A method and system are provided for dynamically informing an operating system (OS) of a distributed computer system, when a (new) device is added on the network. An OS registers with the subnet administrator (SA) to be notified when a new component is added to the subnet and placed in a partition to which the OS has access. The subnet manager (SM) initializes and configures the new component that is added and, through the partition manager, associates the component to one or more partitions of the subnet. The SA then notifies the OSs with access to the partition(s) to which the component is associated and that have a right to access the new component that the new component is available to the OS. Following, the OS updates a database of available components to include the new component and establishes communication with the new component.

The present invention is related to the subject matter of the following commonly assigned, co-pending United States Patent Applications filed concurrently herewith: Ser. No. 09/692,350 entitled "Efficient Process for Handover Between Subnet Managers"; Ser. No. 09/692,347 entitled "Method and System for Scalably Selecting Unique Transaction Identifiers"; Ser. No. 09/692,349 entitled "Method And System For Reliably Defining and Determining Timeout Values In Unreliable Datagrams"; and Ser. No. 09/692,353 entitled "Method and System For Choosing A Queue Protection Key That is Tamper-proof From An Application". The content of the above-referenced applications is incorporated herein by reference.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to computer networks and, in particular, to connecting devices to a computer network. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for informing an operating system when a new device is connected to a System Area Network.
2. Description of the Related Art
Distributed computer networks are known in the art. In a traditional network, individual components of the network are interconnected via a parallel bus, such as a PCIX bus. The parallel bus has a relatively small number of plug-in ports for connecting the components. The number of plug-in-ports is set (i.e., the number cannot be increased). At maximum loading, a PCIX bus transmits data at about 1 Gbyte/second.
The introduction of high performance adapters (e.g., SCSI adapters), Internet-based networks, and other high performance network components has resulted in increased demand for bandwidth, faster network connections, distributed processing functionality, and scaling with processor performance. These and other demands are quickly outpacing the current parallel bus technology and are making the limitations of parallel buses even more visible. PCIX bus, for example, is not scalable, i.e., the length of the bus and number of slots available at a given frequency cannot be expanded to meet the needs for more components, and the limitation hinders further development of fast, efficient distributed networks, such as system area networks. New switched network topologies and systems are required to keep up with the increasing demands.
The present invention recognizes the need for faster, more efficient computer networks offering the features demanded by the developments of technology. More specifically, the present invention recognizes the need for providing a method or system for informing an operating system (OS) when a (new) device is connected to a scalable, distributed computer network.

Method and system for informing an operating system in a system area network when a new device is connected

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention relates to a process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer comprising preparing an aqueous mixture of monomers selected to provide after polymerization a superabsorbent polymer; feeding said monomer mixture to a reactor; subjecting the aqueous monomer mixture in the reactor to free-radical polymerization to obtain a superabsorbent polymer gel; removing the superabsorbent polymer gel from the reactor; and drying the superabsorbent polymer gel. Where at least one off-gas stream removed from any stage of the process is subjected to scrubbing with a basic aqueous solution prior to venting to obtain an aqueous scrubber solution that is at least partially recycled to any of the above steps of the process.

The preparation of water-absorbent polymers is, for example, summarized in "Modern Superabsorbent Polymer Technology" F. L. Buchholz and A. T. Graham, Wiley-VCH, 1998, or in Ullmann's Encyclopedia Industrial Chemistry, 6th ed. vol. 35 pp 73-103. The preferred preparation process is the solution or gel polymerization. When using this technology usually a monomer mixture is prepared which is discontinuously neutralized and then transferred into the polymerization reactor and is then discontinuously or continuously polymerized to form a polymer gel which is in case of a stirred polymerization comminuted. The polymer gel is subsequently dried, ground and sieved and optionally a surface treatment is applied.
Methods of continuous polymerization are, for example, described in WO-A-01/38402, WO-A-03/004237, WO-A-03/022896 and WO-A-01/16197.
Due to regulations to protect the environment gaseous streams generated in an process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers have to be purified prior to venting. Thereby waste streams are created that have to be treated and disposed which adds to the overall costs of the process. Furthermore, gaseous streams generated in the process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers may contain valuable components like monomers or polymer dust and fines, that are lost when dumping said waste streams. Thus, there is a desire in industry to utilize such waste streams without compromising the efficiency of the overall process especially the product quality.
WO-A-03/022896 discloses a continuous process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers in a reactor system comprising at least 3 zones, wherein the first zone is an initiation zone to which an aqueous monomer mixture comprising an initiation system is fed under conditions to initiate the polymerization, the second zone is a gel-phase zone and the third zone is a granulation zone. According to a preferred embodiment, the reactor is operated under vacuum and any water contained in the vacuum line is condensed and the condensate is recycled to the third zone to enhance the flowability of the polymer gel in the third zone. WO-A-03/022896 is silent of any other components contained in the condensate. Since the process is conducted in an aqueous system water is a neutral component in the process. Thus, WO-A-03/022896 does not suggest that waste streams containing numerous impurities can be utilized without compromising the overall efficiency of the process.
Thus, the object of the present invention is to provide a process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers, wherein waste streams generated in the process can be utilized without impairing the product quality.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Process for the production of a superabsorbent polymer


Systems, program products, and methods for detecting thermal stability within gas turbine systems are disclosed. The systems may include a computing device(s) in communication with a gas turbine system, and a plurality of sensors positioned within or adjacent the gas turbine system. The sensor(s) may measure operational characteristics of the gas turbine system. The computing device(s) may be configured to detect thermal stability within the gas turbine system by performing processes including calculating a lag output for each of the plurality of measured operational characteristics. The calculated lag output may be based on a difference between a calculated lag for the measured operational characteristics and the measured operational characteristic itself. The calculated lag output may be also be based on a time constant for the measured operational characteristics. The computing device(s) may also determine when each of the calculated lag outputs are below a predetermined threshold.

The disclosure relates generally to gas turbine systems, and more particularly, to systems, program products, and methods for detecting thermal stability within gas turbine systems.
In conventional power systems, the operational parameters are continually monitored to ensure that the system is operating at a desired performance and/or at the highest operational efficiency. For example, various operational parameters within a gas turbine system are measured and/or monitored to determine if the gas turbine system is operating at the desired performance and/or generating the desired/required amount of power output. Such operational parameters may include fluid temperatures and/or pressures in various stages of the gas turbine system. In conventional systems, the operational parameters may be observed over time to determine or estimate operational statuses of the gas turbine system. For example, these operational parameters may be observed over time, such that when the operational parameters remain constant, an operator of the gas turbine system may assume that the system is thermally stable. Thermal stability in the gas turbine system may be crucial in operating the gas turbine system at a desired efficiency, especially for example when the system relies on and/or utilizes operational parameters for the thermal stable system in steady-state operational models. These operational models use the operational parameters to adjust the gas turbine system to increase and/or improve power output, operational efficiency, emissions outputs, and/or other similar characteristics.
However, in conventional systems operators may improperly assume operational statuses of the gas turbine system based solely on the operational parameters data. For example, operators may falsely conclude that the components of the gas turbine system are fully/completely thermally soaked and/or heated to an operational temperature based on no or minimal change to operational parameters data detected by the additional sensors. That is, it may be improperly determined that the gas turbine system is thermally stable, and thus may no longer operate in a "start-up" or "ramp-up" stage of operation, but rather should be operating in a "steady-state." As a result of this determination, operational parameters, such as flow volume, combustion temperatures, and/or fuel supply may increase to ensure that the system is generating the desired power output. However, prematurely moving to the "steady-state" operation where the gas turbine system is not thermally stable and/or the components of the systems are not completely heat soaked may in fact decrease the operational efficiency of the system, and/or may expose the components of the system to undesirable operational parameters (e.g., fluid temperatures). Exposure to the undesirable operational parameters may, for example, increase the risk of damage (e.g., creep) to the components of the gas turbine system.


An infrared photodetector focal plane array includes large dynamic range Read Out Integrated Circuits. Increased dynamic ranges are achieved in each ROIC of the array using switched capacitor filter arrangements that include a single xe2x80x9ccupxe2x80x9d capacitor and at least two xe2x80x9cbucketxe2x80x9d capacitors. Dynamic range is improved by controlling the ratio of the current to voltage transfer resistance gains between the xe2x80x9ccupxe2x80x9d capacitor and each xe2x80x9cbucketxe2x80x9d capacitor of the filter. With an increased dynamic range, the switched capacitor filter arrangement allows the focal plane array to adequately resolve the infrared radiation received from both hot and cold objects.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to Quantum Well Infrared photodetector Focal Plane Arrays (QWIP FPA""s) and, more particularly, to increasing the dynamic range of QWIP FPA""s.
2. State of the Art
Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector Focal Plane Arrays (QWIP FPA""s) are conventionally used for infrared detection and imaging. Typical applications of QWIP FPA""s include fiber optics communications systems, temperature sensing, night vision, eye-safe range finding, and process control. As is known in the art, QWIP FPA""s are composed of arrays of detector structures, wherein each detector structure produces a signal that is transmitted through a conductor bump to an external Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) unit cell. The outputs of the plurality of ROIC unit cells associated with each detector in the array produce an integrated representation of the signal from the detector. To produce this output signal, a fixed bias is applied to the detector and the detector photocurrent resulting from the bias and the incident radiation is integrated. This integration function is performed by an integration charge well (integration capacitor) that is disposed within each individual ROIC unit cell. The combined integrated outputs of the plurality of ROIC unit cells in the array produce an image corresponding to the received infrared radiation.
As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional ROIC 100 maintains a constant bias across the QWIP photodetector 105 through the use of a direct injection transistor 110. Application of an operating bias Vbias 115 at the gate of the direct injection transistor 110 sets the maximum saturation current of the transistor and, in conjunction with the Detector Common bias voltage VDETCOM 120, determines the voltage across the QWIP. The photocurrent from the QWIP is integrated by the integrating capacitor (charge well) 125 which is connected to the output of the direct injection transistor 110. The integrating capacitor 125, in conjunction with the reset switch 130, performs a xe2x80x9cdump-ramp-samplexe2x80x9d (DRS) process to integrate the photocurrent i from the QWIP. One cycle of a DRS process typically involves first closing the Switch 130 to xe2x80x9cdumpxe2x80x9d any charge stored in the integrating capacitor 125 and then opening the switch 130 to allow the flow of charge from the QWIP to accumulate in the charge well 125 over an integration period xcfx84. The voltage on the charge well 125 xe2x80x9crampsxe2x80x9d during the charge accumulation period. When the multiplexer 135 is xe2x80x9cclosed,xe2x80x9d the voltage on the charge well 125 is xe2x80x9csampledxe2x80x9d by the subsequent read-out circuitry (e.g., amplifier, A/D converter).
QWIP photo-current, using a narrow-band flux approximation, is represented by the following:                               xe2x80x83                                              i                                      (              T              )                                =                                    τ              o                                    Ω                                      xe2x80x83                                                  A              d                                    η                                      xe2x80x83                                    gq                                      xe2x80x83                                                  Φⅇ                              (                                                      -                    Tp                                    T                                )                                                                xe2x80x83                                    amperes                                              Eqn.  (1)
where:
xcfx84o is the optical transmission efficiency,
xcexa9 is the optical solid viewing angle,
Ad is the pitch area of the detector in cm2,
xcex7 is the detector quantum efficiency,
g is the photoconductive gain,
q is the electron charge (1.6*10xe2x88x9219 coulombs),
"PHgr"p is the peak flux in photons/second/cm2/steradian,
Tp is the peak temperature in Kelvin, and
i(T) is the photocurrent in amperes.
As can be seen from Eqn. (1) above, the greater the peak flux ("PHgr"p) and the temperature (T) of the infrared source, the greater the flow of charge per unit time (i(T)=dq(T)/dt). Therefore, for any given level of peak flux ("PHgr"p), the temperature (T) of the infrared source will determine the rate of charge per unit time. The charge will thus accumulate in the charge well 125 faster at high temperatures than at low temperatures. The length of the integration period xcfx84 will further determine how much charge will accumulate in the charge well 125 for any level of photo-current from the QWIP. Infrared sources at low temperatures will cause a low rate of charge accumulation in the charge well 125. Therefore, only a small amount of charge will accumulate in the charge well over a short integration period. This can be problematic since the voltage on the charge well associated with the small amount of accumulated charge may not be sufficient to register in the noise floor of the A/D converter. The length of the integration period therefore effectively determines the lower dynamic range of the ROIC.
To overcome this problem, the integration period xcfx84 can be increased to permit a larger charge accumulation in the charge well as a result of the low temperature of the infrared source. The larger charge accumulation in the charge well will therefore advantageously raise the voltage across the charge well to a high enough level to register above the noise floor of the A/D converter. Correspondingly, however, increasing the integration period will permit high rates of charge, induced by high temperature sources, to accumulate quickly in the charge well. Accumulation of large amounts of charge in the charge well will likely cause a maximum saturation voltage to be reached across the charge well. Long integration times will therefore limit the ability of the ROIC to resolve high temperature sources without saturation, and thus will effectively limit the upper dynamic range of the FPA.
The conventional read circuitry shown in FIG. 1 therefore is deficient when the QWIP Focal Plane Array is used for imaging infrared objects that have greatly differing temperatures. The limitations on the dynamic range induced by a given integration period limits the ability of each detector to detect cold or hot objects with equal resolution. Thus, if the integration period is set to a length to adequately detect a cold object with sufficient resolution then the detector current output will likely saturate before detecting a hot object. In contrast, if the integration period is set to detect a hot object with sufficient resolution then the low current levels output from the detector will likely fall below the noise floor and thus not be sufficiently resolved by the analog-to digital converter. The conventional read out circuitry shown in FIG. 1 is therefore unable to maintain a sufficient dynamic range to adequately resolve the infrared radiation from both hot and cold objects.
Thus, it would be advantageous to construct a read out circuit that can resolve infrared radiation, from both hot and cold infrared sources, that is incident upon a quantum well photodetector.
An infrared photodetector focal plane array of exemplary embodiments of the invention includes large dynamic range Read Out Integrated Circuits. Increased dynamic ranges are achieved in each ROIC of the array using switched capacitor filter arrangements that include a single xe2x80x9ccupxe2x80x9d capacitor and at least two xe2x80x9cbucketxe2x80x9d capacitors. Dynamic range is improved by controlling the ratio of the current to voltage transfer resistance gains between the xe2x80x9ccupxe2x80x9d capacitor and each xe2x80x9cbucketxe2x80x9d capacitor of the filter. With an increased dynamic range, the switched capacitor filter arrangement allows the focal plane array to adequately resolve the infrared radiation received from both hot and cold objects.
One exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of sampling moving charges from a quantum well photodetector comprising the steps of: accumulating a first quantity of charges from said photodetector in a first charge storage device; supplying said first quantity of charges to a second storage device; accumulating a second quantity of charges from said photodetector in said first charge storage device; and supplying said second quantity of charges to a third charge storage device.
An additional exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a switched filter comprising: a first charge storage device for storing moving charges received from a quantum well photodetector; and switching means for selectively supplying a first quantity of charges from said first charge storage device to a second charge storage device and a second quantity of charges from said first charge storage device to a third charge storage device.
A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a focal plane array comprising: a plurality of quantum well photodetectors; a plurality of switched filters, each switched filter associated with a photodetector of said plurality of photodetectors, wherein each switched filter comprises: a first charge storage device for storing moving charges received from an associated photodetector; and switching means for selectively supplying a first quantity of charges from said first charge storage device to a second charge storage device and a second quantity of charges from said first charge storage device to a third charge storage device.


The disclosed principles employ a UV reactor design for photo-based treatment of contaminated fluid media using a concentric single light source/single sleeve design, with multiple such concentric light source/sleeve units placed in parallel. In one embodiment, such a reactor may comprise an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold, and a plurality of tubular chambers connecting the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. A plurality of such irradiating units are located within corresponding ones of the tubular chambers such that a fluid path is provided between each of the transparent sleeves and its corresponding tubular chamber where the contaminated fluid is irradiated as it passes through the chambers. The inlet ends of all of the chambers are connected to a single fluid intake manifold. This design allows the contaminated fluid pressure and flow to be evenly distributed among all of the fluid chambers via the intake manifold.

While UV reactor designs, within which photolytic and photocatalytic decontamination of contaminated fluid media takes place, are plentiful, the up-scaling with regard to reactor size of UV reactors typically leads to significant reactor performance issues. As such, while small-scale reactors of various designs and layouts may work well, the same designs do not translate well into large-scale equipment. For example, conventional reactor designs that provide its contaminated media flow along a single, long chamber immediately suffer from size constraints of the equipment when up-scaled. Such reactors provide for the flow of contaminated media to be in a single chamber (i.e., in series) while a plurality of UV lamps are provided in parallel within this single flow chamber. West Besin's Trojan UV reactor is an example of this conventional design.
Within this type of reactor design, the parallel UV lamps illuminate in radiating circular patterns, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the conventional design of multiple (e.g., four) UV lamps 110 placed in parallel within a single flow chamber 120. Because light radiates radially, FIG. 1 illustrates how in this conventional reactor chamber design, there are some spots ("blind spots") with no irradiation and other spots with overkill radiation (where irradiation overlaps) when using multiple lamps in parallel within a single flow chamber through which contaminated fluid media is passed. Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a reactor design having irradiated flow chambers that does not suffer from the deficiencies of the prior art designs.

UV reactor design having pressure equalizing manifold for increasing UV flux efficiency


The invention relates to a method and a device (12, 13) for producing a multi-layered three-dimensional component (14). In a first step, a layered geometrical structure is formed, said structure consisting of at least two webs (16) of an at least high temperatures-resistant material. In a second step, an at least partly material connection is produced between the individual webs of the entire layered structure by means of at least one thermal treatment.

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a three-dimensional component consisting of plural layers.
1. Field of the Invention
An LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing) method has been developed for producing prototypes and small runs and also for rapid tool and component production; the technique depends on laminar building up of plural layers of material which have the body geometry of the body to be produced. In the production, the data of a CAD construction are accessed. These data are prepared for controlling corresponding equipment which is used in layer construction, and produce the respective geometry of the corresponding layer in order to form a three-dimensional component. The requirements on such a method are increased because of the requirement that thin layers with a thickness of, for example, 0.1-1.0 mm are to be processed to produce a component.
2. Description of Related Art
From U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,175 there is known an embodiment of a method for producing a laminar built up component, in which a layer of a plate-form material is fed to a processing station, in which numerous layers were first positioned and were connected together. The last layer fed is applied to these layers and welded to them. The geometry of the layer is brought about by a laser tool, whereby a region exists in the layer which is to be maintained for the component, and a further region which is to be removed as waste. In order to perform this work section, the laser is guided along the undesired regions in order to weaken or release the solder connection, so that the undesired regions can be removed.
From this publication there is furthermore known a process in which a first shape is first cut from a length of material, and is supplied by a conveyor belt to a second processing station. In this processing station, a stack with plural layers is positioned under pressure to the newly supplied layer. By raster-form scanning with a laser, a weakening of the solder layer is effected, so that the newly applied layer is soldered to the stack. At the same time, the undesired regions are cut by the laser, so that only the region for forming the three-dimensional component remains on the stack.
These methods have the disadvantage that, in order to remove the undesired regions, which are connected to the stack by a solder or weld connection, a high energy has to be applied by means of a laser in order to remove this solder or weld connection. The bordering regions are also affected by the high processing temperature, so that internal stresses are formed in the component formed by laminar construction. Furthermore, the high applied energy can also give rise to a partial release of the adjacent superposed layers. The quality of the component is thus impaired. In addition, there is a high processing cost, in which undesired regions, which are the first soldered or welded, have to be removed again by a further heating.
Furthermore, a process follows from this publication in which the layers to be built up are provided in a heated chamber. It is provided here that the temperature of the chamber is just below the melting point of the solder, in contrast to which a heating roller is provided for connecting the uppermost layer to the stack, supporting the soldering process. This method has the disadvantage that due to the high temperature, melting occurs of the solder layer lying directly beneath the two layer to be connected, resulting in a danger of relative displacement of the layers due to the heating roller rolling over them. Due to this, a precise construction of the component with high process reliability cannot be given.
In WO 99/02342, a method and a device for producing a component with a laminar construction from metal foils have furthermore been disclosed. In this method, a composite material is employed, in which the layer provided for the component is arranged on a carrier material. A low-melting solder layer is provided between the layer provided for the component. A higher-melting solder layer is applied to the side against the carrier material. This carrier material is fed to a first processing station. Here the contour in the layer is introduced, for example by means of a laser. In a following station, the composite material above the higher-melting solder layer is heated, and the baseplate carrying the stack is moved up and down. The layer is applied to the stack under pressure. By cooling of the high-melting solder, the layer to be applied remains on the stack. The low-melting solder still remains liquid, so that the newly applied layer is lifted from the carrier material.
This method requires the preparation of an expensive composite material and an exact positioning of the contour of the layer to be applied to the stack for producing the desired component geometry.

Method and device for the production of a multi-layered three-dimensional component


A method and apparatus for supporting home Node B (HNB) services are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) receives HNB access restriction information from an HNB and accesses the HNB if an access to the HNB is allowed based on the HNB access restriction information. The HNB access restriction information may be a closed subscriber group identity (CSG ID), a status bit indicating whether an HNB cell is available or not, an identity of WTRUs that are allowed to access the HNB, information indicating whether an access to a cell is barred or not. The WTRU may trigger measurements for cell reselection even though signal strength on a currently connected cell is above a threshold. The measurement may be triggered manually, periodically, under the instruction from the network, or based on a neighbor cell list including information about HNB cells located nearby.

With the evolution of the third generation (3G) network and the increase of the number of wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) being used, operators are pursuing solutions for new services with higher data rates at reduced costs. An introduction of home Node B (HNB) is considered as a viable candidate solution and is currently being studied as part of third generation partnership project (3GPP) Release 8. The HNB offers services over relatively small service areas, such as home or office. It has a similar role to a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP). The service may be provided where cellular coverage is poor or non-existent. A subscriber typically will own the HNB and have control over its final deployment location. The backhaul link from the HNB to the network may be achieved through the conventional access technologies, (e.g., digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, wireless, etc.). A set of HNBs are connected to a HNB gateway (GW) that provides an interface to the core network.
A subscriber is able to configure the HNB as its "desired" or "preferred" HNB by using the concept of a closed subscriber group (CSG). A CSG identifies WTRUs that are permitted to access the HNB. An HNB cell may be configured to only allow access from a set of WTRUs that are part of the CSG. This has implications for initial access registration during WTRU power up, or roaming while in an idle mode. Although legacy (pre-Release 8) mobility management signaling can be used to address the access control problem, it is not efficient. Once a WTRU camps on a cell or reselects a cell, the WTRU sends a location area (LA) update message to a network mobility management entity every time the WTRU changes an LA. The LA is broadcast in the non-access stratum (NAS) specific information within the system information block 1 (SIB1) message. If the WTRU is not part of the CSG for the HNB cell, the network will respond with a location area reject message. The WTRU may then add this LA to its "forbidden LA" list.
An idle mode WTRU may make multiple registration attempts (in vain) as the WTRU roams through an area with a high concentration of HNBs that do not have the WTRU in their CSG. This results in an increased signaling load and should be avoided.
With respect to cell reselection, a WTRU in the vicinity of its "preferred" HNB should reselect the preferred HNB cell. This implies that some mechanism must be in place to encourage this cell reselection. For 3GPP Release 7 and earlier, cell reselection measurements on neighbour cells are only triggered when the quality level of the current cell (S) is not met for Nserv DRX cycles, or is less than Sintrasearch, Sintersearch, or SsearchRATm. These parameters are broadcast as part of the system information. This poses a problem if the WTRU should always select its preferred HNB cell if it is in its vicinity. In particular, additional mechanisms are required to trigger the measurements and once triggered, the HNB cells should be favoured. In addition, as the penetration of HNBs could be quite high, a method is needed to restrict the amount of measurements that WTRUs make in cells that are inaccessible.
All WTRUs may need to be allowed to camp on a CSG cell in order to make an emergency call. With respect to localization, an operator should be able to know the location of the HNBs in order to provide emergency services.
Another issue with respect to the HNBs is that a WTRU in URA_PCH state will send UTRAN routing area (URA) update messages when the WTRU crosses a URA boundary. URAs typically encompass a group of adjacent cells, and are defined to reduce the amount of reselection signaling as WTRUs move across cells. The network knows the location of the WTRUs at the URA level and pages a WTRU across all cells belonging to the URA. In addition, each cell may belong to more than one URA. The list of URAs is broadcast from the cell as part of the system information. For HNB deployments, the HNBs are not tied to a physical location and the user or owner of the HNB has some flexibility in terms of placement of the HNBs. Therefore, the scheme of a cell belonging to a static list of URAs may not apply in the HNB scenario. In addition, the flexible HNB deployment may also imply that idle mode paging procedures can be improved.

Method and apparatus for supporting home Node B services


Systems for and methods of providing air purification and cleaning in combination with odor elimination in a single unit, such as a tabletop unit for home or office use, are disclosed. The air cleaning device includes a housing, an air intake port, an air movement mechanism, a pre-ionizer, a filter, a post-ionizer, an air exhaust port, and a flow chamber for holding a compound such as an odor elimination supply. An air movement mechanism, ozone removal mechanism, and/or filter/odor elimination assembly may also be present.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to air cleaning devices. In particular, this invention relates to air cleaning devices that provide air purification in combination with odor elimination.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The increase of outdoor air pollution over many years has created a greater awareness for the type of damage that outdoor air pollution can cause to one's health. What is not commonly known, however, is that indoor air pollution also exists and can have a significant affect on one's health. There have been recent Environmental Protection Agency studies that indicate that indoor air pollution levels have the potential to be 2-5 times higher than outdoor air pollution levels. It is estimated by some that, on rare occasions, indoor air pollution levels can be 100 times higher than outdoor air pollution levels. This is an increasingly important matter that must be addressed, as some people spend 90% of their time indoors, especially infants and the elderly. Some of these indoor pollutants may also be contributing factors to frequent and unexplained headaches or sleepless nights that afflict numerous persons within the general population.
There have been numerous prior art apparatuses designed and manufactured for purifying air. With more homes and offices becoming better insulated, an objective of air purifiers is to clear the indoor air of common pollutants, including dust, smoke, pollen, bacteria, soot, mold spores, animal dander and other microscopic irritants, and thereby create a clean, healthy, fresh, and pleasant environment. Some of these apparatuses generate ions by using complicated wire grid arrays or with high voltage electrode arrays. Some use fans for moving air and similar complicated apparatuses. Some of these prior art devices are mounted in large housings that contain fans and other complicated moving parts and filters. Often, they become clogged with pollutants, requiring disassembly of fan assemblies, replacement and/or repair of high-voltage generating sources, extensive clearing of arrays of wires and electrodes that help create air movement, and replacement of filters that clog the apparatuses unless cleaned. These devices are certainly more complicated and perhaps more expensive than what some users may anticipate or desire.
Another aspect of air cleaning that is of interest to consumers is that of adding a component that eliminates odors. However, air cleaning devices are typically only odor modifiers because they employ volatile fragrance agents for masking odors rather than employing odor elimination (OE) compounds for removing odors. What is needed is an effective air purification device that includes an odor elimination mechanism.
Furthermore, air cleaning devices were initially used in bathrooms and kitchens and, consequently, have tended to be more functional than attractive. Air cleaning devices are now used in bedrooms and living rooms, and consumers who wish to use air fresheners in these areas of the home may be reluctant to place an unattractive, functional container in these areas. Furthermore, what is needed is a way of providing a combination of air purification and odor elimination in a single air cleaning device, such as a portable tabletop device.
Odor elimination compounds, such as provided by Givaudan Fragrances Corp. (Mount Olive, N.J.) and Quest International (Netherlands), may include a fragrance element that serves to impart a pleasant odor to the room as well as to indicate to the consumer that the odor elimination compound is working. Additionally, it is desirable for a consumer to have a choice of fragrances within a single air cleaning device and, therefore, eliminate the inconvenience of having to manually remove and replace the fragrance supply each time a different fragrance is desired. Alternatively, an odor elimination compound may be a volatile that reacts with the odor causing molecule. What is needed is a way of providing multiple odor elimination compounds with fragrance element in a single air cleaning device.
Additionally, because the intensity of odors in a home may vary throughout the day, for example, at mealtime cooking odors are stronger than at non-mealtimes, it is beneficial to be able to vary the odor elimination level provided by an air cleaning device. What is needed is a way of providing the ability to adjust the odor elimination level in an air cleaning device.
For years ozone has been used to treat and sanitize water supplies, sanitize pools and spas and remove odors in hotels and fire-damaged buildings. More recently ozone generators have been sold as a way to "clean" the air in a home. Ozone is a molecule formed of three atoms of oxygen. As an unstable molecule, ozone readily offers one of the oxygen atoms to other substances it encounters. When ozone encounters another substance, it shares an oxygen atom, chemically altering that substance. The chemical alteration of micro-organisms, mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria generally results in the death of those substances and the elimination of its odor. Manufacturers of ozone generators and public health agencies are engaged in debate over the use of ozone in the home. Public health agencies claim that ozone is potentially dangerous to human health and recommend that the generators not be used, as ozone may be a respiratory irritant. The same chemical properties that allow ozone to react with organic material in the air also allow it to react with similar organic material inside the human body, particularly in the respiratory system. While most people can stand limited exposure, symptoms like mouth and throat dryness, coughing, headache, eye irritation and chest restriction may occur in some individuals at the concentrations produced by residential ozone generators. Moreover, consumers generally do not want a "one size fits all" air cleaning device. Consumers prefer an air cleaning device that can be customized to meet their specific needs. Consequently, to overcome the limitations of air cleaning devices that are currently available on the market and to address a wide range of consumer needs. Therefore, what is needed is a way of providing an effective air purification device that includes an ozone reducing mechanism and a way re-configuring the device to meet a specific consumer's needs.

Systems for and methods of providing air purification in combination with odor elimination


A method of testing the operational status of remotely distributed hazardous condition detectors is provided. The method utilizes the detector's self-test button to initiate a detector self-test. Once the self-test is complete, the detector's alarm is silenced and a remote self-test signal is sent to the interconnected remote hazardous condition detectors. The remote detectors, on receipt of this signal, will initiate a self-test of their own as if a user had depressed their test button. The user, with the local detector's alarm now silenced, is better able to hear the remotely interconnected detector's alarm. To verify that the remote self-test signal is received, thus verifying the operational integrity of the communications link, the remote detectors may sound an alarm pattern indicative of the receipt of the signal before initiating their self-test.

As the life-saving benefits of hazardous condition detectors are recognized, their usage continues to expand. Such hazardous condition detectors include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flammable vapor detectors, combination units, etc. Indeed, the installation of such detectors is mandated in many states by building code for all new construction of single and multi-family dwellings, office buildings, schools, etc. Further, many areas also require that such detectors be installed in existing homes before they may be sold.
Because many such structures include multiple floors, rooms, or areas on or in which a remotely located hazardous condition detector may not be heard, it is recommended that multiple hazardous condition detectors be located throughout the structure or dwelling to increase the likelihood of early detection of a hazardous condition. Such early detection is a direct factor in the survivability of the occupants within the dwelling or structure.
In a typical single family dwelling having a basement and two stories, at least one hazardous condition detector should be placed on each floor of the dwelling. That is, at least one detector should be placed in the basement, on the first floor, and on the second floor. In this way, a hazardous condition that originates in the basement may be detected sooner than if the only hazardous detector were located on the second floor. Indeed, even in single floor plan dwellings or structures, it is recommended to include multiple detectors at various locations. For example, a hazardous condition detector may be located in the utility room housing the furnace, water heater, etc., one in the kitchen and one in each of the bedrooms or in the hallway by the bedrooms. Regardless of the configuration, however, the use of multiple hazardous condition detectors provides the advantage of detecting the hazardous condition early to allow the occupants as much time as possible to avoid danger.
While the use of multiple hazardous condition detectors at different locations throughout a dwelling or structure increases the likelihood of detecting a hazardous condition early, the layout of the dwelling or structure may well prevent an occupant from hearing the alarm of the hazardous condition detector located in proximity to the hazardous condition when it sounds. For example, if the hazardous condition detector in the basement of a two-story single family dwelling were to detect a hazardous condition and sound its alarm, the occupants who may be asleep on the second story may not be able to hear the alarm sounding in the basement. Indeed, many dwellings are constructed with insulation between the stories for the very purpose of stopping the transmission of noise therebetween. However, such sound insulation may well detract from the advantage of installing multiple hazardous condition detectors throughout the dwelling. If the hazardous condition continues to expand, the other detectors in the dwelling or structure will eventually detect this hazardous condition and hopefully alert the occupant of the existence of such a condition in time for the occupant to escape the danger.
To overcome this problem, the hazardous condition detectors may be interconnected or networked together utilizing a wired connection or wireless transmission. In some installations the hazardous condition detectors report to a central control module which may then command the other hazardous condition detectors to sound their alarms throughout the dwelling. In other embodiments, the hazardous condition detectors communicate among themselves without requiring a central control module. In such an installation the detecting hazardous condition detector sounds its alarm and transmits a hazardous condition detected signal to the other interconnected hazardous condition detectors. These detectors then sound their alarm to notify the occupant of the detected hazardous condition within the dwelling.
Circuitry within the detectors ensures that only an alarm for the detected hazardous condition be sounded. That is, it is common for many dwellings or structures to include multiples types of hazardous condition detectors, each having a distinctive alarm pattern to alert the user to the different types of detected hazardous conditions. For example, a typical single family dwelling may include both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In such an installation, the detection of smoke will result in only smoke alarms being sounded throughout the dwelling. That is, no carbon monoxide alarm signal will be sounded by a carbon monoxide detector because smoke is detected by one of the other hazardous condition detectors. The converse is also true. As a result, only the hazardous condition detectors that are capable of sounding the alarm corresponding to the detected hazardous condition will sound such an alarm. The other hazardous condition detectors that are not capable of sounding an alarm that corresponds to the detected hazardous condition will remain silent. One such system of providing communication between hazardous condition detectors is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,204, entitled "Hazard Alarm, System, and Communication Therefore", the teachings and disclosure of which are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference thereto. However, other systems of communication and interconnection between hazardous condition detectors may also be used.
Since hazardous condition detectors are typically silent due to the absence of a hazardous condition, it is recommended that the user periodically test the functionality of the hazardous condition detector to ensure its continued operation. Typically, each hazardous condition detector includes a self-test button that may be depressed by the user to initiate a detector self-test. To initiate the test, the user depresses and holds the button while the detector performs its internal self-test. If the user releases the button prior to the completion of the self-test, the detector will typically abort the self-test. However, if the user continues to depress the test button, the detector will run its internal self-test, typically resulting in the sounding of the hazardous condition detector alarm. Once the alarm has sounded the user knows that the hazardous condition detector is functioning properly and may release the button.
While such a test may be completed by the user in less than a minute, the requirement that the user test each and every one of the distributed hazardous condition detectors within the dwelling or structure becomes quite time consuming. Further, since the test button is typically located on the actual detector itself, and since most detectors are mounted on the ceiling, the user also typically needs to utilize a step ladder to reach the detector test button. This effort combined with the time for each individual test, while minimal in comparison to the safety features provided, often results in the user not conducting the recommended functionality tests of the hazardous condition detectors. This may result in a situation where some of the hazardous condition detectors may not be functional without the user being aware of the lack of protection provided thereby. Further, even if such tests are performed on each individual detector, the user cannot be assured that they will all sound if one of them detects a hazard because these individual tests do not test their interconnection.
To overcome this problem, many hazardous condition detectors include the capability to transmit a signal to the other interconnected hazardous condition detectors if the test button remains depressed once the hazardous condition detector has completed its self-test. The interconnected detectors, upon receipt of the signal, will sound their alarms just as if it had received a signal from a hazardous condition detector that had detected a hazardous condition. In this way, the user can be assured that the interconnection between these hazardous condition detectors and/or their ability to communicate have not been compromised.
Unfortunately, such a system may actually provide a false sense of security to the user. This is because the signal provided to the interconnected detectors does not actually result in these interconnected detectors running any type of internal diagnostic test. Instead, the received signal is used by these interconnected detectors merely to sound the alarm to alert the user of the fact that another detector has actually detected a hazardous condition. In actuality, however, this interconnected detector may well be malfunctioning such that it is incapable of detecting a hazardous condition itself. As such, the user is still required to physically go to each of the interconnected hazardous condition detectors and depress the self-test button to be able to determine the operability of each of the detectors. However, as discussed above, such a requirement often results in the tests not being run as recommended, resulting in the failure to replace non-functioning detectors.
While the interconnect test method is effective to test the integrity of the interconnection between the hazardous condition detectors themselves, the user may be unable to tell if the test is successfully passed or not. This is because the only indication of test success is the sounding of the remote detectors' alarm. However, so long as its self-test button is depressed, the hazardous condition detector will continue to sound its alarm. Since a typical hazardous condition alarm is at least 85 db, the user who is standing close enough to the detector to actually depress its self-test button is unlikely to be able to hear the alarm of the remotely located hazardous condition detectors. This is particularly true when the remotely located hazardous condition detectors are installed on other floors of a multi-story dwelling or in remote locations.
As a result, the current testing methods are wholly ineffective for testing anything other than the particular hazardous condition detector whose self-test button has been depressed. As such, the user is still required to physically go to each hazardous condition detector and perform its own self-test. As indicated above, however, such a requirement will typically result in the system not being tested by the user as recommended due to the time and hassle involved in physically going to each remotely located hazardous condition detector, climbing on the step ladder, and holding the self-test button for a time sufficient to complete that detector's internal self diagnostic test. Even if this were done, however, the user still cannot be assured that the interconnection between the hazardous condition detectors has not been compromised.
Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a reliable and effective method to test the integrity of the interconnection between remotely located hazardous condition detectors and to test the remotely located hazardous condition detectors themselves without requiring the user to physically access each such remotely located hazardous condition detector.
These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

Method for initiating a remote hazardous condition detector self test and for testing the interconnection of remote hazardous condition detectors


Provided is a substrate holding device that inhibits drop in holding accuracy of a substrate. A Bernoulli chucking pad suctions and holds a front surface or a back surface of a substrate S. A position determiner 54 is capable of pushing the substrate S in contact with a side surface 82 of the substrate S, and positioning the suctioned substrate S. A pin 66 enables the position determiner 54 to come in contact with the side surface 82 of the substrate S. The pin 66 brings the position determiner 54 into contact with the side surface 82 of the substrate S, and the position determiner 54 thereby positions the substrate S.

A substrate treatment apparatus that treats a substrate such as a wafer includes a substrate holding device for holding a substrate to, for example, transfer the substrate. In Japanese Patent No. 4425801, disclosed is a substrate transfer robot including the substrate holding device in an electroplating apparatus. In the substrate holding device that the substrate transfer robot has, two types of hands are illustrated. A back surface chucking type vacuum hand (an upper step lower hand) that is one of the two types is a hand that transfers the substrate placed on a substrate temporary table to a preliminary washing unit. The upper step lower hand is a face-down thin evacuation type, and chucks and holds a back surface of the substrate.
The upper step lower hand does not include a positioning mechanism. When the substrate holding device holds the substrate, the device may be desired to hold a front surface side of the substrate. At this time, it is desired to suction the substrate with as weak force as possible so that a front surface of the substrate is not damaged. In a case where the substrate is suctioned with the weak force, if the hand includes no positioning mechanism as in Japanese Patent No. 4425801, a problem occurs that a holding accuracy of the substrate drops. Note that also in a case where the substrate is not suctioned with the weak force, if the substrate holding device includes the positioning mechanism, there is an advantage that the positioning mechanism can be simplified in a subsequent process.


A position sensor comprising a scale structure 7 having magnetic poles positioned with a predetermined distance alternatively magnetized poles one to another, at least two magnetic sensing elements M11 and M12 having a resistance variable in response to the magnetic field of the scale structure, and external connecting terminals 14, 15, and 16 are connected for applying a voltage and for producing an output signal from the intermediate terminal. The terminals each is formed to have a width in the direction in parallel to the magnetic field being 2m times the pole width (m=1, 2, 3, . . . ) of the scale structure, thereby the terminals being prevented from the effect of resistance variation by the magnetic field to provide a position information with an increased accuracy.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a position sensor for detecting a position of an object, and more particularly to a position sensor having one or more magnetic resistance effect devices (hereinafter referred to as a "MR device"), which detects a position for an object with high precision and resolution.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
A lens system having a zoom function and a focus function is an example of a device which requires detecting a position with high resolution. In the lens system, the distance to the subject and the position of the zoom lens and the focus lens must be at the predetermined position which the lens design determines. In order to determine the predetermined position, a method of using a mechanical cam or a method of using an electronic cam which detects the position of the zoom lens and focus lens and controls them by computing has been used in recent years.
However, the method of using a mechanical cam has problems, such as making the device with a large dimension and degrading the precision due to mechanical wear.
Methods of using an electronic cam include a method of using a potentiometer as the position detector, and a method of counting control signals of a stepping motor which is used as the driving motor for the lens. In the first method mentioned above, there are problems such that the load applied on the motor is increased since the method is of a contact type, the linearity is worsened due to dispersion of the resistance film, and reliability is unsatisfactory. In the case of the second method using a stepping motor, a lens system using a stepping motor is merely applicable, and errors can be caused if there is an object between the motor and the lens, such as a gear due to a play existing therebetween.
In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, there can be a method of using a MR device for position detection, utilizing the property that the resistance value of the MR device varies in response to a change in a magnetic field. There is, for instance, a method in which a magnet is disposed on the lens side, a MR device is installed, and the lens together with the magnet is moved with respect to the MR device, thus the resistance variation is produced as the position variation.
Conventional methods of position detection using MR devices will be described with reference to the following two examples.
FIG. 13 illustrates a pattern formed of a MR device utilized in the first example. The MR device includes two magnetic sensing elements M71 and M72, which are formed of a ferromagnetic thin film of, for example, nickel-iron alloy deposited on a glass substrate by vacuum evaporation or sputtering, and thereafter formed as two turning strips or portions by etching or the like process. The turning portions 71 are formed as thickened portions to contribute to reducing the resistance value. Magnetic sensing elements M71 and M72 are formed as elongated in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field of the scale structure 7 in order to cause resistance change in response to the field. A connecting lead 72 and a wiring lead 73, for connecting the sensing elements M71 and M72 as well as for connecting the elements M71 and M72 with external connecting terminals, which will be hereinafter described, are formed of the same ferromagnetic thin film as the sensing elements M71 and M72. The connecting lead 72 is formed in the direction along which a resistance change would not be caused, namely in the same direction as that of the magnetic field of scale structure 7. The connecting lead 72 and wiring lead 73 are thickened in order to lower the connecting resistance. External connecting terminals include those 74 and 76 for applying a source voltage for the MR device, and a terminal 75 for producing an output signal. These terminals 74, 75 and 76 are also formed of ferromagnetic thin film same as the magnetic sensing elements M71 and M72. The scale structure 7 includes N- and S-poles, each being formed alternatively in the opposite polarity and with each being a predetermined distance P therebetween.
FIG. 14 shows an equivalent circuit of the MR device of this first embodiment, and FIG. 15 shows the relationship between each magnetic sensing element and the magnetic pole of the MR device and the output waveform of the MR device. The sensing elements M71 and M72 are formed so as to be shifted as to the phase with each other essentially by the amount of P/2 for producing a sine wave output signal.
FIG. 16 illustrates a pattern formed of a MR device utilized in the second example. The MR device includes four magnetic sensing elements M81, M82, M83 and M84, which are formed of a ferromagnetic thin film of, for example, nickel-iron alloy deposited on a glass substrate by vacuum evaporation or sputtering, and thereafter formed as two turning strips or portions by etching or the like process. The turning portions 81 are formed as thickened portions to contribute to reducing the resistance value. Magnetic sensing elements M81 to M84 are formed as elongated in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field of the scale structure 7 in order to cause resistance change in response to the field. Each connecting lead 82 for connecting the sensing elements M81 to M84 is formed of the same ferromagnetic thin film as the sensing elements M81 to M84. The connecting lead 82 is formed in the direction along which a resistance change would not be caused, namely in the same direction as that of the magnetic field of scale structure 7. The connecting lead 82 and wiring lead 83 are thickened in order to lower the connecting resistance. External connecting terminals include those 84 and 86 for applying a source voltage for the MR device, and a terminal 86 for producing an output signal. These terminals 84, 85 and 86 are also formed of ferromagnetic thin film same as the magnetic sensing elements M81 and M82. The following connections including: the magnetic sensing element M81 with the terminal 84; the magnetic sensing element M84 with the terminal 86; and the connecting lead 82 between the elements M82 and M83 with the terminal 85; are formed by each associated wiring lead 83, respectively. The scale structure 7 includes N- and S-poles, each being formed alternatively in the opposite polarity with a predetermined distance P therebetween.
FIG. 17 shows an equivalent circuit of the MR device of this second example, and FIG. 18 shows the relationship between each magnetic sensing element and the magnetic pole of the MR device and the output waveform of the MR device. For the purpose to eliminate the error produced in the boundary region between a N-pole and a S-pole adjacent to each other, the magnetic sensing elements M81 and M82 are formed away from each other by the distance in the amount of the pole width P, and, also the magnetic sensing elements M83 and M84 are formed in the same manner. In order to produce a sine output signal, the one magnetic sensing group, comprising the elements M81 and M82, and the other sensing group, comprising the elements M83 and M84, are formed so as to be shifted as to the phase with each other essentially by the amount of P/2.
The output signals are converted to pulse signals, whose edges are measured to obtain the position information, are interpolated in the analog form to obtain a position information with further increased resolution ability.
In the example above, the resistance variation can be caused by the magnetic field in either of magnetic sensing elements M71, M72 and M81 to M84, connecting terminals 74 to 76 and 84 to 86 and wiring leads 73 and 83.
In particular, since the wiring leads 73 and 83 are formed in the direction orthogonal to the magnetic field of scale structure 7, the resistance variation at this region is so large that the correct position information cannot be obtained.
The MR device can exhibit the resistance change of different hysteresis characteristics between the courses of increasing and decreasing steps of the magnetic field applied on the MR device. FIG. 19 shows the resistance variation by the magnetic field applied in the orthogonal direction on a MR device, and the hard lined and the dotted lined curves show such a resistance variation during the decreasing and increasing steps, respectively. Both the wiring leads 73 as well as 83 are formed without taking into consideration such characteristics. Therefore, in a position detection of higher precision, the measuring error is inevitable.
Further, the above second example provides merely the resolution ability to the extent of 1/4th the pole width. Also, in the case of attempting an analog interpolation, measurement can suffer from the effect of sine wave distortion. As a result, by the conventional method, the measuring error is inevitable in a position detection of higher precision.

Position sensor having magnetic resistance effect devices for detecting a position of an object


In its many embodiments, the present invention provides tricyclic compounds of formula I (wherein J1-J3, X, Z, and R1, R3, and R4 are as defined herein) useful as metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists, particularly as selective metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 antagonists, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of treatment using the compounds and compositions to treat diseases associated with metabotropic glutamate receptor (e.g., mGluR1) such as, for example, pain, migraine, anxiety, urinary incontinence and neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer's disease.

Glutamate is an important excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. Glutamate synaptic responses in the central nervous system (CNS) are mediated via activation of two families of receptors: ligand-gated cation channels, referred to as ionotropic glutamate receptors, and G-protein-coupled receptors known as metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Thus far, eight mGluR subtypes, together with splice variants, have been cloned and characterized in functional studies (Schoepp et al. Neuropharmacology, 1999, 38, 1431-1476). The eight mGluRs are grouped into three classes based on structural homology, pharmacology, and signal transduction mechanisms.
Group I receptors (mGluR1 and mGluR5) couple through Gq/11 proteins to the activation of phospholipase C (PLC) resulting in phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis, the release of calcium from intracellular stores. While group 11 (mGluR2 and mGluR3) and III (mGluR4, mGluR6 mGluR7 and mGluR8) are negatively coupled to adenyl cyclase (AC) through G1/Go proteins thereby inhibiting cyclic AMP (cAMP) formation (A. Francesconi and R. M. Duvoisin, J. Biol. Chem. 1998, 273(10), 5615-5624).
Glutamate and Pain
Chronic pain is an area of high unmet medical need. Current therapies are not adequate and chronic pain is often refractory to most commonly used analgesics, including opioids. Glutamate plays a major role in nociceptive processing. Glutamate receptors, including mGluRs, are expressed in relevant areas of the brain, spinal cord and periphery that are involved in pain sensation and transmission.
Chronic pain may be due to tissue injury and diseases (inflammatory pain) or to the central and peripheral nervous system (neuropathic pain) and is associated with severe chronic sensory disturbances characterized by spontaneous pain, hyperalgesia (exaggerated responsiveness to painful stimuli) and allodynia (wrong perception of non-noxious stimuli as painful). Prevalent symptoms in human patients include cold hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia and, less commonly, heat hyperalgesia.
Chronic pain is a true disease. It is believed to be a result of the plasticity at synapses in nociceptive processing centers, a phenomenon referred to as "central sensitization" which consists of increased excitability of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons. Glutamate receptors have been identified for their key role in central sensitization. Plasticity at synapses involved in nociceptive processing requires activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors such as NMDA and this plasticity is modulated by mGluRs including mGluR1. NMDA receptor antagonists have been tested in experimental therapies for the prevention and treatment of persistent pain following injury. However, there are significant undesiderable side effects associated with the use of NMDA antagonists due largely to the critical role of those receptors in normal excitatory synaptic transmission throughout the nervous system. These side effects include psychosis, hyperactivity, fatigue, dizziness, and in the case of higher levels of NMDA antagonists, amnesia and neuronal toxicity. Drugs designed to antagonize mGluR1 receptors are expected to have less side effect liability since they appear to selectively modulate the pathologically abnormal spinal NMDA receptor activation associated with persistent pain states whilst having little effect on the normal spinal synaptic processes involved in non-painful sensory perception. Thus, mGluR antagonists might perform well clinically in chronic pain states because they avoid the side effects inherent to widespread spinal and supraspinal NMDA receptor antagonism.
mGluR1 and Pain
A number of behavioral (Fisher et al. Neuroreport, 1998, 20, 1169-1172; Fundytus et al. Neuroreport, 1998, 9, 731-735; Bhave et al. Nature Neurosci., 2001, 4, 417-423; Dolan et al. Neuropharmacology, 2002, 43, 319-326; Dolan et al. Pain, 2003, 106, 501-512) and electrophysiological (Young et al. Neuropharmacology, 1994, 33, 141-144; and Young et al. Brain Res., 1997, 777, 161-169) studies have demonstrated a specific role for Group I mGluRs, and in particular mGluR1 receptors, in nociceptive processing in the CNS, including mechanisms of hyperalgesia and inflammation. In the spinal cord, mGluR1 appears to be localized primarily on postsynaptic elements throughout the dorsal and ventral horns. (Neugebauer, Trends Neurosci., 2001, 24, 550-552). The intrinsic activation of spinal mGluR1 in chronic nociception has been demonstrated using antagonists, antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides. Intrathecal administration of an mGluR1 antagonist produced antinociceptive effects in the second phase of formalin-induced nociceptive behavior (Neugebauer, Trends Neurosci., 2001, 24, 550-552). Behavioral studies have also addressed the role of spinal mGluR1 receptors in the spinal injury and ligation models of neuropathic pain. Expression of mGluR1 is increased in rats following spinal cord injury and this may mediate the chronic central pain induced by the injury (Mills and Hulsebosch, Neurosci. Lett., 2002, 319, 59-62). Knockdown of spinal mGluR1 by intrathecal infusion of antisense oligonucleotides attenuated cold hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in neuropathic rats (Fundytus et al. Br. J. Pharmacol., 2001, 132, 354-367; and Fundytus et al. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav., 2002, 73, 401-410). Additionally, spinal administration of anti-mGluR1 IgG antibodies reduced cold hyperalgesia, but not mechanical allodynia, in neuropathic rats (Fundytus et al. Neuroreport, 1998, 9, 731-735). The critical role of spinal mGluR1 receptors in pain-related central sensitization is emphasized at the single cell level by electrophysiological in vivo studies in anesthetized animals. Intraspinal administration of an mGluR1 antagonist inhibited the responses of primate spinothalamic tract neurons to brief noxious, but not innocuous, mechanical cutaneous stimuli, as well as central sensitization in the capsaicin pain model (Neugebauer et al. J. Neurophysiol., 1999, 82, 272-282). In rats with knocked down mGluR1 expression, the responses of multireceptive dorsal horn neurons to noxious input evoked by repeated topical applications of the C-fiber irritant mustard oil were significantly reduced compared to control neurons; the responses to innocuous cutaneous stimuli were not significantly different (Young et al. J. Neurosci., 1998, 18, 10180-10188).

Pyridothienopyridazinone derivatives as mGluR1 antagonists


A cleaning cloth constructed of an upper sheet and lower sheet that are joined together for form an interior cavity into which additional cleaning cloths, cleaning materials, abrasive materials, scented materials, etc. can be placed. The cleaning cloth includes strips that can be used to connect the cleaning cloth to a mop head or other surface.

From the beginning of time, man has had a special relationship with dust. As set forth in Genesis 3:19, the Creator is quoted as saying "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bred, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return". And thus, ensues the never-ending battle between man and dust. Maybe our fixation with cleanliness is an attempt to combat our own mortality. Maybe we believe that if we eradicate the dust from our life, from our presence, and we distance ourselves from the dust, then maybe, just maybe it will prolong our separation from the same and thus, delay our return to dust. Regardless of the cause, it is clear that in our modern day society, dust and dirt are simply not acceptable and as such, a multi-billion dollar industry thrives on creating products to help us control and remove the dust from our lives.
In recent years, the cleaning industry has been flooded with a variety of disposable cleaning products. These disposable cleaning products have ranged from handheld wipes to handled wipes and even attachments to brooms or mop handles. In the quest to eradicate dust and grime, the industry continues to seek out and create the ideal disposable cleaning pad or cleaning cloth that can rigorously attack tough tasks, break through dirt and grime, and provide a nice clean surface. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved cleaning cloth.


A MIMO antenna (20) disposed on a substrate (10) including a first surface (102) and a second surface (104). The MIMO antenna includes a first antenna (20a) and a second antenna (20b) each including a radiating body (22a), a feeding portion (26a) electrically connected to the radiating body, and a metallic ground plane (24a). The radiating body includes a first radiating portion (222a), a second radiating portion (226a), and a gap (28a) formed between the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion. The radiating body and the feeding portion of the first antenna and the ground plane of the second antenna are laid on the first surface of the substrate, and the radiating body and the feeding portion of the second antenna and the ground plane of the first antenna are laid on the second surface of the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antennas, and particularly to a MIMO antenna for use in ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems.
2. Description of Related Art
A frequency band of an UWB wireless communication system is 3.1-10.6 GHz. In a wireless communication system, the antenna is a key element for radiating and receiving radio frequency signals. Therefore, an operating frequency band of the antenna must be 3.1-10.6 GHz or greater. In wireless communications, the number of users continues to increase and data traffic is becoming an increasing more important part of the wireless communication system. Both of these factors mean that it is important for operators to look for methods of increasing the capacity of their wireless communication systems to meet future demands.
A relatively new radio communications technology known as multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems provides for increased system capacity. A number of antennas are used on both the transmitter and receiver, which together with appropriate beam forming and signal processing technologies are capable of providing two or more orthogonal radio propagation channels between the two antennas. The antennas are spaced apart in order to decorrelate the signals associated with adjacent antennas.
There is a need for improved antenna arrangements for use with UWB MIMO systems.

Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd.


An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a bidirectional comb drive actuator. The apparatus may also include a cantilever. The cantilever includes a first end connected to the bidirectional comb drive actuator and a second end connected to an inner frame. In addition, the cantilever may include first and second conductive layers for routing electrical signals. Embodiments of the disclosed apparatuses, which may include multi-dimensional actuators, allow for an increased number of electrical signals to be routed to the actuators. Moreover, the disclosed apparatuses allow for actuation multiple directions, which may provide for increased control, precision, and flexibility of movement. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide significant benefits with regard to optical image stabilization and auto-focus capabilities, for example in size- and power-constrained environments.

Actuators may be used to convert electronic signals into mechanical motion. In many applications, such as, for example, portable electronic devices, miniature cameras, optical telecommunications components, and medical instruments, it may be beneficial for miniature actuators to fit within the specific size, power, reliability, and cost constraints of the application.
MEMS is a miniaturization technology that uses processes such as photolithography and etching of silicon wafers to form highly precise mechanical structures with electronic functionality. MEMS actuators generally function in a similar fashion to conventional actuators but offer some beneficial features over conventional actuators, and are formed using MEMS processes.
In some applications, such as moving an image sensor in a camera for automatic focusing (AF) or optical image stabilization (OIS), an actuator may be used to move an optoelectronic device that has a number of electrical inputs and outputs. For example, European patent No. EP 0253375, entitled "Two-dimensional piezoelectric actuator," by Fukada et al., teaches a design for a two-dimensional actuator that can be used to move an image sensor in a plane. The actuator taught by Fukada, however, is large and unamenable to space-constrained applications. For example, Fukuda's actuator may be used in large, stand-alone digital cameras, but not in miniature cell phone cameras, due to the associated space constraints.
Unlike conventional piezoelectric actuators, MEMS actuators may be used to, for example, move or position certain passive components within miniature cell phone cameras. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,604,663, entitled "Motion controlled actuator," by Roman Gutierrez et al., and U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0077945 A1, entitled "Mems-based optical image stabilization," by Xiaolei Liu et al., teach MEMS actuators for moving a lens in a miniature camera (e.g., for use in a cell phone).
Neither of these MEMS actuators is able to move an optoelectronic device that has a number of electrical inputs and outputs. In addition, both of these MEMS actuators utilize deployment mechanisms that add complexity, size, and cost. Furthermore, conventional MEMS actuators are limited in the number of electrical signals that may be routed thereto, typically due to the limited number of physical connections to the MEMS actuators. This limits the degree and type of movement that conventional MEMS actuators are able to achieve with respect to the passive components, and hence limits the overall effectiveness of conventional MEMS actuators.


Certain colorants become insoluble under specific and well-defined pH conditions. By forcing a colorant to become insoluble on the page, migration of the colorant is inhibited, thereby helping to reduce bleed between inks of different colors. The colorant is forced out of solution from the ink by contact with another ink having the appropriate pH (either higher or lower than that of the first ink). In particular, an ink containing a colorant comprising a pigment in combination with a pH sensitive dispersant is used in conjunction with an ink of the appropriate pH.

Thermal ink-jet printers offer a low cost, high quality, and comparatively noise free option to other types of printers commonly used with computers. Such printers employ a resistor element in a chamber provided with an egress for ink to enter from a plenum. The plenum is connected to a reservoir for storing the ink. A plurality of such resistor elements are arranged in a particular pattern, called a primitive, in a printhead. Each resistor element is associated with a nozzle in a nozzle plate, through which ink is expelled toward a print medium. The entire assembly of printhead and reservoir comprise an ink-jet pen.
In operation, each resistor element is connected via a conductive trace to a microprocessor, where current carrying signals cause one or more selected elements to heat up. The heating creates a bubble of ink in the chamber, which is expelled through the nozzle toward the print medium. In this way, firing of a plurality of such resistor elements in a particular order in a given primitive forms alphanumeric characters, performs area fill, and provides other print capabilities on the medium.
Many thermal ink-jet inks, when printed in various colors on bond paper, copier paper, and other media, can lead to bleed. The term "bleed", as used herein, is defined as follows: When inks of two different colors are printed next to each other, it is desired that the border between the two colors be clean and free from the invasion of one color into the other. When one color does invade into the other, the border between the two colors becomes ragged, and this is bleed.
This is in contradistinction to uses of the term in the prior art, which often defines "bleed" in the context of ink of a single color following the fibers of the paper.
Prior solutions to bleed have largely involved the use of heated platens or other heat sources and/or special paper. Heated platens add cost and complexity to the printer. Special paper limits the user to a small, select group of papers that are more expensive than a "plain" paper.
A need remains for ink compositions for use in ink-jet printing, particularly thermal ink-jet printing, which do not evidence bleed, as defined herein, when printed on plain papers and without the use of heaters, and yet which possess relatively long shelf life and other desirable properties of such inks.

Bleed alleviation using pH-sensitive agents


The present invention relates to spermicidal coating compositions for coating latex materials containing one or more spermicidal agents, more particularly based on Nonoxinol-9, and one or more organopolysiloxane compounds in which the spermicidal agents are soluble.

This invention relates to silicone-based coating compositions for the treatment of latex materials, particularly condoms and similar articles, which possess the advantage and characteristic that spermicidal agents are soluble in such compositions.
Latex materials are used for various applications, including the field of hygiene, for example as protective gloves, covers, protection for bandages, but especially for condoms.
In view of the growing risk of AIDS diseases, condoms are attracting increasing attention as protectives and prophylactics.
On the evidence of scientific investigations, the use of a condom as a genital HIV prophylactic affords the best possible protection at the present time (cf. Knut O. K. Hoffmann: Wie sicher ist das Kondom ? (How Safe is the Condom ?), ZFA 7/1988).
The industrial manufacture of the condom for around 65 years is attributable to Julius Fromm and has now reached a high standard in regard to the material quality of these articles. Latex is almost exclusively used for the production of condoms, being distinguished above all by its enormous tear strength, elasticity and imperviousness.
In addition, latex-based condoms can readily be produced in extremely thin layers having a thickness of the order of 0.08 mm. On account of the relatively poor slip properties of latex, a lubricant is generally applied after the production of these articles to minimize problems in use.
Whereas, previously, solid materials, such as talcum, were used, oil-like products are today mostly used for improving slip properties.
Several different lubricants or preparations are described in the patent literature, with particular significant advantages being attributed mainly to the glycols and classical methyl silicone oils.
For example, Japanese patent application JP 52 138 397 describes the use of fine glass microspheres in combination with silicone oil, various glycols, glycerol or modified alcohols, while JP 70 006 119 describes a system of silicone oil and pteridophyta spores.
In addition, JP 59 141 942 mentions silicone oils or water-soluble polymers for improving slip properties.
Combinations of modified alcohols, alginates, propylene glycol, gelatine, sodium chloride and saccharides (JP 74 019 799) and polyethylene glycol in combination with silicone oils (JP 62 164 460) have been described with particular regard to the spermicidal treatment of the lubricants.
Of the large number of useable systems, methyl silicone oils (PDMS) of medium viscosity are now preferably used as wet coating compositions because, by virtue of their high compatibility with mucous membrane, their favorable slip properties and their compatibility with latex, they afford advantages over glycols or other hydrophilic systems. In addition, PDMS are materials which are not contaminated by bacteria and, if properly used, may be regarded as extremely low in germs.
On account of the growing risk of possible infection with the HIV virus through sexual intercourse, greater importance than before is now being attributed to coating compositions which inhibit in vivo the activity of reverse transcriptase in HIV replication. From studies conducted by Hicks (cf. "Inactivation of HIV-III/LAV-infected cultures of normal human lymphocytes by Nonoxinol-9 in vitro", Lancet II, 1422-1423, 1985), it is known that such activity is observed in the case of spermicidal substances, for example of the Nonoxinol-9 type, a nonionic, surface-active substance.
Now, it would be desirable if substances such as these were soluble in the silicone oils hitherto used, although this is unfortunately not the case on account of the difference in chemical structure between the two classes of compounds.
Nonoxinol-9 has the chemical name 26-(4-nonylphenoxy)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24-octaoxahexacosan-1-ol and, in the broadest sense, is thus a modified polyether which is compatible with or soluble in glycols, polyglycols or polyethers.
Accordingly, glycol, polyglycol or a glycol-like system is almost exclusively used as carrier for Nonoxinol-9 for the spermicidal treatment of condoms. These hydrophilic substances generally show relatively poor wettability of the condom surface and less well pronounced compatibility with latex. In addition, they make the condom more tacky by comparison with PDMS.
The problem addressed by the present invention is to use silicone systems having solubility properties for active substances based on nonoxinol, preferably Nonoxinol-9, for the treatment of condoms to enable storable coating compositions with spermicidal activity to be produced.
In addition, these coating compositions would be fairly similar to PDMS in their properties, such as slip, tackiness and compatibility with mucous membrane.


With a method and a device for detecting a partial discharge at a winding of an electrical machine, electromagnetic first measuring signals are detected in a partial discharge frequency range and electromagnetic second measuring signals are detected in an interference frequency range. A time window around a first measuring signal is predefined, and an identification criterion is defined for a partial discharge signal and an interference signal criterion is defined for a second measuring signal. A determination is made as to a partial discharge when a first measuring signal is detected that meets the identification criterion and when, in the time window around the first measuring signal, no second measuring signal that meets the interference signal criterion is detected. A quality of the detected partial discharge is assessed based on a characteristic value of the second measuring signal.

The invention relates to the detection of partial discharges at a winding of an electrical machine.
Partial discharges are local electrical discharges caused, for example, in local inhomogeneities of the insulation material, for example in small air pockets within the insulation of an electrical conductor as the result of strong inhomogeneities of an electrical field. Partial discharges can damage insulation locally and lead to the failure of the insulation in the long term. For this reason, electrical machines in particular are regularly inspected for partial discharges. Partial discharges cause short electromagnetic pulses with a typical duration of less than 1 μs and frequency components far into the UHF frequency range. Partial discharge signals are usually sought in frequency ranges between approximately 100 kHz and 10 MHz where partial discharge pulses are generally strongest.
There are numerous measuring methods for the detection of partial discharges, some of which are standardized, for example in accordance with DIN EN 60270. Electrical machines are almost exclusively subjected to offline measurements during which the regular operation of the electrical machine is interrupted; this incurs high costs, for example, due to interruptions in operation and the costs of the measuring equipment. Therefore, such measurements can only be performed occasionally.
With offline measurements, the measuring setup can be performed in a defined environment and external interference can often (but not always) be largely ruled out. On the other hand, in the case of online measurements during regular operation of an electrical machine, all operating components are active and can influence these measurements by coupling-in interference signals. If, for example, a rotating electrical machine is operated on a power converter, partial discharge pulses are superimposed by a large number of interference signals caused by the power converter's switching operations. Examples of possible further interference sources include radio services such as broadcasting, professional radio or mobile radio, non-specific sources of EMC interference, non-approved radio equipment, equipment operating in ISM bands (for example high-frequency welding equipment, laser equipment), remote-control keys, alarm systems and/or radio switches. The interference signals that can occur and the frequencies of these interference signals depend on the specific properties of the object in which partial discharges are to be detected (for example, components of a system consisting of a power converter and an electrical machine) and on interference sources present in the vicinity of the object.
In industrial plants, converters are frequently subject to interference from neighboring machines. This can constitute a permanent problem. Welding work in the vicinity can also be an interference source. However, in the case of repair work, this is only temporary interference, but, in the case of welding robots, it is also permanent interference. Interference signals are in particular pulse-like interference with a broad spectrum extending into the MHz or 100 MHz range. In this case, the frequency range depends upon the interference source.
Reliable detection of partial discharges requires such interference signals to be separated or distinguished from the partial discharge signals to ensure that partial discharge signals are not confused with interference signals.
The invention is based on the object of improving the detection of partial discharges at a winding of an electrical machine in particular with regard to distinguishing between partial discharge signals and interference signals.


A method of reclaiming spent aqueous brine solutions used in the regeneration of water-softening resins. An aqueous solution chloride or other brine is acidified with HCl to a pH of between about 0.5 and 6 and a soluble sulfate salt, preferably Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is added, together with a precipitation inhibitor of the type polyacrylamide. Following such treatment, the spent brine is pumped at high pressure axially through a spirally-wound nanofiltration-type membrane device which is effective to remove at least about 90% of the divalent hardness while allowing passage therethrough of at least about 90% of the monovalent cations. As a result of such treatment, about 90 to 95% of the volume of spent brine can be efficiently and effectively reclaimed in a form in which it is suitable for use again in regenerating water-softening resins or the like.

Water softeners and the like use ion exchange resins, such as zeolite resins, to remove polyvalent ions from aqueous streams by exchanging them with monovalent cations such as sodium. When there are few sodium ions left on such resins, it becomes necessary to regenerate the ion exchange resins by treatment with an aqueous brine containing sodium chloride or the like, e.g. potassium chloride. As a part of this regeneration, the polyvalent cations are solubilized and replaced on the resin with sodium ions. The resultant aqueous solution contains some sodium chloride plus the solubilized polyvalent ions and is generally referred to as "spent brine". Although heretofore it has usually been acceptable to simply discharge such spent brine into a municipal sewer system, environmental restraints are being imposed throughout many parts of the United States, and the need to conserve water has also dictated that efforts be made to reclaim such spent brine.
In May of 1992, Larry Lien of Membrane Development Specialists, Inc. was asked to speak at the semiannual meeting of the Pacific Water Quality Association in Santa Barbara, Calif. At that meeting, the concept of reclaiming spent brine used to regenerate water-softening resins was recommended, and it was suggested a semipermeable membrane separation treatment, specifically one using spirally-wound elements or cartridges made of the DS-5 nanofiltration membrane being marketed by Desalination Systems, Inc., might be advantageously employed. The adoption of such spent brine reclamation systems was advocated so as to reduce the cost of sodium chloride and reduce sewer charges, as well as because it would be an environmentally sound practice.
In July of 1992, an article was published in Water Technology entitled "Brine Recovery" that was authored by Howard Connor which likewise advocated the recovery of spent brine. In September of 1992, Larry Lien published an article entitled, "Nanofiltration: Trend of the Future?" in Water Conditioning and Purification describing uses of such nanofiltration elements for a variety of applications. This article was followed with a presentation at the Annual Convention of the Water Quality Association in San Antonio, Tex. (March 1993).
In January of 1993, a United States patent application was filed, which issued later that year as U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,257. It is directed specifically to the concept of purifying spent brine from the regeneration of ion exchange resins. The patent discloses the use of DS-5 nanofiltration membrane cartridges for spent brine reclamation by first acidifying the spent brine with hydrochloric acid to a pH of about 1.5 to 2.4 and subsequently treating the purified or reclaimed brine with sodium hydroxide to raise the pH.
Sodium chloride has long been used as a feed material to electrolytic cells where electrolysis produces chlorine and sodium hydroxide, and processes have been developed for removing polyvalent cations, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, chromium, barium, strontium, nickel, molybdenum and the like from such sodium chloride brines prior to electrolysis. Such processes have generally involved the use of chemicals that cause precipitation of these polyvalent ions. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,277,447 and 4,336,232 are generally representative of such processes for purifying sodium chloride or the like brines by the removal of such polyvalent cations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,083 discloses the removal of divalent ions from an aqueous chlorate feed liquor using nanofiltration membranes.
The demands on water resources in the United States have continued to increase, and environmental regulations with respect to sewer discharges continue to grow even more stringent. As a result, efforts have continued for the purpose of developing even more efficient reclamation processes for spent brine.