A combination lollipop holder and stand having a unitary body forming a character and an elongate torso providing a handle portion, two arm parts outstanding laterally from an upper end of the torso, providing a finger guarding portion and a leg part diverging from opposite sides of a lower end of the body to a flat, foot part, providing a base portion. A bore extends from a neck region between the arms parts vertically into the torso and is provided with a constriction for gripping an inserted lollipop stick which forms an extended neck and consumable head of the character. Engagement of the arm and leg parts above and below a hand enclosing the torso prevents inadvertent dislodgement of the lollipop from the hand. The foot supports the body in stable position standing on a flat surface with the lollipop remote from the surface.

The invention relates to a combination lollipop holder and stand.
Lollipops have been consumed for many years. and the disadvantages arising particularly with young children, such as sticky hands producing cross-contamination, slippage from an unreliable grasp and hygienic placement of the lollipop between periods of intermittent consumption are well recognized.
A hand-held lollipop holder which obviates such disadvantages, which is amusing and therefore conducive to use and is of low cost, suited for distribution with the lollipop would clearly be desirable.
One prior lollipop holder is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,200 issued 1997 to Shecter, teaches a toy telephone which has an integral lollipop handle, holder in which the lollipop is mounted on a slide which retracts the lollipop into an internal compartment between periods of consumption. However, this is a relatively bulky, heavy, complex and expensive, multipart construction, and as such, unsuitable for general distribution with lollipops, or for use by a young child from whose hand it could easily be dropped with expensive consequences.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 353,251 issued 1994 to Beck teaches a safety candy holder having cylindrical handle with a constricted lollipop receiving bore and a finger guard outstanding from opposite sides at one end. However, the smoothly surfaced cylindrical handle could, when inverted, easily slip from the grasp of a child user, while the structure does not provide an additional source of amusement which would be conducive to regular use. Furthermore, the right cylindrical shape of the handle results in a relatively small base and relatively instability, if freestanding.
Other lollipop holders, taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,535 and 5,536,054, include complex and expensive lollipop spinning mechanisms and are otherwise unsuited for the purpose of the present invention.
It is an object of the invention to provide a combination lollipop holder and stand which provides a handle with a finger guard, adapted to be held securely in the grasp of a child .
It is an additional object of the invention to provide such combination lollipop holder and stand which is formed by only a single piece of small size, adapted for manufacture at high volume and low cost by conventional mass production techniques.
According to one aspect, the invention provides a combination lollipop holder and stand having a handle-providing body formed in a shape of a headless humanoid character and diverging downward to a foot, with a bore extending into the body from a neck position and force-fitted with a stick of a lollipop for retention when inverted and so that the stick resembles a neck and a lollipop candy thereon resembles a consumable head of the character.
More specifically, the invention provides a combination lollipop holder and stand comprising a unitary body forming an animal character and having an elongate torso providing a handle portion, two arm parts outstanding laterally from an upper end of the torso, providing a finger guarding portion and a leg part diverging from opposite sides of a lower end of the body to a flat, foot part, providing a base portion; and, a bore extending between the arms parts vertically into the torso and provided with constriction for gripping a stick of a lollipop inserted into the bore and thereby forming an extended neck and consumable head of the character. In this structure, engagement of the arm and leg parts above and below a hand enclosing the torso prevents inadvertent dislodgement of the lollipop from the hand and the constriction prevents inadvertent dislodgement of the lollipop from the bore, even when inverted.
Preferably, substantially the entire body lies within a vertical envelope bounded by the perimeter of the foot part and the torso is substantially pear shaped, both improving stability.


Control circuits and related methods are provided. One exemplary control circuit includes a solid state switching device for coupling to a first tap of a motor and a control device coupled to the solid state switching device. The control device is configured to switch the solid state switching device to apply a signal to the first tap in response to a demand for operation of the motor at a second parameter to operate the motor at the second parameter. The control device is also configured to switch the solid state switching device to apply a signal to the first tap in response to a demand for operation of the motor at a first parameter to operate the motor at the first parameter.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can be used to regulate the environment within an enclosed space. Typically, an air blower is used to pull air from the enclosed space into the HVAC system and then push the air back into the enclosed space after conditioning the air (e.g., heating, cooling or dehumidifying the air). Various types of HVAC systems may be used to provide conditioned air for enclosed spaces. In the HVAC industry today, electronically commutated motors (ECMs) are known to be controlled by multiple taps. One common motor is known as the X13® motor, manufactured by Regal-Beloit Corporation of Fort Wayne, Ind. This motor has multiple taps, which are controllable by providing 24-volt alternating current (24 VAC) input to one of the taps.

Control circuits for motors and related methods


The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic investigations by identification of bioagents associated with biowarfare and acts of terrorism or crime. The methods are also useful for epidemiological investigations by genotyping of bioagents.

The ease with which small countries and terrorist groups can now obtain biological warfare agents has escalated the need to provide the war fighter and civilians alike with miniature, easy to use, disposable instruments for detection and identification of potentially hazardous biological agents (Iqbal et al. Biosensors & Bioelectronics 2000, 15, 549–578; Christel, L. A., et al. J. Biomech. Eng. 1999, 121, 22–27; Higgins, J. A., et al. Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 1999, 894, 130–148; and Hood, E. Environ. Health Perspect. 1999, 107, 931–932). Traditional methods for detection and identification of microorganisms, viruses and/or their products lack the speed and sensitivity to be of field usage since they are not real time or even typically completed in a single day. Microbial and viral identification assays have as their basis, the principle that dates back to the days of Pasteur, i.e. the growth of the organism in culture or replication of virus in a suitable host (Reischl, U., Frontiers Biosci., 1996, 1, Application of molecular biology-based methods to the diagnosis of infectious diseases. 1, e72–e77). Toxin identification has typically relied on biological assays, which although relatively rapid, usually requires purification of the toxin prior to testing (Feng, P. Mol. Biotechnol. 1997, 7, 267–278; van der Zee, H. et al. J. AOAC Int. 1997, 80, 934–940). Depending upon the nature of the agent to be detected, this process can take from days to months (Pillai, S. D. Arch. Virol. 1997, 13 Suppl., 67–82; van der Zee, H. et al. J. AOAC Int. 1997, 80, 934–940). Clearly, this is not practical in situations where detection and identification may be required for protecting a population from hazardous biological agents. Molecular recognition systems that can be used for rapid identification can improve response time and thus avert or reduce the number of casualties associated with a potential bioterrorism or biowarfare event.
Biological threat agents can be either infectious or toxigenic organisms or simply toxins (Hood, E. Environ. Health Perspect. 1999, 107, 931–932; Haines, J. D. et al J. Okla. State Med. Assoc. 1999, 93, 187–196). Examples of the former are Bacillus anthracis(anthrax) and Yersinia pestis (plague) while the latter is exemplified by staphylococcal enterotoxin B or botulinum toxin. Detection of toxins has followed a similar track as that observed for detection of chemical threat agents. Typically, toxins are detected on the basis of their respective chemical structures. Detection of mycotoxins has been accomplished using traditional analytical chemistry tools such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (Black, R. M et al. J. Chromatogr. 1986, 367, 103–116). Although precise and highly sensitive, GC-MS does not lend itself to field applications and cannot be easily applied to complex target analytes such as bacteria. Specific compounds, i.e. signature components might be identified in targeted bacterial agents but this approach tends to be too complex for routine, high throughput analysis (van der Zee, H. et al. J. AOAC Int. 1997, 80, 934–940; Hood, E. Environ. Health Perspect. 1999, 107, 931–932).
A number of technological innovations have provided tools that have made detection and identification of microorganisms, viruses and their products faster and more sensitive. Two significant technologies that have had dramatic impact on potentially rapid detection are: (1) generation of monoclonal antibodies; and (2) collection of individual methodological advances that have formed the basis of recombinant DNA technology. A key event in the latter technology is the development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology which as a singular process, has significantly reshaped the authors' thinking with respect to detection of biological agents.
Identification of biological threat agents involves recognition of bacteria (vegetative cells and spores), viruses and toxins. Nucleic acid and immunology-based methods for identification of bacteria, viruses and their products (antigens and toxins) have found wide application including testing of food, clinical and environmental samples. Extension of these applications for detection and identification of biological threat agents is reasonable since basic principles involved are identical. Two essential features characterize these applications, i.e. the need to: (1) develop a target specific identification method; and (2) formulate an assay that will work on the requisite sample. However, the majority of the methods developed meet the first criterion, i.e. identify the target organism or toxin, but fail to be sufficiently robust to work on "real" samples.
Mass spectrometry provides detailed information about the molecules being analyzed, including high mass accuracy. It is also a process that can be easily automated. Low-resolution MS may be unreliable when used to detect some known agents, if their spectral lines are sufficiently weak or sufficiently close to those from other living organisms in the sample. DNA chips with specific probes can only determine the presence or absence of specifically anticipated organisms. Because there are hundreds of thousands of species of benign bacteria, some very similar in sequence to threat organisms, even arrays with 10,000 probes lack the breadth needed to detect a particular organism.
Antibodies face more severe diversity limitations than arrays. If antibodies are designed against highly conserved targets to increase diversity, the false alarm problem will dominate, again because threat organisms are very similar to benign ones. Antibodies are only capable of detecting known agents in relatively uncluttered environments.
Several groups have described detection of PCR products using high resolution electrospray ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR MS). Accurate measurement of exact mass combined with knowledge of the number of at least one nucleotide allowed calculation of the total base composition for PCR duplex products of approximately 100 base pairs. (Aaserud et al., J. Am. Soc. Mass Spec., 1996, 7, 1266–1269; Muddiman et al., Anal. Chem., 1997, 69, 1543–1549; Wunschel et al., Anal. Chem., 1998, 70, 1203–1207; Muddiman et al., Rev. Anal. Chem., 1998, 17, 1–68). Electrospray ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resistance (ESI-FT-ICR) MS may be used to determine the mass of double-stranded, 500 base-pair PCR products via the average molecular mass (Hurst et al., Rapid Commun. Mass Spec. 1996, 10, 377–382). The use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry for characterization of PCR products has been described. (Muddiman et al., Rapid Commun. Mass Spec., 1999, 13, 1201–1204). However, the degradation of DNAs over about 75 nucleotides observed with MALDI limited the utility of this method.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,492 describes a method for retrieval of phylogenetically informative DNA sequences which comprise searching for a highly divergent segment of genomic DNA surrounded by two highly conserved segments, designing the universal primers for PCR amplification of the highly divergent region, amplifying the genomic DNA by PCR technique using universal primers, and then sequencing the gene to determine the identity of the organism.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,363 discloses methods for screening nucleic acids for polymorphisms by analyzing amplified target nucleic acids using mass spectrometric techniques and to procedures for improving mass resolution and mass accuracy of these methods.
WO 99/14375 describes methods, PCR primers and kits for use in analyzing preselected DNA tandem nucleotide repeat alleles by mass spectrometry.
WO 98/12355 discloses methods of determining the mass of a target nucleic acid by mass spectrometric analysis, by cleaving the target nucleic acid to reduce its length, making the target single-stranded and using MS to determine the mass of the single-stranded shortened target. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a double-stranded target nucleic acid for MS analysis comprising amplification of the target nucleic acid, binding one of the strands to a solid support, releasing the second strand and then releasing the first strand which is then analyzed by MS. Kits for target nucleic acid preparation are also provided.
PCT WO97/33000 discloses methods for detecting mutations in a target nucleic acid by nonrandomly fragmenting the target into a set of single-stranded nonrandom length fragments and determining their masses by MS.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,798 describes a fast and highly accurate mass spectrometer-based process for detecting the presence of a particular nucleic acid in a biological sample for diagnostic purposes.
WO 98/21066 describes processes for determining the sequence of a particular target nucleic acid by mass spectrometry. Processes for detecting a target nucleic acid present in a biological sample by PCR amplification and mass spectrometry detection are disclosed, as are methods for detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample by amplifying the target with primers that contain restriction sites and tags, extending and cleaving the amplified nucleic acid, and detecting the presence of extended product, wherein the presence of a DNA fragment of a mass different from wild-type is indicative of a mutation. Methods of sequencing a nucleic acid via mass spectrometry methods are also described.
WO 97/37041, WO 99/31278 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,835 describe methods of sequencing nucleic acids using mass spectrometry. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,622,824, 5,872,003 and 5,691,141 describe methods, systems and kits for exonuclease-mediated mass spectrometric sequencing.
Thus, there is a need for methods for bioagent detection and identification which is both specific and rapid, and in which no nucleic acid sequencing is required. The present invention addresses this need as well as other needs.

Methods for rapid detection and identification of bioagents in epidemiological and forensic investigations


In a data packet switching apparatus for switching a data packet, arriving from a plurality of incoming virtual connections in the form of logically multiplexed cells, to a plurality of outgoing virtual connections, efficient use is made of a buffer under congestion. A required data buffer plane quantity monitoring/calculation circuit calculates the number of required data buffer planes (segments) from the packet length contained in the starting cell data, and a packet reception allow/disallow decision/buffer plane quantity securing circuit compares it with the remaining buffer amount. If the number of required buffer planes is larger than the remaining buffer amount, all cell data belonging to the packet are discarded. If the number of required buffer planes is not larger than the remaining buffer amount, the required buffer is presecured by reducing the remaining buffer amount by an amount equivalent to the number of required buffer planes. In a second aspect of the present invention, a unique transmission number is appended to cell data belonging to the packet whose outgoing virtual connection has been determined, the transmission number remaining appended to the cell data until it is transmitted out. The cell data stored in the buffer is output from the buffer for transmission based on the thus determined outgoing virtual connection and the transmission number.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data packet switching apparatus for switching a data packet such as an IP (Internet Protocol) packet or a frame relay frame between virtual connections and, more particularly, to a data packet switching apparatus for switching a data packet between virtual connections by determining its outgoing virtual connection based on the destination address or other identifier of the data packet arriving in the form of cells from incoming virtual connections, and by changing the virtual connection identifier of each cell from that on the incoming connection to that on the outgoing connection for output.
2. Description of the Related Art
For example, in IP over ATM in which IP packets are transmitted using ATM as an underlying layer, many ATM virtual connections are set up in a mesh-like structure among nodes, and a separate ATM virtual connection is set up between a node and a user.
In a prior art IP packet switching apparatus installed at each such node, IP packets are assembled by storing ATM cells on a connection-by-connection basis as the cells arrive from incoming virtual connections, and the outgoing virtual connection of each packet is determined based on its destination address. When storing cell data in a buffer, if the buffer is full, the data is discarded. Of the packets stored in the buffer, each packet that is assembled, and for which the outgoing virtual connection has been determined, is output from the buffer and converted into cells with the outgoing virtual connection identifier appended to them. After that, an ATM switch forwards the cells onto appropriate connections.
In the prior art configuration described above, if buffer congestion occurs because of an input of bursty traffic, etc. while packets are being assembled at a plurality of input connections, cell discard (due to congestion) occurs at the plurality of connections. Since the packets being assembled are also discarded, the portion of the data buffer used to store the data up to that point in time may be wasted.
Furthermore, the prior art configuration entails a delay dependent on packet length because, after assembling a packet, the packet is reconverted into cells for transmission. As a result, when used in a network where packet switches are connected in multiple stages, the prior art has the problem that the delay time through the network increases and, also, the delay is unpredictable.
Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a data packet switching apparatus that achieves efficient utilization of the buffer by minimizing waste under buffer congestion.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a data packet switching apparatus wherein the delay through the apparatus is fixed and is not dependent on packet length and, even when the switches are connected in a multiple stage configuration, the delay is held to a low predictable value.
The first object is accomplished by providing a data packet switching apparatus for switching a data packet, arriving from a plurality of incoming virtual connections in the form of logically multiplexed cells, to a predesignated one of a plurality of outgoing virtual connections, comprising: a required buffer amount calculation circuit for calculating a buffer amount required to store the data packet from a packet length contained in cell data of an incoming cell; a comparator circuit for comparing the required buffer amount with a remaining buffer amount; a data discard circuit for discarding the cell data belonging to the data packet if, as the result of the comparison, the required buffer amount is larger than the remaining buffer amount; a data packet storing and assembling circuit for storing cell data in a buffer for each virtual connection, and for assembling the cell data into a data packet; an outgoing virtual connection resolving section for determining an outgoing virtual connection based on a data packet identifier contained in the cell data; and a packet transmission circuit for transmitting the assembled data packet by appending thereto an identifier of the thus determined outgoing virtual connection.
The second object is accomplished by providing a data packet switching apparatus for switching a data packet, arriving from a plurality of incoming virtual connections in the form of logically multiplexed cells, to a predesignated one of a plurality of outgoing virtual connections, comprising: a data packet assembling circuit for storing cell data of incoming cells in a buffer for each virtual connection; an outgoing virtual connection resolving section for determining an outgoing virtual connection based on a data packet identifier contained in the cell data; a transmission identification number management circuit for appending one unused transmission identification number, selected from among a plurality of different transmission identification numbers, to the cell data belonging to the data packet for which the outgoing virtual connection has been determined, the transmission identification number remaining appended to the cell data until the transmission of the cell data is completed; and a packet transmission circuit for transmitting the data packet assembled for each outgoing virtual connection by taking the cell data out of the buffer for transmission based on the determined outgoing virtual connection and the appended transmission identification number.


A fastener for a packaging is disclosed. The fastener comprises a box body, a tray and a fastener having a support arm and an arch-shaped arm, characterized in that the side frame of the box body and the bottom of the box body form into a cavity, and the inner sidewall of the side frame is a semi-dovetail slot and the side edge of the tray is a recessed platform, and the support arm and the arch-shaped arm are engaged at the semi-dovetail slot, and the tray positioned at the upper end of the fastener is pressed against the recessed platform such that the tray is fastened at the cavity of the box body, whereby the loading and unloading of the tray are easy and the packaging is re-usable.

(a) Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fastener, and in particular, a fastener for securing a box body to a tray.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Generally, a packaging box includes one or more than one tray for holding objects. The materials for the box body and the tray are different and therefore, the tray can easily slide off the box body. To solve this drawback, normally the tray is glued onto the box body. However, this solution has increased the manufacturing process.
The box body is provided with a window at the bottom of the box body to allow the object in the box to be visible. A transparent plate is adhered onto it and therefore the tray has to be glued. These additional manufacturing processes increase cost of production.
In view of the above, it is a main object of the present invention to provide a fastener for packaging which mitigates the above drawbacks.


Methods, apparatus, and systems for data or information transmission are provided. In one aspect, a data sending method by a terminal device includes: determining indication information, determining, based on the indication information, a transport block size (TBS) used to send data, and sending the data based on the determined TBS. The terminal device can determine at least two of first information indicating that the TBS is a first TBS, second information indicating that the TBS is a second TBS, or third information indicating the terminal device to select a TBS from a TBS set as a third TBS used by the terminal device to send data. The TBS set is determined based on the first TBS, and can include at least one of the second TBS or the third TBS. The indication information includes one of the at least two of the first, second, or third information.

Currently, wireless communications systems are applied and deployed on a large scale, and can provide various types of communication, for example, voices, data, and multimedia services, for a plurality of users.
In a discussion process of a current long term evolution (LTE) technology, for a third message, that is, Msg3, in a random access process, uplink user data may be transmitted in Msg3, and a media access control protocol (MAC) random access response (RAR) is used.
In the prior art, a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) includes a MAC header, zero MAC RAR or a plurality of MAC RARs, and an optional padding part. In the prior art, a network may indicate a largest transport block size (TBS) to a terminal device through Msg3, so that the terminal device can use only the largest TBS to transmit uplink user data. However, not all terminal devices need to use the largest TBS. If a size of the uplink user data sent by the terminal device is less than the largest TBS configured by the network, the terminal device needs to add a padding bit when transmitting the uplink user data, to expand a size of a transport block used to send the uplink user data to the largest TBS. When the terminal device sends the data in this manner, a waste of transmission resources is caused, and a situation on a network side is not considered.

Data sending method, information sending method, and apparatus


A portable child safety restraint including a shoulder harness with a pair of adjustable shoulder straps joined to a bottom connector strap. A crotch strap having a bottom strap joined to a pair of top connector straps connects the shoulder harness by a pair of chest buckles in the front of a child and by a bottom buckle in the rear of the child. The adjustable shoulder straps are used to secure the child's upper body to an independent structure in a seated position. A waist belt secures the child's lower body to the structure and prevents standing. Each of the shoulder straps includes a shoulder pad to cushion the child's shoulder from the straps. A harness chest clip joins the shoulder straps in the front of the child in a proper position on the child's shoulders to further restrain the child and support the child in an upright position.

Various types of safety devices and child restraints are known in the prior art. The intent of these inventions is to keep the child safe yet comfortable and prevent the child from standing, sliding downwardly, or falling. However, what is needed is a portable child safety restraint which includes upper body support and restrain as well as lower body restrain to secure a child's torso to a walker, a chair, stroller, or other similar structures in a comfortable, upright seated position while allowing free movement of arms and legs and to prevent the child from standing in or on the structure causing a fall.


A suture anchor is provided having a body with at least one suture-receiving channel that extends distally from a proximal end of the body. The suture-receiving channel can include a cavity formed in a distal-most end of the body, or it can terminate at a transversely-extending bore formed through the body. The suture anchor can also include a suture loop that is positioned within the suture-receiving channel and cavity or bore, and that includes a proximal portion that extends proximal of the proximal end of the body.

Soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons and muscles, are attached to a large portion of the human skeleton. In particular, many ligaments and tendons are attached to the bones which form joints, such as shoulder and knee joints. A variety of injuries and conditions require attachment or reattachment of a soft tissue to bone. For example, when otherwise healthy tissue has been torn away from a bone, surgery is often required to reattach the tissue to the bone to allow healing and a natural reattachment to occur.
A number of devices and methods have been developed to attach soft tissue to bone. These include screws, staples, cement, suture anchors, and sutures alone. Some of the more successful methods involve use of a suture anchor to attach a suture to the bone, and tying the suture in a manner that holds the tissue in close proximity to the bone. The tissue may be attached to the bone during open surgery, or during closed (e.g., arthroscopic) surgical procedures. While many conventional suture anchors are successful in anchoring tissue to bone, they suffer from some disadvantages as well. For example, many conventional suture anchors provide small passageways through which the suture must be threaded, causing difficulties or delays in threading the suture. Moreover, attachment of the suture thread to the anchor, typically at the distal end of the anchor, can result in disadvantageous movement or twisting of the suture thread. Where two free ends of suture thread are required or desired, unwanted tangling and knotting may occur when two suture ends exit the anchor through a single hole in the anchor body or on the same side of the anchor body. Other disadvantages can result where the anchor is a screw-type anchor. For example, the suture thread can be abraded or otherwise damaged when the anchor is threaded into bone. Further, once the anchor is implanted, slidable movement of the suture thread is often prevented.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved system for anchoring soft tissue to bone.


A patient transport apparatus for transport between a patient bed and a bathtub is disclosed that includes: a base with caster wheels, a double scissor truss, mounted on the base, retracted and extended vertically by the operation of a base crank handle, and a hoisting assembly positioned atop of a support frame member. The hoisting member further includes winch handles connected to a set of pulleys which are connected to cables and a fabric sling for supporting a patient. The hoisting assembly is configured to move along the support frame member by means of wheels installed on the bottom side of the frame member so that the fabric sling can reach out to the patient. A telescoping support pole, connected to the front of the support frame member, designed to freely rotated and to lean against either the bed or the bathtub in order to provide balance to the apparatus when transporting the patient from the bed to the bathtub and vice versa.

Lifting helpless bedridden patients with permanent or temporary loss of mobility from their beds to a bathtub for bathing is important because such patients need regular sanitary cares to avoid skin sores and infections, especially when they are lying for a long period of time on their backs. Unhygienic patients often exacerbate their conditions and threaten other patients and the environment of the hospital in general. This problem is especially true in hospitals of third world countries. Therefore, there is a need for regular moving and bathing of patients.
The act of lifting a patient out of the bed is strenuous especially when the patient is heavy. Usually, nurses use a draw sheet whereupon a patient rests to help in turning and lifting the patient onto a hospital cart. However, moving a patient using this method can be dangerous because the nurses can slip their grasps of the bed sheet and drop the patient especially when the patient is heavy. As such, injuries to the nurses may occur. Furthermore, hospital carts are cumbersome and require a lot of space to store them.
The above described problems are especially true when patients are cared for at home. Some patients stay at home and under the care of loved ones. The difficulties of moving a patient from a bedroom to a bathroom are significantly exacerbated. Every time, especially at night without a nurse present, the patient needs to be cleaned and bathed, the loved ones at home would have a lot of problems taking care of that patient.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,941 of Fuller discloses a support frame positioned over a hospital bed to assist in lifting and turning a patient on a sheet. In addition to the lift mechanism, the frame has a carriage mechanism which can carry a lifted patient beyond the side or the end of the bed. The patient can also be lifted from the bed, and the patient is transported to other locations in the hospital without severe physical handling. A cart is used to bath a patient. A drain pan is placed under the patient to catch bath water and return the water to a drain water tank on the cart.
Fuller's support frame has complex design and is usually expensive. Moreover, such support frame still requires transporting patients by means of a wheel chair or a hospital cart which does not have the capability to lift and place that patient into a bathtub. Nurses still need to physically lift that patient and carry him or her over into a bathtub.
Furthermore, other transport devices such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,486 to Cassidy cannot provides nurses lifting of patients out of a wheelchair or a hospital cart and putting those patients right into the bed or bathtub without using physical handling.
Therefore what is needed is a cost-effective patient transport apparatus to and from a patient bed to a bathtub that assists nurses in lifting and carrying patients to and from a hospital bed to a bathtub. Furthermore, what is needed is a patient transport apparatus that can reach under hospital beds in order to reach to patients and lift them out of bed without physical handling from nurses. Yet, what is needed is a patient transport apparatus that can place patients right into a bathtub without physical lifting from nurses. Finally, what is needed is a patient transport apparatus that is compact and conveniently stored away without occupying a large space either in a hospital or at home.

Patient transport apparatus for transport between a patient bed and a bathtub


The bank shot guide for billiards has at least one visible marking which may be disposed on a pool cue shaft, tape measure, floor, or floor accessory adapted to be easily observable by the shooter while setting up a pool shot on a pool table. The markings can be aligned along the length of the pool cue shaft, tape measure, floor, or floor accessory at predetermined distances to provide graphical symbols that can aid a player in calculating bank angle game parameters applicable to the game table being played on. The markings are designed to represent extensions of readily observable existing diamond markings typically located on the pool table side rails. Groups of the markings may be color coded and/or rotationally separated from each other to visibly display the appropriate group of markings applicable to a particular length of pool table being used.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bank shot guide including a pool cue stick and more particularly to a bank shot guide including a pool cue stick, a floor accessory, or a tape measure, each having one or more visible markings disposed thereon which are extensions of the rail markings found on pool tables, billiard tables, carom tables, or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Games, such as billiards, pool, snooker, carom, or the like use a cue stick and are played on a table bounded by elastic rails. Such table games using a cue stick are hereinafter, referred to collectively as "billiards" or "pool". During billiards play, it is frequently necessary or desirable to direct the cue ball or an object ball into one or more rails to redirect the ball toward its intended target. When the ball directed into the rail is an object ball, the shot is known as a bank shot. When the ball directed into the rail is the cue ball, the shot is known as a kick shot.
Utilizing known principles of physics and geometry relating to particle collisions, it can be shown that a billiard ball will rebound from the rail at or near the same angle that it approaches the rail. However, the exact rebound angle is dependent upon the properties of the rail, the velocity of the ball, and any spin possessed by the ball as it strikes the rail.
Bank and kick shots, which may be referred to collectively as "bank shots", are among the most difficult billiard shots to master. Consequently, numerous techniques and devices have been devised to train or assist players in executing bank shots. One known method to determine the theoretical point along a rail to aim a bank shot is to mentally calculate and visualize the aim point based on principles of geometry. The evenly spaced markings (for example, "diamond" markings) along the rails of most billiard tables are often used to assist in these mental exercises. Such methods to date, however, have been unsuccessful when the cue ball is on a table position where sight alignment with the rail diamond is not possible due to the finite length of the table. It would be desirable to extend the alignment diamonds beyond the playing table.
Thus, a bank shot guide for billiards solving the aforementioned problems is desired.


Methods and systems for providing data manifests as a service (DMAAS) are described herein. A first computing system, may generate a first data manifest comprising a first count parameter and a first hash parameter associated with a first data exchange transaction between the first computing system and a second computing system, store the first data manifest to a blockchain data store and transfer a data payload of the first data exchange transaction. The second computing system may analyze the data payload received via the transport mechanism, generate a second data manifest including a second count parameter and a second hash parameter and store the second data manifest to the blockchain data store. A DMAAS computing system facilitates access to the blockchain data store, identifies transmission errors, and triggers acceptance of data at the second computing system upon a successful data exchange transaction.

As computer systems are increasingly utilized to provide automated and electronic services, such computer systems may obtain and maintain increasing amounts of various types of information. In many cases, enterprises may have many applications (e.g., hundreds, thousands) sharing data over the network. In many cases, these applications may be developed by multiple development groups and at different times such that any data management standards may differ between applications. As data sharing has become more common, different industry or governmental groups may audit enterprises to enforce certain data management standards. Therefore, enterprises must store a record of each data exchange transaction between the applications on their network to ensure the safety, security, and accuracy of this information. Because, in many instances, no overarching electronic data management standard may be followed by each application, a need was recognized for improved data management techniques for management of data exchange transactions in response to data contracts between a data provider and a data consumer, ensuring accuracy of data manifests corresponding to each data exchange transaction between the data provider and the data consumer in a centralized location such that the data record can be stored in an immutable format.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Two methods are described to enable the communication between two service layer entities that do not have registration relations. In the first method, service layer entities employ a retargeting table that stores the service layer entity to retarget the message in order to deliver the message to the destination. In a second method, an infrastructure node in a service provider employs a retargeting chain table that stores a chain of entities that can retarget the message to the destination.

An machine-to-machine (M2M)/Internet-of-things (IoT) service layer (SL) is a technology specifically targeted towards providing value-added services for M2M/IoT devices and applications. Recently, several industry standard bodies (e.g., oneM2M and ETSI) have been developing M2M/IoT SLs to address the challenges associated with the integration of M2M/IoT devices and applications into deployments with the Internet/Web, cellular, enterprise, and home network.
An M2M/IoT SL can provide applications and devices access to a collection of M2M/IoT oriented capabilities. A few examples include security, charging, data management, device management, discovery, provisioning, and connectivity management. These capabilities are made available to applications via APIs which make use of message formats, resource structures and resource representations supported by the M2M/IoT SL.
From a protocol stack perspective, SLs are typically situated above the Application Protocol Layer and provide value added services to applications they support. Hence, SLs are often categorized as 'middleware' services. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary service layer 102 between the Application Protocols 104 and Applications 106.
The oneM2M standards body has defined a M2M/IoT SL. The purpose of the SL is to provide "horizontal" services that can be utilized by different "vertical" M2M systems and applications, such as e-Health, fleet management, and smart homes. The architecture of the oneM2M SL, as shown in FIG. 2, defines a Common Service Entity (CSE) 202 that supports four reference points. The Mca reference point interfaces with the Application Entity (AE) 204. The Mcc reference point interfaces with another CSE 206 within the same service provider domain and the Mcc′ reference point interfaces with another CSE in a different service provider domain. The Mcn reference point interfaces with the underlying network service entity (NSE) 208. An NSE 208 provides underlying network services to the CSEs, such as device management, location services and device triggering. A CSE 202 contains multiple logical functions called "Common Service Functions (CSFs)", such as "Discovery", "Data Management & Repository". FIG. 3 illustrates the CSFs supported by oneM2M.
The oneM2M architecture enables the following types of Nodes:                Application Service Node (ASN): An ASN is a Node that contains one CSE and contains at least one Application Entity (AE). Example of physical mapping: an ASN could reside in an M2M Device.        Application Dedicated Node (ADN): An ADN is a Node that contains at least one AE and does not contain a CSE. Example of physical mapping: an Application Dedicated Node could reside in a constrained M2M Device.        Middle Node (MN): A MN is a Node that contains one CSE and contains zero or more AEs. Example of physical mapping: a MN could reside in an M2M Gateway.        Infrastructure Node (IN): An IN is a Node that contains one CSE and contains zero or more AEs. A CSE in an IN may contain CSE functions not applicable to other node types. Example of physical mapping: an IN could reside in an M2M Service Infrastructure.        Non-oneM2M Node (NoDN): A non-oneM2M Node is a Node that does not contain oneM2M Entities (neither AEs nor CSEs). Such Nodes represent devices attached to the oneM2M system for interworking purposes, including management.
The possible configurations of inter-connecting the various entities supported within the oneM2M system are illustrated in FIG. 4.
Within the Resource Oriented Architecture (ROA) of oneM2M, there is a distinction between resources hosted in the oneM2M service layer, and entities which interact with the oneM2M system. At the service layer all interactions are initiated by entities (AEs or CSEs) through a request operation, and these requests always target a resource. The response to each of these requests is always between two entities. As a consequence, within the M2M service provider domain, each resource needs to be identified by a unique resource ID, and each entity (AE and CSE) needs to be identified by a unique entity ID.
A CSE Identifier (CSE-ID) is an identifier that identifies a CSE, and is used for all interactions from/to a CSE. Service providers assign a relative CSE-ID to each CSE, which is unique within the service provider domain. The relative CSE-ID can be made globally unique by prefixing a unique M2M Service Provider ID.
An Application Entity Identifier (AE-ID) is an identifier that is used to uniquely identify "an AE resident on an M2M Node, or an AE that requests to interact with an M2M Node". In order to use the M2M services offered by the oneM2M service layer, applications must first register to a CSE. During this registration request, the application entity can either request a service provider assigned AE-ID (assigned by the IN-CSE) or a 'locally' assigned AE-ID (assigned by the CSE the application is registering with, also known as the registrar CSE). If assigned by the IN-CSE, the AE-ID is unique within the service provider domain. In such a case, the AE-ID starts with an 'S' character. In contrast, if the AE-ID is assigned by the Registrar CSE, it is only unique among all applications registered to this CSE. In such a case, the AE-ID starts with a 'C' character. Locally assigned AE-ID can be made unique within the service provider domain, by prefixing the CSE-ID of the Registrar CSE.
A Resource ID is an identifier, which most often is assigned by the CSE that is hosting the resource. The CSE may assign an unstructured ID or a structured ID. An unstructured ID is a sequence of characters that uniquely identifies the resource within the hosting CSE. In contrast, a structured ID identifies the resource within the CSE through its parent-child-relationships. It is very similar to how filenames are identified by their path, in an operating system directory structure. The resource ID can be made unique within the service provider domain, by prefixing the CSE-ID of the hosting CSE. In such a case, the ID is referred to as "Service Provider Relative Resource ID". In particular, this ID uniquely identifies the resource within the M2M service provider domain as well as the CSE where the resource is hosted. In addition, any Resource ID can be made globally unique by prefixing a unique M2M Service Provider ID. In such a case, the ID is referred to as "Absolute Resource ID". One important caveat about the M2M resource IDs is that they carry no routing information.
FIG. 5 shows an absolute resource identifier. In this example, This resource is located within the service provider domain with M2M Service Provide ID='www.m2mprovider2.com', is located within CSE with CSE-ID=CSE001, is located under resource '/AE1/', and has resource name 'cont001'. What is important, is that the resource is not located on the server with fully qualified domain name (FQDN) www.m2mprovider2.com. Rather it is located on the server hosting CSE with CSE-ID CSE001. In oneM2M, the routing information of this server is maintained in a Point of Access (PoA) attribute which provides the routable location of this CSE. Note however that the PoA may include another FQDN which denotes server hosting the CSE with CSE-ID CSE001.
An AE on an ASN, an MN or an IN performs registration locally with the corresponding CSE in order to use M2M services offered by that CSE. An AE on an ADN performs registration with the CSE on an MN or an IN in order to use M2M services offered by that CSE. An IN-AE performs registration with the corresponding CSE on an IN in order to use M2M services offered by that IN CSE.
The CSE on an ASN performs registration with the CSE in the MN in order to be able to use M2M Services offered by the CSE in the MN. As a result of successful ASN-CSE registration with the MN-CSE, the CSEs on the ASN and the MN establish a relationship allowing them to exchange information.
The CSE on an MN performs registration with the CSE of another MN in order to be able to use M2M Services offered by the CSE in the other MN. As a result of successful MN-CSE registration with the other MN-CSE, the CSEs on the MNs establish a relationship allowing them to exchange information.
The CSE on an ASN or on an MN perform registration with the CSE in the IN in order to be able to use M2M Services offered by the CSE in the IN. As a result of successful ASN/MN registration with the IN-CSE, the CSEs on ASN/MN and IN establish a relationship allowing them to exchange information.
In the above described cases, the AE or CSE performing the registration is referred to as a Registree AE or Registree CSE. The CSE on which the AE/CSE is registering is referred to as the Registrar CSE.
Following a successful registration of an AE to a CSE, the AE is able to access, assuming access privilege is granted, the resources in all the CSEs that are potential targets of request from the Registrar CSE.
The followings are some registration regulations specified in oneM2M-TS-0001 oneM2M Functional Architecture-V-2.6.0. First, an AE shall not be registered to more than one CSE (ASN-CSE, MN-CSE or IN-CSE). Second, an ASN-CSE shall be able to be registered to at most one other CSE (MN-CSE or IN-CSE). Third, an MN-CSE shall be able to be registered to at most one other CSE (MN-CSE or IN-CSE). Fourth, a concatenation (registration chain) of multiple uni-directional registrations shall not form a loop. E.g. two MN-CSEs A and B, cannot register with each other. Three MN-CSEs A, B and C, where A registers to B, and B registers to C, then C cannot register to A.
FIG. 6 illustrates a procedure for creating a <remoteCSE> resource. This procedure requires the creation of two resources: a <remoteCSE> on the Receiver CSE and a <remoteCSE> on the Originator CSE. The Originator is the registree CSE. The Receiver is the registrar CSE creating the <remoteCSE> resource initially.
In Step 001 of FIG. 6, the Originator 602 sends the CREATE Request message.
In Step 002 of FIG. 6, the Receiver 604 processes the registration request message.
In Step 003 of FIG. 6, the Receiver 604 responds with a registration Response message that contains the address/URI of the registered CSE.
In Step 004 of FIG. 6, the Originator 602, upon receipt of the CREATE response message, creates a <remoteCSE> resource locally under its <CSEBase> resource. This resource is representing the Receiver CSE. The Originator 602 provides the appropriate values to all mandatory parameters.
In Step 005 of FIG. 6, the Originator 602 may issue a RETRIEVE Request towards the Receiver (same To as for the CREATE request message) to obtain the optional parameters of the <remoteCSE> resource created at the Receiver 604 as for step 004 (e.g. labels, accessControlPolicyIDs attributes).
In Step 006 of FIG. 6, the Receiver 604 verifies that the Originator has the appropriate privileges to access the information.
In Step 007 of FIG. 6, The Receiver 604 sends a RETRIEVE response message.
In Step 008 of FIG. 6, The Originator 602 updates the created <remoteCSE> resource for the Receiver 604 with the information obtained in step 007.
The procedure for AE registration follows the message flow description depicted in FIGS. 7A-7B.
In this process, the Originator is the Registree AE. The Receiver allows the creation of the <AE> resource according to the access control policy and information in the applicable subscription profile. The Receiver derives the applicable M2M-Service-Profile-ID from the CSE-ID of the Registrar CSE.
In Step 001 of FIGS. 7A-B, optionally, in case the Registree AE intends to use a Security Association to perform the registration, a Security Association Establishment procedure is carried out first.
In Step 002 of FIGS. 7A-B, the Originator sends the information for the registration CREATE procedure with the following specific information in the CREATE Request message: From: AE-ID-Stem or NULL. In case the Registree AE has already registered successfully before, then deregistered and intends to register again with the same AE-ID-Stem value as before, the Registree AE includes that AE-ID-Stem value into the From parameter. In case the Registree AE has not registered successfully before and intends to get an M2M-SP-assigned AE-ID-Stem starting with an 'S' character assigned to itself but it does not have any specific value to suggest, it sets the From parameter to the character 'S'. In case the Registree AE intends to initiate a fresh registration and has no preference for the AE-ID-Stem value, the From parameter is set to NULL.
In Step 003 of FIGS. 7A-B, the Receiver determines whether the request to register the Registree AE meets any of the following conditions: Check if the applicable service subscription profile lists a combination of (allowed AE-ID-Stem value and allowed App-ID value) for the Credential-ID and the Registrar CSE-ID that match with the App-ID attribute in the Content parameter of the request and the AE-ID-Stem in the From parameter of the request. The applicable rules for this checking are contained in the <serviceSubscribedAppRule> resource(s) which are linked to by the ruleLinks attribute of the <m2mServiceSubscribedNode> resource(s) associated with the Registrar CSE.
In Step 004 of FIGS. 7A-B, if the From parameter of the request provides an AE-ID-Stem value, the Registrar CSE checks whether an <AE> resource with an Unstructured-CSE-relative-Resource-ID identical to the AE-ID-Stem value provided in the From parameter of the request does already exist. If so, there is still an active registration using the same AE-ID-Stem on the Registrar CSE and the Registrar CSE responds with an error.
The procedure continues with one of the following cases a)-d), details of which can be found in oneM2M-TS-0001 oneM2M Functional Architecture-V-2.6.0.
Case a) AE-ID-Stem starts with 'S' and AE does not include an AE-ID-Stem (initial registration).
Case b) AE-ID-Stem starts with 'S' and AE includes an AE-ID-Stem (re-registration).
Case c) AE-ID-Stem starts with 'C' and AE does not include an AE-ID-Stem (initial registration).
Case d) AE-ID-Stem starts with 'C' and AE includes an AE-ID-Stem (re-registration).
The oneM2M standard body has defined an announced resource scheme to facilitate resource discovery. As shown in FIG. 8, AE1 802 registers to MN-CSE1 804, MN-CSE1 804 registers to MN-CSE2 806, and MN-CSE2 806 registers to IN-CSE 808. After AE1 802 creates a resource at the MN-CSE1 804, AE1 802 may request the M2M Gateway hosting MN-CSE1 804 to announce the information to the MN-CSE2 806 and IN-CSE 808. Thus, other entities can discover the announced resource at MN-CSE2 806 and IN-CSE 808. In particular, AE1 802 sends a request to create an entry associated with MN-CSE1 804 in the announce To attribute at the original resource on MN-CSE 1 804. The MN-CSE 1 804 then sends a request to MN-CSE 2 806 to create an announced resource as shown in FIG. 9. The announced resource contains a "link" attribute, which stores the URI of the original resource. The MN-CSE 1 804 can send a request to create an announced resource at IN-CSE 808 as shown in FIG. 10.

Message retargeting in machine-to-machine service layer communications


One embodiment of the present invention determines the effect of placing an assist feature at a location in a layout. During operation, the system receives a first value which was pre-computed by convolving a model with a layout at an evaluation point, wherein the model models semiconductor manufacturing processes. Next, the system determines a second value by convolving the model with an assist feature, which is assumed to be located at a first location which is in proximity to the evaluation point. The system then determines the effect of placing an assist feature using the first value and the second value. An embodiment of the present invention can be used to determine a substantially optimal location for placing an assist feature in a layout.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor manufacturing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for quickly determining the effect of placing an assist feature at a location in the layout.
2. Related Art
Dramatic improvements in semiconductor manufacturing technologies presently make it possible to integrate tens of millions of devices onto a single chip.
Semiconductor manufacturing technologies typically include a number of processes which involve complex physical and chemical interactions. Since it is almost impossible to find exact formulae to predict the behavior of these complex interactions, researchers typically use process models which are fit to empirical data to predict the behavior of these processes. A process model can be used in a number of applications during the design of a semiconductor chip. For example, process models are commonly used for making corrections to layouts to compensate for undesirable effects of semiconductor manufacturing processes.
One of the important steps in semiconductor manufacturing involves placing assist features in a layout. Assist features (AFs) can be printing (e.g., super-resolution assist features) or non-printing (e.g., sub-resolution assist features). In either case, assist features are meant to improve the robustness (e.g., depth-of-focus) of the layout.
Prior art techniques for placing assist features typically use mask rules, which place and cleanup assist features based on combinations of feature width and spacing parameters. Such rule-based approaches can result in missed or sub-optimal placement and/or cleanup of assist features. Further, the complexity of such rules increases rapidly with shrinking features size, thereby requiring more wafer data for calibration and more effort on the part of engineers. Moreover, these rules can be overly restrictive which can prevent designers from being able to achieve the best semiconductor device performance.
Note that we may be able to determine a good location for placing an assist feature if we can quickly simulate the effect of placing an assist feature at a location in a layout. However, prior art techniques perform at least two full-fledged simulations (one without the assist feature and one with the assist feature) to determine the effect of placing the assist feature at a location.
Unfortunately, performing a full-fledged simulation of a layout can require an infeasible amount of computation (cycles and/or time). As a result, prior art simulation techniques usually cannot be used to determine a good location for placing an assist feature in a layout.
Hence, what is needed is a method and apparatus to quickly determine the effect of placing an assist feature at a location in a layout.

Method and apparatus for quickly determining the effect of placing an assist feature at a location in a layout


A digital preprocessor anti-aliasing filter system for digitally processing input data from a sensor and feeding this processed input data to a primary processor. An analog-to-digital converter is provided for sampling analog input data and converting this input data to digital signals. At least one data processing filter module is provided for receiving the digital signals and processing these signals to filter out selected undesirable frequencies and odd multiples of these frequencies. The filtered output from the filter module is at a sample rate which is substantially an integer multiple of the primary processor sample rate. Therefore, extreme attenuation is provided at these selected undesirable frequencies.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to anti-aliasing filters and more particularly to an anti-aliasing filter system which provides extreme attenuation at selected undesirable frequencies.
2. Description of the Related Art
Sampled analog sensor data presently being employed in digital control systems, such as in aerospace vehicles, will contain erroneous signal information if the sensed signal contains frequencies greater than one-half the sample rate. These erroneous signals can be injected into the sensor data via the sensed parameter or by extraneous noise sources. They can be potentially dangerous by reducing system stability, by causing control systems to track erroneous disturbance signals, or by otherwise degrading the performance of digital processors using the sensor data.


A method and apparatus for correcting misalignment between fields of view of a CT device and a NM device of a modular multimodality medical imaging system, by providing a Field Of View Calibration Matrix (FOV-CM) containing rotational and translational transformations between coordinate systems of the CT and NM systems.

The present invention relates to correcting misalignment between Computed Tomography (CT) and Nuclear Medical (NM) images in modular Nuclear Medical imaging Systems.
For loosely-coupled modular multi-modality imaging systems, such as cardiac SPECT-CT systems that share the same patient table, but do not have any common installation platform, it is necessary to calibrate the separate imaging modules so that their images may be fused or combined into a composite image that is clinically useful.

Field of view calibration for modular nuclear medical imaging system


An information display device wherein there is a base plate with information bearing face plates detachably mounted thereon by one or more spline elements that press-fit with formations on each of the opposing faces of the base and face plate. End caps are optional as are also separator strips between panels where there are a number of panels mounted on one base plate. Splines press-fit into grooves in each of the base plate and face plate. In one embodiment the spline is U-shaped receiving therein a rib on one member and projecting into a groove formed between two ribs on the other of the two plates.

Information display panels are well known and attention is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,952 issued Sep. 2, 1980 to W. Flath and Canadian Patent 1,205,288 issued Jun. 3, 1986 to C. E. Thompson. The present invention is an improvement over the construction of the sign illustrated in the latter patent '288. Disclosed in such patent is a sign consisting of two parallel mounting bars fixable to a wall and in which there are channels to receive respective ones of a pair of strips each of which has a number of projections. The projections are uniform in a repeating pattern with a center to center spacing corresponding to flanges that project rearwardly from an information bearing shallow channel sign plate. The information displaying sign plates can be snapped onto and off of the projections.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,952 discloses an information display device consisting of a base plate mounted on a backing plate and dove-tail grooves in the face of the base plate. The information display devices are in the form of blocks with a formation on the rear face that slidably fits into the dove-tail groove in the base plate.


A fluid separation device and in-line orifice mixer system is disclosed. The fluid separation device utilizes a syringe, which is used for obtaining a fluid sample such as blood, in a centrifugation device, and further utilizes the syringe as a source of a separated fluid portion for storage and transfer for subsequent applications. The syringe containing the separated portion source and a second syringe containing a second source are connected to the in-line orifice mixer device. The mixer device comprises a plurality of orifice walls each providing an orifice non-aligned with adjacent orifices to homogeneously mix the plurality of components. The mixer device may further comprise an exit orifice wall with one or more orifices for discharge of the homogeneous mixture.

The process of obtaining a biological or other fluid sample such as blood and the subsequent centrifugation process generally requires multiple steps and devices, including the transferring of the sample from the syringe used to obtain the sample to a separate centrifugation syringe. These steps increase the overall inconvenience, costs, and time necessary to perform the procedure by requiring handling by medical personnel and the sterilization and use of multiple devices. In addition, risks of contamination of the sample and/or infection of the medical personnel are increased as the amount of handling and the number of devices used are increased.
The application of the separation and mixing system described below uses, merely as an example, blood as the fluid sample. After a centrifugation process of blood, separated plasma may be mixed with a coagulation solution from another syringe into a mixer. The resulting multi-component mixture can be used as a mixed tissue adhesive for seamlessly or seam-supportingly connecting human or animal tissue or organ parts, for sealing wounds, stopping bleeding and the like. For applications such as sealing cerebrospinal fluid leakage, a very high degree of homogeneity of the multi-component mixture is desirable and often necessary due to high pressure transients. Thorough mixing of sealant components is desirable to maximize strength of the polymerized sealant. However, prior art mixers generally do not achieve a sufficient level of mixing in a fast enough time, especially where the viscosity ratio between the two components is relatively high.
A common prior art mixer is a helical mixer whose primary type of flow is a shear flow. An example of a similar method for mixing multi-part compositions is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,462 to Fischer, which utilizes the rotation of a mixer element within a syringe barrel to mix components.
After mixing the components, the mixture is then discharged from the mixer. Most prior art and commercial pressure nozzles are of the swirl-type that must first produce a centrifugal velocity on the mixture immediately prior to its being discharged from the exit orifice. The prior art helical mixer accomplishes this by forcing the mixture into a swirl chamber, sending the mixture through spiral channels, and imparting a circular motion superimposed onto the axial velocity of the mixture. Thus, a helical mixer or a separate swirling mechanism must be used to effect the swirl-type method of discharging the mixture.

Cell separation device and in-line orifice mixer system


A protective support structure for enclosing and protecting an element includes a hollow shield and at least one pivotable end. The hollow shield has a section adapted to support a portion of the element. The pivotable end engages the hollow shield. The pivotable end has an axis of rotation around which the end pivots. The pivotable end further includes a bore having a centerline axis. The bore centerline axis is offset from the axis of rotation of the pivotable end.

This invention relates in general to a structure for protectively supporting an element that extends between first and second components that are movable relative to one another. In particular, this invention relates to an improved structure for protectively supporting an electrically conductive element that extends between a body of a vehicle and a door that is slidably mounted on the body of the vehicle.
Many structures are known in the art that include first and second components that are movable relative to one another. For example, most land vehicles include a body having one or more doors supported thereon for movement relative thereto between opened and closed positions. In particular, most vans and minivans are supported on the body for sliding movement relative thereto. Such doors and sliding doors are provided to facilitate ingress into (when the door is in the opened position) and egress out of (when the door is in the closed position) an interior of the vehicle.
Frequently, it is desirable to provide an element that extends between the relatively movable components of these vehicles and other structures. In the context of a vehicle, it is often desirable to provide an electrically conductive element that extends between the body of a vehicle and a door that is slidably mounted on the body of the vehicle. The electrically conductive element supplies electrical power from a source provided within the body of the vehicle to one or more electrical accessories (such as lights, door locks, etc.) provided within the sliding door.
To protect the electrically conductive element from damage, a protective support structure is also usually provided between the relatively movable components of these vehicles and other structures. In the context of a vehicle, a typical protective support structure includes a first end that is secured to the body of the vehicle, a second end that is secured to the sliding door, and a hollow shield that extends between the first and second ends. The electrically conductive element extends through the first end, the hollow shield, and the second end so as to be protectively covered thereby during use.
A variety of such protective support structures are known in the art and have functioned in a satisfactory manner. However, it has been found that in some instances, particularly when the amount of relative movement between the components of the structure is relatively large, the protective support structure can cause bending or twisting of the enclosed electrically conductive element. In other instances, the protective support structure can rub against the enclosed electrically conductive element. Both of these instances are undesirable because they can cause wear of the electrically conductive element. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved structure for protectively supporting an element that extends between relatively movable components that avoids these problems.

Structure for protectively supporting an element that extends between relatively movable components


In order to calculate the calorimetric value of a color patch under a given viewing illuminant, a plurality of colorimetric value sets obtained by measuring the colors of color patches under a plurality of illuminants are stored in a memory, the type of spectral distribution and white point information of the viewing illuminant are obtained (S12), and a calorimetric value set corresponding to the type of spectral distribution of the viewing illuminant is selected (S13). A colorimetric value set under the viewing illuminant is calculated from the selected calorimetric value set, on the basis of the white point information of the viewing illuminant and the white point information of the illuminant of the selected colorimetric value set (S14).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a color processing apparatus which calculates a calorimetric value under a given viewing illuminant and a method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the prevalence of personal computers, a large number of people have started to use image input devices such as a digital cameras, image scanners, and the like. Opportunities have increased to input an image by an image input device, to display the image on an image display device such as a cathode-ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal panel (LCD), or the like, and to output the image using an image output device such as a printer or the like. In this case, a color matching process (gamut mapping) is necessary to correct differences in color appearance caused by differences in color gamut between the image input device, image display device, and image output device.
A color matching process is a process for associating, the colors of the respective devices with each other, based on a device profile which describes color reproducing characteristic data of the respective devices subject to color matching. For example, in case of a printer, color reproducing characteristic data is data obtained by measuring the color of a color patch output by the printer.
A color matching process can absorb differences in color appearance between devices. However, when an illuminant (to be referred to as a viewing illuminant, hereinafter) under which an image is viewed is different from an illuminant (to be referred to as a colorimetric illuminant, hereinafter) upon color measurement for obtaining color reproducing characteristic data, colors cannot be matched. In other words, colorimetric measurement needs to be done under a viewing illuminant to obtain color reproducing characteristic data to be described in a device profile.
As a method of obtaining a colorimetric value under a viewing illuminant, for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-218266 is available. This technique measures a color patch output by a device subject to color matching by using a spectrophotometer, and measures a viewing illuminant by using a spectral radiance meter. Then, a tristimulus value of CIEXYZ is calculated from the spectral reflectance of the color patch and the spectral radiance of the viewing illuminant, and is described in a device profile.
According to this technique, a colorimetric value under a viewing illuminant can be accurately calculated. However, the size of spectral reflectance data of color patches is too large to hold in a memory, device profile, or the like.


An arrangement for extracting and processing image data to form an array of re-scaled pixel data, this arrangement being part of a Normalizer/Scaler stage in an image lift/processing system, and including: a scaler for storing N different selectible scaling algorithms; a scaler-output; an input for receiving scanned lines of pixel data and feeding it sequentially line-by-line, pixel-by-pixel to the scaler, the input including "scale factors" for selecting an algorithm; while the scaler includes a mapping stage for executing a two-dimensional mapping of adjacent pixel values and adjacent scanline values; this arrangement also including a command store for storing scaling algorithms, with a command register input for the scale factors. Preferably the scaler also includes a First ROM for storing pixel values at prescribed addresses; a Second ROM for similarly storing previous pixel values, being input in parallel with the First ROM; a Latch to which the ROMs are output; and a pixel Counter reset with each new scan line; with a "current pixel" value input to a prescribed address in the First ROM, along with a "pixel count" number from the Counter, plus an associated scale factor; with an Adder interposed between the ROMs and the Latch to execute addition mapping.

Workers are aware of certain techniques for "scaling" image data. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,398 to Klein, et al. (assigned in common herewith; issued Apr. 19, 1994) teaches a scaling processor to change the size of a captured image (digital electronic representation), with associated input means to indicate image size, pixel data, etc. (FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A are taken from U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,398). Here, FIG. 1A shows an image processor 24 arranged to include a random access storage memory (RAM) 50, a 5.times.5.times.8 bit shift register window assembly 52, a document height detection subprocessor 54, an input/output controller, a normalization subprocessor 58, a background suppression subprocessor 60, a spot/void subprocessor 62, and a scaling subprocessor 64.
Specifically, the document height detection subprocessor 54 is coupled to the input/output controller 56 by signals on bus 66 and is further coupled to the storage RAM 50 and to window shift register window assembly by signals on bus 68. The input/output controller is coupled to the storage RAM 50 and to the shift window assembly 52 by signals on bus 70 while also being coupled to the subprocessors 58, 60, 62, and 64 by signals on bus 72.
The shift register window assembly is additionally coupled to storage RAM 50 by signals on bus 74 and is coupled to each of the subprocessors 58, 60, 62, and 64 by signals on bus 76. Additionally, the subprocessors 58, 60, 62, and 64 are coupled together by signals on bus 78 which represents a functional output associated therewith, while the document height detection subprocessor 54 produces a document height output on bus 80.
Input video data is coupled to the storage RAM 50 and to the input/output controller by signals on bus 82 while the input/output controller further has an input bus 84 which is coupled thereto and which contains externally placed parameter data and command inputs which may emanate from a host computer 28.
Image Processor 24 feeds an Image Storage Module, which is controlled by input from the document processor (e.g., a check sorter) and by associated Host Computer 28.
Generally, the normalization subprocessor 58 is used to correct image data defects associated with such things as a non-uniform photo-cell responsiveness of the camera system 11 or non-uniform document illumination across a segment of a document being scanned during the acquisition of input video data which is placed upon bus 82 by system 11.
The background suppression subprocessor 60 is used to eliminate unwanted scenic or patterned background information from the image of a scanned document, while retaining printed and written information with the image associated with signals on the bus 82. The background suppression subprocessor 60 provides for uniform background, increased image contrast, and increased image uniformity associated with the video data placed upon bus 82. The spot/void filtering subprocessor 62 is used to eliminate small white and dark anomalies which adversely affect the quality and compressibility of the image represented by signals on the bus 82, while the scaling subprocessor 64 allows the image to be scaled relative to the resolution of the image by using one of a plurality of algorithms. The document height detection subprocessor 54 finds the highest and lowest points of transition from the image of the document to the image of the background thusly finding or identifying the overall height of the document whose image is represented by signals on bus 82.
The input/output controller is used to receive externally placed commands and parameter data associated with the processing of the preprocessors 58, 60, 62, and 64 and is further used in the normalization function to allow a remotely located controller (i.e., host computer 28) to sample the input video signals upon the bus 82. The input/output controller, by means of signals on bus 72, selects one of the subprocessors 58, 60, 62, or 64 to be activated in response to external command inputs upon bus 84.
The shift register window assembly 52 is used as a repository for image pixel data and is used in the performance of the various functions associated with subprocessors 58, 60, 62, or 64. In a preferred version shift register window assembly 52 has a dimension of 5.times.5.times.8 bits, since each of the pixels associated with the video image upon the bus 82 is up to eight bits in length, and since the operations associated with the subprocessors 58, 60, 62, and 64 are performed upon a 5.times.5 pixel array.
FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the scaling subprocessor block 24 shown generally in FIG. 1A. Here, the scaling subprocessor block 64, which is used to modify the resolution of the image (i.e., by changing its dimension), contains a scanline counter 772 and a scaling processor 774. The counter 772 is coupled to an end-of-scan signal on bus 108 and generates a single count for every "end-of-scan" pulse that appears on bus 108, thereby producing (on bus 776) a running identification of the columns associated with the acquired image. Bus 776 is coupled to an input of scaling processor 774. Additionally, the scaling processor 774 is coupled to row count signals on bus 104 and to bus 76. Processor 774 uses the row counts, on bus 104, and column counts, on bus 776 to correctly place the position of each of the pixels within the acquired image. The scaling processor 774 (which may be located off the image processing chip) uses the column count and row count associated with signals on busses 776 and 104, respectively, to produce a scaled output.
Referring now to FIG. 3A, there is shown a flowchart 800 which details the operation of the scaling processor 774 which, in this embodiment, is microprocessor based. The initial step 802, of flowchart 800, is followed by step 804 which requires the scaling processor 774 to acquire the row and column counts of buses 776 and 104 respectively. Step 806 follows step 804 and requires the scaling processor 774 to select pixels of data from the RAM and shift window register assembly 50, 52, by bus 76, wherein these pixels are selected based upon the row in column counts on the buses 776 and 104 respectively.
Step 808 follows step 806 in which the scaling processor 774 processes the acquired pixels in a scaling usual manner and then outputs the processed data onto bus 809 (FIG. 2A) to an output multiplexer 148. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the scaled output value associated with step 808 is a typical median scaled value of the selected pixels. This is proven to retain edge features better than standard averaging techniques. Step 808 is followed by step 804. This is, three columns (i.e., 440, 442, and 444) of pixels and three rows (i.e., 450, 452, and 454) are processed by processor 774 at any instant of time. Processor 774 then discards the center pixel 458 and defines four quadrants as being defined by pixels "P.sub.42 ", "P.sub.32 ", and "P.sub.43 "; "P.sub.22 ", "P.sub.32 ", and "P.sub.23 "; "P.sub.23 ", "P.sub.24 ", and "P.sub.34 "; and "P.sub.43 ", "P.sub.44 ", and "P.sub.34 " respectively. Each quadrant is then assigned a single gray-scale value defined as the median of the gray-scale value of the pixels within each quadrant. Processor 774 then outputs one gray-scale value per quadrant at a time. This median scaling technique has proven to yield substantially sharper images than many prior scaling techniques.
The foregoing may be understood as a "scaling-down" processor for receiving a first plurality of pixels associated with image data, each of these pixels having a gray-scale value associated therewith. This scaling processor comprises:
(a) input means for receiving the first plurality of pixels and for arranging these pixels into a first matrix; and
(b) processor means, coupled to this input means, for creating a second matrix by deleting a center pixel of said first matrix and thereafter for creating a second plurality of pixels to be contained within this second matrix.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,398 may also be understood as teaching an image processing device for use with an array of pixel data arranged in rows and columns and corresponding to an image, this device comprising:
first input means for receiving scanned lines of pixel data;
second input means for receiving a signal indicating an "end of a scan line" from an image sensor that generated the pixel data;
memory means for storing the pixel data in a first matrix;
address generator means for generating an address for each pixel in a scan line;
counter means for identifying each of said end of scan line signals;
output means for providing information regarding each of said scanned lines of pixel data, each of said generated addresses, and said first matrix of pixel data; and
scaling processor means coupled to the output means and operative to create a plurality of sub-matrices from the first matrix of pixel data, each said submatrix being centered about a center pixel, and to generate a second matrix of pixel data smaller than the first matrix by combining pixels in each of the plurality of sub-matrices in a predetermined manner to scale-down the image, this combination of pixels excluding the center pixel of each sub-matrix.


A new cultivar of Viburnum plicata plant named ‘JWW 5’ that is characterized by its dense and distinct upright plant habit, its sterile flowers that blushed pink in color, its young stems that are red in color, and its well-developed fruits that are large, glossy and red in color.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Viburnum plicatum. The new Viburnum will hereafter by its cultivar name, 'JWW 5'. 'JWW 5' is a new cultivar of deciduous shrub grown for use as an ornamental landscape plant.
The new cultivar is the result of a controlled breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Hazerswoude-Dorp, The Netherlands. The objective of the breeding program was to develop a new cultivar of Viburnum plicatum that is pink flowering with an upright plant habit.
The new cultivar arose from a cross made by the Inventor in Barmstedt, Germany in spring of 2009 between Viburnum plicatum 'JWW1' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,326) as the female parent and Viburnum plicatum 'Pink Beauty' (not patented) as the male parent. The Inventor selected 'HJWW5' as a single unique plant amongst the seedlings that resulted from the above cross in spring of 2011.
Asexual propagation of the new cultivar was first accomplished by the Inventor using softwood stem cuttings in June of 2011 in Hazerswoude-Dorp, The Netherlands. Asexual propagation by softwood stem cuttings has determined that the characteristics of the new cultivar are stable and are reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A thin-type display including: a panel main body having a panel, a frame for accommodating the panel and a transmission interface for receiving signals; a movable bracket having a connecting section fixedly connectable to the back of the panel main body and a fixing section pivotally connected with the connecting section; and a support arm composed of a jacket, a slide member, a leaf spring assembly and a sleeve. The movable bracket is disposed at an upper end of the support arm. A lower end of the support arm is connected with a base. The back face of the frame of the panel main body is formed with a downward extending recessed section. The connecting section of the movable bracket is connected with the panel main body at lower end of the recessed section distal from the transmission interface arranged on the top face of the recessed section.

The present invention is related to an improved thin-type display in which the posit-ion relationship between the support arm and the panel main body is such changed as to facilitate the installation of the transmission interface. The transmission interface and the support arm will not interfere with each other. In addition, the height of the panel main body is adjustable to shade the support arm and the exposed transmission lines.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional thin-type display including a panel 10, a connecting section 20, a support arm 30 and a base 40 for supporting the panel 10. The connecting section 20 is arranged at the center of the back face of the panel 10 and pivotally connected with the head end of the support arm 30. The support arm 30 substantially upright stands on the base 40.
In the conventional thin-type display, the transmission interface 50 is arranged in a receptacle at the center of the back face of the panel 10. Multiple transmission lines 60 are connected to the transmission interface 50. The support arm 30 shades the transmission interface 50 and forms an obstacle to the installation of the transmission lines 60.
FIG. 2 shows another type of conventional display for overcoming the above problem. The connecting section 20 is arranged at the bottom of the back face of the panel 10 and pivotally connected with the support arm 30. Accordingly, the connecting section 20 and the support arm 30 will not shade the transmission interface 50 and form an obstacle to the installation of the transmission lines 60. However, when adjusting the elevation of the panel 10, the exposed parts of the transmission lines 60 cannot be shaded by the support arm 30. This leads to a poor appearance.


An open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening provided in the roof of the vehicle which can be closed by means of a foldable assembly. A flow-influencing panel is pivotable outwardly from a position substantially in line with the roof towards an inclined position and which panel, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is positioned at a leading end of the roof opening. The panel, in a position in line with the roof, and the closure assembly, in a position closing the roof opening, mutually overlap.

The invention relates to an open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening provided in the roof of the vehicle which can be closed by means of a foldable closure assembly. The open roof construction has a flow-influencing panel which is pivotable outwardly from a position substantially in line with the roof towards an inclined position. The panel, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (front to back), is positioned at the leading end of the roof opening.
Vehicles having an open roof construction of this type, with a foldable closure assembly, are extremely prone to incident wind in an opened roof opening. Annoying noises, such as a low frequency vibration, are the result. In an attempt to counteract such problems, a flow-influencing panel (wind deflector) is provided which is located at the leading edge of the roof opening. When the closure assembly is in its open position the panel is pivoted outwardly towards an inclined position, in which the flow at the upper side of the roof is diverted upwardly, such as to prevent, or at least minimize, undesired incident wind in the opened roof opening.
Known open roof constructions of this type are already disclosed in, among others, German patent applications 3816977 and 3828062. These known constructions however require a complicated motion mechanism, whereas the efficiency of the flow-influencing panel leaves much to be desired. Further, the sealing of the closure assembly is difficult.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an open roof construction of this type of which the operation is further optimized.
Thus, the open roof construction or assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the panel in its position in line with the roof, and the closure assembly in its position closing the roof opening mutually overlap.
Due to an overlap between the panel and the closure assembly, it is possible to provide the panel with a large dimension, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, whereas further the closure assembly can be provided with a large dimension as seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The large dimension of the closure assembly results in a large roof opening, whereas the large dimension of the panel nevertheless provides an optimal influencing of the flow, such that incident wind in the large roof opening is prevented or reduced to a minimum.
In a preferred embodiment of the open roof construction, the closure assembly has an upper side with a recess for receiving the panel. The recess is dimensioned such that in the overlapping position the outer faces of the panel and the closure assembly substantially are positioned in line.
As a result of this embodiment, a smooth outer face is obtained in the overlapping position (that is the closed position of the roof opening in which the panel is positioned in line with the roof and in which the closure assembly closes the roof opening), leading to a minimized flow resistance. Moreover this promotes the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle with a closed roof opening.
Further, there is an embodiment of the open roof construction according to the invention, in which the closure assembly, in its position closing the roof opening, with its leading edge sealingly engages a stationary part of the roof opening rim.
Of course such a stationary part of the roof opening rim is very rigid, such that the closure assembly may engage it firmly. This results in a proper seal. Moreover, such a seal between the leading edge of the closure assembly and a stationary part of the roof opening rim ensures that the closure assembly only has to move horizontally to reach the closed position. As a result, the total power of a driving element (electric motor or alike) providing the motion of the closure assembly can be used for this horizontal motion, and the seal can be realized in a firm manner. In known open roof constructions, mostly a combination of a horizontal and vertical motion of the closure assembly is applied, such that the power of the driving element has to be divided among both motions and, necessarily, engaging forces between the closure assembly and a surrounding stationary part of the open roof construction are limited. This leads to adverse consequences for the quality of the seal between the mentioned parts.
Further, it is possible that the panel and the closure assembly mutually engage by means of a seal. As a result, sealing of the roof opening is further enhanced. Moreover, this reduces the noise of wind.
In a further embodiment of the open roof construction, the panel is pivotable around a stationary pivot axis. In this aspect, the stationary pivot axis is positioned proximate the leading roof opening edge. In such a case, the panel may be a wind deflector.
Further, it is possible that the closure assembly in the area of its leading edge can be provided with closable ventilation openings. When the panel is pivoted outwardly, behind of it (that is, at the ventilation openings) a negative pressure is created enhancing the ventilation through these ventilation openings.
It is possible that these ventilation openings can be closable by the panel when the latter is positioned in line with the roof.
The scope of the invention further includes an open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening provided in the roof of the vehicle which can be closed by a foldable closure assembly. An area of a leading edge of the foldable closure assembly is provided with closable ventilation openings.
In this aspect it again is possible that the ventilation openings are closable by a panel which at the leading edge of the roof opening is pivotable between a position in which it substantially is positioned in line with the roof while closing the ventilation openings, and a position in which it is inclined relative to the roof.


The present invention relates to an arrangement and a method for amplifying high frequency RF signals having amplitude and phase variations. The objective problem of the present invention is to provide an efficient power amplifier for amplifying high frequency RF signals. The object is achieved by introducing a Signal Conditioning Device (SCD) that converts baseband signals SI and SQ into tri-states signals STI, STQ. The tri-states signals STI, STQ are time multiplexed, which results in that a single power amplifier can be used to amplify the signal on the In-phase (I) channel and the signal on the Quadrature (Q) channel. Hence, the present invention does not require a power combiner.

High efficient Radio Frequency (RF) power amplifiers are critical components in modern radio communications systems. With worldwide increasing use of radio communications means, the energy consumption of very large number of radio base stations deployed becomes significant, which not only increases the cost for radio network operators, but also causes environment problems.
During the past, numbers of highly efficient power amplifiers have been proposed in literature. In particular, the switching mode power amplifier, such as class D, class E, class S, etc., have received the increasing attention for their possible applications in both radio receivers and radio base stations due to their very high efficiency. However, these types of switching-mode power amplifiers are highly non-linear. Special circuit architecture, such as, LInear amplification using Non-linear Components (LINC) technique, are usually required for their use in highly linear RF power amplifier applications. Although recent ideas of applying digitally, sigma-delta, modulated signals directly to switching-mode power amplifiers are promising. The operating frequency of these switching mode power amplifiers is, however, so far limited and not ready to be used in current radio transmitters with GHz carrier wave frequencies. The problem is that the high efficiency of these power amplifiers cannot be maintained due to the upper frequency limit of available RF power transistors and their intrinsic Ohmic losses with the current semiconductor technology.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,395 two NLPAs 104,106 are used to amplify constant envelope RF signals directly after the mixers 108, 110 for both the I and Q branches, as shown in FIG. 1. The I and Q baseband signals SI, SQ are converted into a bi-state (+1, −1) pulse train using a delta coder 112, 114. This will generate a constant envelope PSK modulated RF signal alter mixing with the Local Oscillator (LO) 116. However, a high level RF power combiner 102 used in the approach shown in this document may cause power lass (e.g., 3 dB loss), which win significantly reduce the total power efficiency of the linear amplification by Sampling Technique (LIST) as described in the document.
A drawback with the power amplifier disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,395, is that the power combiner 102 causes power loss as described above and hence degrade the efficiency.

Method and arrangement for a power amplifier