In a method and apparatus for improving data integrity using a ring buffer, a ring buffer is formed by at least one of the memory areas of a non-volatile read-write memory being administered by a pointer counter such that a ring buffer that can be read out and written is produced in a non-volatile read-write memory. The ring buffer composed of a number of memory cells needed for conventional operation, expanded by one additional memory cell, and a cyclical pointer counter. The oldest dataset is overwritten in a write operation, and whereby the pointer counter is incremented after the new dataset was written into a memory cell in which the oldest dataset was previously located, so that the pointer of the aforementioned pointer counter now points to a memory cell having what is now an oldest dataset that can be overwritten in the next write operation. A microprocessor connected to the memory in which the ring buffer is formed is programmed to ignore the respective memory cell to which the pointer points for any and all read accesses. The readout of a dataset from the other memory cells, however, is enabled.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for improving data integrity using a ring buffer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Read-write memories are utilized for non-volatile storage for improving the data integrity of memories, as is required for data processing and similar devices and, in particular, for postage meter machines. These memories have memory areas with a number of cells for datasets, which number is usually larger than the number of datasets to be stored.
A high dependability in the storage of datasets is required in the use of such memories in postage meter machines so that, for example, errors in the debiting of monetary data that could result in high secondary costs are avoided. As is known, such dependability is enhanced by a redundant storage of data (U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,841, U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,507, U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,963, and European Patent 0 19 515).
German PS 42 17 830 discloses a method for the operation of a data processing system, wherein the data processing system processes at least one critical control or program section in a program routine that initiates the writing of information into a first non-volatile memory. A second non-volatile memory for redundant storage of data and a third non-volatile memory for storing a status identifier are present in addition to the first non-volatile memory. Preceding an uncritical control section, that does not initiate any writing of information into the first or second non-volatile memory, a status identifier of zero is entered into the third non-volatile memory in order to identify the following control section as uncritical. A pointer counter is incremented to enter a status identifier deviating from zero in order to thus identify the beginning of the next critical control section that initiates the writing of information into the first non-volatile memory. The processing thereof is followed by another critical control section for redundant storage. The pointer counter is incremented to a corresponding status identifier in order to identify the beginning of the further critical control section that initiates the writing of information into the second non-volatile memory. After the processing thereof, the pointer counter is in turn set to the initial condition, i.e. the status identifier zero is set, and the program routine is ended. A determination can be made on the basis of the status identifier at every voltage return (following a voltage drop, as may occur occasionally) as to whether the processing of a critical control section was interrupted in order to complete the processing thereof, i.e., in order to implement the reconstruction of the old dataset.
Upon an abort of a roll-in event, for example due to fades in the power supply, memory errors can also arise in the status identifier for a critical control section. By redundantly storing the status identifier and assuming that the correct status identifiers are in the majority, a decision about which status identifier is the correct one can be made with a majority check. A determination as to whether the values belong to a valid value range is made in the plausibility check.
A high memory requirement (capacity) is thus needed in such a non-volatile read-write memory, without such capacity being available for more datasets to be stored. In rare instances, however, errors are also conceivable wherein the values belong to a valid value range and also represent the majority but nonetheless represent an invalid or incorrect status identifier. A conversion of the correct datasets into incorrect datasets would then ensue given return of the voltage. The division of a program into critical and uncritical areas, moreover is work-intensive and subject to error in view of program modifications that are often subsequently introduced. Additional preventative measures are required for interruptions that do not occur due to voltage outages. Disadvantageously, control sections must still be processed to completion after the return of the voltage, or upon re-activation.
On the other hand, the aforementioned problem does not even arise when the debiting operations just implemented are reliably terminated (German PS 24 38 055). An error during storage is thus avoided from the very outset, so that the problem is not even allowed to arise. This approach, however, requires means for the recognition of an impending voltage outage and for ending an operation. Expensive hardware that only reacts to a voltage outage is utilized therefor.
Another known method employs means for recognizing a destroyed or disturbed dataset (European Application 0 615 211) and another recognizes a destroyed memory cell (European Patent 0 226 205). This demands a relatively high memory requirement in the program memory for the error recognition and correction routines, or for re-addressing the memory cells of the non-volatile memory.

Arrangement and method for improving the data integrity with a ring buffer


A polyamideimide precursor composition includes a resin having repeating units represented by the following formula (PA) and a solvent including water, wherein the resin is dissolved in the solvent:

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a polyamideimide precursor composition, a polyamideimide molded article, and a method for preparing a polyamideimide molded article.
2. Related Art
A polyimide resin and a polyamideimide resin each are a material characterized by excellent durability, heat resistance, and stability, and have been widely used in electronic material applications such as an electronic circuit board and a flexible copper-clad laminate.
Recently, the polyimide resin and the polyamideimide resin have also been used in applications requiring transparency such as coating materials for solar cells, or the like, in addition to liquid crystal alignment agents and protective films in liquid crystal display elements.

Polyamideimide precursor composition, polyamideimide molded article, and method for preparing polyamideimide molded article

Abstract: wherein RA1 represents a divalent organic group and RA2 represents a divalent organic group.


In a machine (1) for filling containers with fluid products, different fluid substances are directed by means of a rotary valve assembly (19) into a tank (7) furnished with separate compartments (12, 13, 14, 15), isolated one from another and equipped each with at least one filler valve (8) by which a given quantity of one of the fluid substances is dispensed from the tank (7) into each container.

Filling machines of the type referred to above appear substantially as a tank supported by a main carousel and holding a supply of the fluid substance; the carousel is rotatable about a vertical axis tangentially to a first transfer station by way of which it receives a succession of containers each affording a filler mouth.
The tank is rigidly associated with the carousel and affords a plurality of filler valves at the bottom, each of which can be associated with the mouth of a respective container in such a way that when the carousel is set in motion, the tank rotates about the vertical axis and its contents are dispensed by way of the filler valves into the containers, whereupon the filled containers are directed by way of a second transfer station onto an outfeed conveyor and thence to a further unit used in the manufacturing cycle, for example a capper or a labeller.
The solution of mounting the tank on top of the carousel as outlined above is advantageous in that it gives the equipment a compact geometry and manageable dimensions, but presents certain drawbacks strongly limiting versatility of use.
A first drawback consists in the fact that only one type of material can be dispensed into the containers, which excludes the possibility of using a single carousel to fill different containers with different substances in a single production run.
A further drawback derives from the difficulty encountered in cleaning the filler valves, which is a particularly important operation in the case of perishable materials such as foodstuffs. In effect, the valves and their delivery systems can be flushed clean only after the tank has been emptied completely and the production cycle terminated.
The object of the present invention is to provide a method of dispensing fluid substances into containers that will be unaffected by the drawbacks mentioned above in referring to the prior art.
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, 1 denotes a portion, in its entirety, of a filling machine by which fluid substances 2 are dispensed into containers (not illustrated).
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the machine 1 comprises a main carousel 2 rotatable about a vertical axis A, turning clockwise as seen in FIG. 2 tangentially to a first transfer station 3 through which containers are supplied to the carousel singly and in succession by a rotary infeed conveyor 4. The infeed conveyor 4 rotates anticlockwise as seen in FIG. 2 about a vertical axis B parallel to the axis A first mentioned, turning tangentially to a first infeed station 5 at which it receives a succession of containers proceeding along a first predetermined path P1 afforded by a horizontal infeed channel 6.
The carousel 2 is disposed and embodied in such a way as to support the containers (not illustrated) and serves also to carry a tank 7, rigidly associated with the carousel 2 as it rotates about the axis A.
Referring to FIG. 3, the tank 7 is furnished with a plurality of filler valves 8 spaced apart uniformly around the vertical axis A of rotation, of which one only is illustrated. The valves 8 are conventional in embodiment, and therefore not described further in the present specification either in respect of their structure or in respect of their operation.
As discernible in FIG. 4, the tank 7 presents a substantially circular appearance, with a cylindrical side wall 9, a bottom 10 and a central opening 11, and comprises four compartments denoted 12, 13, 14 and 15, respectively, separated by four radial baffles 16 serving to establish four respective fluid tight partitions 17 between the four compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15.
Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a plurality of holes 18 arranged around the periphery of the tank 7 and serving to connect the supply of fluid in the compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15 with four respective sets of filler valves 8 not indicated in the drawing.
FIG. 3 illustrates a rotary valve assembly 19, mounted above the tank 7, in alignment with the central opening 11, by which different fluid substances are supplied selectively to the different compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15.
The rotary valve assembly 19 comprises an external portion 20 that remains fixed relative to the angular movement of the tank about the vertical axis A, and an internal portion 21 that rotates as one with the carousel 2 and the tank 7 about the selfsame axis.
The fixed portion 20 presents a plurality of inlet ports 22 admitting the aforementioned different fluid substances from respective separate sources indicated schematically in the drawings by four respective blocks denoted 23, 24, 25 and 26, and a further inlet port 27 admitting pressurized air from a respective source indicated schematically by a further relative block denoted 27a. The four fluid inlet ports 22 and the air inlet port 27 are positioned on the fixed portion 20 at respective different heights relative to the vertical axis A of rotation.
As discernible similarly in FIG. 5, the rotating internal portion 21 of the valve assembly 19 affords four fluid outlet ports 28 equispaced angularly about the axis A of rotation, and four valve elements 29 delivering the pressurized air admitted through the inlet port 27, equispaced angularly likewise about the axis A of rotation and offset from the fluid outlet ports 28.
Still referring to FIG. 3, the fixed external portion 20 of the valve assembly presents a plurality of annular channels 30 coinciding and communicating respectively with the fluid inlet ports 22, whilst the rotating internal portion 21 presents a set of vertical channels 31 extending substantially parallel to the axis A of rotation and coinciding respectively with the fluid outlet ports 28.
Each annular channel 30 is in fluid communication with a respective vertical channel 31, in such a way that each fluid inlet port 22 can be connected with a respective fluid outlet port 28, both during the rotation of the tank 7 about the axis A and whenever the tank 7 is stationary. The rotary valve assembly 19 also comprises a central duct 32 through which to direct a flushing liquid into the tank 7.
The central duct 32 is in receipt of liquid from a source indicated schematically by a block denoted 33. From the bottom end of the duct 32, the liquid flows to four discharge outlets 34 associated rigidly with the rotating internal portion 21 and equispaced angularly about the axis A of rotation, substantially in alignment with and below the aforementioned fluid outlet ports 28.
Connected to each of the fluid outlets 28 is a respective pipeline 35 serving to replenish a relative compartment 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the tank 7. In the interests of simplicity, just one of the four pipelines 35 is shown in FIG. 3. The replenishing pipeline 35 presents a first horizontal portion 35a projecting substantially in a radial direction from the axis A, and a second vertical portion 35b that terminates in close proximity to the bottom 10 of the tank 7.
Similarly, connected to each liquid outlet 34 is a respective pipeline 36 serving to flush a relative compartment 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the tank 7. In the interests of simplicity, just one of the four pipelines 36 is shown in FIG. 3. The flushing pipeline 36 presents one end 36a located internally of the respective compartment 12, 13, 14 and 15 and carrying a nozzle 37 from which the flushing liquid is directed into the tank 7.
Both the replenishing pipelines 35 and the flushing pipelines 36 are supported by respective mounting elements 38.
The mounting elements 38 associated with the four compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15 carry respective sensors 39 of conventional type serving to monitor the quantity and the chemical and physical properties of the fluid substances contained in the selfsame compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15.
The bottom 10 of the tank 7 affords a plurality of openings not shown in the drawings, associated with each of the compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15, by way of which the fluid substances and the flushing liquids can be drained from the selfsame compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the machine 1 comprises a station 40 at which containers filled with the fluid substances are capped. The capping station 40, being conventional in embodiment, is neither illustrated nor described further in the present specification. The caps, not illustrated, are supplied to the station 40 by a feed unit 41 also of conventional type.
The machine 1 is also equipped with a station 42 at which the filled and capped containers are labelled, comprising four labelling units 43, 44, 45 and 46 of conventional type, neither illustrated in detail nor described further. The four units 43, 44, 45 and 46 are positioned facing the periphery of a transfer carousel 47, likewise of conventional type and indicated schematically in FIG. 2 by a circular phantom line, on which the containers are advanced during the labelling operation.
Still in FIG. 2, the machine 1 comprises a master controller 48 by which the various filling, capping and labelling operations are supervised.
The sources 23, 24, 25 and 26 of fluid, the rotary valve assembly 19 and the replenishing pipelines 35 together constitute feed means 49 by which the fluid substances are supplied to the tank 7.
In operation, according to prior art practice and as illustrated in FIG. 2, containers (not shown) conveyed by way of the infeed channel 6 along the first path P1 and into the first transfer station 3 are taken up by the rotary infeed conveyor 4 and directed onto the main carousel 2.
The containers are held in position on the main carousel 2 by means of respective gripper elements not illustrated in the drawings, and carried thus along a predetermined circular conveying and filling path P2 extending around the axis A of rotation.
As the tank 7 rotates about the axis A, each filler valve 8 will draw into alignment with the mouth of a relative container carried by the carousel 2 and dispense a given quantity of the fluid substance from the tank 7 into the container.
With the carousel 2 and tank 7 rotating together as one, each container in turn is filled with the fluid substance from the tank 7 in conventional manner.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tank 7 is divided into four compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15, each one of which containing a different fluid substance.
Referring to FIG. 3, four different fluid substances flow from the respective sources 23, 24, 26 and 26 to the inlet ports 22 on the fixed external portion 20 of the valve assembly 19. The fluid substance entering through each port 22 occupies the corresponding annular channel 30, from where it can pass into a respective vertical channel 31 of the rotating internal portion 21 even when this component is set in rotation as a result of the tank 7, with which the internal portion 21 is rigidly associated, being caused to rotate about the vertical axis A.
The fluid substance passes down the vertical channel 31 to the relative outlet port 28, thence along the replenishing pipeline 35 and into the designated compartment 12, 13, 14 and 15.
In other words, as the tank 7 rotates, each of the compartments 12, 13, 14 and 15 into which it is divided can be supplied with a corresponding selected fluid substance.
The containers, directed singly and in succession onto the carousel 2, will be ordered in rows of predetermined number corresponding to the number of filler valves 8 serving each compartment 12, 13, 14 and 15, and aligned with the valves accordingly.
Thus, in the course of each complete revolution made by the tank 7 about the axis A, four groups of containers will be filled with fluid substances of different kinds, or rather, each group is filled with the fluid substance contained in the compartment 12, 13, 14 or 15 beneath which the containers of this same group are positioned.
After the filling step, the filled containers are released by the respective gripper elements of the carousel 2 and advanced by way of a second transfer station 50 to the capping station 40. Once capped, by methods of conventional type not described further, the containers will be directed along a rectilinear path P3 toward a third transfer station 51 serving the labelling station 42.
To reiterate, the labelling station 42 comprises a carousel 47 onto which the containers are directed from the transfer station 51 by conventional methods not described in the present specification.
The filled and capped containers are advanced by the carousel 47 around a circular path P4 along which the aforementioned labelling units 43, 44, 45 and 46 are stationed.
The master controller 48 pilots the operation of the carousel 42 and the labelling units 43, 44, 45 and 46 in such a way that these will apply different labels selectively to the containers advancing along the circular path P4, according to the type of fluid substance dispensed into each one.
In other words, containers of a given group that have all been filled with the same fluid substance from one of the compartments 12, 13, 14 or 15 will advance on the carousel 42 until in alignment with the particular unit 43, 44, 45 or 46 programmed to apply labels corresponding to and/or identifying the fluid substance effectively batched into the single containers of the group in question.
To advantage, the units 43, 44, 45 and 46 are arranged along the path P4 with the different labels ordered in the same sequence as the corresponding fluid products in the compartments 12, 15 13, 14 and 15 of the tank 7.
Employing the method disclosed, accordingly, it becomes possible to fill containers with different substances substantially at once, during the same production run of the filling machine, and therefore without having to suspend operations or carry out time-consuming and laborious cleaning procedures.
Likewise advantageously, a machine embodied in accordance with the present invention will allow one or more compartments to be flushed clean without interrupting the operation of filling containers from the remaining compartments, so that the production run can continue just the same, albeit with reduced output.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention not illustrated in the drawings, the filling machine 1 could comprise a capping or sealing station equipped with four different units by which containers filled with different fluid substances are fitted with different types of closures, according to the particular substance dispensed from the tank into the individual container.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention likewise not illustrated in the drawings, different containers are directed onto the carousel and beneath the tank 7, each furnished with elements identifying one of the different fluid substances with which it must be filled. The controller will be programmed to ensure that each container is positioned correctly under a given filler valve, so that it can be filled with the particular fluid substance designated by the identifying elements.

Machine for dispensing fluid substance into containers

Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A S.p.A.


A device may receive, from a user device, a multimedia file that is to be used to authenticate a transaction card. The multimedia file may include data identifying a face of a user, data identifying a transaction card identifier, and data identifying an authorized action. The device may determine whether to authenticate the transaction card by executing one or more authentication procedures. The device may execute a first authentication procedure to verify that the multimedia file includes the data identifying the face of the user, the data identifying the transaction card identifier, and the data identifying the authorized action. The device may determine whether to activate the transaction card based on whether the transaction card has been authenticated. The device may provide a notification to the user device indicating whether the transaction card has been activated based on whether the transaction card has been activated.

When an individual is approved for a transaction card (e.g., a credit card, a debit card, and/or the like), the transaction card may be sent to a home of the individual. From the time the transaction card is sent to the home of the individual, to the time the individual activates the transaction card, the transaction card may be at risk of being intercepted by an unauthorized user.

Fraud deterrence and/or identification using multi-faceted authorization procedures


A thermoplastic resin foam, which is high in thickness-direction compressive strength and low in flexural modulus of elasticity, can be set pliably along a curved applicable portion such as body's outer surface, and can effectively absorb an impact force imparted from the outside; and an expandable thermoplastic resin molded product providing the above foam. An expandable thermoplastic resin molded product comprises an expandable thermoplastic resin sheet-form material of expandable thermoplastic resin having a sheet body and many projections formed scattered on at least one surface of the sheet body, and an elastic thermoplastic material layer laminated on at least one surface of the expandable thermoplastic resin sheet-form material so as to be spread over the outer surfaces of the projections; and a thermoplastic resin foam obtained by foaming the expandable thermoplastic resin molded product.

Thermoplastic resin foams are light weight, exhibit superior heat resistance and flexibility and are readily heat-processable into shapes. Such thermoplastic resin foams have thus achieved wide use as various cushioning, packaging and heat-insulating materials.
In the sporting area, various protectors have been proposed which serve to protect a part of a human body from a high impact force. These types of protectors generally incorporate a layer of thermoplastic resin foam as a shock absorber. If a thermoplastic resin foam is to be used as a shock absorber, it must have the ability to absorb a large part of energy when compressed in its thickness direction. This accordingly requires that the thermoplastic resin foam should have a high compressive strength in its thickness direction. Also because a human body has a contoured surface, it is desired that the thermoplastic resin foam layer is flexible enough to readily conform to the contours of the human body, i.e., has a low flexural modulus.
Conventionally, methods have been proposed for manufacture of a foam which has the increased compressive strength only in its thickness direction. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 9-150431 discloses a method in which foaming of an expandable thermoplastic resin sheet is effected after it has been laminated with a second sheet having a sufficient strength to suppress planar expansion of the expandable thermoplastic resin sheet. Accordingly, the second sheet acts to suppress planar expansion of the expandable thermoplastic resin sheet while being expanded. Hence, as foaming proceeds, the expandable thermoplastic resin sheet expands nearly one-dimensionally in its thickness direction, so that foam cells are shaped into spindles extending in the thickness direction.
The above-described prior method successfully increases the compressive strength in the thickness direction but fails to increase the compressive strength in the planar direction. The resulting thermoplastic resin foam is expected to have a high compressive modulus but a low flexural modulus. However, the presence of the second sheet which acts to suppress planar expansion of the expandable thermoplastic resin sheet actually increases a flexural modulus of the laminate. Consequently, its flexibility has been insufficient.
In Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 10-44178, a method is disclosed for allowing an expandable thermoplastic resin sheet to undergo pseudo-one-dimensional expansion in its thickness direction by devising its shape. However, the method described in this prior reference results in the formation of high-density fusion bond interfaces which extend in the thickness direction of a resulting foam. These interfaces increase a flexural modulus of the foam, making its flexibility insufficient. That is, this prior art failed to reduce a flexural modulus of a resulting foam while increasing its compressive strength across the thickness.
In Japanese Patent. Laying-Open No. Hei 5-208421, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a composite foam product by integrating a non-foamable layer with a foamable layer. This prior art contemplates to obtain the composite foam product using clean materials which maintain high fluidity even in such conditions that a pressure and a shear force are little exerted thereon. For this purpose, this reference discloses a method in which the non-foamable layer consisting of thermoplastic elastomer powder, together with the foamable layer consisting of resin powder of ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer and a heat decomposable foaming agent, are subjected to powder molding so that they are foam processed.
However, the manufacturing method described in this prior reference simply suggests an easy way to manufacture the composite foam having a complex shape without a residual strain. That is, the resulting composite foam has a foam layer which is different from that produced via one-dimensional expansion of the foamable layer in its thickness direction. Accordingly, a preferential and sufficient increase in compressive strength of the composite foam in its thickness direction does not result.

Expandable thermoplastic resin product, method for manufacture of expandable thermoplastic resin product and thermoplastic resin foam


Novel exendin agonist compounds are provided. These compounds are useful in treating diabetes and conditions which would be benefited by lowering plasma glucose or delaying and/or slowing gastric emptying.

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art to the presently claimed invention, nor that any of the publications specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art to that invention.
Exendin
The exendins are peptides that are found in the venom of the Gila-monster, a lizard endogenous to Arizona and Northern Mexico. Exendin-3 [SEQ. ID. NO. 1] is present in the venom of Heloderma horridum, and exendin-4 [SEQ. ID. NO. 2] is present in the venom of Heloderma suspectum (Eng, J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:20259–62, 1990; Eng., J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267:7402–05, 1992). The amino acid sequence of exendin-3 is shown in FIG. 1. The amino acid sequence of exendin-4 is shown in FIG. 2. The exendins have some sequence similarity to several members of the glucagon-like peptide family, with the highest homology, 53%, being to GLP-1[7–36]NH2 [SEQ. ID. NO. 3] (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:19650–55, 1993). GLP-1[7–36]NH2, also known as proglucagon[78–107] or simply "GLP-1" as used most often herein, has an insulinotropic effect, stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells; GLP-1 also inhibits glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells (Ørsov, et al., Diabetes, 42:658–61, 1993; D'Alessio, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 97:133–38, 1996). The amino acid sequence of GLP-1 is shown in FIG. 3. GLP-1 is reported to inhibit gastric emptying (Willms B, et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 81 (1): 327–32, 1996; Wettergren A, et al., Dig Dis Sci 38 (4): 665–73, 1993), and gastric acid secretion. Schjoldager B T, et al., Dig Dis Sci 34 (5): 703–8, 1989; O'Halloran D J, et al., J Endocrinol 126 (1): 169–73, 1990; Wettergren A, et al., Dig Dis Sci 38 (4): 665–73, 1993). GLP-1[7–37], which has an additional glycine residue at its carboxy terminus, also stimulates insulin secretion in humans (Ørsov, et al., Diabetes, 42:658–61, 1993). A transmembrane G-protein adenylate-cyclase-coupled receptor believed to be responsible for the insulinotropic effect of GLP-1 has been cloned from a β-cell line (Thorens, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:8641–45, 1992), hereinafter referred to as the "cloned GLP-1 receptor." Exendin-4 reportedly acts at GLP-1 receptors on insulin-secreting βTC1 cells, at dispersed acinar cells from guinea pig pancreas, and at parietal cells from stomach; the peptide is also reported to stimulate somatostatin release and inhibit gastrin release in isolated stomachs (Goke, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:19650–55, 1993; Schepp, et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 69:183–91, 1994; Eissele, et al., Life Sci., 55:629–34, 1994). Exendin-3 and exendin-4 were reportedly found to stimulate cAMP production in, and amylase release from, pancreatic acinar cells (Malhotra, R., et al., Regulatory Peptides, 41:149–56, 1992; Raufman, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267:21432–37, 1992; Singh, et al., Regul. Pept. 53:47–59, 1994). Based on their insulinotropic activities, the use of exendin-3 and exendin-4 for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the prevention of hyperglycemia has been proposed (Eng, U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,286).
Agents which serve to delay gastric emptying have found a place in medicine as diagnostic aids in gastro-intestinal radiologic examinations. For example, glucagon is a polypeptide hormone which is produced by the α cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. It is a hyperglycemic agent which mobilizes glucose by activating hepatic glycogenolysis. It can to a lesser extent stimulate the secretion of pancreatic insulin. Glucagon is used in the treatment of insulin-induced hypoglycemia, for example, when administration of glucose intravenously is not possible. However, as glucagon reduces the motility of the gastro-intestinal tract it is also used as a diagnostic aid in gastro-intestinal radiological examinations. Glucagon has also been used in several studies to treat various painful gastro-intestinal disorders associated with spasm. Daniel, et al. (Br. Med. J., 3:720; 1974) reported quicker symptomatic relief of acute diverticulitis in patients treated with glucagon compared with those who had been treated with analgesics or antispasmodics. A review by Glauser, et al. (J. Am. Coll. Emergency Physns, 8:228, 1979) described relief of acute esophageal food obstruction following glucagon therapy. In another study, glucagon significantly relieved pain and tenderness in 21 patients with biliary tract disease compared with 22 patients treated with placebo (M. J. Stower, et al., Br. J. Surg., 69:591–2, 1982).
Methods for regulating gastrointestinal motility using amylin agonists are described in International Application No. PCT/US94/10225, published Mar. 16, 1995.
Methods for regulating gastrointestinal motility using exendin agonists are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/908,867, filed Aug. 8, 1997 entitled "Methods for Regulating Gastrointestinal Motility," which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/694,954 filed Aug. 8, 1996.
Methods for reducing food intake using exendin agonists are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/003,869, filed Jan. 7, 1998, entitled "Use of Exendin and Agonists Thereof for the Reduction of Food Intake," which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/034,905 filed Jan. 7, 1997, 60/055,404 filed Aug. 7, 1997, 60/065,442 filed Nov. 14, 1997 and 60/066,029 filed Nov. 14, 1997.
Novel exendin agonist compounds are described in PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US98/16387 filed Aug. 6, 1998, entitled "Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds," which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/055,404, filed Aug. 8, 1997. Other novel exendin agonists are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/554,533 filed Nov. 13, 1998, entitled "Novel Exendin Agonist Compounds," which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/065,442 filed Nov. 14, 1997.


A sole for a shoe to increase circulation in the wearer's foot during forefoot intensive activities. The sole includes a midsole having at least one protrusion disposed in a forefoot region thereof and a plate having at least one receptacle disposed therein wherein the plate is fixedly attached to the midsole such that the receptacle aligns with the protrusion. The diameter of the receptacle is approximately equal to the diameter of the protrusion, so that the protrusions flex within the receptacles in a trampoline-like fashion. An outsole is fixedly attached to the plate and the midsole, wherein the outsole is disposed underneath the entire length of the sole. A forefoot region of the outsole includes an exterior portion and a softer interior portion. Several projections are disposed on the softer interior portion to provide additional pressure points in the sole.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of this invention generally relates to footwear, and more particularly to an article of footwear having a multi-layered sole for stimulating circulation during forefoot intensive activities by allowing for vertical flexion and massaging the wearer's foot.
2. Background of the Invention
Indoor exercise machines are a popular and convenient way for many people to obtain or maintain cardiovascular fitness. Many of these machines, such as elliptical trainers, stair climbers, and stationary bicycles, utilize pedals that hold a user's feet stationary. As such, intense pressure is borne by the forefoot for the duration of the workout. Similar pressures are also experienced in other repetitive, forefoot intensive activities, such as step aerobics. Many users of such equipment experience pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in their feet. This phenomenon is called "transient paresthesia" (hereinafter, "TP"), also known more colloquially as "numb toe" or "sleepy feet". While the precise mechanism for causing TP is unknown, the pressure on the nerves of the feet and the pressure causing an interruption in blood flow circulation are strongly suspected. If unrelieved for extended periods, TP may develop into a more permanent numbness in the feet. At the very least, TP often causes the user to cut short or interrupt a workout to reduce these irritating sensations in the feet.
Users who experience TP may try several methods to prevent or relieve TP. One such method is wearing shoes with very stiff soles, which help to distribute more evenly the pressures on the foot. However, such shoes can be uncomfortable for use on an elliptical trainer. Another method used is to wear shoes having particularly stiff support in the arch region of the sole, which prevents the arch from collapsing. However, such arch support is only useful in preventing or reducing TP in a small number of wearers. Finally, some users wiggle their toes, lift their heels, or otherwise move their feet to increase circulation and redistribute pressure. Such manipulation of the feet while using exercise machines is not safe, however, as the foot could slip off of a pedal or out of a strap, thereby causing potentially severe injuries to the user.
Accordingly, needed in the art is a safe way to increase the circulation and/or dynamically redistribute pressure in the forefoot during forefoot intensive activities, such as while using an exercise machine.


An image data processing apparatus shifting to a power saving mode depending on whether a particular process is in progress on an image processing apparatus. A controller examines processes of host computers through a network, and controls a state of supplying power to blocks functioning for an image forming process, the blocks including a rasterizer, a memory, a printer engine, and a compressor/expander.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus communicating with an information processing apparatus through a network, a power control method, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of conventional techniques are known to save power in image forming apparatuses such as laser beam printers. Furthermore, techniques for saving power using host computers in a network environment have been proposed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-218894 discloses a power saving technique used in cooperation with a host computer. When a screen saver is activated in the host computer, for example, the host computer issues a sleep command to a printer or a sleep release command to power on the printer when an application software program is activated.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-161449 discloses a technique in which a print server issues a power saving command when the printer server detects a logout of a workstation.
Conventionally, power control of devices using host computers in a network environment is not necessarily performed in an optimum fashion.
For example, power control of an image forming apparatus using a host computer cannot be performed when application software is left activated without actually being used.
Furthermore, when a plurality of personal computers and image forming apparatuses are connected to form a network, optimum power control is not performed using the plurality of personal computers, either individually or as a group.

Data processing apparatus, power control method, computer-readable storage medium and computer program


An expandable tubular reinforcing member used for body lumens such as blood vessels, the reinforcing member being formed of a continuous elongated helical element comprised of spaced undulating portions forming end loop portions and including a plurality of curvilinear connector elements extending between and interconnecting at least some of the adjacent undulating portions of the helical element over its length.

The present invention relates to stents. A stent, generally speaking, is a device that can be placed within a body lumen or interior space for supporting and assuring patency of a lumen. Patency refers to the state of being freely open and is particularly important in the vascular system. The field of angioplasty is concerned with the reconstruction of blood vessels and stents are used, for example, for holding blood vessels open or for back tacking intimal flaps inside the vessels after angioplasty. More generally, however, stents can be used inside the lumina of any physiological conduit including arteries, veins, vessels, the biliary tree, the urinary tract, the elementary tract, the tracheal bronchial tree, the genitourinary system, and the cerebral aqueduct. Stents can be used inside lumina of animals and/or humans.
Stents are generally tubular in structure and are radially expandable between an unexpanded insertion size or circumference and an expanded implantation size or circumference which is greater than the unexpanded insertion size.
An important attribute of a stent is that it be radially compressible and expandable so that it will easily pass through a blood vessel or the like when collapsed and will expand or can be expanded to its implanted size after the implantation location has been reached. It is also desirable that a stent be generally flexible throughout its length so that it is easily maneuverable through bends and curves of the vascular system or the like to reach the implantation site and that the stent be conformable to the vascular site when expanded. It is also typically desirable that a stent have a substantial amount of open space so as to allow for endothelialization along its length to minimize foreign body response and to minimize interference with collateral blood vessels and the like.
There have been introduced various types of stents and various stent designs. Stents are generally categorized as being self-expandable, i.e., which expand by themselves and balloon expandable, i.e., expanded by a balloon inserted inside the stent.
From the view point of materials, stents can be categorized as being made from various metals such as stainless steel, nitinol and from various plastics.
Stents can be made from tubular stock structures from which a desired design may be cut or etched. Also they may be made from wire. Both of these types are well known.
Details of prior art stents can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,562,697, 5,540,713, 5,575,816, 5,569,295, 5,496,365, 5,344,426, 5,139,480, 5,135,536, 5,810,872, 5,226,913, 5,716,396, 5,370,683.
This invention relates to all of the above-discussed types of stents and incorporates herein by reference all of the above patents specifically identified herein.
It is an object of the invention to provide, as a preferred embodiment, a stent comprised of a helically wound serpentine or undulating structure including curved connecting elements, i.e., curvilinear, which produces closed flexible cells in the expanded form. In combination the flexible cells yield a flexible, conformable stent which expands uniformly and provides good radial strength, scaffolding and fatigue characteristics when expanded.
Stents incorporating the design of the invention are preferably made from wire windings as in the prior art or from tubes such as metal tubes which are etched or laser cut to obtain the desired configuration of the stent in accordance with the invention.
The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is xe2x80x9cprior artxe2x80x9d with respect to this invention. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. xc2xa71.56(a) exists.
Generally speaking the present invention provides a stent comprised of two major structural elements, the first being a continuous elongated helical element preferably comprised of spaced undulating portions forming periodic end loop portions, i.e., a serpentine configuration, the helical element extending substantially over the length of the stent body to create a cylindrical stent configuration. The second element comprises a plurality of curvilinear, most preferably sinusoidal, connectors extending between and interconnecting at least some of the adjacent undulating portions, preferably connected to the end loop portions, of the helical element over its length. A double parallel helix or multiple parallel helices may also be used but the single helix as described hereinbelow is preferred.


An error correction compensating ones or zeros string suppression system and method for use in a digital transmission system is herein disclosed. In digital transmission systems utilizing error control coding (ECC)/forward error correction (FEC) to reduce the number of bit errors in a bit stream, long strings of ones and zeros are easily suppressed by detecting a prohibited length of ones or zeros, and flipping a bit in the string of ones or zeros. This method and system removes the violation of the ones or zeros bit string requirement by flipping a bit in the string, while the receiving side utilizes the error correction capability of the ECC/FEC to correct the inverted bit.

In digital transmission systems today, the transmission of long strings of ones or zeros may be prohibited. This practice can be attributed to a variety of system constraints such as DC bias drift or clock synchronization. In order to transmit long streams of ones and zeros, this prohibition must be compensated for in the system design.
Different solutions have been attempted to compensate for this prohibition. One prior art solution is called an 8/10 code, which could be implemented by augmenting each byte by two bits, a one and a zero. This solution insures that there is both a one and a zero in every ten (10) bits, and no string of bits longer than nine (9) would ever be all zeros or all ones. FIG. 1A depicts such a solution. Referring to FIG. 1A, an 8/10 string 100 is illustrated. Here, a byte 104 including a string of ones is augmented by a pair of augmentation bits 102, where the augmentation bits 102 include both a one and a zero, as shown. Likewise, the byte 104 could be a string of zeros as well. In either case, the addition of the augmentation bits 102 insures that every 8/10 string 100 includes at least one zero and at least one one. This prior art solution adds two (2) bits to every byte 104 transmitted by the system.
Further prior art solutions include a more intelligent 8/10 code that chooses a more uniform set of code words. FIG. 1B depicts such a solution. Here, the look up table solution 110 includes sending a byte 112 to a look up table 114 before it is transmitted. The look up table 114 includes a ten bit code 116 for every byte 112 combination, where every ten bit code 116 is made up of five (5) zeros and five (5) ones, thus restricting strings of ones or zeros to five (5) in a row. When the ten bit code 116 is received, it will be decoded by a similar look up table 114 back to the original byte 112. This prior art solution also adds two (2) bits to every byte 104 transmitted by the system, as well as the additional overhead associated with incorporating look up tables 114 into such a system.
Further prior art solutions include the technique of appending a one bit and a zero bit to a case of longer lengths of all one or all zero strings. For example, if strings of eighty (80) bits of zeros or ones were prohibited, then every seventy eight (78) bits, a zero or a one could be injected. This would limit strings of bits to seventy nine (79) zeros or seventy nine (79) ones. FIG. 1C depicts such a solution. Referring to FIG. 1C, the long string solution 120 is illustrated. Here, a prohibited string 126 including a string of ones is augmented by a pair of augmentation bits 122, where the augmentation bits 122 include both a one and a zero, as shown. Likewise, the augmented string 124 could be a string of zeros as well, and the number of bits in the prohibited string 126 is dependent upon the system constraints. In any case, the addition of the augmentation bits 122 insures that every prohibited string 126 includes at least one zero and at least one one. This prior art solution adds two (2) bits to every augmented string 124 transmitted by the system.
Thus far, all of these prior art solutions add overhead to the system when transmitting or receiving such a stream of data. In other words, each prior art solution adds significant bits to the streams, thus adding significant expense to the system to eliminate the possibility of long strings of zeros or ones.
As such, no techniques have as yet been devised to compensate for bit suppression without adding significant bits, and therefore costs, to the system.

Error correction compensating ones or zeros string suppression


A plurality of upper spool rails arranged over a reel-up device. Each elevated rail temporarily stores reeling spools that are successively loaded into a reeling station to wind a web and form finished reels of paper. The elevated spool rails include: a first pair of parallel upper spool rails extending over the reel-up device and adapted to support a plurality of a first type of reeling spools; and a second pair of parallel upper spool rails spaced above the first pair, and adapted to a plurality of a second type of reeling spools.

The present invention relates to storing and loading spools to be used by reel-up machines that wind webs, e.g., tissue, onto successive spools to form web rolls. In particular, the invention relates to multiple elevations of spool storage rails associated with a reel-up.
Present reel-up machines use either a crane, or an automatic loading system, to move reel spools from a single upper elevation of storage rails to the primary arms of a reeling machine or into a similar pre-start spool position. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,586,253 and 6,047,916, disclose exemplary reel-up machines having a single pair of rails to move and store empty reel spools across the upper elevation of a reel-up machine. The rails for the empty spools are arranged on a single elevation above the lower portion of the reel-up machine that winds a web onto a spool to form a web roll. When the web is completely wound onto a spool and the web roll is discharged from the reel-up machine, the spool is removed from the roll and processed. The spool is lifted to a single elevation of a pair of spool rails by a crane or other lifting system. A train of empty spools roll along the single elevation upper rails and towards the inlet of the reel-up machine.
Conventionally, the individual spool at the discharge end of the rails nearest the reeling station (reel drum) was the only spool that could be selected and moved down to wind the next roll of moving web. The conventional reel-up paper machine with single elevation upper rails is limited in that it can only load the one empty spool that is at the discharge end of the upper spool rail elevation. This conventional reel-up paper machine does not allow for one of a plurality of empty spools to be selected for moving into the winding or reeling station to wind the web.
Some reel-up machines require the segregation of reel spools, either because some spools go to different processes, are intended to run different grades of material, or may be in better or worse condition than the others and only used when the need arises. Some spools may be plain (no cover or core), some spools may have rubber covers, some spools may be core-type spools for use with slitters or for export rolls and have different numbers of cores, and some may be different diameters. There is a need to select between a plurality of available spools to be used to wind a web roll.
Mills operating reel-up machines with a single elevation of spool storage rails must plan properly with the production paper roll runs to make sure the correct reel spools are in the reel-up machine and, in particular, inserted into the pre-start position, usually primary arms, from the spool loader at the correct time to ensure that desired changes in the machine take place. Historically, when a spool (other than the spool naturally next in line on the rails) has been needed, the desired spool is stored at an off-machine location and the loading process is scheduled so that the spool is loaded into the machine at exactly the right time and position. At the same time, other empty reel spools may be taken and stored at a different location (rather than being temporarily stored on the upper rails). These spool changing situations require more operator involvement, more advanced planning and more movement of reel spools from one position to another.

Reel spool storage and loading device and method


An exposure apparatus for emitting exposure light onto a substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid to expose the substrate includes a supply pipe which supplies the liquid; a recovery pipe which recovers the liquid; a connection pipe which connects the supply pipe and the recovery pipe; and a switching device which switches a flow path of the liquid so that when liquid supply is stopped, the liquid that has flowed into the supply pipe flows to the recovery pipe via the connection pipe. The apparatus may further include a temperature regulation apparatus connected to the supply pipe, which performs temperature regulation of the liquid supplied to the supply pipe, and has a rough temperature regulator which roughly regulates the temperature of the liquid, and a fine temperature regulator which is arranged between the rough temperature regulator and the supply pipe and performs fine regulation of this temperature.

Semiconductor devices and liquid crystal display devices are manufactured by a so-called photolithography technique for transferring a pattern formed on a mask onto a photosensitive substrate. The exposure apparatus used in this photolithography process has a mask stage that supports a mask and a substrate stage that supports a substrate, and it transfers the pattern of the mask to the substrate via a projection optical system while sequentially moving the mask stage and the substrate stage. In recent years, higher resolutions for projection optical systems have been in demand to handle the even higher integration of device patterns. The resolution of the projection optical system is higher the shorter the exposure wavelength used and the larger the numerical aperture of the projection optical system. For this reason, the exposure wavelength used in exposure apparatuses has become shorter year by year, and the numerical aperture of the projection optical system is also increasing. In addition, the mainstream exposure wavelength at present is 248 nm of a KrF excimer laser, but a shorter wavelength, 193 nm of an ArF excimer laser, is also coming into practical application. In addition, when exposure is performed, the depth of focus (DOF) is also important similar to the resolution. The resolution R and the depth of focus δ are expressed by the respective equations below.R=k1·λ/NA  (1)δ=±k2·λ/NA2  (2)
Here, λ is the exposure wavelength, NA is the numerical aperture of the projection optical system, and k1 and k2 are process coefficients. Based on Equation (1) and Equation (2), it is apparent that when the exposure wavelength λ is made shorter to increase the numerical aperture NA in order to increase the resolution R, the depth of focus δ becomes smaller.
When the depth of focus δ is too small, it is difficult to match the substrate surface to the image plane of the projection optical system, and there is concern that the focus margin during the exposure operation will be insufficient. Therefore, the liquid immersion method disclosed in Patent Document 1 noted below, for example, has been proposed as a method of essentially shortening the exposure wavelength and increasing the depth of focus. In this liquid immersion method, the space between the lower surface of the projection optical system and the substrate surface is filled with a liquid such as water or an organic solvent to form a liquid immersion region, and the fact that the wavelength of the exposure light in liquid becomes 1/n in air (n is a refractive index of the liquid, which is normally approximately 1.2 to 1.6) is used to increase the resolution while expanding the depth of focus to approximately n times.
Patent Document 1: the booklet of PCT International Publication No. WO99/49504
In any case, when performing exposure based on the liquid immersion method, it is important to supply liquid in a desired status to prevent deterioration of the pattern image formed on the substrate and maintain exposure accuracy.
When the temperature of the liquid of the liquid immersion region fluctuates, the refractive index of the liquid, for example, fluctuates, and the pattern image formed on the substrate deteriorates, so it is particularly important to supply the liquid onto the substrate at the desired temperature. In addition, for example, in the case of a configuration in which the detected light of the focus detection system that detects the surface position information of the substrate surface and the detected light of the alignment system for aligning the substrate pass through the liquid of the liquid immersion region, when the temperature of the liquid of the liquid immersion region fluctuates, the optical path of the detected light fluctuates, deterioration of detection accuracy is brought about, and consequently this leads to a decrease in exposure accuracy. In addition, when the temperature of the liquid of the liquid immersion region fluctuates, the substrate and/or the substrate stage thermally deform, and there is a possibility of this as well leading to decreases in exposure accuracy and alignment accuracy. In addition, the pattern image formed on the substrate will also deteriorate due to bubbles being present in the liquid of the liquid immersion region and bubbles adhering to the lower surface of the projection optical system and/or the substrate surface.
In addition, it is also important to recover the liquid in a desired status to maintain exposure accuracy. When the liquid cannot be recovered well, there is a possibility of the various measurement operations relating to exposure processing being affected and of causing exposure accuracy to decrease due to the liquid flowing out and causing rust to occur in the peripheral mechanical components, bringing about fluctuation in the environment (humidity, etc.) where the substrate is placed, and causing changes in the refractive index on the optical path of the measurement light of the optical interferometer, used in stage position measurement. In addition, for example, when vibration is produced in the liquid recovery mechanism, there is a possibility that the vibration will cause deterioration of the pattern image projected onto the substrate and will bring about measurement errors of the interferometer that monitors the position of the substrate stage that holds the substrate.

Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method


A composition comprising a compound of formula (I):

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the use of anthranilic diamide derivatives with heteroaromatic and heterocyclic substituents in combination with a biological control agent as well as to a preparation method of compositions containing anthranilic diamide derivatives and a selected biological control agent, and compositions containing anthranilic diamide derivatives and at least one biological control agent.
Description of Related Art
It is already known that certain anthranilamides (e.g. WO 01/70671, WO 03/015519, WO 03/016284, WO 03/015518, WO 03/024222, WO 03/016282, WO 03/016283, WO 03/062226, WO 03/027099, WO 04/027042, WO 04/033468, WO 2004/046129, WO 2004/067528, WO 2005/118552, WO 2005/077934, WO 2005/085234, WO 2006/023783, WO 2006/000336, WO 2006/040113, WO 2006/111341, WO 2007/006670, WO 2007/024833, WO 2007/020877) are useful for combating harmful pests which occur in agriculture. Several methods to apply such compounds are described therein.
However, environmental and economic requirements imposed in modern-day crop protection agents are continually increasing. This is particularly true with regard to the spectrum of action, toxicity, selectivity, application rate, and formation of residues. Additionally, when applying agrochemicals, there are always the problems with resistances. Thus, there is a constant need for developing new, alternative plant protection agents which in some areas at least help to fulfil the abovementioned requirements. Moreover, there is a constant need to develop novel plant treatment agents which are particularly environmentally friendly. Also, as concerns regarding a possible impact of agrochemicals on the environment and the health of humans and animals are growing in the public opinion, efforts have to be made to reduce the amount of agrochemicals applied.

Use of an anthranilic diamide derivatives with heteroaromatic and heterocyclic substituents in combination with a biologicalcontrol agent

Abstract: in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, A, Q and n can have the definitions stated in the description, and at least one biological control agent selected from bacteria, fungi or yeasts, protozoas, viruses, entomopathogenic nematodes, and botanical extracts, or products produced by microorganisms including proteins or secondary metabolites, and optionally an inoculant, for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects, nematodes and phytopathogens.


Provided is a method and system for payment processing, including emailing a billing statement including an online payment hyperlink to a payer by a biller. The online payment hyperlink includes a payer personalized URL and a token uniquely identifying the payer. The online payment hyperlink is selected by the payer, who is then presented with the biller's online payment form, including pre-populated data fields. The biller's online payment form is reviewed, completed and corrected by the payer, and sent to a secure payment form server.

Many payments, such as but not limited to those for child care, donation pledge commitments, membership renewals and other types of non-profit financial transactions are presently still made by check. Current processes of billing for and collecting such payments are often inconvenient, for both the payer and the collecting organization. Attempts to introduce more automated means of payments, such as preauthorized credit card and direct bank debit (ACH) payments, have had limited success due at least in part to the reluctance of payers to trust and agree to such methods.
Many systems for online payment require payers to login to an online system to display charges and make payment. This requires payers to register, remember login information and generally reduces the likelihood that payers will utilize such a system. Other systems that don't require a login typically require the user to enter all of the data each time they wish to make a payment. Entry of data each time increases the likelihood of entry error. Errors in entry may incur extra costs for declined or unsuccessful transactions and increase payer frustration. Entry errors are especially problematic for ACH payments where there is currently no system for real-time validation of the account information entered, and where the necessary bank routing and account numbers are potentially difficult for the payer to be certain of.
Thus, there is a need to adapt numerous new and evolving technologies to provide a much simpler method of allowing payers to initiate one-time and recurring payments by credit card or ACH payment with a minimum of effort. This method would also increase payer confidence so that organizations could encourage payers to more readily sign-up and transition to preauthorized collection of payments due.


Methods and devices for intelligently controlling a portable electronic device are described. The method includes detecting a selection of a respective application program of the plurality of application programs. The method also includes, in response to detecting the selection of the respective application program of the plurality of application programs, identifying one or more predefined hardware operations that do not correspond to one or more hardware operations associated with the respective application program; conditionally deactivating the one or more predefined hardware operations; and launching the respective application program.

With the rapid development of communication technology and electronics technology, portable electronic devices have become necessary communication tools for people. With the wide spread of portable electronic devices having a large screen, high brightness and high performance, the battery capacity has become the main bottleneck that restricts the user of the portable electronic devices.
Currently, when a user does not want to use a certain function of a portable electronic device, the user needs to manually turn off this function. For example, when the user finds that the quantity of electricity of the battery is low, the user needs to dim out the screen and turn off the APIs (Application Programming Interface) of such functions as WiFi or Bluetooth manually, so as to save the quantity of electricity of the terminal. When the user wants to use functions such as WiFi or Bluetooth, the user needs to manually turn on these functions again.
However, this increases the user's manual interaction with the terminals and degrades the user's experience in using the terminals.

Method and device for an intelligent control of portable electronic devices

TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED


An image generation method includes: generating a two-dimensional image by perspectively transforming a virtual three-dimensional space relative to a predetermined viewpoint at a given instant; determining a corresponding position to a representative point of a waterdrop on the two-dimensional image depending on a position at which the waterdrop exists in the virtual three-dimensional space or a position at which the waterdrop is to be displayed in a display image; determining a reference position on the two-dimensional image corresponding to a vertex or a configuration point which forms the waterdrop, by using reference information relative to the corresponding position to the representative point on the two-dimensional image, the reference information being previously determined for the vertex or the configuration point forming the waterdrop; and linking the determined reference position with the vertex or the configuration point forming the waterdrop and mapping at least a portion of the two-dimensional image onto the waterdrop to generate an image of the waterdrop at a given instant or in a frame proximate to the instant.

The present invention relates to an image generation method, a program and an information storage medium.
In the real world, one may encounter a phenomenon in which when the external world is viewed through a camera having a lens sweated with a waterdrop of rain or plume, the exterior scene is reflected on the waterdrop under refraction of light.
If such a phenomenon is attained in generating an image in a virtual three-dimensional space, for example, in a game system, the refraction of light on a waterdrop can more realistically be represented.
If it is wanted to represent a waterdrop reflecting the external world thereon by faithfully simulating the refraction of light, however, a huge and complicated operation is required to compute and draw the external world to be reflected onto the waterdrop. It is therefore difficult that a game system or other hardware having a limited processing capacity generates images of a waterdrop by simulating the refraction of light in real time.
In addition, the manner of view relating to a waterdrop sweated on the camera lens is complicated variable under the influence of various factors such as changes in the angle of view, focusing and diaphragm of the camera.
A further complicated operation is required to simulate such complicated changes in real time.

Image generation method, program and information storage medium


The present invention provides a time indicator and method of use for determining and visually displaying the passage of a predetermined period of time. The time indicator of the present invention comprises a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion is a multi-layer segment comprising a dye support layer coated with a masking layer, which containing a viewing window therethrough, and a non-curing ink or dye permeable polymer layer containing a migrating agent. The bottom portion is a multi-layer segment comprising a base support layer and a migrating ink or dye printed on the top surface of the base segment. The time indicator apparatus further comprises a removable impervious film or middle layer, which can be removed allowing the top and bottom portions to come into contact with one another, thereby activating the time indicator. The time indicator of the present invention allows one to follow the uniform directional visual dye migration through the viewing window.

Numerous devices are known which provide a visual indication of the passage of a pre-arranged amount of time. For example, such timing devices or time indicators are useful when attached to perishable items for indicating the length of time the items have been on the wholesaler's or retailer's shelf. Foods, photographic materials and other perishable items can be provided with indicators, which after being activated, evidence a visual change, after the passage of a predetermined period of time. Time-temperature indicators are also known which indicate a visual change as a function of both time and temperature.
Current technologies are typically useful only for short time intervals such as days or weeks. They are not useful for longer time intervals (such as months) because the color change occurs by dye diffusion that begins upon activation. Even though the dye may be very slow in migrating to become visible to the viewer, it is difficult for the observer to identify and determine exactly when the image or color indicates that the predetermined time interval has elapsed. The time interval for the image appearance, from white to colored due to the dye migration (say 10-20% tint) is proportional to the predetermined time for which the time indicator has been designed. Thus, for example, in a three month indicator, the time indicator stays pure white for about a month, after which, the indicator starts to change color. After about three months, the observer sees a definite color change of, say 10-20% tint. During the time interval between one and three months, the time indicator is in a "grey area", i.e., "The Grey Time", between expired and unexpired subject to interpretation by the viewer. This lack of a sharp transition time is the problem with known simple dye diffusion systems and indicators.
More specifically, many of the known time indicators, which are generally short-term time indicators, are based on the gradual migration of ink from one substrate through another substrate, i.e. in a path perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. After the ink migrates through the substrate(s) it is viewed on a display surface to thereby indicate that the predetermined time period has elapsed.
Examples of such time indicating systems include the following U.S. patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,153 to Kydonieus et al. describes a laminated time indicator. In general, the Kydonieus patent discloses a time color indicator having a reservoir layer adhesively attached to an indicator layer. In accordance with the Kydonieus patent, a migrating agent in the reservoir layer migrates through the adhesive layer and the indicator layer to the top or front surface of the indicator layer. The Kydonieus patent also teaches that the reservoir layer is preferably mounted on a barrier layer with an adhesive and release sheet on top of the reservoir layer. The indicator is activated by removing the release sheet and applying an indicator layer to the adhesive layer. Alternatively, the adhesive and release sheet may be associated with the indicator layer. Kydonieus further teaches that the indicator layer is a solid sheet or film of non-porous polymer which allows migration of the chosen agent, and that appropriate indicator layer materials include plasticized PVC, semi-plasticized PVC, rigid PVC, acrylics, polyurethanes and Hytrel® (Dupont Company). The Kydoniesus indicator layer is 2 to 14 mils thick, and may contain plasticizers and stabilizers. The reservoir layer is preferably made from a plastisol, although vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate copolymer, a urethane polymer, a polyolefin, Hytrel® and polyvinyl chloride may be used in forming the reservoir layer. Kydonieus teaches that the reservoir layer should be 1 to 20 mils thick, and is preferably 1 to 5 mils thick. Kydonieus also contemplates that the reservoir layer may be layered down as an ink onto the barrier layer. Specifically, Kydonieus contemplates printing the reservoir composition on mylar or aluminum foil. The Kydonieus patent suggests that appropriate adhesives include thermosetting or thermoplastic pressure-sensitive acrylics or rubbers. The adhesive layer can be preformed and applied as a sheet, applied with another layer such as a release sheet or by coating.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,132 to Haas et al. describes a method of assembly and activation of a reusable self-expiring Security Identification Badge. The Badge includes a base substrate having a void indicia area, an ink substrate having an expired indicia area of a soluble ink and an adhesive surface, and an overlay substrate having an ink dissolver and a display surface. When the Security I.D. Badge is issued, the inked substrate is attached to the base substrate, the inked substrate covering the void indicia area. The overlay substrate is then placed over and attached to the inked substrate, the ink dissolver in contact with the soluble ink of the ink substrate. The ink dissolver of the overlay substrate contacts and coacts with the soluble ink of the inked substrate to dissolve the ink and allow the ink to migrate through to the overlay substrate to the display surface, where it can be visually perceived, in a preselected time interval.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,705 to Haas et al describes a time indicator that changes color or produces an image or information after a specific time interval. The time indicator includes a base substrate with colored dye deposited on a first surface; and a substrate having an adhesive on a first surface thereof, the adhesive positioned at discrete locations on the first surface of the substrate. The substrate and the base substrate are put into adhesive contact. The adhesive contacts and coacts the colored dye to dissolve the dye and permit the dye to migrate through the adhesive to cause a color change visible through the substrate. The discrete adhesive inhibits lateral migration of the dye to preserve the image or information of the dye in a clear and/or understandable condition.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,804 to Haas describes a time indicator device with a display layer with at least one defined display region therein. A migration layer is provided which overlies and is attached to the display layer. The migration layer has at least one migration region therein and in use each migration region is in contact with at least one display region. An activation layer is provided which has at least one defined activation region therein. The activation region includes a migrating agent capable of migrating laterally through the migration region. When the activation layer overlies the migration layer, each activation region overlies at least one migration region. The migration region connects each activation region with at least one display region which is laterally distal from the activation region. In use and in order to activate the device the activation layer and migration layer are adhesively attached to each other. When the activation layer is contacted with and overlies the migration layer, each activation region contacts at least one migration region. Upon contact the migrating agent is activated to migrate laterally from the activation region through the migrating region to at least one display region in a predetermined amount of time to cause an indication in the display region that the predetermined amount of time has elapsed. Preferably, the device has a plurality of defined display regions, defined activation regions and/or migration regions to provide a means for adjusting the predetermined time, adjusting for environmental conditions and to provide a plurality of elapsed times.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,715,215 and 5,873,606 to Haas et al describe an identification badge that comprises a base coated with an adhesive protected by release paper. This badge is assembled by removing the release paper, placing an identification card into contact with the adhesive, and then attaching a fastener through a slot in the base of the badge. Various fasteners may be used to attach this badge to wearer's apparel. The identification card can also be mounted so that the identification indicia is placed against a transparent, adhesive and viewed through a transparent base. A timing indicator can be incorporated into the badge so as to show the expiration of the badge after a selected period of time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,828 to Hass et al. describes a patterned indicator which contains latent information. The patterned indicator includes a first substrate having first and second surfaces, the first surface having a uniform pattern printed of an ink thereon. A second transparent substrate having first and second surfaces is also provided. An adhesive activator is provided on the first surface of the second substrate. The indicator is activated by placement of the first surfaces of the first and second substrates into adhesive contact such that the ink and adhesive activator coact to cause the ink pattern to gradually bleed and blend together to cause a change visually perceptible through the transparent substrate in a selected time interval. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a parking permit, while other preferred embodiments include transit tickets, admission tickets, time passage indicators for other applications. Also within the scope of this invention are patterned indicators printed with inks having multiple sensitivities for indicating tampering with goods in packages sealed with such indicators.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,354 to Hass describes an identification band is provided which includes an elongated band having an outer surface, an inner surface and first and second ends. A first chemical composition, e.g., a soluble ink, is distributed on the outer surface of the band proximate the first end. A display region is disposed in the band proximate the second end. A second chemical composition, e.g., an adhesive ink activator is distributed on the inner surface of the band overlying the display region proximate the second end. When the band is wrapped around an object, e.g., a user's wrist, with the outer surface exposed, the outer surface of the first end and the inner surface of the second end overlay and are in contact, preferably in adhesive contact, with each other. The first and second chemical compositions coact with each other to cause a visually perceptible change in the display region after a predetermined time interval.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,280 to Haas describes a time indicator that includes a front layer and a back layer, each having an inner and outer surface. The front layer has a display region on its outer surface. An adhesive means is provided on the inner surface of the front or back layer for adhesively attaching the front layer and back layer to each other. An opaque viewing layer is included on the front or back layer and an activation agent is provided on the other layer. One surface of the opaque viewing layer is viewable from the display region when the front and back layers are adhesively attached to each other. A dye that is substantially non-migrating through the opaque viewing layer, overlies the other surface of the opaque viewing layer. When the inner surfaces of the front and back layers are contacted with each other, the adhesive means adhesively attaches the front and back layers to each other and activates the activation agent. The activation agent migrates to the opaque viewing layer in a predetermined period of time to be absorbed therein. Such absorption activates the dye to enable it to migrate through the opaque viewing layer toward the other side causing an indication in the display region that the predetermined amount of time has expired. Optionally, the activation agent contacts the dye to, for example, solubilize the dye to enable it to migrate through the opaque viewing layer. Preferably, the activating agent is a plasticizer that is absorbed into the polymeric opaque viewing layer. At a critical concentration of the plasticizer in the viewing layer, the dye is rapidly absorbed into the viewing layer, passing through the viewing layer to the other surface thereof where it becomes visible through the clear display region on, for example, the white background of the viewing layer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,206 to Haas describes a time indicator comprising a front part and a rear part, the rear part comprising an ink pattern layer overlaying a rear support member. The front part comprises a transparent front support layer, and an opaque adhesive layer having a front ink display surface, the adhesive layer capable of dissolving the ink pattern on the rear part, whereby contacting the front part with the rear part by applying the opaque adhesive layer onto the ink pattern layer activates the dissolution and migration of ink in a selected time interval from the ink pattern layer, through the opaque adhesive layer to the front ink display surface for viewing through the transparent front support layer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,458 to Haas et al describes a game card having a hidden game image thereon that is developed over a predetermined period of time. The game card includes a front part and a rear part. The rear part has a migrating ink pattern layer overlaying a rear support member to form a game image. An non-migrating printed pattern layer overlays the rear support member to form a confusion pattern to hide the image. The front part includes a front support layer having an adhesive layer on one side and a front ink display surface on the other side. The adhesive layer is capable of causing the migrating ink pattern to migrate upon contact therewith. Thus when the front part is contacted with the rear part by applying the adhesive layer onto the ink pattern layer, the adhesive layer activates the migration of ink in a selected time interval from the ink pattern layer, through the adhesive layer to the front ink display surface for viewing the game image. Typically, the game image is capable of informing the user whether the game card is a winning card or a losing card.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,003 to Pedicano et al. describes a time color indicator that includes a base layer segment having a transparent impermeable layer, a substantially non-curing opaque coating, and a release sheet. A portion of the uncoated surface of the transparent layer bears a printed area including a camouflage pattern printed with non-migrating ink and a message segment printed with migrating ink. An indicator layer segment includes a transparent impermeable layer, a substantially non-curing opaque coating, and a release sheet partially folded back to form a finger gripping tab and expose an indicator layer coating portion which contacts and adheres to the base layer adjacent the printed area. The time color indicator is activated by pulling the finger tab to remove the release sheet, causing the indicator layer coating to cover and contact the printed area, with the message segment migrating through the indicator layer coating.
One of the problems associated with all of the foregoing devices is that they are difficult to adjust for a selected period of time. Adjustment often involves experimentation with many types of inks, solvents, wicks, etc. to prepare a device, which can operate under the conditions expected. Additionally, very few of these devices can indicate the relative length of time that has elapsed since the device was activated, i.e., it is difficult to determine what fraction of the predetermined period of time has elapsed. Further, none of these devices are suitable for measuring a relative long time period. Most of the prior art devices gradually change color over a relatively short period of time and involve, at best, a guess on how much time has elapsed. When this is combined with the possible variations in temperature, humidity, etc. that may exist in the environment of the time indicator, the viewer has very little confidence that he is close to the expiration time of the device.
It is an object of this invention to provide a time indicator device, which can provide the user with a clear indication of the passage of relatively long time intervals.

Three-dimensional dye migration time indicator


Systems and methods for dual-carrier modulation (DCM) encoding and decoding for communication systems. Some embodiments comprise a DCM encoder for applying a pre-transmission function to at least one 16-QAM input symbol and mapping resulting transformed symbols onto at least one larger constellation prior to transmission. Some embodiments joint decode, by a DCM decoder, a predetermined number of received data elements and compute a set of log-likelihood ratio (LLR) values for at least eight bits from a resulting at least one transformed symbol.

As devices become increasingly mobile and interoperable, networks may be more than the customary established grouping of devices. Instead, or in some cases in addition, devices join and leave networks on an ad-hoc basis. Such devices may join an existing network, or may form a temporary network for a limited duration or for a limited purpose. An example of such networks might be a personal area network (PAN). A PAN is a network used for communication among computer devices (including mobile devices such as laptops, mobile telephones, game consoles, digital cameras, and personal digital assistants) which are proximately close to one person. Any of the devices may or may not belong to the person in question. The reach of a PAN is typically a few tens of meters. PANs can be used for communication among the personal devices themselves (ad-hoc communication), or for connecting to a higher level network and/or the Internet (infrastructure communication). Personal area networks may be wired, e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) and/or IEEE 1394 interface or wireless. The latter communicates via networking technologies consistent with the protocol standards propounded by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA), the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth), the WiMedia Alliance's ultra wideband (UWB), or the like.
Among recently emerging communication technologies—especially those needing high data transfer rates—various ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies are gaining support and acceptance. UWB technologies are utilized for wireless transmission of video, audio or other high bandwidth data between various devices. Generally, UWB is utilized for short-range radio communications—typically data relay between devices within approximately 10 meters—although longer-range applications may be developed. A conventional UWB transmitter generally operates over a very wide spectrum of frequencies, several GHz in bandwidth. UWB may be defined as radio technology that has either: 1) spectrum that occupies bandwidth greater than 20% of its center frequency; or, as is it is more commonly understood, 2) a bandwidth≧500 MHz.
Next generation networks, such as those standardized by the WiMedia Alliance, Inc., increase the range, speed, and reliability of wireless data networks. One implementation of next generation networks utilizes ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technology, specifically a MultiBand orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) physical layer (PHY) radio along with a sophisticated medium access control (MAC) layer that can deliver data rates up to 480 megabits per second (Mbps).
The WiMedia UWB common radio platform enables high-speed (up to 480 Mbps), low power consumption data transfers in a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The WiMedia UWB common radio platform incorporates MAC layer and PHY layer specifications based on MultiBand OFDM (MB-OFDM). WiMedia UWB is optimized for the personal computer (PC), consumer electronics (CE), mobile device and automotive market segments. ECMA-368 and ECMA-369 are international ISO-based specifications for the WiMedia UWB common radio platform. Additional information may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/099,317, entitled "Versatile System for Dual Carrier Transformation in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing", and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/551,980, entitled "Dual-Carrier Modulation Decoder", which are incorporated herein by reference.
Increasing demand for more powerful and convenient data and information communication has resulted in a number of advancements, particularly in wireless communication technologies. Despite the advancements, however, significant improvement in data transfer rates is sought.

Systems and methods for dual-carrier modulation encoding and decoding


A stapler according to the present invention is provided with: a holder provided with an accommodating portion that accommodates a plurality of staples with tips thereof, which pass through a suturing target, directed in one direction; a plurality of pushers that push out the staples accommodated in the accommodating portion in accordance with a plurality of groups thereof; an anvil that presses and deforms the staples pushed out from the accommodating portion by the pushers; driving-force transmitting mechanisms that are respectively connected to the individual pushers, in which the movement thereof in directions other than the directions in which the staples are pushed out is restricted at the individual connection portions, and that transmit driving forces that move the individual pushers toward the anvil.

In the related art, there is a known apparatus that performs a full-thickness excision of a tubular organ, wherein the apparatus performs suturing by sequentially pushing out a plurality of staple drivers (pushers) by means of a rotating cam and cuts out sutured tissue by means of a rotating blade (for example, see Publication of Japanese Patent No. 4091424).
With this apparatus, because staples are sequentially pushed out instead of all the staples being simultaneously pushed out, it is possible to reduce the amount of force required to perform suturing.


Examples disclosed herein relate to a computing device that includes a central processing unit, a management controller separate from the central processing unit, and a security co-processor. The management controller is powered using an auxiliary power rail that provides power to the management controller while the computing device is in an auxiliary power state. The security co-processor includes device unique data. The management controller receives the device unique data and stores a representation at a secure location. At a later time, the management controller receives endorsement information from an expected location of the security co-processor. The management controller determines whether to perform an action on the computing device based on an analysis of the endorsement information and the stored representation of the device unique data.

Service providers and manufacturers are challenged to deliver quality and value to consumers, for example by providing a secure computing system. A data center is a facility used to house computer networks, computer systems, and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. Equipment in a data center may be in the form of servers mounted in rack cabinets.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers may designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. An index number "N" appended to some of the reference numerals may be understood to merely denote plurality and may not necessarily represent the same quantity for each reference numeral having such an index number "N". Additionally, use herein of a reference numeral without an index number, where such reference numeral is referred to elsewhere with an index number, may be a general reference to the corresponding plural elements, collectively or individually. In another example, an index number of "I," "M," etc. can be used in place of index number N.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

Determine whether to perform action on computing device based on analysis of endorsement information of a security co-processor

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP


A DC-DC converter includes: a converter including a first transistor, a second transistor and an inductor; a first gate driver and a second gate driver configured to respectively control the first and second transistors; a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit configured to output a PWM signal to the first gate driver and a first logic circuit, the first logic circuit configured to receive the PWM signal and a second logic signal, and to output a first logic signal to the second gate driver; and a second logic circuit configured to receive a first control signal and a second control signal, and to output the second logic signal to the first logic circuit.

1. Field
An aspect of the present invention relates to a DC-DC converter and a display device including the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, there have been developed various types of display devices capable of reducing the weight and volume associated with cathode ray tubes, the use of which is disadvantageous. The display devices include liquid crystal display devices, field emission display devices, plasma display panels, organic light emitting display devices, and the like.
A converter for supplying a driving voltage may be provided in such display devices.
When a load decreases, a related art converter operates in a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) in order to reduce power consumption.
In this case, there exists, however, a problem in that the output voltage of the converter is not quickly changed.
Particularly, in a case of a buck-converter, it is difficult to quickly drop the output voltage of the buck-converter in the DCM.

DC-DC converter and display device including the same