A contextual pop-up menu of frequently used commands is displayed by an application whenever a user carries out a particular action. The contextual menu appears at the location of a cursor, so that the displayed commands are spatially very close to an item on which an action is to be performed. The commands which are displayed in the contextual menu are not limited to those provided by an application associated with the selected item. Other commands, such as system level commands, for help items or other types of user assistance features, can be added to the menu before it is displayed to the user. In addition, plug-in modules can be employed to provide other commands associated with the selected item.

The present invention is directed to graphical user interfaces that are employed in computer systems, such as personal computers, and more particularly to a graphical user interface that provides a menu of commands that are specifically related to the context of an item selected by a user.
The evolution of the computer industry is unparalleled in its rate of growth and complexity. Personal computers, for example, which began as little more than calculators having limited memory, tape-driven input capabilities and monochrome displays are now able to handle almost any data processing task with relative ease. While the ever-growing increase in computing power provides greater capabilities for application programmers and end users alike, the corresponding increase in complexity creates an ease of use problem. Consequently, computer systems designers are faced with a new challenge, namely to harness the available computing power in a form that is usable even by those with relatively little computer training, to ease the transition of users into a computer-based information paradigm.
In pursuit of this objective, various input/output philosophies, such as xe2x80x9cuser friendlyxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cwysiwigxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cmenu drivenxe2x80x9d, have become popular. These approaches to the input/output issue are particularly applicable to microcomputers, also known as personal computers, which are intended to appeal to a broad audience of computer users, including those who have no previous computer experience. An important aspect of computers which employ these input/output concepts is the interface which allows the user to input commands and data, and receive results. One particularly prevalent form of interface is known as the graphical user interface (GUI).
One popular type of GUI display is based on a visual metaphor which defines a monitor screen to be a workspace known as a xe2x80x9cdesktopxe2x80x9d, in which the contents of documents are presented in relocatable regions known as xe2x80x9cwindows.xe2x80x9d In addition to windows, the graphical user interface typically includes icons that represent various objects in a computer system. In this context, the term xe2x80x9cobjectxe2x80x9d refers to any software entity that exists in the memory of the computer and constitutes a specimen of a particular class. For example, an object can be a data file which contains the contents of a document. It can also be an application program or other type of service provider, such as a hardware driver. An object can also be a container for other objects, such as a folder or a window.
One of the advantages offered by the graphical user interface, in terms of making the computer easier to use, is the ability for the user to effortlessly manipulate objects by moving, or otherwise acting upon, their icon representations. For example, a graphical user interface typically includes a cursor, or a similar type of pointing device, that is controlled by the user to select objects. By actuating a button or key while the cursor is positioned over an icon, for example by clicking a mouse button, the user can select the object to perform an action upon it. If the icon represents an application program, the action might be to launch the program. If the icon represents a data file, the action might cause the file to be opened within the application program that was used to create it. Alternatively, the file can be copied, moved into a folder, deleted, or the like.
Another feature of graphical user interfaces that contributes to their ease of use is menus, which provide a simple, straightforward method for the user to view and choose commands that relate to an application running on the computer. In one popular format, a root menu is located in a menu bar at the top of the screen, immediately above the desktop. The menu bar contains a number of menu items which represent general categories of commands. If a user clicks a mouse button while the cursor is positioned over one of these items, a xe2x80x9cpull-downxe2x80x9d menu appears, listing the commands available within that category. For example, a xe2x80x9cFilexe2x80x9d category might contain commands that are appropriate to files as a whole, such as xe2x80x9copenxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cclosexe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cprint.xe2x80x9d Another category labelled xe2x80x9cEditxe2x80x9d might contain commands relating to the editing of objects, such as xe2x80x9ccopyxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cpastexe2x80x9d, and the like. For further information relating to pull-down menus, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,632, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Typically, when an action is to be performed upon an object, the user first selects the object, for example by clicking a mouse button while the cursor is positioned over the object, and then chooses the particular command to be performed on the selected object. Thus, if the user wishes to print a particular document, the user can first select the icon which represents that document, and then move the cursor to the menu bar and click upon the xe2x80x9cFilexe2x80x9d category, to cause its pull-down menu to appear. The cursor is then scrolled down the menu until it is positioned over the xe2x80x9cprintxe2x80x9d command, at which time the user actuates the mouse button to initiate the command to print the document.
While the graphical user interface has contributed significantly to the ease of use of computers, particularly the ability to carry out actions through a cursor and menus, it is desirable to further enhance the user experience. For example, as with any new environment, a certain amount of learning time is required for beginning users to discover which commands are applicable in a particular context, and the locations of these commands within the various pull-down menus under the root menu. Further in this regard, similar commands may not appear under the same headings in-different, but related applications. For example, in a text document, the user may desire to change the margins. In one word processing program, the command for doing so may be located under a xe2x80x9cformatxe2x80x9d category, whereas in another word processing application, it may be located under a sub-category labelled xe2x80x9cdocumentxe2x80x9d or the like.
Another factor to consider in the user experience is the physical effort required by the user. One form of effort is number of mouse button clicks, or similar types of key actuations, that are needed. Typically, one or more clicks are necessary to select an item, and an additional one or more clicks are required to choose a command from the menu. Another form of effort is embodied in the distance that the cursor is required to travel throughout an operation. This distance is directly related to the amount of travel that is required by a mouse, or the amount of rotation that a user must impart to a trackball, or the like, from the first click of the selection to the last click of the command. All of these factors combine to form the total duration of the action that is typically required on the part of the user, beginning with the selection of an item, moving to the menu bar, and choosing a command.
On computer systems with large or multiple monitors, these actions can result in a rather lengthy process. For new users who must search for commands, the process can be even longer. In addition, for computer systems having relatively small cursor control devices, such as portable computers which employ a small trackball, lengthy cursor movements can prove to be cumbersome.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a graphical user interface which makes it easier for users to discover the commands that are appropriate in a given context, as well as give the user a more efficient means for quickly executing the commands.
In accordance with the present invention, these objectives are met by means of menu-oriented interface known as a contextual menu. Generally speaking, a contextual menu is a pop-up menu that is displayed by an application whenever a user carries out a particular action. For example, this action might be the clicking of a special mouse button, or clicking a regular mouse button in combination with the depression of a particular key on a keyboard. In response to this action, an application program associated with the selected item provides a menu of appropriate commands, which are based on the current context, selection and cursor location. In one embodiment of the invention, the commands which appear in the contextual menu are those which are most frequently used with a particular type of object.
The contextual menu appears on the desktop at the location of the cursor, rather than as a pull-down menu at the periphery of the desktop. Preferably, the displayed commands are spatially close to the item on which the action is to be performed, cutting down on the amount of cursor travel that is needed to perform the action. In addition, since the menu contains those commands which are appropriate to the selection, it becomes easy for both new and experienced users to quickly determine the commands that are available for different contexts in a new application.
As a further feature of the invention, the commands which are displayed in the contextual menu are not limited to those provided by a specific application that is associated with the selected item. Rather, other commands can be added to the menu before it is displayed to the user. These other commands can include, for example, system level commands, such as help items or other types of user assistance features. In addition, plug-in modules can be employed to provide other commands associated with the selected item. For example, if a user selects an item of text, a word processing program might provide commands for cutting, copying and pasting the text. A plug-in module for e-mail services can provide the user with a command to send the selected text as a message to another user. Another plug-in module might provide the user with a command that allows the selected text to be sent via facsimile to a remote destination.
The foregoing features of the invention, and the advantages provided thereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Graphical user interface having contextual menus


A garden planter with integrated irrigation and lighting systems (100) includes a container (101) for holding plants and an irrigation tube (107) for supplying water to the interior of the container (101). A light (213) is positioned above the container (101) for providing illumination. One or more fastening tubes (105) are used for supporting the container (101) and supplying irrigation directly to the container or concealing the irrigating tube (107).

Garden planters are well known and used to enhance the beauty of local surroundings by allowing plantings of all varieties to be used in any desired location. The typical garden planter includes a basket which is suspended from an overhead structure using rope, chain, wire, rods, tubing or other materials in a tripod configuration. The basket works to hold either soil or a flower pot along with its associated greenery. Another type of planter is the flower box-type planter which is a rigid structure configured in different shapes, that may be fixed or mobile and is not suspended.
A disadvantage in using these types of planters occurs when the plants and other greenery need to be watered. In hot and dry climates, plants must be watered frequently in order to keep them green and vibrant. In other instances the location of the planter makes it difficult to provide water to the plants. Thus, depending on the location of the planter, the frequency of watering and the number of planters involved, garden planters can require much effort just to keep the plants green and vibrant.
Another issue involving planters occurs when the user wishes to view the planter at night or in a darkened environment. In order to view the planter in darkness, most often the user must add a floodlight or some other form of task lighting that is projected up to the planter. This can be difficult, requiring the addition of lighting fixtures, wires and other electrical devices to locations that will enable the planter to be illuminated. Although light can be projected toward the planter, often the planter still is in partial darkness where it is difficult to see the plant color(s) even with this illumination. Thus, the need exists to provide a garden planter system that can be easily irrigated that removes the user's burden of continually watering the planter while also enabling the planter to be easily illuminated in a nighttime or dark environment.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Garden planter having integrated irrigation and illumination systems


A depth control system for a frame mounted to a movement system is provided. The frame is mounted such that the frame can be raised and lowered in relation to the movement system by a height adjustment mechanism. The depth control system includes a depth control arm connected to the movement system, a height adjustment mechanism, and a mechanical stop. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to engage with the depth control arm to adjust the height of the frame. The mechanical stop is configured to engage with the depth control arm to prevent the frame from moving in at least one direction with respect to the movement system and disengage from the depth control arm when the height of the frame is being adjusted.

Large scale farming involves the use of power-driven assemblies of cultivation equipment to allow for cultivating and planting fields faster, more efficiently, and with less expenditure of resources. In many cases, the equipment, such as tillage equipment, includes a frame or platform that is towed behind a powered vehicle, such as a tractor. These equipment frames can be raised or lowered in relation to supports, typically wheels, in order to bring the tools in contact with the ground or crops at an appropriate height. Maintaining an appropriate height can be an important factor. For example, in planting, seed depth impacts when the plants will germinate and subsequently grow. This can determine when a crop matures and can have an impact on yield or the like.
The raising and lowering of the equipment frame can be handled by hydraulic or similar systems provided on the equipment (here, the term "hydraulics" is intended to include both air and oil types). A disadvantage of using hydraulic systems is the tendency to leak fluid. In these systems, the seals required to separate the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the atmosphere can wear and leaks may occur. Further, when the pressure within the hydraulic system is fluctuating due to differing pressures from the farm implements and the like, additional stresses are placed on the mechanical components of the hydraulic systems, which increase the likelihood of breakdown. If there is a leak or breakdown, the hydraulic system will not be able to maintain or change the height of the frame.
Some conventional systems make use of mechanical stops or the like to maintain height if, for example, the hydraulics fail or are overloaded. However, systems making use of a mechanical stop can be difficult to adjust to a preferred height or depth because they need to be adjusted under a load, whether due to the hydraulics or because the farm implements are in a lowered position or the like. In these systems, the hydraulics typically need to be depressurized before the mechanical stop can be set.
As such, there is need for an improved depth control for height adjustment systems.


In an in-vehicle radar device, as a vertical azimuth which is an azimuth of a target in a direction perpendicular to a ground surface, a real image vertical azimuth which is an azimuth of a real image existing above ground is calculated from a reflected wave generated when a transmission signal transmitted from a transmission antenna is reflected from the target, and a virtual image vertical azimuth which is an azimuth of a virtual image existing underground is calculated from a reflected wave generated when the transmission signal transmitted from the transmission antenna is reflected from the target and reflected again from the ground surface. Next, in the in-vehicle radar device, an angle difference between the real image vertical azimuth and the virtual image vertical azimuth is calculated, and a height of the target from the ground surface is calculated using the calculated angle difference.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radar device and a target height calculation method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, an in-vehicle radar is designed mainly on the premise that systems, such as ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) or PCS (Pre-Collision System) are used. A detection target of the system is a target at risk of a collision. However, since an in-vehicle radar which is currently available does not have a function of calculating a vertical azimuth, the height of the target from the ground surface cannot be grasped. In such a radar, as illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, when a signboard, a fallen object, or the like on a roadway is detected, the detected object is erroneously recognized as a front target, so that the ACC and PCS may accidentally operate.
For this reason, as a method of recognizing a front target without falsely detecting the signboard or fallen object on the roadway as a running vehicle on a roadway, method of squeezing a vertical beam or a method of detecting change in electric power by multipass detection can be considered.
However, in the method of squeezing a vertical beam and the method of detecting change in electric power by multipass detection, there was a problem that it was difficult to appropriately recognize only a front target without falsely detecting a signboard or a fallen object on a roadway as an inappropriate target as described above.
Specifically, as for the method of squeezing a vertical beam, since a highly reflective target such as a big signboard is detected and thus it is falsely recognized as a front target even a vertical beam is squeezed, this method cannot appropriately recognize only a front target. In the method of squeezing a vertical beam at an inclined place such as a slop way, since there is a case where it becomes impossible to detect a front target, a front target cannot be appropriately recognized.
On the other hand, in the method of detecting change in electric power by multipass detection, since it is difficult to fully grasp the behavior of change in electric power by the multipass detection even based on the assumption of specular reflection when a target within a short distance is accidently detected, it is difficult to appropriately determine whether the target is a signboard or a fallen object on a roadway, or not. In the method of detecting change in electric power by the multipass detection, a false decision may be made in case of a target having a complicated shape because a true reflection point is unknown, so that a front target cannot be appropriately recognized.

Radar device and target height calculation method


A computer-implemented method for automated classification of 3D image data of teeth includes a computer receiving one or more of 3D image data sets where a set defines an image volume of voxels representing 3D tooth structures within the image volume associated with a 3D coordinate system. The computer pre-processes each of the data sets and provides each of the pre-processed data sets to the input of a trained deep neural network. The neural network classifies each of the voxels within a 3D image data set on the basis of a plurality of candidate tooth labels of the dentition. Classifying a 3D image data set includes generating for at least part of the voxels of the data set a candidate tooth label activation value associated with a candidate tooth label defining the likelihood that the labelled data point represents a tooth type as indicated by the candidate tooth label.

Reliable identification of tooth types and teeth arrangements play a very important role in a wide range of applications including (but not limited) to dental care and dental reporting, orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, forensics and biometrics. Therefore, various computer-assisted techniques have been developed to automate or at least partly automate the process of classifying and numbering teeth in accordance with a known dental notation scheme. Additionally, any reduction in time that is needed for reliably classifying and taxonomizing teeth would be beneficial in such fields of application.
For the purpose of this disclosure, 'tooth' refers to a whole tooth including crown and root, 'teeth' refers to any set of teeth consisting of two or more teeth, whereas a set of teeth originating from a single person will be referred to as originating from a 'dentition'. A dentition may not necessarily contain the total set of teeth of an individual. Further, 'classification' refers to identifying to which of a set of categories an observation or sample belongs. In the case of tooth-taxonomy, classification refers to the process of identifying to which category (or label) a single tooth belongs. 'Taxonomy' refers to the process of deriving a tooth class for all individual teeth from a single dentition and 3D teeth data refers to any digital representation of any (set of) teeth, e.g. a 3D voxel representation of a filled volume, densities in a volume, a 3D surface mesh, etc. Further, 3D teeth data representing a dentition may either include a full set of teeth or a part of a full set. Unless stated differently, in this application the term 'segmentation' refers to semantic segmentation, which refers to dense predictions for every voxel so that each voxel of the input space is labelled with a certain object class. In contrast to bounding box segmentation, which relates to finding region boundaries, semantic segmentation yields semantically interpretable 3D masks within the input data space.
For example, US2017/0169562 describes a system for automatic tooth type recognition on the basis of intra-oral optical 3D scans. Such an intra-oral optical scanner is capable of generating a 3D scan of the exposed parts of the teeth, i.e. the crown of the teeth. The shape of each crown is derived from the 3D scan and represented in form of a 3D mesh, including faces and vertices. These 3D meshes are subsequently used to determine aggregated features for each tooth. The thus obtained aggregated features and the associated tooth type are then used as training data for training classifiers making use of traditional machine learning methodologies such as support vector machines or decision trees.
Although this system is capable of processing high-resolution intra-oral 3D scans as input data, it is not capable of processing volumetric dento-maxillofacial images which are generated using Cone Beam Computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT is a medical imaging technique using X-ray computed tomography wherein the X-ray radiation is shaped into a divergent cone of low-dosage. CBCT imaging is the most used 3D imaging technique in the dental field and generates 3D image data of dento-maxillofacial structures, which may include (parts of) jaw bones, complete or partial tooth structures including the crown and the roots and (parts of) the inferior alveolar nerve. Image analysis of CBCT image data however poses a substantial problem as in CBCT scans the radio density, measured in Hounsfield Units (HUs), is not consistent because different areas in the scan appear with different greyscale values depending on their relative positions in the organ being scanned. HUs measured from the same anatomical area with both CBCT and medical-grade CT scanners are not identical and are thus unreliable for determination of site-specific, radiographically-identified bone density.
Moreover, CBCT systems for scanning dento-maxillofacial structures do not employ a standardized system for scaling the grey levels that represent the reconstructed density values. These values are as such arbitrary and do not allow for e.g. assessment of bone quality. In the absence of such a standardization, it is difficult to interpret the grey levels or impossible to compare the values resulting from different machines. Moreover, the teeth roots and jaw bone structures have similar densities such that it is difficult for a computer to e.g. distinguish between voxels belonging to teeth and voxels belonging to a jaw. Additionally, CBCT systems are very sensitive to so-called beam hardening, which produces dark streaks between two high attenuation objects (such as metal or bone), with surrounding bright streaks. The above-mentioned problems make full automatic segmentation of dento-maxillofacial structures and classification of segmented tooth structures, and more general, automated taxonomy of 3D teeth data derived from 3D CBCT image data particularly challenging.
This problem is for example discussed and illustrated in the article by Miki et al, "Classification of teeth in cone-beam CT using deep convolutional neural network", Computers in Biology and Medicine 80 (2017) pp. 24-29. In this article, a 2D deep convolutional neural network system is described that was trained to classify 2D CBCT bounding box segmentations of teeth into seven different tooth types. As described in this article, due to the problems related to the analysis of CBCT image data both manual pre-processing of the training data and the test data was needed, including manual selection of regions of interest (bounding boxes) enclosing a tooth from an axial 2D slice and omission of ROIs including metal artefacts.
In their article, Miki et al suggested that the accuracy could be improved using 3D CNN layers instead of 2D CNN layers. Taking the same neural network architectural principles however, converting these to a 3D variant would lead to compromises regarding the granularity of data, in particular the maximum resolution (e.g. mm represented per datapoint, being a 2D pixel or a 3D voxel) in applicable orthogonal directions. Considering computational requirements, in particular memory bandwidth required for processing, such 3D bounding box voxels will have a considerably lower resolution than would be possible for 2D bounding boxes of a 2D axial slice. Thus, the benefit of having information available for the entire 3D volume containing a tooth will in practice be downplayed by a removal of information due to a down-sampling of the image that is necessary to process the voxels based on a reasonable computational load. Especially in troublesome regions of 3D CBCT data, such as e.g. transitions between individual teeth or between bone and teeth, this will negatively affect a sufficiently accurate classification result per tooth.
Where the previously discussed article by Miki et al considers automatic classification based on manual bounding box segmentation, automatic bounding box segmentation (hence tooth localization and the possibility of full automatic classification) is addressed in a later published article by the same authors, Miki et al, "Tooth labelling in cone-beam CT using deep convolutional neural network for forensic identification", Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging 10134 (2017) pp. 101343E-1-10134E-6. In this article, again in the 2D domain of axial slices of CBCT scans, a convolutional neural network is trained and utilized to produce a heatmap indicating the per pixel likelihood of belonging to a tooth region. This heatmap is filtered and 2D bounding boxes containing teeth are selected through a non-maximum suppression method. Positive and negative example bounding boxes are employed for training a convolutional neural network as referenced in their first discussed article, and a trained network was evaluated. Again, when trying to adapt this methodology to function on 3D image data the same considerations as above need to be taken into account. Conversion of the same neural network architectural principles to a 3D CNN for generating a 3D heat map will result in a significantly long processing time. Additionally, also in this case, the necessity of down-sampling in order to cope with bandwidth limitations will have a negative impact on the segmentation and classification performance.
Thus, trying to extrapolate the 2D case described by Miki et al to a 3D case would lead in almost all cases to bounding boxes (voxels) with a lower accuracy than would be possible from the original input data set resolution, thereby significantly reducing the accurately predicting the confidence of a pixel being part of a tooth region (e.g. a pixel that is part of a slice containing jaw bone but incidentally 'looking like' a tooth may be incorrectly attributed with a high confidence of tooth). The low resolution will have especially consequences for the accuracy of the classification results. The network receives little to no information considering neighboring tooth-, tissue-, bone-structures, etc. Such information would be highly valuable not only for determining the seven classes of tooth as researched by Miki et al, but would also yield higher classification accuracy potential considering all 32 individual tooth types as may be present in a healthy dentition of an adult.
Additionally, where a tooth is only partially present in a received 3D image, as often occurs in the case of CBCT scans of a quadrant where parts of a tooth are beyond the field of view of a scanning device, the fact that the networks have trained on images containing complete teeth will again be detrimental to both identification of a tooth region, and to the classification of a tooth.
The above-mentioned problems make the realization of a system that is capable of fully automated localization, classification and taxonomy of 3D teeth data within certain computation constraints very challenging, especially if the automated taxonomy of the 3D teeth data is based on volumetric 3D CBCT data.
Hence, there is a need in the art for computer systems that are adapted to accurately localize, classify and taxonomize sets of 3D tooth data, in particular 3D tooth data derived from heterogeneous volumetric 3D CBCT image data, into individual tooth types. In particular, there is a need in the art for computer systems that are adapted to accurately and timely localize, classify and taxonomize 3D teeth data into teeth types into a data structure which links sets of data representing teeth in 3D to objects corresponding to the 32 possible teeth of an adult.

Automated classification and taxonomy of 3D teeth data using deep learning methods


A flange assembly having modular mounting features for receiving and removably securing a component such as a gear thereon. The flange assembly is for use with an imaging member such as a photoreceptor drum.

The present invention relates to a flange and more specifically to a modular flange system adaptable for use with various sized components such as gears and for use with an imaging member such as a photoreceptor that is used in electrostatographic imaging machines, devices, and processes, including digital and color systems.
The xerographic imaging process includes charging a photoconductive member to a uniform potential, and then exposing a light image of an original document onto the surface of the photoreceptor. Exposing the charged photoreceptor to light selectively discharges areas of the surface while allowing other areas to remain unchanged, thereby creating an electrostatic latent image of the document on the surface of the photoconductive member. A developer material is then brought into contact with the surface of the photoreceptor to transform the latent image into a visible reproduction. The developer typically includes toner particles with an electrical polarity opposite that of the photoconductive member. A blank copy sheet is brought into contact with the photoreceptor and the toner particles are transferred thereto by electrostatic charging the sheet. The sheet is subsequently heated, thereby permanently affixing the reproduced image to the sheet. This results in a xe2x80x9chard copyxe2x80x9d reproduction of the document or image. The photoconductive member is then cleaned to remove any charge and/or residual developing material from its surface to prepare it for subsequent imaging cycles.
Various imaging and photoreceptor systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,120,576; 4,386,839; 4,400,077; 4,561,763; 4,839,690; 4,914,478; 4,975,744; 5,052,090; 5,210,574; 5,357,321; 5,402,207; 5,461,464; 5,599,265; 5,630,196, 5,634,175; 5,752,136; 5,815,773; 5,893,203; and 6,104,896, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
The modularity of components is important for manufacturers of sophisticated electronic equipment such as electrostatographic imaging machines. Thus, a need remains for a modular flange system for use with mountable components to facilitate efficiency in manufacturing and in recycling. There is a need for a modular flange system which will accommodate modularity of components such as gears. The present invention advantageously provides such a flange system with common mounting features.
All documents cited herein, including the foregoing, are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The present invention provides embodiments of a flange assembly with a modular mounting feature for removably securing a gear thereon. The embodiments facilitate easy assembly and reuse of components. Moreover, the embodiments allow installation of the component on the manufacturing line.
An aspect of the invention relates to a flange assembly including an imaging member and a flange. The imaging member includes a first end, a second end, an inside surface, and an outside surface. The flange includes a hub for securing to the imaging member and a protrusion for removably securing a component thereon. The hub has a length and fits inside the imaging member. The protrusion has a length and an outside surface and extends external to the imaging member.
In a further aspect, the invention relates to a flange assembly including an imaging member, at least one flange, and a least one fastening system. The imaging member extends between a first end and a second end and has an inside surface. The flange includes a hub and protrusion. The hub is for securing to the imaging member and the protrusion is for removably securing a component thereon. The hub of the flange interferencely fits inside the imaging member and the protrusion of the flange extends external to the imaging member. The fastening system is for a removably securing a component with the protrusion of the flange.
An additional aspect of the invention relates to a flange assembly in a marking device including a photoreceptor, at least one flange, and at least one gear. The photoreceptor extends between two ends and includes an inside surface. The photoreceptor is adapted to move in the marking device. The flange includes a hub and a protrusion. The hub of the flange interferencely fits inside the photoreceptor. The protrusion is for removably securing a gear thereon. The protrusion of the flange includes a periphery and extends external to the photoreceptor. The gear includes a diameter, a width, and a lumen therein, and is removably securable to the protrusion of the flange.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for using a modular flange including: inserting a hub of a flange in an end of an imaging member forming an imaging member flange assembly, the flange having a protrusion extending outside the imaging member; installing the imaging member and flange assembly in an imaging system; disposing an opening of a component over the protrusion; and removably securing the component to the protrusion using a fastening system. The process may further include: removing the component from the protrusion; and replacing the component with another component.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a xerographic apparatus including an imaging member, two flanges, and two gears. The imaging member extends between two ends and is adapted to move in the xerographic apparatus. Each flange includes a hub and a protrusion. The protrusion includes an outside surface. One of the hubs interferencely fits inside the imaging member at one end of the imaging member and the other one of the hubs interferencely fits inside the imaging member at the other end of the imaging member. The protrusion extends external to the imaging member at each of the two ends. Each gear includes a diameter, a width, and a lumen therein. The lumen includes an inside surface. The two gears are removably securable to the protrusion at the two ends. The protrusion and the gear cooperate and functionally engage the other at each of the two ends. One of the gears may transfers torque to the flange and the imaging member. The imaging member may be part of an imaging system.
Still other aspects and advantages of the present invention and methods of construction of the same will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein embodiments are shown and described, simply by way of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and methods of construction, and its several details are capable of modification and interchangeability in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.


A cascode gain stage apparatus includes an input transistor having an RF input node and a transistor output node, an output transistor having a transistor input node and an RF output node, and a DC blocking capacitor connected between the transistor input and transistor output nodes.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to transistors, and more particularly to two-stage transistor gain cells and cascode amplifiers.
2. Description of the Related Art
A cascode cell, alternatively referred to as a "single gain stage amplifier" or, "two-transistor gain stage amplifier" or a cell having "two-transistor gain", or "two stages of gain," typically includes two transistors with the same current going through each. Cascode cells are advantageous for amplification of signals because they may provide relatively high-bandwidth, high gain, and good output isolation in comparison to a single transistor amplifier stage. When the cascode cell is manufactured using heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology configured with a common-emitter transistor and common-base transistor, current (IC) is shared through both transistors thus requiring appropriate voltage bias to be applied to each transistor. Commonly, ground potential is zero volts (V) and is applied to the emitter node of the common-emitter transistor.
Unfortunately, reactive parasitics at the base node of a common-base device rapidly degrade the stability margin of the cascode cell below that desired to prevent unintended instabilities with presented impedances. A need continues to exist to provide for greater stability, higher gain, and output power.

Cascode cell having DC blocking capacitor


The subject invention concerns methods for inhibition of STAT biological functions using platinum complexes.

Cellular responses to growth factors and cytokines are characterized by activation of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) family of cytoplasmic transcription factors (Darnell, 1997; Darnell et al., 1994; Schindler et al., 1995; Stark et al., 1998; Smithgall et al., 2000; Akira, 2000; Hirano et al., 2000; Bromberg et al., 1996; Fukada et al., 1996; Kotenko et al., 2000). STATs are activated at a very early stage in the transduction pathway by tyrosine phosphorylation that is induced by protein tyrosine kinases of growth factor receptors, receptor-associated Janus kinase (Jaks) or Src kinase families. This in turn induces phosphotyrosine (pTyr)-SH2 interactions between two STAT monomers and the formation of dimers, which then translocate to the nucleus, bind to specific DNA response elements and regulate the expression of genes essential for cell proliferation, differentiation, development and survival.
Normal STAT activation is tightly-regulated and has a short duration, which is in keeping with normal cellular requirements for mounting a response to external stimuli. However, persistent activation of specific STAT proteins, particularly Stat3 and Stat5, occurs with high frequency in some tumors, and persistently-active Stat3 has a causal role in malignant transformation by promoting growth and survival of transformed and tumor cells, including those breast, prostate and head and neck squamous carcinoma cells, lymphomas and leukemias (Bromberg et al., 1999; Turkson et al., 1998; Bromberg et al., 1998; Catlett-Falcone et al., 1999a; Garcia et al., 2001; Grandis et al., 2000a; Grandis et al., 1998; Nielsen et al., 1997; Nielsen et al., 1999; Epling-Burnette et al., 2001; reviewed in Bowman et al., 2000a; Turkson et al., 2000; Song et al., 2000; Coffer et al., 2000; Lin et al., 2000; Catlett-Falcone et al., 1999b; Garcia et al., 1998). Of clinical importance, blockade of Stat3 signaling in malignant cells or whole tumors that contain persistently-active Stat3 induces apoptosis and tumor regression.
Platinum complexes, the prototype of cisplatin, have been widely used as active anticancer agents (Ardizzoni et al., 1999; Nitiss, 2002) in a variety of human tumors, including testicular, ovarian, bladder carcinoma, head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancers. The outcome of treatments with cisplatin and other platinum-containing compounds is strongly linked to their alkylating effects on DNA. However, the potential impact of platinum-complex-based therapy on cellular signaling and the therapeutic importance of such interactions have yet to be explored. Reports show that cisplatin induces activation of members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (Persons et al., 1999; Sanchez-Perez et al., 1998), which may influence drug-induced apoptosis.

Methods for inhibiting tumor cell proliferation


A ladder securing support and guard for rain gutters is fastened to a facia board of a house and extends over a rain gutter for protecting the gutter. The present invention has a front ladder engaging bar and a rear support bar. The two bars are connected to each other at their extremities by two cross-members. These cross-members are curved vertically in parallel vertical planes to accommodate complementary cross-sectional curves of a gutter. The rear bar has a means for securing the apparatus to a facia board connected to an end of a rafter under a roof extension on a house, such as a bolt hole and multiple holes for receiving a bolt or nails secured to the facia. Guides extend outward from the ends of the front bar for securing uprights of a ladder therebetween and also to provide for detection of the apparatus from the ground. The present invention can have a pair of cross-rails in the middle of the apparatus that hold an O-ring for tying and securing a ladder. The cross-rails may also be curved to accommodate a complementary shape of a gutter. The gutter is protected because the ladder rests on the front bar of the apparatus and never touches the gutter. No pressure is exerted on the gutter. The apparatus increases safety and saves time and money.

Safety problems and gutter damage consistently accompany construction and maintenance projects requiring climbing on a roof. Ladders are leaned against the side of a building with the upright rails resting against an edge of the roof or against an underlying gutter. Roof edges can be damaged by ladders. Even with support devices positioned in gutters, the gutters remain vulnerable to dents, deformations and collapse.
Existing gutter protectors have proven inadequate. Successful operation involves placing supports inside the gutter and leaning a ladder against the gutter at the buttressed region. Many of these supports are easily dislodged and are incompatible with long-term positioning in the gutter because their dam-like design elements impede rainwater. Most gutter protectors are designed to be transportable rather than permanent fixtures and thus sacrifice rigidity for a design favoring transportability. The component parts of existing gutter supports are generally straight bars with designs susceptible to fatigue. Most important, existing gutter guards allow pressure to be exerted on the gutter and thereby weaken, distort and dent the gutter.
Needs exist for devices that protect rain gutters and increase worker safety on roof-related activities. Rain gutters are usually painted and constructed of a supple material, such as aluminum. When ladders exert pressure on the gutter, the paint tends to chip or crack. Dents develop, and the gutter tends to bend with poor aesthetic and functional results. An apparatus is needed that will give the gutter support, prevent the ladder from actually touching the gutter, and limit or eliminate direct applied pressure to the gutter.
Many tradesmen, including roofers, electricians and other contractors, as well as property owners, require sporadic and immediate access to the roofs of buildings. Some projects and company safety policies require gutters to be removed before climbing on the roof. This wastes both time and money and increases damage risks to the gutters. A device that eliminates the need for these removal measures will increase productivity, decrease costs, and enhance safety.
Worker productivity will increase and gutter damage will decrease by having a ladder support and gutter protector permanently affixed to the building. A roofer, mechanic or tradesman can climb onto the roof immediately upon entering the job site without first having to install gutter protectors. A means of guard recognition from the ground is also needed for those unfamiliar with the house to determine the place of roof access.
Safety is a primary concern for those using ladders to climb onto a roof. Even when positioned on level ground the ladder is subject to toppling sideways when workers ascend and descend the ladder or when workers leave or re-access the ladder from the roof. When poor weather conditions, such as wind, arise, workers can become stranded when a ladder falls while working on the roof. A means for connecting the ladder securely to the house while also not damaging the house is needed to allay those concerns. Existing safety devices for tying ladders to houses are inadequate because of implementation difficulties. Safety features need to be easy to use and blatantly obvious or else workers will forget to use or purposefully disregard the measures.
A need exists for a ladder support and rain gutter guard that eliminates ladder contact with the gutter, has a structure compatible with long-time installation and use, and can be fitted with rigid safety features.


A switch arrangement for a control panel placed on the dashboard or a central console in a motor vehicle. The switch arrangement comprises a housing for at least one switch having an actuating element. The switch is located in a receptacle in the housing. A mask whose contour has a curvature and a recess can be mounted on the housing, through which recess an actuating element of the switch projects after the mask has been applied. The housing has at least two housing parts, with each housing part being associated with an area of mask. The side of housing parts associated with the mask is arranged approximately parallel to a plane surface that follows the curvature of corresponding areas of the mask.

This application claims the priority of German patent document no. 196 47 946.0, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a switch arrangement for a motor vehicle control panel. Such control panels may be located, for example, in the dashboard or center console of the vehicle.
A switch arrangement for a control panel on the dashboard, center console or the like in a motor vehicle is disclosed in German patent document DE-OS 43 38 829. This switch arrangement has a housing with receptacles for electrical switches, each of which has an actuating element as a handle for the user. A flat mask can be mounted on the housing to seal off the control panel. The mask has recesses corresponding to the actuating elements, through which recesses the respective actuating elements of the switches project after the mask is applied. The actuating element of the switch is mounted displaceably with respect to the housing so that when the mask is applied, the actuating element is automatically centered in the recess in the mask.
With this switch arrangement, manufacturing tolerances occur essentially in a plane parallel to the mask, and are compensated by the displaceability of the actuating element in the housing. To improve the ergonomic aspects for the user, domed control panels have recently come into increasing use. When the switch is located in a domed control panel, further gaps and/or differences in height between the individual actuating elements and the domed mask. There is nothing in the above publication, however, which indicates how such additional gaps and differences in height can be avoided when using a domed mask.
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved switch arrangement such that, when a domed mask is used, different gaps and heights of the actuating elements in the recesses of the mask are avoided.
This and other objects and advantages are achieved by the switch arrangement according to the invention, in which the switches are divided into a plurality of partial arrangements. Each partial arrangement is associated with a housing part, which together with the switches, occupies a position when the mask is applied such that the housing part is essentially parallel to a flat surface that approximates the curvature of the mask. Additional embodiments of the invention are concerned in particular with improvements for automatic adjustment of the housing parts, as well as of the actuating elements of the switches to the mask contour when the mask is applied.
In order to assure ergonometrically favorable actuation for the user, the surface of the actuating element can extend approximately parallel to a surface that approximates the environment of the recess in the mask, with the contour of the mask having a curvature in a first direction that is approximately perpendicular to the surface of the actuating element. This first direction then simultaneously constitutes the assembly direction for the mounting of the mask on the housing. In addition, the contour of the mask can also have a curvature in a second direction that lies approximately at the surface of the actuating element and is approximately perpendicular to the first direction.
To facilitate the assembly of the switch arrangement, the housing parts can be located on the surface of a carrier part, which is then formed approximately parallel to a flat surface which approximates the area of the mask associated with the housing part. In addition, there is the opportunity that one of the additional housing parts and the carrier part can form a sort of basic body, with the carrier part being connected integrally with the other housing part.
To improve the compensation of tolerances that occur especially in extended switch arrangements, the housing parts are mounted to be displaceable relative to one another and/or to the carrier part and/or to the basic body. As a result, when the mask is applied, the housing parts are aligned approximately parallel to the approximating surface of the corresponding area for adaptation to the contour of the mask.
Displaceability of the housing is provided in at least one direction. This direction can be the first direction corresponding to the curvature of the mask, and/or the assembly direction for mounting the mask on the housing. Centering means are then provided on the mask, which act on the housing parts when the mask is applied to the housing for alignment.
In addition, displaceability of the housing part can be provided within a plane that runs parallel to the approximating plane surface corresponding to a curvature of the mask in the first direction. It is also possible to provide a floating mount for the housing part of the surface on the supporting part that receives the housing part. As a result, when the mask is applied, the housing part, is aligned with the actuating element located on the housing part by interaction with the recess in the mask. This alignment, which serves to further adapt to the contour of the mask, takes place approximately parallel to the approximating surface corresponding to the curvature of the mask in the second direction.
The displaceable mount can have the form of guides with corresponding play, which help the housing part and the supporting part to cooperate with one another. In addition, a spring-tensioned rib located on one of the two parts engages a recess on another of the two parts by means of a latching nose with corresponding play, and a fixed rib provided on one of the two parts engages a recess in the other of the two parts with corresponding play.
A displaceable mount of this kind achieves improved adjustment of the switch relative to the curvature of the mask when it is mounted, such adjustment taking place automatically during assembly. To avoid subsequent maladjustment, the housing parts are fixed in this position, with the housing parts being fastened to the mask after the mask is applied. Fastening can be performed by means of a screw connection, for example with threaded bushings being provided on the side of the mask that faces the housing parts and with mounting bolts projecting through the housing parts engaging the threaded bushings through elongate holes in the housing parts.
It is possible for a vehicle operator to evaluate the actuation of the switches in the switch arrangement. For this purpose, a printed circuit board is located in the housing part, on which board the required electronics, connectors for electrical leads, etc. are located. To simplify the preassembly of the printed circuit boards, it is also possible to locate thereon the switch modules that contain the contact system and are designed as pressure switches. The actuating element of the switch, designed in the form of a rocker switch in the circuit, then acts on the switch module to actuate the contact system, by cams for example. For this purpose, an opening is provided on the side of the housing part that faces the mask, so that the switch module is accessible to the actuating element.
In order to center the actuating element automatically in the recess in the mask as well, the actuating element can be rotatably mounted on a frame. The frame in turn is mounted displaceably, in the manner of a floating bearing, on the side of the housing part that faces the mask. By virtue of this floating mount, the frame with the recess acts in the mask to center the actuating element in the recess when the mask is applied.
For ergonomic reasons, it may be desirable for the contour of the mask to have curves that are symmetrical with respect to a central axis running through the housing. In this case, it is especially advantageous for the housing to consist of three housing parts, with the middle housing part preferably being integrated into the carrier part. Each of the two lateral housing parts is mounted displaceably on the carrier part. The switch located on the central axis is mounted nondisplaceably, so that this switch serves as a reference for aligning the two lateral housing parts as well as the other switches when the mask is applied.
The advantages achieved by the invention consist especially in the fact that even with a domed mask, tolerances between the actuating element and recesses in the domed mask can be compensated. As a result, it is possible to locate a plurality of switches on a common housing without incurring a high manufacturing cost. Since the actuating elements follow the curvature of the mask without any differences in height, the ergonomic aspects for the user are enhanced. Avoiding additional gaps also reduces the danger of dirt or other foreign matter penetrating the switch arrangement and adversely affecting its functional ability.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Switching arrangement for a motor vehicle control panel


Systems and methods are provided for handsets for testing devices with fluid ingress mitigation.

This disclosure relates generally to mechanical testing, and more particularly, to handset for testing devices with fluid ingress mitigation. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional approaches will become apparent to one management of skill in the art, through comparison of such approaches with some aspects of the present method and system set forth in the remainder of this disclosure with reference to the drawings.

Methods and systems for handsets for testing devices with fluid ingress mitigation


A fiber reinforced plastic material is provided. The fiber reinforced plastic material includes a plurality of carbon fibers, and a vinyl ester resin or unsaturated polyester resin containing at least one low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) filler.

In many cases plastic materials can be effectively used in place of heavier and more expensive materials such as, for example, steel. However, where such materials are to be used in place of the heavier and more expensive materials, strength and finish may be of particular concern. One example of such a scenario is steel panels used in construction of, for example, automobiles where the surface may be painted and a high gloss without evident patterns is desired.
Carbon fiber reinforced materials offer excellent strength to weight ratios and are well suited to replacing heavier and more expensive materials. However, such carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials have drawbacks when used in areas where an aesthetically pleasing finish is desired. For example, where exemplary steel materials may provide a roughness Ra of approximately 0.15 μm, an exemplary carbon fiber reinforced plastic material may provide a roughness Ra 75% higher, or up to 0.60 μm. This effect is further exacerbated when the material is subsequently finished, e.g., painted and optionally cured.
The surface quality of continuous or chopped carbon fiber reinforced plastic components is poor (e.g. high roughness) because the fiber creates some distortions in the surface smoothness. When these components are painted, the fiber patterns are clearly visible, this is known in the art as "fiber print through."
This phenomenon is caused, at least in part, by the shrinkage of the Thermoset resin surrounding the carbon fibers and/or the carbon fiber bundles during the cooling phase of the molding process. This is known in the art as molding shrinkage.
Additionally, in the case of painted panels, during painting and curing (e.g. at around 140° C.), the thermoset resin expands again, and this expansion is greater than the carbon fibers. When cooling, the resin again shrinks back around the carbon fibers and carbon fiber bundles.
The difference in thermal expansion coefficients between these materials is one of the causes of surface distortion during painting. Both phenomenon mentioned above result in higher roughness and lower finish quality than the commonly used steel materials.
Carbon fiber materials forming panels currently available on the market are thermoset cured materials and they require intensive post-processing to achieve the same wave scan values as steel. Such post-processing can be expensive, time consuming, and labor intensive, and may still not reach the surface quality of steel. Therefore, it would be beneficial to improve still the finish quality while also reducing the resources required to obtain a suitable finish on these materials.
DE 10 2012007839 discloses a multilayer fiber plastic-composite component using a thermoset resin. This composite component has at least one fiber plastic layer made of a matrix resin and a fiber material embedded with carbon fibers. The visible surface is provided with a transparent glass layer, which is connected with the fiber plastic layer by the matrix resin. This material, as noted above, requires extensive post processing to render it useful in applications where an aesthetically pleasing finish is desired.
JP 2010-163536 describes a method for producing a sheet molding compound including drawing out a plurality of carbon fiber bundles from a wound body of a plurality of carbon fiber bundles obtained by winding the plurality of carbon fiber bundles each provided with bundling property on a single bobbin without arranging in parallel, cutting the carbon fiber bundles by a roving cutter and simultaneously dividing the carbon fiber bundles for each fiber bundle, mixing the cut carbon fiber bundles with a resin composition and sheeting the mixture.
WO 2015/113585 discloses a fiber reinforced plastic material including a fiber layer comprising a plurality of continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheets, a veil layer comprising fibers selected from at least one of glass fiber and carbon fiber, and a resin layer comprising a resin film, wherein the veil layer is impregnated by at least a portion of the resin film.

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic material having high smoothness


A system and method in accordance with the invention allow a user to select when messages relating to medication events are sent and to select the content parameters of those messages. In one aspect, a user selects certain event types, the occurrence of which will cause a message to be sent to the user. For example, the user may select a message type that pertains to the availability of a medication in an automated dispensing machine for that user's patient. In another aspect, the user may customize the contents of the message to include or exclude certain information. For example, the user may desire the message to indicate only the patient's name and not the patient's gender or age. In yet another aspect, the user may filter messages so that only certain messages are sent. For example, the user may select a filter that permits only messages pertaining to his or her patients to be sent. The system further comprise a user interface disposed on an automated dispensing machine that enables a user to configure the messaging system as he or she desires. A method in accordance with the invention comprises selecting medication event types about which a message will be sent to the user, the content of the message, and filters for messages.

Cellular or mobile telephones, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), wireless text messaging devices, laptop computers, and other portable communication devices with text messaging capability have increasingly become a popular means of wireless, private and rapid communication of messages to users who are continually moving about. As used herein, the term "messaging device" refers generally to any portable communication device adapted to receive, transmit, store, and display a message. The message may take any form for communicating information, including text, code, graphics, and any combination of the foregoing. Typically, a message service provider receives a message intended for a particular messaging device associated with the message service provider. A network of transceiver stations and/or satellites, maintained by the message service provider, broadcasts the message. The messaging device receives the broadcasted message when in range of a transceiver station or satellite, and alerts the recipient with an audible, visual, or vibratory signal. In two-way messaging systems the messaging device is also adapted to send a message, which allows the first message recipient to reply to the sender of the initial message.
Rising material and operational costs and a shortage of nurses have put pressure on the healthcare facilities to implement systems to improve workflow. Systems comprising networked automated dispensing machines (herein referred to also as "ADMs") for dispensing drugs and related items have been known for a number of years, and by way of example, a form of a such system can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,014,875 and 6,021,392, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. ADMs typically include multiple drawers for containing a variety of items and are placed in various locations within a healthcare facility. All of the drawers are normally locked to prevent unauthorized access to the items therein. A control unit on the ADM may incorporate a computer having a processor, a keyboard, a display, and a memory to permit user entry of an authorized access code in combination with a patient name and an item designation. Upon entry of appropriate information, the drawer containing the designated item is unlocked to permit the item to be removed by the user. The unlocked drawer is then closed by the user, whereupon the control unit locks the drawer again and generates a detailed access record specifying, for example, the date and time, patient name, item designation, and name of the user who removed the item. The generated access record can be stored in memory, transmitted to a hospital central computer, and/or printed as a paper copy.
More sophisticated ADMs have a network connection to remote workstations, such as a pharmacy workstation also having a display screen, processor, and a keyboard, and to a central computer or server associated with one or more data bases that store item inventory information, medical orders issued by doctors, prescriptions, and other information related to patient care. Based on those orders and prescriptions received from doctors, the pharmacy staff arrange for required items, such as prescribed medications, to be prepared and loaded into appropriate ADMs within the healthcare facility. The items are placed into drawers in the ADMs for later removal and use by users of the ADM, such as nurses. A complicating factor is the dynamic nature of the patient care environment. New orders and prescriptions from doctors are continually being created and existing orders and prescriptions may be cancelled, or changed, which sometimes requires more immediate attention on the part of a nurse. Further, new patients are being admitted to the healthcare facility while others are being discharged. Additionally, a patient's medication, for which a nurse is responsible, may or may not yet have been loaded into an ADM and the nurse must continually check for its arrival so that it may be administered.
To keep abreast of new orders and prescriptions or changes in either in prior art systems, the nurse must proactively log into an ADM which can be located some distance away from a patient, and check, for example, to see if new prescriptions are available or if medications have arrived at the ADM to fill a prescribed medication order or to see if orders have been canceled or changed. In some instances, a nurse knows that a new order has been issued by a doctor but must wait for it to be processed by the pharmacy staff, wait for it to become active on the central computer, and wait for the medication or medications to be loaded into the ADM before the nurse can act upon it. To ascertain when this has occurred, the nurse must proactively check the ADM. In other instances, a nurse knows that a patient has been admitted or transferred to the nurse's assigned work area but must again wait for orders and prescriptions for that patient to be processed, to become active, and the patient's medication or medications to be loaded into the local ADM. These situations have required the nurse to repeatedly check the ADM to learn if the medications are now available at the ADM or to learn what other actions may need to be performed.
It would be desirable to provide such needed information to the nursing staff in a more efficient manner so that the nurses' workflow could be handled more smoothly. Instead of requiring a nurse to physically go to an ADM to repeatedly check it for information relevant to the nurse's work, it would be desirable to send the information to the nurse, wherever he or she may be. The nurse could then receive the information without having to physically go to a central point. The ability of the nurse to receive relevant information at other locations, preferably any location within his or her primary care-giving area, would be more desirable for smoother workflow. Additionally, it would be even more desirable if a nurse could receive only certain information pertinent to his or her activities, and if the content parameters of the messages to the nurse could be controlled by the nurse. That is, a customized information notification system and method could increase the efficiency of the nursing staff and make their workflow go more smoothly.
Hence, those skilled in the art have recognized a need for a system and a method that improves the workflow of healthcare personnel by automatically providing them with timely information on events requiring their attention at their locations instead of at a single location. Furthermore, those skilled in the art have recognized a need for customized messages and message information for the nursing staff and other healthcare personnel. The present invention satisfies these and other needs.

System and method for managing patient care through automated messaging


Chewing gum products containing palatinose and/or palatinose oligosaccharide and methods of making such gum products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the palatinose and/or palatinose oligosaccharide are used in a coating, such as a hard-shell coating, for a pellet gum.

The present invention relates to improved chewing gum products. More particularly, the present invention relates to improving chewing gum products by the use of specific bulking agents in a coating applied to the gum products.
Chewing gums are frequently enclosed with hard or soft coatings. Coatings provide an opportunity for the manufacturer to vary product characteristics such as taste, appearance and nutritional value. In recent years, efforts have been devoted to producing sugarless hard coatings for chewing gum. In today's health conscious society, gums containing sugarless sweeteners are popular confectionary items. In response to this consumer demand, the industry has investigated sugarless coatings containing compounds such as xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose and hydrogenated starch hydrolyzates. These sugarless compounds contain sweetening characteristics but are devoid of commonly known sugars such as sucrose, dextrose, fructose, glucose and equivalent products.
Hard coatings containing sorbitol are common in the art. Sorbitol is generally acceptable because of its availability and the low cost. Sugarless gums coated with sorbitol, however, suffer from deficiencies. For example, sorbitol coating solutions are difficult to employ in the coating process. In addition, sorbitol coated products are usually rough, contain colored spots or blotches, and are waxy. Furthermore, because of its hygroscopicity, sorbitol dries and crystallizes slowly. Thus, sorbitol coated products are often rejected by consumers because of their rough and mottled appearance and lack of crunchiness as compared to sugar coatings.
Accordingly, a need currently exists in the confectionary market place for a gum with a hard coating which possesses the appealable characteristics of a sugar coating. To satisfy consumers, the coating would ideally be identical in appearance, taste, and mouth feel to a sugar coating. To satisfy the manufacturers, the coating would be high in stability, easy to apply and economical.
The non-sugar polyols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and hydrogenated isomaltulose have the advantage of not contributing to dental caries of consumers, as well as being able to be consumed by diabetics. However, all polyols have the disadvantage of causing gastrointestinal disturbances if consumed in too great of a quantity. Therefore it would be a great advantage to be able to use a carbohydrate or carbohydrate-like food ingredient for a coated chewing gum that would act as a coating, but not contribute to dental caries nor cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
One such material is called palatinose (or isomaltulose). This bulking agent or bulk sweetener, which is not approved for use in food products or in chewing gum in the U.S., is being considered by the US-FDA for GRAS Affirmation. The bulk sweetener is approved for use in Japan and is being used in chewing gum. Although a sugar, palatinose does not contribute to dental caries, nor does it cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Palatinose has also been polymerized to yield another similar bulking agent ingredient, called palatinose oligosaccharide (POS).
The manufacture of palatinose is disclosed in UK Patent No. 2 063 268, U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,531, and EPO Patent Publication No. 0 483 755.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,119 and UK Patent No. 2 066 639 disclose the replacement of sucrose with palatinose in various food type products, including chewing gum.
Combinations of palatinose with high-potency sweeteners are disclosed in EPO Patent Publication No. 0 390 438 (using sucralose) and Japanese Patent Disclosures Nos. 83-138355 (using aspartame) and 1991-240463.
Results of cariogenic studies of palatinose are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,556,429 and 4,695,326. Palatinose inhibits the formation of insoluble glucan from sucrose and thus reduces dental plaque.
The use of palatinose in chewing gum is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,972, UK Patent No. 2 223 944 and Japanese Patent Publications Nos. 82-86246, 85-248137, 89-19860, 1991-240463 and 1991-39100.
Hydrogenated isomaltulose is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,865,957 and 4,233,439 and in Japanese Patent Publication No. 87-148496. Chewing gums using hydrogenated isomaltulose are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,792,435 and 4,961,935.
An oligosacchaaride syrup containing palatinose is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 85-09466.
More information on palatinose can be found in Progress in Sweeteners, edited by T. H. Grenby, published by Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd., England in 1989, Chapter 6, pages 143-167.

Chewing gum coated with palatinose or palatinose oligosaccharide


Provided are crystalline and amorphous form of valsartan, and processes for their preparation.

Valsartan, also known as (S)-N-(1-Carboxy-2-methyl-prop-1-yl)-N-pentanoyl-N-[2′-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)bi phenyl-4-ylmethyl]-amine, has the following structure:
and is marketed as the free acid under the name DIOVAN. DIOVAN is prescribed as oral tablets in dosages of 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg and 320 mg of valsartan.
Valsartan and/or its intermediates are disclosed in various references, including: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,578, 5,965,592, 5,260,325, 6,271,375, WO 02/006253, WO 01/082858, WO 99/67231, WO 97/30036, Peter Bühlmayer, et. al., Bioorgan. & Med. Chem. Let., 4(1) 29–34 (1994), Th. Moenius, et. al., J. Labelled Cpd. Radiopharm., 43(13) 1245–1252 (2000), and Qingzhong Jia, et. al., Zhongguo Yiyao Gongye Zazhi, 32(9) 385–387 (2001), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Valsartan is an orally active specific angiotensin II antagonist acting on the AT1 receptor subtype. Valsartan is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,728 is directed to use of valsartan for treatment of diabetes related hypertension. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,465,502 and 6,485,745 are directed to treatment of lung cancer with valsartan. U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,197 is directed to solid oral dosage forms of valsartan. These patents are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to the solid state physical properties of valsartan. These properties can be influenced by controlling the conditions under which valsartan is obtained in solid form. Solid state physical properties include, for example, the flowability of the milled solid. Flowability affects the ease with which the material is handled during processing into a pharmaceutical product. When particles of the powdered compound do not flow past each other easily, a formulation specialist must take that fact into account in developing a tablet or capsule formulation, which may necessitate the use of glidants such as colloidal silicon dioxide, talc, starch or tribasic calcium phosphate.
Another important solid state property of a pharmaceutical compound is its rate of dissolution in aqueous fluid. The rate of dissolution of an active ingredient in a patient's stomach fluid can have therapeutic consequences since it imposes an upper limit on the rate at which an orally-administered active ingredient can reach the patient's bloodstream. The rate of dissolution is also a consideration in formulating syrups, elixirs and other liquid medicaments. The solid state form of a compound may also affect its behavior on compaction and its storage stability.
These practical physical characteristics are influenced by the conformation and orientation of molecules in the unit cell, which defines a particular polymorphic form of a substance. The polymorphic form may give rise to thermal behavior different from that of the amorphous material or another polymorphic form. Thermal behavior is measured in the laboratory by such techniques as capillary melting point, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and can be used to distinguish some polymorphic forms from others. A particular polymorphic form may also give rise to distinct spectroscopic properties that may be detectable by powder X-ray crystallography, solid state 13C NMR spectrometry and infrared spectrometry.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,578, incorporated herein by reference, in Example 16, obtains valsartan and discloses: "melting interval 105–115 (from ethyl acetate)."
In the Merck Index (12-th edition, p. 1691, valsartan n. 10051), valsartan is described as "crystals from diisopropyl ether, mp 116–117° C." The Merck Index may be reciting the product of example 37 of EP 0 443 983, which is in German. The product is not otherwise characterized by the Merck Index.
In J. of Labeled compounds and radiopharmaceuticals 2000, 43, 1245–1252 on page 1249 (synthesis of [14C2]valsartan 2), there is a description of the preparation of valsartan by crystallization from a 1:1 mixture of ethyl-acetate and Hexane. Repetition of this procedure led to a sample with X-Ray powder diffraction pattern as depicted in FIG. 1 (bottom pattern). The pattern in FIG. 1 shows a diffuse X-Ray diffraction, which indicates presence of an amorphous material.
WO 02/06253 also discloses amorphous form of valsartan: "The X-ray diffraction diagram consists essentially of a very broad, diffuse X-ray diffraction; the free acid is therefore characterized as almost amorphous under X-ray. The melting point linked with the measured melting enthalpy of 12 kJ/mol [approximately 28 j/g] unequivocally confirm the existence of a considerable residual arrangement in the particles or structural domains for the free acid valsartan. There is a need for more stable, e.g. crystalline forms of valsartan." The WO 02/06253 then goes on to disclose salts of valsartan in crystalline form.
There is a need in the art for crystalline valsartan in the free acid form. There is also a need in the art for purely amorphous valsartan, which does not undergo "a considerable residual arrangement in the particles or structural domains." There is also a need in the art for additional processes for preparation of amorphous form.


According to an aspect, a display device includes: an image display panel; a color conversion device including a signal processing unit and a signal output unit; a planar light-source device; and a light-source-device control unit. The signal processing unit includes a color conversion circuit that converts an input signal in a reference color area into a converted input signal generated in a definition color area where a chromaticity point of at least one of a first color, a second color, and a third color is inside of a reference color area, and a four-color generation circuit that generates an output signal and a light-source-device control signal from the converted input signal. The signal output unit outputs the drive signal to each sub-pixel based on the output signal. The light-source-device control unit outputs a drive voltage for emitting white light on the planar light-source device based on the light-source-device control signal.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a display device that displays an image and an electronic apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
There has been conventionally employed a liquid-crystal display device that uses an RGBW-method liquid-crystal panel in which a pixel W (white) is added to pixels R (red), G (green), and B (blue). This RGBW-method liquid-crystal display device displays an image by allocating the transmission amount of light from a backlight in the pixels R, G, and B also to the pixel W, where the transmission amount is based on RGB data that determines image display. This makes it possible to reduce the luminance of the backlight, thereby reducing power consumption.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2010-156817 (JP-A-2010-156817) describes a transmissive liquid-crystal display device that includes a liquid-crystal panel in which one pixel is divided into four sub-pixels of red (R), green (G), blue (B), and white (W), a white backlight that is capable of controlling the light-emission luminance, and a saturation-luminance simultaneously-reducing unit that performs saturation-luminance reduction processing for reducing both or either one of saturation and luminance on pixel data included in an input RGB signal that is an input image to convert the input RGB signal into an RGB signal after simultaneous reduction of saturation and luminance, wherein when both the saturation and the luminance are reduced, while maintaining hue, the saturation-luminance simultaneously-reducing unit calculates the RGB signal after simultaneous reduction of saturation and luminance, by using a saturation-luminance reduction ratio that is a parameter for adjusting the reduction ratio between the saturation and the luminance so as to prevent only the saturation from becoming 0, and the above saturation-luminance reduction ratio is calculated according to each pixel.
However, because the liquid-crystal display device described in JP-A-2010-156817 performs processing for reducing both or either one of saturation and luminance on an image signal, the display quality is degraded.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a display device and an electronic apparatus that can reduce power consumption, while suppressing degradation of image quality.


A fastening system for airplane cowls that uses a countersunk bushing that has a countersunk hole for the installation of a #10 screw that can be used with a nut plate attached to the substructure of the cowling.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to cowl fastener systems for small aircraft and particularly to cowl fastener systems utilizing a single countersunk bushing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Airplane fastener systems in use today use a three-part fastener that has a screw, a spring-loaded screw body and a receptacle can that is attached to the underside of a cowling or other airplane surface. FIGS. 1-7 illustrate this prior art fastening system. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lower retainer 100 can for a spring-loaded fastener system as prior art. This can has a lower body 101, a top flange 102 an internal wall 103 that accepts the screw body, and a threaded center hole 104 that accepts the screw.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prior art spring-loaded fastener body 105 that shows a screw 106 installed in it. FIG. 3 is a detail view of a prior art fastener system, partially assembled. Here, the screw body 105 and screw 106 are positioned above the lower retainer can 100. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spring-loaded fastener body view, as prior art. Here, the screw body 105 is shown having a spring 107 installed in it. The screw 106 is shown within the spring. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art assembled fastener system as prior art. In this view, the lower retainer can 100 is shown riveted to a piece of structure 110 using rivets 111 through the top flange 102. The screw body 105 is shown seated in the internal wall 103 of the retainer can 100 with the bottom of the screw 106 engaging the threads in the threaded center hole 104.
In this design the spring is used to keep tension on the screw so that the screw body remains seated, yet, when the screw is backed off, the screw body pops up from the structure for easy removal, as shown in FIG. 5, where the screw body is above the structure. FIG. 6 is a top detail view of the prior art cowling fastener installed, as prior art. FIG. 7 is perspective detail view of the prior art cowling fastener installed, as prior art. These figures show the device as fully installed, with the screw and screw body flush with the upper surface of the structure
Although this system works, is has limitation in strength because of how it is made and how it is designed to work.


A process for alkylation of a N′-phenyl-N-alkyl-p-phenylenediamine of specified formula in an ionic liquid unexpectedly produces a N′-phenyl-N-alkyl(alkylphenylene)diamine of a second specified formula. The use of an inorganic liquid permits convenient separation of the alkylated reaction product from the reaction mixture.

N′-phenyl-N-alkylphenylenediamines have utility as antioxidants for lubricant oils, rubber compositions and antiozonants. U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,614 discloses the use of N,N′-dialkylsubstituted p-phenylenediamines as antioxidants in lubricating oils.
The Friedel-Crafts alkylation of N′-phenyl-N-phenylenediamine compounds using alpha-olefins and a Lewis acid catalyst such as aluminum chloride provides little or no yield of alkylated product. Instead, an aluminum alkyl catalyst and high pressure may be used to alkylate N′-phenyl-N-phenylenediamines.
The use of aluminum alkyls to alkylate a N′-phenyl-N-alkylphenylenediamine has at least two disadvantages: the compounds are not recyclable, and they may spontaneously ignite in air. Moreover, the reaction typically alkylates the non-substituted phenyl ring. Thus, for example, the use of triethylaluminum chloride, heat and pressure to alkylate N′-phenyl-N-isohexylphenylenediamine with 1-decene produces predominantly N′-2-methylnonylphenyl-N-isohexylphenylenediamine.
An ionic liquid consists of inorganic and/or organic cations and anions, and typically has a very low vapor pressure, a wide liquid temperature range, and is non-flammable. Ionic liquids can act as a catalyst and/or solvent, and have been studied for utility as solvents, electrolytes, in separations and in fluid applications such as lubricants. See Holbrey, "Industrial Applications of Ionic Liquids," Chemistry Today 35 (June 2004); Parkinson, "Ionic Liquids Make an Environmental Splash," 100 Chemical Engineering Progress 7 (September 2004); and Drake et al., "Structural Effects on the Physical Properties of Ionic Liquids," Air Force Research Laboratory Report No. AFRL-PR-ED-VG-2003-12 (May 2003).
The use of ionic liquids in Friedel-Crafts alkylation has been discussed in Wilkes, Friedel-Crafts Reactions in Chloroaluminate Molten Salts," Molten Salt Chemistry: An Introduction and Selected Applications 405 (Mamantov and Marassi Eds. 1987) and Earle et al, "Organic Synthesis," Ionic Liquids in Synthesis 174 (Wasserschied & Welton Eds. 2003). However, neither study is directed to an alkylation reaction which permits further substitution of the phenylene ring of an N′-phenyl-N-alkylphenylenediamine compound.
An object of the invention is to provide a synthesis which permits alkylation of the phenylene ring of an N′-phenyl-N-phenylenediamine compound.
A feature of the invention is the use of an ionic liquid as a solvent and catalyst for the alkylation reaction.
An advantage of the invention is that use of an ionic liquid typically permits convenient separation of N′-phenyl-N-alkyl(alkylphenylene)diamine from the reaction mixture.

Alkylation of N′-phenyl-N-alkylphenylenediamines in ionic liquid, N′-phenyl-N-alkyl (alkylphenylene) diamines produced thereby, and lubricant compositions containing same


A telephone service method that provides subscribers with the functionality of an extra telephone line during data/Internet sessions. Each subscriber has a unique telephone number Dns that can be dialed by anyone with access to the PSTN. When the Dns is dialed the call will be routed via the PSTN to the ILTD server. The ILTD server upon receiving the call attempt from the Dnc will analyze the dialed number (Dns) and determine if the subscriber's computer is able to receive the telephone call. If the subscriber's computer is actively engaged in an Internet Protocol session, with the ILTD client software running, the ILTD server will connect the call over the Internet to the ILTD client software. The ILTD client software will activate the subscriber's sound card and the microphone to play audio and receive input from the microphone to allow the subscriber and the calling party to have a full duplex telephone conversation (i.e. using voice-over-IP technology).

Currently, the only practical and affordable method to provide local voice telephone service (and associated call management features) is to rent a physical copper circuit from the local telephone company. The copper circuit would connect the-customer premise equipment (CPE) to a central switching office (CO) of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The CO is responsible for hosting the subscriber's public dial number and routing the calls to the subscriber's line when the number is dialled. Additionally, the CO is responsible for providing some call management features such as Caller-ID and Call Waiting type services.
Consequently, there is a need for a system and method for providing local telephone services over an IP based network to mitigate the requirement of renting a copper circuit from a telephone company.


The thickness of a rear surface-side inorganic film (9) formed from the same material as that of each of front surface-side inorganic films (11, 13, and 16) and provided at a rear surface side of a resin substrate (10) having a heat resistance is set in a predetermined range with respect to the total thickness of the front surface-side inorganic films (11, 13, and 16) so that the curvature diameter calculated based on the linear elastic modulus, the coefficient of linear expansion, and the thickness of the resin substrate (10); the linear elastic moduli, the coefficients of linear expansion, and the total thickness of the front surface-side inorganic films (11, 13, and 16); and the linear elastic modulus, the coefficient of linear expansion, and the thickness of the rear surface-side inorganic film (9) is 20 mm or more or −20 mm or less.

A liquid crystal display device includes, for example, an active matrix substrate in which a thin film electrical element, such as a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as "TFT" in some cases), is provided in each sub-pixel which is the minimum unit of an image; a counter substrate provided so as to face the active matrix substrate; and a liquid crystal layer provided between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate.
In recent years, in a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, instead of using a glass which has been used in the past, an active matrix substrate using a resin substrate has been proposed.
For example, Patent Literature 1 has disclosed a display device in which a main substrate on which active elements are formed is a laminate film including an insulating film formed of a resin material having a high heat resistance and a metal thin film formed of a metal or an alloy having a smaller coefficient of linear expansion than that of the insulating film, and the total number of the insulating film and the metal thin film is odd and at least three.
In addition, Patent Literature 2 has disclosed a silicon thin film transistor in which buffer layers are formed on two surfaces of a substrate, a silicon channel (silicon channel) is formed in a one buffer layer (located at one side), a gate insulating layer is formed on the silicon channel, and a gate is formed on the gate insulating layer.

Active matrix substrate and display device including the same


A device, system, and method are provided for a power amplifier arrangement. In embodiments of a Vdd modulated power amplifier arrangement, a memory correction block includes a Vdd predictor for predicting waveform distortions of a Vdd modulated power supply and a main-path corrector for pre-distorting the input to the power amplifier arrangement as a function of the input to the power amplifier arrangement, an input envelope signal determined as a function of the input to the power amplifier arrangement, and an output of the Vdd predictor. Embodiments of the invention provide for operating power amplifier arrangements having memory. In some embodiments, methods of training the Vdd predictor and the main-path corrector of the memory correction block are provided.

A conventional power amplifier arrangement having a power amplifier supplied by a static or constant power supply is inefficient and wasteful.
One of the current focuses in power amplification design is improved efficiency. Improvements in efficiency lead to a reduced amplifier cost, for example by allowing the use of less expensive transistors with reduced power handling capability, as well as reduced operating expenses resulting from such factors as reduced size, reduced cooling requirements and reduced power requirements.
One method of obtaining improved efficiency is to modulate a power supply of the power amplifier, for example by using a Vdd modulator. In this way, a power supply signal is modulated as a function of an envelope of an input to the power amplifier arrangement.
The modulated power supply technique has several drawbacks that have an effect on the linearity of a power amplifier. Typically, the Vdd modulator has a finite bandwidth and therefore can not always exactly track the envelope of the input signal. The finite bandwidth of the Vdd modulator has an effect on the gain and phase response of the amplifier.
Effects such as these introduce distortion, which is referred to as "memory", due to the fact that the effects are a function of past values of the input. The distortion may be addressed when the input to the amplifier is linearized in order to produce an output signal that meets standards requirements for emissions, such as the adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) defined in 3GPP. The majority of conventional linearization techniques assume that the amplifier is memoryless. Therefore, proper linearization of the output signal is not achieved and the amplified signal contains distortion if the amplifier has memory.
Linearization correction techniques that are able to address memory impairments typically suffer from additional limitations. One such limitation is that the techniques begin with the assumption that the distortion is only a function of the input envelope. This is not always true. Another such limitation is that the techniques are very computationally expensive and require large amounts of memory and/or logic resources that typically grow exponentially with the order of a model used in the technique.

Power amplifier arrangement and method for memory correction/linearization


A reconfigurable clamp is provided, where the clamp includes: a clamp body including a plurality of through holes formed within the clamp body; a plurality of movable pins which slidably fit within the through holes in the clamp body; wherein the movable pins incorporate a tapered section to facilitate locking of the movable pins; and wherein the clamp is reconfigurable by movement of the pins to conform to a surface geometry of an object of arbitrary shape through contact with that object. The clamped surface is represented as a series of discrete points corresponding to the ends of the plurality of pins.

Clamps are used extensively to temporarily locate sheet metal parts during the fabrication of sheet metal parts, usually by spot welding, into vehicle bodies or body subassemblies. Clamps are typically specific to one vehicle body style and to one location on that body style. Thus due to variations in external sheet metal, the same clamp cannot be used on a broad range of vehicle bodies even when general similarities exist between them. Thus the number of vehicle body variants which can be fabricated on a particular body assembly line is restricted.
A reconfigurable clamp, capable of rapidly adapting to differing body configurations, increases the number of body variants which can be fabricated on a particular body assembly line and therefore increases the versatility of the body assembly line.

Reconfigurable clamp and method of use thereof