An intra-orbitally engaging pair of swim goggles is described. The goggles include two eyepieces connected by a bridge and a fastener for securing the eyepieces over the user's eyes. Each eyepiece has a planar eye-shaped lens, upper and lower walls extending backward and culminating in an inwardly sloping intra-orbital facing rim. A conformable pad is affixed to the rim for comfortably engaging an inner wall of the user's eye orbit. The upper and lower walls of each eyepiece meet along a lateral ridge extending perpendicularly backward from the lens.

The invention relates to protective eyegear for use in sports activities, particularly sports involving water contact where it is desirable to seal the eye in a chamber which is protected from the external aqueous environment.
Numerous goggle devices have been designed for use by swimmers in order to limit exposure of the swimmer's eyes to water and other potential irritants, such as chlorine, which are typically present in swimming pools. Most prior art swim goggles are designed to fit "extra-orbitally", meaning that the back rim of a cup-shaped eyepiece rests against the swimmer's external facial bones and soft structures which surround the eye orbit. There are several significant limitations with this type of design.
One problem with extra-orbitally fitting swim goggles is that they protrude outward from a swimmer's face creating water resistance when the swimmer moves horizontally through the water. Water resistance decreases swim speed and can cause goggle displacement when the swimmer pushes off from a wall or dives into a pool.
Another problem with most extra-orbitally fitting goggles is that they typically utilize a suction mechanism to seal the eyes from the external environment. Suction inducing goggles tend to cause pain, and in severe cases, tissue and lymphatic damage.
Others have attempted to restrict goggle size in order to reduce water resistance. One approach is to reduce the lateral dimension of the goggle lens. A problem with this approach is that it limits the swimmer's peripheral vision which is particularly important in a competitive situation where the swimmer needs to be able to see other swimmer's in adjacent lanes. Another approach which has been tried to reduce goggle water resistance is to employ relatively shallow eyepiece walls in conjunction with a curved front lens. There are at least two problems with this approach. First, the curved lens tends to distort the swimmer's view. Second, excessively shallow eyepiece walls tend to position the lens too close to the swimmer's eye, causing interference with the user's eyelid and/or lash.
Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a comfortable pair of swim goggles which produce minimal water resistance when worn by a swimmer.
Another object is for the swim goggles to allow good peripheral vision without distorting the swimmer's view.
Another object is for the goggles to seal the swimmer's eyes from the external environment without inducing a significant suction effect.


A detection device is provided for detecting the presence of an agent in a fluid. The device includes a body defining first and second chambers. It is intended for the first chamber accommodating the flow of fluid therein. A first valve is disposed in the body between in the first and second chambers. The first valve opens in response to the presence of the agent in the fluid. A first detection structure is disposed in the second chamber in order to generate a predetermined signal in response to exposure to the fluid.

Potential biological attacks against large scale civilian populations have become an important issue in homeland security. By way of example, the anthrax cases in the United States in 2001 and the ricin case on Capitol Hill in 2004 have proven that the threat of a biological attack is real. In order to thwart any potential biological attack, the development of a civilian biodefense plan is crucial. Consequently, there has been an enormous effort to develop practical and efficient biosensors in recent years.
Most present biosensors take advantage of biologically active materials for high sensitivity and selectivity. In general, the biosensor includes a biorecognition structure (e.g., a membrane) in contact with or interrogated by a transducer. The biologically active material recognizes a particular biological molecule through a reaction, specific adsorption, or other physical or chemical process, and the transducer converts the output of this recognition into a usable signal, usually electrical or optical. Many approaches have been explored to achieve ultra-sensitive detection of bio-species. These biodetection approaches can be categorized as either an engineering-oriented approach or a biological-oriented approach. In other words, most biodetection schemes are either based on relatively complex electronic, photonic and/or electrochemical methods or more elegant biomolecular methods (e.g. enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA) typically with an optical or spectrometry-based readout.
By way of example, one process utilizes photonics integrated on a microchip to study the interaction between the optical field and the target bio-analyte. Because most biorecognition processes occur in an aqueous ambient, this approach requires the integration of photonics, highly sensitive microelectronics and microfluidic systems on a single microchip. The use of ion-channel switches as biosensors has also been explored, but the bioelectronic interface is a delicate one. Often, when an approach promises very high sensitivity, the output signal from the biorecognition is very small, thus requiring extremely highly-sensitive on-chip microelectronics for signal amplification, processing and wireless transmission. The high demand of these approaches on system integration and high sensitivity photonics and electronics circuitry presents a big challenge to the biosensors in terms of cost, reliability and power consumption. The more biomolecular based approaches, like ELISA, are simple, but typically require a macro scale spectrometry system to quantify the output.
Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a bioagent detection device that is highly sensitive and selective, has a quick response time (on the order of one hour or less) and generates few false alarms.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a bioagent detection device that is small in size and weight and is inexpensive to manufacture.
It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a bioagent detection device that possesses wireless communication capability over a large area span.
It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a bioagent detection device that is able to operate in different environments, such as in air and in water, without premature failure.
In accordance with the present invention, a detection device is provided for detecting the presence of a bioagent in a fluid. The detection device includes a body defining a first chamber for accommodating the fluid therein and a second chamber. A detection structure is disposed in the second chamber of the body. The detection structure generates a predetermined signal in response to exposure to the fluid. A valve interconnects the first and second chambers. The valve opens in response to the presence of the bioagent in the fluid in the second chamber.
The valve may be fabricated from a polymeric material that dissolves in response to exposure to the bioagent. The detection structure may include a microcapacitor having first and second terminals for connecting the detection structure to a signal detection circuit, as well as, first and second spaced electrodes. With the valve open, fluid flows into the second chamber. The microcapacitor has a first capacitance in the absence of fluid in the second chamber and a second capacitance with the fluid in the second chamber. The body may also define a channel having an input communicating with the first chamber and an output communicating with the second chamber. The valve includes a dissolvable member in the first chamber overlapping the input to the channel.
The body may also define a third chamber. A second detection structure may be disposed in the third chamber of the body. The second detection structure generates a predetermined signal in response to exposure to the fluid. A second valve interconnects the first and third chambers. The second valve opens in response to the presence of a second bioagent in the fluid in the first chamber. Alternatively, the second valve may open in response to the presence of the bioagent in the fluid in the first chamber. It is contemplated for the first valve to open a first predetermined time period after exposure to the bioagent and the second valve to open a second predetermined time period after exposure to the bioagent and for the first predetermined time period to be less than the second predetermined time period.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a detection device is provided for detecting the presence of a bioagent in a fluid. The detection device includes a body defining a first chamber for accommodating the fluid therein and a second chamber. A first valve is disposed in the body. The first valve has a first closed configuration wherein the first and second chambers are isolated and a second open configuration wherein the first and second chambers communicate. A first detection structure is disposed in the second chamber. The first detection structure generates a predetermined signal in response to exposure to the fluid.
The body further defines a channel extending between the first and second chambers. The channel has an input communicating with the first chamber and an output communication with the second chamber. The first valve overlaps the input to the channel. The first valve includes a polymeric material isolating the first and second chambers. The polymeric material dissolves in response to exposure to the bioagent.
The detection structure includes a microcapacitor having first and second terminals for connecting the detection structure to a signal detection circuit. The second chamber accommodates the flow of fluid therein with the valve in the open configuration. The microcapacitor has a first capacitance in the absence of fluid in the second chamber and a second capacitance with the fluid in the second chamber.
The body may also define a third chamber. A second valve is disposed in the body. The second valve has a first closed configuration wherein the first and third chambers are isolated and a second open configuration wherein the first and third chambers communicate. A second detection structure is disposed in the third chamber for generating a predetermined signal in response to exposure to the fluid.
The first valve is formed from a first polymeric material that isolates the first and second chambers. The first polymeric material dissolves in response to exposure to a first bioagent. However, the second valve may be formed from a second polymeric material that isolates the first and third chambers. The second polymeric material dissolves in response to exposure to a second bioagent.
It is contemplated for the first valve to open a first predetermined time period after exposure to the bioagent and for the second valve to open a second predetermined time period after exposure to the bioagent. The first predetermined time period is less than the second predetermined time period.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for detecting the presence of a bioagent in a fluid. The method includes the step of passing the fluid into a body defining first and second chambers. The first and second chambers are isolated from each other by a first valve. The first valve opens in response to the bioagent in the fluid so as to allow fluid to flow into the second chamber. A signal is generated in response to the presence of fluid in the second chamber.
The first valve is formed from a polymeric material that dissolves in response to exposure to the bioagent and the step of generating the signal includes the additional step of providing a microcapacitor having an initial capacitance in the second chamber. The capacitance of the microcapacitor is varied in response to the presence of fluid in the second chamber and the change in capacitance is detected. The method of the present invention may also include the additional steps of providing a third chamber in the body and opening a second valve in response to a second bioagent in the fluid so as to allow fluid to flow into the third chamber. Thereafter, a second signal is generated in response to the presence of fluid in the third chamber. Alternatively, the second valve is opened in response to the bioagent in the fluid so as to allow fluid to flow into the third chamber. Thereafter, the signal is varied in response to the presence of fluid in the third chamber.
The first valve may be formed from a first polymeric material that isolates the first and second chambers. The first polymeric material dissolves in a first predetermined time period in response to exposure to the bioagent. In addition, the second valve may be formed from a second polymeric material that isolates the first and third chambers. The second polymeric material dissolves in a second predetermined time period in response to exposure to the bioagent.


A mooring line for an oceanographic buoy system includes four sections. The first section is a protected cable that is connectable to the buoy. The second section is an energy absorbing cable. The third section is a weighted cable. The fourth section is a buoyant cable that is connectable to the anchor. The four sections are connected in series by smooth transitional connections. When the mooring line is deployed, it has an inverse catenary lay.

A mooring line for an oceanographic buoy system is a line that secures a buoy in place in the ocean. The simplest method for a mooring line is to secure one end of a simple rope or cable to the buoy and securing the other end to an anchor or fixed point under the water. Although this is effective under some circumstances, a simple rope or cable for a mooring line will fail under certain ocean conditions.
There are numerous buoy system designs available, but buoy systems can be broadly categorized into surface or subsurface, or a combination of the two. Surface buoy systems are used to secure floating platforms that can be meteorological, as well as oceanographic. Subsurface buoy systems secure instrumentation in place in the water or on the bottom. Buoy systems can also be built to include a combination of surface data collection and subsurface instrumentation integrated into the mooring line. Exemplary studies may include: wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, air and water temperature, solar radiation, rainfall, visibility, etc. Many buoys also measure wave parameters by either wave height or wave direction, or both.
Mooring lines for an oceanographic buoy system come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. Optimum design of a mooring line for an oceanographic buoy system is dependant on several factors, including functional requirements, water depth, currents, tides, waves, vessel traffic, and fish bite in the vicinity of the oceanographic buoy system.
Current mooring lines for an oceanographic buoy system are made up of many discrete sections of line that may include wire rope and various types of synthetic lines. These lines can either be taut or slack. Taut lines for oceanographic buoy systems have to be made of very elastic material and normally have to be replaced often. Slack lines typically use an 'inverted catenary' or 'S tether' design. This type of mooring line includes a buoyant section of line, or attached floats, above the anchor to keep the line off the bottom, and top sections that are negatively buoyant, made of wire or a synthetic product. Both of these types of mooring lines may include a synthetic section which stretches, allowing for more durability than a common rope or cable.
There are many problems with the current design of mooring lines for oceanographic buoy systems. Although the current designs are more durable than a simple rope or cable, they still are exposed to constant changes in currents, waves, and other environmental factors, that require these lines to be replaced over frequent periods of time.
Another problem with the current mooring lines is how they are deployed. The current designs of such mooring lines include different sections of line that are not put together until they are deployed. These sections of line are loaded and carried on a vessel on separate wooden or steel reels and the sections are shackled together as the line is played out over the vessel. Buoy systems can be deployed anywhere and at any time in the ocean where the seas can be rough and very unpredictable. This process of shackling the sections of line together is very dangerous in the unpredictable seas and can lead to injuries and loss of equipment.
The instant invention is designed to address these problems.

Mooring line for an oceanographic buoy system


A device, system, and method use predictive analytics based on an application-centric approach. The method includes receiving a request from an interactive application interacting with a user utilizing a user device for action data indicating an action to be taken by the interactive application during a session with the user device, the request generated by the interactive application based on a decision point associated with the interactive application. The method includes receiving from the interactive application session data associated with the session and the user device. The method includes determining scoring package data associated with the request based on the session data, the scoring package data comprising a predictive model indicative of a plurality of actions to be performed by the interactive application. The method includes generating the action data based on the scoring package data and transmitting the action data to the interactive application.

A user device utilized by a user may execute a plurality of applications by using a plurality of different components that provide a plurality of different functionalities and features. A specific type of the applications that are executed on the user device may be interactive applications in which a user interacts with an automated response device (e.g., associated with a server of a website). For example, the interactive applications may be a web application, a mobile application, a web chat application, an interactive voice response (IVR) application, etc. Due to the automated nature with respect to the provider of the interactive application, the interactive applications may be configured to be used in a variety of ways by the provider. For example, the provider may utilize predictive analytics to predict what a user may want, may need, will buy, will pay, will do, etc. The predictive analytics may improve an experience for the customer as well as increase revenues and reduce costs for the provider.
Incorporating predictive analytics into an interactive application involves two highly specialized and very different roles: the analyst and the developer. The analyst understands how to analyze data and develop predictors such that a predicted action may be recommended. The developer understands what the interactive application should do and how to implement it. Conventional predictive analytics utilizes an analyst-centric approach. Specifically, the analyst may develop a model of purchasing behavior using various sources of data. However, with an analyst-centric approach, the development of the model revolves around necessities of the analyst (e.g., requesting information every 5 seconds to determine if a recommendation should be made). However, the developer may be incapable of accommodating the analyst (e.g., cannot provide a response to the request as information is only available from reactions registered from the customer). Furthermore, it may not be clear to the analyst exactly what information can be known at a particular point in time. Even if all required information is provided to the analyst, ultimately, a result used in creating the model or from using the model may be generated. However, the developer may be unequipped to utilize this result properly.


A fuel can is provided which includes a receptacle for receiving fuel or other liquid therein and a tray for holding other items, the tray being complementally configured with the bottom of the receptacle whereby the tray and receptacle may be releasably coupled in mating engagement. The tray and receptacle are provided with coupling structure which includes a pair of bosses on one component and a pair of latch members on the other component, the bosses and latch members being preferably integrally formed with the tray and receptacle. The latch member is resilient and yieldable during engagement of the tray and receptacle whereby a hook on the latch member engages a respective boss and spreads the latch members apart and then resiliently snaps into position on the to hold the tray and receptacle in coupled relationship. The tray and receptacle are preferably molded of synthetic resin material and the tray is preferably provided with a handle extending normally upwardly from the center of the base to provide additional support for the bottom wall of the receptacle when the latter is filled with liquid.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns a fuel can which includes an upper receptacle configured for nesting with a lower tray, including coupling structure which resiliently yields to hold the tray to the receptacle. The tray preferably includes a centrally located handle for carrying the tray when separated and supporting the bottom of the receptacle when the latter is filled with liquid and coupled to the tray.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A number of different types of fuel cans are used for carrying gasoline, kerosine and other fuels. These cans typically are formed of metal or plastic, and include a spout for convenience in pouring the contents into a gas tank.
More recently, a fuel can which includes separate top and bottom portions has been developed which are configured for mating engagement. These "combination" fuel cans are proven quite convenient as they allow a single container to be used for fuel in the top portion and tools, lubricants, and other items to be stored in the bottom portion. These "combination" fuel cans have been fabricated of metal and include hasps for holding the top and bottom components together. Such a "combination" fuel can is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. D 279,549.
While these "combination" fuel containers represent distinct advances in the art, they are somewhat expensive to construct, as they are made of metal requiring seaming and have metal mouths and hasps to connect the top and bottom. Moreover, they require some dexterity to manipulate the hasps in order to couple the top and bottom portions. Further, they can become dented, which causes difficulty when attempting to secure the top and bottom together. Finally, the bottom portion may be difficult to pick up and carry with one hand.

Combination fuel container and tool tray


A bladed rotor wheel for a turbine engine, the rotor wheel including a disk including, formed in its outer periphery, at least one slot for mounting the roots of blades, and a spacer mounted between each blade root and a bottom of the slot. The spacer includes at least one member of type that is bistable in position and that can occupy a first stable position for assembly or disassembly in which the member does not exert force on the blade root, and a second stable position in which the bistable member exerts a radial force on the blade root. The spacer also includes at least one resilient damper member mounted between the bottom of the slot and the blade root.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bladed rotor wheel for a turbine engine, and more particularly to a fan wheel of a turbine engine such as an airplane turboprop or turbojet.
Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a fan wheel comprises a disk carrying blades at its outer periphery, the blades having roots that are engaged in substantially axial slots formed in the outer periphery of the disk. The fan blades are held radially on the disk by co-operation between the shape of their roots and the shape of the slots in the disk, the blade roots being of the dovetail type, for example. Inter-blade platforms are mounted on the disk between the fan blades or they constitute an integral portion of the disk. Blades of this type are described by way of example in document FR 2 881 174 in the name of the Applicant. The slots may be straight or curvilinear and the contact surfaces between the blade roots and the inside walls of the slots are referred to as "bearing" surfaces.
The blades are mounted with clearance between their roots and the walls of the slots. In order to reduce this clearance, proposals have been made to mount resilient spacers between the bottoms of the slots and the blade roots, so that the blade roots are held pressed radially against the bearing surfaces of the disk.
The spacers need to be of high precision in order to ensure that the blades are held without being completely blocked in a position that would prevent the blade roots form bearing normally against the bearing surfaces of the slots.
That type of rotor wheel presents the drawbacks set out below.
The rotation of the rotor wheel while the engine is in operation causes large centrifugal forces to be applied to the blades, thereby holding them in their "operating" positions. By way of example, a fan blade weighing about 4.5 kilograms (kg) may be subjected to a force that is greater than 60 (metric) tonnes (t).
For a fan wheel in particular, after the blades have been assembled on the wheel, any unbalance that appears during rotation of the wheel is measured. If this unbalance is greater than a determined threshold, certain blades are disassembled and interchanged in order to reduce the unbalance.
In the absence of a spacer, or when the spacers are insufficiently prestressed, every time the rotor wheel is stopped, it occupies an angular position that is different, and the blades can change position under the effect of their own weight. Under such circumstances, since the positions of the blades, and thus the unbalance of the rotor wheel, are different from one start to another, it is difficult to measure and reduce any unbalance.
In addition, the small-amplitude movements of the blades under high loading that take place each time the engine is started cause the inside surfaces of the assembly slots for the blade roots to be worn. This is known as "fretting" wear, and it can prevent the integrity of the disk and of the blades being inspected by means of eddy currents, which in turn can lead to a disk and/or blades being scrapped, even if they are in fact still usable.
Furthermore, when fan blades are made of composite material, it is not possible to mount the spacers while subjecting the blade roots to high stress, since the roots cannot withstand such stresses.
Patent application FR 11/54301 in the name of the Applicant and not yet published, describes a bladed rotor wheel for a turbine engine, the rotor wheel comprising a disk and spacers mounted between the blade roots and the bottoms of the slots in the disk. The spacers are of the type that is bistable in position and each of them can occupy a first stable position for assembly or disassembly in which they do not exert force on the blade roots, and a second stable position in which they exert a radial force on the blade roots in order to hold the blades stationary and stabilize them in a final position.
In that way, it is possible, while these spacers are in a first position, to assemble them together with the blades in the slots of the disk, and then to rotate the disk at a speed that is sufficient for the spacers and the blades to take up their final positions, with each spacer becoming deformed so as to pass from its first position to its second position, the blades subsequently being held in their final positions by the spacers, even when the disk is rotating slowly or stopped.
For rotor wheels of a low pressure or a high pressure compressor of a turbine engine, first rotation of the wheel is performed at a speed lying in the range 2500 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 4000 rpm, so as to cause the spacers to deform. Simultaneously, the tips of the blades are trued at high speed. Thereafter, the rotor wheel is balanced at low speed without disassembling the blades.
The use of shape memory spacers is also known from document DE 3 236 021.
For blades of large size, such as fan blades in particular, the solution proposed in document FR 11/54301 presents the drawbacks set out below.
The fan wheel is surrounded by a fan casing having its inside surface provided with an abradable material, the radially outer ends of the blades coming flush with the inside surface of the casing.
Given the size of the blades, the radially outer ends of the blades can move considerably on first rotation of the wheel. Those ends then degrade the abradable material of the casing significantly.
For fan wheels in particular, it is not envisaged that the wheel might be set into rotation without its casing.
Furthermore, in the event of a bird or an article of significant size being ingested, the fan blades are subjected to violent impacts that cause them to tilt. These impacts must be damped and the tilting of the blades must be limited.
Unfortunately, under certain circumstances, the prior art bistable spacer is found to be incapable of damping the impact energy or of limiting the movement of the blade.
Finally, it is possible to use bladed disks made as single blocks, in which the blades and the disks are made in a single block by machining.
Nevertheless, that solution is not applicable to all rotors, in particular because of thermal stresses, of mechanical stresses, and of weight constraints, and costs are very high both for manufacture and for maintenance.


A resilient retainer ring comprises at least two pressing sections and at least one engaging section. Each pressing section presses against a bottom wall defining an annular groove in a receiving compartment of a screwdriver shank when the retainer ring is mounted in the annular groove of the screwdriver shank. The engaging section is exposed to at least one corner of the receiving compartment such that the engaging section has at least a portion engaged in a retaining groove of a bit when an end of the bit is received in the receiving compartment of the screwdriver shank.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a retainer ring for securely retaining a first object, e.g., a bit, to a second object, e.g., a shank of a screwdriver.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 6A of the drawings illustrates a conventional retainer ring 1 engaged in an annular groove 3 defined in an inner periphery of a receiving compartment 2 of an object, e.g., a screwdriver shank. After mounting in the annular groove 3, the retainer ring 1 could move to a position shown in FIG. 6B under the action of gravity. This is because there is no means for securely retaining the retainer ring 1 in the annular groove 3. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 7, it would be impossible to mount a bit 4 into the receiving compartment 2, as the retainer ring 1 protrudes too much outward to be inserted into the receiving compartment 2.

Retainer ring for securely retaining a first object to a second object


An eye image taking device comprises: an imaging unit for taking the eye of a person to be authenticated, as an eye image; an illumination unit for illuminating the eye of the person to be authenticated; an eyeglass reflection detecting unit for detecting an eyeglass reflection from the eye image; and an instruction unit for instructing the person to be authenticated the movement of the imaging unit or the direction of the face of the person to be authenticated, in case an eyeglass reflection detecting portion detects the eyeglass reflection.

Generally, the iris authentication device identifies a person by illuminating the eye of a person to be authenticated with a near infrared ray, by taking the eye image and the circumference image (as will be briefly called the "eye image") with a camera, by extracting the iris information from the eye image obtained, and by comparing the iris information with the iris information which has already been registered in the iris information database. In this personal authentication, the satisfactory eye image has to be taken highly precisely for extracting the iris information of the person to be authenticated precisely. In case the person to be authenticated wears eyeglasses, however, the light reflected by the eyeglasses (as will be briefly called the "eyeglass reflection") may overlap the iris portion, and the iris information may be unable to be extracted.
Thus, there has been proposed either a technique (e.g., JP-A-10-5195), in which an eye image having no eyeglass reflection is taken by disposing a plurality of illuminators having various incidence angles in advance and by using only the illuminator causing no eyeglass reflection selectively, or a technique (e.g., JP-T-2002-501265), in which one image having no eyeglass reflection is obtained by synthesizing a plurality of images having the eyeglass reflection at different positions.
For these techniques, however, it is necessary to dispose the plural illuminators at places apart from the camera such that the optical axes of those illuminators have various angles with respect to the optical axis of the camera. When those techniques are applied to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile telephone desired to reduce the size and weight, there arises a problem that the illuminators cannot be disposed at places apart from the camera. Another problem is that the number of trials is increased to form the plural images.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A photographing apparatus including a sensor, a touchscreen, and a controller is disclosed. The sensor is configured to detect that a user approaches or comes within a predetermined proximity the photographing apparatus. The touchscreen is configured to display an image representing a state of the photographing apparatus and receive a gesture of the user. The controller is configured to enable a function of the touchscreen to detect the gesture based on a signal received from the sensor, and execute a function corresponding to the gesture.

1. Field
The disclosure relates to a method and photographing apparatus for controlling a function based on a gesture of a user.
2. Description of Related Art
With the development of technology related to photographing apparatuses, photographing apparatuses capable of capturing high-quality images have been developed. However, in the case where a user takes a picture by using a viewfinder, since the user may not use touch, key, or wheel input devices provided at a rear side of the photographing apparatus, it is difficult for the user to control the photographing apparatus.
Also, with the development of touchscreen technology, there is an increasing demand for technology capable of performing various functions based on gestures that are input onto a screen of the photographing apparatus by the user.

Method and photographing apparatus for controlling function based on gesture of user


Disclosed is treatment of genetic neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental diseases that are caused by or associated with nonsense mutations or premature termination codons using macrolides. Further disclosed are methods for identifying agents that induce read-through of nonsense mutations and premature termination codons and uses thereof.

The advent of modern human genetics has revealed that many rare, orphan diseases are genetic in origin (1). Particularly, diseases such as Rett syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Usher syndrome and many other diseases have been shown to result in most cases from nonsense mutations, which are single-nucleotide variations within the coding sequence of a gene that result in a premature termination codon. The presence of such mutations leads to the synthesis of a truncated non-functional protein.
Over the past ten years, treatment strategies of genetic diseases resulting from nonsense mutations within the coding sequence of a gene have emerged based on the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics. These molecules facilitate the read-through of premature termination codons, thus restoring the synthesis of a full-length protein. Such strategies have been tested for various genetic diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis (2-6). Unfortunately, aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, have serious dose-limiting toxicities, rendering them an unattractive long term treatment for any chronic disorder (7).
The read-through level of a certain mutated gene by a certain molecule depends on the nature of the stop codon and the surrounding nucleotide context (8). Thus, the response to a certain treatment using a read-through agent is highly variable and little is known about the rules governing the read-through level, namely, the level of synthesis of a full length protein.
The effect of a number of antibiotic agents on stop codon read-through during protein synthesis in a prokaryotic system (Escherichia coli) has been examined (9). In addition, the restoration of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene function in colorectal cancer cells by aminoglycoside- and macrolide-induced read-through of premature termination codons has also been reported by Zilberberg et al. as well as in the patent application WO 2007/144876 (10, 11). In particular, WO 2007/144876 discloses the use of a macrolide antibiotic for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of various cancers and specifically cancers that express a mutated APC gene.
Traditionally, vectors designed for testing read-through of premature termination codons were based on luciferase. However, such assays were found to have off-target effects, suggesting that the leading compounds identified by these assays may not actually induce read-through (12). Various approaches for screening assays for identifying readthrough agents are described, for example, in Du et al., and Cardno et al. (13, 14).
In particular, the patent application WO 2004/001010 (15) discloses methods for screening and identifying compounds that modulate premature translation termination and/or nonsense-mediated messenger ribonucleic acid ("mRNA") decay by screening and identifying compounds that modulate the post-transcriptional expression of any gene with a premature translation stop codon. The patent application WO 2007/027106 (16) discloses dual-reporter recoding constructs and methods. Such constructs and methods are useful for screening for drugs that act via modulating recoding.
In addition, the patent application US 2009/0311695 (17) discloses methods for determining the effect of a genetic variation on the integrity of an RNA transcript and/or on RNA metabolism. US 2009/0311695 also discloses high throughput assays for identifying agents that modulate the integrity of the RNA transcript and/or are involved in modulating RNA metabolism.
There is still a need for therapeutic agents useful for treating genetic diseases, in particular genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations or premature stop codons, primarily since the current potential treatment suffers from disadvantages such as toxicity and relatively low levels of synthesis of the full length protein. To date, no proposed read-through treatment has yet been found effective in clinical studies. In addition, there is a further need for efficient, yet simple, compositions and methods for identifying nonsense mutation read-through agents, which may be used as therapeutic agents for genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations.

Methods of inducing read-through of a nonsense mutation associated with ataxia telangiectasia, Rett syndrome or spinal muscular atrophy by erythromycin or azithromycin


In an OFDM system, multiple (M) interlaces are defined for M non-overlapping sets of frequency subbands, and M slots with fixed indices are also defined. Data streams and pilot are mapped to slots, which are in turn mapped to interlaces based on a slot-to-interlace mapping scheme that can achieve frequency diversity and good performance for all slots. At a transmitter, a slot-to-interlace converter maps the slots to the interlaces. The slot-to-interlace converter includes multiple multiplexers and a control unit. The multiplexers map the M slots to the M interlaces based on the slot-to-interlace mapping scheme. The control unit generates at least one control signal for the multiplexers. The multiplexers may be arranged and controlled in various manners depending on the slot-to-interlace mapping scheme. At a receiver, a complementary interlace-to-slot converter maps the interlaces to the slots.

I. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to communication, and more specifically to techniques for multiplexing data and pilot in a communication system.
II. Background
An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system utilizes OFDM for data and pilot transmission. OFDM is a multi-carrier modulation technique that partitions the overall system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal frequency subbands. These subbands are also called tones, carriers, subcarriers, bins, and frequency channels. With OFDM, each subband is associated with a respective subcarrier that may be modulated with data.
A base station in the OFDM system may transmit multiple data streams simultaneously to wireless devices. These data streams may be continuous or bursty in nature, may have fixed or variable data rates, and may use the same or different coding and modulation schemes. The base station may also transmit a pilot to assist the wireless devices perform a number of functions such as time synchronization, frequency tracking, channel estimation, and so on. A pilot is a transmission that is known a priori by both a transmitter and a receiver.
Multiplexing multiple data streams for simultaneous transmission may be challenging if these data streams are variable in nature, e.g., have data rates and/or coding and modulation schemes that change over time. The multiplexing should be such that the data streams (1) can be allocated transmission resources in sufficiently small units to reduce excess capacity and (2) can achieve frequency diversity and good performance. The pilot should be multiplexed such that good channel estimates can be obtained in different channel environments. The channel estimates are used for data detection and decoding by the wireless devices and have direct impact on performance.
There is therefore a need in the art for techniques to multiplex data and pilot in an OFDM system.

Slot-to-interlace and interlace-to-slot converters for an OFDM system


A method and system for monitoring and managing applications and services. A repository comprising information identifying a plurality of assets and one or more relationships among the assets is maintained. One or more assets used to support an application are identified, along with one or more applications that are included in a service. Event and performance data are collected by a plurality of tools that perform monitoring and/or managing of the identified assets, the application, and/or the service. The gathered event and performance data is aggregated. The user is provided with a portal to access the aggregated event and performance data. Through this portal, the user can determine an impact of an event or a performance issue on the application or service based on the aggregated event or performance data and the relationships among the assets.

Prior to the present invention, if an application that involved several or many infrastructure components (e.g., databases, servers etc.) was experiencing a performance problem, the persons in charge of each infrastructure component would need to be consulted in an attempt to identify the source of the problem. Each such person would be required to review his or her system to determine if it were the source of the problem. This process is very inefficient and a great deal of time was consumed attempting to identify the source of the problem. This highly manual process involved collecting data across many infrastructure silos, aggregating it and correlating it in such a way to identify the issue. The prior art processes allowed for minimum operational transparency.
In addition, there are many tools that must be consulted to collect the data required to identify the problem. The sheer number of tools available makes it difficult to know which tool to use. In addition, each of the tools involves different display screens with different layouts and usage directions. No unifying concept exists in the prior art that ties all the tools together.
Operators assigned to these tools would receive an alert on his/her console and follow standard operating procedures in an attempt to resolve the problem. However, persons other than operators, such as application developers and key stakeholders in the application, have an interest being informed of events and alerts. Rolling out consoles to all application developers and key stakeholders presents a challenge, both in terms of the number of consoles that would be required and training involved for each console.
The present invention resolves the problems left unaddressed by prior art systems and methods.

Monitoring and management of assets, applications, and services using aggregated event and performance data thereof


An internal combustion engine component is composed of an aluminum alloy containing silicon, and includes a plurality of silicon crystal grains located on a slide surface. The slide surface has a ten point-average roughness RzJIS of about 0.54 μm or more, and a load length ratio Rmr(30) at a cut level of about 30% of the slide surface is about 20% or more.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine component, e.g., a cylinder block or a piston, and a method for producing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to an internal combustion engine component composed of an aluminum alloy which includes silicon, and a method for producing the same. The present invention also relates to an internal combustion engine and a transportation apparatus incorporating such an internal combustion engine component.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, in an attempt to reduce the weight of internal combustion engines, there has been a trend to use an aluminum alloy for cylinder blocks. Since a cylinder block is required to have a high strength and high abrasion resistance, aluminum alloys which contain a large amount of silicon, i.e., aluminum-silicon alloys having a hypereutectic composition, are expected to be promising aluminum alloys for cylinder blocks.
In a cylinder block composed of an aluminum-silicon alloy, silicon crystal grains located on the slide surface will contribute to the improvement of strength and abrasion resistance. An example of a technique for obtaining silicon crystal grains exposed on the surface of an alloy matrix is a honing process for allowing silicon crystal grains to remain jutting (called "emboss honing"). Moreover, Japanese Patent No. 2885407 discloses a technique of performing an etching process for allowing silicon crystal grains to remain jutting on the surface of an aluminum-silicon alloy, and thereafter performing an anodic oxidation to form an oxide layer, and further flame spraying a fluoroplastic onto this oxide layer to form a fluoroplastic resin layer.
Since a lubricant is retained in between the silicon crystal grains which remain jutting on the slide surface (i.e., in the recesses between the silicon crystal grains functioning as oil puddles), an improved lubricity is obtained when a piston slides within the cylinder, whereby the abrasion resistance and burn-up resistance of the cylinder block are improved.
However, the inventors have found that further improvements in abrasion resistance and burn-up resistance become necessary when using the above-described aluminum-alloy cylinder block for certain types of internal combustion engines.
Conventionally, aluminum-alloy cylinder blocks have been used in internal combustion engines that are mounted in four-wheeled automobiles. In a four-wheeled automobile, a mechanism (e.g., an oil pump) for compulsorily supplying a lubricant for the cylinder block and piston is provided in the internal combustion engine, and the internal combustion engine is operated at a relatively low revolution speed (specifically, under a maximum revolution speed of 7500 rpm or less), in which case the aforementioned problems will not occur. However, in an internal combustion engine which is operated at a relatively high revolution speed (specifically, under a maximum revolution speed of 8000 rpm or less), or in an internal combustion engine in which a lubricant is supplied to the cylinder only by way of splashing of the lubricant associated with crankshaft rotation (i.e., the oil pump is omitted, as in the case of an internal combustion engine that is mounted in a motorcycle), the aluminum-alloy cylinder block may experience burn-up and/or significant abrasion. Moreover, when an aluminum alloy is used as the piston material in order to achieve a further mass reduction, there is an increased likelihood of burn-up.
In order to further improve the abrasion resistance and burn-up resistance of the cylinder block, it is necessary to improve the lubricity at the start of the internal combustion engine, which requires good retention of lubricant on the slide surface. The inventors have found through their study that a cylinder block which has been subjected to the aforementioned emboss honing process or etching process cannot achieve a sufficient lubricant retention, so that less than adequate lubricity exists when a high-speed operation is reached immediately after the start of the internal combustion engine.

Internal combustion engine component and method for producing the same


A composite material blank for an orthotic insert. The device is formed of layers of fiberglass and graphite fiber material. A first graphite fiber layer provides the overall structure with increased strength, while secondary graphite fiber reinforcement strips are arranged below the first and fifth rays of the foot to provide additional rigidity and control in these areas. The edges of the graphite fiber layers are recessed inwardly from the edges of the fiberglass layers so as to provide a graphite-free border which prevents cracks from propagating into the graphite fiber layers. The layers are bonded together by heat curing over molds.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to orthotic inserts for use in conjunction with various types of footwear. More particularly, the present invention relates to an orthotic insert constructed of layers of fiberglass and graphite fiber materials, with the graphite layers being configured to provide enhanced control over the motions of the foot, and the device further being particularly configured to provide a long service life without cracking.
2. Background
a. Orthotic Devices
Orthotic inserts are used in conjunction with various types of footwear to enhance the functions of a person""s foot. An orthotic insert can be either soft or hard: a hard insert is a substantially rigid member, desirably having a relatively thin vertical thickness dimension and extending from the calcaneal area of the foot (the heel portion) to at least the metatarsal head area of the foot (i.e., the xe2x80x9cballxe2x80x9d of the foot). In general, the purpose of the rigid orthotic (sometimes called a xe2x80x9cfunctional orthoticxe2x80x9d) is to first position, and then control the movements of, the midtarsal and subtalar joints during the gait cycle which the body goes through in walking and running, and possibly other weight bearing activities.
b. The Gait Cycle
Before proceeding with a discussion of prior orthotic devices and the problems which have been encountered with the same, the xe2x80x9cgait cyclexe2x80x9d will be discussed here so as to provide an improved understanding of the function of the present invention. The discussion will include the following: (i) the main components of the human leg and foot, and how these function relative to one another; (ii) the gait cycle which a person goes through in a normal walking motion; and (iii) the intended function of a rigid orthotic in optimizing the coordinated operation of the person""s foot and leg throughout the gait cycle.
(i) The Main Components of the Human Leg and Foot and How These Function Relative to One Another
FIGS. 1-3 show a typical human foot 10 and (in FIGS. 2-3) the lower part 12 of the leg 14. The two lower bones of the leg are the tibia 16 and the fibula 18. Below the tibia and fibula, there is the talus 20 (i.e. the xe2x80x9cankle bonexe2x80x9d). Positioned below and rearwardly of the talus 20 is the calcaneus 22 (i.e. the xe2x80x9cheel bonexe2x80x9d). Positioned moderately below and forward of the talus 20 is the navicular 24 and forward of the calcaneus is the cuboid 26. Extending forwardly from the navicular are the three cuneform bones 28. Extending forwardly from the cuneform bones and the cuboid are the five metatarsals 30. Forwardly of the metatarsals are the phalanges 32 which make up the five toes 34.
The movement of the talus 20 relative to the tibia 16 and fibula 18 is such that it enables the entire foot to be articulated upwardly and downwardly (in the motion of raising or lowering the forward part of the foot). However, the talus is connected to the tibia and fibula in such a way that when the entire leg is rotated about its vertical axis (i.e. the axis extending the length of the leg), the talus 20 rotates together with the leg 14.
With regard to the relationship of the talus to the calcaneus, these two move relative to one another about what is called the xe2x80x9csubtalar jointxe2x80x9d indicated at 36. The subtalar joint can be described generally as a hinge joint about which the talus and calcaneus articulate relative to one another. On average, the hinge axis extends upwardly and forwardly at a slant angle of about 42xc2x0 from the horizontal, and also slants forwardly and inwardly at about 16xc2x0 from a straightforward direction. There is also a midtarsal joint 38, and this will be discussed later.
To explain further the hinge motion of the subtalar joint, reference is now made to FIGS. 4a and 4b. The talus can be considered as a vertical board 40, and the calcaneus as a horizontally extending board 42, these being hinge connected to one another along a diagonal hinge line 44, with this hinge line corresponding to the subtalar joint 36. It can be seen with reference to FIG. 4a that as the talus is rotated inwardly about its vertical axis (i.e. the front part of the leg is rotated toward the center of the person""s body), there is a corresponding rotation of the calcaneus (i.e. the horizontal board 42) about a horizontal axis. It can be seen in FIG. 4b that an opposite (i.e. outward) rotation of the talus (i.e. the vertical board 40) causes a corresponding rotation of the calcaneus (i.e. the horizontal board 42) in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 4a.
With regard to the midtarsal joint 38, this is in reality composed of two separate joints, the talo-navicular and the calcaneal-cuboid. It is a complex joint, and no attempt will be made to illustrate or recreate its motion accurately. Instead, a somewhat simplified explanation will be presented as it relates to the present invention.
The main concern relative to the midtarsal joint is not the precise relative motion of the parts of the foot which make up this joint, but rather the locking and unlocking of the joint which occurs when there is an outward motion of the leg and talus and an opposite inward motion, respectively. When the leg is rotated inwardly, the midtarsal joint 38 is in its unlocked position so that the portion of the foot 10 forwardly of the joint (i.e. the midfoot 45) is flexible, this being the xe2x80x9cpronatedxe2x80x9d position of the foot. On the other hand, when the leg and talus are rotated outwardly, the foot is said to be xe2x80x9csupinatedxe2x80x9d and the midtarsal joint is in its locked position and the midfoot is essentially a part of a rigid lever. In actuality, the midfoot never becomes completely rigid, so that even in the totally supinated position, there is some degree of flexibility in the midfoot.
This function of the midtarsal joint will now be explained relative to FIGS. 5a and 5b. It can be seen that FIGS. 5a-b are generally the same as FIGS. 4a-b, except that a forward board member 46 is shown to represent the midfoot 45, this member 46 having a downward taper in a forward direction, and also a lower horizontal plate portion 48. This plate portion 48 is intended to represent that the plantar surface (i.e. the lower support surface) of the midfoot 45 engages the underlying support surface in a manner so as to remain generally horizontal to the support surface.
It can be seen that when the two board members 40 and 42 are in the pronated position of FIG. 5a, the midtarsal joint represented at 50 in FIGS. 5a-b is in a first position which will be presumed to be in unlocked position. In the unlocked position of FIG. 5a, the member 46 is not rigid with the horizontal member 42, and the forward member 46 can flex upwardly relative to the horizontal member 42. (This is the pronated position of the foot 10.) However, in the position of FIG. 5b, the board members 46 and 42 will be presumed to be locked to one another so that the members 42 and 46 form a unitary lever. For ease of illustration, no attempt has been made to illustrate physically the unlocking relationship of FIG. 5a and the locking relationship of FIG. 5b. Rather, the illustrations of FIGS. 5a-b are to show the relative movements and positions of these components, and the locking and unlocking mechanism is presumed to exist.
(ii) The Gait Cycle Which the Person Goes Through in a Normal Walking Motion
Reference is first made to FIGS. 6a and 6b. As illustrated in the graph of FIG. 6a, during the normal walking motion, the hip (i.e. the pelvis) moves on a transverse plane, and this movement in the gait cycle is illustrated in FIG. 6b. Also, the femur (i.e. the leg bone between the knee joint and the hip) and the tibia rotate about an axis parallel to the length of the person""s leg. It is this rotation of the leg about its vertical axis which is intrinsically related to the pronating and supinating of the foot during the gait cycle, and this will be explained in more detail below.
There is also the flexion and extension of the knee, as illustrated in the five figures immediately below the graph of FIG. 6a. Further, there is the flexion and extension of the ankle joint. At the beginning of the gait cycle, the heel of the forwardly positioned leg strikes the ground, after which the forward part of the foot rotates downwardly into ground engagement. After the leg continues through its walking motion so as to extend rearwardly, the person pushes off from the ball of the foot as the other leg comes into ground engagement.
The motions described above are in large part apparent from relatively casual observation. However, the motion which is generally overlooked by those not familiar with the gait cycle is the inward and outward rotation of the leg about its lengthwise axis which must occur with the pronating and supinating of the foot. This will be described relative to FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b.
At initial ground contact the leg is rotated moderately to the outside (i.e. the knee of the leg is at a more outward position away form the centerline of the body) so that the foot is more toward the supinated position (i.e. closer to the position shown in FIG. 4b). Consequently, the initial heel strike and loading of the foot takes place on the lateral (i.e. outer) side of the heel, and the calcaneus is normally inverted by approximately 2xc2x0 at heel contact. Immediately following heel strike and up to the 25% position, the leg rotates about its vertical axis in an inward direction so that the subtalar joint pronates. This pronation motion of the subtalar joint results in 4-6xc2x0 of eversion of the calcaneus, and ultimately this bone rests an average of 2-4xc2x0 degrees everted to the vertical when the 25% stance position is reached. The effect of this is to rotate the heel of the foot so that the center of pressure moves from a lateral heel location toward a location nearer the centerline of the foot, as indicated at 54 in FIG. 7b. Also, the pronating of the subtalar joint produces a degree of relaxation of the midtarsal joint 38 and subsequent relaxation of the other stabilization mechanisms within the arch of the foot. Furthermore, this inward rotation of the leg serves as a torque converter; the internal rotation takes the vertical force of the leg at heel contact and converts this into a frontal plane force which extends the relaxed foot. From the foregoing, it will be understood that shock absorption at heel contact is thus primarily a function of controlled pronation of the foot during the first 25% of the stance phase.
With further movement from the 25% to the 75% position, the leg rotates in an opposite direction (i.e. to the outside), and the subtalar joint becomes supinated at the 75% position of FIG. 7a. This functionally locks the midtarsal joint so that the person is then able to operate his foot as a rigid lever so as to raise up onto the ball of the foot and push off with this as the other leg moves into ground contact.
With reference again to FIG. 7b, the initial pressure point at ground contact is at 52, and moves medially across the heel to the location at 54. Thereafter, the pressure center moves rather quickly along broken line indicated at 56 toward the ball of the foot. As the person pushes off of the ball of the foot and to some extent from the toes, the pressure moves to the location at 58. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the pressure point or center shifts from the lateral portion of the foot to the medial portion in the course of the normal gait cycle.
(iii) The Intended Function of the Orthotic to Improve Operation of the Person""s Foot and Leg Throughout the Gait Cycle
A primary function of most orthotic inserts is to initially position the plantar surface of the calcaneus 22 and the midfoot 45 so that the subtalar and midtarsal joints 36 and 38 are positioned in the proper functional relationship for the person""s foot, and to thus control the motion of the foot parts and the leg and hip throughout the gait cycle. It will be understood that if the components of the foot have the proper initial position and movement about the subtalar and midtarsal joints, the entire gait cycle, all the way from the coordinated rotation of the hips through the flexion and rotation of the leg, and also from the initial heel strike to the final toe-off, will be properly coordinated and balanced for optimum movement.
The only practical way that a foot can be controlled in this manner is by a three dimensional member which properly conforms to the foot""s plantar surface. The insoles of mass-produced shoes, however, do not ordinarily conform to the plantar surface of any particular foot so as to optimally locate its components. Accordingly, it has been the practice for many years to provide an orthotic insert which engages both the shoe and the foot in a manner so as to properly orientate the internal components of the latter.
c. Deficiencies of Prior Orthotic Inserts
Orthotic inserts have been formed of many different materials, including acrylic plastic, leather, metal, and foam rubber, for example. One construction which has proven extremely successful in recent years is a composite material insert formed of fiberglass and graphite fiber in resin.
An exemplary orthotic insert having the latter construction is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,439,934, the inventor of which is the same as of the present invention. The insert is fabricated by placing layers of fiberglass, resin, and graphite fiber upon a positive cast. The first layer is a continuous sheet constructed from a cloth such as fiberglass or nylon mesh and impregnated with resin. The second layer is a continuous sheet of graphite with the woven graphite fibers preferably running diagonally. The next layer is also a glass and resin continuous sheet, and then another graphite continuous sheet is added with the woven graphite fibers running orthogonally. Finally, there is a bottom layer which may be a glass and resin continuous sheet similar to the top layer. The assembly is heat cured to provide a bonded structure, and is trimmed to the desired size and shape by cutting and grinding.
Orthotic inserts having this construction are very strong, yet extremely lightweight and relatively thin. In practice, however, it has been found that they exhibit a number of deficiencies. Firstly, devices of this type have been prone to develop serious cracking with extended use. The cracks usually develop along the medial and lateral (i.e., side) edges of the insert and, once established, quickly propagate and destroy the device. It has also been observed that the cracks sometimes occur in the toe or heel areas and extend longitudinally into the structure.
As part of the present invention, Applicant has discovered the unexpected source of this problem. It has been found that the serious cracks initiate at the sites of tiny, often microscopic xe2x80x9cmicrocracksxe2x80x9d which are formed along the edges of the device during the cutting and grinding phases of the manufacturing process; a great multiplicity of these microcracks are formed all along the edges of the device during final shaping and finishing. It has been found that those along the side edges are the most likely to enlarge, apparently due to the sagittal plane (i.e., end-to-end) bending to which the device is subjected as the person walks. However, the cracks may also propagate longitudinally in the heel and toe areas as a result of frontal plane flexing or xe2x80x9ccuppingxe2x80x9d of the device.
As part of the present invention, Applicant has discovered that the severity of the cracking problem which is experienced by such composite material inserts stems primarily from the fact that, once the cracks start in the graphite fiber material, they propagate with extreme speed. Thus, even though the flexible fiberglass layers have been found to be far more resistant to cracking, their integrity is also destroyed once the associated graphite layer begins to break.
Another deficiency of such prior devices is that they have offered relatively little flexibility in terms of allowing the rigidity or other characteristics of the insert to be adjusted to satisfy the requirements of a specific foot. At the time of their introduction, composite material inserts having the construction described above represented a significant advance in this respect. However, the adjustments could only be made in the most general sense: By varying the orientation of the graphite sheets so that the fibers extended in various directions, the overall rigidity of the structure (or possibly in certain generalized areas) could be adjusted; also the rigidity of certain areas could be increased by thickening the structure, although this had the disadvantage of increasing the thickness of the plate itself. In short, the construction of the prior devices has offered little opportunity for xe2x80x9cfine-tuningxe2x80x9d of rigidity/flexibilty and other control characteristics in specific areas where this may be needed to satisfy the requirements of a particular foot.
Accordingly, there has existed a need for a composite material orthotic constructed of layers of fiberglass and graphite fiber material which minimizes or eliminates the problem of cracks developing over a period of extended use. Moreover, there is a need for such a construction which permits the rigidity and other control aspects of the insert to be readily tailored to satisfy the specific needs of a person""s foot, and particularly for allowing this to be done without necessitating a substantial increase in the thickness of the device. Still further, there is a need for such an improved orthotic which lends itself to being made by a relatively quick, convenient, and economical method.
The present invention has solved the problems cited above. Broadly, this is a blank for an orthotic insert, comprising a fiberglass/resin base layer having heel and forefoot ends and medial and lateral edges, and at least one graphite fiber/resin layer, the graphite fiber/resin layer being configured to impart a first degree of rigidity to a first portion of the blank, and a second degree of rigidity to a second portion of the blank. The fiberglass/resin layer and graphite fiber/resin layer are bonded together to form a unitary structure which is generally contoured to fit a plantar surface of a person""s foot, so that the first and second portions of the blank having the first and second degrees of rigidity support first and second portions of the foot so as to provide control over the motions thereof.
Preferably, the graphite fiber/resin layer may comprise a first graphite fiber/resin layer having a first predetermined degree of rigidity which is bonded to the fiberglass/resin base layer so as to be positioned beneath the first portion of the foot, and a second graphite fiber/resin layer having a second predetermined degree of rigidity which is bonded to the base layer so as to be positioned beneath the second portion of the foot. The first graphite fiber/resin layer may comprise a relatively wide main reinforcement layer which extends through a central portion of the fiberglass base layer so as to impart the first degree of rigidity thereto. The second graphite fiber/resin layer may comprise at least one relatively narrow reinforcement strip which extends in a generally longitudinal direction proximate to one of the edges of the device so as to be positioned beneath an edge of the person""s foot. Preferably, the second graphite fiber/resin layer may comprise first and second relatively narrow reinforcement strips which are spaced apart across the central portion of the base layer and extend proximate to the medial and lateral edges of the base layer so as to be positioned beneath the medial and lateral sides of the foot. Preferably, the first and second reinforcement strips are positioned so as to extend beneath and generally parallel to the first and the fifth rays of the foot.
The main reinforcement layer which extends across the central portion of the base layer may have a slot opening at its rearward end. The slot opening surrounds a center of the heel cup portion of the blank, so as to minimize the thickness of the blank under the heel of the person""s foot, and so as to enable rearward ends of the main reinforcement layer to deform independently around the slot opening so as to conform to the curvature of the heel cup.
Preferably, a selected edge portion of the fiberglass/resin base layer extends outwardly beyond an edge portion of the graphite fiber/resin layer so as to form a substantially graphite-fiber free fiberglass border, the border having a width which is sufficient to prevent microcracks which are formed along the outer edge thereof from propagating into the graphite fiber/resin layer. There may be first and second such borders, extending along the medial and lateral edges of the base layer so as to prevent the microcracks from propagating into the graphite fiber/resin layer due to sagittal plane bending of the blank. There may also be borders extending across the ends of the base layer so as to prevent the microcracks from propagating due to frontal plane bending of the device.
A method is also provided for forming a blank for an orthotic insert, which method comprises the steps of (i) forming a fiberglass/resin base layer having heel and forefoot ends and medial and lateral edges, (ii) forming at least one graphite fiber/resin layer which is configured to impart a first degree of rigidity to a first portion of the blank and a second degree of rigidity to a second portion of the blank, and (iii) bonding the fiberglass/resin layer and the graphite fiber/resin layer together to form a unitary structure which is generally contoured to fit a plantar surface of a person""s foot, so that the first and second portions of the blank having the first and second degrees of rigidity support first and second portions of the foot so as to provide control over the motions thereof.
The method may include the steps of positioning the graphite fiber/resin layers on the fiberglass resin base layer so as to form a layup assembly, positioning the layup assembly in contact with a mold having a contour which generally matches the plantar surface of a person""s foot, and heating the mold and layup assembly so that the layers deform to match the contour of the mold, and so that the resin portions of the layers flow together and unite so as to bond the layers together in a unitary structure.
The method may further comprise the steps of continuing heating of the mold and layup assembly at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined period of time which are sufficient for full curing of the resin portions of the layers, and then cooling the layup assembly so that the fully cured resins harden and the unitary structure permanently retains a contour which matches that of the mold. Alternatively, the method may further comprise the steps of continuing heating of the mold and layup assembly at a first predetermined temperature and predetermined time which are sufficient for only partially curing the resin portions of the layers, cooling the layup assembly so that the partially cured resin portions harden and produce a unitary structure which temporarily retains a contour matching that of the mold, comparing the unitary structure to a contour of a plantar surface of said person""s foot, reshaping the unitary structure to have a contour which matches that of the person""s foot to which the structure has been compared, heating the unitary structure at a second predetermined temperature and predetermined period of time which are sufficient to achieve full curing of the resin portions, and cooling the unitary structure so that the fully cured resin portions harden and the unitary structure permanently retains a contour which matches that of the person""s foot.

Method of making a composite material orthotic insert for enhanced control and durability


The present invention provides a backlight module and liquid crystal display device. The backlight module includes diffuser plate, substrate, fluorescent layer and light-emitting chip. The fluorescent layer is disposed on a light-entering surface of diffuser plate, and the fluorescent layer includes quantum dot (QD). The light-emitting chip is disposed on the substrate and the light-emitting chip is between substrate and fluorescent layer for irradiating on the fluorescent layer to excite the quantum dots to emit light to form white backlight source. The present invention uses quantum dots to effectively increase luminance, color saturation and avoid chroma offset. The quantum dots can emit uniform light and reduce thickness of the backlight module.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of liquid crystal displaying techniques, and in particular to a backlight module and a liquid crystal display device using the backlight module.
2. The Related Arts
The backlight source for liquid crystal display device (LCD) includes white light-emitting diode (LED) and cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), wherein white LED is more environmentally friendly and higher in efficiency.
In known technology, white LED utilizes a mix of blue LED chip with Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG), an alumina synthesis spar for generating laser beam, to obtain white light. However, YAG is prone to oxidation by high temperature, leading to temperature quenching, which is a shortcoming that restricts the application. The white LED comprises phosphor and chip packaged together. Specifically, in direct-lit white LED, a large power LED (1 watt or more) is used to reduce the cost. During the usage, the heat-dissipation may be ineffective and the heat may affect the phosphor, leading to lower luminance, color saturation deviation and chrome offset.

Backlight module and liquid crystal display device

Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd


In a wafer level chip scale packaging technique for MEMS devices, a deep trench is etched on a scribe line area between two CMOS devices of a CMOS substrate at first. After bonding of the CMOS substrate with a MEMS substrate, the deep trench is opened by thin-down process so that CMOS substrate is singulated while MEMS substrate is not (partial singulation). Electrical test pad on MEMS substrate is exposed and protection material can be filled through the deep trench around bonding layers. After filling the protection material, the wafer is diced to form packaged individual chips with protection from environment outside bonding layer.

Wafer level chip scale packaging (WLCSP) is a packaging method where a semiconductor wafer is packaged and tested at the wafer level, and then later diced into individual chip size packages. This method decreases package size, reduces production cycle, and reduces cost compared to traditional methods where wafers are diced into individual chips which are separately tested and packaged.
WLCSP is conventionally used to manufacture and package complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits (ICs), but has not been widely deployed in packaging of Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS).

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


A closed-loop system for regulating a fiber optic gyroscope is configured so that the residual error of a so-called deadbeat system assumes a higher order function of frequency. The closed-loop gyro includes a rate controller within the feedback path. The rate controller receives the gyro output from the last loop transit corrected for d.c. offset and for nominal dither and outputs a gyro rate estimate. The rate controller includes a plurality of feedback integrators in cascaded relationship. In this way, the residual gyro error associated with inherent loop delay is elevated to a higher-order relationship to sensed gyro rate. As a result, a substantial reduction in residual error as a function of sensed gyro rate occurs throughout the range of operational gyro frequencies.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus for controlling the operation of the control loop of a fiber optic gyroscope. More particularly, this invention pertains to apparatus for compensating errors that result from inherent feedback signal time lag.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The Sagnac interferometer is an instrument for determining rotation by measurement of the non-reciprocal phase difference generated between a pair of counterpropagating light beams. This instrument generally comprises a light source such as a laser, an optical waveguide consisting of several mirrors or a plurality of turns of optical fiber, a beamsplitter/combiner, a detector and a signal processor.
In an interferometer, the waves coming out of the beamsplitter counterpropagate along a single optical path. The optical waveguide is "reciprocal"; that is, any distortion of the optical path affects the counterpropagating beams similarly although they do not necessarily experience such perturbation at the same time or in the same direction. Time-varying perturbations may be observed where the time interval is comparable to the propagation time of the light around the optical waveguide whereas "non-reciprocal" perturbations affect the counterpropagating beams differently and according to the direction of propagation. Such non-reciprocal perturbations are occasioned by physical effects that disrupt the symmetry of the optical medium in which the two waves propagate. Two of the non-reciprocal effects are quite well known. The Faraday, or collinear magneto-optic effect, occurs when a magnetic field creates a preferential spin orientation of the electrons in an optical material whereas the Sagnac, or inertial relativistic effect, occurs when rotation of the interferometer with respect to an inertial frame breaks the symmetry of propagation time. The latter effect is employed as the principle of operation of a ring gyroscope.
It is known that the fringe or interference pattern formed by the counterpropagating beams of a gyro consists of two elements, a d.c. component and a component that is related (e.g. cosine function) to the cause of the phase difference between the beams. This phase difference provides a measure of the non-reciprocal perturbation due, for example, to rotation. As a consequence of the shape of the fringe pattern, when small phase differences are to be measured (e.g. low rotation rates), the intensity of the combined beam is relatively insensitive to phase difference as such difference occurs close to the maximum of the phase fringe pattern. Further, mere intensity of the composite beam does not indicate the sense or direction of rotation.
For the foregoing reasons, an artificially biased phase difference is commonly superimposed upon the counterpropagating beams. The biasing of the phase shift, also known as "non-reciprocal null-shift," enhances the sensitivity of the intensity measurement to phase differences. A maximum degree of sensitivity is achieved by shifting the operating point of the gyroscope to .+-..pi./2 (or odd multiples thereof). Furthermore, by alternating the bias between +.pi./2 and -.pi./2, two different operating points are observed. This enables the system to determine the sign of the phase difference and, thus, the direction of rotation.
In addition to phase modulation, the processing of an interferometer output commonly employs "phase nulling" that introduces an additional phase shift through a negative feedback mechanism to compensate for that due to the non-reciprocal (Sagnac) effect. Commonly, the negative feedback generates a phase ramp whose slope is proportional to the rate of rotation to be measured. In actual practice, a ramp whose height varies between 0 and 2 .pi. radians is employed as the nulling phase shift cannot be increased indefinitely due to voltage constraints.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,399 of Graindorge et al. discloses a digitally-based arrangement, that employs a "stairstep" waveform. The height of each step is equal to the measured phase difference while the width or period of each is the group delay time of the optical coil. On the average, the slope of the ramp is equivalent to the measured non-reciprocal phase difference per unit of time. This method is compatible with digital signal processing and enjoys many resulting advantages. The phase modulation may be directly added to the digital ramp through the synchronization offered by a digital signal processor. The (combined) signal ultimately controls the phase modulator that is positioned within the optical fiber coil.
The operation of a fiber optic gyroscope accordingly requires the performance of numerous functions, including the above-described modulations (and associated demodulations) on a continuing basis. That is, such actions must be performed generally at least as frequently as each loop transit time .tau.. In the event that additional functions are desired (for example, to increase gyro accuracy), such other functions may also require repetition of actions during each loop transit time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,143 of John G. Mark and Daniel A. Tazartes entitled "Loop Controller For Multiplexed Triaxial Gyro" discloses an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC") that functions as a loop controller for a triaxial gyro. The controller accepts the digitized outputs of three modulated gyros, measures the rotation associated with each, digitally processes the outputs and provides analog signals for driving the gyro phase modulators. The operations of the loop controller are directed by a microprocessor. As such, a certain degree of flexibility is attained in that various types of modulation (e.g. random, pseudo-random, orthogonal, deterministic) may be input from the microprocessor and the computational power of the microprocessor is available to update system parameters. The loop controller is not programmable in and of itself. As a result, it is limited by both the speed of the associated microprocessor and its own inflexibility. Accordingly, the loop controller is constrained in scope of operation, being essentially limited to the "basic" loop controller functions of gyro modulation, demodulation of rate information, generation of a phase-nulling ramp, outputting of the rate data employed for phase-nulling, resetting of the ramp. It is, of course absolutely essential that the gyro be capable of measuring angular rate and phase modulator scale factor control (to ensure linearity and accurate modulo 2 .pi. operation). Other features, such as loop gain control (for wide bandwidth response) and offset control (to minimize noise), while not essential are extremely desirable capabilities as well.
Pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/520,217 of John G. Mark and Daniel A. Tazartes entitled "Loop Controller For Fiber optic Gyroscope With Distributed Data Processing" discloses a loop controller that employs an architecture that includes distinct units for distributing the necessary data processing functions whereby operations may take place in parallel to enable additional useful functions within each loop transit time. A field programmable gate array generates variables of varying sign while an auxiliary processor updates parameters that do not require updating every loop transit time. The combination of such operations enables elimination of any need for the gyro processor to perform throughput-intensive test and branch operations.
While the prior art discloses a number of loop controller operations, a common problem in the case of closed-loop configurations results from the fact that the feedback signal indicative of the angular rate sensed by the gyro is generated and applied to the phase modulator to maintain a stable operating point. Ideally, the feedback phase should cancel the Sagnac phase to maintain the above-described null condition. Due to the inherent delays present in fiber optic gyro loops (typically two or three times the loop transit time), the feedback signal always lags the Sagnac phase. In the presence of a variable angular rate subject to acceleration and deceleration the feedback phase is continually trying to "catch up" to the actual Sagnac phase leaving a residual instantaneous signal. Such residual signal can become large in the presence of high frequency vibration, saturating the null detection amplifier and the analog-digital converter.

Rate control loop for fiber optic gyroscope


Intraluminal ultrasound imaging device, systems and methods (e.g., method of fabricating the device) are provided. In some embodiments, the intraluminal ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient, and an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member and configured to obtain imaging data of the body lumen. The ultrasound scanner assembly includes a flexible substrate, a first under-bump metallization (UBM) layer over the flexible substrate, a first solder feature over the first UBM layer, and a first electronic component electrically connected to the first solder feature.

Minimally invasive sensing systems are routinely utilized by medical professionals to evaluate, measure, and diagnose conditions within the human body. As one example, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is widely used in interventional cardiology as a diagnostic tool for assessing a diseased vessel, such as an artery, within the human body to determine the need for treatment, to guide the intervention, and/or to assess its effectiveness. An IVUS device includes one or more ultrasound transducers arranged at a distal end of an elongate member. The elongate member is passed into the vessel thereby guiding the transducers to the area to be imaged. The transducers emit ultrasonic energy in order to create an image of the vessel of interest. Ultrasonic waves are partially reflected by discontinuities arising from tissue structures (such as the various layers of the vessel wall), red blood cells, and other features of interest. Echoes from the reflected waves are received by the transducer and passed along to an IVUS imaging system. The imaging system processes the received ultrasound echoes to produce a cross-sectional image of the vessel where the device is placed.
One type of IVUS devices in use today is a solid-state IVUS device. A typical solid-state IVUS device includes a flexible elongate member, such as a catheter, and an ultrasound scanner assembly positioned on a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ultrasound scanner assembly would include an array of ultrasound transducers mounted on a flexible circuit. The array of ultrasound transducers are connected to a set of controllers also mounted on the flexible circuit. The controllers select one or more ultrasound transducers of the array for transmitting an ultrasound pulse and for receiving the echo signal. By stepping through a sequence of transmit-receive sets, a console coupled to the solid-state NUS device can synthesize the effect of a mechanically scanned transducer element but without moving parts.
Conventionally, solder balls and stencil printing are used to bond ultrasound transducers, controllers and other electronic components to the flexible circuit. However, as the sizes of the solder joints for mounting electronic components to the flexible circuit are small, void or unreliable connections are observed at the solder joints. In addition, stencil printing requires precise control of alignment and has a limited range in terms of the amount of solder paste that can be printed onto contact pads of the flexible circuit.

Intraluminal ultrasound imaging device and method of fabricating the same

PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORPORATION


Method to detect cloned software being used on a client user unit. An initialization phase comprises: defining a tag value as being equal to an initial random value, opening a new record storing the tag value and introducing the tag value into the client user unit. An operating phase comprises: preparing a client message comprising the request and a value depending on the tag value; sending the client message to the server; and checking if the tag value of the client message is correct with respect to the stored tag value. If they do not match, the requested service is denied. If they do match, the method sends a server message to the user unit; updates the tag value with a new tag value; and stores the new tag value on the server and user unit.

A major problem in software security is to prevent illegitimate copying and usage of software.
In a pure software solution, this problem is impossible to solve in a disconnected use case. However, when a connection is available to a trusted entity (e.g., a verification server), this connection can be used to deploy some security mechanisms (both in the case of a continuous connected as an occasionally connected use case). Despite this, in a distributed use case (where a large population of users is allowed to use the software), it is still difficult to detect and block copies.
Locking software to the hardware of their platform is not always an option. First of all, this may not be feasible due to the lack of trusted hardware or a bootstrap mechanism. Secondly, a user should always be allowed to migrate his software to another platform, or to change his hardware or software configuration.
In the present setting, a player can be easily cloned with all his secrets and run on thousands of computers at the same time. Therefore, a user paying a flat fee to access content would have a good incentive to resell copies (clones) of his player to other users.


A semiconductor device is disclosed that includes a first well of a first conductivity type, a second well of a second conductivity type, a plurality of first regions, a second region and a plurality of electrodes. The first regions are of the first conductivity type and are formed in the second well. The second region is of the second conductivity type and is formed in the first well. Each of the electrodes is formed upon the second well and between adjacent two first regions of the first regions.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is provided to protect circuitry of semiconductor devices in the presence of an ESD event. The ESD event causes a voltage stress to the semiconductor device. The voltage stress is usually in the kilo-volts range.
If the voltage stress is not prevented, the voltage stress could cause damages such as breakdown, metal electromigration, gate oxide rupture, etc., to the semiconductor device.

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.


A first server may receive, from a user device, a first instruction including a token and a request to register the user device to receive a message associated with a particular application; update registration information to indicate that the user device is to receive the message based on receiving the first instruction; and provide a second instruction to a second server to cause the second server to provide the message to the user device on behalf of the first server. The second instruction may include information regarding the message, the token, and an instruction to provide the message to the user device associated with the token. The first server may receive, from the second server, a report indicating that the message was not delivered to the user device; and update the registration information to indicate that the user device is no longer to receive the message based on receiving the report.

Users can use user devices to receive messages associated with an application (e.g., a content delivery application that provides audio content, video content, etc.). An application server can provide a message (e.g., on behalf of a message provider) to the user device when the application is running in the background to save battery power on the user device (e.g., the application server can "push" the message to the user device). The application server may provide (e.g., "push") the message to the user device when a user subscribes to receive messages from the application server. The application server sometimes provides messages after the application has been uninstalled or when the user has unsubscribed to receive the messages. That is, the application server sometimes provides messages that go undelivered, thereby wasting network resources when providing messages that go undelivered.

Maintaining and updating notification registration information


A shelf of a wine refrigerator includes a frame disposed in a horizontal direction inside a chill room. A plurality of support wires extend in the forward and backward directions of the frame at predetermined intervals in the right and left directions of the frame. A plurality of elastic support members inserted onto each support wire elastically support items, such as wine bottles.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shelf of a wine refrigerator, and more particularly to, a shelf of a wine refrigerator which can stably support wine bottles stored in a chill room without vibrations.
2. Description of the Background Art
In general, since wine is being ripened in a bottle, wine requires careful handling and storage. Maintenance of proper sunlight, humidity and temperature and interception of vibrations are known as very important factors deciding quality of wine.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional wine refrigerator, and FIG. 2 is a plane view illustrating a shelf of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the conventional wine refrigerator 10 includes a main body 11 having a chill room 13 inside, and a door 17 coupled to the side of the main body 11, for opening or closing the chill room 13.
A temperature control unit 15 is disposed at the upper portion of the main body 11, for controlling a temperature of the chill room 13.
Shelf support units 14 are fixedly formed on both sidewalls of the chill room 13, and shelves 21 for supporting wine bottles 50 are slidably installed on the shelf support units 14.
The structure of the shelf 21 will now be explained with reference to FIG. 2. A plurality of support wires 25 are installed inside a frame 23 at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the frame 23, namely the right and left directions when seen from the drawing.
The support wires 25 are coupled inside the frame 23 in the forward and backward directions of the frame 23, for supporting the wine bottles 50.
In the conventional shelf 21 of the wine refrigerator 10, the wine bottles 50 are directly put on the support wires 25, not on special vibration isolation members. Accordingly vibrations generated by a compressor in the operation of the wine refrigerator 10 are transmitted directly to the wine bottles 50 through the shelf 21, to make inside substances of wine float. As a result, quality of wine is reduced.

Wine refrigerator with shelf having elastic support members