Methods and associated systems that allow a plurality of real-time multimedia applications to operate concurrently within a computer system with constrained primary memory. In particular, the methods and systems of the present invention allow for a plurality of real-time multimedia applications to operate concurrently while adapting to changing memory constraints imposed by the dynamic allocation and release of primary memory in a shared primary memory space.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to real-time multimedia and more specifically relates to memory management methods and systems used in the rendering and display of real-time multimedia content on computer systems.
2. Discussion of Related Art
There exists a common media form known as "real-time multimedia." As known in the art, real-time multimedia generally involves the real-time construction, or rendering of graphical imagery on an end-user's computing device, and the subsequent display or presentation of the rendered imagery on a video monitor or viewing device. Computing devices used for executing real-time multimedia presentations may include end-user computers such as personal computers ("PCs"), set-top devices, personal digital assistants ("PDAs") and workstations (all referred to herein synonymously as "computers", "personal computers", "computer systems", "user systems", or "PCs").
In general, a real-time multimedia presentation is provided to the user as a sequence of 2-D images or frames generated from a set of media objects such as 2-D geometry, 3-D geometry, 2-D images, video, and text. The term "real-time" as used herein refers to the fact that a computer program is constructing, or dynamically rendering, a presentation image in time for it to be displayed without the viewer losing a sense of visual continuity. As known in the art, the process of rendering refers to the calculation of pixels from a set of media objects resulting in a 2-D image or frame. The term "visual continuity" refers to the ability to cause the human visual cortex to see a continuous progression of visual events from a time sequence of discrete frames or images that are displayed in quick succession. This technique is used in movie theaters, by displaying a time sequence of pictures at a rate of 24 frames per second. Experts in human vision and signal processing observe that visual continuity decreases as the rate at which a series of pictures is displayed decreases, also known as the "frame rate." There are many dependent factors that affect visual continuity at a given frame rate, such as the type of multimedia presentation and the activity of the media objects within the presentation, among other factors. Generally speaking, 6 to 7 frames per second may be considered low quality, 8 to 19 frames per second may be considered good quality, and 20 frames per second and above may be considered high quality for multimedia presentations. Visual continuity may be achieved for special purposes in special sequences of images at rates of 5 frames per second or lower. In general, for most common multimedia presentations, visual continuity requires a frame rate of at least 5 frames per second. As defined herein, visual continuity is maintained with a frame rate of 5 frames per second or greater. Therefore the term "real-time multimedia application", as used herein, refers to a computer program or application that is causing a sequence of images to be rendered and displayed at a frame rate of least 5 frames per second. Real-time multimedia applications are also known herein as "multimedia programs", "multimedia processes" and "multimedia threads", and more simply as "applications", "programs", "processes", and "threads".
Because each frame, or 2-D image, of a real-time multimedia presentation is usually constructed or rendered after the last frame was presented to the viewer, but before the time at which visual continuity would be suspended, input to the computer by a user can be received and affect the course of events in the presentation. Such interaction by the user allows the personal computer to produce an image, or frame, that differs from what would have been constructed and presented had the user not interacted with the presentation. This differs significantly from traditional video, where a series of static, pre-created images are displayed to a viewer in quick succession.
Multimedia applications are usually stored as descriptions that tell the computer how to use various media objects to construct, or render, frames of images through time. Additionally, such descriptions may instruct the computer as to how it should respond to user input during the presentation, allowing for increased utility for the user. Real-time multimedia applications can produce large quantities of visual information from relatively small descriptions based on mathematical and algorithmic descriptions, by combining and rendering media objects in real-time on a viewer's computer.
The data from which real-time multimedia presentation frames are rendered is known herein as "presentation data." As known in the art, presentation data may include 2-D images, such as textures and video, 2-D and 3-D geometric information, lighting information, blending information, camera information, view port information, implicit position information, implicit rotation information, implicit scaling information, explicit position information, explicit rotation information, explicit scaling information, so called "pixel shader" or high-level graphics instructions, and graphics processor unit (GPU) instructions, as well as other information used for rendering multimedia presentation frames in real-time. The size of the presentation data associated with a single multimedia application varies according to the size and complexity of the 2-D images, 2-D and 3-D geometric information, and other information that define the media objects and other attributes that compose the presentation data.
As the presentation data associated with a multimedia application is rendered into 2-D images, the resulting image data must be stored for subsequent display to a suitable display device. The storage size of the resulting image varies according to the dimensions of the image (measured in pixels) and the number of bytes required to represent each pixel in the image, among other factors. In addition to image data, other important information may be generated and stored during the process of rendering multimedia presentation frames.
Frequently, the amount of memory available to efficiently render a multimedia presentation in real-time is limited. As used herein, memory that is accessible by a graphics processor unit (GPU) for performing operations associated with graphics processing is known as "primary memory". Primary memory is used to store presentation data for the immediate rendering and storage of frames and associated data. Examples of primary memory may include, but are not limited to, registers or on-chip memory in a separate or integrated GPU, external cache memory associated with a separate or integrated GPU, video memory (VRAM) associated with a separate or integrated GPU, and main system memory (RAM) associated with a separate or integrated GPU. As known in the art, a GPU may be separate from the central processing unit (CPU), typically communicating through an appropriate computer system bus, or integrated partially or fully with a CPU. The memory area used to store multimedia applications with other associated data is known herein as "secondary memory." Examples of secondary memory may include, but are not limited to, registers or on-chip memory in a CPU, external cache memory associated with a CPU, and main system memory (RAM) associated with a CPU. Primary memory typically provides a computational performance advantage for the task of rendering and displaying multimedia presentation frames over the use of secondary memory, often because of technological or architectural differences within a computer system.
A problem arises when more than one multimedia application attempts to use the same limited, shared primary memory resources. As presently known in the art, the primary memory being used by one or more existing multimedia applications may be completely purged by another multimedia application-suspending the multimedia applications whose presentation data was purged until such time as the offending application exits and the memory becomes available again. Additionally, an application that attempts to allocate primary memory while one or more multimedia applications are active, may be prevented from allocating memory until such time as the memory becomes available or the application requests a smaller portion of memory. Cooperative sharing of primary memory between multimedia applications, either through direct or indirect coordination, does not occur in present multimedia presentation systems. Existing command structures for performing graphics processing such as DirectX and OpenGL are exemplary of such structures presently known in the art that exhibit such problems in the effective sharing of primary memory among multimedia applications.
Such constraints on the allocation and use of primary memory assets for the rendering and display of multimedia presentations are undesirable. Such constraints prevent the efficient, simultaneous use of primary memory by a plurality of multimedia applications in the instance where more primary memory is required than exists within the computer system.
In summary, present media systems are useful for individual real-time multimedia presentations, but fail to provide mechanisms that allow a plurality of real-time multimedia applications to operate concurrently on a computer system with a size-constrained, shared, primary memory pool.

Methods and systems for multimedia memory management


To enable accurate counting the number of cultured cells without pulling apart cell clusters even if cells are aggregated densely to form three-dimensional cell clusters. An image of cultured cells is acquired, and from this image, an image of cell clusters and an image of individual cells are separated. Based on each of the image of cell clusters and the image of individual cells, the number of cells in the cell cluster and the number of individual cells are calculated.

In recent years, in the fields of production of medicines, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, immunotherapy or the like, it is required to cultivate efficiently a large amount of cells, tissues, microorganisms or the like in an artificial environment.
In such cultivation of a large amount of cells, when floating cells are cultured, there has been a demand for counting the number of cultured cells in order to grasp a change in the number of cells with the passage of time and a change in proliferation efficiency. However, conventionally, counting the number of cultured cells accurately encountered various problems.
Specifically, in proliferation of floating cells, there are cell clusters formed by three-dimensional aggregation of cells and individual cells that are present individually.
Conventionally, counting was conducted by a method wherein these cultured cells are photographed from above or from below, and then, based on the projected area of the cultured cells in an acquired image, the projected area of a cell cluster is divided by the average area of individual cells, whereby the number of cells is counted.
However, since a cell cluster is three-dimensional, the number of cells thus counted is smaller than the actual number of cells in a cell cluster. Further, if individual cells are assembled densely in a planar manner, the number of cells obtained by dividing the projected area of an individual cell by the average cell area of individual cells is counted in a number larger than the actual number of individual cells. Accordingly, there was a problem that the number of cells counted based on the projected area of the cultured cells is not accurate.
On the other hand, in order to obtain an accurate number of cells, it can be considered to count the number of cells by completely pulling apart a cell cluster.
However, in general, there is a further problem that excessive pulling apart of a cell cluster causes lowering of the proliferation efficiency. For this reason, conventionally, it was impossible to conduct accurate counting during cultivation, and an accurate counting was possible only at the time of collecting cells.
Here, as one of conventional methods of counting the number of cultured cells, the cell counting method disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be given. In this method, an observation image of cultured cells that are present in a culture container is acquired, and the ratio of an area occupied by cultured cells in the thus obtained observation image is calculated as an occupied area ratio. Then, based on the thus calculated occupied area ratio and a predetermined relational formula, the number of cultured cells present in the culture container is calculated.

Cell counting method, cell counting device, and computer-readable medium storing cell counting program


A system and method for managing a trusted connection within a public cloud comprises transmitting a first token and a second token from a cloud service manager to a public cloud controller, initializing a public cloud manager in response to receipt of the first token and the second token, and generate a cloud certificate, and transmitting the cloud certificate and the second token from the public cloud manager to a management plane. The method further comprises establishing a trusted connection between the public cloud controller and the management plane in response to receipt of the cloud certificate and the second token by the management plane.

In many current implementations, to establish logical networks in public clouds, multiple components are required to be deployed and managed. In a public cloud environment, these components are deployed in various public cloud accounts, and typically establishing trusted communication channels between the components requires manual intervention. As public clouds continue to increase in size, the difficulty in establishing trusted communication channels between the components increases.
Hence, there is a need for a system and method that is able to create trusted communication channels without explicit manual intervention from a user administrator.

System and method for authentication in a public cloud


Semiconductor devices having fin-end stress-inducing features, and methods of fabricating semiconductor devices having fin-end stress-inducing features, are described. In an example, a semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor fin protruding through a trench isolation region above a substrate. The semiconductor fin has a top surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of sidewalls between the first end and the second end. A gate electrode is over a region of the top surface and laterally adjacent to a region of the pair of sidewalls of the semiconductor fin. The gate electrode is between the first end and the second end of the semiconductor fin. A first dielectric plug is at the first end of the semiconductor fin. A second dielectric plug is at the second end of the semiconductor fin.

For the past several decades, the scaling of features in integrated circuits has been a driving force behind an ever-growing semiconductor industry. Scaling to smaller and smaller features enables increased densities of functional units on the limited real estate of semiconductor chips. For example, shrinking transistor size allows for the incorporation of an increased number of memory or logic devices on a chip, lending to the fabrication of products with increased capacity. The drive for ever-more capacity, however, is not without issue. The necessity to optimize the performance of each device becomes increasingly significant.
In the manufacture of integrated circuit devices, multi-gate transistors, such as tri-gate transistors, have become more prevalent as device dimensions continue to scale down. In conventional processes, tri-gate transistors are generally fabricated on either bulk silicon substrates or silicon-on-insulator substrates. In some instances, bulk silicon substrates are preferred due to their lower cost and because they enable a less complicated tri-gate fabrication process.
Scaling multi-gate transistors has not been without consequence, however. As the dimensions of these fundamental building blocks of microelectronic circuitry are reduced, maintaining mobility improvement and short channel control as device dimensions scale below the 10 nanometer (10 nm) node provides a challenge in device fabrication.
Many different techniques have been attempted to improve the mobility of transistors. However, significant improvements are still needed in the area of electron and/or hole mobility improvement for semiconductor devices.

Semiconductor device having fin-end stress-inducing features


A gimbal includes a first shaft assembly, a second shaft assembly, and a third shaft assembly. The first shaft assembly includes a first shaft arm and a first motor arranged at a first end of the first shaft arm. The second shaft assembly includes a second shaft arm and a second motor arranged at a first end of the second shaft arm and fixedly connected to a second end of the first shaft arm that is distal from the first motor. The third shaft assembly includes a third shaft arm configured to carry a load and a third motor arranged at an end of the third shaft arm and fixedly connected to a second end of the second shaft arm that is distal from the second motor.

Gimbals currently on the market have a software angle limit in a roll direction of a mounted load thereon. Generally, the software angle limit is about ±30°. If the software limit is not provided and the load rotates more than 30° in the roll direction and reaches 45° or more, the gimbal will swing wildly, such that a camera carried by the gimbal cannot continue shooting. However, the user would like to perform a large angle shooting in the roll direction in some shooting scenes and also would desire to shoot some special effect scenes that require the load to be rotated at a large angle in the roll direction, for example, a spinning around image.


A high performance flexible golf ball tee apparatus specially designed for golf practice, said tee has a stake (24) that is fitted and a base (22) that has a cylinder (20) on one end. Said base (22) has a slot (32) that is fitted, opposite the cylinder. The slot (32) allows the stake (24) to penetrate through the base (22) and into the ground, holding the whole apparatus in place and not letting it rotate, allowing this apparatus to remain in place so that a person can strike a golf ball with a golf club repeatedly from this tee without having the tee break off or fly onto the golf driving range, avoiding consistent replacement of a conventional golf tee.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to golf tees, more particularly to a high performance flexible golf ball tee that is used mainly for golf practice.
2. Prior Art
Since golf was first introduced more than a century ago, it has achieved great development that we see today. The sport commands a great number of followers and is loved by many all over the world. It is this passion for the game that drives the development, invention and innovation for many great golfing products. Over the years, inventors have introduced different tees hoping to replace the conventional wooden tee. Two examples of this are U.S. Pat. No. 2,146,736 to Hammond (1936) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,966,214 to Collins (1976). These are unique inventions that try to solve the problem with tees flying away from the player. However, these products themselves fall short and when they are placed into the ground, then struck with a golf club they too, also fly away from the player. They have a head portion that pivots or swivels but that alone does not help them to stay in the ground when struck by a golf club. However, these innovations has not made much progress in solving a long existing problem. They fell short of their expectations, never becoming popularized. These inventions are also more complex and more expensive to make in comparison to the conventional wooden tee.
That is why I created my flexible tee but I can not compare my tee to a conventional wooden tee or the like because it is not a tee used on a golf course for teeing off. My tee is used to practice on a driving range or for practice anywhere. Therefore, there is a real need to have a golf tee to use repeatedly for practice without breakage or loss of the tee. Thus, overcoming the deficiencies of the conventional tees now in existence that are used on golf driving/practice ranges.

High performance flexible golf ball tee apparatus


A system for estimating the volume of fluid in the bladder sequentially scans the bladder with ultrasonic beams that section the bladder into a number of transverse planes. The system determines, from the scan lines associated with a given plane, a plurality of points on each of the front and back walls of the bladder. It then fits a curve to the set of front wall points and another curve to the set of back wall points, to determine an outline of the bladder in the plane. The system next calculates the cross sectional area of the bladder in the plane based on the two curves. After determining the area in each of the planes, the system determines the volume of the bladder by summing weighted version of the planar areas. The system includes a transducer that consists of a plurality of piezo-electric elements held in a relatively thin elastomeric pad and/or substrate that is acoustically impedance matched to skin. The elements are spaced and grouped such that the acoustic beams they produce lie on the plurality of planes, with the first and the last planes separated by approximately seventy degrees. The estimated volume may be is compared with a predetermined overflow threshold, to determine if the user should then void. The system may include a timer that controls the times at which the system produces estimates. The time may decrease the time between estimate calculations if the estimated volume exceeds a predetermined percentage of the overflow threshold.

Information about the volume of urine in the bladder is important clinically for several types of patients suffering from bladder dysfunctions. For patients with neurogenic bladders, in whom the nervous system connections between the brain and the urinary bladder have been severed due to spinal cord injury or other disease conditions, sensations that normally alert individuals to the need for voiding a substantially filled bladder are either significantly reduced or absent altogether. Such patients are thus at risk of bladder overdistention, which is a condition that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent kidney damage and subsequent renal failure.
For patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, which results in an enlarged or congested prostate, urine may be retained in the bladder after voiding. In a substantial percentage of such cases, the prostate growth constricts the urethra and thus restricts the flow of urine from the bladder. In response, the bladder grows thicker and stronger, to compensate for the increased resistance. Eventually, however, the bladder is no longer able to fully overcome the resistance and emptying becomes incomplete.
The retention of urine in the bladder puts the patient at risk of infection and bladder overdistention. Bacteria present in the urinary tract tend to multiply in the retained urine, and urinary infection can occur. The infection, in turn, can worsen the swelling already present in the prostate, and in the long run can lead to bladder stones or permanent kidney damage. The amount by which the prostate is enlarged correlates poorly with the degree of obstruction that the prostate presents to the flow of urine through the urethra. It is therefore important that patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia be monitored to determine the amount of retained urine after every voiding attempt.
Information about the volume of urine in the bladder is important also for individuals afflicted with urinary incontinence, especially overflow incontinence. Urinary incontinence is characterized by an involuntary loss of urine of sufficient quantity and/or frequency to become a social and health problem. There are two broad classes of incontinence, namely, transient and established. Transient incontinence, which is commonly caused by an acute illness or the administration of certain therapeutic drugs, is generally cured by treating the condition that caused the incontinence.
Established incontinence, on the other hand, is chronic and is generally caused by abnormalities in the function of the detrusor, the bladder outlet, or both. In many of these patients, the probability of a voiding accident increases sharply when the volume of urine in the bladder crosses an overflow threshold. While this threshold may vary from patient to patient, it is a widely held clinical belief that there exists a minimum overflow threshold that can be used as an effective predictor of such an accident in essentially every patient. Consequently, knowledge that the urine volume has crossed such a minimum threshold is useful in preventing leakage accidents.
Another class of patients for whom bladder volume information is important is patients undergoing lengthy surgery. In such patients, overdistention may occur as a result of anesthesia induced paralysis. Currently, these patients routinely have their bladders intubated with in-dwelling Foley catheters. The catheters are used to assess urine output and thereby monitor renal function and prevent bladder over distention. In-dwelling catheters, however, are major sources of infection. Furthermore, their use in urine output monitoring is labor intensive and cumbersome. Hence the use of a non-invasive and automatic process for this function is desirable.
Ultrasonic systems that use information contained in the backscattered echoes from the bladder region to determine its volume are known. One such system uses a specialized two-dimensional array transducer whose individual elements are activated simultaneously in two groups to produce first a composite transmit beam and then a composite receive beam. The signal associated with this composite receive beam is processed to extract three dimensional information about the bladder, which in turn is used to calculate its volume. To produce these two composite beams, the transducer has to be operated as a phased array; making it complex to manufacture, expensive and too bulky to be worn continuously.
Another known system uses an ultrasonic transducer that produces a single beam of ultrasonic energy. The signal received by the transducer contains information about the energy reflected from the back wall of the bladder, and the system uses an empirically developed calibration curve to indirectly relate this information to the degree of bladder distention. Consequently, the system produces only relative estimates of the bladder distention, rather than estimates of the bladder volume.
Yet another known system produces ultrasound measurements along two orthogonal planes that are each essentially normal to the direction of the patient's spine. Based on the measurements and an ellipsoidal model of the bladder, the system determines an estimate of bladder volume. The apparatus requires an operator to position and manipulate the associated transducer in a particular way in order to obtain the ultrasonic measurements, and thus, the system determines the bladder volume on an event-by-event basis. Accordingly, this system is not capable of automatically and/or essentially continuously producing the measurements necessary to produce estimates of bladder volume.


The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a mixture of sulfated estrogens containing delta(8,9)-dehydro estrone [delta(8,9)DHE] or derivatives thereof.

The sodium sulfate of the delta(8,9) derivative of estrone [delta(8,9)DHES] is present in minor amounts of about 3-4% in natural conjugated estrogen compositions, for instance in the commercially available product Premarin.RTM. which is being used in hormone replacement therapy.
In addition to estrone sodium sulfate, several components have been identified in natural conjugated estrogen compositions among others the sodium sulfates of equilin (in amounts of 22.5-30.5%), 17 alfa dihydro equilin (13.3-19.5%), 17 beta dihydro equilin (0.5-4.0%), 17 alfa estradiol (2.5-9.5%) 17 beta estradiol (<4.5%) and delta(8,9)-dehydro estrone (<12.5%) (U.S. Pharmacopoeia, 1995, p. 627).
It has been suggested in SCRIP no. 2049 (1995), p. 15 that minor amounts of delta(8,9)DHES could have a significant contribution to the effect of conjugated estrogens. It has further been suggested that delta(8,9)DHES, which has a relatively low affinity to the estrogen receptor, has a high functional activity, which may play a role in the reported LDL-cholesterol-reducing properties and cardiovascular effects of conjugated estrogens, in particular of Premarin.RTM.. Data reveal that delta(8,9)DHES contributes to about 18% of Premarin's circulating estrogens. It is therefore of importance to obtain an easy method of production of sulfated mixtures of delta(8,9)DHE.
Apart from cumbersome total synthesis, J. C. Jacquesy et al., Chem. Abstr. 76 (1972), 154000f disclosed isomerization of equilin in hyperacidic media. Conversion to delta(8,9)DHE was achieved by using hydrogen fluoride or hydrogen fluoride/antimony fluoride at -30.degree. C. It is evident that such dangerous reaction conditions are completely unsuitable and unacceptable for large scale production of delta(8,9)DHE. Moreover, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,831, wherein the method of Jacquesy is applied, it has been disclosed that said hydrogen fluoride method does not provide pure delta(8,9)DHE, but in addition thereto 10% of the unwanted delta(9,11)-isomer. Methods of production which are commercially acceptable, whether or not through isomerization of equilin, thus have not been disclosed.
Synthesis of sulfated esters of steroids has been described in the literature. As summarized by Jenkins and Sandberg (Methods in Enzymology, 15, 351-358, 1969) one of the methods involves the sulfatation of mono- and dihydroxy C-18 and C-19 steroid compounds utilizing pyridine sulfuric acid complexes. This process, however, has been applied to individual, i.e. free from other, steroid compounds. The process according to the present invention has the advantage that in a single reaction mixture sulfated estrogens can be obtained in a specific ratio. It has surprisingly been found that although the estrogens present in the natural conjugated estrogen preparations have different physical properties, such as crystallization behavior and solubility, the ratio of sulfated products in the sulfatation reaction mixture reflects the amounts of the input components. Therefore, a one pot reaction suffices to prepare the sulfated estrogen mixture. In addition, this reaction can, when appropriate, be coupled directly to the isomerization reaction by which delta(8,9)DHE is prepared, i.e. isomerization of equilin or a derivative thereof to said derivative. In this reaction equilin or a derivative thereof is treated with a lithium salt of ethylenediamine or with lithium amide in dimethylsulfoxide.

van den Boom; Henricus Petrus Antonius Johannes Maria


An apparatus for reducing electromagnetic interference due to common mode current in power converters is disclosed. Common mode current flowing through high parasitic capacitance on the load side typically contributes significantly to the electromagnetic interference. In order to reduce the electromagnetic interference the common mode current is reduced by reducing the voltage driving a current through the high parasitic capacitance. A counter-acting voltage source produces a voltage out of phase with the voltage driving the common mode current. Such a counter-acting voltage is obtained with the aid of a winding coupled to the magnetic component in the power converter or by one or more active components. The counter-acting voltage source is connected in series with a capacitance element connected between the input and output sides of the converter-input terminal and output terminal when electrical isolation between the input and the output is desired.

This invention relates to the field of power converters, and in particular to reducing noise due to generation of Electromagnetic Interference by power converters.
A power converter provides power by converting power from a source into a form suitable for a load of interest. For instance, a power converter can provide DC power from an AC source. An acceptable commercially viable power converter needs to ensure that the Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) generated by its operation does not exceed acceptable levels. While there are many mechanisms responsible for the generation of EMI, a well-known component of EMI is common mode noise. A switching power converter generates common mode noise as a result of the switching operations in the presence of a low impedance path to ground. Typically, common mode noise due to common mode current flow makes up a significant fraction of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by a switching power converter.
In a switching power converter, the switching circuit receives input power from the input terminals and then produces a switching waveform across the main transformer. The switching waveform so produced is coupled through inter-winding capacitance as well as secondary winding to the secondary side. This secondary winding feeds power to the rectifying circuit which in turn produces power to the load.
In addition to the above described power distribution, there is a path for common mode current responsible for the common mode noise. Switching operations generate noise, which is coupled through transformer inter-winding capacitance to the secondary side. In general the load is isolated from earth but it has fairly high capacitance coupled to earth. This capacitance, together with transformer inter-winding capacitance provides the path for common mode current to flow through the power source impedance by completing the circuit. Any current through the detected power source impedance contributes to conducted electromagnetic interference. The complete common mode current path has a noise source coupled with inter-winding capacitance, which, in turn, forms a complete loop with the power source impedance and the parasitic capacitance on the load side.
Reduction of common mode noise in switching power converters presents a difficult problem. In particular, a switch mode power converter with isolation transformers presents numerous challenges. Usually this type of power converter has close coupling between the primary and secondary windings. Such close coupling reduces leakage inductance and improves conversion efficiency. However, the close coupling, i.e., high transformer coupling coefficient, increases inter-winding capacitance between the primary and the secondary windings and this increases undesirable noise coupling from the primary side to the secondary load side.
Typically, a bypass capacitor connecting two xe2x80x9cnon-switchingxe2x80x9d nodes on the primary side and the secondary side respectively reduces the common mode current. A usual choice of nodes is one of the input terminals and the secondary common node. This reduces the common mode current coupled through parasitic capacitance between the load and earth. However this method has its limitations. Safety standards prevent use of high-capacitance because this will increase leakage current between the primary and secondary side.
Placing a sheet of shielding metal known as the xe2x80x9cFaraday shieldxe2x80x9d between the secondary and primary windings also reduces the common mode current. This strategy works on the same principle as the bypass capacitor and provides an additional shunt path for the noise current. It effectively provides another capacitance path in parallel with the bypass capacitor. However, the shield makes the transformer very bulky and reduces magnetic coupling between primary and secondary windings. In turn, this reduces the converter efficiencyxe2x80x94an undesirable outcome.
Yet another commonly known method exploits passive filtering by making use of bulky filtering components to suppress noise. This method is widely used but is becoming increasingly undesirable due to the additional components required and the resulting large size of the device.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,392, Edward Herbert""s invention uses two or more transformers connected in series to reduce the overall parasitic capacitance between primary and secondary windings. This approach also requires additional magnetic components and tedious magnetic component construction. Moreover, theoretically this approach cannot completely eliminate noise coupling through the isolation transformer.
The present invention significantly reduces the undesirable common mode noise generated due to the flow of common mode current. The invention provides a counter-acting voltage to reduce or even eliminate the common mode current. The counter-acting voltage source and the components connected in series to it actively operate to absorb, bypass or cancel out the noise generated by the operation of the power converter.
An embodiment of the invention comprises a counter-acting voltage derived from a set of winding in the main transformer with further fine-tuning by external passive components connected in series. Typically, the series components include capacitors to maintain electrical isolation between the transformer and secondary windings. Moreover, the combination of voltage source and series components is conveniently coupled to xe2x80x9cnon-switchingxe2x80x9d nodes on the primary and secondary sides.
Alternate embodiments of the invention generate the counter-acting voltage with a buffer amplifier. Such an amplifier senses the noise voltage of the series connected components and produces an out of phase voltage with similar amplitude in order to reduce the noise voltage across the path.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the counter-acting source is actively controlled actively by amplifying components and suitable feedback. The amplifying components in response to detecting generated noise provide a counter-acting signal to prevent the noise current from coupling through external earth.
Furthermore, the present invention is easily extended to reduce electromagnetic interference due to non-isolated converters.
Accordingly, the invention enables noise reduction with simple and low component count method without requiring tedious transformer construction so that the transformer can be conveniently built with well-known technique. Moreover, the present invention provides noise reduction without requiring precise adjustment of difficult to control parameters such as transformer leakage inductance.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and from the accompanying drawings.

Apparatus for reducing common mode noise current in power converters


A respiratory mask is reduced in size to better fit patients with smaller faces by folding accordion folds of the mask. An adjustment member allows for selective folding of the accordion folds, thereby determining the size of the mask. The respiratory mask can thus be adjusted to fit both larger and smaller persons.

Hospitals and respiratory therapists administer treating gases to individual patients by placing a respiratory mask over the patient's nose and mouth. The masks are supplied in standard sizes intended for adults and children. However, many adult patients have smaller facial dimensions such that the standard sizes do not fit properly, at best making the mask uncomfortable and at worst leading to ineffective administration of treating gases. In addition, many children have smaller facial dimensions such that the standard mask sizes provided for children do not fit them. Hence, an adjustable-size respiratory mask is needed to fit patients with smaller facial dimensions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,010 discloses an adjustable face mask in which the bottom of the mask may be extended lengthwise by fastening a separate extension portion (lower portion 14) to the mask. The lower portion 14 is provided with snap closures 42 that mate with eyelet holes 40 in the upper portion of the mask. The separate extension portion is awkward, and size adjustments can not effectively be made while the mask is in place over a patient's face. Most patient discomfort is caused when a too large size mask covers their eyes and/or forehead, making the bottom portion size adjustment in this prior patent less helpful when trying to solve the problems associated with over-sized respiratory masks. Moreover, the separate extension portion is more apt to be disconnected or lost before or during use.


A message processing platform correlates mobile call signaling messages transmitted between a home location register (HLR) and a (VLR) when a mobile subscriber changes locations. The message processing platform generates a change in location indication message in response to a change in location of a mobile subscriber. The change in location indication message is sent to a short message service center, which forwards a short message service message to the mobile subscriber.

In mobile communications networks, information regarding mobile subscribers are stored in databases, referred to as home location registers (HLRs) and visitor location registers (VLRs). HLRs store information about subscribers that belong to the same network as the HLR. VLRs temporarily store information about subscribers who are currently "roaming" in the area serviced by that VLR. The VLR may belong to the subscriber's home network or to a foreign network. The HLR and VLR store information needed to correctly route voice calls or data communications to the mobile subscriber. This may include international mobile station identification (IMSI), mobile identification number (MIN), mobile directory number (MDN), and mobile station international ISDN number (MSISDN), as well as the IDs of the VLR and MSC with which the subscriber is currently associated. When a mobile subscriber travels from an area controlled by one VLR or MSC to an area controlled by a different VLR or MSC, a series of messages, referred to as mobile application part (MAP) messages, are exchanged to update contact information for the mobile subscriber in the VLR and HLR. In some instances, it may be desirable for the home network service provider to send a message to the provider's subscribers who are roaming in a foreign network or to a database in response to a change in location of the subscriber. It may also be desirable for the home network service provider to send a message to a foreign subscriber (i.e., a subscriber from a different network provider) who is roaming within the network. Examples of situations in which it may be desirable to send a message to a mobile subscriber in response to a change in location of the subscriber are:                Sending a greeting or "welcome" message to the roaming subscriber;        Sending travel information, such as hotels, restaurants, etc. in the area in which the subscriber is roaming;        Sending advertising information regarding services available in the area; and        any other type of message that may be of interest to the roaming subscriber.
Although the MAP protocol defines procedures for updating information in registers, such as HLRs and VLRs, the protocol does not specify a means for notifying a network element, such as a short message service center (SMSC) or a presence server, of a change in location of a subscriber. Moreover, the protocol does not specify a method for delivering a message to either of these entities, and thus to the subscriber, in response to a change in location of the subscriber.
Accordingly, there exists a need for novel methods and systems for generating messages in response to a change in location of a mobile subscriber.

Methods and systems for generating and sending messages in a mobile communications network in response to a change in location of a subscriber


A quick connecting device includes a first connector, a metallic mounting ring, a first electric cord, a second connector, a second electric cord, a metallic conductive plug, and an elastic member. Thus, the second exposed electric wires of the second electric cord is clamped by the conductive plug, and the first exposed electric wires of the first electric cord is clamped between the conductive plug and the mounting ring, so that the second electric cord is connected to the first electric cord exactly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a quick connecting device and, more particularly, to a quick connecting device for electric cords.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional quick connecting device in accordance with the prior art shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 comprises a first connector 5′ having a first end formed with a first receiving chamber 51′ and a second end formed with a second receiving chamber 52′, a first electric cord 61′ having a distal end extended through the second receiving chamber 52′ of the first connector 5′ and provided with first exposed electric wires 612′ extended into the first receiving chamber 51′ of the first connector 5′, a second connector 1′ having a first end formed with a mounting chamber 11′ mounted on the first connector 5′ and a second end formed with a through hole 12′, and a second electric cord 62′ having a distal end extended through the through hole 12′ of the second connector 1′ into the mounting chamber 11′ and provided with a metallic contact 3′ inserted into the first receiving chamber 51′ of the first connector 5′ to contact the first exposed electric wires 612′ of the first electric cord 61′ so as to connect the second electric cord 62′ to the first electric cord 61′. The first connector 5′ has a mediate portion formed with a reduced neck portion 53′ located between and connected to the first receiving chamber 51′ and the second receiving chamber 52′. The first end of the first connector 5′ has an outer wall formed with an outer thread 511′. The first electric cord 61′ has an insulating outer cover 611′ stopped by the neck portion 53′ of the first connector 5′. The first end of the second connector 1′ has an inner wall formed with an inner thread 111′ screwed onto the outer thread 511′ of the first connector 5′. The first exposed electric wires 612′ of the first electric cord 61′ is clamped between the metallic contact 3′ of the second electric cord 62′ and the first receiving chamber 5′ of the first connector 5′.
However, the first connector 5′ and the second connector 1′ are made of plastic material, so that when the quick connecting device is immersed into an oily liquid (such as hot oil contained in the gearbox of a car) at a high temperature, the first connector 5′ is easily deformed due to the high heat to loosen the first exposed electric wires 612′ of the first electric cord 61′ from the clamping state between the metallic contact 3′ and the first connector 5′, thereby decreasing the electrical connection between the first electric cord 61′ and the second electric cord 62′. In addition, the first connector 5′ and the second connector 1′ are easily deformed due to the high heat so that the first connector 5′ is easily loosened from the second connector 1′ to fail operation of the first electric cord 61′ and the second electric cord 62′. Further, the metallic contact 3′ is hidden in the mounting chamber 11′ of the second connector 1′ so that the metallic contact 3′ is not aligned with the first receiving chamber 51′ of the first connector 5′ easily, and the second connector 1′ is not connected with the first connector 5′ easily.

Quick connecting device for electric cords


A pressure sensor includes a sensor chip having a pressure receiving surface formed on one surface of the sensor chip, a first case having one end portion at which the sensor chip is provided, a second case attached to the one end portion of the first case to cover the sensor chip. The second case is provided with a pressure introducing passage for introducing the pressure to the sensor chip, and a wiring board is provided at the one end portion of the first case to have a surface facing toward the pressure introducing passage. In the pressure sensor, the sensor chip is electrically connected with the surface of the wiring board through bumps by a flip-chip bonding such that the pressure receiving surface faces the surface of the wiring board, and an insulating member is provided to seal a connection portion of the bumps.

In a conventional pressure sensor (e.g., JP-A-2004-279327), a pressure sensor includes a sensor chip for outputting electric signals in accordance with a pressure received at a pressure receiving surface formed on one surface of the sensor chip, a first case having the sensor chip at a one end portion thereof, a second case mounted to the one end portion of the first case so that the sensor chip is covered, and a pressure introducing passage for introducing the pressure toward the sensor chip.
In this kind of pressure sensor, a pressure medium is introduced through the pressure introducing passage of the second case. The pressure receiving surface of the sensor chip formed in the first case receives the pressure, and the sensor chip outputs electric signals in accordance with the received pressure so that pressure detection is performed.
The pressure sensor can be used in a vehicle as pressure sensors for detecting a fuel pressure, a lubricating oil pressure for an engine or a driving system, a refrigerant pressure of an air conditioner and an exhaust gas pressure and so on.
In this case, the pressure medium such as the refrigerant of the air conditioner, the lubricating oil or the exhaust gas is directly introduced to the pressure receiving surface of the sensor chip or an electrically connection portion of the sensor chip of the pressure sensor.
When the pressure receiving surface of the sensor chip faces the pressure introducing passage, the pressure receiving surface is exposed directly to a flow of the pressure medium introduced through the passage. Therefore, foreign objects mixed in the pressure medium, such as dust, directly hit the pressure receiving surface. Also, contaminated materials also adhere to the pressure receiving surface. As a result, there is a possibility that the sensor chip properties are adversely affected.
The exposure of the electrically connection portion of the sensor chip to the pressure medium may induce deterioration of the sensor chip, such as corrosion, due to the pressure medium or the contaminated materials mixed therein.
Therefore, in the conventional pressure sensor described in JP-A-2004-279327, the sensor chip is covered with a metal diaphragm, and an oil, which is used as a pressure transmitting medium, is sealed within the meal diaphragm.
In this case, the sensor chip and the electrically connection portion are therefore protected from the pressure medium. At the same time the pressure of the pressure medium is received at the metal diaphragm and is transmitted to the sensor chip via the pressure transmitting medium.
Also, in another conventional pressure sensor, the sensor chip and electrodes of a base material are electrically connected by bumps, and the bumps and peripheries of the electrically connection portions of the electrodes are sealed with an adhesive material (e.g. JP-A-9-126920). According to this method, the electrically connection portion of the sensor chip is protected from being exposed to the pressure medium.
In this type of conventional pressure sensor, after the sensor chip and the electrodes of the base material are bonded via the bumps, the adhesive material is injected through gaps between the sensor chip and the base material towards the bumps, thereby a sealing of the electrically connection portion by the adhesive material is completed.
In order to reduce the size of the above-described pressure sensors, a structure of a pressure sensor, in which the metal diaphragm and the oil are eliminated, has been studied by the inventors of the present application.
This is because the shape and the size of the metal diaphragm affect considerably the sensor properties and it has been thought difficult to change the shape and size of the metal diaphragm. As a consequence, it has been difficult to reduce the size of the pressure sensor including the metal diaphragm in its structure.
More specifically, the larger the metal diaphragm becomes, the better a sensitivity of the metal diaphragm becomes, thereby the sensitivity of the sensor also improves. However, the size of the metal diaphragm cannot be made smaller in order to manufacture a more compact pressure sensor, especially in the radial direction (an equivalent direction to the radial direction of the diaphragm), due to the reasons explained as above.
Consequently, the elimination of the metal diaphragm and the oil has been tried. However, the sensor chip or the electrically connection portion of the sensor chip, which are not sufficient in environmental resistant, are exposed directly to the pressure medium, such as the refrigerant of the air conditioner, the lubricating oil or the exhaust gas when the metal diaphragm and the oil are eliminated.
Therefore, it is hard to maintain the sensor properties by simply eliminating the metal diaphragm and the oil, because the harmful effects are expected to the sensor chip and also to the electrically connection portion thereof.
In the conventional pressure sensor described in JP-A-2004-279327, the electrical connections of the sensor chip are made by bonding wires. When the bonding wires are used as electrically connecting members to the sensor chip, a space is required between connecting portions for the wire bonding process. As a result, it is not preferable in view of the compactness of the sensor, especially in the radial direction of the sensor.
Also, in the conventional pressure sensor described in JP-A-9-126920, the adhesive material is injected through the gaps between the sensor chip and the base material after the sensor chip and the base material are connected via the bumps. Therefore, the injection of the adhesive material may not be precisely performed around the bumps, and the connection portions by the bumps may be partially exposed by not being sealed properly.

Pressure sensor and manufacturing method of the same


An impact-absorbing device that absorbs impact force when a collision has occurred with an object having relatively low rigidity. The impact-absorbing device is provided with a guide piece that extends in a horizontal direction substantially horizontal to the input direction of the impact, and a movable piece that is movably supported along the guide piece. The guide piece and movable piece deform to absorb impact force when the impact force has acted on the guide piece.

An automobile is provided with front and rear bumper beams in the front and rear part of a vehicle body, respectively, and the front and rear bumper beams are configured so as to deform and absorb an impact when an impact has acted on the front bumper beam or the rear bumper beam, and the vehicle occupants are protected by the absorption of the impact.
Front and rear bumper beams are provided with an impact-cushioning member for reducing an impact that acts on objects with relatively low rigidity when the automobile has collided with an obstacle (object) having relatively low rigidity. Such an impact-cushioning member is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-114864 (JP 2004-114864 A).
The impact-cushioning member will be described below using the front bumper, selected from the front and rear bumper beam, as a bumper beam.
The impact-cushioning member is disposed along the lengthwise direction in the front surface of the bumper beam, and the cross-sectional shape is designed so as to deform under a relatively small impact.
The cross-sectional shape is designed so as to deform under a relatively small impact, whereby the impact-cushioning member deforms and cushions an impact that acts on an object having relatively low rigidity when the automobile has collided with an object having relatively low rigidity
However, it is difficult to determine the cross-sectional shape of the impact-cushioning member so that impacts that act on objects having a relatively low-rigidity are cushioned.
The impact-cushioning member is preferably also used to reduce impacts on vehicle occupants, as well as cushioning impacts against objects having relatively low rigidity.
However, it is even more difficult to determine the cross-sectional shape of the impact-cushioning member so that the impact-cushioning member can be used to reduce impacts on objects having relatively low rigidity and to also reduce impacts on the vehicle occupants.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-217880 (JP 10-217880 A) discloses an impact-cushioning member in which a helically wound impact-absorbing tube is bonded and fixed to the side portion of an impact-absorbing pad, whereby impacts are absorbed first by the impact-absorbing tube alone when an impact has occurred, and the impact is absorbed midway during the impact by the impact-absorbing tube and the impact-absorbing pad.
The impact-absorbing tube uses an aluminum core element together with a soft material and is formed by helical winding. The impact-absorbing pad is composed of a foaming agent.
The impact-cushioning member of JP-A-10-217880 has an impact-absorbing tube that is bonded and fixed to the side portion of an impact-absorbing pad, and is therefore more capable of absorbing impacts in comparison with the impact-cushioning member of JP 2004-114864 A.
The impact-cushioning member of JP 10-217880 A is believed to be capable of relatively easily reducing an impact with an object having relatively low rigidity as well as reducing an impact on vehicle occupants when the member is provided to the front surface of the bumper beam.
As described above, the impact-cushioning member of JP 10-217880 A combines the use of an impact-absorbing tube and an impact-absorbing pad in that the impact-absorbing tube is bonded and fixed to the side portion of the impact-absorbing pad. For this reason, the impact-cushioning member has a relatively large shape and is difficult to provide to the bumper beam. Also, the member must be separately provided, and improvement is still needed in terms of assembly and manufacturing costs.


A health check evaluation indicator building method includes the following steps. A visualization process is performed to produce source graphic data on a plurality of features and attributes according to a time series, wherein each of the source graphic data includes a group number. Then, a similarity comparison is performed between the source graphic data and a plurality of target graphic data with the same group number to produce a plurality of similarity scores, where the minimum thereof corresponds to role model graphic data. Based on the role model graphic data, one of a best proposal and an alternative proposal is selected and a result thereof is fed back after execution. A health check evaluation indicator building system and a computer readable medium to embody the above method are also disclosed.

1. Technical Field
The disclosure relates to a health check path evaluation indicator building technique.
2. Related Art
A biomarker may be regarded as an objective clinical measurement or an evaluation parameter and may also be used for monitoring or predicting the development of normal physiological phenomenon or diseases. However, physiological changes are undetectable during intervals between annual health check, which is obviously inadequate for disease risk prevention. Especially, test values of the biomarker are dynamic values, and the obtained data may have a large difference according to different environments and different self-condition of a testee. Therefore, the obtained test data is relatively unstable compared to physical feature data. In order to obtain relatively stable test data, multiple samplings and sample testing are required.
A complete health check procedure includes many check items, and the test procedures thereof are expensive and time-consuming. Moreover, a health check process suitable for one individual may not satisfy different individuals. In consider of time and economic cost, willingness to intuitively participate to the health check is not high. On the other hand, the depth and penetration of check items of a general health check are inadequate. In terms of the items required to be further checked, the procedures thereof are merely treated as a formality or routine in consideration of the coverage range of such health check.
Therefore, it is important to provide a health check system capable of performing regular evaluation for different individuals.

Health check path evaluation indicator building system, method thereof, device therewith, and computer program product therein

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A thermally conductive member is placed adjacent a microelectronic die with a thermal interface material between the microelectronic die and a wetting layer formed on a surface of the thermally conductive member. The thermal interface material is heated to cause reflow thereof. The first portion of the thermal interface material is directed by the wetting layer into a first cavity formed in the thermally conductive member. The thermal interface material is then allowed to cool and solidify.

1). Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a microelectronic assembly having a thermal interface material for conducting heat from a microelectronic die to a thermally conductive member, and to a method of constructing a microelectronic assembly.
2). Discussion of Related Art
Integrated circuits are usually manufactured in and on semiconductor wafers that are subsequently "diced" or "singulated" into individual dies, each die having a respective integrated circuit. A die is then mounted to a carrier substrate for providing structural integrity to the microelectronic die and for communicating signals, power, and ground to and from the integrated circuit.
Integrated circuits that consume a large amount of power also generate a large amount of heat. A thermally conductive member such as a heat spreader or a heat sink is often attached to the microelectronic die to assist in transfer of heat from the microelectronic die. A thermal interface material having a relatively low melting temperature is also located between the microelectronic die and the thermally conductive member. The thermal interface material is reflowed in an oven and subsequently allowed to cool, to cause proper attachment to the die and the thermally conductive member on opposites sides thereof.
During such a reflow process, the thermally conductive member usually drops by a small distance toward the microelectronic die. Melted portions of the thermal interface material squeeze out from a space between the microelectronic die and the thermally conductive member. Such portions that are squeezed out can reach unintended locations and, for example, create a short circuit.

Microelectronic assembly having a thermally conductive member with a cavity to contain a portion of a thermal interface material


Disclosed are dental instruments having a working surface comprising a diamond-like coating. The coating may be applied by the laser ablation process. Also disclosed is a method of operating on teeth or dental workpieces by contacting the teeth or workpieces with a diamond-like coating.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to dental instruments and to a method of operating on teeth or dental workpieces. In another aspect, the present invention relates to improved dental instruments for teeth or dental workpieces having a contact surface comprising a coating of dehydrogenated diamond-like film having both amorphous and microcrystalline atomic structures and to a method of operating on teeth or dental workpieces utilizing such improved instruments.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many different types of dental instruments are utilized in the practice of dental medicine. For example, dental burs are used to drill into teeth, and to shape internal and external tooth surfaces. Endodontic drill files are utilized in root canal dentistry to clean out the root canal. Scaler dental instruments are utilized for treating periodontal disease. Dental workpieces, such as inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges are operated upon utilizing cutting discs or dental burs. Models of patients' mouths are operated upon, requiring cutting of stone or plaster.
It is important that these dental instruments be sharp and hard to operate properly upon teeth, dental workpieces and models.
Generally, dental instruments are operated at very high speeds, generally in excess of 100,000 rpm, and particular care is taken with lubrication and cooling. However, in spite of advancements in dental instruments and dental procedures, the patient will still be traumatized to a certain extent.
Improvements in the durability of dental instruments would increase patient comfort, because a dental instrument that remains sharp longer will generally in the long run be less traumatic. To the dentist, a more durable dental instrument would lessen the need to change the instrument during a procedure because of dulling of the instrument.
As a consequence of sharper instruments, drilling and grinding speeds can be shortened, vibration effects from a non-uniformly worn dental instrument can be reduced, and to these improvements can additionally be added improved lubricity and heat transfer properties. Unfortunately, inherent in conventional efforts to make a sharp and durable dental instrument is that these materials tend to be brittle, and crack and break. Breakage during a dental procedure represents danger to the patient. A piece of the instrument may come loose and not be readily retrievable, or may jam in a tooth crevice, requiring sacrificing some of the tooth. These tendencies may be countered not only by maintaining sharpness longer, but also by providing toughness as well.
Not surprisingly, there have been many attempts in the prior art to improve the durability of dental instruments.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,958, issued Mar. 4, 1980 to Martin et al., discloses an endodontic drill file having a drilling surface coated with diamond particles.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,795, issued Aug. 21, 1984, to Plischka, discloses a helocoidally grooved dental bur having a working surface covered with diamond particles.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,541, issued Jul. 21, 1987 to Snaper, discloses a dental bur having a metal nitride or carbide layer applied over diamond particles.
U.S Pat. No. 4,731,019, issued Mar. 15, 1988 to Martin, discloses a scaler dental instrument that is coated with diamond particles.
U.S Pat. No. 4,895,146, issued Jan. 23, 1990 to Draenert, discloses a surgical bone grinding instrument having a coating of diamond particles in size of about 30 to about 250 microns.
While the use of a coating of diamond particles on the contact or working surface of a dental instrument represents an improvement over conventional dental instruments, such coatings still need improvement. These diamond particles are generally embedded into a relatively soft substrate. As the substrate erodes, the diamond crystals are lost. While a coating such as at disclosed in the '541 Snaper patent will lengthen the life of such coatings of diamond particles, the particles are still susceptible to being dislodged.
In addition, during dental operations, there is a build up of ground material in the grooves of dental burs, disks, drills and bits. This build up reduces function until the bit must be discarded for a new one since it is presently not practical to clean out these grooves.
Therefore, the need exists in the dental instrument art for a dental instrument with a contact surface with improved durability. There also exists a need in the dental instrument art for a dental instrument that can be more easily cleaned of the build-up of ground material.

Dental instruments having diamond-like working surface


A system includes shared Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) storage devices for processing clients coupled by a fiber channel interface. The storage devices include storage blocks, and locks controlling their use by clients. Clients issue actions to the storage devices for performing operations on the locks. A client may exclude other clients from using storage blocks using a state element to acquire the lock for shared or exclusive use. If the client modified the data, a version counter in the lock is updated when the lock is released. If an activity bit is set, the version counter is updated upon both reading and writing. Other clients can forcibly release a lock owned by a failed client by monitoring its version counter. Expiration timers associated with the locks allow acquired locks to be released by timing out. A serverless global file system (GFS) manages use of the shared storage resources, and allows remapping of the locks to the storage blocks, for example, based on activity of the locks.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
This invention relates generally to computer systems, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a global file system and data storage device locks for managing shared data storage on a networked computer system.
Modern computer systems are often linked by a network. The network couples several computer processing clients for communication using a standard communication protocol, such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Data stored locally at the clients is shared with other clients by sending messages across the network. Alternatively, data is stored in data storage devices that are shared by multiple clients, rather than being stored locally by the clients. Both the shared storage device and an intermediary server are coupled to the network. The server controls client access to the shared storage device. The clients send requests for data to the server. The server accesses the shared storage device and provides the requested data to the client.
Since communication across a network is typically relatively slow, data caching is often desirable to minimize communication across the network. Rather than returning the data from the client to the shared storage device after client processing, and again retrieving the data from the shared storage device for further client processing, a duplicate copy of the data is transferred from the shared storage device to the client. The copy of the data is stored locally in a memory cache in the client, where it is accessed directly. Such direct access of cached data is much faster than retrieving the data from the shared storage device over the network.
The client may perform multiple read operations on the cached data, rather than repeatedly requesting such data be delivered over the network from the shared storage device. The client may also perform operations that alter the cached data. As a result of any such alterations, the client""s cached data will be different than the original data in the shared memory device. In this case, the client must eventually write back the altered cached data to the shared storage device after it completes its processing. The altered data is transferred back over the network to the shared storage device. The obsolete original data is overwritten with the altered data.
Thus, caching requires copies of data in more than one location, such as at the shared storage device and at the client. This minimizes the time spent transferring data across the network. Caching also allows data to be prefetched from the shared storage device concurrently with other client operations. Prefetching allows the data to be already resident in the client""s memory cache when needed by the client. Caching ultimately requires eventual consistency between the data in client memory cache and the shared storage device.
Sharing a storage device among several clients further complicates the task of maintaining data consistency between the client memory caches and the shared storage device. In a traditional client-server system, the task of maintaining data consistency is typically performed by a centralized server. Servers are categorized as either stateless or stateful. A stateless server maintains no information regarding a client""s previous requests to access data from the shared storage device. Stateless severs rely on their clients to maintain data consistency. The clients maintain data consistency by brute force techniques, such as by using write-through caching and periodically invalidating their local memory caches. A stateful server maintains information about previous client requests to access data from the shared storage device. This state information, which is typically stored in volatile memory in the server, allows the server to call back and notify the clients that: (1) their client cached data is inconsistent with the data on the shared storage device, or (2) the client cached data must be written back to the server for updating the corresponding data residing on the shared storage device.
Using the server to maintain data consistency has several drawbacks. First, a server limits how fast data can be transferred across the network when it controls access to shared storage device. The speed at which data is obtained from the shared storage device is limited by the speed of the server. Second, a server-based architecture is susceptible to server failures. Such an architecture is not robust, because a server failure prevents all clients from accessing any of the storage devices controlled by the server. Third, maintaining a separate server for controlling access to shared storage devices adds additional complexity and expense to the system.
One aspect of the present system includes a data storage device that is accessible by first and second remote processing clients. The storage device includes at least one lock. Each lock is associated with the use of at least one storage block on the storage device by each of the first and second clients. The locks control access to the storage blocks based on control signals received from a distributed file system residing on both of the first and second clients. The clients acquire the locks for exclusive use by the acquiring client, or for shared use with other clients.
In various embodiments, the locks include: a version counter that is updated when data is written to the at least one storage block controlled by the lock, an activity element that triggers updating of the version counter for both reads and writes, an expiration timer for timing out the acquisition of the lock by the client, and a world-wide names list of clients that have acquired the lock. In various embodiments, the device locks execute actions based on control signals received from the clients. These actions are selected from the group consisting essentially of Lock, Unlock, Unlock Increment, Reset Lock, Activity On, Activity Off, Lock Shared, Lock Exclusive, Force Lock Exclusive, Touch Lock, and Report Expired actions.
Another aspect of the present system includes a method of using a system. The system has first and second processing clients, a distributed file system, a data storage device shared by the first and second clients, and a network coupled to the storage device and each of the first and second clients. The data storage device includes storage blocks and a plurality of locks. The method includes assigning a lock to at least one storage block using the file system. At least one of the storage blocks is accessed, using the first client, by acquiring the lock assigned to the at least one storage block, if the lock is available. The client acquires the lock for exclusive use by the acquiring client, or for shared use with other clients.
In various further embodiments, the method includes releasing the lock after accessing the storage block and updating a version counter associated with the lock if an activity element associated with the lock is set. Data is written from the first client to the storage block. A version counter associated with the lock is updated using the first client. The first client is used to release the lock.
In one embodiment, the method includes waiting for a predetermined period of time after setting the activity element by a second client. If the version counter associated with the lock is not updated during the predetermined period of time, then the version counter is updated and the lock is released by the second client. If the version counter is updated during the predetermined period of time, then the second client clears the activity element. In one embodiment, the second client provides an input version counter value to the storage device, and if a state of the lock""s version counter matches the input version counter value, then the second client updates the lock""s version counter and releases the identified lock.
The lock may be acquired for shared use with other clients, for exclusive use by the acquiring client. If the lock is exclusively held by the first client, it may subsequently be forcibly acquired using the second client. The method includes resetting or otherwise modifying an expiration timer associated with the lock, and obtaining the state of an expiration timer associated with the lock.
In summary, device locks provide decentralized control of the shared data storage device on which they are located. Clients acquire the locks for excluding other clients, thereby maintaining data consistency, or for shared use by multiple clients. The device locks allow use of a serverless distributed architecture global file system (GFS). A serverless system allows higher speed data transfer across the network, eliminates the risk of server failure, and reduces system cost and complexity. Shared data storage better utilizes storage resources and simplifies redundant storage techniques. Moreover, no communication between clients is required to arbitrate for the shared resources. Direct attachment of a shared storage device to a client is susceptible to the risk of that client""s failure; the present invention avoids this problem. A locally attached shared storage device also wastes a local host client""s bandwidth by using it to transfer data to other clients; this is also avoided by the present invention. Moreover, data file size is not limited by the storage capacity available on any particular host client. Also, the present invention minimizes overhead steps for data transfer. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent after reading the following detailed description of the invention and accompanying drawings.

Global file system and data storage device locks


A phase shifter includes dielectric members including facing portions facing a signal line formed on a surface of a substrate and being made of a dielectric material, a supporting member configured to support the dielectric members and receive a moving force for moving the dielectric members in a direction which is parallel to the substrate and crosses the signal line, and a moving mechanism configured to apply the moving force to the supporting member. At least either the dielectric members or the supporting member is provided with a protrusion configured to keep a distance between the facing portions of the dielectric members and the signal line.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a phase shifter, which is capable of changing a signal phase, and an antenna device equipped with that phase shifter.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a phase shifter that is provided in a triplate line including a pair of outer conductors and an inner conductor arranged therebetween and is capable of changing a phase of a signal propagating in the inner conductor has been known (Refer to e.g. JP-A-11-340705).
The phase shifter disclosed in JP-A-11-340705 includes a plate-shaped dielectric coupled to a driving rod to be moved forward or backward. The forward or backward movement of the driving rod results in the dielectric moving in a direction of crossing the inner conductor, and varying the proportion that the dielectric occupies in the spaces between the inner conductor and the pair of outer conductors respectively. Thus, a variation in effective permittivity of the triplate line occurs, resulting in a variation in electrical line length and therefore a variation in the phase of the signal propagating in the inner conductor (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 of JP-A-11-340705).
Refer to e.g. JP-A-11-340705 (paragraph, FIG. 4).

Phase shifter having dielectric members inserted into a movable support frame


An actuating device includes: at least one first elongated member having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE); and at least one second elongated member having a second CTE different from the first CTE, the second elongated member being nested within the first elongated member, the device being configured to displace a portion of the device a selected distance along a major axis of the device based on a relationship between the first CTE and the second CTE in response to a change in temperature.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to actuators and, more particularly, to devices, methods and systems for thermally activated displacement.
Various systems and devices may include components that are configured to be displaced during operation. Examples of such devices include combustion engines and elevators. In one example, gas turbines such as those used in power generation or aviation utilize a turbine "shroud" disposed in a turbine shell. The shroud provides for a reduced clearance between the tips of buckets disposed on the turbine rotor and the shroud in comparison to a clearance between the bucket tips and the turbine shell, to enhance efficiency by reducing unwanted "leakage" of hot gas over tips of the buckets. Current shroud systems employ solely segmented shrouds connected to the turbine shell and held together by, for example, turbine shell hooks. The clearance between the bucket tips and the shroud is simply driven by the thermal time constant behavior between the turbine shell and rotor/buckets. Cold-built clearances set during assembly, can be set high enough to mitigate rubbing, but tends to increase steady state operating clearances, reducing engine efficiency and output.
Other clearance control or displacement systems employ mechanical, electrical and/or electromechanical actuators, which can suffer degradation in harsh environments such as those found in gas turbines and engines.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems and methods for controlling displacement of devices, such as clearances between bucket tips and shrouds in a gas turbine during transient and/or steady state operation of the turbine.

Device, system and method for thermally activated displacement


A computing system facilities live and robo-advising sessions, and transitions therebetween based on detection of triggers. The computing system may extract voice inputs of a user from ambient sounds captured using a sound sensor. Based on an analysis of the voice inputs and detection of corresponding triggers, the computing system may initiate a robo-advising session, or a live communication session between a user computing device and an advisor computing device. Detection of another trigger during the robo-advising session or the live communication session may lead to a transition to a live communication session or a robo-advising session, respectively.

People are often unintentional about how they spend money. Without necessarily realizing it, many people tend to spend more than they can afford. The financial health of a person is correlated to the financial decisions that person makes, but a significant number of people tend not to be aware of what affirmative steps they can take to improve their financial situation. Often times people have difficulty keeping track of their finances and managing their credit. Beyond being more informed about their account balances, users often lack information on actions they could take and how those actions would impact their financial situation. Sometimes, people may mistakenly believe that they lack sufficient financial assets to have additional options or to warrant seeking financial advice. And many may feel they do not have the time or energy to devote to figuring it their options.
Moreover, as a result of certain life events, or in anticipation of an event that may warrant an adjustment to personal finances, a person may desire to get their finances under control in order to meet a financial goal. However, even though a person may realize that a life event could have substantial effects on their finances, the person often is not sufficiently well-informed to know where to begin. A person may generally appreciate there are opportunities and pitfalls, but may be frozen into inaction over uncertainty about when it is time to seek advice.
Further, people normally appreciate that, with the right help, they could enhance their financial situation. But finding the help that is needed is often a challenge. Sometimes people lack knowledge about the roles and abilities of types of professionals, and do not know which ones (or how) to contact for professional help. Often, a person who wants the aid of a financial professional blindly initiates contact by going into a physical location, like a bank, or calling a professional over the phone without knowing whether the professional is well-suited to help based on the person's particular financial and life circumstances. In the alternative, the person sometimes relies on non-professional suggestions or does not obtain the advice needed at all. And even if a professional with the right background is found, arranging a meeting or discussion can be another challenge. The process of comparing schedules and finding a time that is convenient for customer and that fits with the professional's schedule can be daunting, especially if last-minute meetings and commitments require flexibility in scheduling.
And when a customer finally is able to connect with a professional, the interactions are often inefficient and unnecessarily time-consuming because the customer must spend a significant amount of time bringing the professional "up to speed" by explaining his or her life circumstances, financial situation, motivations for seeking help, overall needs and concerns, etc. Sometimes, after the professional is brought up to speed, it becomes apparent that the customer's needs are more well-suited for a different professional for various reasons, and the customer may be back at "square one," having to find another professional, arrange for another meeting or discussion, and once again explain his or her situation to bring the new professional up to speed. The process can sometimes feel insurmountable with seemingly countless options for financial products and professionals, and countless variables affecting the choices that can or should be made. And with other time commitments in life, many customers may put off seeking help, perhaps indefinitely, and thus do not benefit from needed services that could help them achieve their goals.
Furthermore, sometimes a financial professional's assistance is needed for a short time, for a small part of the advising process, or intermittently as needs arise. But it can be very time consuming and inefficient to reach out to professionals for "small chunks" of assistance because the customer must take time to explain changes in his or her situation to fill in the gaps for the professional each time there is an interruption in service. And in the interim, the customer is often without adequate tools that could help the customer stay on track based on the advice of the professional, and to seamlessly return to the professional for advice only when needed. On the flip side, an advisor serving a customer may provide the assistance that required his or her particular expertise, but the customer may also take the advisor's time for issues that could then be handled just as well without the advisor's help, making the process less efficient for the advisor.
Current technologies are not able to meet the needs of customers and advisors. Smart speakers, for example, may listen for a request for information (such as the weather or the contents of an incoming text message), but such user devices are not capable of understanding a user's needs and providing recommendations based on the user's circumstances. And even if such devices were capable of providing useful recommendations to users, even as the user's circumstances change, the devices do not identify situations in which the device's capabilities are inadequate in some way based on the particular needs of a customer, and provide a mechanism for efficiently transitioning to a human advisor. And moreover, user devices do not take the information discussed with others or assistance received from human advisors into account in making future recommendations. The user's goals and strategies may have changed based on the assistance of the human advisor, and any recommendations from the user device would not effectively reflect such changes.
What are needed are systems and methods that address one or more of the above, as well as other, shortcomings of conventional approaches.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods for proactive listening bot-plus person advice chaining