Disclosed are photometric methods and devices for determining optical pathlength of liquid samples containing analytes dissolved or suspended in a solvent. The methods and devices rely on determining a relationship between the light absorption properties of the solvent and the optical pathlength of liquid samples containing the solvent. This relationship is used to establish the optical pathlength for samples containing an unknown concentration of analyte but having similar solvent composition. Further disclosed are methods and devices for determining the concentration of analyte in such samples where both the optical pathlength and the concentration of analyte are unknown. The methods and devices rely on separately determining, at different wavelengths of light, light absorption by the solvent and light absorption by the analyte. Light absorption by the analyte, together with the optical pathlength so determined, is used to calculate the concentration of the analyte. Devices for carrying out the methods particularly advantageously include vertical-beam photometers containing samples disposed within the wells of multi-assay plates, wherein the photometer is able to monitor light absorption of each sample at multiple wavelengths, including in the visible or UV-visible region of the spectrum, as well as in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Novel photometer devices are described which automatically determine the concentration of analytes in such multi-assay plates directly without employing a standard curve.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of photometry. In particular, the invention relates to spectrophotometric methods and apparatus capable of determining the light absorption pathlength for various samples to be analyzed with a spectrophotometer.
2. Description of the Related Art
The problem of an undefined light absorption pathlength in vertical-beam photometers has existed since the advent of vertical-beam photometers, i.e., for over 20 years. Substantial errors in determination by vertical-beam photometry of either relative optical pathlength or the concentration of analytes in a solvent contained in a sample-retaining device of unknown optical pathlength by prior art methods occur because of 1) substantial variation in solvent temperature, 2) substantial variation in the solvent composition, 3) substantial presence of materials in the samples which absorb light in the wavelength region where the optical pathlength of the solvent is being monitored and 4) optical aberrations which occur upon passing analysis light though the variable curved meniscus of samples having a liquid-gas interface.
Photometry is a common measurement technique employed to monitor optical characteristics of samples. Customarily, samples contain an analyte species dissolved in a solvent at an unknown concentration. The concentration of the analyte in a sample may be determined by using a photometric device to measure the fraction of light absorbed by the sample at a specific wavelength (xcex). The value of xcex is usually chosen to be near the wavelength of light where the analyte absorbs maximally. According to the Beer-Lambert law, equation 1, absorbance is determined as follows:                               Absorbance                                xe2x80x83                                          (                          A              λ                        )                          =                              log                                      xe2x80x83                                                                  I                o                            I                                =                                    ϵ              λ                        ·            l            ·            C                                              (        1        )
where Io is the incident radiation intensity, I is the intensity of light emerging from the sample, xcex5xcex is the molar extinction coefficient of the analyte dissolved in the solvent, 1 is the light absorption pathlength, and C is the concentration of absorbing analyte in the solvent. The value of I customarily is measured with a photometric apparatus, such as a photometer or spectrophotometer, equipped with a fixed light path sample-retaining device called a cuvette, such as a 1 cm light absorption pathlength cuvette. The sample-retaining device contains a sample comprised of analyte dissolved in a solvent. The value of Io is ordinarily measured with the same system (photometric apparatus, sample-retaining device and solvent except that no analyte is present in the solvent. Alternatively, Io may be measured in the absence of both the sample and the sample-retaining device (this value of Io is called an xe2x80x9cair blankxe2x80x9d). When an xe2x80x9cair blankxe2x80x9d is employed, a separate Axcex measurement of the solvent and sample-retaining device gives a xe2x80x9csolvent blankxe2x80x9d absorbance value. A xe2x80x9ccorrected absorbancexe2x80x9d value related to absorbance of the analyte is then obtained by subtracting the xe2x80x9csolvent blankxe2x80x9d from each absorbance measurement made on the samples comprised of analyte dissolved in solvent and contained in the sample-retaining device. These two alternative procedures and combinations thereof give mathematically equivalent results. Absorbance measurements made by either procedure allows unknown concentrations of the analyte to be determined by calculation according to Eq. 1, provided that xcex5xcex and l are known.
A spectrophotometer is a photometric apparatus which employs an adjustable means to re-select a desired portion of the electromagnetic spectrum as incident radiation. Usually spectrophotometers employ a monochrometer having a dispersive means, such as a prism or diffraction-grating, to provide continuously selectable, narrow, bands of light centered about the desired wavelength xcex. Most conventional photometers and spectrophotometers employ a horizontal light beam that traverses the liquid sample so as to avoid passing through a liquid-gas interface that is typically above the sample. With such horizontal-beam photometers, the geometry and optical pathlength within the sample is fixed for any given cuvette. Cuvettes for visible and ultraviolet light absorption measurements customarily have a 1 cm pathlength. Cuvettes with pathlengths between 0.1 cm and 10 cm are also common, however. With any such fixed pathlength cuvette in a horizontal-beam photometers, unknown concentrations C of the analytes may be calculated from absorbance measurements provided that the values of xcex5xcex and l are known.
When either xcex5xcex and l is not known, values of C may be determined readily by employing known concentrations of the analyte dissolved in the same solvent (i.e., xe2x80x9cstandardsxe2x80x9d) i.e., and performing similar light-absorbance measurements on unknown concentrations of analyte dissolved in the same solvent and on the standards. The most common procedure comprises plotting Axcex versus concentration of analyte in the standards (i.e., a xe2x80x9cstandard curvexe2x80x9d) and then comparing the results obtained with the unknown concentrations of analyte to the standard curve. This procedure allows determination of the unknown concentrations of analyte from the xe2x80x9cstandard curvexe2x80x9d.
Vertical-beam photometers also measure light absorption in order to determine the unknown concentrations of analyte in samples. In vertical-beam, photometers, however, the light beam usually passes only through one wall of the sample-retaining device, through the sample, and then through the interface between the sample a surrounding gas atmosphere (which is usually air). The latter liquid-gas interface, the meniscus, is usually curved, the specific shape depending upon the interactions between the liquid sample and the gas and the side-walls of the sample retaining device. Depending upon the design of a particular vertical-beam photometer, the light beam may traverse the meniscus either before or after passing through the sample. In either case, the optical pathlength through the sample is not a constant value. Instead, the optical pathlength is related to the sample volume and the meniscus shape. The nature of the sample, the sample-retaining device surfaces, and gas each contributes to the shape of the meniscus, quantitatively affecting the optical pathlength through the sample. Thus, in vertical beam photometers, the value of l in Eq. 1 usually is unknown and is difficult to control reproducibly.
Vertical-beam photometry has become a popular technique despite the disadvantage of not having a fixed optical pathlength through the sample. This popularity stems from the fact that the optical characteristics of a large multiplicity of samples may be analyzed with a vertical-beam photometer in a small period of time. Typically, vertical-beam photometers monitor the optical characteristics of samples disposed in the wells of, for example, 96 well multi-assay plates. The optical characteristics, such as light absorption or light scattering, of the samples contained within each well of such multi-assay plates may be monitored, typically, in 10 seconds or less, and generally in one minute or less. Vertical-beam photometers also allow repetitive measurements of such a multiplicity of samples to be made typically with intervals of 10 seconds or less (and generally in one minute or less) between each of a series of measurements. In such a way the kinetic properties, such as the rate of change in absorbance, of a plurality of samples may be monitored in a very short time.
In vertical-beam photometry of the prior art, an approximated constant value of l is used for standards and unknowns. Concentrations of unknown analytes are determined, often with acceptable precision, by plotting xe2x80x9cstandard curvesxe2x80x9d using the approximated value of l and comparing the absorbance results obtained with unknown concentrations of analyte to the standard curve, as mentioned previously.
The fact that a value of C may not be calculated directly from Eq. 1, but instead must be determined from a standard curve constructed for each analytical measurement, severely hinders the ability of vertical-beam photometric techniques. The additional time and expense required for preparing such standard curves for each analysis is often an onerous disadvantage to vertical-beam photometry. Thus, convenient, accurate, and precise methods and apparatus for determining optical pathlength of samples in vertical-beam photometers would be of great utility.
Japanese Kokai Patent Application number Sho58[19831]-1679Y2 discloses that the unknown optical pathlength of vessels may be determined by dispensing a colored solution, with a known relationship between optical pathlength and color absorbance, into the vessels and determining the color absorbance of this solution. A similar method is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,978, issued Mar. 29, 1994.
Additionally Japanese Kokai Patent Application numbers Sho60[1985]-183560 and Sho 61[1986]-82145 disclose methods of determining relative optical pathlength of aqueous samples within different reactor vessels (contained in a common reactor) by measuring the optical density of the samples at two different wavelengths in the near-infrared wavelength region from 900 to 2100 nanometers. With clear quartz reaction vessels, the reference teaches that (A975xe2x88x92A900), (A1195xe2x88x92A1070), or (A1260xe2x88x92A1070) may be used to determine the relative optical pathlength through aqueous samples. For reactors made of synthetic acryl resins, where the resin has interfering absorption bands, the prior art teaches that (A970xe2x88x92A1070) or (A1280xe2x88x92A1070) may be used to determine relative optical pathlength of the samples. Once relative optical pathlength is known for each of the vessels of the reactor, then optical density values of analyte (measured at a third wavelength) may be normalized for variation in optical pathlength to obtain the relative concentration of analyte in each reactor vessel. Employing vessels with known concentrations of analyte allows one to determine the absolute concentrations of analyte within other vessels.
There also exists need for methods and apparatus that may be utilized with samples that are dissolved in a variety of different solvents or in mixtures of different solvents. Because analytes are extremely diverse and may have diverse light-absorption properties, there exists no apparatus capable of determining concentration and optical pathlength of any analyte dissolved in various solvents or mixtures of solvents. Further complicating this situation is the extreme variability of concentrations of analytes from one sample to the next.
The instant invention provides a solution to the problem of undefined light absorbance pathlength in vertical-beam photometers. The invention provides methods and devices that are convenient to employ and that require minimal additional measurement apparatus. Thus, the cost associated with making such measurement is kept to a minimum.
The invention further provides methods and apparatus for determining optical pathlength and sample concentration that furnish accurate and reproducible results. The results, determined by using the invention in vertical-beam photometers, are essentially interchangeable and indistinguishable from those obtained in horizontal-beam photometry.
The invention also provides methods and apparatus for determining optical pathlengths between 1 millimeter and 1 centimeter in aqueous samples within vertical-beam photometers. The inventive methods and apparatus may be utilized with samples that are dissolved in a variety of different solvents or in mixtures of different solvents.
Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, optical pathlength is determined in vertical-beam photometers by analyzing an optical property of the sample solvent which is dependent upon optical pathlength but independent of all relevant concentrations of all analytes which may possibly be contained within a sample solvent.
In one aspect, the invention provides multi-channel photometric analysis devices for determining optical characteristics of analytes in sets of liquid-containing samples having unknown optical pathlengths. These devices comprise
a. a first sample holder for holding the sets of liquid-containing samples in one or more substantially vertical optical channels;
b. a means for positioning the sets of samples in the optical channels;
c. a light source means, a wavelength selection means, and a light distribution means which cooperate to transmit light substantially vertically through the samples, wherein the light comprises a first calibration wavelength, a second calibration wavelength and an analyte-measuring wavelength, wherein the first and second calibration wavelengths are different and within the near infrared wavelength region of from 750 to 2500 nanometers and provide characteristic light signal values for each liquid sample, wherein there exists a predetermined relationship between the light signal values and the optical pathlength through the samples and wherein the analyte-measuring wavelength provides a characteristic analyte light signal value related to the concentration of analyte present in each sample;
d. a detector for determining measured light signal values from light transmitted through each sample at the first and second calibration wavelengths and the analyte-measuring wavelength;
e. a means for determining a measured relationship between the light signal values;
f. a means for determining from the measured relationship and the predetermined relationship a correction factor related to the optical pathlength through each sample;
g. a means for determining from the correction factor and the analyte light signal value, a ratio relating the analyte signal value to the optical pathlength in each of the samples.
The invention also encompasses vertical-beam photometric devices for measuring the rate of change in optical characteristics of samples contained in sample sites disposed on an assay plate, the device comprising:
a wavelength selection means for selecting a first wavelength band of light from a first wavelength range ad for selecting a second and a third wavelength bands of light from within a second wavelength range;
a sample-retaining means for retaining one, or more, samples, and
a light-transmitting means for transmitting the light from the light source to the wavelength selection means and through the one, or more, sample;
a photodetector means for detecting the first, second and third bands of light transmitted through a selected sample, and for providing a first, a second and a third signal in respective relationship to the first, second and third bands of light so transmitted;
a means for determining the optical pathlength of the first band of light transmitted through the selected sample from the difference of the second and third signals; and
a means for relating the first signal to the optical pathlength so determined so as to determine and automatically indicate optical parameters including either the absorbance or the fraction of incident light transmitted through the selected sample per unit optical pathlength of the selected sample
and additionally a means for kinetic analysis of the signal of the photodetector means relating to the selected site so as to determine the rate of change of the optical parameters.
In another aspect, the invention provides multi-channel photometric analysis devices for determining optical characteristics of analytes in sets of liquid-containing samples having unknown optical pathlengths. In this aspect, the devices comprise:
a. a first sample holder for holding the sets of liquid-containing samples in one or more substantially vertical optical channels;
b. a means for positioning the sets of samples in the optical channels;
c. a light source means, a wavelength selection means, and a light distribution means which cooperate to transmit light substantially vertically through the samples, wherein the light comprises a first calibration wavelength and a second calibration wavelength, wherein the first and second calibration wavelengths are different and within the near infrared wavelength region of from 750 to 2500 nanometers and provide characteristic light signal values for each liquid sample, wherein there exists a predetermined relationship between the light signal values and the optical pathlength through the samples;
d. a detector for determining measured light signal values from light transmitted through each sample at the first and second calibration wavelengths;
e. a means for determining a measured relationship between the light signal values;
f. a means for determining from the measured relationship and the predetermined relationship a correction factor related to the optical pathlength through each sample;
g. a means for determining from the correction factor the optical pathlength in each of the samples.
In another aspect, the invention provides methods for determining the vertical optical pathlength through a liquid-containing sample comprising
a. placing the liquid-containing sample in a sample holder which provides a substantially vertical light path through the sample, said vertical light path having an unknown optical pathlength through the sample;
b. transmitting light through the sample along the vertical light path, the light comprising a first calibration wavelength and a second calibration wavelength,
the first calibration wavelength and the second calibration wavelength having different near infrared wavelengths within the range of from 750 nanometers to 2500 nanometers to provide two characteristic light signal values for the liquid with a predetermined relationship between the values and the vertical optical pathlength through the sample;
c. determining measured light signal values at the first calibration wavelength and at the second calibration wavelength;
d. determining from the measured light signal values, and the predetermined relationship, the vertical optical light path pathlength through the sample.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides methods for determining the amount of analyte in a liquid-containing sample comprising
a. placing the liquid-containing sample in a sample holder which provides an unknown, substantially vertical, optical light path through the sample;
b. transmitting light through the sample along the vertical light path, the light comprising a first calibration wavelength, a second calibration wavelength, and an analyte-measuring wavelength,
the first calibration wavelength and the second calibration wavelength having different near infrared wavelengths within the range of from 750 nanometers to 2500 nanometers to provide two characteristic light signal values for the liquid with a predetermined relationship between the values and the vertical optical pathlength through the sample;
and the analyte-measuring wavelength providing a characteristic analyte light signal value related to the quantity of analyte present in the vertical optical light path;
c. determining measured light signal values at the first calibration wavelength, the second calibration wavelength and at the analyte-measuring wavelength, said measured light signal values resulting from the passage of the light through the sample;
d. determining a measured relationship between the measured light signal values at the first and second calibration wavelengths;
e. determining from the measured relationship and the predetermined relationship a correction factor related to the pathlength of the vertical light path through the sample;
f. determining from the correction factor and the measured light signal value at the analyte-measuring wavelength the amount of analyte in the sample.
In a further aspect, the invention provides photometric analysis systems for determining the vertical optical pathlength through a liquid-containing sample comprising
a. a sample holder into which the liquid-containing sample is placed and which provides a vertical light path through the sample where the vertical optical light path is unknown;
b. a light source which transmits light through the sample along the vertical light path, the light comprising a first calibration wavelength and a second calibration wavelength wherein
the first and second calibration wavelengths are different and within the near infrared wavelength region of from 750 to 2500 nanometers and provide two characteristic light signal values for the liquid with a predetermined relationship between the values and the vertical optical pathlength through the liquid;
c. a detector for determining measured light signal values at the first and second calibration wavelengths,
d. means for determining a measured relationship between the measured light signal values at the first and second calibration wavelengths; and
e. means for determining the vertical optical pathlength through the sample from the measured relationship.
In still another aspect, the invention provides a photometric analysis system for determining the amount of an analyte in a liquid-containing sample the system comprising
a. a sample holder into which the liquid-containing sample is placed and which provides a vertical light path through the sample where the vertical optical light path is unknown; and
b. a light source which transmits light through the sample along the vertical light path, the light comprising a first calibration wavelength, a second calibration wavelength and an analyte-measuring wavelength, wherein
the first and second calibration wavelengths are different and are within the near infrared wavelength region of from 750 to 2500 nanometers and provide two characteristic light signal values for the liquid with a predetermined relationship between the signals and the vertical optical pathlength through the liquid, the analyte-measuring wavelength providing a characteristic analyte light signal value related to the quantity of analyte present in the vertical optical light path;
c. detector for determining measured light signal values at the first and second calibration wavelengths and the analyte-measuring wavelength;
d. means for determining a measured relationship between the light signal values measured at the first and second calibration wavelengths;
e. means for determining from the measured relationship and the predetermined relationship a correction factor related to the vertical optical pathlength through the sample; and
f. means for determining the amount of the analyte in the sample from the correction factor and the measured light signal value at the analyte-measuring wavelength.

Vertical-beam photometer for determination of light absorption pathlength


Provided is a method for controlling a plurality of AC linear motors of identical specifications which are connected each other and operated synchronously so that they appear to operate as a single linear motor having desired power.

Linear motor actuators heavily used in various tables of machine tools, moving parts of industrial robots, various transfer apparatuses and the like have functions of giving linear movement to a moving member such as a table and stopping the moving member at a predetermined position. As their driving means, there are used AC linear synchronous motors, AC linear induction motors and the like (hereinafter referred to as linear motors). Such a linear motor is structured to have excitation coils of copper wire wounded on a stator or a mover and energize the excitation coils with exiting current to cause driving power, thereby enabling linear movement.
The power required for the linear motor is determined by the speed and weight of a stage moved by the linear motor. Meanwhile, there are easily available linear motors, which are manufactured under given standards and sometimes do not meet the requirement for desired power. In addition, when the required power is increased, there is a need to design and develop a new linear motor driving device that meets the requirement for increasing power. As the required power is greater, more time and effort are required in development of linear motor driving device and there are many technical problems to be solved.
As to a linear motor device for driving a plurality of linear motors simultaneously, there are following publications. The linear motor driving device disclosed in the publication 1 is a device for synchronously driving two linear motors arranged approximately in parallel, in which device an excitation current required for power generation is generated based on instructions from outside and the generated excitation current is output to each of the linear motors thereby to drive the two linear motor synchronously.
However, this technique is of the linear motor driving device for synchronously driving two linear motors of different specifications, which is different from the present invention relating to the technique of connecting a plurality of linear motors of identical specifications and controlling them as a single linear motor having desired power.
The publication 2 discloses the technique of simultaneously controlling plural linear motors by use of one driver and one linear scale, the linear motors each being for moving an embroidery frame in the x axis direction or y axis direction and the linear motors being externally connected to each other after segmentation of total power. In the publication 2, the plural linear motors are controlled by one driver and one linear scale in such a way that six leads of three-phase winding coils of moving blocks of the linear motors are extended to the outside to connect the plural linear motors to each other externally. Hence, this is different from the present invention which aims to connect a plurality of linear motors of identical specifications and control them as a single linear motor having desired power.
As described above, there is nothing disclosed as to the technique of combining plural linear motors manufactured for general purpose use as standard products to achieve desired power and controlling them to operate like a single linear motor.    [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-284388    [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2004-024877

Method for controlling AC linear motors, device for driving AC linear motors, and system of AC linear motors

Abstract: The method for controlling, as an AC linear motor set, a plurality of AC linear motors of identical specifications which are connected to each other, includes the steps of firmly connecting the AC linear motors in such a manner that pole pitches of movers of the AC linear motors and pole intervals of adjacent movers are identical; and setting any one of the AC linear motors to be a master AC linear motor and using a command signal generated based on a feedback signal of the master AC linear motor and current difference information obtained by comparing phase current of the master AC linear motor with phase current of another AC linear motor to control the AC linear motor set.


Methods and systems for constructing a three-dimensional (3D) model of a user in a virtual environment for full body virtual reality (VR) applications are described. The method includes receiving an image of the user captured using an RGB camera; detecting a body bounding box associated with the user using a first trained neural network; determining a segmentation map of the user, based on the body bounding box; determining a two-dimensional (2D) contour of the user from the segmentation map; forming a 3D extrusion model by extruding the 2D contour; and constructing the 3D model of the user in the virtual environment by applying a geometric transformation to the 3D extrusion model. Applications of full body VR include physical training and fitness sessions, games, control of computing devices, manipulation and display of data, interactive social media with VR, and the like.

The statements in this section may serve as a background to help understand the invention and its application and uses, but may not constitute prior art.
The advent of the new metaverse signals a fundamental transformation for the technology industry, with the physical and virtual worlds blending together in ever more aspects, facilitated by the use of virtual and augmented reality devices.
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience in a computer-generated environment, with virtual scenes and objects making the users feel they are immersed in surroundings that may be similar to or completely different from the real world. In fully immersive VR applications, users typically wear head-mounted displays and motion sensors to create an immersive first-person virtual reality experience. An immersive virtual world is re-created in front of the user's field of view via the head-mounted display. In addition, user movements are captured by dedicated motion sensors on the head-mounted display, on one or more hand-held controllers, or on other connected wearable devices. As such, user's interactions with the virtual world are limited by the locations and functionalities of the dedicated motion sensors, and typically a user does not see his or her body in the virtual environment from the first-person perspective.
Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience in a computer-enhanced real-world environment, where real-world scenes are enhanced in real-time by virtual objects and other simulated perceptual information such as visuals, audios, and haptics. In AR applications, digital content overlays are superimposed on the physical world, often through a computing device that captures the physical world with a camera. For example, the popular game Pokemon Go displays virtual creatures in video recordings of the users' real-world surroundings, and requests a user to interact with or "flick" a Pokemon ball to capture a virtual creature. In another AR application example, a user may be captured on screen, and virtual cues may be displayed for the user to interact with, thus facilitating physical training or other fitness activities. In this example, the AR experienced is "mirrored" on display, to give the user the experience of looking in a mirror, as is done with images or videos taken by front-facing on-screen cameras. Thus, the user can see his or her own movements mirrored on display, with AR overlays.
Thus, it would be an advancement in the state of the art to provide a full body VR experience that combines aspects of both VR and AR, but implemented without expensive, dedicated, and cumbersome hardware such as motion sensors.
It is against this background that various embodiments of the present invention were developed.

Full body virtual reality utilizing computer vision from a single camera and associated systems and methods


The invention proposes a Random Access Memory (1) with a plurality of symmetrical memory cells (2) which are connected in groups to complementary bit lines (blc, blt), and the complementary bit lines (blc, blt) are coupled through a cross coupled device (31, 32), and the groups of memory cells are connected to complementary global data lines (data_c, data_t) used to provide data to a selected cell of the group of memory cells. The Random Access Memory is characterized in that switches (33, 34) are provided that deactivate the cross coupled device, wherein the switches (33, 34) are driven by the complementary global data lines (data_c, data_t). The invention relates further on to a computer comprising such a Random Access Memory.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to Random Access Memory with a plurality of symmetrical memory cells which are connected in groups to complementary bit lines, which complementary bit lines are coupled through a cross coupled device.
2. Background of the Invention
A memory may include a plurality of symmetrical Random Access Memory (SRAM) cells arranged in columns and rows. Each SRAM cell may store a bit of data. To read a value stored in a cell or to write a value into a cell, a column including the cell may be selected, and a row including the cell may be selected.
Symmetrical memory cells as they are used in SRAMs are built up with two nodes wherein each node is connected to one line of a pair of a complementary bit line. FIG. 1 shows such a well known and common architecture. The memory cell 2 is connected with its two nodes tru and cmp to a complementary bit line with a pair of lines blc and blt for column selection. The row selection signal line is named in this example wl. To avoid faults during read or write processes through effects discussed by FIG. 2 cross coupled devices are used in between the pair of complementary bit line blc and blt. The known cross coupled devices are built up by a pair of transistors 31, 32 that are coupling the pair of bit lines blc and blt in the shown manner.
FIG. 2 explains parasitic effects that occur. On top of FIG. 2 a cell transfer device of an unselected, and therefore switched off, cell is depicted.
Caused by gate impurities from processing or device thresholds close to or below 0 it is possible that conduct leakage occurs at the transfer device 5 of a memory cell connected to the bit line BLT. This leakage is shown as resistor 51. Many closed cells are usually connected to a bit line what adds these negative effects.
The device at the bottom of FIG. 2 depicts a resulting resistor 52 which represents leakage to devices of circuitry connected to bit other than the memory cells.
The device in the middle of FIG. 2 depicts the part of a selected cell (wl=HIGH) which is in a state driving bit high. The transfer device 5 in series with the pull up device 6 has to compensate the leakage shown by arrow 53. At a certain amount of leakage the compensation is not sufficient resulting in that the read signal is too weak. In absence of any cross coupled devices this situation causes yield loss. Though the probability of leakage defects is low the very large amount of memory cells connected to a bit line makes the loss significant and therefore cross coupled devices as shown in FIG. 1 are implemented. They can compensate a large amount of leakage.
As a negative effect cross coupled devices cause disturbances when writing a memory cell.
During write signals, which are distributed by global data lines (i.e. for writing data_c and data_t), it may occur that the complementary bit lines bit and blc are set later than wl selects a cell. This causes the bit lines to be biased like in read operation. The cross coupled devices amplify the unwanted read signal and disturb the write operation when it has to set bit and blc in the opposite direction.
This effect causes that write operations are performed wasting time for security reasons.

Random access memory with a plurality of symmetrical memory cells

International Business Machines Corporation


The invention is directed to a device that functions as an adaptor for a micro-memory card. The device includes a port to receive the micro-memory card and an internal interface within the port allows for electrical connection between the device and the micro-memory card. The device also includes a card interface that conforms to a standard sized memory card. The device can be inserted into another device that accepts such standard sized memory card so that the other device can store data onto the micro-memory card connected to the port. In addition, the device also includes a host interface, such as an external shieldless USB tab protruding from an edge of the device, or a wireless USB interface to allow for wireless USB communication.

A wide variety of removable storage media exist for use with voice recorders, digital video camcorders, digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, video games, digital televisions, photo printers, and the like. The removable storage media allow users to capture and store data on such devices, and easily transport the data between these devices and host computers.
One of the most popular types of removable storage media is the flash memory card, which is compact, easy to use, and has no moving parts. A flash memory card includes an internal, high-speed, solid-state memory capable of persistently storing data without application of power. Numerous other types of memory can also be used in memory cards, including electrically-erasable-programmable-read-only-memory (EEPROM), non-volatile random-access-memory (NVRAM), and other non-volatile or volatile memory types, such as synchronous dynamic random-access-memory (SDRAM), with battery backup.
A wide variety of memory cards have been recently introduced, each having different capacities, access speeds, formats, interfaces, and connectors. Examples of memory cards include CompactFlash™ (CF) first introduced by SanDisk™ Corporation, the Memory Stick™ (MS) and subsequent versions including Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Duo developed by Sony Corporation, Smart Media™ memory cards, Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, and MultiMedia Cards (MMCs) jointly developed by SanDisk Corporation and Siemens AG/Infineon Technologies AG, and xD™ digital memory cards developed by Fuji. Many other memory card standards continue to emerge and evolve.
Each of the different memory cards typically has an external interface, which defines the electrical and mechanical connection interfaces of the card. Each different memory card generally requires a specialized adapter or reader for use with a host computing device. The adapter or reader includes an internal interface that conforms to the external interface of the memory card. In addition, the adapter or reader also includes an external interface that can be accepted by a host computer. Thus, the adaptor or reader includes both an internal interface to receive a memory card and an external interface to connect to a host computer. The internal interface of the adaptor or reader may comply with a memory card standard, and the external interface may comply with a host standard. Examples of host standards include personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) standards such as the 16 bit standard PC Card standard and the 32 bit CardBus standard, the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, the Universal Serial Bus 2 (USB2) standard, the IEEE 1394 FireWire standard, the Small Computer System Standard (SCSI) standard, the Advance Technology Attachment (ATA) standard, the serial ATA standard, the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) standard, the PCI Express standard, a serial or parallel standard, or the like.
More recently, memory card form factors have become significantly smaller. Such "small" memory cards are commonly referred to as "mini" memory cards or "micro" memory cards. In this disclosure, micro-memory cards are defined as any memory card whose dimensions (both length and width) are less than 22 millimeters. Many of the memory card standards listed above now produce corresponding "micro" versions of the respective cards. In particular, current micro-memory cards include miniSD, microSD, MMCmicro and MSmicro to name a few. These micro-memory cards may be accepted by some devices that include micro-sized ports, which are sized for the micro-memory cards. However, other devices that accept the conventionally-sized versions of the respective cards may require a micro-memory card adaptor to read the micro-memory cards.

Memory card with host interface and including internal interface for receiving micro-size memory cards


According to one embodiment, an optical sensor device includes an insulating substrate, a first conductive layer and an optical sensor element disposed between the insulating substrate and the first conductive layer. The optical sensor element is electrically connected to the first conductive layer and covered by the first conductive layer. The optical sensor element includes a first semiconductor layer formed of an oxide semiconductor and controls an amount of charge flowing to the first conductive layer according to an amount of incident light to the first semiconductor layer.

As an example of the optical sensor devices, the CMOS image sensor is conventionally known. The CMOS image sensor comprises a plurality of regions. The CMOS image sensor comprises a semiconductor layer formed of polycrystalline silicon. Since the CMOS image sensor is not suitable for lowering the definition or increasing the area of the regions, a further optical system needs to be used to condense light in the regions of the CMOS image sensor when used.


A processing device features a processing unit, a memory management system, and persistent memory in a persistent memory domain. The processing device provides an enhanced write-back (WB-E) memory space for an application running on the processing unit. The memory management system maps the WB-E memory space to the persistent memory. The application creates WB-E data by executing an instruction to store data to an address in the WB-E memory space. The WB-E data is automatically stored in a cache associated with the processing unit in response to creation of the WB-E data by the application. In response to execution of a commit instruction by the application after the application has created WB-E data for multiple memory addresses, the memory management system automatically ensures that all of the WB-E data for the application has been saved to the persistent memory domain. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

A conventional data processing device may use both volatile and non-volatile data storage devices. For instance, the data processing device may use a hard disk drive as a non-volatile mass storage device, while using random access memory (RAM) as a volatile storage device. The data processing device may also use non-volatile flash memory. Volatile storage may also be referred to as non-persistent storage. Conversely, non-volatile storage may also be referred to as persistent storage. Persistent storage maintains its contents even when not powered, while non-persistent storage does not reliably maintain its contents when not powered.
Typically, persistent mass data storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives) are file addressable, while non-persistent data storage devices (e.g., RAM) are location addressable or byte addressable. However, persistent storage devices may also be location addressable or byte addressable. For instance, the boot code for a data processing device may reside on flash memory that is byte addressable.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term "persistent memory" refers to data storage that is location addressable or byte addressable and that retains its contents even when not powered.
A data processing device may use one or more caches for improved performance. For instance, a central processing unit (CPU) may include one or more levels of cache. Similarly, memory controllers and other components may include data buffers.
In addition, a data processing device may be configured to use different techniques for storing data in different memory spaces. For instance, some or all of the addressable memory space may be configured to operate as write-back (WB) memory. When an application, an operating system, or other software stores data to WB memory, the data actually gets saved first in cache, and the data is then written into the ultimate memory location only under certain conditions or at predetermined intervals. When new data has been written to cache but not to the corresponding location in memory, the data in the cache is considered fresh, and the old data in memory is considered stale. In addition, the cache line that contains the fresh data is considered dirty.
When an operating system or an application stores or writes data to a specified location in persistent memory, there may be a significant delay between when the store instruction or operation is considered complete and when the data is actually stored in the persistent memory. Consequently, if power is lost after an application has executed a store instruction but before the corresponding data has reached the persistent memory domain, erroneous results may occur. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "persistent memory domain" refers to the hardware component (or collection of components) which guarantees that received data will be saved in persistent memory, even if power is lost after the data reaches that (those) hardware component(s). In addition, the term "PM software" refers to application software that stores data to persistent memory, an operating system that stores data to persistent memory, or other types of software that store data to persistent memory. Also, the term "durable" may be used to refer to data that has reached the persistent memory domain.
If a software developer uses great care and pays very close attention to many details, it may be possible for the developer to design PM software which addresses the risks of power loss and erroneous results. But, as described in greater detail below, addressing those risks at the application software level is probably not the best way to address those risks. Software developers could use improved methods and apparatus for supporting persistent memory.

Methods and apparatus for supporting persistent memory


A method for manufacturing a sports ball comprises cutting outer panels and inner padding cut-outs from three different sheet materials. The padding layer materials have perforations. A layer of heat-reactive adhesive that expands upon heating is applied in the machine-stitched seam areas before the panels are stitched together. The padding layer is glued to the inside-out ball cover before the cover is turned right-side out. A reinforced bladder is inserted into the cover, the remaining seams are stitched shut, and then the ball is molded in a heat and pressure mold that causes the seams to be welded as well as stitched, due to the expansion of the heat-reactive adhesive to cover the stitching in the seams. Enhanced performance characteristics of the resulting ball arise from the air spring aspects provided by the combined features.

Traditional hand-sewn sports balls have various drawbacks related to loosened or exposed stitching, high water up-take, inconsistent performance characteristics, low production efficiency, and high production cost. Labor costs for hand-sewn sports balls are high, and constantly increasing every year. There is a shortage of sewers to perform the hand-sewing, which tends to increase the stitching cost involved in making hand-sewn sports balls. Long manufacturing times are required for hand-sewn sports balls; typical production times may be four to six weeks. Current processes in manufacturing hand-sewn sports balls result in a lot of waste of materials. Stitching of hand sewn sports balls can easily become loose (exposed) which give the sports balls poor durability in terms of weak abrasion resistance, and high water up-take that can make a sports balls heavier than desired.

Sports ball and method of manufacturing sports ball


A flat panel display device provides a sealing structure for comprising and sealing a display unit disposed in a first region on a substrate. The display unit includes the first region and a second region, and a barrier is disposed in the first region on the substrate, on an outer side of the display unit, and adjacent to the second region. The sealing structure contacts the barrier, and includes at least one first layer of an inorganic material and at least one second layer of an organic material. A method of manufacturing the flat panel display device is also disclosed.

b 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a flat panel display device and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
Flat panel display devices, in particular, organic light-emitting display devices, are very vulnerable to external elements, for example, oxygen, moisture, etc. Accordingly, flat panel display devices need to have a sealing structure for sealing an organic emission unit from external elements.
In this regard, however, a region of the organic emission unit needs to be opened, which involves a plurality of masks, and thus flat panel display devices suffer from processing and/or cost.
In addition, when the sealing structure is formed as a film type, flat panel display devices are vulnerable to oxygen and moisture infiltrating from boundary sides thereof.

Flat panel display device and manufacturing method thereof

Samsung-ro, Giheung-Gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-Do


A dual permanent magnet generator (10) is provided with a differential gear arrangement (20) comprising two ring gears (21, 26), two planetary gears (30, 31) and a carrier (32) which is splined to an input shaft (12) in the generator (10) so as to rotate the carrier (32) at the same speed as the input shaft (12) while allowing the input shaft (12) to shift axially. One of the ring gears (21) has a threaded connection (18, 38) with the input shaft (12). Consequently, as either the ring gear (21) or the ring gear (26) is slowed down through the application of a resistive load on small generators (22, 23 and 27, 28) associated with the respective ring gears (21, 26), the threaded connection (18, 38) will cause the input shaft (12) to move axially in one of two directions and, via lefthand and righthand spline connections (15, 16) between the input shaft (12) and main rotors (13, 13'), cam the rotors (13, 13') to shift into and out of phase with respect to each other.

Prior to the development of PMG's, aircraft typically used wound field generating systems as a power supply. With weight and size considerations becoming of increased importance, however, PMG devices of the type shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,305,031 and 4,654,577 were developed. These generators were considered relatively small and lightweight devices for generating electrical power from a motive power source because they do not require a separate electrical power source for field excitation.
A PMG does not require a complex cooling apparatus and eliminates the need for a converter by driving the system with a constant speed drive to limit the maximum voltage excursion in the case of a system fault. T h e output voltage of a PMG is, however, a function of the relative speed between the rotor and stator and of the current drawn by a load. This drawback has prevented PMG's from being used as a main power source in aircraft in lieu of wound field machines having exciters and rotating rectifiers driven at high speed. These high speeds required complex cooling apparatus to dissipate heat developed on the windings and in the rotating rectifiers.
When used in a generator, there is a set voltage on the generator which varies as the load varies and which cannot be controlled electronically. It has been found that the rotors in PMGs create a voltage control problem as the load varies. A dual permanent magnet generator concept controls voltage by shifting two high speed rotors in and out of phase to keep the voltage constant as the load varies. For example, at a 2 per unit (P.U.) load, the magnetic poles are lined up, whereas at no load, the magnetic poles would be 78.degree. out of phase as previously noted. If the main high speed rotors of the PMG which, at no load, are out of phase with each other by about 78.degree. were kept in the same phase relationship as the generator load is increased, the output voltage would droop.
An alternating current generator having a twin permanent magnet rotor which is adjustable in response to output voltage is known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,713,015. As disclosed therein, only one rotor was actuated using a lever to force sliding motion for achieving a relative rotation of the rotors. This known arrangement involved considerable friction and therefor required significant power for overcoming inertia to angularly adjust the rotors.
Another PMG system utilized a plurality of movable stator winding disks disposed in a plurality of air gaps intermediate the magnetic structure. Stator windings were disposed on the winding disks with the respective winding phases connected to one another in series. This system required many bearings to permit movement of the disks relative to the housing and a complex interconnection scheme for the stator windings.
Another PMG system used two radial flux magnetic structures on a rotor for producing first and second magnetic fields with one of the structures movable relative to the other by means of an actuator. Stator windings on the first and second magnetic fields developed output voltage as a result of relative rotation. The output voltage magnitude was controlled by varying the placement of one field relative to another field. This system required the actuator to be on the rotor, and this requirement rendered the actuator complex, large and expensive. A phase-controlled rectifier bridge was used but was relatively complex due to the necessity of having substantial controls to accurately fire the controlled rectifiers in the bridge at appropriate points in the output power waveform to develop DC output power. A relatively large filter had to be connected to the output of the bridge to provide smoothing, and this filter had to have means for dissipating heat developed in the filter components
U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,581 shows such a voltage regulated PMG system in which outputs of two or more radial flux PMG's are combined and adjusted relative to each other to regulate output voltage. This system was intended to avoid drawbacks in the aforementioned PMG systems by requiring relatively few bearings, avoiding complex interconnection between the stator windings and the need for an actuator on the rotor, and providing a high power density machine of smaller size and weight for a given output power rating which can be driven at high speeds without substantial cooling. This system required a hydraulic positioning actuator to adjust the position of one stator relative to another in accordance with the magnitude of a control signal from a control circuit.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,841 also discloses a dual PMG system in which two relatively movable permanent magnet rotor assemblies are disposed in side-by-side relation to regulate voltage in response to generator loading changes or to compensate for changes in the rate of rotor rotation. This PMG incorporated a differential with first and second ring gears but utilized a more complex arrangement of the rotor body assemblies which can use rotor bodies of different mass or equal mass but which require control units of relatively complex construction, such as an hydraulic actuator with a double-acting piston of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,577. Such actuators add undesirably to the size, weight and complexity of the PMG system and detract from its power and reliability.
A PMG system using lefthand and righthand helical ball splines to effect adjustment of rotors relative to each other is disclosed in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 208,114, filed Jun. 17, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,484. This system comprises a stator having an output winding for producing an output voltage, a rotor within the stator, the rotor including first and second magnet rotors rotatable about a common axis and a mechanism for angular adjusting the first and second rotors relative to one another about the common axis. The angular adjustment of the rotors provides for rotation of each of the first and second rotors in opposite direction relative to the other for causing a relative angular adjustment of the rotors. Rotating each rotor simultaneously in opposite directions by half the required angle requires much less power to overcome inertia than rotating only one rotor the full angle. This simultaneous rotation of each of the rotors a like amount in opposite directions during a relative angular adjustment is accomplished using a common drive shaft extending along the common axis of the rotors for rotatably driving both the first and second rotors about the common axis. Left-and righthand helical ball splines are located between the driven shaft and the first and second rotors, respectively. Rotation of the first and second rotors in opposite directions relative to one another is accomplished by causing axial movement of the drive shaft along the common axis relative to the rotors. In that particular system, bearings are provided for rotatably supporting the rotors at essentially fixed locations along the common axis, and the drive shaft is permitted to move axially along the common axis relative to the rotors for angular adjustment of the rotors. However, the means for axially moving the drive shaft comprises a hydraulic drive means or an electric motor. In either case, the use of the oppositely directed helical ball splines together with the axial movement of the single drive shaft, reduces the friction required for angular adjustment of the rotors and thereby reduces the power necessary for accomplishing the adjustment.
A substantial problem with a PMG used, for instance in aircraft installations where weight is critical, has been until up to now how to actuate these high speed rotors in and out of phase while utilizing the least amount of power and weight. It was found necessary to use external power to actuate the rotors as described in detail above.

Dual permanent magnet generator planetary gear actuator and rotor phase shifting method


A core barrel assembly for retrieving a core sample. The core barrel assembly includes a retrieving element defining an inner tube for retrieving the core sample thereinto, a locking assembly including latch dogs for locking the core retrieving assembly inside the outer tube and a valve assembly mechanically coupled to the locking assembly and provided proximally relative thereto for controlling the flow of fluid across the core barrel assembly. The core barrel assembly is operable in a retrieving configuration in which the latch dogs are retracted and the valve assembly is closed, in a locking configuration in which a locking element locks the latch dogs in an extended configuration and the valve assembly is open and a retrieving configuration, in which the latch dogs are force in a retracted configuration and the valve assembly is open.

Core samples are obtained through core drilling operations. Core drilling is typically conducted with a core drill comprising outer and inner tubes, the inner tube being part of a core barrel assembly. A hollow drill bit is attached to the outer tube assembly, so that rotational torque applied to the outer tube assembly is transmitted to the drill bit. A core is generated during the drilling operation, with the core progressively extending along the inner tube assembly as drilling progresses. When a core sample is acquired, the core within the inner tube assembly is fractured. The core barrel assembly, and the fractured core sample contained therein, are then retrieved from within the drill hole, typically by way of a retrieval cable lowered down the drill hole and attached to the core barrel assembly. Once the core barrel assembly has been removed from the bore, the core sample can be removed and subjected to analysis.
Typically, the core barrel assembly is secured in position inside the outer tube by the means of latches that extend substantially radially outwardly from the core barrel assembly. The latches are received inside notches or grooves formed into the inner surface of the outer tube and are selectively retractable for locking and unlocking the core barrel assembly to and from the outer tube. However, currently used latches may become disengaged from the outer tube assembly during the drilling process because of vibrations produced during this process. When drilling upholes, a mislatch represents a danger since the core barrel assembly can come back to the driller's working area. In addition, the core barrel assembly may be damaged if this occurs.
Also, in embodiments in which drilling is performed horizontally or upward, allowing the fluid to reach the end of the bore before the core barrel assembly is positioned nearby could lead to problems as debris could be dislodged and projected with relatively large force through the bore.
Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to provide an improved core barrel assembly.
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved core barrel assembly.


An agent is characterized by containing a polymerizable monomer having a thiophosphoric acid dichloride group. By applying this agent to the surfaces of noble metals, much more durable and increased bond strength is obtained.

The present invention relates generally to bonding together metals and, more particularly, to an agent and method for pre-treating the surfaces of the metals to be bonded together, when the metals are bonded together with the use of polymer adhesives.
As compared with bonding together base metals such as cobalt, chromium, nickel, titanium, iron and copper as well as their alloys, it is much more difficult to bond together chemically stable noble metals such as gold, platinum and palladium as well as noble metal alloys containing them as main components; that is, there is no or little technique to meet such demands.
In an effort to improve the adhesion of noble metals, applying primers on them, sandblasting their surfaces by physical means, tinning and oxidizing them have been proposed so far in the art. Of these procedures, the application of primers is the simplest one. Typical primers comprise monomers containing 6-(4-vinylbenzyl-n-propyl)amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithion (VBATDT), as set forth in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-83254 and thiophosphoric acid, as referred to in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-138282.
Some of the procedures mentioned above are found to be effective under dry conditions, but have the disadvantage of being poor in water resistance and durability. The application of primers, on the other hand, is considered preferable because of being free from such problems.
However, problems with using VBATDT as a primer are that some limitation is placed on what metals are bonded together and what catalysts are used for curing the bonding agent as well. It is admitted that the procedure of using a monomer containing a thiophosphoric acid group has some effect, but it offers storing and handling problems because the material is unstable.
A primary object of this invention is therefore to provide a pre-treatment or primer agent which can be used with every metal and every catalyst for curing adhesives and does not pose any storing and handling problems.

Agent and method for treating the surfaces of metals


A cellular telephone having wrap-around control keys which extend beyond the front surface of the telephone to its sides, an extended add-on microphone adapter which extends the microphone so it is positioned closer to the user's mouth and a non-slip or soft textured surface on the telephone to provide a more secure grasping thereof.

There presently exists a popular desire for cellular telephones. Such telephones in their initial construction were very bulky and included bulky power packs. However newer cellular telephones have taken on a smaller more streamlined look. Through the use of more sophisticated electronics, hand held units presently exist in which the cellular unit is entirely contained in the telephone. Such units have become pocket size and are readily carried in one's pocket. An accessory feature of these units is an adapter for use in coupling the telephone to an alternate source of power, typically through a cigarette lighter in an automobile or boat.
Depending upon the surroundings in which the cellular telephone is used, often times background noise can be a problem. Such noise is not only annoying but disruptive of the conversation.
In addition, the user may often be occupied with the circumstances of use, for example, driving an automobile while using the telephone. As a result, the user may be constrained from focusing his entire attention on receiving or sending a telephone call. Since existing cellular telephones have keys for various functions, unless the user actually looks at the telephone, the appropriate key or keys may not be activated to perform the desired function. Accordingly, there exists a need to facilitate the user's operation of the telephone while allowing the user to concentrate on other matters such as driving.
In addition, due to the small size of the telephone, the fact that it must often be removed from a holder, and the fact that it may be used while an operator is driving a vehicle, it is desirable that the telephone provides for positive handling thereof by the user. Existing high luster telephones with smooth, almost polished, surfaces do not provide for such positive handling.

Cellular telephone with microphone extender


A communication system and method provide fight detection capability. Bodily parameters associated with fighting, such as limb movements, are pre-stored and individualized for a particular user. The characterization of a fight using limb movements allows for a system that can recognize a fight even when a user is unable to call for assistance. Other bodily parameters are further monitored and weighted to distinguish a fight from other activities. The automatic notification to a dispatch center or control center and notification to peer radios expedites the ability to bring aid to the user.

Communication systems, particularly those utilized by law enforcement personnel, serve to protect the well being of an officer as well as the public. A police officer's radio is a key piece of equipment for maintaining safety allowing the officer to communicate with other users of the system. However, when an officer is faced with an immediate emergency, such as a fight or assault, he or she may not have time to call for back-up assistance. While cameras have begun to be introduced into some public safety systems, the officer is still typically required to turn on the camera. Continuous operation of a camera takes up considerable battery life and is thus undesirable. An officer in the process of defending himself or protecting others may find that he or she is left without assistance and without any recording of events that might have been used as future evidence.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved communication system that addresses the aforementioned issues. Such as system would provide a safety feature particularly useful to the public safety communications market.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Communication system with improved safety feature


A ceramic matrix composite blade for use in a gas turbine engine having an airfoil with leading and trailing edges and pressure and suction side surfaces, a blade shank secured to the lower end of each airfoil, one or more interior fluid cavities within the airfoil having inlet flow passages at the lower end which are in fluid communication with the blade shank, one or more passageways in the blade shank corresponding to each one of the interior fluid cavities and a fluid pump (or compressor) that provides pressurized fluid (nominally cool, dry air) to each one of the interior fluid cavities in each airfoil. The fluid (e.g., air) is sufficient in pressure and volume to maintain a minimum fluid flow to each of the interior fluid cavities in the event of a breach due to foreign object damage.

Over the years, the performance criteria of gas turbine engines has steadily increased with corresponding improvements in engine efficiency, better thrust-to-weight ratios, lower emissions and improved fuel consumption. However, gas turbine engine temperatures often reach or exceed the limits of the materials of construction, thereby comprising the structural integrity of components in the hot sections of the engine, particularly the gas turbine engine blades. Thus, as gas turbine operating temperatures have increased, various methods have been developed to help protect blades in both the rotor and turbine sections using, for example, high temperature alloys for the combustors and turbine blades. Initially, ceramic thermal barrier coatings ("TBCs") were applied to the surfaces of components exposed to the hot effluent combustion gases in order to reduce the heat transfer rate and provide thermal protection to the underlying metal and allow components. Such improvements helped to reduce the peak temperatures and thermal gradients of the base metal.
In more recent times, ceramic matrix composites ("CMCs") were developed as substitutes for many of the high temperature alloys used in conventional turbine engines. CMCs offered improved temperature capability and density advantages over metal blades, often making them the material of choice at the higher anticipated operating temperatures of newer generation turbine engines. A number of new manufacturing techniques have also been developed to produce better quality engine components, particularly the turbine blades, using CMC construction materials. For example, silicon carbide CMCs are now formed from fibrous material infiltrated with molten silicon, such as products made by the "Silcomp" process. Other techniques for forming CMC components include polymer infiltration and pyrolysis ("PIP") and the slurry cast melt infiltration ("MI") process. All such processes focus on improving the structural integrity of gas engine components without sacrificing engine performance.
The efforts to develop improved composite rotor blades, stator vanes and airfoils having high strength with elongated filaments composited in a light weight matrix continues to this day. One problem that has discouraged the introduction of new light weight composite gas turbine engine blades is their relative vulnerability to foreign object damage. Many types and sizes of foreign objects can become entrained in the inlet of a gas turbine engine, particularly aircraft engines, ranging from birds to hailstones, sand and dust particles. Turbine damage from foreign objects typically takes two forms. Smaller objects can erode the CMC blade material and eventually reduce the efficiency and degrade the performance of the engine. Any impact by larger objects can rupture or pierce the blades, and portions of an impacted blade can even be torn loose and cause extensive secondary damage to adjacent and downstream blades or other vital engine components. The consequences of foreign object damage appear to be greatest in the low pressure compressors of high bypass gas turbine engines.
Various design improvements have been attempted in an effort to prevent composite blade failures due to foreign objects, such as the inclusion of a protective leading edge blade strip which helps prevent a catastrophic blade failure while providing some erosion protection to the blade, particularly along the leading edge. The edge protection strips allow the energy of impact (due, for example, to a bird strike) to be transmitted down to the trailing edge of the blade. However, even the dissipation of the impact energy can cause the blade to locally oscillate and/or be displaced to a different amplitude, and ultimately fail. Any oscillations or large rapid displacements of the trailing edge also induce strains to the blade matrix which can exceed material system limits and create internal delamination and/or blade surface fracture. Objects impacting a blade can even lead to the loss of edge material and rotor imbalance which in turn limits engine speed and power.
Even though CMC materials are highly resistant to hot temperatures (much more than metals), water vapor in exhaust streams can cause rapid degradation of the matrix, and thus the materials must normally be coated with an environmental barrier coating ("EBC") in order to protect the underlying matrix from water vapor present in the combustion stream. Unfortunately, the use of thermal coatings on CMC components cannot prevent breaches to the turbine blade itself due to objects impacting against the blades during operation, particularly along the leading edge. Thus, if any penetration of the EBC occurs due to foreign object damage, or by other means such as thermo mechanical shock, the underlying CMC material faces accelerated degradation due to an increased exposure to any water in the hot gas path.
A significant design problem therefore remains in the gas turbine engine field with respect to the use of ceramic matrix composites in the hot gas path. Although adding a barrier coating (EBC) helps to seal the matrix and protect it from hot gas attack, the problem of foreign object damage remains, particularly impacts that penetrate the coating. As detailed below, a new form of ceramic matrix composite blade has been developed as a significant step change in improving the long-term reliability of both blade and engine performance.

CMC blade with pressurized internal cavity for erosion control


A method for influencing a control unit by means of a manipulation unit whereby the control unit has at least one microcontroller, at least one memory having a plurality of memory cells and at least one debug interface, and the debug interface has a monitoring functionality for observing the memory content, and by means of the debug interface a first point in time of the control unit for writing a first value to a first memory cell is detected, and a triggering point in time for a processing routine by the manipulation unit is obtained as the result based on the information transmitted to the manipulation unit by the debug interface at the first point in time, and at a second point in time, a second value is written to the first memory cell by the manipulation unit by means of the processing routine via the debug interface before the first memory cell is read by the control unit at a third point in time.

Control units are used in large numbers in many fields of technology. One especially important field of application is for engine control in automobiles and for controlling the jet engines of aircraft.
A method for influencing a control unit is known from the document DE 10 2004 027 033 A1. Data of the control unit is mirrored in the memory area of the influencing device by means of an influencing device using a control unit-debug interface and a memory area embodied in the influencing device, and data is also mirrored back into the memory of the control unit, again using the control unit-debug interface. In one embodiment, the data is received by a coordination unit in the influencing device and is provided with a time stamp for a chronological classification. In addition, the coordination unit has terminals for internal and external trigger signals by means of which it is possible to activate corresponding subunits in the influencing device and to trigger a bypass routine, for example.
The document DE 10 2006 062 555 A1 discloses a method for observing a control unit in which an influencing device for observation of a control unit comprises at least one microcontroller, at least one memory and at least one debug interface. With the debug interface, which has a so-called trace functionality, it is possible to monitor addresses to be observed.
From the previous methods, it has been found that manipulation of control unit functions is time-consuming and is often performed via a so-called external bypass method, in which interrupt processing in an external manipulation device is prompted by the control unit by means of trigger pulses transmitted outward in the execution of the program by means of service calls that are fixedly defined in the program of the control unit. As part of the interrupt processing, the additional values needed for calculation are transmitted to the manipulation device. After the calculation in the manipulation device, the altered variables are sent back to the control unit. Since the service calls are fixedly tied into the program code of the control unit, any subsequent change in the service call points is very complicated and can be performed subsequently only with a great expenditure of effort, depending on the control unit manufacturer, because a pre-existing control unit program would have to be translated again, for example. Furthermore, the size of the memory required is increased by the service call points, which has a negative effect on the processing rate of control unit programs.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for influencing a control unit and manipulation unit

dSpace digital signal processing and control engineering GmbH


Methods and apparatus for processing glycol according to various aspects of the present technology comprise a multi-stage treatment system that is configured to receive a feedstock from multiple waste stream sources containing glycol. A pre-treatment stage may be configured to process the incoming the feedstock and provide to a primary treatment stage a water/glycol solution that is substantially identical and allows for a primary treatment process that is not dependent upon the originating source of the glycol feedstock. A post-treatment stage may further process and purify the water/glycol solution.

Automotive antifreeze consists of a base fluid of ethylene or propylene glycol and water into which are dissolved corrosion inhibitors, antifoaming additives, anti-scaling additives, dispersing agents and a distinctive dye. Virgin glycol-based antifreeze is usually made as a concentrated product (96% glycol and 4% additives and water) and it is used in engines at a lower concentration, diluted by water. Most antifreeze is used at a concentration of 40% to 60% glycol and 60% to 40% water. Making and shipping antifreeze as a concentrated product saves the freight cost of shipping water and reduces shipping costs per unit of concentrated antifreeze. In retail markets, more and more antifreeze is being packaged, shipped and sold as a 50% prediluted product, for consumer convenience.
Used antifreeze is usually contaminated with other used fluids from vehicle service work at a given facility. These fluids include used motor oil, used transmission fluid, used brake fluid, gasoline, and diesel fuel. Although separate disposal containers are usually provided, mechanics and service center employees don't always pay close attention as to which disposal container they are using for which used fluids. Used motor oil combined with lighter hydrocarbons, such as fuel, can form relatively stable emulsions with the water/glycol phase. The oil/hydrocarbon phase is usually less than 5% by volume, so an oil-in-water emulsion is formed.
Pretreatment of glycol-containing waste streams has involved gravity separation in storage without demulsifier assistance, wing-type oil/water separators, weir-type oil/water separators, flocculation/filtration, and simple filtration. All of these approaches are very labor intensive, produce widely varying results, and may leave behind a total hydrocarbon level of approximately 0.5%-1.0%. Residual hydrocarbons at these levels in the feed to the primary treatment may negatively impact the effectiveness of the primary treatment system.

Method and apparatus for processing glycol


Methods and systems for stopping and starting an engine automatically are presented. In one example, a method inhibits automatic engine stopping in response to output of an on-board camera. The method prevents engine stopping during conditions where little fuel may be saved via automatically stopping the engine.

Automatically stopping and starting can conserve fuel and reduce emissions of a vehicle. Further, the burden of specifically requesting that the engine of the vehicle be stopped and started may be removed from the vehicle operator so that the operator's attention may be focused on driving the vehicle rather than the added tasks of repeatedly starting and stopping the engine. However, simply stopping and stopping the engine via a timer or when the vehicle comes to a stop may not fully leverage the capability of the stop/start vehicle to conserve fuel. Additionally, if the engine is frequently stopped and immediately restarted, the stop/start feature may be bothersome to the driver and may not conserve as much fuel as is desired.
The inventors herein have recognized the above-mentioned disadvantages and have developed a method for operating a vehicle, comprising: inhibiting automatic stopping of an engine of a vehicle in response to traffic conditions received from an on-board camera.
By inhibiting engine stopping in response to input from an on-board camera, it may be possible to allow the engine to continue to operate during conditions where stopping the engine may provide little fuel savings. For example, output from an on-board camera and output from a range detecting device may be useful to determine that the driver of the vehicle is stopping for a non-transitory street sign (e.g., a metallic street sign that does not change operating state). Since the driver does not have to wait for the street sign to change state, stopping the engine automatically may be inhibited so that the engine is not stopped and then immediately restarted. Inhibiting automatic stopping of the engine can reduce starter motor degradation. Further, inhibiting automatic stopping of the engine may decrease fuel consumption when the engine stop time would otherwise be short in duration.
The present description may provide several advantages. For example, the approach may reduce starter degradation. Further, the method may reduce fuel consumption during conditions where the engine would be stopped and restarted shortly thereafter. Additionally, the method may improve the vehicle driving experience for the driver by stopping the engine more opportunistically.
The above advantages and other advantages, and features of the present description will be readily apparent from the following Detailed Description when taken alone or in connection with the accompanying drawings.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

Method and system for opportunistically automatically stopping an engine of a vehicle


A dual screen control apparatus includes a display which has the capability to display a dual screen having a first display screen and a second display screen. One of the first display screen and the second display screen is a current screen in which a cursor is displayed and the other is a non-current screen. Setting information is displayed only on the current screen so as to enable discrimination of the current screen easily.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dual screen control apparatus for a word processor, and more particularly to a dual screen control apparatus which makes it easier to discriminate a current screen from a dual screen.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general, English language word processors, for example, have been provided with displays having a plurality of display lines and a number of functions for facilitating a process for inputting document data and a process for editing the same. In particular, a word processor having a dual screen display function for displaying document data on an upper-region display screen (hereinafter called "a first display screen") and a lower-region display screen (hereinafter called "a second display screen"), both obtained by dividing a display into two screens, on upper and lower screen, has been put into practical use.
Heretofore, document data, which is being input, for example, has been displayed on the first display screen and the already-input document data has been displayed on the second display screen, by making use of the dual screen display function mentioned above. In addition, document data can be input through the first display screen as the current screen on which a cursor is displayed, while enabling reference to the document data on the second display screen, or a part of the document data on the second display screen can be copied by a copying function at a desired position where it is to be inserted in the document data displayed on the first display screen, by changing the current screen and display portions of either the first display screen or the second display screen as needed. For this purpose, a keyboard is provided with a current screen changeover key, and the current screen changeover key is operated so that the current screen can be arbitrarily changed from the first display screen to the second display screen, or vice versa.
In addition, an information display line, i.e., status line, is always provided on the top line, for example, of the display. Displayed on this information display line are character decoration information such as an underline and boldface, setting information about control modes relevant to the printing form such as the justification, enlarged characters, etc., and document names and positional information of a cursor displayed on the current screen.
In this instance, it is difficult to determine whether the current screen is the first display screen or the second display screen, by the contents of information displayed on the information display line. Therefore, a distinction is made based on the display of the cursor as to whether the current screen is the first display screen or the second display screen.
As described above, in the word processor of the type wherein the dual screen display function is provided and the two documents are simultaneously displayed on the display, the cursor is normally shaped like a small rectangle and often unclear visually. In addition, the information display line is always positioned in a fixed position. As a result, in this type of word processor, the problem occurs that no decision can be easily made as to whether the current screen with the cursor displayed thereon is the first display screen or the second display screen.
Therefore, a cursor movement key is commonly operated to move the cursor, thereby making it possible to find the cursor easily. However, in this type of word processor, a problem further occurs in that the position for inputting data is changed by the movement of the cursor. The cursor must then be shifted again to the original data input position by the cursor movement key, so that the operation for making a decision as to whether the current screen is the first display screen or the second display screen is cumbersome.

Dual screen display control apparatus for a word processor


A method and system is provided for compensating for imbalance in a data storage disc stack during assembly of the data storage device. An optical measurement system downstream of the disc clamp installation operation measures one or more parameters of a predetermined sample of disc-stacks produced on the assembly line A moving average of the sampled measurements is utilized to determine a component configuration type that will compensate for any measured disc stack imbalance.

The static imbalance of data storage disc stack assemblies, usually expressed in milligram-centimetres ("mg-cm"), has recently become a critical performance parameter in disc drive design. This is primarily due to the increasing demand for precision performance in the consumer data storage product market. High imbalance of the disc stack may lead to structural vibration and undesirable noise, both of which are unacceptable in consumer products such as games-boxes and audio-video products. Furthermore, the industry standard specification for drive level imbalance has been reduced from an industry standard, 70 mg-cm to the current state of the art, 50 mg-cm.
The major contributors to the disc stack imbalance of a typical disc drive include disc clamp offset, clamp mass, clamp notch size, motor "MR", and media "MR", where MR is a function of the mass (M) of the media or motor in (mg) x the offset (R) of the media or motor in (cm) from the center of gravity (CG). Of these major contributors, research has shown that the most sensitive contributors that could impact process yield are the clamp offset and the angular orientation or direction of the clamp offset. Clamp offset is defined as the radial distance between the center of the clamp and the center of the spindle motor to which the clamp is attached.
The disc stack typically includes one or more data storage discs clamped onto a motor hub flange via a stamped metallic clamp. The clamp design may also include a spring expansion ring to self-center the clamp with respect to the motor axial centerline. The condition of the machine that is used to assemble the disc clamp onto the stack, the centering of the ring, as well as the clamp shape are all factors that can contribute to the overall stack imbalance. With an industry standard of 50 mg-cm for static imbalance, and with the incoming drive components being at optimum condition, current processes for the assembly of disc drives still have poor process capability. Some of the processes generate 2–9% of their disc drives at a static imbalance higher than the 50 mg-cm standard. These imbalances are often compensated for by adding weights or screws to the motor hub or by physically offsetting the data storage discs on the motor hub flange.
Research has shown that the disc clamp offset and the clamp offset angle are two of the most important factors contributing to static imbalance. However, corrective actions typically involve major design changes and added cost such as active balancing which requires a design change and the addition of counter-balance weights. These solutions also require extra manufacturing floor space and labor to perform the corrective balancing.
Accordingly there is a need to develop a way of compensating for the disc clamp offset without a major design change or extensive costs. The embodiments of the present invention provide a solution to this and other problems, and offers other advantages over the prior art

Disc imbalance compensation during disc drive assembly


A system for feeding and transporting documents includes a feeder stage and a transport stage. The hopper assembly includes a hopper floor that carries the document stack and a flag that provides a force to move the documents along the hopper floor toward the feeder. A fixed force means biases the flag with a fixed force while a spring means biases the flag with a variable spring force. The spring force varies with flag position to cause each document in the stack to be fed with an appropriate force due to spring force decreasing as the stack size diminishes.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to systems for feeding and transporting documents and to document hoppers used in these systems.
2. Background Art
A typical system for feeding and transporting documents includes a feeder in the document feeding portion of the system, and a series of roller pairs or belts in the document transporting portion of the system. In the feeding portion of the system, the feeder acts to separate and feed documents singly, in order, from a stack. In the transporting portion of the system, the roller pairs and/or belts convey the documents, one at a time, past other processing devices such as readers, printers, and sorters that perform operations on the documents. The feeder is typically a feed wheel, but may take other forms. Further, the components in the transporting portion of the system may take a variety of forms. An existing document feeder is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,854. That patent describes a document feeder with a variable speed separator.
In existing systems for feeding and transporting documents, operations that depend on the position of the document are generally performed in the transport stage, or transporting portion of the system. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,784 describes a document separation apparatus. That patent describes the downstream acceleration/deceleration of documents with pinch rollers to adjust document spacing. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,419,546; 5,437,375; 5,439,506; 5,509,648; 5,671,919; and 5,908,191 describe examples of other document operations.
As modern document handling devices are typically fitted with an automatic feeder mechanism to singly introduce documents into a track for further processing, a hopper is usually associated with the feeder so that the machine can load a number of documents to be processed. As feed rates increase, and feed mechanism reliability improves, there are advantages to making hopper capacity larger.
The difficulty with making hopper capacity larger is one of consistency. Document feeders need to have a supply of documents presented to the feeding mechanism in a consistent manner. This is the task of the document hopper. The variety of documents used in different applications make such consistent presentation difficult.
There is an ideal set of forces for feeding a document in a given feeder. The closer each document can be to this ideal set of forces, the better feeder performance will be. More specifically, the feeder must apply enough pinch force to allow the document to feed, but not so much as to result in the tearing apart of the document during feeding. As hopper capacity is increased, the variation in force against the stack between that needed to move a full hopper of documents and that needed to move the last few documents and provide an acceptable force to the document being fed is increased.
Typically, some form of mechanical intervention urges the document stack along in the hopper but the mechanical intervention may not compensate as the document stack diminishes. For a large capacity hopper, it is possible that the mechanical intervention may result in correct pinch force when the hopper is full but too much pinch force when the hopper nears empty, or that the mechanical intervention may result in correct pinch force when the hopper is near empty but too little pinch force when the hopper is full.
An existing form of mechanical intervention used to urge the document stack along in the hopper applies a generally constant force to the document stack. This form of mechanical intervention may limit the hopper capacity because the applied force to the stack must result in acceptable forces on a feeding document when moving a full hopper of documents and when moving the last few documents.
In this existing approach, the horizontal force used to move documents in the hopper toward the feeding mechanism is provided by a flag. A weight is hung on a string which pulls the flag across the hopper. The flag weight in this case is constant. However, as the number of documents in the hopper decreases, the force required to move them decreases. Therefore, a constant flag weight is not ideal.
In another approach, a flag may be driven by a spring. Properly located, a spring will provide a flag force which diminishes as the number of documents in the hopper diminishes. This approach also is not ideal. The flag also experiences some constant forces such as bearing drag, which a spring does not properly address. Further, for many hoppers, the need for very long travel and low forces leads to a badly proportioned spring design.
In another approach, a flag may be driven by a motor. The motor may be provided with feedback from sensors on the feeder mechanism, creating an ideal but complex and more expensive solution.
Additional background information may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,474,637; 6,417,221; and 6,260,841.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved system for feeding and transporting documents that urges the document stack along in the hopper in a way that provides a consistent presentation of documents to the feeder.

System for feeding and transporting documents