The present invention is a method and system for detection of high-frequency heart sounds for diagnosing heart diseases. One embodiment utilizes an accelerometer-based detector that presents a light load to the chest, is sensitive to the desired high frequency range, and provides a quantitative measurement of the quality of the acquired signal. Two thin piezoelectric flexible sensors, supported by a lightweight mechanical structure, are center-loaded so that they respond to the same mechanical energy and will produce identical electrical signals in the absence of noise. A signal processing system compares the signals from the two sensors to produce an estimate of the signal-to-noise ratio. The two signals can be combined to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The invention is designed to be light weight, to have a sensitive sensor mechanism, to provide an estimate of the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected signal, and to be relatively immune to noise.

There are devices presently available to detect acoustic signals from the chest each having its own advantages and disadvantages as described in the review by Semmlow and Rahalkar. The motivation for most of these devices is the detection of sound signatures associated with coronary artery disease as originally described by Semmlow el al. in 1983. Coronary artery disease results from occlusions or blockages of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. Such blockages will produce turbulent blood flow including an auditory correlate. Theoretical studies by Wang et al indicate that said auditory correlates will be at relatively high frequencies: above 200 Hz and as high as 1 kHz. Such sounds are generally too faint and at too high a frequency to be heard through a traditional stethoscope, although murmurs associated with coronary artery disease have occasionally been reported. Acoustic detection of the sounds produced by blood flowing through partially occluded coronary arteries would thereby enable the noninvasive detection of this major disease.
Devices for the detection of cardiac sounds from the chest fall into two broad categories: those that reference the acoustic energy to fixed positions on the chest and those that use an inertial reference; i.e., accelerometers. Most of the existing devices to measure sounds from the chest are chest-referenced such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,152,879, 6,261,237, and 7,520,860. Some chest-reference microphones have been constructed in arrays of multiple microphones as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,278,890 and 7,037,268. It is also possible to combine multiple sensors to improve the signal level as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,206. Chest-referenced devices require a mechanical means for stabilizing the sensor on the chest which places a relatively heavy mechanical load on the chest. Modified chest-referenced microphones have been constructed using flexible piezoelectric sensors which are attached directly to the chest using some type of temporary adhesive as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,807,268, 5,595,188, 5,827,198, 5,885,222 and 5,913,829. In this approach, differential movements of the chest under the flexible piezoelectric sensor act as a self-reference.
All such chest-referenced devices must of necessity place a moderate-to-heavy load on the chest. Moreover, traditional microphone designs are sensitive to ambient noise from the environment. Flexible adhesive sensors are less sensitive to ambient noise and induce the lightest load, but they do not detect compression waves and are less sensitive to shear waves. Moreover, in addition to the weight of these sensors, there is still considerable mechanical loading as the chest must force flexion in these sensors in order to detect the bioacoustic energy. Mechanical loading decreases the sensitivity of the detection apparatus particularly to high-frequency acoustic signals as documented by Vermarien and Vollenhoven. To improve the sensitivity of chest referenced microphones, efforts to match the acoustic impedance of the microphone to the chest have been attempted as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,152,879 and 6,278,890. While such impedance matching techniques may improve the power transferred to the microphone, they actually reduce signal level and still place a load on the chest.
Studies using chest reference microphones have not shown the ability to consistently detect the acoustic signatures associated with coronary artery disease as summarized in Semmlow and Rahalkar. An accelerometer-based sensor described by Padmanahban et al. and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,036,857 and 5,109,863 has produced signals that were moderately successful in detecting coronary artery disease as shown by Akay et al. Other accelerometer-based sensors have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,998,091, 8,024,974, and 8,333,718. Although these detectors will present a reduced mechanical load on the chest compared to chest-referenced devices, they are still comparatively heavy. Even moderate loads of 10-15 gm produced by these devices will reduce their ability to detect the acoustic signature of coronary artery disease.
Since mechanical loading the chest will reduce the bio-acoustic signal, particularly at high frequencies, there is a clear need for an acoustic detector which presents a very light mechanical load to the chest. Specifically, the detector should be less than 10 gm so as to be sensitive to the relatively high frequency signals in the range of 200 to 1200 Hz. Said detector should also be relatively immune to ambient or environmental noise.
The quality of the signal produced by any cardiac microphone will also depend on microphone position and attachment to the chest along with patient factors such as body weight. Hence the quality of signals produced by any detector will vary from patient-to-patient and even measurement-to-measurement. The signals produced by all cardiac microphones developed thus far provide no feedback on the quality of the detected signal. There is therefore a clear need for a detector which provides quantitative information on the quality of the acquired signal over the range of desired frequencies. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

Method and system for detection of cardiac sounds


A control section varies an amplitude of a modulation signal every time the control section conducts control to vary a combination of the frequency of a clock signal and the frequency of the modulation signal by controlling a clock signal generator and a modulation signal generator, and derives a value indicating jitter tolerance of a measurement subject based on a decision result on an error of a data signal having a predetermined pattern output from the measurement subject and information of the amplitude of the modulation signal. A display section receives information concerning the frequency of the clock signal, the frequency of the modulation signal, and the amplitude of the modulation signal, and the value indicating jitter tolerance, and displays jitter tolerance characteristics of the measurement subject simultaneously on a screen by using the frequency of the clock signal and the frequency of the modulation signal as two parameters.

For example, in a data relay apparatus among devices handling data signals, a data signal is reproduced and output based on a clock signal reproduced from an input data signal.
If in this case there is a phase fluctuation (jitter) in the data signal input, then reproduction of the data signal cannot be conducted correctly and a false data signal is output.
In the case where such a device is used in a data transmission system, therefore, it is necessary to previously ascertain the jitter quantity the device can tolerate.
The measurement of the jitter tolerance is conducted by applying phase modulation to a clock signal, which forms a basis of a data signal handled by a measurement subject, with a modulating signal of a sine wave, gradually increasing the amplitude of the modulation signal, and measuring an amplitude of the modulation signal at which it becomes impossible for the measurement subject to handle the data signal accurately. This measurement can be conducted by using, for example, a known pulse pattern generator and a known error measurement device as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application KOKAI Publication No. 4-96533.
In other words, based on the clock signal that is phase-modulated by the modulation signal of the sine wave and consequently that involves jitter depending upon the phase modulation quantity, a data signal having a predetermined pattern is generated based on the clock signal having the jitter by the pulse pattern generator and supplied to the measurement subject.
A data signal output from the measurement subject is compared bit by bit with a data sequence of a predetermined pattern in the error measurement device that is set so as to become the same as the data signal of the predetermined pattern generated by the pulse pattern generator. It is thus determined whether or not an error has occurred.
A limit value of jitter quantity below which an error does not occur is called the jitter tolerance of the measurement subject.
Here, jitter tolerance of the measurement subject is expected to depend on the deviation of the frequency of the clock signal from the frequency of the data signal originally to be handled by the measurement subject and jitter frequency (frequency of the modulation signal).
Therefore, the conventional jitter tolerance measurement apparatus has such a configuration that jitter tolerance measurement can be conducted in two measurement modes.
In a first measurement mode, jitter tolerance is measured while fixing the modulation signal at a standard frequency and varying the frequency of the clock signal, and thereby characteristics of the clock signal frequency versus jitter tolerance are displayed on a display device in a two-dimensional manner.
In a second measurement mode, jitter tolerance is measured while fixing the clock signal at a frequency having no deviation and varying the frequency of the modulation signal, and thereby characteristics of the modulation signal frequency versus jitter tolerance are displayed on the display device in a two-dimensional manner.
However, the above described conventional jitter tolerance measurement apparatus has only the function of independently conducting measurement of jitter tolerance of the measurement subject with respect to the frequency of the clock signal in the first measurement mode and measurement of jitter tolerance of the measurement subject with respect to the frequency of the modulation signal in the second measurement mode and displaying those measurement results individually.
In the conventional jitter tolerance measurement apparatus, therefore, jitter tolerance measurement of the measurement subject must rely on so-called spot measurement in which trial and error of measurement are repeated. This results in a problem that the measurement is extremely inefficient.
Furthermore, even if the measurement of the modulation signal versus jitter tolerance is conducted every clock signal frequency, the conventional jitter tolerance measurement has only the function of displaying the jitter characteristics in a two-dimensional manner. Therefore, jitter characteristics must be displayed individually every clock frequency. This results in a problem that it is impossible to easily ascertain jitter tolerance characteristics and effect an evaluation accurately.
In "1. 2 Test environment", ITU-T Recommendation 0.171 (04/97), page 13, which is international measurement standards of this kind, there is a stipulation to the effect that "In order to verify the worst-case equipment performance, it may be necessary to stress the equipment under test with multiple change in the test environment."
In other words, according to the definition in the standard, it is necessary in jitter tolerance measurement to confirm jitter tolerance of the equipment under the severest conditions.
In the conventional jitter tolerance measurement apparatus, however, jitter tolerance measurement is generally conducted in such a state that an offset is not applied to a principal signal, i.e., in a state that is not under the severest condition as defined in the above described standard, for the reason that it takes time or for other reason.

Jitter resistance measuring instrument and method for enabling efficient measurement of jitter resistance characteristic and adequate evaluation


An example of a game device accepts inputs from a plurality of players to allow a game to progress. First, the game device accepts a first rhythm input by a first player. A model rhythm is generated and presented based on the first rhythm input. The game device accepts a second rhythm input by a second player. Then, the game device evaluates the second rhythm input using as a reference the model rhythm. Thus, by generating a model rhythm based on a rhythm which is input by a player, it is possible to provide a game with a high playability having an increased degree of freedom for the model rhythm.

There have been games of a genre called music games or rhythm games. In games of this genre, gameplay is evaluated based on the relationship between a timing predetermined for each piece of music (song) and the player's input timing.
In such conventional games, since the reference timing for evaluation is predetermined, there is little freedom for the reference for evaluation, and the player may get easily bored.
Thus, the present application discloses a storage medium storing a game program, a game device, a game system, and a game process method for a game with a higher playability.
(1)
An example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium described in the present specification stores a game program to be executed by a computer of a game device which accepts inputs from a plurality of players to allow a game to progress. The game program instructs the computer to function as a first input-accepting unit, a model generation unit, a second input-accepting unit, and an evaluation unit. The first input-accepting unit accepts a first rhythm input by a first player. The model generation unit generates and presents a model rhythm based on the first rhythm input. The second input-accepting unit accepts a second rhythm input by a second player. The evaluation unit evaluates the second rhythm input using as a reference the model rhythm.
With configuration (1) above, the model rhythm is generated based on the rhythm input by the first player, and the second player makes a rhythm input so as to conform with the model rhythm. Thus, since the model rhythm itself is input by a player, there is an increased degree of freedom for the model rhythm. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game with a higher playability, of which the players will not easily get bored.
(2)
The model generation unit may generate the model rhythm so that a timing of the model rhythm coincides with any of one or more basic timings predetermined within a predetermined input period.
With configuration (2) above, it is possible to prevent the model rhythm generated based on the first rhythm input made by the first player from becoming too hard, and to improve the playability of the game.
(3)
The model generation unit may generate the model rhythm by correcting a timing of the first rhythm input so that the timing coincides with any of the basic timings.
With configuration (3) above, it is possible to easily generate a model rhythm that reflects the first rhythm input made by the first player and that is in conformity with the basic timings.
(4)
Of all the input timings of the first rhythm input, the model generation unit may exclude any input timing that is outside a predetermined period including a basic timing therein, and generate the model rhythm based on one or more remaining input timings.
With configuration (4) above, since one or more of the first rhythm inputs that are not in conformity with the rhythm composed of the basic timings are excluded, it is possible to generate a model rhythm that is in conformity with the rhythm composed of the basic timings.
(5)
The model generation unit may generate the model rhythm by changing at least a tempo of the first rhythm input.
With configuration (5) above, the second player will make rhythm inputs at a tempo different from the first player, and it is therefore possible to adjust the difficulty level of the rhythm input and to improve the playability of the game.
(6)
The model generation unit may set a timing in the model rhythm based on the first rhythm input. The evaluation unit may perform the evaluation by comparing a timing in the model rhythm with a timing of the second rhythm input.
With configuration (6) above, it is possible to easily evaluate a defense rhythm input using as a reference the model rhythm.
(7)
The first input-accepting unit may accept a plurality of types of inputs as the first rhythm input. The second input-accepting unit may accept a plurality of types of inputs as the second rhythm input. The model generation unit may set a timing in the model rhythm based on a timing of an input in the first rhythm input, and may set a type of an input to be made at the timing in the model rhythm based on a type of an input in the first rhythm input. The evaluation unit may perform the comparison between a timing in the model rhythm and a timing of the second rhythm input separately for each type of input.
With configuration (7) above, the player makes a rhythm input while taking into consideration the type of input as well as the timing of input of the rhythm input. Then, it is possible to increase the variation of inputs, and to improve the playability of the game.
(8)
The second input-accepting unit may further accept a third rhythm input by the second player after the evaluation of the second rhythm input using as a reference the model rhythm based on the first rhythm input. The model generation unit may further generate and present a model rhythm based on the third rhythm input. The first input-accepting unit may further accept a fourth rhythm input by the first player after the model rhythm is generated based on the third rhythm input. The evaluation unit may evaluate the fourth rhythm input using as a reference the model rhythm based on the third rhythm input.
With configuration (8) above, each player can experience the gameplay as a player who makes rhythm inputs so as to generate a model rhythm, and can also experience the gameplay as a player who makes rhythm inputs to the model rhythm. Thus, it is possible to further improve the playability of the game.
(9)
The game device may be capable of accepting an input from a predetermined input device. The first input-accepting unit may accept an input from the input device as the first rhythm input. The second input-accepting unit may accept another input from the same input device, from which the first rhythm input is accepted, as the second rhythm input.
With configuration (9) above, players can play the game using a single input device. That is, since it is not necessary to provide a plurality of input devices, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the game device (game system).
(10)
The first input-accepting unit may accept an input from a touch panel provided on the input device as the first rhythm input. The second input-accepting unit may accept another input from the same touch panel, from which the first rhythm input is accepted, as the second rhythm input.
With configuration (10) above, players can easily make rhythm inputs using the touch panel while looking at the game image. Moreover, as a plurality of players make game inputs using a single touch panel, the players are allowed to more clearly feel that they are playing the game together by either competing against each other or cooperating with each other. This increases the realistic feel of the game, and improves the playability of the game.
(11)
The game program may instruct the computer to function further as a display control unit for displaying an image representing the model rhythm on a screen provided together with the touch panel, and displaying the image on another display device separate from the input device.
With configuration (11) above, the game image is displayed also on a screen (a separate display device) other than the screen on which touch inputs are made. Thus, it is possible to present a game image in an easy-to-view manner for the players. It is also possible to present a game image in an easy-to-view manner for other people watching the game.
(12)
The game program may instruct the computer to function further as a display control unit for displaying an image representing the model rhythm on a display device.
With configuration (12) above, a player can check the model rhythm, thereby making it easier to make rhythm inputs.
(13)
The game program may instruct the computer to function further as a music playback unit for playing music during an input period in which the first rhythm input is accepted, and during another input period in which the second rhythm input is accepted.
With configuration (13) above, it is possible to present, to the player, a so-called "music game (rhythm game)" in which the player inputs a rhythm to the music. That is, by allowing the player to make rhythm inputs to the music, it is easier for the player to make those inputs, and it is thus possible to improve the playability of the game.
Note that the present specification also discloses an example game device and an example game system including units equivalent to those that are implemented by executing the game program of (1) to (13) above. The present specification also discloses an example game process method to be carried out in (1) to (13) above.
With the storage medium storing a game program, the game device, the game system and the game process method set forth above, a model rhythm is generated based on rhythm inputs made by a player, and it is therefore possible to present a game with a high playability having an increased degree of freedom for the model rhythm.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Storage medium storing game program, game device, game system, and game process method


The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing high-quality polymer microparticles having uniform particle size of the order of several micrometers to tens of micrometers by inverse suspension polymerization at high productivity while keeping excellent dispersion stability without causing aggregation among particles. The process is one for the production of polymer microparticles by inverse suspension polymerization of a vinyl monomer and includes steps of preparing in a dispersing tank a water-in-oil (W/O) type emulsion in which an organic solvent is a continuous phase and an aqueous solution of a vinyl-based monomer is a dispersing phase, and conducting the inverse suspension polymerization while feeding the water-in-oil (W/O) type emulsion to a continuous stirred tank reactor.

Micron-sized spherical polymer microparticles are utilized for cosmetic additives, supports for various chemical materials, spacers, column packings for chromatography, light diffusion agents, porosification agents, weight-lightening agents, antiblocking agents, surface modification agents for recording paper, and the like.
Among these, hydrophilic crosslinked polymer microparticles can be used as a hydrous gel microparticle, and is useful as cosmetics additives, supports, porosification agents, weight-lightening agents, and surface modification agents for recording paper.
Production of polymer particles by inverse suspension polymerization of a vinyl-based monomer has conventionally been carried out. As technologies of producing hydrophilic crosslinked polymer particles by inverse suspension polymerization, there have been known a method in which a water-in-oil microdispersed droplet of a monomer is formed using a compound having a specific HLB as a dispersing agent before polymerization and then the monomer is polymerized while dropping it (see Patent Document 1), a method in which inverse suspension polymerization is carried out in the presence of a water-absorptive polymer particle, an oil-soluble polymerization initiator and a dispersing agent, and during or after the polymerization a hydrophobic vinyl-based monomer and an oil-soluble polymerization initiator are added to perform polymerization (see Patent Document 2), a method in which a hydrophilic vinyl-based monomer is inverse suspension polymerized in the presence of a silicone compound having at least one functional group in the reaction system (see Patent Document 3), and the like.
However, these conventional techniques include a semi-batchwise operation, which has an intermediate character between batchwise (batch) operation and continuous operation. Therefore, there are problems that the dispersion stability of polymer particles during or after polymerization is not sufficient, the particle size of polymer particles obtained is nonuniform, and the hydrophilicity of polymer particles obtained is degraded. In particular, when hydrophilic particles with a high degree of crosslinking are produced while increasing the proportion of a multifunctional vinyl-based monomer used, polymerization stability is significantly degraded, and problems such as aggregation of particles, degradation in the quality of polymer particles obtained, and a reduction in productivity easily occur.
Since all the above-mentioned production methods are ones in which polymerization is performed by feeding a monomer emulsion continuously over one hour or more to a reactor heated to a high temperature of 70° C. or higher without discharging polymer microparticles, and aging naturally in the tank, aggregation of particles or the like easily occurs and the particle size of the resulting polymer particles becomes irregular. In addition, when a large amount of a crosslinking agent such as a multifunctional vinyl-based monomer, is used, most part of unreacted crosslinking agent becomes easy to flow out into a continuous phase side, and when polymerization is continued in this state, particles aggregate more and this is expected to lead to the aforementioned deterioration in quality of polymer particles.
Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses an absorptive polymer particle which is produced by inverse suspension polymerization using a redox polymerization initiator for the production of a water absorptive polymer having a specific water absorptivity, and a polymer particle is produced by feeding tert-butyl hydroxyperoxide which is an oil-soluble oxidizing agent, and then feeding sodium bisulfite which is a water-soluble reducing agent.
According to this production method, particle size control of microparticles can be performed more precisely in comparison to aforementioned conventional technologies. Since a polymerization reaction occurs before the water-soluble reducing agent is diffused sufficiently, this is not satisfactory as a method for producing a high-quality particle that is uniform in particle size and has a particle size falling within a specified range, in a stable state without causing, for example, aggregation of particles.
The above-mentioned conventional method is a batch production system. Therefore, when larger amount of a monomer is charged for one time reaction, its reaction liquid is brought to a boil by polymerization heat, and then, inside of the reactor is pressurized, being dangerous. Accordingly, it is required to produce it within safe limits while controlling a balance between polymerization heat and heat capacity of a raw material including a solvent, water, and the monomer, and there has been a problem that the method has low productivity because the amount of obtained product one time reaction is restricted to low.
Meanwhile, a continuous polymerization apparatus with a reactor containing a dispersion medium therein as well as a monomer feed port located at the top of the reactor and a polymer discharge port at the bottom of the reactor are provided is known in Patent Document 6, related to continuation of suspension polymerization to increase productivity.
However, the above-mentioned reactor is a tubular reactor and has a structure that does not stir its content during polymerization, which is unsuitable for the continuous inverse suspension polymerization. Therefore, the reactor is not an apparatus capable of producing high-quality polymer microparticles having uniform particle size in a particular diameter range.
With regard to the definition of a reaction apparatus, the continuous operation is an operating method in which a raw material for the reaction is continuously supplied from an inlet port of the reactor and the product is continuously drawn from an outlet port of the reactor, and the both tank and tubular reactors can be operated continuously, as described in "Han-no Kogaku" (Baifukan Co., Ltd). Meanwhile, the semi-batchwise operation has an intermediate character between batchwise operation and continuous operation. For example, when one component B of a raw material is charged into a vessel type reactor in advance, and then, another raw material component A is continuously or intermittently flowed into the reactor to progress the reaction, it is considered that the reaction is a batchwise operation for the component B, and the reaction is a continuous operation for the component A. Therefore, techniques in Patent Documents 1 to 3 include a semi-batchwise operation.
Patent Document 1:JP-A H05-222107
Patent Document 2:JP-A 2003-301019
Patent Document 3:JP-A 2003-34725
Patent Document 4:JP-A 2004-262747
Patent Document 5:JP-A H09-43898

Process for the production of polymer microparticles


The invention describes a process for the partial or complete exchange of the free radical inhibitors (preparation inhibitor) from their admixtures with free radical-reactive--and especially polymerizable and/or cross-linkable--olefinically mono- and/or polyunsaturated compounds against free radical inhibitors or inhibitor systems (application inhibitor), the kind and amount of which are freely determinable. The process according to the invention is characterized in that admixtures reactive via free radicals are employed which contain, as the preparation inhibitor, appropriate compounds of the phenol type comprising hydroxyl groups capable of forming salts, this feedstock mixture as a liquid phase is subjected to a treatment with solid oxides, carbonates and/or hydroxides of the alkali metals and/or alkaline earth metals, which may also be present in admixture with further oxidic metal compounds, thereby in a pre-determinable manner binding all or part of the preparation inhibitor to the solid phase, the resulting solid phase is separated from the liquid phase, and the content of the application inhibitor in this liquid phase is adjusted with respect to kind an amount thereof. The process is preferably applied to free radical-reactive substance mixtures, from which the preparation inhibitors contained therein cannot be satisfactorily removed by way of a distillation.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention describes a technical teaching which allows significant improvements to be achieved in the area of a controlled inhibition of olefinically unsaturated systems which are reactive via free radicals. More specifically, the invention intends to demonstrate a new approach which enables a deliberate pre-selection to be made of the kind and amount of the free radical-inhibitor(s) employed in said systems for stabilization and to ensure this possibility of a deliberate pre-selection even in cases where the technologies as hitherto known for attaining this object have failed to be successful.
2. Statement of Related Art
The concomitant use of inhibitors in the preparation, storage and processing of free radical-sensitive olefinically unsaturated compounds or systems is common chemical knowledge. The inhibitors or inhibitor systems are intended to prevent the initiation of a free radical-initiated reaction at an undesired time; on the other hand, if said systems are intended to be put into use, the inhibitor action will have to be overcome by a controlled initiation of said free radical-initiated reaction. Depending on the conditions of the production of the olefinically unsaturated compounds and/or of the corresponding systems, on the reactivity of the compounds or molecular moieties involved, on the conditions of storage and eventually on the given conditions of use, difficulties may be encounterd in meeting the broad profile of demands as set for stability control by free radical-inhibitors by means of just one special selected inhibitor or inhibitor system. Accordingly, there may be distinguished between "preparation inhibitors" and "application inhibitors" which may be unlike with respect to kind and/or quantity. Thus, for example, it may be desirable, in the preparation of the reactive systems to employ comparably strong inhibitors and/or comparably increased amounts of inhibitors (preparation inhibitors), whereas the storage and/or processing of the reactive system, then, will only require inhibitor or inhibitor systems (application inhibitors) that are comparably less active with respect to kind and/or quantity thereof. In numerous cases it is possible, comparably without any major problem to exchange the preparation inhibitors for the application inhibitors. As an example, there may be mentioned the distillative purification of substance mixtures containing comparably less volatile inhibitors in admixture with distillable olefinically unsaturated components, so that it will be possible, by means of a distillation to isolate the inhibitor-free olefinically unsaturated compound. The pure product thus recovered can then be admixed in a pre-determinable manner with the application inhibitor.
Nevertheless, practice knows many cases wherein such an easy separation of the substance mixture as primarily obtained in the preparation and comprising the preparation inhibitor and the compound reactive via free radicals is not possible. This may be the case, for example, if a distillative separation of the inhibited substance mixture as primarily obtained cannot be effected, e.g. because the boiling points of the unsaturated components are too high or for other reasons. In these and in comparable cases, usually the preparation inhibitor necessarily will also become the application inhibitor. This linkage often causes undesirable bonds for the technology of the step of the preparation of the free radical-reactive system to the technological requirements of the system, including its inhibitor content in practical use.

Process for exchanging inhibitor(s) in olefinically unsaturated systems which are reactive via free radicals


An apparatus for determining or monitoring the fill level of a substance in a container, including a high frequency oscillator, an in/out coupling unit, an antenna, which transmits measuring signals, which are coupled in via the in/out coupling unit, in the direction of the surface of the fill substance, respectively receives the measuring signals reflected on the surface of the fill substance, and an evaluating circuit, to which the measuring signals reflected on the surface of the fill substance are supplied and which ascertains the fill level in the container via a travel-time difference method. The high frequency oscillator includes a transistor with a source branch, a drain branch and a gate branch, at least one frequency tuning component and at least one frequency determining component. The frequency determining component of the high frequency oscillator is arranged in the source branch of the transistor.

Known fill level measuring devices determine the fill level according to a travel-time difference method. Travel-time difference methods utilize the physical law, according to which the travel distance equals the product of travel time and propagation velocity. In the case of fill level measurement, the traveled distance corresponds to twice the separation between the antenna and the surface of the fill substance. The wanted echo signal, thus the measurement signal reflected on the surface of the fill substance, and its travel time are determined based on the so-called echo curve, respectively the digitized envelope curve, wherein the envelope curve shows the amplitudes of the echo signals as a function of the separation, 'antenna—surface of the fill substance'. The fill level itself results then from the difference between the known separation of the antenna from the floor of the container and the separation of the surface of the fill substance from the antenna, as determined by the measuring. Fill level measuring devices are applied in containers with heights of up to 30 m.
All known methods can be applied, which enable relatively short distances to be determined by means of reflected measuring signals. If the measurement signals are microwaves, respectively high-frequency measuring signals, then both pulse radar as well as also frequency modulation, continuous wave radar (FMCW-radar) can be used. Microwave measuring devices, which use pulse radar, are manufactured and sold by Endress+Hauser under the mark, 'MICROPILOT'. The frequencies used by known microwaves fill-level measuring devices lie, for example, at 6 GHz, 26 GHz or 76 GHz. FIG. 1 shows schematically an apparatus for determining fill level in a container. A description of FIG. 1 is presented in the description of the figures.
An essential component of a microwave fill-level measuring device is the high frequency module. The high frequency module includes a high frequency oscillator, which produces the microwave measuring signals, and a transmitting/receiving separator, which controls the transmitting of the microwave measuring signals, respectively the receiving of the reflected microwave measuring signals.
A known method for producing high-frequency measurement signals proposes to supply a high frequency oscillator with a pulsed supply voltage. An oscillator suitable for application in fill level measuring technology has preferably a relatively low quality factor and a high output power. The low quality factor is necessary, in order within a very short time span to pass as rapidly as possible through transient behavior to reach maximum amplitude and to have a clean decay of the oscillator. The quality factor of an oscillator refers, in such case, to the rise or decay time of an oscillator as a multiple of the period of the oscillation. A relatively high output power is necessary, in order to assure reliable fill-level measurements over a range of at least 30 m.
The circuit arrangement of an oscillator is composed essentially of an active component, which produces an oscillation, and a circuit embodied for feedback, via which the desired oscillatory behavior is tuned. Known oscillators work both in the region of low as well as also in the region of high frequencies preferably according to the Colpitts, Hartley or Clapp principles. If, in the case of an oscillator with tunable frequency, a field effect transistor is used as active component, then, in the case of known circuit arrangements, the oscillation frequency and the tunable range are essentially determined by the circuitry of the gate of the field effect transistor. In such case, the variable component, which is, for example, an adjustable capacitance, is placed in the gate circuit. Usually, the adjustable capacitance is a capacitance diode, or varactor. The circuit arrangement of a Clapp oscillator is shown in FIG. 2. A description of the circuit diagram is provided in the description of the figures.

Apparatus for determining or monitoring the fill level of a substance in a container


Novel anti-IL-23p40 specific human Ig derived proteins, including, without limitation, antibodies, fusion proteins, and mimetibodies, isolated nucleic acids that encode the anti-IL-23p40 Ig derived proteins, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, are useful for therapeutic compositions, methods and devices. Preferably, the anti-IL-23p40 specific human Ig derived proteins do not bind the p40 subunit of IL-12 and, thus, do not neutralize IL-12-related activity.

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is the name given to a factor that is composed of the p40 subunit of IL-12 (IL-12beta, IL-12-p40) and another protein of 19 kDa, designated p19. p19 is structurally related to IL6, G-CSF, and the p35 subunit of IL-12. Like IL-12 p35, IL-23 p19 cannot be secreted as a monomer and has not demonstrated biological function. Rather, each subunit must partner with p40 to be expressed by antigen presenting cells (APC) and mediate biologic effects. The active complex is secreted by dendritic cells after cell activation. Mouse memory T-cells (CD4 (+)CD45 Rb(low)) proliferate in response to IL-23 but not in response to IL-12. Human IL23 has been shown to stimulate the production of IFN-gamma by PHA blast T-cells and memory T-cells. It also induces proliferation of both cell types. Human monocyte-derived macrophages produce IL23 in response to virus infection (Sendai virus but not Influenza A virus).
IL-23 binds to the beta-1 subunit but not to the beta-2 subunit of the IL-12 receptor, activating one of the STAT proteins, STAT-4, in PHA blast T-cells. The IL-23 receptor consists of a receptor chain, termed IL-23R, and the beta-1 subunit of the IL-12 receptor. The human IL-23R gene is on human chromosome 1 within 150 kb of the gene encoding IL-12Rbeta2. IL-23 activates the same signaling molecules as IL-12: JAK2, Tyk2, and STAT-1, STAT-3, STAT-4, and STAT-5. STAT-4 activation is substantially weaker and different DNA-binding STAT complexes form in response to IL-23 compared with IL-12. IL-23R associates constitutively with JAK2 and in a ligand-dependent manner with STAT-3.
Expression of p19 in transgenic mice leads to runting, systemic inflammation, infertility, and death before 3 months of age. The animals show high serum concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL1. The number of circulating neutrophils is increased. Acute phase proteins are expressed constitutively. Animals expressing p19 specifically in the liver do not show these abnormalities. Expression of p19 is most likely due to hematopoietic cells as bone marrow transplantation of cells expressing p19 causes the same phenotype as that observed in the transgenic animals.
Biologically active IL-12 exists as a heterodimer comprised of 2 covalently linked subunits of 35 (p35) and 40 (p40) kD. IL-12 acts by binding to both the IL-12beta 1 and beta 2 receptor proteins and thereby induces signaling in a cell presenting both of these receptors. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated that IL-12 can induce robust Th1 immune responses that are characterized by production of IFNγ and IL-2 from CD4+ T cells.
IL-12 is produced by APCs in response to a variety of pathogens. One example is the protozoan parasite Leishmania major, which has been used as an in vivo model for defining factors involved in T cell development. Resistant strains of mice developed Th1 responses characterized by robust IFNγ production. In contrast, susceptible mice demonstrate a Th2 cytokine profile most often described by IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 production. It was shown that IL-12 could restore immune function in susceptible mice and administration of a neutralizing anti-p40 antibody resulted in disease onset in otherwise resistant strains. This change in disease susceptibility was associated with a reversal of T cell cytokine profiles. Therefore, IL-12 has been identified as a critical parameter in defining Th1 differentiation.
Inappropriate Th1 responses, and thus IL-12 expression, are believed to correlate with many immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and uveitis. In animal models, IL-12 neutralization through its p40 subunit was shown to ameliorate immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. For example, administration of recombinant IL-12 exacerbated EAE, and treatment with neutralizing anti-p40 antibodies inhibited EAE onset or relapses. In addition, IL-12 p40−/− mice are completely resistant to EAE even though mice deficient in other pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFNγ, TNFα, or LTα, remain susceptible. IL-12 p35−/− mice are fully susceptible to EAE, which suggests that alternative p40 cytokines, such as IL-23, are responsible for such diseases. The role of IL-23 in EAE and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) has been recently confirmed in studies using p19−/− mice. These animals demonstrated complete resistance to disease induction, similar to p40−/− mice.
Non-human, chimeric, polyclonal (e.g., anti-sera) and/or monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) and fragments (e.g., proteolytic digestion products thereof) are potential therapeutic agents that are being developed in some cases to attempt to treat certain diseases. However, such antibodies that comprise non-human portions elicit an immune response when administered to humans. Such an immune response can result in an immune complex-mediated clearance of the antibodies from the circulation, and make repeated administration unsuitable for therapy, thereby reducing the therapeutic benefit to the patient and limiting the readministration of the Ig derived protein. For example, repeated administration of antibodies comprising non-human portions can lead to serum sickness and/or anaphalaxis. In order to avoid these and other such problems, a number of approaches have been taken to reduce the immunogenicity of such antibodies and portions thereof, including chimerization and "humanization," as well known in the art. These approaches have produced antibodies having reduced immunogenicity, but with other less disirable properties.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide anti-IL-23p40 antibodies or specified portions or variants, nucleic acids, host cells, compositions, and methods of making and using thereof, that overcome one more of these problems.


A method of generating power is disclosed wherein a liquid having a boiling point near the ambient temperature when it is under atmospheric or moderately higher pressures, preferably propane, isobutane, Freons or ammonia, is placed in a pressure vessel, heat energy is gathered from a naturally occurring heat sources, such as by solar collectors or from hot springs, geothermal or other heat sources, and transmitted through conduction heat pipes to the liquid in the pressure vessel, and the liquid is thereby heated to the boiling point and vaporized. When a liquid is vaporized, its volume expands by several hundred times, creating a pressure sufficient for driving motors. This invention can be used in automobiles, motorcycles, generators, ships, homes, factories, and other suitable places to drive motors, thus reducing the use of petrochemical fuels.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of generating power from naturally occurring heat energy without consuming fuels, and to the motors using the method. More particularly, this invention relates to a method of generating power by vaporizing a liquid in a pressure vessel using solar energy, geothermal energy or other types of naturally occurring heat energy, wherein the boiling point of the liquid is near the ambient temperature.
2. Description of the Related Art
Power used by humans is mostly derived from combustion of fuels, which exacerbates the greenhouse effect and El Niño, threatening the existence of humans. Therefore, effective utilization of clean energy, such as solar energy, geothermal energy, or energy derived from hot springs or any other suitable heat sources, has been a long-standing goal pursued by many researchers. This invention has arisen from pursuing this goal.

Method of generating power from naturally occurring heat without fuels and motors using the same


The present application provides a thin film transistor (TFT) and a method of fabricating the same, a display substrate and a method of fabricating the same, and a display device. The TFT includes a substrate, and a source electrode, a drain electrode and an active layer on the substrate. The active layer includes first and second active layers, the first active layer has a carrier mobility greater than that of the second active layer, and the second active layer is closer to the source electrode and the drain electrode than the first active layer. An orthographic projection of the source electrode on the substrate and an orthographic projection of the drain electrode on the substrate at least partially overlap with an orthographic projection of the second active layer on the substrate, respectively, and the first active layer is separated from the source electrode and the drain electrode.

Due to high mobility and stability of low temperature poly-silicon (LTPS), whose mobility can be tens or even hundreds of times of that of amorphous silicon, LTPS materials can be utilized to form TFTs and applied in display devices.
TFTs include top-gate type TFTs and bottom-gate type TFTs. Compared with a top-gate type TFT, a bottom-gate type TFT is fabricated by a simpler process and has a large cost advantage. The bottom-gate type TFTs generally have either a back-channel-etching type (BCE) structure or an etch-stop-layer type (ESL) structure, depending on a difference in fabrication process. In a bottom-gate TFT of the BCE structure, an etch stop layer can be omitted, and the fabrication process is relatively simple, but it has high leakage current and cannot be well applied in a display panel.

Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same, display substrate and method of fabricating the same, display device

HEFEI XINSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A school bus stop arm and drive unit therefor are disclosed. The stop an includes a stop sign and a drive unit for moving the stop sign between a retracted position and a deployed position. The drive unit comprises a motor operably coupled to the stop sign, one or more position sensors operable to detect the presence of the stop sign, and a controller for controlling operation of the motor. The controller configured to, monitor one or more operating characteristics of the motor for conditions indicative of an obstruction to movement of the stop sign, monitor the position sensor for a confirmation signal indicative of the presence of the stop sign in the deployed or retracted position, and based on the conditions indicative of an obstruction and the confirmation signal, determine if the stop sign has reached one of the deployed and retracted positions or is being obstructed.

School bus stop arms are deployed to indicate to other motorists the need to stop while the school bus loads and unloads passengers. In many jurisdictions, such stop arms are a legal requirement. The stop arms are typically mounted on a driver's side of the school bus and deployed from a retracted position near the school bus wall to a deployed position extending from the wall. Power from the electrical system of the vehicle may be used to supply power to the stop arm. In some cases, stop arms may be operated using compressed air.

School bus stop arm and drive unit therefor

SMARTREND MANUFACTURING GROUP (SMG), INC.


A mixer circuit contains a first terminal and a second terminal to which a first differential input signal is applied, and an active element switching a short-circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal. By driving the active element by a second differential input signal having a predetermined frequency, the first terminal and the second terminal are intermittently short-circuited at twice the frequency of a predetermined frequency.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to mixer circuits and communication apparatuses employing a mixer circuit, and more particularly to a direct demodulation circuit and a communication apparatus employing a direct demodulation circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Regarding a communication system having a low-frequency component in a baseband of a broadband such as WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiplex Access), it has recently become desirable to use a direct demodulation circuit without any external filter part so as to realize miniaturization, low cost and low electric power consumption with respect to a receiver. A direct demodulation circuit has the problem that a weak local current mixed into an RF signal is detected together with the RF signal and there arises a DC offset.
It is possible to reasonably construct a small subharmonic pumping mixer employing an APDP (anti-parallel diode pair) in which diodes are connected in anti-parallel. Also, when the frequency of the local current is set as half of a carrier frequency, it is possible to perform direct demodulation. At the same time, even if the local current with half of the carrier frequency leaks an RF signal, it is impossible for the local current to return and become a DC component. As mentioned above, the subharmonic pumping mixer has the advantage that the DC offset is not generated in principal. Thus, the subharmonic mixer can be used as a direct demodulation mixer.
FIG. 1 shows a structure of a subharmonic pumping mixer.
An RF is supplied to an APDP 10 formed with diodes D1 and D2 via a filter formed with an L1 and a C1. In a down-conversion mixer, a local Lo is additionally supplied to the APDP via a filter formed with an L2 and a C2. When the APDP demodulates the RF, the demodulated signal is supplied to a terminal of a resistor R via a low-pass filter formed with an L3 and a C3.
FIG. 2 shows a characteristic of the subharmonic pumping mixer in FIG. 1 with respect to a conversion gain. As is shown in FIG. 2, the conversion gain has a maximum of no more than about −20 DB within a range in which local power is increased.
FIG. 3 shows a characteristic of the subharmonic pumping mixer in FIG. 1 with respect to a noise index. As is shown in FIG. 3, the noise index has a minimum of no less than about 20 DB.
As mentioned above, while a conventional subharmonic pumping mixer has the advantage that it is possible to implement the subharmonic pumping mixer with low cost and no DC offset arising due to a leak of a local signal, the subharmonic pumping mixer has some problems with respect to the gain and the noise characteristics.
Therefore, it is necessary to develop a small size, low cost and a low electric power consuming mixer circuit capable of suppressing any DC offset caused by a local leak signal and achieving better gain and noise characteristics.

Mixer circuit, receiver circuit, and frequency comparison circuit


In a mobile phone 1, when displaying content received from a television broadcast receiving section 17 or the like in a display section 19 capable of three-dimensional display, a central controlling section 11 judges the suitability in 3D display of the content based on the reception condition at the time of the content reception, and displays the content in the display section 19 in accordance with display control determined based on the suitability in 3D display. As a result, a suitable display ranging from an easy-to-view 2D display to a realistic 3D display is actualized based on a reception condition of content.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to terminal device and control program thereof for displaying display information in a display section capable of three-dimensional display.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, various techniques are used to three-dimensionally display (3D display) in a flat display section display information such as images (still images and moving images), text, and menus to enable users to stereoscopically view the display information. As a technique such as this, for example, a technique is known in which an object in two-dimensional (2D) display information can be viewed stereoscopically by a visual effect that makes the object appear three-dimensional being applied to the object.
A technique using a polygon is an example of this technique. A technique is also known that uses binocular disparity between the right eye and the left eye of the user. That is, in this technique, display information for the right eye and display information for the left eye that are slightly misaligned with each other are provided, and an electronic parallax barrier (switching liquid crystal panel) that blocks light paths is placed in an appropriate position such that, when these two display information are simultaneously shown, the display information for the right eye is visible to the right eye but not to the left eye, and the display information for the left eye is visible to the left eye but not to the right eye. As a result, the display information appears three-dimensional.
All 3D display techniques described above use a parameter referred to as 3D depth that indicates the depth of 3D or the extent of outward projection. The stronger the 3D depth is, the deeper or more outwardly projecting the display information appears to the user. On the other hand, the weaker the 3D depth is, the shallower or less outwardly projecting the display information appears. When the 3D depth is zero, the display information appears two-dimensional (in other words, 2D display).
A display system is conventionally known that uses an electronic parallax barrier to convert flat (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) images accordingly and display the converted images (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) Publication No. 2006-121553).
However, there is a problem in that, although signal strength is not often directly reflected in digital television broadcasts unlike in analog broadcasts, for example, when 3D display is performed in a situation where signal reception is poor, the effect of 3D display is not achieved because of an increase in block noise, and images that are more difficult to view are displayed to the user.
Furthermore, 3D processing consumes a large amount of energy, and therefore constant 3D display is not preferable in terms of power consumption.

Terminal device and control program thereof for displaying display information in a display section capable of performing three-dimensional display


The present invention provides method for making a wet pressed paper web. An embryonic web of papermaking fibers is formed on a foraminous forming member, and transferred to an imprinting member to deflect a portion of the papermaking fibers in the embryonic web into deflection conduits in the imprinting member. The web, the imprinting member, and two felt layers, are then pressed in a compression nip with a foraminous backing member to mold and dewater the web.

Disposable products such as facial tissue, sanitary tissue, paper towels, and the like are typically made from one or more webs of paper. If the products are to perform their intended tasks, the paper webs from which they are formed must exhibit certain physical characteristics. Among the more important of these characteristics are strength, softness, and absorbency. Strength is the ability of a paper web to retain its physical integrity during use. Softness is the pleasing tactile sensation the user perceives as the user crumples the paper in his or her hand and contacts various portions of his or her anatomy with the paper web. Softness generally increases as the paper web stiffness decreases. Absorbency is the characteristic of the paper web which allows it to take up and retain fluids. Typically, the softness and/or absorbency of a paper web is increased at the expense of the strength of the paper web. Accordingly, papermaking methods have been developed in an attempt to provide soft and absorbent paper webs having desirable strength characteristics.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,746 issued to Sanford et al. discloses a paper web which is thermally pre-dried with a through air-drying system. Portions of the web are then impacted with a fabric knuckle pattern at the dryer drum. While the process of Sanford et al. is directed to providing improved softness and absorbency without sacrificing tensile strength, water removal using the through-air dryers of Sanford et al. is very energy intensive, and therefore expensive. U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,954 issued to Justus discloses a web formed between an upper fabric and a lower forming wire. A pattern is imparted to the web at a nip where the web is sandwiched between the fabric and a relatively soft and resilient papermaking felt. U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,246 issued to Hulit et al. discloses delivering an uncompacted wet web to an open mesh imprinting fabric formed of woven elements, and pressing the web between a papermaker's felt and the imprinting fabric in a first press nip. The web is then carried by the imprinting fabric from the first press nip to a second press nip at a drying drum. U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,124 issued to Turunen et al. discloses a paper machine having a twin-wire former having a pair of endless fabrics, which can be felts. One of the endless fabrics carries a paper web to a press section. The press section can include the endless fabric which carries the paper web to the press section, an additional endless fabric which can be a felt, and a wire for patterning the web.
PCT Publication WO95/17548 having a U.S. priority date of Dec. 20, 1993 and published Jun. 29, 1995 in the name of Ampuliski et al.; and PCT Publication WO 96/00813 having a U.S. priority date of Jun. 29, 1994 and published Jan. 11, 1996 in the name of Trokhan et al. disclose papermaking methods employing dewatering felt layers.
Embossing can be used to pattern a web. However, embossing the web after the web is dried can disrupt fiber bonds, and ultimately decrease the strength of the web.
While suitable methods of making paper webs are disclosed in the art, paper scientists continue to search for even better methods for making patterned paper structures economically and with increased strength, without sacrificing softness and absorbency.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a method for dewatering and molding a tissue paper web.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a nonembossed, patterned tissue paper web.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of enhancing water removal from a web during pressing of the web.
Another object of the present invention is to press a web and an imprinting member between felt layers in order to pattern the web and enhance water removal from the web.


Disclosed herein is a method of making a film, the method comprising depositing a first layer polyelectrolyte on a surface of a substrate to form a first layer; and depositing a second layer polyelectrolyte on the first layer polyelectrolyte to form a second layer. The first layer polyelectrolyte, the second layer polyelectrolyte, or both, is deposited on the substrate in the presence of a polymeric precipitant; and the first layer polyelectrolyte and the second layer polyelectrolyte have net charges of opposite polarity. Also disclosed are methods of improving bioactive molecule retention during fabrication of a polyelectrolyte multilayer film.

Polyelectrolyte multilayer films are thin films (e.g., a few nanometers to millimeters thick) composed of alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Such films can be formed by layer-by-layer assembly onto a suitable substrate. In electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly ("ELBL"), the physical basis of association of polyelectrolytes is electrostatics. Film buildup is possible because the sign of the surface charge density of the film reverses on deposition of successive layers. The general principle of ELBL deposition of oppositely charged polyions is illustrated in FIG. 1. The generality and relative simplicity of the ELBL film process permits the deposition of many different types of polyelectrolytes onto many different types of surface. Polypeptide multilayer films are a subset of polyelectrolyte multilayer films, comprising at least one layer comprising a charged polypeptide. A key advantage of polypeptide multilayer films is environmental benignity. ELBL films can also be used for encapsulation. Applications of polypeptide films and microcapsules include, for example, nano-reactors, biosensors, artificial cells, and drug delivery vehicles.
The design principles for incorporation of polypeptides into multilayer films were first elucidated in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050069950. In brief, the suitability of a polypeptide for ELBL is related to the net charge on the polypeptide and the length of the polypeptide. A polypeptide suitable for ELBL preferably comprises one or more amino acid sequence motifs, that is, contiguous amino acid sequences having a length of about 5 to about 15 amino acid residues and having a suitable linear charge density for electrostatic deposition. A polypeptide for ELBL can be designed in different ways, for example, by joining a plurality of amino acid sequence motifs to each other, either directly, or by a linker. Polypeptides having the appropriate length and charge properties can readily be deposited to form one or more layers of a polypeptide multilayer film.
Proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides can be potent therapeutic agents. Such biomolecules, however, are targets of various degradation mechanisms in vivo. Encapsulation of biomolecules and other bioactive molecules within a biocompatible microenvironment, for extended preservation of function or controlled release, is a strategy for improving the availability of the bioactive molecules at targeted sites. Deposition of a polypeptide film over a substrate coated with a biomolecule could similarly extend preservation of function or control release of the biomolecule. Electrostatic layer-by-layer nanoassembly is one means of preparing polyelectrolyte multilayer films and microcapsules of high stability and tunable permeability.
There remains a need for alternative means of achieving direct and efficient retention of functional bioactive macromolecules, for example a protein, in engineered biodegradable polypeptide films and microcapsules.

Louisiana Tech University Research Foundation


A gasket for the passage of at least one cable control line in the wall of an engine compartment, principally the engine chamber of motor vehicles, with the gasket being premounted on the cable control line and closing the engine compartment opening for the cable control line quickly and tightly, and having a slider. The gasket has a circumferential groove for the wall of the engine compartment, a recess for a slider, at least one opening for the cable control line, and at least one mounting groove for mounting clips of a slider. The slider has bridges and mounting clips that engage in the mounting grooves of the gasket. There is also a blocking lip on the gasket, which in the mounted state prevents the slider from sliding back, and a pull device on the slider.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a gasket that can be used wherever one or more cable control lines lead into an engine compartment and have to be sealed off quickly and reliably from the housing or the wall of the engine compartment. The invention can be used especially where engine compartments of motor vehicles have cable control lines that require fast and secure assembly. Cable control lines are very generally mounted in these engine compartments on flat belts. For the supplied and preassembled cable control lines to be mounted, there is frequently the requirement that they be mounted quickly in the wall of the motor vehicle's engine compartment, for which the gasket is to be mounted with exact fit with low tolerances, gas-tight and liquid-tight, with fast and secure mounting. Similar requirements also apply when replacement of the cable control line is necessary in the repair shop.
2. The Prior Art
According to the present state of the art, cable control lines that are provided with a closure gasket are fitted by a tool in the opening of the wall of the engine compartment, which is labor-intensive. Special tools are often necessary. Because of the tool used and the small differences between the gasket and the opening, the gasket can be damaged, which results in high service costs. The same also applies to the repair and maintenance of these gaskets.

Gasket for a cable control line in an engine compartment


There is provided a liquid storage container capable of efficiently using a liquid stored therein. An ink cartridge has a flexible member having flexibility attached to a wall surface inside a housing to define a space inside the housing. In a position during use, an angle between the wall surface inside the housing and the flexible member in a lower attachment position of the flexible member to the housing is greater than an angle between the wall surface inside the housing and the flexible member in an upper attachment position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid storage container and a liquid ejection apparatus capable of ejecting liquid from the liquid storage container.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some ink jet printing apparatus have a system in which an ink storage container is mounted on a carriage and ink stored in the ink storage container is supplied to a print head. In the ink jet printing apparatus having such a system, it is preferable that the ink stored in the ink storage chamber be used up as much as possible. Using up the ink in the ink storage chamber can reduce the amount of ink wasted and discarded so as to efficiently use the ink.
An example of a configuration for using up ink in an ink storage container as much as possible is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-206936. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-206936 discloses an ink storage container in which ink is stored in a space partly formed by a flexible film, and a plate member and a spring are disposed in the space having ink stored therein. In the ink storage container disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-206936, a ventilation film for causing air to flow into the space is disposed on an atmosphere opening hole which allows the inside of the space to communicate with the atmosphere if a negative pressure in the space increases as the ink in the space having the ink stored therein is consumed. Since air corresponding to an amount of ink consumed inside the space flows into the space, the ink and the air are replaced. By applying the ventilation film having such a configuration to the ink storage container, it is possible to efficiently use the ink stored inside the space and to use up the ink inside ink storage chamber as much as possible.

Liquid storage container and liquid ejection apparatus


An optical pickup actuator which includes a base, a blade having an objective lens mounted thereon, a plurality of suspensions supporting the blade to be movable with respect to the base and forming an electroconductive path, and a magnetic circuit driving the blade according to a driving signal applied through the respective suspensions. The magnetic circuit includes a magnet fixed to the base, and a fine pattern coil installed on the blade at a position facing the magnet and having a track pattern coil, a focus pattern coil, and a tilt pattern coil independently driven by current applied through the suspensions and providing driving forces in a track direction, a focus direction, and a tilt direction of the blade.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical pickup actuator used for an optical recording and reproducing apparatus. More particularly, to a slim-type 3-axis driving optical pickup actuator using a fine pattern coil (FPC).
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional optical pickup is used for an optical recording and reproducing apparatus and performs recording and/or reproduction of information in a non-contact manner with respect to an optical disk (i.e., an information storage medium). The optical pickup requires an optical pickup actuator capable of driving an objective lens in a track direction, a focus direction, and/or a tilt direction to form an optical spot at a correct position on the optical disk.
As high density optical disks become popular, the optical pickup and optical pickup actuator tend to be compact and light. In particular, for the optical pickup actuator to perform the recording/reproducing of information with respect to the high density optical disk, 3-axis driving, i.e. driving in the track direction, the focus direction, and the tilt direction, is necessary. Also, to make the optical pickup compact and light, the size of the optical pickup actuator needs to be small. Accordingly, an optical pickup actuator using a fine pattern coil capable of driving in three axes is needed.
FIGS. 1-3 illustrates a conventional optical pickup actuator using a fine pattern coil. As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional optical pickup actuator includes a base 1, a blade 5 supported by a suspension 3 and installed on the base 1 to be capable of moving, a magnetic circuit 10 dividedly installed on the blade 5 and the base 1, and a stopper 9 restricting a driving height during the driving of the blade 5.
An objective lens 7 is installed on the blade 5. As the blade 5 is driven by a driving force through the magnetic circuit 10, the objective lens 7 is driven in the track direction, the focus direction, and the tilt direction.
Thus, the magnetic circuit 10 includes a fine pattern coil 11 fixed to the blade 5, a pair of magnets 15 arranged to face each other with respect to the fine pattern coil 11 interposed therebetween, and a yoke 17 fixing the magnet 15 to the base 1 and forming a magnetic path. The magnets 15 are 2-pole magnetized permanent magnets. In FIGS. 1-3, the magnets 15 are illustrated as being surface polarized to the left and right.
The fine pattern coil 11 is divided into focus coils 12a and 12b and a track coil 13 according to the direction to drive the blade 5. The focus coil includes first and second focus coils 12a and 12b which are separated from a polarization line 15a of the magnet 15 that is polarized to the left and right. Thus, when current is applied, the focus coils 12a and 12b make the fine pattern coil 11 and the blade 5 driven in a Y-axis direction. To this end, the first and second focus coils 12a and 12b are arranged such that a part of the focus coils 12a and 12b parallel to the X-axis direction faces the magnet 15, and contribute to the driving in the focus direction. Thus, the other part (the lower portion in the drawing) of the focus coils 12a and 12b does not face the magnet 15 to prevent the offset of a driving force.
The track coil 13 is arranged in front of the polarization line 15a of the magnet 15 and drives the blade 5 in the X-axis direction when current is applied to the track coil 13. The track coil 13 is arranged such that a part of the track coil 13 parallel to a Y-axis direction faces the magnet 15, and contribute to the driving in the tracking direction.
In the conventional optical pickup actuator using a fine pattern coil configured as above, as shown in FIG. 3, when magnetic poles of the magnet 15 are arranged, an N pole and an S pole are respectively arranged in the left and right sides with respect to the polarization line 15a. When current is applied to the focus coils 12a and 12b in a direction indicated by arrows (→), the blade 5 is driven in a direction indicated by arrow (→).
In the above conventional optical pickup actuator, tilt driving is performed, not by including an additional tilt coil, but instead by using the first and second focus coils 12a and 12b. That is, input/output ports of current with respect to each of the first and second focus coils 12a and 12b are independently configured. Current of a different direction or intensity is applied to the input/output ports. Thus, the focus driving and tilt driving are performed using a difference in the driving forces.
Thus, since the conventional optical pickup actuator includes a structure to perform both focus driving and tilt driving using the first and second focus coils 12a and 12b, a drive circuit is complicated and a correction error may be generated when the driving to correct a focus error and the driving to correct a tilt error are simultaneously performed. Also, in the arrangement of the first and second focus coils 12a and 12b and the magnet 15, since only the upper portions of the first and second focus coils 12a and 12b are used, a magnetic force is weak.

Optical pickup actuator for driving an objective lens

Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea Corporation


The disclosed wringer for a bucket includes flexible wall members for squeezing around a strip mop. Each wall member has an outer portion, an inner portion, and a transition zone between the outer portion and inner portion and each wall member having an upper face and an under face that is facing the container. On at least one of the wall members at the under face is a least one outwardly projecting rib extending through the transition zone.

When using a mop to clean a floor, a user will commonly use a bucket for carrying clean or dirty water to the work site. Various types of mops or cleaning systems exist to control the amount of water in the mop while cleaning. Too much water makes the floor too wet, and too little water is ineffective at wiping and removing dirt and debris from the floor. Some mops have mechanisms on the handle while some buckets have mechanisms on the bucket for releasing excess water from the mop. Butterfly or roller mops have actuators on the mop handle for squeezing the foam head of the mop. Another type of mop that is commonly used for wet cleaning is a strip mop that has a plurality of strands of absorbent material for wiping over the floor. Some strip mops have a squeezing or twisting actuator on the handle for wringing out excess water from the strands of the strip mop. Also, buckets with wringers are used to wring out excess water from the strands of the strip mop.


A sensor includes a printed circuit board; at least one semiconductor chip arranged on the printed circuit board and includes a front-side contact, wherein the semiconductor chip is a radiation-detecting semiconductor chip; an embedding layer arranged on the printed circuit board and laterally adjoining the at least one semiconductor chip; and a contact layer connected to the front-side contact of the at least one semiconductor chip.

Optical sensors may comprise a printed circuit board and at least one radiation-detecting semiconductor chip arranged on the printed circuit board. In a further configuration, at least one radiation-emitting semiconductor chip may additionally be arranged on the printed circuit board.
The semiconductor chips may comprise a rear-side contact and a front-side contact. A semiconductor chip may connect to a contact surface of a printed circuit board via the rear-side contact and an electrically conductive connection means. The front-side contact of a semiconductor chip may connect to a contact surface of a printed circuit board via a bond wire.
There is nonetheless a need to provide an improved sensor and a corresponding method of producing sensors.


The present invention involves a Soft Computing (SC) optimizer for designing a Knowledge Base (KB) to be used in a control system for controlling a plant such as, for example, an internal combustion engine or an automobile suspension system. The SC optimizer includes a fuzzy inference engine based on a Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN). The SC Optimizer provides Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) structure selection, FIS structure optimization method selection, and teaching signal selection and generation. The user selects a fuzzy model, including one or more of: the number of input and/or output variables; the type of fuzzy inference model (e.g., Mamdani, Sugeno, Tsukamoto, etc.); and the preliminary type of membership functions. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to optimize linguistic variable parameters and the input-output training patterns. A GA is also used to optimize the rule base, using the fuzzy model, optimal linguistic variable parameters, and a teaching signal. The GA produces a near-optimal FNN. The near-optimal FNN can be improved using classical derivative-based optimization procedures. The FIS structure found by the GA is optimized with a fitness function based on a response of the actual plant model of the controlled plant. The SC optimizer produces a robust KB that is typically smaller that the KB produced by prior art methods.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to control systems, and more particularly to the design method of intelligent control system structures based on soft computing optimization.
2. Description of the Related Art
Feedback control systems are widely used to maintain the output of a dynamic system at a desired value in spite of external disturbances that would displace it from the desired value. For example, a household space-heating furnace, controlled by a thermostat, is an example of a feedback control system. The thermostat continuously measures the air temperature inside the house, and when the temperature falls below a desired minimum temperature the thermostat turns the furnace on. When the interior temperature reaches the desired minimum temperature, the thermostat turns the furnace off. The thermostat-furnace system maintains the household temperature at a substantially constant value in spite of external disturbances such as a drop in the outside temperature. Similar types of feedback controls are used in many applications.
A central component in a feedback control system is a controlled object, a machine or a process that can be defined as a "plant", whose output variable is to be controlled. In the above example, the "plant" is the house, the output variable is the interior air temperature in the house and the disturbance is the flow of heat (dispersion) through the walls of the house. The plant is controlled by a control system. In the above example, the control system is the thermostat in combination with the furnace. The thermostat-furnace system uses simple on-off feedback control proportional feedback control, integral feedback control, and derivative feedback control. A feedback control based on a sum of proportional, plus integral, plus derivative feedbacks, is often referred as a P(I)D control.
A P(I)D control system is a linear control system that is based on a dynamic model of the plant. In classical control systems, a linear dynamic model is obtained in the form of dynamic equations, usually ordinary differential equations. The plant is assumed to be relatively linear, time invariant, and stable. However, many real-world plants are time varying, highly non-linear, and unstable. For example, the dynamic model may contain parameters (e.g., masses, inductance, aerodynamics coefficients, etc.), which are either only approximately known or depend on a changing environment. If the parameter variation is small and the dynamic model is stable, then the P(I)D controller may be satisfactory. However, if the parameter variation is large or if the dynamic model is unstable, then it is common to add Adaptive or Intelligent (AI) control functions to the P(I)D control system.
AI control systems use an optimizer, typically a non-linear optimizer, to program the operation of the P(I)D controller and thereby improve the overall operation of the control system.
Classical advanced control theory is based on the assumption that all controlled "plants" can be approximated as linear systems near equilibrium points. Unfortunately, this assumption is rarely true in the real world. Most plants are highly nonlinear, and often do not have simple control algorithms. In order to meet these needs for a nonlinear control, systems have been developed that use Soft Computing (SC) concepts such Fuzzy Neural Networks (FNN), Fuzzy Controllers (FC), and the like. By these techniques, the control system evolves (changes) in time to adapt itself to changes that may occur in the controlled "plant" and/or in the operating environment.
Control systems based on SC typically use a Knowledge Base (KB) to contain the knowledge of the FC system. The KB typically has many rules that describe how the SC determines control parameters during operation. Thus, the performance of an SC controller depends on the quality of the KB and the knowledge represented by the KB. Increasing the number of rules in the KB generally increases (very often with redundancy) the knowledge represented by the KB but at a cost of more storage and more computational complexity. Thus, design of a SC system typically involves tradeoffs regarding the size of the KB, the number of rules, the types of rules. etc. Unfortunately, the prior art methods for selecting KB parameters such as the number and types of rules are based on ad hoc procedures using intuition and trial-and-error approaches.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Soft computing optimizer of intelligent control system structures


A computer implemented method for processing a financial transaction includes the steps of transmitting one or more documents pertaining to the financial transaction, from a first intermediary server to a first document store, generating an enriched data record from the one or more documents, at the first intermediary server, and adding the enriched data record into a blockchain, from the first intermediary sever, requesting generation of a token corresponding to the financial transaction, to a token server, from the first intermediary server, via a messaging bus, generating the token at the token server and adding the token into the blockchain from the token server, transmitting the token to the first intermediary server from the token server, via the messaging bus, and transmitting the token from the first intermediary server to the first document store.

A financial transaction comprises at least two parties, with a transfer of currency taking place between the two parties. The currency may include electronic currency and fiat currency. In either case, any financial transaction includes a plurality of data associated with the financial transaction. The plurality of data may include payment metadata such as account numbers of the at least two parties, Business Identifier Codes (BIC) of the financial institutions corresponding to the at least two parties, amount of currency to be transferred and type of currency etc. Further, the plurality of data may include regulatory compliance documents such as KYC documents.
Generally, it is difficult to keep track of the plurality of data during the financial transaction. Further, it is even more difficult to ensure that integrity of the plurality of data is maintained either during or after the financial transaction has been completed or to evidence that it existed at a certain point in the financial transaction process. Many settlement systems are characterised by effective one-way transmission of the plurality of data in any given financial transaction (for example systems based on SWIFT messaging). If it is subsequently discovered that there are deficiencies in the plurality of data transmitted, time consuming checking and querying operations and correspondence often ensues before the financial transaction can be effected.
Therefore there remains, in the art, a need for improved methods and systems for processing a financial transaction which do not suffer from the above mentioned issues.
Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art, nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or any other country.

Computer implemented method for processing a financial transaction and a system therefor


A toner image transferring device has a roller formed of a conductive rubber foam material having a resistivity of more than 10.sup.7 .OMEGA.cm. In a toner image transferring process, a constant current is applied to the roller, whereby a charged toner image can be transferred to a sheet or paper at a desired toner transfer efficiency regardless of a size of the paper or sheet. To remove a toner pollution of the roller, a constant voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the charged toner is applied to the roller. The roller is constituted such that pore openings appear over a surface of the roller, whereby a residual part of a toner polluting the roller will not leave a stain on a rear surface of the sheet or paper.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a toner image transferring device for electrostatically transferring a toner image from a toner image carrying body such as a photosensitive drum, a dielectric drum, a dielectric belt or the like to a sheet or paper. The present invention also relates to an electrophotographical recording apparatus such as a laser printer in which such a toner image transferring device is incorporated.
2) Description of the Related Art
For example, the toner image transferring device is incorporated in an electrophotographic printer which typically carries out the processes of: producing a uniform distribution of electrical charges on a surface of a rotary photosensitive drum; forming an electrostatic latent image on the electrically charged surface of the photosensitive drum by optically writing an image thereon with a laser beam scanner, an LED (light emitting diode) array, an LCS (liquid crystal shutter) array or the like; visually developing the electrostatic latent image with a developer, i.e., toner, which is electrically charged to be electrostatically adhered to the electrostatic latent image zone; electrostatically transferring the developed visible image or toner image from the drum to a sheet or paper; and fixing the transferred image on the sheet or paper.
In the transferring process, the transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum to the paper is carried out by feeding an electric charge to the paper. Conventionally, the toner image transferring device comprises an electric discharger such as a corona discharger for feeding the electric charge to the paper. Namely, the discharger is disposed in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum, the paper is introduced into a clearance therebetween, and the discharger gives the paper an electric charge having a polarity opposite to that of the electric charge of the toner image, whereby the toner image is electrostatically transferred from the drum to the sheet or paper.
The electric discharger has an inherent defect that ozone is produced during the energizing thereof. Not only is ozone injurious to the health, but also it causes a premature deterioration of the photosensitive drum and other parts of the printer. Also, the use of the electric discharger results in an increase in the production cost of the printer, because it must be provided with a high voltage electric power source for the electric discharger and an ozone filter for preventing an ozone leakage.
For this reason, a conductive roller type toner image transferring device has been recently used in the electrophotographic printer. This type of toner image transferring device comprises a conductive elastic transfer roller pressed against a surface of the photosensitive drum and rotated at the same peripheral speed as the drum, and while a sheet or paper is passed through a nip between the conductive transfer roller and the drum, the conductive transfer roller is supplied with an electric energy to give the paper an electric charge having a polarity opposite to that of the charge of the toner image. Note, in general, an electric source for supplying the electric energy to the conductive transfer roller has a lower power than that of the electric discharger.
Note, the quality of a transferred toner image depends upon an efficiency of the transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum to the paper, and the toner transfer efficiency is governed by various factors such as a nature of the electric source, a resistivity of the conductive transfer roller, and a nature of a paper to which the toner image is transferred. Accordingly, these factors should be determined so that it is possible to obtain a reasonable transfer efficiency to produce a transferred toner image quality at least passable in practical use. If only one kind of paper having the same size is used in the printer, it is very easy to determine other factors such that the reasonable transfer efficiency can be obtained, but when various kinds of papers having a different size are actually used in the printer, it is very difficult to suitably and properly determine the nature of the electric source and the resistivity of the conductive transfer roller such that the reasonable transfer efficiency can be obtained with respect to the papers having a different size.
Also, the conductive transfer roller has an inherent defect in that it is easily polluted by residual toner particles on the photosensitive drum. Furthermore, when a paper cannot reach the nip between the conductive transfer roller and the photosensitive drum due, for example, to jamming, the toner image is directly transfered to the conductive transfer roller, and thus this roller is greatly polluted by the transferred toner image. Of course, the polluted conductive transfer roller leaves a stain on a rear surface of a paper during a passage of the paper through the nip between the roller and the drum, and accordingly, the conductive transfer roller must be frequently cleaned in such a manner that it leaves no stain on the rear surface of the paper. Nevertheless, a conventional conductive transfer roller type toner image transferring device fails to clean the polluted conductive transfer roller in the manner such that it cannot leave any stain on the rear surface of the paper, as discussed in detail hereinafter.

Conductive roller transfer device with improved transfer efficiency and pollution control


In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, a source image is smoothed to create a smoothed image, and an edge detector is used to create an edge layer. A blending controller is used to control a blending between the source image and the smoothed image. The blended destination image maintains detail while eliminating unwanted noise.

Video images, and especially analog video signals can be corrupted by varied types of temporal and spatial noise during acquisition, transmission, and recording of the image. Typical types of noise include thermal noise, single frequency modulation distortion noise, and impulse noise. Noise reduction techniques that apply linear or non-linear filters on video signals can reduce the amount of noise. One such technique is to apply a low-pass filter on the video signal. However, simple low-pass filtering tends to produce over-smoothed video that appears blurry. Other filters such as Wiener filters, Kalman filters are better at removing one or more of spatial noise or temporal noise but can be expensive in terms of implementation and device costs.
Therefore, a method of noise reduction that overcomes these problems would be useful.

Method and system for noise reduction in an image