A system and method for fast detection of specific on-air data rates are disclosed which, in one example embodiment, enable endpoint devices in automatic meter reading (AMR) systems to quickly determine the existence of over-the-air information that is specifically targeted to a unique class of AMR devices. An endpoint device utilizing the digital squelch circuit arrangement and algorithm of the invention can quickly and precisely determine if the AMR system is communicating with its class of AMR device by looking for a specific non-standard data rate present on the air. This method therefore allows for a significant improvement in battery life in two-way RF communication units by avoiding unnecessary data processing and data transmissions. The digital squelch method also enables even faster determination of inappropriate data rates and of no signal present situations, further improving battery life.

Automatic meter reading (AMR) systems are generally known in the art. Utility companies, for example, use AMR systems to read and monitor customer meters remotely, typically using radio frequency (RF) communications. AMR systems are favored by utility companies and other users because the systems increase the efficiency and accuracy of collecting readings and managing customer billing. For example, using an AMR system for the monthly reading of residential gas, electric, or water meters eliminates the need for a utility employee to physically enter each residence or business where a meter is located to transcribe a meter reading by hand.
There are several different ways in which current AMR systems are configured. In a fixed network, endpoint devices at meter locations communicate with readers that collect readings and data using RF. Here and throughout this document, the term "endpoint device" will be used to generally refer to the meter and meter interface unit that communicates with the reader as a single device, although in various embodiments the meter and meter interface unit may be distinct devices in electrical communication but not physical proximity with each other. There may be multiple fixed intermediate readers located throughout a larger geographic area on utility poles, for example, with each endpoint device associated with a particular reader and each reader in turn communicating with a central system. Other fixed systems utilize only one central reader with which all endpoint devices communicate. In a mobile environment, a handheld or otherwise mobile reader with RF communication capabilities is used to collect data from endpoint devices as it is moved from place to place.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,673, for example, relates to an AMR system of the type used for reading utility meters by using a fixed RF network. The system is a network comprised of multiple cells, with each cell containing a single data concentrator unit and a typically large number of meter interface units. In operation, each meter interface unit is assigned a unique time displacement number and responds to a meter reading request from a data concentrator unit based upon its time displacement number.
A concern regarding both fixed networks and mobile environments is endpoint battery consumption. Each endpoint device is typically equipped with a battery-powered meter interface unit that communicates with the reader. To contribute to the overall system goal of increased efficiency and accuracy of meter reading, it is desirable to prolong the meter interface battery life to reduce time and expense maintaining and servicing the batteries in the meter interfaces. Since using a battery with a larger capacity is generally not a viable option due to cost and space considerations, the preferred method with which to increase battery life is to reduce battery consumption by the meter interface. This goal may be accomplished in part by operating the meter interface in a "sleep" or reduced power mode when communication with the reader is not expected or required.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,726,646 is directed to a method and apparatus for activating and accessing remote meter interface devices. A meter reading device initiates communication with a meter interface unit by transmitting a request on a communication channel. The meter interface unit is operable between an active and inactive state to reduce power consumption and is periodically activated to monitor a communication channel for channel activity. The request from the meter reading device includes a unit identifier, and the meter interface unit is activated at a particular time period and detects communication activity on the communication channel originating from the meter reading device.
Other methods of reducing battery consumption have also been attempted in which the endpoint devices respond only to signals above a particular threshold or only to signals that include some type of system identifier. These methods help to reduce power consumption by limiting the signals that a particular endpoint device will respond to.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,472 is directed to a method and apparatus for remotely accessing meter status information in a meter reading system. Communications between battery powered meter interface units and a meter reading device occur at a first data rate, while communications between the externally powered meter interface units and the meter reading device occur at a second data rate different than the first data rate. Communications between battery powered meter interface units and externally powered meter interface units occur at different rates so that more frequent communication with externally powered meter interface units does not result in extended receiver on-time for the battery powered meter interface units.
Other systems use analog squelch techniques based on received signal strength indicators to preserve battery power consumption. These methods, however, are prone to falsing because of interference from other sources. It is also difficult to set the received signal strength threshold level accurately in systems having many endpoint devices because the environmental conditions vary at different locations and change over time and temperature, which cannot be easily or automatically compensated for by the system. This leads to the setting of either an artificially high threshold value, which will miss some endpoint queries and lower system quality of service due to the receiver threshold being above the noise floor, or the setting of a low threshold, which will deplete the battery due to excessive falsing.
Systems in which the endpoint devices look for a specific system identifier in the demodulated data require that the endpoint receiver be brought up long enough to recover data and retrieve bit and frame synchronization. This depletes the battery in a system in which the endpoint receiver must repeat this process every few seconds.
There is, therefore, a need in the industry for a system and method of operating AMR systems that conserves battery life while not sacrificing communication capabilities or performance.

System and method for fast detection of specific on-air data rate


A dual gauge system determines pressures of two separately contained gases by use of two separate pointer—Bourdon tube sections within the dual gauge. The Bourdon tube of a first one of the sections is gaseously coupled to a first one of the contained gases to determine pressure of the first one of the contained gases and a Bourdon tube of a second one of the sections is gaseously coupled to a second one of the contained gases to determine pressure of the second one of the contained gases. Accuracy of pressure determination is enhanced by allowing for separate calibration of each of the two gauge sections.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to gauges and, more particularly, to mechanical gauges.
2. Description of the Related Art
A mechanical pressure gauge can be used to measure pressure of a contained gas. Typically a pointer is used in the gauge to point to a particular pressure value demarcation on a dial face to indicate present pressure of the contained gas. A Bourdon tube can be used since it is constructed to assume a particular shape supported by pressurized gas inside the Bourdon tube. The Bourdon tube is gaseously coupled to the contained gas so is pressurized at the same pressure of the contained gas. If the pointer is mechanically coupled to the Bourdon tube so that movement of the pointer will properly indicate on the dial face pressure changes of the contained gas, then the pointer need only be positioned on the dial face according to one known pressure reading of the contained gas in order for the gauge to be calibrated and deemed accurate. Some gauges, conventionally known as dual gauges, use two Bourdon tubes each mechanically coupled to a separate pointer so that the two pointers of a dual gauge share a common dial face. Unfortunately, these conventional dual gauges are unable to provide a calibration function for both of their pointers.

Dual gauge with dual calibration system and method


A control method when a vehicle tire bursts, a vehicle control system, and a vehicle, the method including: obtaining the wheel information of the burst tire when the vehicle tire bursts; judging the deviation condition of the vehicle after the tire burst, and obtaining a driving intention of a driver; and calculating the driving torque and the braking torque of the wheels without burst tire according to the deviation condition and the driving intention of the driver, and controlling the wheels without burst tire according to the driving torque and the braking torque to correct the deviation condition of the vehicle, so that the vehicle remains normal driving within a preset distance.

High-speed driving tire burst is considered to be the first killer of high-speed driving safety. The data shows that the number of deaths caused by high-speed driving tire burst accounts for nearly half of the deaths from highway accidents. Therefore, solving the tire burst problem can significantly improve vehicle safety.
In order to solve the tire burst problem, the most widely used method is to use run-flat tires, which in terms of structure are non-pneumatic tires or tires that greatly enhance the sidewall stiffness. However, there are two problems with this:
(1) in case of existing run-flat tires, the hardness of the tire carcass becomes larger, and the tread buffer capacity becomes smaller. Therefore, the damping effect of the tire is weakened, and the vibration and impact transmitted by road surface to the vehicle body through the tire become larger, thereby increasing the noise and vibration of the vehicle;
(2) during the driving of the vehicle, the tire material hysteresis caused by the deformation of the carcass is the main cause of the rolling resistance of the vehicle. Since the volume and weight of the existing run-flat tire materials are significantly larger than that of the pneumatic radial tires used in the current vehicles, the rolling resistance is relatively large, which in turn reduces the fuel economy of the vehicle.

Control method when vehicle tire bursts, vehicle control system and vehicle


A beamforming apparatus includes a storage for storing a plurality of basis vectors obtained from a beamforming coefficient of a previously-measured echo signal; a weight calculator for calculating a weight to be applied to an echo signal reflected from a target; and a synthesizer for applying the weight to the echo signal reflected from the target and synthesizing signals to which the weight is applied.

1. Field
Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a beamforming method, a beamforming apparatus, and a medical imaging system performing the beamforming method.
2. Description of the Related Art
A medical imaging system may use a fixed beamforming technique or an adaptive beamforming technique. The fixed beamforming technique uses a Hamming window or a Hanning window, regardless of an input signal, and corresponds to data-independent beamforming. The adaptive beamforming technique uses a beamforming coefficient according to an input signal, and corresponds to data-dependent beamforming.

Beamforming method, beamforming apparatus, and medical imaging system performing the beamforming method

Industry Academic Cooperation Foundation, Hallym University


A chair, with an elastic movable means capable of allowing the back of the chair to be leaned back at an angle of inclination, is disclosed. The chair has one or more leg frames. A seat frame is mounted to the top portion of the leg frames and holds a seat. A back frame is connected to the seat frame and holds a back. The elastic movable means is provided at the junction between the seat and back frames and allows the back frame to be elastically leaned back relative to the seat frame. The elastic movable means has two leaning angle limit units at both ends and one torsion bar extending between the two limit units. Each of the two limit units is fitted into the seat and back frames at opposite ends and limits the leaning angle of the back frame. The torsion bar elastically returns the back frame from a leaned position to the original position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to a chair with a plurality of hollow steel pipes being bent into seat and back frames and, more particularly, to a chair provided with an elastic movable means capable of allowing the back of the chair to be elastically leaned back and returned to its original position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As well known to those skilled in the art, chairs, with a plurality of hollow steel pipes being bent into seat and back frames, have a simple construction and are produced at low cost, thus being widely used as seats in a banquet hall, etc. In order to produce such a chair, a plurality of steel pipes, having a rectangular or circular cross-section, are bent into a seat frame and a back frame. Thereafter, a seat is mounted to the seat frame, while a back is mounted to the back frame, thereby easily forming such a chair and reducing production cost.
However, such a chair is problematic in that the back frame is fixed to the seat frame, so the back can not be movable relative to the seat. Therefore, the above chair, with the fixed back only supporting the back of a user, does not allow the user, who wants to take a rest, to lean back in the chair. That is, such chairs are not comfortable to users.
In an effort to solve the above problem, a chair, with a movable means installed in the steel pipe frames for allowing the back to be selectively leaned back, is proposed. However, such a movable means has a complex construction, so it is very difficult to practically install the movable means in the steel pipe frames since the construction of such a chair is too simple to be modified in order to carry such a movable means. In addition, the hollow structure of the steel pipe frames is not strong, so the frames can not effectively hold such a movable means and causes the movable means to be easily broken down.


The present disclosure relates generally to connector plugs and jacks and in particular to an audio connector plug and jack that can be used in place of the a standard low profile plug and electronic devices using low profile plug receptacles. The connector plug has a reduced plug length and thickness, an intuitive insertion orientation and a smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted from its corresponding receptacle connector. A portion or all of the plug connector may include a flexible material that allows the connector to bend with respect to an insertion axis along which the plug connector is designed to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector. A corresponding connector jack may be configured to receive the reduced length and thickness connector plug.

The present invention relates generally to connectors such as audio jacks and in particular to an audio connector that can be used in place of the a standard low profile plug receptacles and electronic devices using low profile plug receptacles.
Standard audio connectors or plugs are available in three sizes according to the outside diameter of the plug: a 6.35 mm (¼″) plug, a 3.5 mm (⅛″) miniature plug and a 2.5 mm ( 3/32″) subminiature plug. The plugs include multiple conductive regions that extend along the length of the connectors in distinct portions of the plug such as the tip, sleeve and one or more middle portions between the tip and sleeve resulting in the connectors often being referred to as TRS (tip, ring and sleeve) connectors.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate examples of audio plugs 10 and 20 having three and four conductive portions, respectfully. As shown in FIG. 1A, plug 10 includes a conductive tip 12, a conductive sleeve 14 and a conductive ring 16 electrically isolated from the tip 12 and the sleeve 14 by insulating rings 17 and 18. The three conductive portions 12, 14, and 16 are for left and right audio channels and a ground connection. Plug 20, shown in FIG. 1B, includes four conductive portions: a conductive tip 22, a conductive sleeve 24 and two conductive rings 25 and 26 and is thus sometimes referred to as a TRRS (tip, ring, ring, sleeve) connector. The four conductive portions are electrically isolated by insulating rings 27, 28 and 29 and are typically used for left and right audio, microphone and ground signals.
When plugs 10 and 20 are 3.5 mm miniature connectors, the outer diameter of conductive sleeve 14 and 24 and conductive rings 16, 25, and 26 is 3.5 mm and the connector is 14 mm long, and for a 2.5 mm subminiature connector the outer diameter of the conductive sleeve is 2.5 mm and the connector is 11 mm long. Such TRS and TRRS connectors are used in many commercially available MP3 players and smart phones as well as other electronic devices. Electronic devices such as MP3 players and smart phones are continuously being designed to be thinner and smaller and/or to include video displays with screens that are pushed out as close to the outer edge of the devices as possible. The diameter and length of current 3.5 mm and even 2.5 mm audio connectors are limiting factors in making such devices smaller, thinner and allowing the displays to be larger.
Some manufacturers have used USB, mini-USB and micro-USB connectors as audio connectors to connect headphones and similar audio components to electronic devices. FIG. 2 is an example of a micro-USB connector 30, the smallest of the USB connectors. Connector 30 includes an outer housing 32 and a metallic shell 34 that is inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector. Shell 34 defines an interior cavity 38 and includes five contacts 36 formed within the cavity. The insertable shell portion 34 of connector 30 is both thinner and shorter than even the 2.5 mm subminiature version of connectors 10 and 20. Connector 30, however, suffers from other drawbacks that detract from the overall user experience. For example, connector 30 must be inserted into its respective receptacle connector in a particular orientation, yet it is difficult for the user to determine when connector 30 is oriented in the correct insertion position. Also, even when connector 30 is properly aligned, the insertion and extraction of the connector is not precise, has an inconsistent feel and, even when the connector is fully inserted, has an undesirable degree of wobble that may result in either a faulty connection or breakage. Additionally, cavity 38 is prone to collecting and trapping debris within the cavity which may interfere with the signal connections.


Techniques are provided to allow concurrent operation of threads in an operating system that does not support kernel threads. A first process may create a first thread. The first thread may create a second process. The second process is granted access to a portion of the address space of the first thread. Synchronization information is passed between the first thread and the second process over a communications channel.

In computer programming, threads allow for a single program process to create multiple sub-processes. Each thread shares the same address space as the overall process, and thus may access all memory allocated to the process. The threads operate to perform some task. From the perspective of the computer program, each thread is running concurrently. Thus, the computer program may create multiple threads to perform multiple tasks, and from the perspective of the computer program, those tasks are performed in parallel.

Performing garbage collection using a virtual thread in operating system without kernel thread support

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP


Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for processing behavioral assessments. One embodiment includes a computing device that stores logic that causes the system to receive data from a first behavioral assessment, the first behavioral assessment assessing a first behavioral characteristic of a first person, receive data from a second behavioral assessment, the second behavioral assessment assessing a second behavioral characteristic of the first person, and utilize the first behavioral characteristic from the first behavioral assessment and the second behavioral characteristic from the second behavioral assessment to calculate a behavioral parameter for the first person. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to compare the behavioral parameter against a corresponding behavioral parameter for a second person to determine how the first person and the second person would work together and provide data about how the first person and the second person would work together.

Currently various behavioral assessment services are available that allow users to take a behavioral test and compare their personal results against other tests they have taken. Additionally, the tests are oftentimes administered by employers such that the results may be used to better understand the people that the employer utilizes. As an example, DISC™, Myers-Briggs™, Birkman™, Enneagram™, Strengths™, Caliper™, Profile XT™, and/or other assessments may be taken by individuals and analyzed by employers. While these behavioral assessments are often beneficial, each behavioral assessment provides different results and employers have nothing to do with that data once the particular behavioral assessment is complete. As such, a need exists in the industry.

Systems and methods for processing behavioral assessments


A system and method is disclosed for determining intervals of a space filling curve in a query box. The method includes the operation of providing a range query-box contained within a data set, wherein the data set has a plurality of elements in N dimensions. A space filling curve is applied to the data set. The space filling curve contacts each of the elements in the N dimensions. The space filling curve is also applied to a range-query box contained within the data set. An entry point of the space filling curve into the query box is determined. A first endpoint box is formed to cover an hquad of the space filling curve at the entry point that includes P×P elements, with a first value of P selected as one. The value of P is increased to expand the endpoint box around a next larger hquad of the space filling curve, until a size of the endpoint box is maximized without exiting the range-query box. The interval of the space filling curve in the endpoint box can then be determined.

The amount of data stored in database systems has been continuously increasing over the last few decades. Most data sets have multiple attributes, referred to as being high dimensional. For example, it has become popular among retailers such as grocery stores to use incentive cards that offer discounts on purchases. Each incentive card is linked to a particular shopper. A database is created that tracks the shopper, the shopper's personal information, and the shopper's buying habits. The database may be arranged in columns and rows. A first column may include shopper names. Additional columns may include the associated shopper's age, address, phone number, and purchases. Each column can be referred to as a dimension. Such a database can easily include millions of data elements over several dimensions.
In order to obtain useful information from the database, programs have been created to search the database for particular information. For example, the types of purchases made by males ages 18-25 may be used to determine what type of food to stock before the Super Bowl.
A high dimensional data set takes a tabular form of rows and columns. Each row is a data item and each column is a dimension (or an attribute). A high dimensional data set is usually represented by a high dimensional discrete vector space, which can be mathematically represented by:Ω=D1×D2× . . . ×Dn.  (1)
Each Di is a one-dimensional space, or column. The dimensionality of the data set is called n. In practice, a data set may contain additional columns, termed measures, that represent values for a point in high dimensional space, e.g., total sales, temperature, etc.
To enable searching of the database, an index to the data set Ω is constructed on a subset of columns, called the sorting key of Ω. A sorting key can include all columns of Ω. If more than one column is included in the sorting key, it is called a composite sorting key. A conventional index structure is a B-tree index, which orders the data set by the sorting key (or composite sorting key). The problem with a B-tree type index is that the ordering of the individual columns in the composite sorting key defines the kind of queries it is good for. The order of the columns in the composite sorting key defines the significance of the column in its influence on the sorting order. The order of two data items is determined by the most significant column in the index in which the attribute values of these two data items differ. Less significant columns in the composite sorting key have no influence on the order of these two data items.
For example, the database related to grocery shoppers may have a B-tree type index constructed based on name. However, this type of B-tree index is not useful if searching the database is based on the shopper's age. The solution has been to construct many secondary B-tree indices for different attributes in the database. However, the use of a large number of B-tree indices can take a large amount of storage space and can reduce the searching efficiency.

System and method for determining intervals of a space filling curve in a query box

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A system and method for improved white light immunity for IR motion sensors. The system comprises a first sensor responsive to light in a first range of wavelengths in the secure area, the first sensor generating a first output signal indicative of a first detected parameter of the light in the first range of wavelengths, a second sensor proximate to the first sensor, the second sensor being responsive to light in a second range of wavelengths in the secure area, and a logic unit for compensating the first output signal based in part upon a reference signal indicative of a second parameter of the light in the second range of wavelengths. The first sensor is a pyro-electric sensor and the second sensor is a visible light sensor. The second parameter comprises an intensity value of the light in the second range of wavelengths, wherein the reference signal is indicative of a differentiation of said intensity value with respect to time. The system further comprises an alarm generation unit to generate an alarm if the first signal exceeds a first threshold value, the first threshold value being a function of a baseline of the first signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to sensors and security systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing immunity to bright white light for Passive Infrared (PIR) motion sensors.
2. Related Art
PIR sensors are increasingly being used in numerous security and building automation systems. Automatic light switches, motion detectors, or remote control of electrical appliances are among these uses. PIR motion sensors can detect the infrared light emanating from an intruder, such as a human or motor vehicle, and transmit a signal across the security system. This signal can also be used to trigger an alarm.
PIR motion sensors detect motion based on the infrared (IR) energy emitted by known temperature ranges of the objects that need to be detected, for instance, a human body. The human body generates radiation in the wavelengths of 7 μm to 14 μm generally. To detect the human body, the motion sensor is equipped with a light filter that passes the desired wavelengths of 7-14 μm while reflecting and/or absorbing the rest. The energy that is absorbed by the filter causes heating of the filter. This heat is reradiated and is detected by a plurality of pyroelectric sensing elements within the sensor.
A pyroelectric sensing element responds to incoming radiation by generating an electrical signal that is amplified and processed. The signal represents the temperature of the object relative to a background temperature. The signal generally has two major components that are considered when being processed: a baseline, and a signal threshold (see prior art FIG. 1). When a heat source, such as a human body, moves in front of the sensor, it will cause the signal to vary away from the baseline. If the signal is sufficient to cross the threshold, an alarm may be triggered.
One problem with PIR sensors is that visible light can trigger the pyroelectric element of the sensor. PIR sensors generally have an inherent vulnerability to bright white light, for instance car headlights or bright flashlights. Specifically, when a bright white light is shined on the pyroelectric element, it introduces a signal in this element that, when amplified, will seem to be a legitimate target to the processing component of the sensor. Prior art FIG. 1 illustrates the response of a pyroelectric sensor when bright white light reaches the sensor, such as car headlights shined through a window. The upper graph 10 illustrates a step change of the intensity of the light reaching the sensor and the lower graph illustrates a pyroelectric response signal 20 from the pyroelectric sensor, as well as an upper threshold 22 and a lower threshold 24. As shown, a pyroelectric signal deviating from baseline 26 due to the bright white light exceeds the upper threshold 22 and an alarm is issued.
Thus, a bright light can push the PIR signal over the threshold and trigger an alarm. These false alarms are problematic and reduce the reliability of the sensors. Further, this inherent vulnerability provides a means for a malicious person to force a motion detector into alarm from outside a building by shining a bright light in the direction of the sensor.
Traditional approaches to solving this issue include augmenting the ability of the pyroelectric detector window/filter to block unwanted wavelengths. Pigmentation such as Zinc Sulfide added to the lens blocks white light while passing infrared energy. Alternatively, secondary optical filters can be added. Both approaches have their drawbacks and neither approach satisfies the desire for significantly improved, if not unlimited white light immunity.
Another method involves temporarily increasing the alarm threshold to desensitize the unit in the presence of a bright white light. A secondary light sensor is utilized to detect when lighting conditions change. If the change in light intensity exceeds a predetermined threshold for this light sensor, any potential alarm signal is suppressed for a predetermined time period of this change. This will prevent false alarms when a light is shined on the motion detector. However, this also drastically decreases the sensitivity of the sensor, making it prone to spoofing, i.e. a person using a bright light to desensitize the motion detector, and walking through the detection zone undetected.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a motion detecting method and system that provides significantly improved white light immunity while obviating intentional blinding of the sensor by an intruder.

Method to improve white light immunity of infrared motion detectors


A system capable of granting Internet access to users when direct connection to their usual home Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is impossible, impractical or prohibitively expensive. The system offers users a unified method of login to other independent ISPs to provide easy and inexpensive access to the Internet and its various services. The system validates user logins, generates billing data, provides usage time and monitors communication links. The system also isolates the shells of the servers of the ISPs from the user until such time as the user has been determined to be valid, thereby providing security to the ISPs against unauthorized access to their servers. The system performs these tasks while requiring only a small amount of communication bandwidth for communication monitoring and billing.

1. Field of the Invention
An increasingly large number of computer users rely on accessing the Internet, an international connection of computer networks which cooperate to form a seamless network for their collective users. The Internet offers its users several services, most notably electronic mail (email), file transfer protocol (ftp), access to the World Wide Web (WWW) and the like.
2. Related Background Art
There are several ways to access the Internet, the most prevalent of which requires the availability and use of a telephone link over a modem between the user and the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as a SLIP or PPP connection over a V.32bis or V.42bis modem. SLIP and PPP connections are also appropriate for connecting a home computer, or even a small local network, to a larger local network, which in turn is connected to the Internet.
Several value-added ISPs (VAISP), such as the Microsoft Network, Compuserve, America-On-Line, and the like, offer their users local access from a large number of cities in various countries. Thus, a user who subscribes to one of these VAISPs and is in a foreign or non-home city, for example, on business or vacation, may be able to connect to the Internet through the VAISP, without having to subscribe to a local ISP.
This is not the case, however, for users who have accounts with Independent Internet Service Providers (IISPs). In this case, users who travel away from their home cities and IISPs to other cities must either
(1) subscribe to a local ISP at their destination, or PA1 (2) must access their home ISPs via a long distance telephone link. The first option is inconvenient and may require expensive service installation, and is likely to be impractical for short-term visits. The second option, although more convenient than the first option, can be expensive because of the high phone line charges, and the long distance phone connection is likely to be unreliable.

Method and system to provide internet access to users via non-home service providers

Apt. 7C, Tower 1, Euston Court, 6 Park Road


A jaw crusher includes: a crusher frame to which a cross member for connecting a pair of side wall plates is provided; a fixed jaw; a swing jaw swingably hung between the side wall plates; a pair of toggle link pins both of which are disposed along a common axial direction having a first outer end pivoted on the side plate and a second inner end pivoted on a main supporter provided to the cross member; and a reaction force-receiving link mechanism including a toggle link rotatably supported by the toggle link pin. The main supporter of the cross member on which the second end of the toggle link pin is pivoted is box-shaped.

Conventionally, a jaw crusher that crushes raw materials by swinging a swing jaw with respect to a fixed jaw is known. The fixed jaw and the swing jaw are supported by a crusher frame. Raw materials are thrown into a region surrounded by the fixed jaw, the swing jaw and the crusher frame, and then the swing jaw swings to crush the raw materials between the fixed jaw and the swing jaw.
Such a jaw crusher is arranged to receive reaction force from crushing of raw materials with a reaction force-receiving link mechanism. The reaction force-receiving mechanism substantially includes, for example, a link plate whose first end is engaged to a rear surface of the swing jaw, a toggle link that supports a second end of the link plate and rotates about a fixed link pin, and a lock cylinder whose lower end is connected to the toggle link (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
In the reaction force-receiving link mechanism, a rotational axis of the toggle link is a dual type toggle link pin, a pair of which are serially disposed along the width direction of the jaw crusher. An outer (first) end of each toggle link pin is supported by a side wall plate constituting a side surface of a crusher frame, and an inner (second) end is supported by a plate-shaped bracket standing on a cross member which connects the side wall plates on both sides. Since the first end of each toggle link pin is supported by the side wall plate, the toggle link pin can be pulled out from the side wall plate to the exterior, thereby facilitating maintenance.
[Patent Document] JP-A-2004-174450


A headset includes a body and an earphone securely connected to the body. An auxiliary positioning device is provided on the body so that, after the earphone is inserted into an ear channel and the auxiliary positioning device is urged against a concha cartilage, the headset is positioned.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a communication headset, and more particularly to the communication headset having an auxiliary positioning device formed on a body of the headset to help position the headset to the concha.
2. Description of Related Art
Because using a cell phone while driving is causing hundreds and thousands of casualties, a headset is developed to the market so that cell phone users need not hold the cell phone anymore and can still talk to the other side. The headset is divided into two categories, depending on the design, one is the wireless headset, and the other one is the wired headset. Nevertheless, the wireless headset is the most popular one nowadays.
With reference to FIG. 1, a first conventional communication headset has a body 30 and an arcuate hook 31 formed with the body 30 and extending out of the body. When the communication headset is used, the body 30 is placed adjacent to the ear and the arcuate hook 31 is placed on the concha using the concha to support the weight of the communication headset. Since there is no positioning device to help stabilizing the communication headset, the communication headset is easily displaced and thus the user is not able to have a quality reception. Further, due to the hook design, it is not possible for the user to switch ear for using the communication headset. Furthermore, due to the frequent movement of the communication headset, the user is not feeling comfortable using this communication headset. What's more but not the least is that the joint between the arcuate hook 31 and the body 30 is easily broken, which damages the communication headset for good.
With reference to FIG. 2, a different conventional communication headset is shown and has a body 40 and a plug 41 formed on a side face of the body 40. When this conventional headset is used, the plug 41 is placed inside the ear channel of the user and then the communication headset is ready for use. Because there is no hook design, there is no breakage problem and thus the user is able to freely switch ear for using this hookless communication headset. Still, this design does not effectively stabilize the communication headset, which makes the user very uncomfortable.
Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings

Communication headset with auxiliary positioning device


A card connector comprises a housing with a slider. The slider is moveable between a first position where a card has been inserted into the housing and a final position where the card is ejected from the housing. The slider includes a spring that drives the slider in a direction of card ejection. A cam mechanism secures the slider in the first position and the final position. The cam mechanism includes a substantially heart-shaped cam groove and a cam rod. The cam rod has a support shaft fixed to the housing and a cam engagement member positioned in the cam groove. A locking member having a substantially cantilever construction locks the card in the housing and has a fixed end attached to the slider and a free end that is positioned substantially above the cam groove. The free end is moveable across the cam groove.

In recent years, electronic devices requiring a user to insert a card, such as a memory card, into a card connector connected to the electronic device have become increasingly more popular. Examples of these types of electronic devices include cameras, personal computers, and portable telephones. Data is either recorded on the card from the electronic device or data is supplied from the card to the electronic device.
FIG. 13 shows an example of a conventional card connector 101 of this type (see JP2000-251025A). As shown in FIG. 13, the card connector 101 comprises a housing 110 that receives a card (not shown). The housing 101 includes a plurality of contact receiving grooves 111. A slider 120 is disposed on one side of the housing 110. The slider 120 is driven by a compression coil spring 121 that enables the slider 120 to eject the card (not shown) from the housing 110. The spring 121 has a rear-end portion fitted over a spring receiving projection 113 provided on a rear wall of the housing 110. A front-end portion of the spring 121 abuts against a rear-end surface of the slider 120.
The housing 110 further has a cam mechanism 130, which causes the slider 120 to stop in a first position and in a third or final position along a direction of card ejection. The cam mechanism 130 is constructed as a heart-shaped cam groove 112 and is formed in a vicinity of a card insertion opening of the housing 110. A cam rod 122 is shaft-supported by the slider 120 and follows the cam groove 112.
When the slider 120 is in the first position, the card insertion has been completed, and the card (not shown) is in contact with contacts (not shown) arranged in the contact receiving grooves 111. When the card (not shown) is pushed further into the housing 110, the slider 120 is driven in the direction of card ejection by the spring 121. The slider 120 is caused to stop in the third position by the cam mechanism 130, and the card (not shown) is ejected.
Although the card connector 101 has a reduced width and height, since the cam groove 112 is formed in a vicinity of the card insertion opening in the housing 110, it is difficult to reduce the depth (direction of card insertion and ejection) of the card connector 101. Additionally, the card connector 101 is not formed with a locking member. Thus, the card (not shown) can not be locked in the housing 110 when it is completely inserted or prevented from slipping-out of the housing 110 when it is ejected.
FIGS. 14A–14B show an example of another conventional card connector 201 (see JP2002-270299A). The card connector 201 comprises a housing 210 that receives a card (not shown). The housing 210 includes a plurality of contact receiving grooves 211. A slider 220 is disposed on one side of the housing 210. The slider 220 is driven by a compression coil spring 214 that enables the slider 220 to eject the card (not shown) from the housing 210. A rear-end portion of the spring 214 is fitted over a spring receiving projection 213 provided on a rear wall of the housing 210. A front-end portion of the spring 214 contacts a wall surface 223 of the slider 220.
A cam mechanism causes the slider 220 to stop in a first position and a third or final position along a direction of card ejection. The cam mechanism is constructed in the form of a heart-shaped cam groove 212 and is formed in a vicinity of a card insertion opening in the housing 210. A cam rod 221 is shaft-supported by the slider 220 and follows the cam groove 212. A locking member 222 is attached to the slider 220 and locks the card (not shown).
In the card connector 201, when the slider 220 is in the first position, the insertion of the card (not shown) has been completed. In this state, the card (not shown) is locked by the locking member 222. During ejection of the card (not shown), the elastic properties of the locking member 222 temporarily hold the card (not shown), so that the card (not shown) is prevented from inadvertently slipping-out of the housing 210.
Because the card connector 201 includes the locking member 222, the card (not shown) can be locked in the housing 210 when it is completely inserted and prevented from slipping-out of the housing 210 when it is ejected. However, although the card connector 201 has a reduced width and height, since the cam groove 212 is formed in a vicinity of the card insertion opening in the housing 210, it is still difficult to reduce the depth (direction of card insertion and ejection) of the card connector 201.
It is therefore desirable to develop a card connector that has a reduced width, height, and depth that can be used, for example, in compact electronic devices, such as portable telephones.

Card connector locking member arrangement


The present invention relates to an enzyme exhibiting endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity (EC 3.2.1.4), which is a) a polypeptide encoded by the DNA sequence of positions 1 to 2322 of SEQ ID NO: 1; b) a polypeptide produced by culturing a cell comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 under conditions wherein the DNA sequence is expressed; c) an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase enzyme having a sequence of at least 97% identity to the amino acid sequence of position 1 to position 773 of SEQ ID NO: 2; and fragments thereof exhibiting endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity, and d) a polypeptide having endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity that is encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes with the nucleotide sequence shown in positions 1–2322 of SEQ ID NO: 1, is useful for detergent and textile applications.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an enzyme exhibiting endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity which enzyme is endogenous to the strain Bacillus sp., DSM 12648, to an isolated polynucleotide molecule encoding such an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase, and use of the enzyme in the detergent, paper and pulp, oil drilling, oil extraction, wine and juice, food ingredients, animal feed or textile industries.
2. Description of Related Art
Cellulose is a polymer of glucose linked by beta-1,4-glucosidic bonds. Cellulose chains form numerous intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which result in the formation of insoluble cellulose micro-fibrils. Microbial hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose involves the following three major classes of cellulases: (i) endoglucanases (EC 126.96.36.199) which cleave beta-1,4-glucosidic links randomly throughout cellulose molecules, also called endo-beta-1,4-glucanases; (ii) cellobiohydrolases (EC 220.127.116.11) which digest cellulose from the non-reducing end, releasing cellobiose; and (iii) beta-glucosidases (EC 220.127.116.11) which hydrolyze cellobiose and low molecular-weight cellodextrins to release glucose.
Beta-1,4-glucosidic bonds are also present in other naturally occurring polymers, e.g. in the beta-glucans from plants such as barley and oats. In some cases, endoglucanases also provide hydrolysis of such non-cellulose polymers.
Cellulases are produced by many micro-organisms and are often present in multiple forms. Recognition of the economic significance of the enzymatic degradation of cellulose has promoted an extensive search for microbial cellulases, which can be used industrially. As a result, the enzymatic properties and the primary structures of a large number of cellulases have been investigated. On the basis of the results of a hydrophobic cluster analysis of the amino acid sequence of the catalytic domain, these cellulases have been placed into different families of glycosyl hydrolases; fungal and bacterial glycosyl hydrolases have been grouped into 35 families (Henrissat, B.: A classification of glycosyl hydrolases based on amino acid sequence similarities. Biochem. J. 280 (1991), 309–316. Henrissat, B., and Bairoch, A.: New families in the classification of glycosyl hydrolases based on amino acid sequence similarities. Biochem. J. 293 (1993), 781–788). Most cellulases consist of a cellulose-binding domain (CBD) and a catalytic domain (CAD) separated by a linker which may be rich in proline and hydroxy amino acid residues. Another classification of cellulases has been established on the basis of the similarity of their CBDs (Gilkes et al. (1991)) giving five families of glycosyl hydrolases (I–V).
Cellulases are synthesized by a large number of microorganisms which include fungi, actinomycetes, myxobacteria and true bacteria but also by plants. Especially endo-beta-1,4-glucanases of a wide variety of specificities have been identified. Many bacterial endoglucanases have been described (Gilbert, H. J. and Hazlewood, G. P. (1993) J. Gen. Microbiol. 139:187–194. Henrissat, B., and Bairoch, A.: New families in the classification of glycosyl hydrolases based on amino acid sequence similarities. Biochem. J. 293 (1993), 781–788).
An important industrial use of cellulolytic enzymes is for treatment of paper pulp, e.g. for improving the drainage or for de-inking of recycled paper. Another important industrial use of cellulolytic enzymes is for treatment of cellulosic textile or fabrics, e.g. as ingredients in detergent compositions or fabric softener compositions, for bio-polishing of new fabric (garment finishing), and for obtaining a "stone-washed" look of cellulose-containing fabric, especially denim, and several methods for such treatment have been suggested, e.g. in GB-A-1 368 599, EP 307 564 and EP 435 876, WO 91/17243, WO 91/10732, WO 91/17244, WO 95/24471 and WO 95/26398. JP patent application no. 13049/1999 discloses a heat resistant alkaline cellulase derived from Bacillus sp. KSM-S237 (deposited as FERM-P-16067) suitable for detergents.
There is an ever existing need for providing novel cellulase enzymes or enzyme preparations which may be used for applications where cellulase, preferably an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase, activity (EC 184.108.40.206) is desirable.
The object of the present invention is to provide novel enzymes and enzyme compositions having substantial beta-1,4-glucanase activity under slightly acid to alkaline conditions and improved performance in paper pulp processing, textile treatment, laundry processes, extraction processes or in animal feed; preferably such novel well-performing endoglucanases are producible or produced by using recombinant techniques in high yields.


A circuit for sensing a current in an inductor is described. Integrator circuitry is operable to generate a first signal representing an integration of a voltage across the inductor. Comparison circuitry is operable to generate a reset signal each time the first signal reaches either a positive or negative threshold. The reset signal is for resetting the integrator circuitry. Logic circuitry is operable to generate a count direction signal indicating which of the positive and negative thresholds was reached to generate the reset signal. Counter circuitry is operable to increment or decrement a count representing the current in the inductor in response to the reset and count direction signals.

The present invention relates to techniques for sensing currents in electronic circuits. More particularly, the present invention provides an inductor-based approach to current sensing.
In many electronic circuits and systems it may be desirable to monitor the current in an inductor for a variety of reasons, e.g., sensing overcurrent conditions in a switching amplifier or power supply. This is often accomplished by the introduction of additional circuit elements, e.g., sense resistors, which cause the system to dissipate additional power, may undesirably alter the signal being monitored, and result in additional costs. It is therefore desirable to provide techniques for sensing the current in an inductor which are not characterized by such disadvantages.


The invention relates to a process, to a device for smoothing dark regions of images and to a coding system.                a noise level is associated with each image and a luminance value is associated with each pixel,        a threshold value is calculated,        at least two values delimiting a smoothing range are defined,        for each current pixel, the luminance of the pixel is compared with the said values,        if the luminance of the current pixel lies in a smoothing range, the luminance of several pixels in an analysis window is compared with the said values,        if the luminance of certain pixels lies in the same range as the value of the luminance of the current pixel, the value of the luminance of the current pixel is modified as a function of the said threshold values.

The acquisition of video image sequences is still today largely carried out in analogue form so that the images, once acquired and possibly transmitted and stored in analogue formats, exhibit an appreciable share of noise in their content. Once digitized, these images are also often subjected to storage/editing operations which, in their turn, introduce noise, this time of a digital nature. Finally, an image sequence generally undergoes a succession of transformations resulting in spatio-temporal noise of a highly random nature.
To obtain high-performance operation, the noise reduction methods call upon recursive filtering which considers the very high temporal correlation of the images of a video sequence. These filters are very effective but have the drawback of making the noise homogeneous and hence of giving the final result a "dirty window pane" effect. This is especially visible in the dark regions of the image.
The invention therefore relates to the homogenization of the dark regions of an image based on the amplitude of the luminance of the pixels of this image.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,426 filed in the name of the company Hitachi Limited discloses noise reducing systems which use the amplitude of the luminance. Such systems use the amplitude of the luminance to increase the stringency of the noise reducing filter, in the analogue domain.
Such systems are therefore not adapted for homogenizing the dark regions of an image having undergone a deterioration as they pass through a recursive filter. Moreover, such systems do not allow variable smoothing of an image and are not adapted to operate in the domain of digital images.

Spatial smoothing process and device for dark regions of an image


A delayed release pharmaceutical formulation containing 1-dimethylamino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpentan-3-ol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a matrix; said matrix containing from 1 to 80 wt. % of at least one pharmaceutically acceptable, matrix-forming, hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer and having the following in vitro dissolution rate relative to 100 wt. % of the 1-dimethylamino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpentan-3-ol contained in the formulation: 3-35 wt. % released after 0.5 hour, 5-50 wt. % released after 1 hour, 10-75 wt. % released after 2 hours, 15-82 wt. % released after 3 hours, 30-97 wt. % released after 6 hours, more than 50 wt. % released after 12 hours, more than 70 wt. % released after 18 hours, and more than 80 wt. % released after 24 hours.

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation with delayed active ingredient release that contains 1-dimethylamino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpentan-3-ol or one of its pharmaceutically acceptable salts in a matrix.
1-dimethylamino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpentan-3-ol is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,737 (=EP 693,475), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, as an analgesically active medicament and may be administered orally. The usual formulations for oral administration of 1-dimethylamino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpentan-3-ol lead to a rapid release of the active ingredient in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a rapid onset of the analgesic effect. At the same time it is observed that the effect rapidly wears off. Accordingly the treatment of severe chronic pain using 1-dimethylamino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpentan-3-ol has hitherto required the medicament to be administered at relatively short intervals, for example 4 to 6 times a day, in order thereby to ensure a sufficient concentration of active ingredient in the patient's blood plasma. The necessity of a frequent dosage easily leads however to mistakes in administration of the medicament as well as to undesired plasma concentration fluctuations, which has a deleterious effect as regards patient compliance and therapeutic usefulness, especially in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. A pharmaceutical application form with delayed release (retard formulation) for oral administration of the active ingredient 1-dimethylamino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpentan-3-ol is therefore desirable.
In the prior art, retard formulations are generally known for a large number of various active ingredients. Conventional retard forms include, inter alia, coated retard forms and matrix retard forms.
In coated retard forms such as those described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,513 (=DE 36 25 458), the core of a pharmaceutical composition containing an active ingredient is provided with a coating of one or more hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic polymers that delays the release of the active ingredient.
In matrix retard forms, the active ingredient is contained in a matrix formed from one or more carrier materials, which controls the release of the active ingredient. Thus for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,393 (=DE 33 09 516) discloses a process for the production of matrix formulations with hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose (HPMC) as carrier material and to some extent a delayed release of the active ingredient, wherein the active material does not comprise more than one third of the weight of the formulation and consists of at least one hydroxypropylmethylcellulose that has a methoxy content of 16-24 wt. %, an hydroxypropyl content of 4-32 wt. % and a number average molecular weight of at least 50,000. The formulations disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,393 contain HPMCs with viscosities (in 2 wt. % aqueous solution at 20° C.) between 15 and 30,000 cPs (15 to 30,000 mPa·s). A release behavior independent of the pH value of the dissolution medium is not disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,393.

Delayed release pharmaceutical composition containing 1-dimethyl-amino-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-pentan-3-ol


Foamable organosiloxane compositions which yield, upon cure, silicone foams having low density and decreased friability, comprising a siloxane base polymer having an average of at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule, a silicon-containing crosslinker for the siloxane base polymer, wherein the crosslinker contains at least two --SiH groups per molecule; a platinum group catalyst; a silicone resin copolymer; and optionally, a blowing agent; and silicone foams prepared therefrom. A method of weather-stripping a door or window using a silicone foam so prepared.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to foamable siloxane compositions which yield, upon cure, silicone foams having decreased friability. The decreased friability of these foams is provided by the use of a silicone resin copolymer. The friability of the foam that results when a composition of the present invention is cured is comparable to or less than the friability of silicone foams found in the art, but have the benefit of being of lower density and of being less expensive to prepare. This invention also relates to silicone foams prepared from such foamable siloxane compositions. This invention also relates to a method of using the siloxane foams of the present invention to weather-strip windows and doors.
2. Description of the Related Art
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,835, Lee et al. teach a method of preparing a heat curable organosiloxane foam comprising an organohydrogensiloxane, a hydroxylated organosiloxane and a rhodium catalyst.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,227. Tanaka teaches a foamable silicone-containing composition comprising a liquid diorganopolysiloxane with at least two functional groups which may be hydroxyl groups, a liquid organosilicon compound with at least three functional groups which may be hydrogen atoms, a condensation catalyst and a blowing agent which is an encapsulated low-boiling organic liquid.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,529, Lee et al. teach a foamable polyorganosiloxane composition consisting essentially of a vinyl-containing polydimethylsiloxane, an organohydrogensiloxane, a platinum catalyst, a foam stabilizer and a blowing agent that can be compressed or liquefied at moderate pressures
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,049, Bauman et al. teach a method of producing an elastomeric silicone foam said method consisting of mixing a vinyl-containing polydiorganosiloxane, a hydroxylated polydiorganosiloxane, a platinum catalyst, an organohydrogensiloxane, a foam stabilizer and optionally an alcohol and allowing the mixture to form a froth and cure.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,367, Bauman et al. teach an open-cell silicone foam composition comprising a hydroxyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane, a silicon hydride, water, a platinum catalyst, and optionally a foam stabilizer and/or an alcohol.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,299, Laisney et al. teach an organopolysiloxane composition comprising a vinyl-containing diorganopolysiloxane having a viscosity of 100 to 250,000 mPa.s, a dimethylpolyorganosiloxane having a viscosity of 10 to 5000 mPa.s., a hydroxyl-containing diorganopolysiloxane having a viscosity of 5 to 10,000 mPa.s, a liquid resin, a liquid organohydrogensiloxane, a filler and a platinum catalyst.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,567, Razzano et al. teach a silicone foam composition comprising an organohydrogensiloxane, a hydroxylated organosiloxane and a platinum catalyst.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,217, Jones teaches a foamable silicone composition comprising as its sole components an alkyl-hydrogen-siloxane unit-containing polysiloxane, a hydroxyl-containing polysiloxane, a compound containing a carbon bonded hydroxyl group, a polyorganosiloxane and a platinum catalyst.
The compositions of the present invention, unlike the compositions described above, contain a silicone resin copolymer and a hydroxyl-containing siloxane polymer and yield, upon cure, silicone foams having reduced friability.

Foamable siloxane compositions and silicone foams prepared therefrom


A subframe for a utility vehicle, which is fitted on a chassis frame of the vehicle includes angle profiles which, in the assembled state, form a stable subframe. A plurality of diagonal crosses which are composed of an upper partial cross and a lower partial cross can be arranged between the longitudinal members.

This application is a national stage of PCT International Application No. PCT/EP2005/012616, filed Nov. 25, 2005, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to German Patent Application No. 10 2004 058 831.7 filed Dec. 6, 2004, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a subframe for a utility vehicle.
Utility vehicles which are provided for transporting predominantly heavy loads include, among other things, a chassis frame on which a superstructure for the transportation of the loads is arranged. Furthermore, these chassis frames also serve to receive appliances which are specially to be transported, such as, for example, a mixing drum in the case of a concrete mixer, or a container.
As a rule, the superstructures and subframes provided for them are not provided by the actual manufacturer of the utility vehicle but rather are subsequently fitted individually on the chassis frame of the utility vehicle, depending on the intended use of the vehicle. For this purpose, corresponding connecting mechanisms must be provided between the subframe and the chassis frames.
The basic structure of a subframe essentially comprises two longitudinal members on the chassis frame on both sides of the utility vehicle, which longitudinal members run parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are connected via a plurality of crossmembers. To increase the stability, diagonal crosses can be provided, if appropriate in some sections, between the longitudinal members, such diagonal crosses comprising two intersecting oblique struts. At a plurality of points, the subframe has connecting brackets via which it is fastened to the chassis frame. As a rule, the individual support structures are designed as square or rectangular hollow supports made of steel.
A subframe of the generic type, such as disclosed for example in German utility model DE 298 00 368 U1, is connected to the main frame of the chassis exclusively by means of screws. For this purpose, diverse intermediate add-on parts and intermediate angles and also flanges have to be provided in order to form corresponding connecting surfaces between the longitudinal members and crossmembers.
A frame structure which is likewise screwed to the chassis frame is known from German laid-open specification DE 196 25 380 A1. This subframe is to serve as a base for a superstructure for, for example, a box, a tank or a loading platform, and is connected to the chassis via diverse securing elements on the longitudinal members of the subframe. In this connection, grids of holes in the form of a matrix are provided on the securing elements to a sufficient extent such that positioning in different positions in relation to the chassis is possible in order to compensate for dimensional measurements in chassis frames of different manufacturers.
In subframes of this type, it is generally desirable to obtain savings of weight, where possible, and nevertheless to ensure adequate stability in order to support the load to be transported by the utility vehicle. Furthermore, weld seams are to be avoided in subframe structures of this type, since they lead (with the loads to be supported) to considerable stress concentrations which, in the most unfavorable cases, lead to failure.
One object of the present invention is to provide a subframe of the type described above, which achieves a further saving of weight with at least constant or improved stability.
Another object of the invention is to achieve a more favorable dissipation of the forces originating from the load to be supported without substantial deformations within the individual components of the subframe with welding work being avoided in the subframe.
These and other objects and advantages are achieved by the subframe for a utility vehicle according to the invention, in which the two mutually opposite longitudinal members are designed as continuous L-shaped angle profiles. The horizontal arms of the angle profiles of the longitudinal members form the upper edges of the subframe and the vertical arms of the angle profiles form the lateral, outer edges of the subframe. In other words, the two L-shaped angle profiles are located opposite each other, and oriented in opposite directions.
In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting webs, by which the subframe is to be secured on a chassis frame of a utility vehicle, are designed as separate, flat web plates.
In a preferred embodiment, the connecting webs are formed integrally with the longitudinal members. In this case, the vertical arms of the longitudinal members extend at certain points to such a length that they make connection to the chassis frame possible.
The heights of the connecting webs are determined depending on the chassis frame on which the subframe is to be secured. The positions of the individual connecting webs within the continuous longitudinal members are likewise provided at corresponding points, and therefore can be matched with the grids of holes provided on the chassis frame.
The rigidity and strength (in particular flexural strength) of the subframe about the transverse axis of the vehicle can be influenced by a different configuration, particularly by selection of heights of the connecting webs. That is, depending on the load to be supported by the subframe, different frame heights for the subframe can be defined by selection of the heights of the connecting webs.
By defining the wall thickness of the metal sheet of the longitudinal members, the moment of inertia and also the moment of resistance of the entire longitudinal member composed of the chassis frame and the subframe can be correspondingly influenced, depending in each case on the intended use. In other words, in the case of extremely heavy loads which are to be supported by the utility vehicle with a frame structure of this type, the wall thickness of the two L-shaped longitudinal members and/or of the other component elements of the subframe is correspondingly increased.
This ensures a sufficient degree of stability and at the same time a saving of weight, since neither the continuous longitudinal members nor the individual connecting webs are designed as, for example, U-shaped or square hollow profiles.
As is customary in the case of frame structures of this type, at least one diagonal cross can be arranged between the two longitudinal members.
In a particular embodiment according to the invention, the diagonal cross provided for a subframe of this type is constructed in two parts. It is composed of an upper horizontal partial cross and a lower horizontal partial cross. The two partial crosses can be punched out in a sheet-like manner as simple cut sheet-metal parts. Vertically arranged tabs are provided at appropriate points within the partial crosses. Accordingly, the lower horizontal partial cross has upwardly pointing tabs and the upper horizontal partial cross has downwardly extending tabs at points which then correspond. The vertical tabs are bent further outwards in the one longitudinal half of the partial cross by half the thickness of the metal sheet and bent further inwards in the other longitudinal half by the thickness of the metal sheet. The diagonal cross can thus be constructed by two identical partial crosses, with one partial cross being rotated through 180° about the transverse axis of the vehicle and being screwed to the tabs which have corresponding grids of holes.
The partial crosses basically comprise two intersecting oblique struts which are connected at both longitudinal ends by cross struts. Because corresponding tabs are also provided on the cross struts, when the diagonal cross is assembled, and the upper partial cross is screwed to the lower partial cross via the individual tabs, a C-shaped angle support is formed on both cross sides and forms a corresponding degree of rigidity between the two longitudinal members.
Within the diagonal crosses, different profile heights of the entire diagonal cross can also be achieved by different lengths of the bent tabs. In this manner, the rigidity of the diagonal crosses can be influenced in a specific manner. It is thus possible in principle to configure the profile height of the diagonal crosses within the frame structure to be longer than the vertical arms of the angle profiles of the longitudinal members, or shorter or to have a corresponding length.
The rigidity of the diagonal crosses can be controlled not only by different profile heights but also by a specifically selected grid of holes in the vertical tabs.
Within the subframe structure, it is also possible to provide a plurality of diagonal crosses in order to correspondingly influence the rigidity of the subframe. Moreover, it is conceivable for different diagonal crosses to be provided over the entire length, for example a diagonal cross which comprises only a lower or an upper partial cross, and worked diagonal crosses of different heights.
In other words, the torsional rigidity and the shearing rigidity of the subframe can be determined by the number, type and individual positions of the diagonal crosses, depending on the load to be supported by said subframe.
According to the invention, the diagonal crosses are connected to the longitudinal members via U-shaped supports, which are located opposite each other in opposite directions in such a manner that their open sides point towards each other. Thus, the upper arm of the U-shaped supports can come to bear on the horizontal arms of the longitudinal members while the vertical base of the U-shaped supports is in each case connected to the vertical arms of the longitudinal members or to the connecting webs.
The diagonal crosses are connected to the U-shaped supports by, connecting the upper partial cross to the upper arm of the U-shaped support, and connecting the lower partial cross to the lower arm of the U-shaped support, on both of their sides and preferably at each corner of the diagonal crosses.
For the screw connection, the horizontal arms of the U-shaped supports protrude beyond the horizontal arms of the angle profiles of the longitudinal members. At the connecting points to the diagonal crosses, corresponding grids of holes are provided in the diagonal crosses and the horizontal arms of the U-shaped supports.
In one embodiment of the subframe according to the invention, spacers are provided between the connecting points which are each formed between the upper partial cross and the upper arm of the U-shaped support and the lower partial cross and the lower arm of the U-shaped support. These spacers are secured to the diagonal crosses via a grid of holes provided for this purpose.
According to the invention, the diagonal crosses are connected to the longitudinal members by a plurality of vertical screws which reach continuously through the partial crosses, arms of the U-shaped supports and the spacers, which and screw said elements to one another.
In principle, according to the invention, the connections between the individual components (i.e., the longitudinal members, the connecting webs, the diagonal crosses, the U-shaped supports, the spacers and, if appropriate, any crossmembers) are realized exclusively via screw connections or rivet connections.
The subframe according to the invention, with components of this type and screw connections is simple to fit and to remove. Furthermore, the invention provides a simple connection to the chassis frame via the connecting webs.
Since the auxiliary frame is constructed from simple punched and/or bent parts which merely comprise a combination of flat metal sheets and U- and L-shaped angle parts, no limit is placed on the freedom to design the subframe with regard to the intended use conditions. Furthermore, the simple parts are inexpensive to produce, since high tool costs are dispensed with.
A further advantage of the subframe according to the invention is that, depending on the use conditions, it can also be stiffened subsequently in a simple manner for example, by fitting additional diagonal crosses or by replacing the upper, L-shaped angle profiles of the longitudinal members with corresponding longitudinal members of thicker metal sheet thickness. Furthermore, the connecting webs and the angle profiles of the longitudinal members are provided with the same grids of elongated holes as the chassis frame, and the individual add-on parts are connected to a large vertical support base.
Since the material which is responsible for the weight is primarily concentrated in the continuous longitudinal members and therefore in the upper edges (or surface-layer zones) of the subframe, a subframe configured in such a manner can be produced with substantially less weight than the conventional type known from the prior art.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Subframe for a chassis frame of a utility vehicle


The invention relates to blades for speed skating on ice. These blades are attached to speed skating boots, and are shaped with related combinations of radius and bend.

It is common knowledge that a blade for ice skating will not turn unless it has a convex curvature along the bottom of the blade, called the radius, rock or rocker. It is further understood that a blade with more curved radius will turn more easily but glide less far.
Speed skate blade radius usually varies over the length of the blade, and is more curved at the toe and heel. Radius in the middle of the blade usually is more curved than the turn radius of the racing track.
Published material emphasizes the importance of having a convex speed skate blade radius in the range of six to nine meters when skating around a track with eight meters radius.
Speed skate racing is done with turns only in the counter-clockwise direction. Skate boots and blades for some events are adjusted to take advantage of this fact. Blades are mounted on boots with an offset to the left and some blades are positioned to the left in their support structure.
Blades of expert skaters are also bent to the left. Bending is done with mallet, vise or tool until the blade "looks right" or "feels right". The toe of the blade may be bent so the blade turns more sharply when a skater's weight moves forward. The heel of the blade may be bent so the blade turns more sharply when the skater's weight moves back. The whole blade may be bent in a smooth arc for increased ice contact and stability.
Published material treats bend as a matter of individual preference appropriate only for highly skilled skaters. Bend is considered separately from radius, and most skaters are actively discouraged from using bent blades.


A seat device for a vehicle comprises a lower rail fixed on the vehicle floor so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, an upper rail mounted to the lower rail so as to be slidable and supporting a seat body, a first lock mechanism for locking the upper rail at a first position to the lower rail and a second lock mechanism being locked for limiting the upper rail at a predetermined position so as not to move further back than the predetermined position when the upper rail is unlocked by means of the first lock mechanism, the second lock mechanism being unlocked when the upper rail is locked by means of the first lock mechanism.

A known seat device for a vehicle disclosed in H10-100753A includes a seat cushion, a stepped portion and a stopper unit. The seat cushion is attached to a slide rail so as to be slidabe, the stepped portion protrudes toward the slide rail, and the stopper unit moves in an upward/downward direction in conjunction with a rotation of the seat cushion.
When the seat cushion is rotated so as to tilt forward, the stopper unit moves downward so as to contact to the stepped portion, and when the seat cushion is rotated so as to tilt backward, the stopper unit moves upward so as to disengage from the stepped portion. When the stopper unit disengages from the stepped portion, the slide rail becomes slidable. Further, outside a range X, the stopper unit contacts with an upper surface of the stepped portions so as not to move toward an advancing end, and as a result of which, the rotation of the seat cushion is limited. Specifically, when the seat cushion is tilted forward, the seat cushion is limited so as not to move outside the range X, and outside the range X, the seat is limited so as not to tilt forward. In this circumstance, the seat cushion cannot be seated outside the range X.
A range in which the seat body (seat cushion) can slide is changed depending on the rotational position of the seat cushion, however, because the seat body can slide within the range without any limitation, the seat body may hit, for example an interior equipment, which is positioned within the range. Thus, when the seat body is moved widely in a longitudinal direction, in accordance with this movement, an inertial force is applied to the interior equipment, and when the seat body hits the interior equipment, a large impact force is applied to the interior equipment.
Thus, a need exists to provide a seat device for a vehicle for preventing a seat body from hitting with a large impact force.


Indications of sample machine learning models which create synthetic content items are provided via programmatic interfaces. A representation of a synthetic content item produced by one of the sample models in response to input obtained from a client of a provider network is presented. In response to a request from the client, a machine learning model is trained to produce additional synthetic content items.

In recent years, machine learning has increasingly been used for addressing problems in a number of domains. The sophistication of the machine learning techniques being used for such tasks as classification, object recognition, fraud detection, and the like has increased to the point that it is often difficult even for technically-adept individuals to understand how the techniques work. As a result, the set of qualified individuals who can help high-quality develop machine learning models remains relatively small.
In contrast to many traditional machine learning approaches, which may be referred to as "discriminative artificial intelligence," the term "generative artificial intelligence" refers to a set of machine learning techniques that enable human-like creative tasks to be performed with the help of machine learning models. Whereas traditional discriminative machine learning typically makes predictions or inferences based on analysis of input data, humans can collaborate with generative artificial intelligence tools to create new digital works such as music, art, or even stories. As such, computing systems at which generative artificial intelligence algorithms are implemented may be considered part of the creative process. Applications of generative artificial intelligence include accelerating product development by automatically turning rough sketches into images or three-dimensional designs, generating synthetic records which can be used to train other machine learning models to help diagnose diseases, and so on.
Generative artificial intelligence techniques are typically extremely complex, however. They typically require deep knowledge of specialized methods, and in some cases may require multiple machine learning models to be trained together, requiring rare combinations of skills. Individuals interested in becoming fluent in generative and other similar artificial intelligence techniques may either have to try to stay abreast of fast moving and often extremely theoretical academic literature, or delve into online resources which are often dry and difficult to generalize.
While embodiments are described herein by way of example for several embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments are not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit embodiments to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include," "including," and "includes" mean including, but not limited to. When used in the claims, the term "or" is used as an inclusive or and not as an exclusive or. For example, the phrase "at least one of x, y, or z" means any one of x, y, and z, as well as any combination thereof.

Hands-on artificial intelligence education service


A weather strip fixed in place by pressure against an adhesive tape attachment where the adhesive ability of the tape is increased, especially at points of high stress. The fixing portion of the weather strip includes hardened portions. The hardened portions are harder than the remaining body of the fixing portion material and are positioned so as to extend along the edge of the adhesive tape or where needed to properly assist in the transfer of sealing pressure from the fixing portion onto the adhesive tape. When the fixing portion is pressed in place, the pressure is more effectively transmitted to the desired area of the adhesive tape so that the fixing portion is more firmly adhered.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to weather stripping for use with a motor vehicle, particularly to weather stripping that is to be adhered to an automotive vehicle body by an adhesive and more specifically by adhesive tape.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally weather stripping is fixed to an automotive vehicle body panel by adhesive tape, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,347 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,220.
FIG. 1 shows an example of adhesion type weather stripping. The weather strip, generally indicated at 30, is composed of a fixing portion 31 which in cross-section has a U-shape and a tubular sealing portion 32. The weather strip 30 is fixed to each side of a body panel flange 21 by an adhesion tape 4 provided on each of the opposing interior sides 33 of the fixing portion 31 by pressing both interior sides of the fixing portion 31 against tapes 4.
However, in practice the sides of flange 21, to which the adhesive tape 4 is fixed by pressing, is not always flat. There can be, for example, cratering caused by spot welding, sometimes something is fixed to the flange, the flange may include a twisted portion or some other surface or shape imperfection that prevents proper adhesion of the adhesive tape.
Consequently, there are some instances where the pressure used to secure the tape to the flange 21 is not transferred sufficiently, and the adhesive tape 4 does not adhere completely because of one or more of the above described problems. Should adhesion not be complete at the edge portion of cross direction of adhesive tape 4, there is the possibility of peeling or other problems associated with such incomplete sealing.


An antenna system includes interconnected first, second and third saw-like antenna units, each of which is formed by a plurality of metal strips of specific width. An adjacent two of the first metal strips define a first acute angle therebetween. An adjacent two of the second metal strips define a second acute angle smaller than the first acute angle. An adjacent two of the third metal strips define the third acute angle the same as the first acute angle. The second metal strips of the second antenna unit are located densely in such a manner to provide an electromagnetic induction to achieve a second frequency band different from that provided by the first and third antenna units.

Due to rapid innovation in the electronic communication technology, dual-band antenna system for use in a mobile phone is in the trend. Since the electronic communication apparatus is targeted to be in the compact size, it is the prime object of the manufacturer to produce and design the antenna system with dual bands within the limited space of the apparatus. The design and structure of the antenna system can affect the radiating efficiency and the quality of impedance matching in the feed line.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional antenna system used in a mobile phone. The conventional antenna system includes a helical coil having a plurality of turnings, a diameter D and a pitch distance S between the adjacent two turnings, wherein by making an appropriate adjustment in the diameter D with respect to the pitch distance S. The conventional antenna system is adapted to radiate radio signal in Normal Mode (where D<<λ) or Axial Mode (when π●D≧λ), in which λ denotes the wavelength of the operation frequency. Under the Normal Mode, a conventional wire serves as a Monopole Antenna once the diameter D is substantially equivalent to zero (D=0), the most effective radiating direction is in the plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the conventional wire. In case, the pitch distance S is substantially equivalent to zero (S=0), the conventional antenna system has a loop configuration, generally known as Loop Antenna.
Antenna efficiency and quality are achieved by minimizing resistance losses. Impedance is accumulated within small wire conductors used in the conventional antenna system. It is also noted that a RF connector must be employed in order to integrate the conventional antenna system (whether it has a Helix, Sleeve or Monopole design) within or outside a telecommunication apparatus (such as a mobile phone). Thus, an extra manufacture cost is consequently resulted when fabricating the conventional antenna system thereon.

Antenna system and a method for fabricating the same


A semiconductor device includes a memory block including memory cells for storing program data and one or more flag cells for storing erase state information, an operation circuit suitable for performing a program operation, an erase operation, and a read operation on the memory cells and the flag cell, and a data conversion circuit suitable for encoding read data read from the memory cells based on the erase state information.

1. Field of Invention
Various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a semiconductor device including memory cells.
2. Description of Related Art
When an erase command is inputted from a host, data of a corresponding memory block is not actually erased, and only meta-information is erased from the file system. Therefore, the data of the memory block, which should have been erased, may be recovered maliciously.


The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging element and an electronic device capable of suppressing occurrence of a dark current and acquiring higher image quality.

In recent years, miniaturization for reduction in cost, increases in numbers of pixels, and high functionality have progressed for CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors mounted on electronic devices such as mobile phone devices, digital still cameras, and digital video cameras.
In general, incident light incident on a CMOS image sensor is subjected to photoelectric conversion by, for example, a PD (photodiode) which is a photoelectric conversion portion included in a pixel. Then, a charge generated by the PD is transmitted to an FD (Floating Diffusion) which is a floating diffusion region via a transfer transistor, and an amplification transistor outputs a pixel signal with a level according to the charge accumulated in the FD.
In the related art, in a CMOS image sensor, a rolling shutter scheme of sequentially transmitting a charge from a PD to an FD for each row of pixels and reading the charge of the FD has been adopted. In the rolling shutter scheme, distortion has occurred in an image in some cases since exposure timings of the pixels are different between an upper-side row and a lower-side row of a CMOS image sensor.
On the other hand, in a CMOS image sensor including a charge accumulation portion for each pixel, a global shutter scheme of sequentially transmitting and reading charges from the accumulation portions to FDs after simultaneously transmitting the charges from PDs to the charge accumulation portions for all of the pixels has been developed. In the global shutter scheme, distortion can be prevented from occurring in an image since exposure timings of all of the pixels are identical.
In a CMOS image sensor in which the global shutter scheme is adopted, an accumulation time of a charge in a charge accumulation portion or a diffusion layer formed in a pixel is longer than in the rolling shutter scheme. For this reason, spouting of electrons on the surface of a semiconductor substrate may increase in a diffusion layer (high-concentration N-type region) of the charge accumulation portion, and thus a dark current may increase.
Accordingly, the applicants of the present application have been developing a solid-state imaging element capable of suppressing occurrence of a dark current, for example, by applying a negative charge to an upper light-shielding film of a PD so that a hole is filled and by absorbing a dark current occurring in an interface in the hole.
Also, in a CMOS image sensor disclosed in Patent Literature 2, a diffusion layer portion (high-concentration N layer) is formed by a process of forming a capacitor film inside a pixel or a passage through which a charge accumulated in a capacitor inside the pixel is transmitted.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Solid-state imaging element and electronic device

Abstract: The solid-state imaging element includes a high-concentration diffusion layer configured to serve as a connection portion by which a wiring is connected to a semiconductor substrate, and a junction leak control film formed to cover a surface of the diffusion layer. Also, to connect the wiring to the diffusion layer, a width of an opening formed in an insulation film stacked on the semiconductor substrate is greater than a width of the diffusion layer. Further, in a charge accumulation portion configured to accumulate a charge generated by a photoelectric conversion portion generating the charge according to an amount of received light, the junction leak control film is also used as a capacitor film of the charge accumulation portion. Furthermore, a stack structure in which a silicon oxide or low interface state oxide film is formed is included between the diffusion layer and the junction leak control film. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a CMOS image sensor.


There is provided an endoglucanase enzyme, which is useful for reducing fuzz of regenerated cellulose-containing fabrics, improving the touch and appearance, color clarification, localized variation in color, reducing stiffness and using it as components of a detergent, as well as deinking waste paper and improving freeness of paper pulp. A cDNA coding for the endoglucanase enzyme NCE5 was cloned and its DNA sequence and amino acid sequence derived from it were determined.

In order to add desired characteristics to a cellulose-containing fabric, the cellulose-containing fabric is treated with cellulase. For example, treatment with cellulase is carried out in the field of textile industry for the purpose of improving the touch and appearance of a cellulose-containing fabric or adding a "stone wash" appearance which provides a localized variation in color of colored cellulose-containing fabrics (European Patent 307,564).
Currently, cellulase preparations derived from wood rotting fungi Trichoderma and Humicola are used for the purpose of adding stone wash appearance to dyed-denim cellulose-containing fabric and improving the touch of the same. These cellulase preparations are mixtures of plural cellulase components. Their practical use has been hindered by a difficulty resulting from the necessity to use a large amount of the cellulase preparation for exerting desired effect on the cellulose-containing fabric.
Such a disadvantage of the cellulase preparation is being improved by using a preparation which contains a large amount of endoglucanases. For example, cellulase preparations having enriched endoglucanase activity are published by international publications WO 89/09259, WO 91/17243, WO 98/03640 and WO 94/21801. Particularly, WO 91/17243 discloses that a purified 43 kD endoglucanase component (EGV) derived from Humicola has a jeans abrasive activity which is about 100 times higher than that of a conventionally known cellulase preparation as a mixture of a plurality of cellulase components. Also, WO 98/03640 discloses that an endoglucanase component NCE4 derived from Humicola has a 25 times higher jeans abrasive activity and 100 times higher lyocell fuzz removing activity in comparison with a conventionally known cellulase preparation as a mixture of a plurality of cellulase components.
Such a treatment with cellulase has been carried out with the aim of adding stone wash appearance to a dyed-denim cellulose-containing fabric and improving the touch of the same, but in that case, it causes problems such as redeposition or redyeing of a portion of indigo dye on clothing, namely back-staining, during the treatment process.
There is a method as an attempt to lower degree of the back-staining, in which indigo dye is dispersed in a cellulase treating solution by adding a reagent such as a surfactant. However, this method has problems in that it requires a cost for the adding chemical product and increases environmental load of waste water.
Accordingly, concern has been directed toward the provision of a cellulase having high activity but low degree of back-staining, to be used in the treatment of dyed-denim cellulose-containing fabric.

Endoglucanase enzyme NCE5 and cellulase preparations containing the same


A reinforced nonwoven metal fabric is disclosed. A mass of loose metal fibers is processed through suitable textile apparatus to result in a metal fiber web, which is then lapped to form a multi-layered structure. This structure is then formed into a metal fabric via needle-punching. A suitable backing is then introduced during or after the needle-punch process, resulting in a reinforced nonwoven metal fabric having superior strength and durability.

It is known to create nonwoven metal fabrics by forming a nonwoven web of metal fibers, overlaying portions of the nonwoven metal fiber web to form a multilayer structure, and then needle-punching the multilayer structure to form a coherent metal fabric.
Unfortunately, the nonwoven metal fabrics made by this process tend not to be suitable for many applications because they lack tensile strength. In particular, when used in abrasive applications, such fabrics tend to ball up, tear and fray.
Accordingly, there is a need for a nonwoven metal fabric having improved strength characteristics