is not effective for new bumps grown from defects on the magnetic disk and dust particles inhaled between the head slider and the magnetic disk during the operation of the magnetic disk drive. The risk of the head element section being damaged by contact with such bumps and particles is not yet eliminated.

Hard disk drive with mechanism for controlling protrusion of head

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


An edge or corner protector comprises side surface portions which are adapted to be spaced from the external side surface portions of an article or appliance which define an external corner or edge region of the article or appliance to be protected, and an interior corner or apex region which is likewise adapted to be spaced from the external corner or edge region of the article or appliance. In this manner, not only does the corner or edge protector serve to protect the external corner or edge region of the article or appliance, but in addition, the spacing of the side surface portions of the new and improved edge or corner protector from the external side surface portions of the article or appliance, as well as the spacing of the interior corner or apex region of the corner or edge protector from the external corner or edge region of the article or appliance will effectively serve as a shock absorber so as to prevent external impact forces, impressed upon the carton or shipping container, from being transmitted internally onto the external side surface portions of the article or appliance, or onto the corner or edge region of the article or appliance.

Package, article, palletized load, or appliance edge or corner protectors, corner post supports, and the like, are of course well-known in the packaging and shipping industries, and are accordingly widely used in connection with the shipping and transportation of various packages, articles, products, palletized loads, appliances, and the like, in order to protect the same during transit, wherein it is particularly desirable to protect the external corner or edge portions or regions thereof. Typical or conventional edge or corner protectors, or corner post supports, are disclosed, for example, within U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,119 which issued to Markert et al. on Mar. 4, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,800 which issued to Goshorn et al. on Jul. 6, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,928 which issued to Bishop on May 3, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,611 which issued to Liebel on Jan. 26, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,041 which issued to Webb et al. on Dec. 29, 1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,692 which issued to Knierim on Nov. 10, 1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,541 which issued to Liebel on Jul. 21, 1992, U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,689 which issued to McFarland on Sep. 17, 1991, U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,893 which issued to Liebel on Sep. 20, 1988, U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,915 which issued to Sorenson on Aug. 23, 1983, U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,677 which issued to Collingwood on May 11, 1976, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,536,245 which issued to Palmer on Oct. 27, 1970.
It is noted that all of the aforenoted patented implements are basically similar to each other, and representative of conventional corner or edge protectors, in that the same comprise at least two leg structures disposed at 90° with respect to each other so as to effectively define an interior region within which the external corner or edge region or portion of the particular article, product, package, appliance, or palletized load, to be protected, is adapted to be disposed. It is noted, however, that while each one of the aforenoted corner or edge protectors does in fact protect the external corner or edge region of the particular article, product, package, appliance, or palletized load, and may even space the external side surface portions of the article, product, package, palletized load, or appliance from the interior side surface portions of the carton or shipping container within which the particular article, product, package, appliance, or palletized load is disposed, as exemplified by means of the aforenoted patent to Palmer, it is additionally noted that the external corner or apex region of the particular article, product, package, appliance, or palletized load is in fact disposed in direct contact with the interior corner or apex region of the corner or edge protector along, for example, the vertically oriented lineal extent thereof. Accordingly, if, for example, external impact forces are impressed upon the external corner or edge portion of the carton or shipping container, such impact forces will be transmitted directly to the external corner or edge portion of the particular article, product, package, appliance, or palletized load whereby damage to the external corner or edge portion of the particular article, product, package, appliance, or palletized load could be experienced.
A need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved corner or edge protector wherein not only are the external corner or edge regions of an article, product, appliance, package, or palletized load protected, but in addition, the external side surfaces, and the external corner or edge regions, of the article, product, package, appliance, or palletized load are respectively spaced from the internal side surfaces, and the internal corner region, of the carton or shipping container such that not only can the effects of externally impressed impact forces to the carton or shipping container be substantially prevented from being transmitted to the article, product, package, appliance, or palletized load, but in addition, the structural integrity and compression strength characteristics of the corner or edge protector can simultaneously be preserved.

Spacer and shock-absorber type angleboard edge or corner protector


The present invention discloses a method of playing an instant game on a wireless network terminal device by installing a network connection software in a wireless network terminal device, so that the wireless network terminal device can use the network connection software to connect to a network and let it be allocated to a network address and defined as a game host in order to create and play an instant game without going through the traditional network server and the network address of the network server.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of playing an instant game on wireless network terminal device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Nowadays, the online game industry is blooming, and the selling price of all kinds of games is getting cheaper. Every software game developer constantly introduces new software games to cope with such trends, which is quite welcome by the consumers. Furthermore, every software game developer constantly increases the quantity of network servers for the game to meet the demand of the fast growth of game players, and expects the game player to enjoy the best quality of games.
The online game is constructed on at least one network server and a plurality of computers, and those computers and network servers are connected to Internet through a cable, so that the computers through its network can access the fixed network address owned by the network server address, and enable the computer and network server to transmit data through such two network addresses and play the instant online game.
However, such software game developers keep on increasing the number of network servers and paying attention to the online quality of the game, but neglecting the cost of purchasing and maintaining the network server if a game does not require the functions of such a powerful network server and high quality of online connection. Such cost is a burden or even a waste of resources. Therefore, everyone would love to have an online game that does not require a network server to provide a fixed network address to process the exchange of various information and play the game, or even any wireless network terminal device (such as a flat panel computer, PDA, or handset, etc.) can construct a wireless network to play the online game without using a network server. Such arrangement can bring the software game developers another online game business opportunity.

Method of playing instant game on wireless network terminal device


Composition spray applied on fabrics to de-wrinkle and refresh while protecting colors which leaves no discernable residue. Quality water, one or more alcohol(s) and one or more surfactant(s) penetrate the fabric weave. One or more acids lower pH to stabilize sensitive dyes, thus ensuring color-safeness. Alcohols hasten drying and fragrances mask alcohol odor and help consumers identify the product. Mechanical action(s) by the user enhances wrinkle removal or imparts shape. Optional malodor-eliminating compounds keep fabrics fresh longer, or refresh malodorous garments. Optional specific quaternary ammonium compound reduces static cling but does not significantly increase residues. The composition de-wrinkles commercial fabrics, and clothing from casual to fine, spray applied using a pre-compression sprayer. The composition is environmentally friendly, safe for use on all types of fabrics, and safe for use at home or commercially.

(A) Field of the Invention
This invention is a composition of matter. It is packages of such composition or other articles of manufacture which include such composition, or apparatus for use in or peculiar to such method or process. This invention is also a fluid treatment and chemical modification of textiles and fibers, more specifically, a composition for enhancing the appearance of consumer textile goods. The composition is spray applied on fabrics to relax and reduce wrinkles in casual to fine clothing, fabrics, or textiles while ensuring color-safeness. This invention is also a fluid treatment and chemical modification of fabrics, commercial textiles and woven fibers, more specifically, a composition for enhancing the appearance of, and ease of manufacturing, processing, handling, maintaining or installing fabrics, commercial fabrics and textiles and woven fibers and protects against sensitive commercial, natural, native, or vintage dyes bleeding. It is sprayed or otherwise applied on textiles, fabrics or other woven industrial/commercial complexes to relax and reduce wrinkles while protecting against dye bleeding.
The present composition is color-safe, fast drying, environmentally friendly and safe for use on clothing and in the home. The composition may be spray applied, applied by pressurized aerosol spray canister, or by any other acceptable method. Preferably, a commercially available pre-compression sprayer with multiple volume-per-stroke settings is used to deliver a fine atomized mist of the composition. Commercial fabrics are de-wrinkled by delivering the composition via pressurized aerosol canister, atomizing sprayer, pre-compression sprayer or by any other acceptable method. Adding an optional malodor eliminating compound keeps fabrics fresh longer and/or refreshes malodorous garments by eliminating malodorous compounds. Adding a specific optional quaternary ammonium compound to the composition helps to reduce static cling without imparting a tacky residue.
Wrinkle relaxing and reducing compositions are well established in the art. However, the prior art has proved to be less than satisfactory in meeting its objective of relaxing and reducing wrinkles in fabrics, including fine fabrics such as silk. The prior art has not met its objective of the development of a wrinkle reducing and relaxing composition that works effectively to de-wrinkle, that does not leave a significant residue and which dries quickly—all at "household speeds."
(B) Description of the Related Art
Schwartz et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,688, established a compound and process by combining alcohol and water with a cationic surfactant, preferably a quaternary ammonium compound. This composition is to be spray applied and the fabric manipulated to remove wrinkles. Thereafter, the composition is expected to take fifteen to sixty minutes to dry. Wrinkle relaxing reducing compositions with extended drying times are inconvenient and ineffective for use as a laundry aid. Targoz, U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,695, noted correctly, ". . . the portions of a garment wetted by the Schwartz et al composition mars the appearance of the garment with excessive wetting having the potential for causing shrinkage . . . ." Extended drying times may cause shrinkage, increase the likelihood of fabric distortion, cause fugitive dye bleeding, create an environment for spotting or rings, attract dust and dirt, foster cellulosic browning and create the circumstances whereby newly introduced or existing dust or dirt dissolves into the fabric, soiling the otherwise freshly laundered fabric. For the same reasons, compositions with extended drying times are not practical when used to de-wrinkle commercial fabrics.
Jacobson et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,268, formulated a composition wherein a water and alcohol solution is enhanced by the presence of at least two or three surfactants: a silicone-glycol copolymer surfactant, and/or a flouronated alkyl ester surfactant either or both of which are to be combined with a quaternary ammonium salt surfactant. The Jacobson composition is to be spray applied in a fine mist and the fabric is then manually set and held until dry. Animal-based surfactants prove disadvantageous in the adequate lubrication of fibers and elimination of negative charge, particularly in the treatment of fine fabrics such as silk. In addition, both animal-based surfactants and heretofore all quaternary ammonium salt surfactants are semi-volatile and dry leaving a tacky residue. A tacky residue is unacceptable to the consumer. It fosters staining and enhances prospects for soiling. As such, the Jacobson composition is unsatisfactory for use as a home laundry aid or in commercial settings.
Agbomeirele et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,566, formulated a water and alcohol solution having the addition of anionic siliconates applied to fabrics to reduce wrinkles. This composition requires an extended drying time. Silicone-based compositions have not found satisfactory use with fine fabrics such as silks." Silicone-based compositions also leave objectionable residues. Cellulosic browning occurs when saturated fibers release soluble lignin, a natural dyestuff. Lignin moves to and concentrates at the point of evaporation, resulting in stains and/or ring-like discoloration stains. And, fine organic fabrics such as silks suffer by over-saturation as any cellulosic fiber is subject to cellulosic browning when over-saturated. Therefore, the Agbomeirele et al composition would require extensive drying time and also increase the potential for staining.
In Kaufman et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,325, an aerosol spray composition of alcohols and water is generally found to be less than effective for two reasons: 1) again, the purported need for large quantities of the composition to relax wrinkles; and, 2) again, extended drying times.
Church, U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,254, used large quantities of alcohol, glycerine and a nonionic surfactant in a composition which was ultimately found to need extensive drying time and to be less than useful on fine fabrics. However, glycerine extends drying times and may likely impart an objectionable residue on fabrics.
Targoz, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,695, relates the state of the art up to the year 1996. He states that, ". . . a need still exists in the art for effective, fast drying compositions of matter which quickly and readily remove wrinkles from textile fabrics and the like without leaving residues thereon." Targoz' solution was the development of a high purity de-ionized water and alcohol mixture containing a vegetable oil based cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant and a second surfactant, spray applied on fabrics in a fine mist. Although Targoz advanced the art, his composition ultimately missed his goal. While the small quantity of surfactant used is effective relative to the surfactant's ability to enhance wetting, the composition does not contain enough surfactant to eliminate significant static cling. To effectively eliminate static cling a garment needs to be comparatively saturated with surfactant. The amount of the cationic surfactant he proposes cannot achieve the static free state he promises. Increasing the amount of surfactant brings the negative implications of additional, noticeable tacky residues. Residues in these quantities will tend to increase the likelihood of premature soiling. More importantly, the Targoz composition has a pH that is at best neutral or slightly basic. The Targoz composition has a high enough pH that sensitive dyes may bleed and run, ruining fabrics, especially the fine fabrics such as silks that Targoz claims to be able to safely de-wrinkle. Neutral pH may not promote fugitive dye bleeding, however it would not prevent it in sensitive fabrics. Raising pH at all past neutral is a very definite danger insofar as fugitive dye bleeding is concerned. Buffered to an effective level to ensure color-safeness, the present composition brings forth a novel and practical solution to this problem. The present composition will safely de-wrinkle without dyes bleeding.
Trinh et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,343, relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing and wrinkle controlling composition of uncomplexed cyclodextrin and at least one of a cyclodextrin compatible surfactant; cyclodextrin compatible antimicrobial active; and, mixtures thereof. The compositions stated primary purpose is controlling malodors. Its secondary purpose is controlling wrinkles. Comparative testing under identical conditions of the Trinh et al composition and the present composition clearly demonstrates the greater effectiveness of the present invention. Side-by-side tests conducted in industry laboratories demonstrated that the present composition more effectively relaxed and reduced wrinkles than the Trinh et al composition, wetted-out fabrics faster, dried faster and produced a finer, more consistent atomized spray. The Trinh et al composition also leaves a formidable residue on fabrics. The residue seems to be the malodor constituent of the "two-part" composition. To demonstrate the difference in amounts of residue between the two compositions, the authors placed 15 ml each of the present composition and the Trinh et al composition onto separate glass plates and allowed them to dry at room temperature. While residue of the present composition was barely discernable to the naked eye, the Trinh et al composition significantly clouded the glass plate to the point it became translucent and nearly opaque. The Trinh et al composition evaporated to deposit a thick, waxy residue on the otherwise transparent plate. Contrary to their claim(s), the Trinh et al composition does leave a heavy, waxy residue. The Trinh et al waxy residue is so present that one could imagine a build up over time, for example over-spray in the laundry room. This over-spray residue would be very unsightly and pose a slip hazard. The waxy residue will attract soils to fabrics at an accelerated rate. Importantly, the present composition evaporates and leaves no dicsernable residue.

Color-safe fabric wrinkle removing and refreshing composition


Techniques for enhancing radiocommunication systems, e.g., radio local loop systems, are described. Radio local loop systems replace a portion of the wired connections between a local exchange and, for example, a telephone set, with a wireless connection. Like conventional wired systems, remote unit mobility is limited. However, the present invention supports system reconfigurations, such as cell splitting, in a manner which obviates the conventional necessity of reprogramming each remote unit in a radio local loop system. Backup cells can also be provided to enhance system reliability.

The present invention generally relates to radio local loop communication systems and, more particularly, to cell splitting in such systems.
The radiocommunication industry has made phenomenal strides in commercial operations in the more heavily industrialized countries as well as the rest of the world. Growth in major metropolitan areas has far exceeded expectations and is rapidly outstripping system capacity. If this trend continues, the effects of this industry's growth will soon reach even the smallest markets. Innovative solutions are required to meet these increasing capacity needs as well as maintain high quality service and avoid rising prices.
Cellular radiocommunication systems have provided a large portion of this growth due to, for example, their ability to support mobile communications. However, cellular systems comprise only a portion of the radiocommunication universe. Another type of radiocommunication system is commonly known as a radio local loop (RLL) or wireless local loop (WLL) system. In RLL systems, shared radio connections replace, at least partially, the more conventional wire connections between remote units (e.g., telephone sets) and the local exchange. To implement these radio connections, subscriber radio terminals (SRTs) support a subscriber end of the radio link (e.g., connected to a standard telephone set) and radio base stations (RBSs) are connected to the local exchange. The air interface between RBSs and SRTs can be implemented using any known cellular technology, for example, NMT, GSM, TACS, D-AMPS, etc. By replacing wire connections with radio connections, system installation can be performed quickly and cheaply, particularly at rural sites where distances between subscribers and local exchanges make running copper wire prohibitively expensive or high density areas where wiring complexity increases costs.
Like many popular innovations, radiocommunication systems could be described as victims of their own success in the sense that demand for wireless services threatens to exceed the capacity of installed systems' in certain areas. One solution used in cellular systems to expand capacity is known as cell splitting. By reusing the same frequency or group of frequencies in only cells which are a certain minimum distance apart, the interference contributed to signals within those cells from the so-called co-channel cells is reduced to a level which provides acceptable receive signal quality. Thus, in many cellular systems frequency reuse patterns have been adopted to provide geographical restraints on the reuse of frequencies to limit co-channel interference. However, frequency reuse patterns also limit capacity in radiocommunication systems which are allocated only a finite bandwidth within the radio frequency spectrum. Thus, cell splitting, i.e., dividing a cell into several smaller cells that use different groups of frequencies for communication, increases overall system capacity by increasing frequency reuse. Note that this allows the co-channel interference ratio to remain the same.
In cellular systems, each cell is associated with at least one control channel which supports various overhead functions including paging and access to the system. In cellular systems, the selection of a particular base station as a serving base station for a particular mobile station can be made based upon, for example, the strength at which the mobile station receives each base station's control channel. When a cell split occurs in a cellular system, each newly created cell will have its own control channel associated therewith. In this way, mobile stations can quickly adapt to the change in system structure by listening to the new control channels as well as those which existed before the cell split. Accordingly, a cellular system's adaptation to cell splitting is relatively uncomplicated, at least from the mobile station's point of view.
Like cellular systems, many RLL systems require post-installation expansion to handle additional subscribers. Unfortunately the cell splitting technique used in cellular systems is not readily adaptable to RLL systems. One reason is that cell splitting was designed for systems which support subscriber mobility, but RLL systems are designed to support subscriber units which have limited mobility due to, for example, regulatory reasons and physical system limitations of local exchanges. For example, while cellular systems provide subscriber registers on the trunk side of the exchange which allows calls to be routed to other exchanges as necessary, existing RLL systems use subscriber line registers which are disposed in the switch interface module (SIM), which interfaces the RBSs with the local exchange. Since the SIM is disposed on the subscriber's side of the local exchange, access to the subscriber line registers is localized and routing calls to other local exchanges or SIMs is not possible. To prevent SRTs from attempting to access restricted RBSs, each SRT is manually programmed with a code identifying the cell or cells which it may access. When cell splitting occurs in RLL systems, new cells are created and thus SRTs may be restricted to a new RBS or group of RBSs. This requires manually reprogramming each affected SRT with a new code. In addition to cellsplitting, other network reconfigurations may also occur which necessitate reprogramming of SRTs. However, manual reprogramming of SRTs may take, for example, several hours per subscriber thus making changes in the RLL network virtually impossible for practical and economical reasons.
Another drawback to conventional RLL systems is that since each SRT is restricted to, for example, a single cell with which it can communicate, there are frequently periods during which an SRT will be unable to provide a connection. For example, an SRT may lose contact with its cell due to certain weather conditions or if an object is moved into a position which completely blocks the SRT from radio communication with its assigned RBS. Another example would be if the RBS is temporarily out of service for maintenance or system reconfiguration purposes.

Methods for handling reconfiguration of radio base stations in radio local loop systems


A method for producing a multilayer film wherein, in at least one step, at least one ink is applied to a layer by means of inkjet printing, whereby at least one area at least of a first print is provided, and wherein the first print is covered by at least one further layer. A multilayer film, in particular produced by a method according to the invention, having at least a first print, wherein the print is produced by means of inkjet printing and wherein the print is arranged within the multilayer film and is covered by further layers of the multilayer film.

The invention relates to a method for producing a multilayer film, as well as a multilayer film. Furthermore, a subject of the invention is a security element, as well as a security document, in particular a banknote, security, identification document, visa document, passport or credit card, with a multilayer film.
The individualization of multilayer films, in particular with respect to their optical appearance, is generally known. Multilayer-film blanks are provided for this. The individualization is then effected in a step taking place after the provision of the multilayer films. It is thus in particular a retrospective individualization. In this case the individualizing features are applied at least to an outside of the multilayer films. In particular, the individualization is effected shortly after the application of the multilayer films to a substrate. It is disadvantageous here that the individualization features are located on the surface of the multilayer films, with the result that these can easily be damaged—both deliberately and unintentionally.

Method for producing a multilayer film and multilayer film as well as a security element and a security document


A system and method for re-factorizing a square input matrix on a parallel processor. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a matrix generator operable to generate an intermediate matrix by embedding a permuted form of the input matrix in a zeroed-out sparsity pattern of a combination of lower and upper triangular matrices resulting from a prior LU factorization of a previous matrix having a same sparsity pattern, reordering to minimize fill-in and pivoting strategy as the input matrix and (2) a re-factorizer associated with the matrix generator and operable to use parallel threads to apply an incomplete-LU factorization with zero fill-in on the intermediate matrix.

Assuming they can be effectively programmed, parallel processors such as graphics processing units (GPUs) have the potential to be remarkably adept at processing numerical algorithms, and particularly algorithms for directly solving large sparse linear systems.
Sparse linear systems are systems of linear equations with sparse coefficient matrices. These systems arise in the context of computational mechanics, geophysics, biology, circuit simulation and many other contexts in the fields of computational science and engineering.
The most common general and direct technique to solve a sparse linear system is to decompose its coefficient matrix into the product of a lower triangular matrix, L, and an upper triangular matrix, U, a process called "factorization." Then, conventional forward and backward substitution techniques can be used to solve the linear systems with L and U triangular matrices and thereby obtain the solution of the sparse linear system.

System and method for re-factorizing a square matrix into lower and upper triangular matrices on a parallel processor


A contact receptacle (4) for an electrical terminal (2) having a plurality of terminal receiving regions (12, 14) defined by a plurality of spring arms (16a-b) each of which including a terminal engaging section (20, 21) that corresponds to each of the terminal receiving regions (12, 14) for engaging a tab terminal (8) selectively disposed in one of the regions (12, 14). Furthermore, a terminal mating portion (30) is provided to be received within at least two of the terminal receiving regions (12, 14).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an electrical contact receptacle, particularly to receptacles that are included as part of a terminal for mating with a tab or pin type terminal.
2. Summary of the Prior Art
In the prior art, there are numerous examples of electrical contact receptacles designed to mate with a tab terminal. Typically, these receptacles comprise at least one pair of oppositely disposed spring arms having contact surfaces thereupon which are adapted to come into contact with opposing sides of the tab terminal. As a tab terminal has a width that is much greater than its thickness these prior art contact receptacles limit the orientation of the tab terminal to two positions, 180.degree. apart.
One particular application for a receptacle terminal configured as an adapter is with respect to an electrical power distribution centre that provides electrical interconnections between electrical and electronic devices and electrical wiring connections in a vehicular electrical system. One example of this type of electrical distribution centre is presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,752. In this patent a pre-stamped metal circuit component includes tab terminals bent transversely thereto for interconnection with the tab terminal of electrical and electronic device, such as fuses and relays. In order to interconnect these tab terminals a double-ended female terminal is located therebetween. The particular double-ended female terminal disclosed requires the tab terminal of the circuit grid to be similarly orientated with the tab terminal from the component. This limitation controls where on the circuit grid the tab terminal must be folded from. In many instances, it may be more desirable to fold the tab terminal from a different location which would result in it being oriented differently than the tab terminal of the device.
In order to solve this problem, it would be desirable to have a contact receptacle capable of receiving the tab terminal of the device in a plurality of orientations, thereby eliminating the necessity of similarly aligning the tabs to be interconnected.
EP-A-0021731 discloses an electrical contact member having one end for engaging a tab terminal in a plurality of orientations. The end includes opposing contact arms that are separated by a slot such that the tab may be electrically engaged by being placed between the opposing contact arms or placed in the slot such that the side edges of the contact arms along the slot contact the tab.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,220 discloses a wall socket service outlet for 125 volt or 250 volt service. The wall socket has a connecting member so that the blades of a plug could be oriented in any of two ways, whereby the connecting member includes a contact portion having a channel shape extension over a contact portion for receiving the blade within the channel and between the contact portion for a first portion and between the ends of the channel and the contact portion for a second position transverse to the first position.


A system and method for classification of materials employing a material fall path that is intersected by an air flow path, a first materials output located below the material fall path and a second materials output located distally of the first materials output.

The ability to efficiently separate mixed materials, such as household recycling and construction waste, is of increasing importance and economic significance. For example, efficiently extracting and separating various types of recyclable materials from variable mixed waste streams is a critical factor when considering the economic viability of a recycling program. Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) must be able to separate or sort mixed recyclable materials to a significantly high purity, for example 10 percent. If the final sorted and bailed product, for example similar plastic materials, does not achieve the purity required for purchase on the commodity market at a desired price, the product represents wasted resources and a financial loss for the MRF.
One step in the sorting or separation process is the dimensional sorting of materials. Dimensional separators employ various separation techniques to separate relatively light materials, for example, two-dimensional materials such as fibers, films; relatively heavier three-dimensional materials such as plastic, metal and certain large dimensional fibers; and materials of a relatively small dimension or fines, for example, crushed glass, shredded paper, and certain organic materials from one another. The small materials or fines are typically separated by providing voids or holes in a surface over which the various materials are separated. The fines pass through the surface and ultimately into a vessel or onto a conveyor belt for transfer.
It is relatively common that the fines resulting from such separation techniques contain a mixture of crushed glass and shredded paper. In order to achieve the desired purity of separated or classified material, it is necessary to further sort the resulting fine to separate the crushed glass from the shredded paper. Various techniques have been employed to achieve this stage of separation. For example, some Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) employ a manual classification of the fines. Manual separation has the obvious shortcoming of being relatively inefficient and slow and relatively costly due to the need for increased employees.
Another type of fines classification employs trammel or drum separation techniques. Trammel classifiers use a generally horizontally oriented, hollow cylinder having corkscrew-like ribs or fins arranged on an interior surface. In operation, these classifiers separate fines by depositing the materials for separation into the interior of the cylinder and rotating the cylinder. The walls of the cylinder may have holes through which the smaller, heavier materials fall while the lighter materials such as fibers are carried or pushed by the rotating ribs to an opposite end of the cylinder. Trammel-type classifiers have the disadvantage of being relatively costly, occupying a relatively large amount of space in the MRF, and requiring relatively high maintenance due to the various rotating components and relatively high amount of dust and air born materials generated by the movement of the materials for separation within the cylinder.
Yet another technique for classifying fines employs optical recognition technology to identify certain types of fines materials and, upon identification, uses blowers, magnets or other removal means to extract the identified materials from the remainder of the fines. These classifiers have the disadvantage of being relatively costly, requiring relatively highly technically trained personnel to operate and maintain the complex optical hardware and software, and requiring relatively high maintenance costs of the components for extraction of the materials optically identified.
In view of the above described shortcomings of the known fines classifiers, there exists a significant need in the art for a fines classifier that employs a more efficient separation or classification technique requiring fewer moving components; a smaller footprint in the MRF, and decreased initial, maintenance, and repair costs.


A BGA mould assembly which can facilitate high degree of control over the clamping force on BGA substrates of varying thickness. An Independent drive is provided for each of the dual in-line cavity bars which clamp the BGA substrates. The drive mechanism is a wedge press which includes a servo motor, and a linear-conversion mechanism coupled to the servo motor to convert the rotation motion of the motor to a linear movement. An input wedge is coupled to the linear-conversion mechanism such that the input wedge moves correspondingly with the linear movement of the linear conversion mechanism. An output wedge is coupled to the cavity bar and positioned such that a horizontal movement by the input wedge causes the output wedge to move downwards. A roller cage is provided at the top and bottom of the input wedge to reduce friction.

Ball grid arrays (BGAs) are a relatively new semiconductor device which utilize a different manufacturing process than some of the other similar devices such as the quad flat packages (QFPs) and thin quad flat packages (TQFPs). Currently, BGAs are produced using PCB technology which involves a multi-coating process. Inherent in the this multi-coating process is the problem of controlling the thickness of final product. Therefore, unlike QFPs, for instance, where the thickness can be controlled within a tolerance .+-.0.01 mm, BGA specification typically calls for a tolerance as high as 0.1 millimeter. So the maximum variation between the thinnest BGA substrate within the required tolerance and the thickest BGA substrate within the tolerance can be as high as 0.2 millimeters.
This variation in thickness can create various problems for the existing BGA moulding tools during a clamping operation. A typical BGA moulding assembly has a top and bottom cavity bars which make direct contact with the BGA substrate. During a clamping operation, the top and bottom cavity bars are brought together with the BGA substrate positioned in between the bars. This clamping operation is crucial in the BGA fabrication for securing the substrate before resin compound is delivered. Good control over the clamping operation is important to ensure that the substrates are not scratched or damaged during the clamping operation and that sufficient clamping force is applied to minimize leakage of the resins during the moulding operations of the packaging process. Because tight fitting of the top and bottom cavity bars is essential, the current BGA mould assemblies are designed to accept substrates having a narrow range of thickness. This is because when a substrate is too thick, a leakage may result from improper clamping of the top and bottom cavity bars. In addition, the substrate may be irreparably damaged if excessive force is exerted in an attempt to fully mate the cavity bars.
Currently, virtually every BGA moulding system uses a dual in-line system where two sets of BGA substrates are encapsulated at the same time. This requires two identical sets of cavity bars which must be placed near each other side by side. Both of the cavity bars are controlled by single driving mechanism, e.g., hydraulic press, and so each bar cannot work independent of each other. This limitation is particularly problematic when the two substrates being encapsulated are of different thickness. Since the press has no way of accounting for the difference in thickness, it attempts to exert the same amount of force on both. Consequently, one of the substrates is over-cramped and damage occurs.
To prevent the over-cramping from occurring, springs were added to the cavity bars with each bar being able to exert different amount of force to its respective substrates. As FIG. 1 demonstrates, the amount of force being exerted onto the substrates is wholly depended on the compression of the springs which in turn is depended on the thickness of the substrate. So where a pair of substrates has different thickness, different amount of force is exerted onto each substrate. Note that the springs in the left mould assembly are much more compressed than the springs in the right mould assembly.
In other situations, a pair of substrate may have the same thickness. However, their thickness may vary from the thickness of a pair from a different batch, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Note that the substrates in FIG. 2B are much thinner than the substrates in FIG. 2A, and hence, their corresponding springs of FIG. 2B are much less compressed than the springs of FIG. 2A. Therefore, the substrates in FIG. 2A experience greater clamping force than the substrates in FIG. 2B.
It can be seen from these illustrations that there is no control over the clamping force in the current BGA moulding systems, and that the force varies from substrate to substrate. The result is that in some cases, the clamping force is excessive; in other cases, the force is inadequate. Where there is excessive force, the substrate is damaged; where not enough force is exerted, there can be leakage of a resin material.
Despite these problems, the spring-buffered cavity bars are the standard in virtually all of the current BGA moulding systems, and while many BGAs fail to meet the performance specification, the industry has failed to provide a BGA moulding system which can eliminate or effectively reduce these problems. Indeed, to the best of the inventor's knowledge, no BGA mould assembly is currently available which can consistently accommodate BGA substrates having a wide range of thickness, simultaneously handle a pair substrates having different thickness, and which can precisely control the amount of force being exerted onto each substrate. Clearly, there is a need in the industry for a BGA moulding assembly which overcomes these shortcomings to provide to an assembly which can controllably exert the right amount of clamping force to each substrate.

BGA mould assembly for encapsulating BGA substrates of varying thickness


The present invention relates, in general, to tintable abrasion resistant coating compositions utilizing a tint additive and methods of making and using same. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the tint additive is a polyethylene oxide polymer that is end capped on at least one “R” group with a silica containing compound.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to tintable abrasion resistant coating compositions utilizing a tint additive and methods of making and using same. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the tint additive is a silylated polyethylene oxide polymer—i.e. a polyethylene oxide polymer that is end capped on at least one "R" group with a silicon containing compound.
2. Brief Description of the Background Art
The prior art is replete with compositions which, when applied to substrates and cured, provide transparent, abrasion resistant coatings on the substrates. Such coatings are especially useful for polymeric substrates where it is highly desirable to provide substrates with abrasion resistant surfaces, with the ultimate goal to provide abrasion resistant surfaces which are comparable to glass. While the compositions of the prior art have provided transparent coating compositions having improved abrasion resistant properties, such prior art compositions are generally lacking when compared to glass. Thus, a need has long existed for improved compositions having improved stability and which, when applied to a substrate, such as a polymeric substrate, and cured provide transparent, highly abrasion resistant coatings. Additionally, such known coating compositions do not readily allow for a tint to be added to the coating composition after the coating composition has cured on the substrate. The ability to add a tint to such a cured coating composition is highly desirous. It is to such compositions that are tintable and processes by which such tintable compositions are manufactured and applied to substrates that the present invention is directed.

Tintable abrasion resistant coating composition and methods of making and using same


A vacuum cleaning device comprises a unit (1) for aerodynamically affecting dust particles and/or a surface to be cleaned. The unit (1) comprises a housing (30) having a housing wall (31) encompassing two internal sections (20, 22), and a movable surface (11) arranged at an interface of the two sections (20, 22), wherein a portion (32) of the housing wall (31) delimiting a first section (20) is provided with at least one opening (21), and wherein means for actuating the movable surface (11) are arranged in a second section (22). A portion (33) of the housing wall (31) delimiting the second section (22) is adapted to at least hinder exchange of air between an inside of this section (22) and an outside of the housing (30) at the location of this section (22), in order to at least hinder a migration of dust to the second section (22).

Vacuum cleaning is a well-known method for removing dust from surfaces, particularly floors. In general, in the field of vacuum cleaning, a suction force is generated and applied for forcing dust particles to move from a surface to be cleaned to another location such as a canister for collecting the particles. In the process, it may be desirable to agitate the surface in order to facilitate removal of the particles from the surface under the influence of the suction force as mentioned. To that end, it is possible to use a tool for actually contacting the surface to be cleaned. However, it is also known to use another technique, namely a technique which involves the use of a kind of air pump, wherein air waves are generated for vibrating the surface, which can help in releasing dust particles from the surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,383,607 discloses an agitation apparatus which is suitable for use in a cleaning head of a vacuum cleaner, and which includes first and second flow paths. Each of these flow paths has a resonant cavity and an inlet/outlet port which joins the cavity to a space within the cleaning head. A generator, such as a loudspeaker with a diaphragm, generates an alternating pressure wave between the ports. Pressure waves are emitted from one of the ports in an anti-phase relationship with the pressure waves from the other of the ports, thus reducing operating noise. When the vacuum cleaner of which the agitation apparatus is part is used for cleaning a carpet, the air motion to/from the ports vibrates the pile of the carpet and serves to draw out dust from between the carpet fibers.
It is noted that the agitation apparatus known from U.S. Pat. No. 7,383,607 helps in releasing dust from a carpet, but there is also a problem associated with this apparatus, which resides in the fact that both resonant cavities are in communication with a space within the cleaning head, through a port. As a result, among other things, it is possible for dust particles to reach the backside of the generator, which is present in one of the cavities. In this way, the functioning of the means for actuating the movable surface of the generator, which are arranged at the backside of the generator, may get disturbed, and it may eventually even be so that the accumulation of dust leads to total failure of the generator.


The present invention relates to methods, processes, and systems for monitoring security policy violations in a computer network. Details of such monitoring include creating a rule according to a security policy, determining if the rule is violated by a value of a variable, and recording security events and comparing the number of events to a threshold.

Network security is a concern for enterprises working with sensitive data, as well as enterprises running networks that can be targets for attack from outside. Security policies can be created to address risks to a computer network, but implementation and enforcement of the policies can be difficult. Accordingly, systems and methods for implementing and tracking security policy coverage, objectively assessing policy effectiveness, and assessing potential security threats are desirable.

Enterprise policy tracking with security incident integration