Devices for isolating an input from an output are disclosed. For example, a device includes a first p-type metal oxide semiconductor transistor and a first circuit. A source of the first p-type metal oxide semiconductor transistor is connected to an input of the device. The first circuit is for delivering a signal on the input of the device to a gate of the first p-type metal oxide semiconductor transistor when an enable signal is deactivated and for delivering a ground voltage to the gate of the first p-type metal oxide semiconductor transistor when the enable signal is activated.

A typical complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) switch uses a p-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor and an n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor to sample voltages that are received at an input. As an example, a PMOS transistor and an NMOS transistor are connected in parallel and share a common input and a common output. The gates of the PMOS transistor and the NMOS transistor are controlled by complementary signals for enabling the transistors, and when enabled, the switch allows the input to pass to the output. Thus, the output is the voltage sample on the input during the time in which the enable signals allow the transistors to be closed.
In addition, several switches may be connected in parallel, essentially comprising a multiplexer. For example, such a multiplexer may be used to sample voltages from several different points throughout a circuit. As an example, this arrangement may be used for an analog bus to monitor voltages around an integrated circuit chip and to send the sampled voltages to a voltage monitor. This arrangement works well for normal operation. Yet in many cases, the purpose of monitoring voltages through a circuit is to detect abnormal or undesirable voltage events. However, conventional devices may not be able to perform measurement functions for voltages outside of an expected range.

Switch supporting voltages greater than supply


A Gateway Control Plane (GW-C) receives a session request for User Equipment (UE) from a serving Access Point (AP) and transfers an Access Gateway User Plane (AGW-U) request that has network data and the AP Identifier (ID). The GW-C receives an AGW-U response that indicates a translation fault for the AP ID. A translation controller transfers a translation request that has the Tracking Area Indicator (TAI) for the UE. A Domain Name System (DNS) translates the TAI into AGW-U IDs and External Gateway User Plane (EGW-U) IDs. The translation controller determines a co-located group of the AGW-Us and the EGW-Us and adds a location ID to the AGW-U IDs and the EGW-U IDs in the co-located group. The translation controller generates translations of the AP ID into the AGW-U IDs and of the AGW-U IDs into the EGW-U IDs. The translation controller transfers the translations to the DNS.

A wireless communication network serves User Equipment (UE) over co-located Access Gateway User Planes (AGW-Us) and External Gateway User Planes (EGW-Us). A Gateway Control Plane (GW-C) receives a session request for the UE from an Access Point (AP) that is wirelessly serving the UE and transfers an AGW-U request that has network data and the AP Identifier (ID). The GW-C receives an AGW-U response that indicates a translation fault for the AP ID and transfers a translation fault notice that indicates a Tracking Area Identity (TAI) for the UE. A translation controller receives the translation fault notice and transfers a translation request that has the TAI for the UE. A Domain Name System (DNS) receives the translation request and translates the TAI into AGW-U IDs and EGW-U IDs. The DNS transfers a translation response that indicates the AGW-U IDs and the EGW-U IDs. The translation controller receives the translation response and processes the AGW-U IDs and the EGW-U IDs with network topology data to determine a co-located group of the AGW-Us and the EGW-Us. The translation controller adds a location ID to the AGW-U IDs and the EGW-U IDs in the co-located group. The translation controller generates translations of the AP ID into the AGW-U IDs and of the AGW-U IDs into the EGW-U IDs. The translation controller transfers the translations to the DNS. Some of the translations yield the AGW-U IDs and the EGW-U IDs in the co-located group responsive to the network data.

Domain name system (DNS) translations for co-located Gateway User Planes in wireless communication networks


A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for displaying multiple window applets on a computer. The applet is written using the frame class and intercepts the methods by which an applet is started and started by the computer to allow more than one applet, or more than one applet window, to be open at any given time. By intelligently intercepting the start and stop methods, and tracking which applets are open, multiple applets can be open at any given time within the system.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to generating Web content, and in particular, to a method for implementing a multiple screen Java™ Applet for use with Web pages.
2. Description of Related Art
As the popularity and usefulness of the Internet grows, more developers are turning to Java™. Java™ is a popular computer language used to create platform-independent applications. Generally, Java™ applets are loaded into browsers from web pages to create text, graphics, or to perform some other useful function. Within the Java™ programming language, a developer can create applets or standalone applications. Applets are programs executed as part of a Web page and displayed within a Java™-enabled browser. Standalone applications, on the other hand, are general-purpose Java™ applications that don't need a browser to run, but require a Java™ Virtual Machine (JVM) on the computer where the standalone application is to be executed.
In the prior art, Java™ applets can only display a single page or window at a time. Generally, this is a restriction imposed by the browser or the browser's JVM. It can be seen then, that there is a need for a method for implementing applets that can display more than one page or window at a time.

Method and apparatus for an applet to display multiple windows


Apparatus, systems, and/or methods for adjusting belt tension in a material removal machine are disclosed. In some examples, the material removal machine includes a material removal tool secured on a spindle. A spindle pulley may be secured to the spindle, such that rotation of the spindle pulley causes the material removal tool to be rotated via the spindle. The material removal machine may further include a movable hub that retains the spindle, such that movement of the hub translated into movement of the spindle. Because the spindle pulley is securely attached to the spindle, movement of the hub may translate into movement of the spindle pulley. This movement of the spindle pulley may change a distance between the spindle pulley and an actuator pulley, thereby changing the tension in a belt connecting the spindle pulley and the actuator pulley.

Conventional material removal machines, such as saws, grinders, and/or polishers, for example, use belt tensioner devices positioned along a length of a belt. The belt tensioner devices are conventionally configured to impinge upon a belt to adjust tension in the belt. However, these belt tensioner devices are imprecise and provide a limited range of potential belt tensions. Additionally, the belt tensioner devices may constitute obstructions when attaching and/or removing the belt due to the placement of the belt tensioner devices near the belt.
Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

Belt tensioning apparatus for material removal machines


Systems and methods are provided to produce natural language interpretations of analytic operations in an automated manner, by associating with each analytic procedure a set of parameters that determine the interpretation of the resulting analysis.

Technological innovations have increased the capability for collecting and retaining large amounts of electronic information that may be accessed and used for various applications such as educational, scientific, commercial and entertainment applications. As the amount of electronic content continues to increase, it becomes increasingly important to implement automated data analysis tools to allow individuals to organize and utilize such data. For example, data mining methods can be employed for automatically processing a large corpus of data to determine useful data associations and patterns with the large data corpus. Moreover, large enterprises may employ automated business intelligence systems to analyze various types of business data, e.g., e.g. weekly sales figures, revenues outstanding by region, etc., relevant to the particular business. However, existing solutions for interpreting information typically explain the analytic process rather than the meaning of the data involved in the analytic process and the resulting output of the data analysis in the context of a particular domain, such that the data analysis results are often difficult to interpret by a non-technical audience.
For example, although data mining methods can determine associations and patterns of data within a large corpus of data, such methods simply provide a means of discovering previously unknown knowledge in a data set but do not address the question of how to explain that discovery to a non-technical audience. The "translation" of the analytic output into natural language that reflects the context of the problem domain typically requires the assistance of a skilled analyst, thus limiting the ability of the larger population to analyze and interpret information on-demand. Moreover, automated business intelligence systems typically produce canned and ad-hoc reports based primarily on simple summarization of underlying data values, e.g. weekly sales figures, revenues outstanding by region, etc, while is left to the reader of the report to examine the summary values and determine what they imply. More complex analytic procedures, such as applying a statistical test for the presence of a true downward trend in weekly sales are often not employed, as the results of such statistical tests are difficult to convey in an automated manner. Other conventional data processing methods include automated processes for translating rule evaluation results into natural language but only for the small set of data used in its rules, but do not provide a general mechanism for explaining computations unrelated to the purpose of the rule execution.
Predictive Model Markup Language (PMML) is an XML-based language which provides representation of the data mining models so as to enable the exchange of the standard data mining models based on the standard data mining techniques such as Association. PMML language provides a general purpose language for describing statistical and data mining models but does not provide any mechanism to explain the results of applying those models. A need therefore exists for improved systems and methods that provide a general domain-independent method of explaining analytical computations of a process in a human-understandable form, which overcome the problems associated with conventional methods.

Systems and methods for automated interpretation of analytic procedures

International Business Machines Corporation


A switch arrangement for an electrical switchgear includes: a terminal arrangement including an insulating housing, the insulating housing including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact which are spaced apart along an axial direction; and a breaker moveable along the axial direction in the housing to a first position. When the breaker is in the first position and closed it electrically connects the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The insulating housing is split into a plurality of separate sections along the axial direction. At least one of the electrical contacts is in a first section and at least another of the electrical contacts is in a second section.

A switchgear is an integrated assembly of switches, buses fuses and other components used to isolate electrical equipment at an electrical installation, for example, an electrical power sub-station. Switchgear is used to both de-energise equipment to allow work to be done and to clear faults downstream of the switchgear. Switchgear is often housed in a metal cabinet at the installation.
A distinction is made between so called 'fixed switchgear' and so called 'withdrawable switchgear'. In fixed switchgear the main circuit breaker is fastened within the installation by fasteners, for example bolts, and cannot be removed from the installation without using tools to undo the fasteners. In withdrawable switchgear additional constructional features enable the main circuit breaker to be withdrawn from the installation (and put back in) with a minimum usage of tools or with no usage of tools. Accordingly, in a withdrawable switchgear, the main circuit breaker can be removed quickly for maintenance or replacement or to provide easy access to other components in the installation.
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a conventional withdrawable switchgear 30 comprising, a circuit breaker 31 comprising a first breaker contact 31a and second breaker contact 31b, and a cabinet 32 containing busbars 33. The switchgear 30 further comprises a first terminal 34 and a second terminal 35 each comprising a respective electrically insulating housing 34a and 35a. The insulating housing 34a contains an electrical contact 34b connected to a busbar 33 and the insulating housing 35a contains an electrical contact 35b connected to a cable connection 36 which is for connecting to a cable (not shown) routed to a load (not shown).
In FIG. 5, the circuit breaker is shown in the withdrawn position in which there is no electrical connection between the busbar 33 and the load (not shown). In a service position, the breaker 31 is located in the cabinet 32 with the first breaker contact 31a inserted into the first housing 34a engaging the contact 34b and the second breaker contact 31b is inserted into the second housing 35 engaging the contact 35b. In this way, when the breaker is closed (e.g. not tripped) an electrical connection exists between the busbar 33 and the load (not shown) through the breaker 31. This configuration is not compact.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,889,722 describes a plastic insulated switching unit for a multiphase high voltage switchgear. The switching unit comprises an insulating housing defining a cylindrical cavity and fixed ring-shaped contacts at an inside wall of said housing. A drawout switching device comprises a projecting tubular pole, having an operating mechanism. The tubular pole comprises ring-shaped contact pieces mounted on its outside. The switching device is moveable between a fully inserted position and an isolating position. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,889,722 the fixed ring-shaped contacts are each located in a first recess formed in the inner surface of the insulating housing.

Switch arrangement for an electrical switchgear


A method and apparatus for generating a cephalometric tracing directly from a patient by directly generating digitized two- or three-dimensional data from the patient's head to define locations of preselected landmarks thereon from which diagnostic data points required for the cephalometric tracing are computer generated and connected so as to produce a cephalometric tracing. A video recording of the patient's head corresponding to the spatial orientation of the cephalometric tracing at the time of the generation of the data is made, reproduced in visible form to the same scale as the cephalometric tracing and superimposed on the tracing on a video monitor.

Lateral cephalograms (full-head x-rays, side view x-rays) are a well-known primary orthodontic analysis tool. Frontal view x-rays have been used to a lesser extent, in part because radiation dosage levels are several times higher and only twenty to thirty percent more information is obtained. Traditionally, a tracing is made of the lateral cephalogram (herein referred to as a "cephalometric tracing") and specific skeletal, dental and soft tissue measurements are then calculated from the tracing. The usual procedure is as follows:
First, a piece of standard tracing paper is fixed to the x-ray film. Next, outlines of key anatomical features are traced with a lead pencil. Then, various lines are drawn by connecting the anatomical landmarks with the aid of a straight edge. The particular lines depend upon the particular analysis or treatment of the patient which has been selected by the orthodontist. The distances between landmarks and angles between pairs of lines are calculated using a ruler and protractor. This information, called "cephalometrics", is used to described the patient's condition in an objective manner which can be communicated with others and used in research, education or diagnosis. If used for diagnosis, the values of these measurements can be the basis for determination of a specific treatment plan for a patient.
The location of certain "landmarks" within the facial complex is the primary information from which cephalometric analysis is made. The preparation of the tracing and identification of the precise location of the landmark teeth involve a certain amount of estimating and the process is far from being an exact science. A complete cephalometric analysis typically requires approximately one hour. Orthodontic schools have been teaching this general method of diagnosis and treatment for decades.
Although there are several variations of general cephalometric analysis, most rely on similar sets of measurements. For example, certain numerical values indicate whether or not to use head gear in treatment. Other measurements suggest a style of head gear to be used. Still others aid in elastic (rubber band) selection. Specific values indicate the magnitude and direction of incisor or molar movement required.
During orthodontic treatment of a patient, a number of cephalometric x-rays may be taken and tracings made in order to monitor the patient's progress toward the desired treatment goal. Additional cephalograms are taken at the end of treatment, and several years after completion of treatment, to determine the level of treatment success. In recent years, there has been reluctance to take such a number of x-rays as a result of concern over radiation exposure. Consequently, more recently orthodontists have not had access to valuable information which could facilitate and improve diagnosis and treatment.
There are a number of cephalometric analysis systems currently in use. The Downs Analysis is described in Downs, W. B., Variation in facial relationships: Their Significance In Treatment and Prognosis, 34 American Journal of Orthodontics, 812-840 (1948). The Steiner Analysis is described in Steiner, C. C., Cephalometrics For Your And Me, 39 American Journal of Orthodontics, 729-755 (1953). The Ricketts Analysis, both frontal and lateral, is described in Ricketts, et al., Orthodontics Diagnosis And Planning, published by Rocky Mountain Orthodontics of Denver, Co. in 1982. The McNamara Analysis is described in McNamara, J. A., A Method of Cephalometric Evaluations, 86 American Journal Of Orthodontics, 449-468 (1984). The Vari-Simplex Analysis is described in Alexander, R. G., The Vari-Simplex Discipline, published by Ormco Corporation of Glendora, Calif. in 1987.
There are certain main categories of data which are used in most cephalometric systems. The first is a patient classification by facial type. Patients with short, wide faces generally respond differently to specific types of treatments than patients with long, narrow faces. Positional data utilizing several external and accessible internal landmarks can be used to adequately categorize any patient by facial type. Relation of the upper jaw (maxilla) to lower jaw (mandible) is determined and is used by the orthodontist to determine if stimulation or inhibition of mandibular or maxillary growth is required to achieve a balanced profile The degree of incisor protrusion, angle of inclination, and the interrelations between upper and lower incisors can be found using a system which generates positional data. This information allows the orthodontist to reposition the teeth in harmony with both jaws, with each other, and with the soft tissue profile (nose, lips and chin).
The use of a computer to generate a cephalometric tracing is known in the art. For example the Ricketts et al. publication referred to above shows, in FIG. 165, a computer generated lateral cephalometric tracing. However, the tracing shown therein was derived from a secondary source of dimensional data, i.e., an x-ray. Consequently, the dimensional information is inaccurate for reasons inherent in the use of x-ray procedures as the source of dimensional data, such as non-linear distortion, as well as requiring that the patient be subjected to x-ray radiation in order to obtain the data.

Method and apparatus for generating cephalometric images


A module headwear system worn by a user that comprises a headband having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a first accessory, and first and second attachment members configured to selectively, detachably couple the first accessory to one of the interior surface of the headband and the exterior surface of the headband. The first accessory may comprise a visor, a crown, ear protection, neck protection, or eyeglasses. The module headwear system may also include a passageway configured to provide ventilation to the users' head.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to headwear systems and, in particular, to headwear systems that afford selective accessorization of headwear.
2. Present State of the Art
Headwear serves many functions and purposes. Headwear is worn to protect the head or other parts of the upper body. Headwear may also serve as an ornamental component of a wardrobe. Headwear may have the potential to attract attention to the wearer or make a statement relative to the wearer's identity or group association. In some cultures, headwear is worn to show respect and modesty.
A basic component of headwear systems in many cultures is the hat. The top portion of a hat is often referred to as the crown while the bottom portion which surrounds the head substantially above the ears is often referred to as the base. Some styles of hats include a bill and one or more flaps attached to the base of the hat at various locations that project or depend therefrom as determined by fashion or the intended utility of the headwear system.
Weather changes, sometimes quickly and unpredictably. A waterproof hat protects the wearer from the rain, but may be overly warm and uncomfortable when the sun comes out. Similarly, a hat that is light and cool for hot sunny weather may not offer significant protection against a sudden rain shower. A hat that is made to protect the ears or the neck from inclement weather may become burdensome in the sunshine.
There are many types of headwear available that provide protection against the weather. For example, one type of rain protection is headwear that includes a deployable cape. Although the headwear allows a user to selectively protect the user against sudden weather changes, the headwear lacks breathability, retaining heat from the wearer inside the headwear--particularly when the cape is stowed inside the hat. In addition, stowing the cape may result in an uneven surface contacting the head of a wearer. Finally, the headwear will fit differently when the cape is stowed than when the cape is deployed.
Other headwear systems provide for selective attachment of components to a particular surface of the headwear system. One system, for example, provides for selective attachment of a sheet of material to a headband. The system, however, only allows attachment of the sheet of material to certain predetermined portions of the headband.
As another challenge within the art, because of the crown disposed on the user's head, hats typically trap heat within the hat adjacent to the user's brow. Although various attempts have been made to ventilate the hat through mechanical means, such as a fan, for example, mechanical parts are awkward to wear atop a user's head and may appear unsightly. Although the opening at the rear portion of typical baseball hats provides a certain amount of ventilation, the brow typically becomes hot and sweaty, often causing the wearer to remove the hat, and wipe the sweat from the wearer's brow before replacing the hat.
As one option, because of the heat contained within caps, headbands separate from hats, such as sweatbands, are often worn by those engaging in active sports. Headbands can be used to prevent sweat from dripping into a user's face or to keep a user's hair out of the user's eyes. However, headbands alone provide little, if any protection from the sun.
As opposed to hats and mere headbands, visors are often employed by those seeking the protection from the sun afforded by a bill, yet without containing the crown of the cap. Visors are particularly useful on hot, sunny days for those who are interested in shading their eyes or face, yet want to stay cool. Tennis players and golfers, for example, often wear visors because the visor deflects the sun, yet does not retain heat like a hat.
One problem within the art is that the choice between a headband, a hat, and a visor is typically exclusive. If a user desires to have the option of wearing either a headband or a visor on a particular occasion, the user is required to obtain and carry both a headband and a visor. Furthermore, the user desiring the further option of wearing a hat, in the event of inclement weather, for example, must further purchase and carry a separate hat.
Particularly the avid sweatband, hat, or visor wearer develops a particular, individualized fit in the headwear. The headwear demands a certain amount of time to break in and, once broken in, the snug, personalized feel of a well fitting article of headwear is convenient and satisfying. However, typically in order to accessorize and/or alter the appearance or function of the headwear system, the wearer must purchase a new system and lose the fit.
Finally, a hat may be used to reflect personal loyalties or tastes, such as an interest in sports, that the wearer has been to a specific event, or that the wearer is loyal to a certain manufacturer, employer, media corporation, political candidate, or special interest group. Patches having a particular insignia are typically worn on hats to reflect these interests and tastes. The taste or interest of a wearer may change, however, while the patch on the hat is permanent. Accommodating the wearer's changing tastes and attitudes typically requires owning multiple hats and may become costly.


Disclosed is a body structure for a dump truck (1) having a body frame (3). The body structure is provided with hinge pins (5) to be located toward a rear of the body frame, a body (2A) to be tiltably disposed on the body frame via the hinge pins and to be adapted to load payload (9), and stiffening members arranged on outer surfaces of the body. The body is constructed at least of a floor board (62a), a front board (62b), side boards (62c), and a canopy (62d). The stiffening members include side-board stiffeners (61) connecting upper portions of elongated joints between the side boards and the front board to portions of elongated joints between the side boards and the floor board. The latter portions are located rearward of positions laterally corresponding to a barycentric position (G) of the payload (9) in a longitudinal direction of the body.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, a dump truck 1 as a construction machine is generally provided with a body frame 3, a pair of front wheels 6 rotatably arranged on opposite lateral ends of a front section of the body frame 3, respectively, a pair of rear wheels 7 rotatably arranged on opposite lateral ends of a rear section of the body frame 3, respectively, and a body 2 tiltably disposed on the body frame 3 and adapted to load thereon payload 9 such as earth, sand or crushed stone.
Specifically, the dump truck 1 is provided with hinge pins 5 arranged on the rear section of the body frame 3, and hoist cylinders 4 arranged on the body frame 3 at locations forward of the hinge pins 5 and connecting the body frame 3 and the body 2 with each other. Extension of the hoist cylinders 4 raises the body 2 to an elevated, in other words, "up" position, while retraction of the hoist cylinders 4 lowers the body 2 to a laid, in other words, "down" position while supporting the body 2. Therefore, the payload 9 such as earth, sand or crushed stone is loaded in a heap, for example, by a hydraulic excavator to a height above a payload space of the body 2 in its "down" position, the payload 9 loaded on the body 2 is transported to an intended location, and the body 2 is then brought from the "down" position into the "up" position so that the body 2 is tilted to unload the payload 9.
By loading the payload 9 on the body 2 as described above, the body 2 receives large loads at various parts thereof from the payload 9. The body 2 is, therefore, provided with a variety of stiffening members to prevent the body 2 from deformations or damage such as deflections under the weight of the payload 9. The body 2 has conventionally been constructed of a floor board 2a forming a floor, a front board 2b arranged on a front side of the floor board 2a and forming a front wall, side boards 2c arranged on opposite sides of the floor board 2a and forming side walls, and a canopy 2d arranged on an upper part of the front board 2b. Body structures for dump trucks, which include stiffener ribs and plates arranged as stiffening members, for example, on outer surfaces of these floor board 2a, front board 2b, side boards 2c and canopy 2d, are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the stiffening members in the body structure for the dump truck in the conventional technology including Patent Documents 1 and 2 cited above include two frames 29a (see FIGS. 2 and 3), 29b, which are arranged on the floor board 2a, extend in a longitudinal direction of the body 2, and are placed with an interval therebetween such that they become laterally symmetrical to each other. When the payload 9 is loaded on the body 2 in the "down" position, the load of the payload 9 is applied to the entire floor board 2a, and therefore, the floor board 2a receives a downward force from the payload 9. As the floor board 2a receives at a central part thereof a normal force via the frames 29a, 29b at this time, moments occur at the opposite sides of the floor board 2a so that the floor board 2a tends to undergo a bending deformation in a downward direction. There is, accordingly, a need to secure rigidity sufficiently for the floor board 2a such that the above-mentioned bending deformation can be prevented.
In the conventional technology, the stiffening members in the body structure for the dump truck, therefore, include eight floor-board. stiffeners 41-48 arranged on the floor board 2a, which extend in the lateral direction of the body 2 and are placed with intervals in the longitudinal direction of the body 2. The rigidity of the entire floor board 2a is secured by these floor-board stiffeners 41-48 and frames 29a,29b. The stiffening members further include ribs 12, ribs 13, flat plates 14, flat plates 14a, flat plates 15, and flat plates 15a. The ribs 12 are arranged on and along upper edge portions of the side boards 2c. The ribs 13 are arranged extending in parallel with the corresponding ribs 12 on central parts of the side boards. 2c from a front of the body 2 toward a rear of the body 2. The flat plates 14 are arranged on front parts of the side boards 2c at locations between the ribs 12 and the ribs 13. The flat plates 14a are arranged to cover spaces defined by these side boards 2c, ribs 12, 13 and flat plates 14. Flat plates 15 are arranged on rear parts of the side boards 2c at locations between the ribs 12 and lower edge portions of the side boards 2c. The flat plates 15a are arranged to cover spaces defined by these side boards 2c, ribs 12, 13 and flat plates 15. By these ribs 12, 13 and flat plates 14, 14a, 15, 15a, the side boards 2c are provided with rigidity.
The stiffening members further include an unillustrated rib, and also, ribs 32a (see FIGS. 2 and 3), 32b. The unillustrated rib is arranged on a central part of the front board 2b, and extends in the lateral direction of the body 2. The ribs 32a, 32b are arranged on the central part of the front board 2b, extend in a vertical direction of the body 2 such that the ribs 32a, 32b intersect at right angles with the unillustrated rib, and are placed in parallel to each other with an interval therebetween in the lateral direction of the body 2. By these ribs, the front board 2b is provided with rigidity. The stiffening members further include ribs 19 arranged on and along opposite sides of the canopy 2d, and by these ribs 19, the canopy 2d is provided with rigidity to increase the strength of the canopy 2d of a cantilever structure. It is to be noted that as described above, FIG. 13 illustrates a left side of the dump truck 1 and neither the frame 29a nor the rib 32a is shown there.
The above-described ribs 12, 13, 19, 32a, 32b and floor-board stiffeners 41-48 and the unillustrated rib in the lateral direction of the front board are each formed to have a substantially "U" shaped cross section, and open end portions of these substantially "U" shaped cross sections are joined to the floor board 2a, front board 2b, side boards 2c and canopy 2d, respectively, by welding or the like, and the floor-board stiffeners 41-48 and frames 29a,29b for the floor board 2a are integrally joined to the floor board 2a by welding or the like. Further, the flat plates 14 for the side boards 2c are joined to the ribs 12, 13 by welding or the like, while the flat plates 14a are joined to the ribs 12, 13, flat plates 14 and side boards 2c by welding or the like. Upper portions of the front parts of the side boards 2c are formed in a box shape by the ribs 12, 13, flat plates 14, 14a and side boards 2c. Likewise, the flat plates 15 are joined to the ribs 12, 13 and side boards 2c by welding or the like, the flat plates 15a are joined to the ribs 12, 13, flat plates 15 and side boards 2c by welding or the like, and the rear parts of the side boards 2c are formed in a box shape by the ribs 12, 13, flat plates 15, 15a and side boards 2c.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.


A filter for suspended particles for a clean room has at least one filter medium and at least one illumination device. The illumination device is arranged at least mostly within a vertical extension of the at least one filter medium. Alternatively, the illumination device is arranged in an area outside of an outflow cross-section of the at least one filter medium. The flow of clean air into the clean room is not disturbed in this way.

The invention relates to a filter for suspended particles, in particular for use in clean rooms, comprising at least one filter medium and at least one illumination means (lighting device).
Filters for suspended particles are provided in clean rooms, for example, in the ceiling area; the clean air passes through the filters before entering the clean room. For illuminating the clean room, illumination means are provided in the ceiling area and are fastened within the frame of the filters for suspended particles; usually, they are arranged in the area below the filters for suspended particles. The illumination means disturb the flow conditions because they are located in the downward direction within the flow area of the clean air exiting from the filters for suspended particles. Moreover, this arrangement also limits the available inner height of the clean room.

Filter for suspended particles, especially for use in clean rooms


A vertical shaft impact crusher feed tube arranged for protecting a rotor feeding opening of a feeding funnel of a vertical shaft impact crusher. The feed tube includes a tube portion via which material may flow from the feeding funnel and vertically downwards into a rotor. The tube portion has a first width at a material inlet, and a second width at a material outlet, wherein the second width is larger than the first width.

Vertical shaft impact crushers (VSI-crushers) are used in many applications for crushing hard material like rocks, ore etc. A VSI-crusher comprising a housing and a horizontal rotor located inside the housing is described in WO 2004/020103. A first flow of material to be crushed is fed to the rotor via an opening in the top thereof, is accelerated by the rotor, and is ejected towards the wall of the housing. An optional second flow of material may be fed outside of the rotor, i.e., between the rotor and the housing. This second flow of material is impacted by the first flow of material ejected by the rotor.
In some situations the operation of the crusher described in WO 2004/020103 may be disturbed by problems in the feeding of the first flow of material to the rotor, resulting in a reduced crushing efficiency of the VSI-crusher.


The present invention involves a power application device including a flat power pad having an electrically insulating support that supports first and second conductive regions. The first conductive region is connected to a positive output terminal of a power supply, and the second conductive region is connected to a negative terminal of the same power supply. The power application device may be used with electrophoresis gel carrier modules of various dimensions having first and second conductive paths leading from the vicinity of each end of the gel to separate external electrical contacts points. The external electrical contact points can each make contact with the conductive regions upon which the electrophoresis gel module sits. When properly positioned on the power pad, the electrophoresis gel module spans the distance between two conductive regions of opposite charge and the external contact points of the electrophoresis module make electrical contact with the conductive regions. A temperature control mechanism is integrated with the power pad for controlling the temperature of the gel during electrophoresis.

Two-dimensional electrophoresis is an effective way to analyze complex mixtures of proteins. Typically, two-dimensional electrophoresis involves separating the protein mixture by the intrinsic charge characteristics of the proteins, i.e., their isoelectric points, in a first dimension by a type of electrophoresis called isoelectric focusing, and then separating the protein mixture in a second dimension by electrophoresis. In the second-dimension electrophoresis, a gel strip containing the proteins separated in the first dimension is incubated in a buffer appropriate for the second-dimension electrophoresis, and applied to a second-dimension vertical or horizontal slab gel so that the proteins can be electrophoresed out of the first-dimension gel and into the second gel under appropriate conditions to separate the proteins on the basis of molecular mass.
The first-dimension electrophoresis, i.e., isoelectric focusing, is usually performed on thin flat strips of polyacrylamide gel containing a covalently immobilized pH gradient, i.e., IPG gel strips. The IPG gel strips are commercially available in a dehydrated state and are rehydrated in an appropriate buffer before use. One or more gel strips are carried by a gel carrier module during isolectric focusing. The gel carrier module is provided on an isoelectric focusing unit for isoelectric focusing of the protein mixture test sample.
A problem with present processes and systems for IPG gel strip preparation and isoelectric focusing (IEF) is that the process takes too long, i.e., up to two days to complete. Part of this problem stems from the isolectric focusing time, i.e., IEF separation time, taking too long. One reason for this long IEF separation time, which has been recognized by the inventors of the present application, is that IEF separation time is limited by the maximum rated voltage for the unit (usually.ltoreq.3500 V).
Another problem with present isoelectric focusing units having heat exchangers is that the heating and cooling systems and electrophoresis power supply are separate from the electrophoresis unit, occupying large amounts of bench space in a laboratory.
Another problem with present isoelectric focusing units is that they require considerable hands-on time in set-up and operation. Present gel carrier modules have their own power attachments, e.g., power cords, electrical leads, electrodes, etc., that must be connected with the power attachments of the electrophoresis device. Electrically connecting all of the power attachments of the gel carrier module to all of the power attachments of the electrophoresis device is time consuming, and can be done incorrectly, causing IEF problems and safety concerns.

Device and method for applying power to gel electrophoresis modules


The invention relates to a centrifugation enclosure (1) made of rigid plastic that comprises a member (1b) adapted to engage with the driving organ of a centrifugation machine (M) and a communication member (5) between the enclosure (1) and the outside, made of rigid plastic and comprising un first duct (5a) extending therethrough for supplying said enclosure (1) as well as two ducts (5b, 5c) extending therethrough for discharging the separated components. A holder (3) made of rigid plastic and having a network of channels (4a, 4b, 4c) formed therein connects the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c), respectively, to supply (P1) and reception (P2, P3) tanks, with side sealing members (6) of said channel network (4a, 4b, 4c). The ends of the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c) are adjacent to the respective ends of the channels (4a, 4b, 4c), and the ends of the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c) have surfaces mating with the end surfaces of the respective channels (4a, 4b, 4c), said mating surfaces being connected to one another.

The present invention relates to a disposable assembly for separating blood or the washing of a blood component by centrifugation, comprising a circular centrifuge chamber made of a rigid plastic, comprising, at an end lying on its axis of rotation, an element shaped in order to mesh with a drive member of a centrifuge machine and, at an opposite end, a member for interaction of said chamber with the outside made of a rigid plastic, connected to said centrifuge chamber by a rotary joint and passed through by a tube to supply this chamber and by at least one outlet tube for draining one of the separate constituents, a support made of a rigid plastic in which a network of channels is formed in order to connect said tubes respectively to a supply reservoir for the blood to be separated and to respective reception reservoirs for the separated constituents, elements for laterally closing this network of channels in a sealed manner and means for circulating the fluids through this network of channels from the supply reservoir to the reception reservoirs.
The single-use centrifugation assemblies used to separate blood components from whole blood comprise two main parts: a movable part corresponding to the centrifuge chamber and a fixed part comprising storage pouches for blood components, flexible tubing, and all the parts intended to be connected to the machine controlling the process of separating blood components, such as the interfaces with the pressure sensors, the pumps, the air detectors, the clamps in particular. The centrifuge chamber may be made of a rigid plastic.
Generally speaking, the term "rigid" used in the description and the claims to qualify the plastic materials used relates to materials that are neither flexible, nor soft, nor pliant, i.e. to plastics capable of preserving their initial shape in the conditions of use for which they have been designed.
In the centrifuge assemblies mentioned above, the connection between the movable part and the fixed part is always made using flexible tubing which considerably inhibits the mounting of the centrifuge assembly on the machine, appreciably increasing the working time of the operator and the risk of defective mounting.
It has already been proposed to integrate various elements of a blood separation device on a rigid support, without all the same eliminating the flexible tubes between the centrifuge chamber and the fixed part of the assembly.
WO 8,402,473 shows a molded structure for a plasma fractionation machine comprising fluid flow channels and a membrane filter for separating the plasma from the whole blood. It is not therefore concerned with separation by centrifugation.
US 2004/0245189 relates to a single-use separation assembly comprising a cassette comprising a frame made of injection-molded plastic that supports tubing ultrasonically welded to the frame and a continuous flow centrifuge chamber. The centrifuge chamber is connected in a removable manner to the frame of the cassette in order to be able to be inserted easily into a rotor of the centrifuge during installation of the cassette, so that the centrifuge chamber is uncoupled from the frame of the cassette when the door of the centrifuge apparatus is closed. The connection between the fixed connecting tubes for connecting the centrifuge chamber to the outside and the tubes respectively joined to the centrifuge chamber is produced using a rotating cylindrical part having, on its outer face, a series of annular channels, a fixed part having a face adjacent to the external face of the rotating cylindrical part is passed through by tubes opening onto this adjacent face, at respective radial distances from the axis of the rotating cylindrical part chosen to bring each tube to interact with an annular channel of the rotating part. The seal between the rotating cylindrical part and the fixed part is ensured by an elastic pressure of the adjacent faces of these two parts. Given the rotation speed of the centrifuge chamber, such a solution poses serious heating problems which is capable of damaging the processed blood passing into the annular channels formed on the rotating cylindrical part, and in the tubes of the fixed part pressed elastically against the rotating part, rotating at several thousand rotations/minute to guarantee the seal in the fluid flow.

Disposable assembly for separating blood or scrubbing a blood component


An imaging system for imaging an object, including: a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state; a removable phosphor plate assembly adapted to respond to ionizing radiation by emitting visible light; first imaging means for imaging the immobilized object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image; second imaging means for imaging the immobilized object in a second imaging mode, different from the first imaging mode, to capture a second image; and third imaging means for imaging the immobilized object in a third imaging mode, different from the first and second imaging modes, to capture a third image, wherein the first imaging mode uses the phosphor plate assembly and is selected from the group: x-ray mode and low energy radio isotope mode; the second imaging mode uses the phosphor plate assembly and a high energy radio isotope mode, and the third imaging mode is selected from the group: bright-field mode, fluorescence mode and luminescence mode.

Electronic imaging systems are well known for enabling molecular imaging. A perspective view of an exemplary electronic imaging system 10 is shown in FIG. 1 and a diagrammatic view of such system is shown in FIG. 2. The illustrated system is the KODAK Image Station 2000MM Multimodal Imaging System. System 10 includes a light source 12, an optical compartment 14, an optional mirror 16 within compartment 14, a lens and camera system 18, and a communication and computer control system 20 which can include a display device 22 such as a computer monitor. Lens and camera system 18 can include an emission filter wheel, not illustrated, for fluorescent imaging. Light source 12 can include an excitation filter selector, not illustrated, for fluorescent excitation or bright field color imaging. In operation, an image of an object is captured using lens and camera system 18 which converts the light image into an electronic image, which can be digitized. The digitized image can be displayed on display device 22, stored in memory, transmitted to a remote location, processed to enhance the image, and/or used to print a permanent copy of the image.
Reference is made to the previously mentioned application of Vizard et al. that discloses an imaging system for imaging an object. The imaging system includes a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state. The system also includes first means for imaging the immobilized object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image, and second means for imaging the immobilized object in a second imaging mode, different from the first imaging mode, to capture a second image. The first imaging mode is selected from the group: x-ray mode and radio isotopic mode. The second imaging mode is selected from the group: bright-field mode and dark-field mode. A removable phosphor screen or panel is employed when the first image is captured but is not employed when the second image is captured. The phosphor screen or panel is adapted to respond to ionizing radiation during an x-ray mode or a radio isotopic mode by emitting visible light that is detected by the first means for imaging. The screen or panel is removable from the imaging system for the bright-field mode or dark-field mode, but without moving the immobilized object or support member. The system can further include means for generating a third image comprised of the first and second image. Reference also is made to commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,444,988 by Vizard, incorporated herein by reference.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Apparatus and method for multi-modal imaging


A method of determining a reference picture, a method of compensating for a motion, and an apparatus therefore are provided. The method of determining a reference picture blocks constituting a current picture includes: (a) preparing tag information describing a plurality of pictures; and (b) determining one of the plurality of pictures to be a reference picture by referring to the tag information.

This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2003-28038, filed on May 1, 2003, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a reference picture used to encode or decode moving picture data, and more particularly, a method of determining a reference picture for blocks constituting a current picture, a method of compensating for a motion, and apparatus therefore.
2. Description of the Related Art
According to Standard H.264 specifying encoding and decoding processes on a moving picture, the encoding and decoding processes are performed in units of multiple macro-blocks in the moving picture or in units of sub-blocks which are obtained by partitioning a macro-block into two or four parts. The encoding and decoding processes are performed based on a motion estimation process. The motion estimation process is performed by referring to a past picture or both past and future pictures. A picture referred to for encoding or decoding a current picture is referred to as a "reference picture."
According to Standard H.264, there is provided a multiple-reference scheme where the macro-blocks and/or the sub-blocks refer to different reference pictures. The reference pictures in the multiple-reference scheme are determined as follows. Firstly, reference pictures recently encoded are stored. The number of the reference pictures is in a range between 1 and 16. Next, a motion estimation process is performed based on all the stored reference pictures. Next, a reference picture giving the best result of the motion estimation process is determined to be a reference picture for a current picture. The multiple-reference scheme shows a higher compression rate and a better image quality than a conventional reference scheme using only one reference picture.
However, the multiple-reference scheme has some problems. Since multiple reference pictures are stored prior to encoding a current picture, a large capacity of a memory is required. In addition, since a reference picture for a current picture is determined by performing a motion estimation process on multiple reference pictures, calculation amount greatly increases. Moreover, it is difficult to encode and decode moving picture data in real time.

Method of determining reference picture, method of compensating for motion and apparatus therefor


A cover member of a book includes: at least a foldable bookmark flap integrally formed on a longitudinal edge of a book cover or a dust cover of a book, or a foldable flap integrally secured to an upper edge or a bottom edge of the cover, whereby upon folding of the bookmark flap to be inserted between the pages of the book, a bookmark is provided for conveniently marking a reading place in the book and the flap inserted into the pages of the book will also protect the pages from dust contamination or atmospheric oxidation.

A conventional loose bookmark may be inserted between pages in a book for reminding the reading location when temporarily closing a book. However, such a loose bookmark may be easily slipped away from the book pages to lose its bookmark function. The loose bookmark may also be easily lost or missing since it is free and movable from place to place.
A conventional attached bookmark such as a slim ribbon or an elongate strip prefixed in a spine may not be lost. However, the bookmark is so slim and will be difficultly picked up from the gutter or the fold portion within pages of the book. It is still inconvenient to use such an attached bookmark.

Cover member with foldable bookmark flap


In an A/D converter, each preamp 102 includes a preamp gain adjusting circuit 109. The preamp gain adjusting circuit 109 suppresses the gain of the preamp 102 and restricts a positive-negative output potential difference of the preamp only when the positive-negative output potential difference of the preamp 102 exceeds a reference potential. Accordingly, in the case where the frequency of an input signal to the A/D converter is high, even when the gain of the preamp is increased due to fabrication process variation, temperature variation or supply voltage variation, output strain of the preamp is minimally caused, and the characteristic degradation of the A/D converter can be suppressed.

Conventionally, an A/D converter for realizing a fast operation, a small area and small power consumption includes, as shown in FIG. 14, a preamp row 1003 composed of one or more preamps 1002 at a previous stage of a comparator row 1005 composed of one or more comparators 1004. In many cases, the comparator row 1005 performs comparison while interpolating the output voltage of the preamp row 1003. The effects attained by providing the preamp row 1003 at the previous stage of the comparator row 1005 and by performing the comparison while interpolating the output voltage of the preamp row 1003 are that the input capacity of the A/D converter can be reduced first, that the offset of each comparator can be reduced secondly and that the input dynamic range of each comparator 1004 can be set large thirdly (see, for example, Non-patent Document 1 and Non-patent Document 2 for these effects).
Non-patent Document 1: Koji Sushihara and four others, "A 6b 800M Sample/s CMOS A/D Converter", 2000 Feb. 7-9, ISSCC2000/SESSION 26/ANALOG TECHNIQUES/PAPER WP 26.2
Non-patent Document 2: Koji Sushihara, Akira Matsuzawa, "A 7b 450M Sample/s 50 mW CMOS ADC in 0.3 mm^2", 2002 Feb. 3-7, ISSCC2002/SESSION 10/HIGH-SPEED ADCs/10.3

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A method for secured access to data in a network has the effect that data protection rights are respected, especially personal data present in a network with distributed memories. The method is based on the granting of access rights, with the possibility of revocation, to the data available in the network, and the storage of data within the network only after authorization by the owner of the rights to the data. When certain data are requested, only the references of those data records to which the requesting party also has the access rights can be given. Identification of the data is not possible without access rights. Should certain data be accessed, the access rights may be verified before data access is permitted.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for secured access to data in a network of the type that includes an information center and at least one data area access system (a device which provides storage space (data area) and permits access to stored data).
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the near future, "networks of practices" will be developed for different interest groups of a public or private nature (e.g., in health care, sickness insurance agencies, the health ministry and medical associations). The basic idea of these networks of practices is that, on the basis of better communication between different doctors' practices and/or hospitals, the number of often-redundant medical examinations currently carried out may be reduced. As an example, it would not be necessary to produce a further X-ray image of a lung of a patient if renewed diagnosis (e.g., by a different doctor) were possible with the assistance of an easily accessible, recently taken X-ray image of the patient's lung. It is in the public interest and that of insurance companies to reduce health costs. For this reason, the latter, in particular, would like to set up autonomous medical networks with the aid of which a patient's different doctors can access data already prepared by their colleagues to thus provide the patient with better and more cost-effective medical care.
In established test models, the main problem is that of ensuring secure communication. There are different known ways of connecting a doctor to medical units, mainly restricted to a certain group of doctors (e.g., radiologists), with a restriction to a specific type of information/data, for example X-ray plates, being prescribed.
Some national and international standards that define the way in which medical data are generated and transmitted already exist (e.g., DICOM for X-ray plates, BDT for the data of a patient, GDT for medical data generated by medical equipment such as an electrocardiograph or other devices). No special requirements have to be met in these cases with regard to the secured transmission of medical data as this is no longer a problem today on account of various known encryption mechanisms.
One particular task in the transmission of medical data is to safeguard the rights to personal privacy of the patient. Currently, the transmission of medical information is always illegal whenever it is not restricted to a closed medical group such as a hospital or a doctor's practice. To describe a network of practices with hundreds of different practices and hospitals as a closed group would probably have to be interpreted in the legal sense as an evasion of the patient's personal rights. In this case, a patient would have no possibility of knowing all the members of the group and could scarcely make use of his right to select a different group (e.g., a different hospital).

Method for secured access to data in a network


An irrigation valve has a valve body with an inlet passage, an outlet passage, a valve seat intermediate the inlet passage and the outlet passage and a control chamber exit or bypass passage terminating in a surface that defines a portion of the outlet passage, the valve body including at least one of a recess and a rib for hindering clogging of the bypass passage. Related methods for hindering clogging of the control chamber or exit bypass passage are also disclosed.

Diaphragm valves for use in irrigation systems commonly have an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and a diaphragm positioned to selectively open and close a generally cylindrical diaphragm seat to permit or block fluid flow from the inlet passage to the outlet passage. A control chamber is positioned on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the seat to control the position of the diaphragm relative to the seat.
When the fluid pressure acting on the diaphragm from the control chamber side exceeds the fluid pressure acting on the opposite side of the diaphragm, the diaphragm will be forced against the seat to block fluid flow through the seat and thereby block fluid flow from the inlet passage to the outlet passage.
Conversely, when the fluid pressure acting on the diaphragm from the control chamber side is less than the fluid pressure acting on the opposite side of the diaphragm, the diaphragm will be forced away from the seat to permit fluid flow through the seat and thereby permit fluid flow from the inlet passage opening to the outlet passage.
As the diaphragm moves from the open position to the closed position, the distance, and in turn the flow area, between the seat and the diaphragm continually decreases until the diaphragm engages the seat to block flow through the seat. The bottom surface of the diaphragm commonly has an annular portion designed to engage an annular seat. In the closing operation, the diaphragm typically lowers straight onto the seat so that the entire annular portion engages the seat relatively simultaneously. The final portion of the closing movement causes an abrupt change in the flow area between the diaphragm and the seat and, consequently a sudden pressure spike greater than the upstream pressure. More specifically, the abrupt conversion of the motion energy in the flowing fluid to pressure energy acting on the components of the diaphragm valve can cause a pressure spike in the upstream pressure. Pressure spikes are known to cause the diaphragm valve to experience a water hammer effect, which can undesirably result in increased stress on the components of the diaphragm valve, as well as other components of the irrigation system. Overall, this can lead to premature wear or failure of the components.
In order to control the pressure in the control chamber, the valve typically has a fluid entrance path to, and a fluid exit path from, the control chamber. The fluid entrance path may extend between the inlet passage and the control chamber and may be continuously supplied with fluid from the inlet passage. The fluid exit path may extend between the control chamber and the outlet passage. A selectively actuable control valve or actuator may be positioned to block and permit fluid flow through the fluid exit path.
When the control valve is positioned to block fluid flow through the fluid exit path from the control chamber, the fluid entrance path continues to permit fluid to flow from the inlet passage to the control chamber, thereby causing fluid to accumulate in the control chamber. The diaphragm has a larger surface area exposed to pressure on the control chamber side than is exposed to high pressure on the side facing the inlet passage. Thus, when the fluid pressure in the control chamber and inlet passage are generally the same, the operation of the fluid pressure in the control chamber acts on the greater surface area of the control chamber side of the diaphragm and causes the diaphragm to either shift from the open position to the closed position or remain in the closed position.
When the control valve is positioned to permit fluid flow through the fluid exit path from the control chamber, fluid exits the control chamber at a faster rate than fluid enters the control chamber. This causes the fluid pressure acting on the control chamber side of the diaphragm to decrease relative to the fluid pressure acting on the side of the diaphragm facing the inlet passage. The fluid pressure in the inlet passage then causes the diaphragm to move to the open position, whereby the diaphragm is spaced from the seat and fluid flow is permitted from the inlet passage, through the seat and out the outlet passage.
The flow path that the fluid follows when the diaphragm valve is in the open position is generally from the inlet passage, through the diaphragm seat, and finally out through the outlet passage. As the fluid follows this path, internal geometry of the diaphragm valve and valve housing can cause very rapid acceleration and deceleration of the fluid. Specifically, in reverse flow, upright diaphragm valves, a cylindrical wall forms an annular diaphragm seat and a passage from the inlet leads to an annular cavity between the cylindrical wall and the outer wall of the valve. The entrance to the annular cavity typically has a reduced flow area between the end of a wide inlet passage and the cylindrical wall which can cause acceleration of the fluid upon entering a smaller area from the larger inlet passage. Simultaneously, this intersection forces some of the incoming flow to turn upward to the valve seat and directs some of the incoming flow to the lateral sides and to the downstream side of the annular cavity before flowing upward to the seat. Such geometry of upright valves and internal flow path therein can lead to rapid turning of the fluid flow, thereby accelerating the flow, in a vector sense (or in other words negative acceleration or deceleration), by forcing it to change direction several times.
This undesirable acceleration and deceleration may be compounded during the transition periods between the open and closed positions depending on the way the diaphragm shifts relative to the seat. Particularly, for diaphragms that lift straight off of the seat, or in other words generally vertical, the seat draws a significant amount of water from the outlet side of the seat thereby maintaining a relatively high acceleration of the flow at least during the transition between the open and closed positions of the valve.
Further, while these known diaphragms are designed to lift straight upward, the varying forces and pressures on the diaphragm can cause the diaphragm to slightly tilt as it lifts upward affecting pressure loss in undesirable ways. In one case, since the downstream side of the annular cavity creates a dead end where the fluid is redirected back toward the valve seat, this structure causes stagnation and relatively high fluid pressure at the downstream side of the annular cavity. The high pressure may result in the diaphragm lifting with an undesirable tilt where the downstream side of the diaphragm lifts higher than the upstream side. Such tilting in undesirable directions can cause turbulence and pressure loss.
In addition, the geometry of the diaphragm seat itself can cause additional acceleration of the fluid as it approaches the opening of the seat from the entrance area of the inlet cavity. This can be due to the larger flow area of the inlet opening or the inlet cavity as compared to the flow area of the opening of the seat, which can cause the fluid to rapidly accelerate as it approaches the opening in order to maintain conservation of mass in the incompressible flow. Moreover, the geometry of the seat can cause deceleration of the fluid at it exits the opening of the seat and enters the outlet opening due to the smaller flow area of the opening of the seat as compared to the larger flow area of the adjacent portion of the outlet opening.
Such varying flow, with rapid acceleration and/or deceleration of the flow, whether through a change in flow area or flow direction, can cause the loss of energy in the fluid, which results in a pressure loss in the diaphragm valve and can therefore increase the number of valves required to irrigate the intended area.
Another problem associated with conventional valves relates to the manner in which they are connected into a fluid carrying system. More particularly, valves provided with slip inlets and/or slip outlets are typically connected to piping, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping, via an adhesive (e.g., PVC cement or glue). The adhesive is either applied around the end of the PVC pipe to be inserted into the valve inlet/outlet or applied directly to the valve inlet/outlet, (or sometimes both). The application of the adhesive can easily become messy at times which can be very problematic with respect to the valve outlet due to the presence of the solenoid valve bypass passage outlet being positioned at or near the valve outlet (also referred to as the body dump hole). Often times the adhesive may inadvertently clog the bypass passage outlet or body dump hole which can negatively impact the performance of the diaphragm valve. This negative impact may range from taking the valve longer to open and close than desired in some instances (e.g., when the dump hole is only partially clogged), all the way to completely preventing the valve from operating in other instances due to an inability to drain fluid from the control chamber of the valve via the solenoid valve bypass passage (e.g., when the dump hole is completely clogged). Although not necessary, some installers may use adhesive with other valve configurations besides the slip by slip (or s×s) configuration. Thus, dump hole clogging can be an issue with respect to multiple types of valves.
In view of the foregoing, there remains a need for diaphragm valves having improved flow, including the reduction of energy lost during flow, and for valves that account for installation practices and resist clogging in view of same.

Clog resistant valve port and methods relating to same


A magnet arrangement with a magnet coil system (M) with two coil systems (C, D) that are each arranged in a container (B1, B2) positioned around the z axis and that are axially mechanically separated by a split (G), wherein each coil system (C, D) comprises a first (C1, D1) and a second coil section system (C2, D2), wherein the first coil section systems (C1, D1) are exposed to attractive magnetic forces showing toward the split (G) (KC1, KD1) and the second coil section systems (C2, D2), to repulsive magnetic forces showing away from the split (G) (KC2, KD2), and containing in the split (G) at least one mechanical structure that withstands compressive loads (E1, E2) and that supports a part of the attractive magnetic forces (KC1, KD1), is characterized in that, in the split (G) within the dimensions of the containers (B1, B2), a mechanical structure (H1) is provided that mechanically withstands tensile loads in the z direction, supports a part of the repulsive magnetic forces in the axial direction (KC2, KD2), is connected to the containers (B1, B2) and holds them together. With the inventive magnet arrangement, the magnetic forces can be better controlled. At the same time, a low-cost, space and weight saving assembly can be implemented.

The invention relates to a magnet arrangement with a magnet coil system for generating a magnetic field in the direction of a z axis in a working volume arranged on the z axis around z=0 with two coil systems that are each arranged in a container positioned around the z axis, wherein the containers are mechanically axially separated from each other by a split, wherein the coil systems each include one first coil section system and at least one of the coil systems contains a second coil section system, wherein each coil section system comprises at least one coil body and at least one winding package, wherein the first coil section systems are exposed to magnetic forces acting in the axial direction toward the split, and wherein the second coil section systems are exposed to magnetic forces acting in the axial direction away from the split, wherein these magnetic forces are at least partly mechanically transmitted to the containers, and with at least one mechanical structure that withstands compressive loads, that is arranged in the split, and which supports at least part of the attractive magnetic forces.
Such an arrangement is known from [1].
The uses of such magnet arrangements include various applications. In experiments to study material properties in a magnetic field using neutrons and X-rays, a small split (typically less than 5 cm at the magnet center) between the two coil systems permits direct access to the sample for the neutron or X-ray beam. The sample is positioned in the working volume through a bore along the axis of the magnet arrangement and is irradiated by the neutron or X-ray beam through the split. The neutron or X-ray beam is detected at outside the magnet system after scattering with the sample. To ensure that as many neutrons or photons as possible arrive at the sample and reach the detectors, the size of the mechanical structure that supports the magnetic forces in the split between the coil systems, in particular, in the region of the neutron or X-ray beams, must be minimized and be made of suitable material. In magnets for neutron scattering, thin aluminum rings are often used in the split because aluminum is very transparent to neutrons (typically 3-4% loss per 1 cm of aluminum). It is also known that the structure is formed in the split as wedges or columns. The free space in the split can also be evacuated during operation to prevent unwanted scattering between the neutron or X-ray beam and liquids or gas.
From [2], a magnet arrangement is known whose magnet coil system includes two different superconducting coil systems that are positioned in two vacuum-tight containers filled with liquid helium and axially separated mechanically by a split. The split is 10 mm at the magnet center and increases radially with an aperture angle of +10° and −50 to increase the aperture cross-section for the beam. This magnet arrangement consists exclusively of coils that are exposed to magnetic forces attracting in the axial direction toward the split. This also applies to all other previously implemented magnet arrangements for neutron and X-ray scattering. Each coil is protected with a separate protection element (low resistance) against overheating and high voltages in case of collapse of the superconductivity (quench) during operation. To produce the vertical magnetic field of 10 Tesla efficiently, the containers must have the thinnest walls possible at the split (3 mm of steel). However, the small distance between the two coil systems causes the attractive axial forces between the two coil systems to be especially strong (approximately 250 kN). In the evacuated split between the containers, thin concentric aluminum rings are therefore inserted that support the attractive axial magnetic forces between the two coil systems in the operating state to prevent deformation of the thin containers. In this mechanical structure, there is no joint or weld between the aluminum and the steel (or other materials), so that no problems arise from thermal expansion when the system is cooled down. The two containers are kept together with three tubes made of steel that are also used for liquid coolants and electrical connections. Sometimes, an additional aluminum ring is screwed in the split to the two containers to keep the two containers together when, in the uncharged state, no magnetic forces are present to compensate the weight forces acting on the containers.
A similar mechanical structure in the split of a split-coil magnet arrangement is also known from [3], wherein this structure consists of C-shaped aluminum rings and spacers.
Such mechanical structures in the split can efficiently support the attractive forces between the two coil systems and prevent deformation of the containers. However, such known devices have the disadvantage that only magnetic forces acting toward the split can be handled.
In [4] and [5], a magnet arrangement is described that comprises two coil systems separated by a split with two coil section systems each, wherein the first coil section systems are exposed to magnetic forces acting in the axial direction toward the split, and the second coil section systems to magnetic forces acting away from the split in the axial direction. Such systems are also known from [6], [7], [1]. One application of such arrangements is open superconducting magnets that are used to produce a magnetic field (of typically 1 Tesla) as part of a system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Open magnets are intended to permit lateral access to the patient between the coil systems during MRI imaging. The distance between the two coil systems is typically greater than 50 cm. Usually, only a few rods are positioned in the split between the two coil systems to support the attractive forces.
The magnet arrangement from [4] consists of two identical, superconducting coil systems that are positioned in two containers mechanically axially separated by a split and that are actively cooled (without the use of cryogenic liquids). Each coil system includes three coils. During operation, two coils are subject to a magnetic force acting in the axial direction toward the split. The third coils are subject to a magnet force acting in the axial direction away from the split. The resulting force between the two coil systems during operation is attractive (765 kN). The three coils of a coil system are connected by a rigid structure made of steel. The split contains four rods that separate the two coil systems and support the resulting attractive force. Each coil is protected by its own protection element (antiparallel pairs of diodes) against overheating and high voltages in case of quenching. In the arrangement of [6], two axially separated superconducting coil systems are described, wherein each coil system comprises two coil section systems that carry electric currents in opposite directions and that are exposed to magnetic forces in axially opposed directions. The two coil section systems are connected by a rigid structure that supports the magnetic forces and thus keeps the coil section systems together. The two coil systems are screwed together through four bearing rods that support the resulting attractive magnetic force and keep the two coil systems apart.
In the arrangement [7], there are, in addition to the rigid structure within the container, numerous braces that support the attractive and repulsive magnetic forces of the various coil section systems and prevent deformation of the containers.
In the arrangement from [1], there are two bearing connecting structures between the two coil systems. This arrangement also has rigid structures within the container in which the coil systems are arranged that support the attractive and repulsive magnetic forces of the various coil section systems. The resulting force between the two coil systems is attracting and is supported by the connecting structures that withstand compressive loads. Transportation securement rods are also provided on the side radially outside the container that act against the vibrations and torsions of the magnet system.
Such mechanical structures in the split are suitable for open MRI systems, wherein the distance between the two coil systems is large. To ensure sufficient lateral access to the patient, the connecting structure between the two coil systems must be as space-saving as possible. For that reason, in the known arrangements, the various coil section systems are interconnected by a rigid structure in each coil system, so that only the resulting magnetic force between the coil systems has to be supported by the smallest possible number of space-saving connecting structures in the split. However, such known connecting structures have the disadvantage that the rigid structures they require for connection occupy space inside the containers that is also required for liquid coolants. The containers must therefore have correspondingly large dimensions.
It is the object of the present invention to propose a magnet arrangement wherein the magnetic forces can be controlled while permitting a low-cost, simple, space-saving and weight-saving assembly.

Split-coil magnet arrangement with improved mechanical construction


Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for processing a video signal. A method for decoding an image signal according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: for a current block having a width and a height different from each other, determining a modified intra prediction mode from an intra prediction mode, on the basis of a ratio between the width and the height of the current block and the intra prediction mode; determining an inverse non-separable transform set on the basis of the modified intra prediction mode; and applying an inverse non-separable transform matrix selected from the inverse non-separable transform set with respect to the top-left region of the current block, which is determined according to the width and the height of the current block.

Compression encoding means a series of signal processing techniques for transmitting digitized information through a communication line or storing information in a form suitable for a storage medium. Media including a video, an image, an audio, etc. may be a target for compression encoding. In particular, a technique for performing compression encoding on an image is referred to as image compression.
Next generation image content will have characteristics of high spatial resolution, a high frame rate and high dimensionality of a scene representation. In order to process such content, a drastic increase in memory storage, a memory access rate and processing power will result.
Accordingly, it is necessary to design a coding tool for efficiently processing next-generation image content. In particular, an image codec standard after the high efficiency image coding (HEVC) standard, together with a prediction technology having higher accuracy, requires an efficient transform technology for transforming an image signal in a spatial domain into a signal in a frequency domain.

Method and apparatus for processing image signal


A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprises: a chemical shift data storage unit, a first frequency adjusting unit, a first imaging unit, a second frequency adjust unit and a second imaging unit. The chemical shift data storage unit stores chemical shift data. The first frequency adjusting unit adjusts a center frequency of a first excitation pulse to a resonant frequency of a designated first substance. The first imaging unit generates an image in which the first substance is enhanced by performing a chemical shift imaging scanning with the first excitation pulse. The second frequency adjust unit automatically adjusts a center frequency of a second excitation pulse to a resonant frequency of a preliminarily designated second substance in accordance with chemical shift data. The second imaging unit generates an image in which the second substance is enhanced by performing a chemical shift imaging scanning with the second excitation pulse.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging method which excite nuclear spin of an object magnetically with a RF (radio frequency) signal having the Larmor frequency and reconstruct an image based on a MR (magnetic resonance) signal generated due to the excitation, and more particularly, to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging method which image substances showing mutually different chemical shifts selectively by adjusting a center frequency of an excitation pulse
2. Description of the Related Art
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging method which excite nuclear spin of an object set in a static magnetic field with a RF signal having the Larmor frequency magnetically and reconstruct an image based on a MR signal generated due to the excitation.
In the field of magnetic resonance imaging, chemical shift imaging for selectively imaging a specific substance is performed taking advantage of the variation in chemical shift from one substance constituting an object to another. The chemical shift is a variation in magnetic resonant frequency occurring due to the screening effect of orbital electrons. In view of examples of water and fat representative of the tissue of a living body, it is known that the resonant frequency of fat is shifted by about 3.5 ppm (parts per million) with respect to the resonant frequency of water (0 ppm in chemical shift).
This makes it possible to perform imaging by the fat suppression method for frequency-selectively suppressing signals from fat, or the water suppression method for frequency-selectively suppressing signals from water, by taking advantage of the difference in the center frequency for magnetic resonance. However, the peak of resonant frequency based on a chemical shift is influenced by the uniformity of a static magnetic field intensity, and if the uniformity of the static magnetic field intensity is imperfect, the peak of resonant frequency is also imperfect, thereby making it difficult to identify a substance. Hence, in the imaging by the fat suppression method or water suppression method taking advantage of chemical shift, shimming for adjusting the uniformity of the static magnetic field intensity is performed prior to the imaging in order to make clear the peak of resonant frequency in response to a substance.
Now, an attempt to selectively image not only fat but also silicone used as a material of a breast implant, by the chemical shift imaging, is under way. The materials used as a breast implant include saline in addition to silicone. In recent years, an influence of the leakage of silicone upon a normal mammary tissue is being turned into problem, and a saline implant having higher safety has been used more frequently. The interest of patients is, therefore, being focused on whether the material for an implant is silicone or saline.
However, an appropriate examination method for determining whether the implant is constituted of silicone or saline has not yet been established. As a result, a complicated examination method is now used wherein imaging such that the center frequency of excitation pulse is set to the resonant frequency of saline or water is performed to selectively image saline or water, and thereafter, imaging such that the center frequency of excitation pulse is set to the resonant frequency of silicone to selectively image silicone. In other words, the breast implant imaging requires a water image obtained by frequency-selectively enhancing signals from water, and a silicone image obtained by frequency-selectively enhancing signals from silicon.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a conventional procedure of a chemical shift imaging of water and silicone, wherein symbols S each denote a step in the flowchart.
First, in step S1, first-time shimming is performed by an operation by an operator, and the uniformity of the static magnetic intensity is adjusted. Specifically, a current to be supplied to a shim coil provided for adjusting the static magnetic intensity is controlled.
Next, in step S2, a scan is performed for acquiring a frequency spectrum representing the resonant frequency of each substance based on a chemical shift. The frequency spectrum acquired by this scan allows the peak of the resonant frequency of water or saline to be detected.
Then, in step S3, the center frequency of excitation pulse for imaging is set to the resonant frequency of saline or water. The chemical shift of the resonant frequency of saline is 0.2 ppm, and hence, even if signals from water, of which the chemical shift in resonant frequency is 0 ppm, are selectively imaged, whether the implant is silicone or saline can be determined. Therefore, for example, the center frequency of excitation pulse is set to the resonant frequency of water.
Sometimes a series of work from the adjustment of the uniformity of static magnetic intensity up to the setting of the center frequency of excitation pulse is referred to as "shimming", but here, adjustment work of the uniformity of static magnetic intensity is designated as "shimming".
Next, in step S4, imaging is performed with the center frequency of excitation pulse set to the resonant frequency of water. This allows a water image obtained by frequency-selectively enhancing signals from water to be acquired.
Next, it is necessary to perform imaging in which the center frequency of excitation pulse is set to the resonant frequency of silicone. Here, the chemical shift of the resonant frequency of silicone is about −5 ppm with respect the resonant frequency of water (0 ppm in chemical shift). Accordingly, based on the frequency spectrum already acquired, the center frequency of excitation pulse can be set to the peak of the resonant frequency of silicone. However, some apparatus cannot change the center frequency of excitation pulse unless shimming and a scan for frequency spectrum acquisition are performed.
For such an apparatus, a second-time shimming is performed by an operation by the operator in step S5.
Then, in step S6, a scan for acquiring a frequency spectrum is performed. From the frequency spectrum obtained by this scan, a peak of the resonant frequency of silicone can be detected.
Next, in step S7, the center frequency of excitation pulse is set to the resonant frequency of silicone.
Then, in step S8, imaging is performed with the center frequency of excitation pulse set to the resonant frequency of silicone. This allows silicone image obtained by frequency-selectively enhancing signals from silicone to be acquired.
On the other hand, in order to improve the fat suppression effect utilizing chemical shift, a PASTA (polarity altered spectral-spatial selective acquisition) sequence has been devised for performing imaging by using in combination 90° RF pulse for proton excitation and 180° RF pulse for refocus, and making mutually opposite the polarities of first and second gradient magnetic fields for slice selection, the first and second gradient magnetic fields being applied along with the 90° RF pulse and 180° RF pulse, respectively (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application (Laid-Open) No. 9-122101; or Miyazaki M, Takai H, Tokunaga Y, Hoshino T, and Hanawa M: A polarity altered spectral and spatial acquisition technique in "Proceedings, ISMRM, 3rd Annual Meeting" Nice, p. 657, 1995).
That is, the imaging by the PASTA sequence employs the first gradient magnetic field for slice selection, applied along with 90° RF pulse, and the second gradient magnetic field for slice selection, applied along with the 180° RF pulse. The second gradient magnetic field is made opposite in polarity to the first gradient magnetic field. Here, the frequency bandwidth of 90° RF pulse is set to a narrow width such as to prevent the resonant frequency band of water and that of fat from overlap each other there, that is, such as to be able to select water and fat utilizing chemical shifts. Conversely, the frequency bandwidth of the 180° RF pulse is set to a width such as to be able to refocus both of water and fat.
When, for example, fat suppression is performed using such a PASTA sequence, the protons in a water portion, excited by the 90° RF pulse are refocused by the 180° RF pulse under the gradient magnetic field having a polarity opposite to that in the excitation mode. As a result, echo signals occur from the protons in the water portion. On the other hand, the protons in a fat portion are refocused by the 180° RF pulse without being affected by the 90° RF pulse. Consequently, no echo signal occurs from the protons in the fat portion. This allows an achievement of a water image by fat suppression.
However, in the conventional chemical shift imaging, when attempting to selectively image each one of a plurality of different substances by using advantage of differences in chemical shift, it is necessary to preliminarily perform complicated work such as shimming, a scan for a frequency spectrum, an adjustment of the center frequency of excitation pulse by the operator, for each of the substances every imaging. For example, as described above, the operator must perform each of the shimming for selective acquisition and a scan for frequency spectrum acquisition regarding water signals, and shimming for selective acquisition and a scan for frequency spectrum acquisition regarding fat signals or silicone signals. In addition to the shimming, the operator must change the center frequency of excitation pulse each time the operator performs imaging about substances mutually different in chemical shift. For example, in the imaging of a breast implant, the operator must change the center frequency of excitation pulse from the resonant frequency of water into that of silicone.
Particularly when the operator without knowledge of chemical shift operates the apparatus, there is a possibility that proper shimming and/or the setting of the center frequency of excitation pulse may be difficult, with the result that an intended image may be unable to be obtained. Conversely, when the operator performs imaging utilizing chemical shift, there occurs a need for the operator to acquire knowledge thereof, which becomes a factor responsible for reduction in convenience of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. Furthermore, the imaging of molecules of drug or the like requires very detailed knowledge of chemical shift, and hence, under the current circumstances, substances that can be treated as targets of chemical shift imaging are limited to specific substances such as water, fat and the like.
Also, when shimming is not properly performed, or when a peak of frequency spectrum is detected by the operator without sufficient knowledge of chemical shift, an erroneous frequency is recognized as a resonant frequency, thereby causing a problem in that an improper frequency may be erroneously set as the center frequency of excitation pulse.

Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method