A method of forming a phosphor film includes: providing phosphor powder having a particle size of less than 5 μm; subjecting the phosphor powder to vibration so as to form an aerosol containing phosphor powder dispersed therein; and injecting the aerosol into a substrate at a high speed using carrier gas, such that the phosphor powder is impact-solidified on the substrate repeatedly moving at a predetermined speed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of forming a phosphor film, and more particularly to a method of forming a phosphor film used in fluorescent displays of a field emission device and display panel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a phosphor film is widely used in various fluorescent displays of field emission devices and plasma display panels. Techniques relating to such a phosphor film are broadly divided into techniques pertaining to phosphor materials and film formation techniques. In particular, the most important factor in the phosphor film formation technique is uniform distribution of phosphor components in the formed film and their adhesivity to a substrate.
As conventional phosphor film formation techniques, there are, broadly speaking, methods of forming a film using a binder, such as screen printing and spraying, and vapor deposition methods using no binder such as PLD, MOCVD and ALE. Generally, the vapor deposition method as a phosphor film formation process, suffers from a very limited range of applicable phosphor materials, difficulty in realizing a large area required in the devices of interest, and high production cost, thus failing to reach commercialization.
Due to those problems, present commercial phosphor film formation techniques are, broadly speaking, a screen printing process and a spraying process, using the binder. As the representative phosphor film formation technique, the screen printing process is initiated with preparation of phosphor paste by mixing phosphor powder and an organic binder in a solvent. Next, a screen 12 (also, referred to as mesh) is placed on a substrate 11, as shown in FIG. 1, and then the phosphor paste 15 is printed on the substrate 11 through the screen 12 by using a scrubber 14. The phosphors 16 printed on the substrate 11 are heat treated to remove solvent and some of the binder and thereby the desired phosphor film can be formed.
The phosphor film formation technique using the above-mentioned screen printing process requires an additional heat treatment process in order to remove the binder and solvent, and has problems such as deterioration of fluorescence efficiency due to the remaining binder even after heat treatment. In severe cases, the binder decomposes at a high driving voltage, resulting in local falling down of the phosphor film. Meanwhile, where less amount of the binder is used or removing rate of the binder is increased in order to cope with problems associated with the remaining binder, it may rather weaken adhesivity between the substrate and phosphor film and then lead to fatal defects of products. Further, when the field emission device is driven, remaining gas seeps out of the binder inside the field emission system that is under vacuum thus reducing light emitting life span. Therefore, conventional processes using the binder have fundamental problems, and the spraying process using the binder also suffers from those problems.
Further, the conventional screen printing process has disadvantages in that agglomerates occurred due to failure of dispersion into phosphor paste or slurry remain in the phosphor film, thus causing reduction of fluorescence efficiency. In addition, when forming the thin phosphor film, it is difficult to precisely control uniform film thickness unlike the conventional vapor deposition.
Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a new phosphor film formation technique that is suitable for mass production while improving adhesion between the phosphor film and substrate, and fluorescence efficiency and light emitting life span by solving problems due to the binder.

Method of forming phosphor film by using aerosol impact


A boring device for finishing high precision bores including a cylindrical body and a tool supporting member movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and adapted to retain a boring tool or implement. Movement of the tool supporting member is caused upon rotation of a rotatable ring which is mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body, such rotation of the ring acting to move a crossbeam along the longitudinal axis. The crossbeam is fixed to, and similarly moves, an elongate rod and an oblique extension thereof. The oblique extension is slidably engaged at least partially within the tool supporting member. The crossbeam extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and has at its ends threads in engagement with an internal thread of the rotatable ring. Axial movement of the crossbeam is enabled by its receipt within an axially extending slot of the cylindrical body.

Great Britain Patent No. 2,250,459 describes a micrometric device for finishing bores having a rotatable micrometric screw extending longitudinally in a substantially cylindrical, hollow body, a tool supporting member with a tool holder movable with respect to the cylindrical body, and means for causing linear movement of the tool supporting member upon rotation of the micrometric screw. This micrometric device is not particularly compact.
German Patent Publication No. 14 77 252 describes a micrometric device for finishing bores in which the moving means for causing linear movement of the tool comprise a substantially cylindrical elongate rod arranged to be moved linearly upon rotation of a micrometric screw, and having an oblique portion extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The oblique portion is slidably engaged in a tool supporting member such that rotation of the micrometric screw causes displacement of the tool supporting member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the micrometric screw.
European Patent No. 0 593 223 describes a micrometric device for finishing bores which also has an oblique portion slidably engaged in a tool supporting member so that rotation of a micrometric screw causes displacement of the tool supporting member. In the device of EP '223, rotation of the micrometric screw is translated into linear movement of the elongate rod by means of upper and lower bushings within the cylindrical rod. Backlash suppression means are also provided to suppress backlash between the oblique portion and a crossbeam.


An apparatus for generating gamma emission images including two gamma cameras mounted to a gantry wherein the gantry includes two moveable rings and a locking mechanism which can lock the two moveable rings together in one of two separate configurations. Each camera is mounted to a separate one of the two moveable rings and defines a camera axis, the two camera axes together defining a configuration angle and two different configuration angles are possible. By locking the two moveable rings together a single motor and associated hardware and software can be used to rotate both cameras about an imaging axis simultaneously.

The present invention relates to gamma cameras and more specifically to a gamma detection system including a locking mechanism for maintaining two gamma detectors in specific configurations.
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) examinations are carried out by injecting a dilution marker comprising a compound labeled with a radiopharmaceutical into the body of a patient to be examined. A radiopharmaceutical is a substance that emits photons at one or more energy levels. By choosing a compound that will accumulate in an organ to be imaged, compound concentration, and hence radiopharmaceutical concentration, can be substantially limited to the organ to be imaged.
While moving through a patient's blood stream the marker, including the radiopharmaceutical, becomes concentrated in the organ to be imaged. By measuring the intensity of the photons emitted from the organ, organ characteristics, including irregularities, can be identified.
To measure photon intensity, at a prescribed time following marker injection, a planar gamma camera is positioned adjacent the portion of a patient's body that includes the organ to be images. During an imaging period with the camera supported in a single position and the patient remaining as still as possible, the camera detects photon emissions and can create a plan view of the organ corresponding to the camera position.
A gamma camera consists of a collimator, a scintillation crystal and a detector. The collimator typically includes a lead block with tiny holes therethrough which define preferred photon paths. The preferred paths are usually unidirectional and perpendicular to the length of the collimator. The collimator blocks emissions toward the crystal along non-preferred paths.
The scintillation crystal is positioned adjacent the collimator on a side opposite a patient. The crystal absorbs photons that pass through the collimator on a front surface and emits light from a back surface each time a photon is absorbed. The detector comprises a planar arrangement of photomultiplier tubes (PMTS) positioned adjacent the crystal and on a side of the crystal opposite the collimator. Light emitted by the crystal is detected by the PMTs which in turn generate analog intensity signals indicating the precise position of emission impact on the crystal.
A processor receives the PMT signals and digitally stores corresponding information as an M by N array of elements called pixels. The values of M and N are commonly 64 or 128 pixels across each of the two image dimensions. Together the array of pixel information is used by the processor to form an emission image corresponding to the specific camera position.
In addition to the camera and processor, gamma detection systems also include either a stand or a gantry and a patient support table. The stand or gantry supports the camera in one position at a time adjacent a portion of a patient to be imaged and can be used, after data to generate one image has been collected, to move the camera to a second position with respect to the patient, to generate a second image if desired.
Different materials are characterized by different gamma particle attenuation coefficients (i.e. photons are attenuated to different degrees as they pass through different portions of a patient's body). For example, a greater percentage of photons will pass through an inch of bone than will pass through an inch of tissue. Similarly, a greater percentage of photons will pass through the air filled space in a lung or sinus cavity than will pass through a comparable space filled with tissue or bone. In addition, a smaller percentage of photons will pass through four inches of tissue than will pass through one inch of similar tissue.
For this reason, image quality is effected by camera distance from an organ to be imaged. Therefore, whenever images are generated, every effort is taken to position an organ to be imaged as close to the camera as possible by either moving the camera (i.e. the stand or camera on the gantry) or the patient (i.e. the patient table).
Most gamma imaging procedures are used to generate tomographic images and therefore require a plurality of emission images, each image taken by positioning the detector parallel to, and at a different imaging angle about, an imaging axis. In order to produce the best images possible, between each imaging period, the patient may be repositioned with respect to the camera so that the organ to be imaged is as close as possible to the camera. After a plurality of images are generated, a processor is used to compensate for patient repositioning during separate imaging periods. Next, the processor uses the compensated image data to construct pictures of transaxial slices of the body using algorithms and iterative methods that are well known to those skilled in the tomographic imaging art.
Where an organ to be imaged is located on one side of a patient's body, often images will only be generated for the side of the patient's body which includes the organ so that data from the other side of the patient's body which has been attenuated to a greater degree does not reduce the quality of the final images. For example, in the case of heart imaging (i.e. cardiac imaging), typically images will only be generated for 180.degree. through the left hand side of a patient's chest and the other 180.degree. of possible data will be disregarded. In this case, the processor generates the tomographic images using the reduced set of emission data. In addition to increasing the quality of resulting images, limiting imaging to a single side of a patient's body reduces imaging time.
Ideally, given enough time, a gamma camera can provide extremely accurate images for diagnostic purposes. Unfortunately, in reality, there are practical limitations on imaging period length which have to be considered when configuring a detector system and planning imaging sessions. First, imaging hardware and software are relatively expensive and therefore, imaging throughput (i.e. number of imaged patients) must be kept high to justify system costs.
Second, because a patient has to remain nearly completely still during an imaging procedure, prolonged imaging procedures cause patient discomfort. A related problem is that when a patient becomes uncomfortable, the patient often moves. When a patient moves resulting images are distorted. Distorted images can cause medical personnel to incorrectly diagnose healthy tissue as irregular tissue or vice versa. For these reasons any method to reduce the length of imaging periods without reducing accuracy would be advantageous.
One solution to reduce imaging period length is to alter the radiopharmaceutical so that photon emission levels are increased. In this way, data sufficient to form an image could be gathered in relatively less time. Unfortunately this strategy can be dangerous to a patient's health. Typically, in order to minimize patient exposure to radiation, a radiopharmaceutical is chosen which has relatively low photon emission levels. As a result, each emission image requires an appreciable amount of time (e.g. 40 seconds) to generate.
Another solution is to reduce the number of images generated. Unfortunately, this solution reduces image quality which can itself result in diagnostic errors. Typically, to generate sufficient data to form useable tomographic images, at least 64 views equispaced about 360.degree.s surrounding the portion of a patient's body including an organ to be images are required. With 64 views generated by a single camera, an entire imaging process can take longer than 40 minutes to complete. To increase image quality by reducing image granularity, the total number of images can be increased. If the number of images is doubled to 128, required imaging time can be as long as one hour and twenty minutes.
One other solution is to provide more than a single detector so that data for more than one imaging angle can be collected simultaneously. While additional imaging hardware increases system cost, the additional cost of some hardware intensive systems can usually be justified by increased throughput, increased patient comfort and better images due to less patient movement.
For these reasons many systems now employ two gamma cameras positioned around an imaging area to generate two emission images simultaneously. One popular two camera configuration includes two gamma cameras, each centered on a different camera axis that passes through the imaging axis wherein the camera axes are separated by 180.degree. (i.e. the two cameras oppose each other). In this case, 360.degree. imaging can be provided by rotation through 180.degree. and imaging time can be cut in half. Here, for the cost of two cameras, imaging time is reduced by 50%.
In the case of cardiac imaging, two cameras can be configured so that their camera axes form a 90.degree. angle about the imaging axis. In this case, the 180.degree. of imaging data required to generate a tomographic image can be collected by rotation of the cameras through 90.degree..
To accommodate fast 360.degree. and 180.degree. imaging, many gamma camera systems now include two gamma cameras which can be configured in either an opposing position or so that their camera axes define a 90.degree. angle about the imaging axis. To this end, these systems include two motors and associated control hardware and software, one motor for moving each of the two cameras independently of the other camera. Thus, when 360.degree. imaging is required, the cameras are oriented so as to oppose each other and the first and second motors simultaneously move the two cameras about the imaging axis through 180.degree. rotation, stopping at each required imaging angle.
When 180.degree. imaging is required, one of the motors is used to rotate an associated camera about the rotation axis while the other camera is stationary until the camera axes define a 90.degree. angle about the imaging axis. Then, to generate 180.degree. imaging, the two cameras are rotated through 90.degree., one camera collecting 90.degree. of data and the other camera collecting the other 90.degree. of data.
While these two camera systems are versatile and relatively fast, they have a number of shortcomings. First, these systems are hardware intensive. Each system requires two separate motors and associated control hardware, one motor and associated hardware for each of the two cameras. In addition, each system also requires dedicated control hardware and software that can correlate the positions of both cameras during imaging to ensure that the 180.degree. or 90.degree. angle between the camera axes remains constant.
Second, referring to FIG. 1, a system including two cameras 10, 12 configured so that their camera axes define a 90.degree. angle about an imaging axis 11 is illustrated. To reduce stray radiation within an imaging room, gamma cameras 10, 12 typically include a radiation stopping boot 14, 16 which cradles the crystal and detector (not shown) so that photons entering camera collimators 17, 19 are stopped inside the boot. The two cameras 10, 12 are shown mounted to an annular gantry 21 that defines an imaging area 20.
When two cameras 10, 12 are oriented at 90.degree. about a rotation axis 11, the boots 14, 16 interfere at a common edge. Because the boots 14, 16 prohibit crystal placement along the lateral most sections of the cameras, when the boot edges interfere, a dead space 18 that cannot be images by either camera 10, 12 results. If an organ to be imaged is located within dead space 18, imaging information cannot be obtained without moving the patient to a different section of the imaging area 20. While this may be acceptable in some cases, in other cases the increased distance between an organ to be imaged and the cameras will reduce data precision and will effect final image quality. In addition, in some cases where the cameras are supported by a small gantry, it will be impossible to move a patient into a position within the imaging area 20 where an organ to be imaged will not be at least partially within the dead space. In these cases only inferior images generated on the side of the patient opposite the organ will be generated, the usefulness of which would be questionable. Thus, with cameras spaced at 90.degree. about the rotation axis, the effective imaging area 20 is substantially reduced.
For all of the reasons discussed above, it would be advantageous to have a gamma detection system that can quickly collect emission data required to generate precise tomographic images through either 360.degree. or 180.degree. of rotation which is relatively inexpensive.


A method for controlling and managing a wireless connection for data communication between a mobile device and a broadband radio network is suggested, in the context of which method, the log in and the authentication of the mobile device at the base stations of the broadband radio network takes place via a narrow band radio network with lower data rate and larger range than the broadband radio network.

It is known from the prior art to equip mobile devices for data communication with radio units for different radio networks with different radio standards, as a result of which these devices can support different radio standards.
Different radio standards have different quality parameters, such as for example range, data rates, etc. Generally, radio standards which guarantee a large range have a low bandwidth and thus a low transmission rate or data rate, wherein radio standards with a high bandwidth and thus with a high transmission rate or data rate have a smaller range and thus coverage compared to narrow band radio standards.
Broadband in this case represents transmissions with higher data rates, narrow band represents transmissions with somewhat lower data rates. This colloquial definition is based on the observation that one also tends to consume more space in the spectrum when transmitting more data in the same unit of time. A narrow band radio network (i.e. a radio network based on a narrow band radio standard) in the sense of the invention has a larger range and a lower data rate than a broadband radio network.
A plurality of base stations or relatively small cells are necessary in order to ensure good coverage in the case of radio standards with high bandwidth. Due to the low range of broadband systems, it is ensured that less interference loads the transmission path, as a result of which transmission errors are largely prevented.
In the event that at a location, a wireless connection between a mobile device and radio networks is possible via different radio standards, according to the prior art, hard switching between the different radio standards takes place as a function of requests with respect to the coverage, the transmission costs, the signal quality, etc. Here, the existing connection via one radio standard is deactivated, whilst another connection via another radio standard is activated.
This may disadvantageously lead to no wireless connection being present for a certain time during the switching from one radio standard to another radio standard, so that dead times result, as the mobile device first has to perform a log in and/or authentication in the case of the radio network to be used.
Further, it is known in the case of the availability of a plurality of radio networks with different radio standards to only deactivate an existing connection via one radio standard if another connection via another radio standard is established. As, however, the time of the breaking of the existing connection cannot be established exactly, this procedure can likewise result in dead times.
Furthermore, due to the short range of broadband radio standards, it is necessary to frequently change the base stations of a broadband radio standard, for example of a WLAN system, which disadvantageously results in an overlapping of the frequency ranges of the base stations one the one hand, which can lead to interferences, and results in dead times on the other hand, as the mobile device must first seek a new base station and carry out a log in and/or authentication if the contact to the previous base station is already interrupted.

Method for controlling and managing a wireless connection for data communication between a mobile device and a broadband radio network


Disclosed is an electro-optic modulator. The electro-optic modulator includes a lower clad layer disposed on a substrate, an optical waveguide disposed on the lower clad layer, traveling-wave electrodes respectively disposed on both sides of the optical waveguide and each having a first distance to the optical waveguide, and ferroelectric blocks disposed between the traveling-wave electrodes and the lower clad layer and each having a second distance to the optical waveguide, which is less than the first distance.

The present disclosure herein relates to an optical device, and more particularly, to an electro-optic modulator.
In recent years, a development demand of a high speed data process technology has increased in a wire and wireless communication field as a calculation capacity and a data capacity of computers, smart devices, and various multimedia remarkably increase. In correspondence to this matter, national investment for developing a data communication module, which is a next-generation communication (ex. 5G and 6G), micro-sized, ultrahigh speed, low power consumption, and low cost data communication module, has been made, and related researches and product developments are in process at a lot of research institutions and companies. Among the researches and developments, a micro-sized, high-speed, and low power consumption electro-optic modulator has been actively researched and developed.

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A packer valve for regulating the fluid flow rate and pressure within a fluid conduit such as a well, includes a housing, and an inflatable packer element mounted on an elongated mandrel. The inside diameter of the housing is formed with an arrangement of annular grooves which circumscribe the inflatable packer element. The inflatable packer element is adapted to adjust an annulus between the housing and the inflatable packer element to provide complete shutoff of fluid flow or to provide a tortuous flow path for fluid flow within the annulus. The tortuous flow path causes a frictional pressure loss. The amount of the pressure loss is controlled by the inflation pressure of the inflatable packer element, by the shape of the annular grooves, and by the length of the inflatable packer element.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to control valves for controlling the flow rate and pressure of a fluid. More particularly, the present invention relates to a control valve, constructed as a packer valve, adapted to control the direction and regulate the flow rate and pressure of a fluid flowing in a conduit, such as a well bore.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Inflatable packers for directing fluid flow in a fluid conduit are well known in the art. Typically, such inflatable packers are utilized in downhole applications for sealing a well bore (e.g., oil well or water well). As an example, a pair of such packers can be used in the testing of a drilled well formation by isolating a length of the formation in communication with a testing flow port.
In general, this type of packer includes an inflatable packer element which can be inflated to sealingly engage the inside diameter of the well bore. Fluid pressure for inflating the inflatable packer element is typically introduced through an operating string placed into the well bore, or by a separate pneumatic or hydraulic hose adjacent and external to the operating string. Such inflatable packers may also include some means for locking the inflatable packer element in an inflated or sealing condition. Packers can be a "multi-set packer" which can be deflated and re-inflated within a well bore, or a "single set packer" adapted for a single downhole inflation.
In the past, such inflatable packers have been constructed to either prevent or to permit fluid flow. Inflatable packers are thus not adapted to selectively regulate a fluid flow rate within a well bore.
It is often desirable to regulate the fluid flow rate or fluid pressures of fluids injected into or pumped out of a well. Recharge water wells, for instance, may be utilized in Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) programs to assist communities during times when water demand peaks. The (ASR) process involves storing treated drinking water in suitable underground aquifers through recharge wells during low-demand months and recovering the water through the same wells during high demand months.
With such recharge wells, treated water is injected into the wells for storage. This injection is typically accomplished at a predetermined flow rate and pressure. Flow and pressure regulation is typically achieved utilizing a surface mounted flow control valve.
A variety of flow control valves are well known in the art for controlling fluid flow within a conduit. As an example, globe control valves are often utilized in high flow applications. Such control valves may include a spring actuated, tapered, sealing member that operates in conjunction with a contoured orifice. The location of the sealing member with respect to the orifice can be adjusted to provide a cross section which achieves a desired fluid flow rate and frictional pressure loss.
A problem with such flow control valves is that they cannot regulate a wide range of flows with the large pressure drops inherent in their design. Further, their size is such that they cannot fit in a well and allow pumping. Moreover, these control valves have a limited operating range because typically, a single sealing member and contoured orifice are utilized to achieve a large pressure drop. Control is difficult because only a small linear movement of the sealing member relative to the contoured orifice is required. In addition, with a single orifice valve, fluid flow velocities through the control valve are relatively large. Such high flow velocities produce hydrodynamic noise and promote cavitation within the control valve. Finally, a shortcoming of such prior art control valves is that because of their sensitivity, they are difficult to utilize with a fluid containing a particulate material (e.g., dirty water).
The present invention recognizes that a packer valve may be constructed as a control valve to direct fluid flow within a conduit and also to regulate fluid pressures and flow rates within the conduit. Moreover, such a packer valve can be constructed to achieve an infinitely variable frictional pressure loss for a fluid flowing through the packer valve. Further, such a packer valve can be constructed to achieve a high flow rate with a low fluid velocity through the valve. Still further, such a valve can be made of a size which permits it to be placed into a well.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a packer valve adapted to direct fluid flow within a fluid conduit such as a well.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a packer valve that can be placed downhole in a well bore and controllable from the surface.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a packer valve in which fluid velocities through the valve are low and frictional pressure losses through the valve are infinitely variable to control fluid flow over a wide range of pressures whether down hole in a well or for such control in surface piping systems.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a packer valve that can be used with a variety of fluids including a fluid having particulate material therein.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packer valve especially adapted for controlling the flow rate and pressure of a fluid injected into a well.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a packer valve suitable for high flow and high pressure applications that is simple and reliable.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a packer valve suitable to retrofit existing wells for pumping and injection.


The present invention relates to aroma chemical compositions containing 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-tetrahydropyran, a 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-dihydropyran or a 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-pyran, a mixture of such compounds, a stereoisomer of one of these compounds, or a mixture of stereoisomers of one or more of these compounds. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such compounds, stereoisomers or mixtures thereof, to the composition obtainable by this method, to the use of such compounds as an aroma chemical or for modifying the scent character of a fragranced composition; and to a method for preparing a fragranced composition or for modifying the scent character of a fragranced composition using said compounds. Moreover, the invention relates to 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-tetrahydropyran, to its stereoisomers and to mixtures of these stereoisomers.

Despite a large number of existing aroma chemicals (fragrances and flavorings), there is a constant need for new components in order to be able to satisfy the multitude of properties desired for extremely diverse areas of application. These include, firstly, the organoleptic properties, i.e. the compounds should have advantageous odiferous (olfactory) or gustatory properties. Furthermore, aroma chemicals should also have additional positive secondary properties, such as e.g. an efficient preparation method, the possibility of providing better sensory profiles as a result of synergistic effects with other fragrances, a higher stability under certain application conditions, a higher extendability, a better staying power, etc.
However, since even small changes in chemical structure bring about massive changes in the sensory properties such as odor and also taste, the targeted search for substances with certain sensory properties such as a certain odor is extremely difficult. The search for new fragrances and flavorings is therefore in most cases difficult and laborious without knowing whether a substance with the desired odor and/or taste will even actually be found.
Moreover, as a result of the predictable exhaustion of fossil fuels and the desire to reduce waste, also in the form of exhaust gases, it has become of ever increasing importance to maximize the efficiency of industrial production processes and at the same time to make a more reasonable use of unavoidable organic side products than just using them as a fuel or combustion material, as is presently done in most cases. Even if this fueling/combustion is used for the production of energy and thus serves at least a purpose, this use is not satisfactory, as it wastes potentially valuable materials.
EP-A-2168957 relates to tetrahydropyran compounds which are alkylated or alkenylated in the 2- and 3-positions and may moreover be alkylated or alkenylated in 6-position, relative to the 1-position of the oxygen ring atom. The compounds are said to be useful as aroma chemicals.
R. N. Mohindru et al. describe in Pafai Journal, 1984, 15-18 tetrahydropyran compounds carrying in the 2,2,6-positions three methyl groups and in the 6-position another alkyl group or an alkyl-bound phenyl ring. The compounds are said to have interesting odour variations.
J. Kula et al. describe in Perfumer & Flavorist, 1992, 17, 77-92 the synthesis of various tetrahydropyran derivatives as odour substances.
US 2008/0242899 relates to a process for preparing purified alcohols by subjecting an aldehyde to an aldol condensation, hydrogenating the condensate to give a crude alcohol and distilling the crude alcohol to give a pure alcohol. The pure alcohol is to give satisfactory results in a sulfuric acid coloring test. For achieving this goal, the crude alcohol subjected to the distillation step is required to contain oxygenic heterocycles bearing carbon-carbon double bonds in the cycle in an amount of as low as 200 ppm by weight or less. The aldehyde is in particular n-butyraldehyde, the condensate being thus 2-ethylhexenal and the alcohol 2-ethylhexanol. In this case, the undesired heterocycles formed as by-products in the aldol condensation step and the concentration of which is to be at most 200 ppm in the crude alcohol composition are 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-pyran and 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-dihydropyran. One way of reducing the amount of the pyran and the dihydropyran components is said to be their hydrogenation to the corresponding tetrahydropyran. This corresponding tetrahydropyran is however neither isolated nor characterized nor connected with any property (except for not disturbing the sulfuric acid coloring test), and thus no proof of its formation is given.
It was the object of the present invention to provide new aroma chemicals. These should have pleasant odiferous properties. Furthermore, they should be capable, in combination with other aroma chemicals, of providing novel advantageous sensory profiles. In particular, however, these should be available from undesired by-products of industrial processes which otherwise would be discarded or brought to a low-value use, such as the production of energy.
This object is achieved by the compound of formula (I) as shown below (3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-tetrahydropyran, a 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-dihydropyran or a 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-pyran), mixtures of different compounds I, a stereoisomer of such a compound, or mixtures of stereoisomers of such a compound I or of different compounds 1. These compound are available from the production of 2-ethylhexanal from 2-ethylhexenal and also from the production of 2-ethylhexanol from 2-ethylhexenal.

Aroma chemical compositions containing 3,5-diethyl-2-propyl-tetrahydropyran and/or unsaturated derivatives thereof


A golf club with a shaft angularly adjustable relative to the head through selected angles. A special tool must be used to allow any angular adjustments between shaft and head. A structural stop limits the maximum and minimum angles of adjustment between the head and shaft.

The present invention relates generally to new and useful improvements and structural refinements in a golf club and is directed more particularly to the provisions of a putter having means for permitting the adjustment of the angle of the club shaft relative to the club head in a manner so that the club can be adapted to the user rather than the user adapting to the club. Inasmuch as the individual physical characteristics and requirements of each player very so greatly, the fixedly positioned shaft of most of the popular available putters will not necessarily comfortably satisfy any two players.
In order to comply with tournament regulations of various professional golf associations, it is mandatory that the relative angle between a shaft and head cannot be adjustable during play.
Golf clubs having adjustable heads are well known and those adjustments may be various types. Examples of prior art adjustable head golf clubs employ centrally located ball joints or rotatable connections or the like to maintain club balance.
Other prior art adjustable shaft to head golf clubs have pivots between the head and shaft positioned on the distal end of the head as an extension thereof or have translatable pivots between the head and shaft. In these last mentioned clubs the club balance is changed with any selected positioning of the shaft relative to the head.
There has not been an adjustable golf club with the club balance remaining substantially unchanged with any relative angle positioning of the club shaft and head until the emergence of the instant invention.

Golf club with lockable head to shaft relative angle adjustment


An improvement in an apparatus for processing an agricultural crop, which processing apparatus has structure for separating waste from a crop to provide a clean yield product and an elevator for raising and delivering clean yield product to a point of use such as a bin, or the like. The improvement is a structure including an actuating arm for producing a signal indicative of a pressure being applied to the actuating arm. The signal producing structure is mounted to the crop processing apparatus so that the actuating arm intercepts clean yield product discharging from the elevator. This pressure value can be correlated with other data, i.e. combine width, elevator speed, forward speed of the crop processing apparatus, material density (lbs/bundle) to generate a flow rate value that can be continuously plotted to generate a yield map for a field.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to agricultural equipment, such as a combine, for harvesting and threshing a crop, and, more particularly, to an apparatus for use on a combine to continuously monitor clean crop yield as the combine traverses a mature field, as to assist in the generation of a digitized field yield map.
2. Background Art
Fields in which crops are planted rarely have a homogeneous soil composition. Different soil types have a different ability to retain water, nutrients, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Consequently, if uniform application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and water is carried out, there will be a varied crop yield throughout a given field. This problem induced the development of customized soil and crop treatment, which has been a very high priority research area in the agricultural industry over the last decade.
Early attempts at customizing soil and crop treatment involved manual plotting of the field, monitoring of soil type and condition, and yield monitoring. Of late, field mapping has become substantially more sophisticated. Computer assisted mapping techniques, together with satellite tracking, are commonly used. Crop yield can now be very precisely mapped. In subsequent growing seasons, this yield information can be utilized to custom treat virtually all portions of a field to maximize overall yield. This concept is explained more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,773, to Ortlip, assigned to Soil Teq., Inc.
While yield maximization has been prompted in good part by economic considerations, environmental concerns regarding chemical application have made even more acute the need for effective field mapping. Further, government regulations have necessitated changes in and/or modifications to certain farming techniques. Still further, the mere shortage of fertile fields in certain geographic areas has dictated the need for maximizing crop yield.
A critical aspect of field mapping is the accurate monitoring of the crop yield. Heretofore, a wide range of different techniques has been developed to monitor crop yields.
One such system employs a gamma ray emitter and detector. Conveying grain passes between the emitter and the detector through a measuring gap. The grain blocks the rays to the detector. The number of rays reaching the detector is translated into a flow volume amount, which can be used to generate a yield map. The principal problem with this system is that there are strict controls placed on gamma ray emission in the United States. Depending upon the construction of the system, it may be illegal f or use in the United States. A system, in accordance with the above, is currently being sold by Dronningborg Maskinfabrik A/S, in Germany.
Another yield sensor is currently available through Acu-Grain in Great Falls, Mont. Acu-Grain's system employs a pivotable flap at the output end of an unloading auger. The degree of pivoting of the flap determines the flow volume, which can then be correlated with other data to generate a yield map. This system, as all systems utilizing moving parts, is prone to failure. In normal harvesting and threshing operations, severe conditions are encountered. Dirt, dust, moisture and chemicals all contribute to premature equipment failure. In addition to the problem of corrosion from chemicals and moisture, buildup of dirt, particularly in damp environments, can effectively reconfigure parts and potentially block the range of movement of parts and, in the case of Acu-Grain's system, the pivoting flap. A buildup in material, on the face of the flap on which the discharging crop impinges, results in an increased pivoting movement for the flap for a given flow volume. This results in a false reading of a larger than actual flow volume. If this buildup is progressive, no compensation can be made and the information generated through the flap monitoring may be meaningless.
Another currently available system was jointly developed by Ford-New Holland, in Belgium, and the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. This system utilizes a curved plate which intercepts grain discharging from a clean grain elevator. The grain impacting the curved plate causes deflection thereof, which deflection is sensed and used to determine the flow volume by converting the plate displacement to a flow volume number. The frictional forces between the grain and plate are also worked into the flow volume calculation. The drawbacks with systems utilizing moving parts are present in this system as well.
Another system has been devised by Claydon Yieldometer, Ltd. in Suffolk, England. Claydon's system employs a catch bin to collect discharging grain. The bin is repeatedly filled and dumped. The interval between filling is used to determine the flow volume. Accumulation of grain, or other material within the bin, results in a reduction of the capacity of the bin, which results in inaccurate flow volume measurements. The problems associated with moving parts are also present in the Claydon structure. Still further, retrofitting of the Claydon structure to conventional combines is very expensive to accomplish.
Another system currently under development at Kansas State University uses an auxiliary discharge auger, which is added to a conventional combine. The auger is pivoted and filled at its proximal end. The distal end of the auger is suspended by a load cell. The load cell will detect a difference in the flow volume by detecting a difference in weight at the distal/discharge end of the auger. Because a fairly large accessory must be added to the combine, there are space problems associated with this construction. Further, the aforementioned problems, associated with moving parts, exist.
Other systems are under development to sense the volume of grain in a combine bin. One such system uses an ultrasonic sensor to determine the depth of grain in the bin. Another such system uses sensors at different heights to alert the user to the changing volume of grain in the combine bin. Both systems' accuracy depends upon the combine's being on substantially level terrain.
A further system under development monitors current to a motor that drives a clean grain conveying system in the combine. Flow volume/rate is directly related to the current draw for the motor.
Another system employs a potentiometer to measure batch volume. The accumulation for a given area harvested is determined and a flow rate is calculated therefrom and continuously plotted. The problem with this type of system is that it is sensitive to a change in attitude of the combine.
John Deere currently has a system that determines the speed of the clean grain elevator and the volume of material on each paddle on the grain elevator through electric eyes positioned at the top and/or bottom of the clean grain elevator. The system uses this data to compute the yield. Buildup of material on the paddles may give false readings. Generally, the required accuracy is difficult to achieve with such a system.
Generally, the above systems do not afford an economically feasible yield measuring device that is both accurate and reliable, particularly under severe operating conditions as normally encountered in the farming environment. Another problem is that certain of the above systems operate effectively only with the combine on level ground. Significant inclination of the combine, as may occur on frequently encountered sloped or hilly terrain, may compromise the accuracy of such systems, or make the data generated thereby altogether meaningless. A still further problem with certain of the systems described above is that they may undesirably alter the normal conveyance of crop through and out of the combine.
Several of the above systems came to the attention of the applicants through various trade association meetings. To the knowledge of the inventors, some of these systems are still under development and do not constitute prior art. However, all systems have been discussed to show the recent flurry of activity in yield monitoring and the wide range of proposed solutions to the problems encountered in yield monitoring.

Apparatus for measuring agricultural yield


System and methods are disclosed, one method can comprise the steps of receiving a request for a diagnostic message, receiving a selection of diagnostic information, retrieving at least a portion of the selected diagnostic information, generating the requested diagnostic message, wherein the diagnostic message comprises the portion of the selected diagnostic information, and transmitting the requested diagnostic message.

Communication of diagnostic information and/or patient information can be tedious and time consuming. Currently, many physicians and care-providers rely on paging devices and voice calls/messages to communicate diagnostic information and consultation information to and from hospitals, offices, and other physicians, care providers and users of such information. For example, in an emergency room, a physician seeing a patient with an orthopedic problem has to page the orthopedic surgeon on call. The physician can often wait approximately 5-10 minutes or even longer for the orthopedic surgeon to respond. When the orthopedic surgeon finally responds, the orthopedic surgeon is typically provided only basic diagnostic information about the patient about which the emergency room physician is consulting. The orthopedic surgeon then has to find means to view certain patient diagnostic information, most notably images, such as x-rays. Computer terminals are not always conveniently available. Accordingly, the orthopedic surgeon must travel to a local hospital or office or another area to access a computer for viewing patient information and diagnostic information. Once the orthopedic surgeon has viewed the patient and diagnostic information, the orthopedic surgeon must communicate a response to the consulting physician in the emergency room. Typically, the orthopedic surgeon can rely on telephone communication to respond to the consulting physician with consulting information.
The current methods of consultation and remote diagnosis do not provide an efficient means of communicating diagnostic information and consultation responses to and from remote users. Furthermore, the current systems and methods do not provide a means to coordinate availability and schedules of recipients of consultation requests. These and other shortcomings are addressed by the present disclosure.


An apparatus for a board binding system. A board can include a channel that includes the a first magnet. A plurality of caps can be affixed to the board, separated by a distance capable of holding a binding assembly. An adjusting plate can be affixed to the binding assembly. The adjusting plate can secure the binding assembly to the board via engagement with the plurality of caps. The binding assembly can include a second magnet. The binding assembly can be configured to dock or undock with the plurality of caps by arranging the second magnet above the first magnet and rotating the binding assembly.

When riding a snowboard, kiteboard, or wakeboard, each of the user's boots is secured to the board surface with an apparatus called a "binding." The bindings keep the user and board from separating during the ride down the slope or across the water. Bindings are also commonly configured to transfer forces from the user to the board, allowing the user to control the board during the ride.
For snowboarding, one common type of binding for use with a snowboard may be referred to as a "strap-in" binding that may be designed to receive a boot, such as, for example, a "soft boot." A strap-in binding commonly incorporates one or more adjustable straps that when tightened push the user's boot against the relatively rigid interior surfaces of the binding. The pressure of the straps and the interior surfaces hold the boot in the binding while the snowboard is in use and help the user to control the snowboard.
Another common type of snowboard binding may be referred to a "step-in" binding. A step-in binding may incorporate a relatively flat base that includes a mechanism that connects to hinges, fixtures, or other mechanisms on the bottom of the user's boot. A boot for use with a step-in binding is typically more rigid and sturdy than one typically used with a strap-in binding, and the rigid structures of the boot may transmit forces exerted by the user to the board, helping the user to control it. The construction that makes a boot for use with a step-in binding may also make the boot heavier than a soft boot, however, as may the hardware built into the boot that is needed to secure the boot to the snowboard.
Inconveniences attend the use of either of the strap-in binding and the step-in binding. For example, securing a boot inside a strap-in binding commonly requires that the user's hands be available to tighten the straps. A common problem is that a snowboard user cannot ride directly off of a ski lift and onto a slope, as skiers may do, because the user typically must first get off of the ski lift and then secure the remaining unattached boot to the appropriate binding. Also, when snowboarders ride the lift with one boot in the binding and one boot out of the binding, the entire weight of the snowboard causes a strain on the single foot and boot strapped into the binding.
Step-in bindings, as mentioned above, commonly entail using boots that may be heavier and stiffer than the soft boots that may typically be used with a strap-in binding. The weight and rigidity may make such boots less comfortable to wear than soft boots, and even experienced snowboard users may feel that the weight and rigidity compromise the user's control of the snowboard during a ride.
For wakeboarding and kiteboarding, two common types of bindings for use with the board may be referred to as an "open-toe" or "closed-toe" bindings. Both of these bindings may be designed to receive a foot without a boot as the binding itself incorporates the supportive structure around the user's foot and ankle to act as the boot as well as the interface to connect to the board and enable the user to control the board. Effectively, this boot/binding combination remains permanently fixed to the boards surface during normal use via threaded screws and threaded inserts in the board. Another common type of binding, primarily used for kiteboarding, may be referred to as a "strap" that may be designed to receive the foot without any supportive boot structure. The strap commonly incorporates a base underneath the foot and a strap stemming from that base that wraps laterally, from the arch of the foot, around the top of the foot with the heel and toes exposed.
Inconveniences attend the use of the open-toe and closed-toe binding. Due to the binding being affixed to the board for use via threaded screws and inserts, it is difficult to customize the fit of the binding for each individual user. Also, to secure feet into the bindings, each user must take a considerable amount of time to insert his or her feet into the binding to secure them tightly. This is done sometimes on land or on the boat, but also in the water. This inconvenience adds considerable amount of time when interchanging riders on the wakeboard.
Straps also have several shortcomings when used for kiteboarding. As the user must manage a kite and keep it in the air, the user's hands are usually required for such an operation, thus making securing of the foot into the straps very difficult. This requirement is one of the reasons why kiteboarders use straps as opposed to open-toe or closed-toe bindings that require the use of hands to adjust and secure them for usage. Also, when a kiteboarder is executing maneuvers such as flips and spins, straps fail to provide the proper support to keep the board securely on the user's feet and thereby can cause the board to fall off or become difficult to manage.


A method of operating a multiple combustion chamber internal combustion engine includes advancing an ignition timing of a first subset of the combustion chambers from an operating ignition timing until a knock event is detected while concurrently operating the remaining combustion chambers at the operating ignition timing. A first knock margin of the first subset of combustion chambers is determined in relation to a difference between the operating ignition timing and the ignition timing at the knock event. A characteristic of a fuel supplied to the combustion chambers is determined in relation to at least the first knock margin.

Typically, the parameters on which an engine is operated are selected to account for variations in the fuel supplied to the engine and variations in the efficiency of the engine itself. In many instances, the engine's operation is sub-optimal, because the parameters are selected to maintain engine operation on the lowest of a range of fuel qualities and the worst of a range of engine conditions. For example, an engine may receive fuel with a high knock resistance at some point in its operation and fuel with a low knock resistance at another point in its operation, and must be able to operate on both. In another example, a newly commissioned engine is in top mechanical shape, but over time, build-ups in the combustion chambers and wear of the sealing surfaces reduce the engine's efficiency. The engine's operating parameters; however, are selected to operate the engine throughout its life span. Accordingly, they may be sub-optimal when the engine is new and sub-optimal near the end of Some engine systems have been configured to adjust the operating parameters to account for various factors that affect the engine's efficiency. There is a need for such type of engine systems that adjust the operating parameters to account for variations in fuel quality and engine condition.


A method, system, and computer program product for open flow connection between differing software-defined network controllers are provided. The method generates a networking interface between a first networking controller and a second networking controller. Networking information is exchanged between the first networking controller and the second networking controller using the networking interface. A logical switch is generated between the first networking controller and the second networking controller by matching at least a portion of the networking information of the second networking controller at the first networking controller. The method exchanges the matched portion of the networking information from the first networking controller with the second networking controller to create layer two open flow connection between the first networking controller and the second networking controller.

In software-defined networking (SDN) environments, a network's control functions are separated from forwarding functions. SDN environments often decouple the network between a control plane and a data plane. SDN environments may use SDN controllers to manage a flow control to switches, routers, applications, and business logic. SDN controllers have been developed or produced with differing protocols. The differing protocols may control or differentiate network architectures, packet routing, packet forwarding, and other network characteristics and statistics.

Software-defined network controller communication flow


A system and method for electronic purchase of prepaid telephone services is provided. An initiating terminal receives input of a customer's request to purchase a specified amount of prepaid telephone services and receives input of the customer's designation of a financial account from which to electronically debit the price of such purchase. A central terminal receives these inputs from the initiating terminal, obtains authorization for the request, and transmits data to the initiating terminal for the initiating terminal to, in turn, print on a receipt and provide to the customer. This receipt is then used instead of a telephone card to obtain telephone services up to the specified amount. Such receipt may also detail instructions and an authorization number, such as a personal identification number or PIN, to initiate the pre-paid telephone service. The system and method of the present invention also preferably transfers the funds from the appropriate demand or credit account to pay for the purchased telephone services. An additional, separate Regulation E-type receipt is preferably also printed reflecting the financial transaction.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to prepaid phone services, and more particularly to a system and method for electronic dispensing of a receipt reflecting prepaid telephone services to be used by customers in place of current prepaid telephone cards, including electronic debiting of an account for costs associated therewith.
2. Description of the Related Art
Telephone companies currently sell a physical card product that allows consumers to purchase pre-paid phone services, such as long distance time, in predetermined increments of time, on the respective company's network(s). Consumers purchase these cards for the convenience of a calling card with the security of a pre-set spending limit. These cards may be the typical plastic cards normally associated with the debit and credit industry or are wallet-sized cardboard cards imprinted with PIN (personal identification number) information and dialing instructions. These cards are designed to be discarded once the time purchased is consumed. The value of the card is maintained on the respective telephone company's network system. For purposes of convenience, "Company" will refer hereinafter to the specific telephone system carrier on whose network time is to be pre-purchased.
Such prepaid telephone cards are sold at retail outlets, either over-the-counter or through vending machines. An ordinary retail receipt is issued for the cards purchased when the cards are purchased over-the-counter. Such receipts give the customer no additional information other than that phone cards were purchased, the cost of the card(s) purchased, the date, and, normally, the retailer where the cards were purchased.
There are a number of drawbacks to the process described above. A customer must find a retail outlet which is open and is not out of calling cards. If a large purchase of telephone network time is desired, many retail outlets in the evening and night do not accept large denomination currency to pay for purchases. Additionally, the retail outlet must maintain and track a secured inventory of cards by number and denomination, and report the sales and number of cards sold to the Company. Such a system is very labor-intensive and costly to operate. Moreover, there is considerable expense on behalf of the Company to produce and distribute the cards to the retailers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System for purchase of prepaid telephone services


There is provided a benzo[c]phenanthrene compound represented by formula [1]:

An organic light-emitting device includes a light-emitting layer provided between an anode and a cathode, which are a pair of electrodes, the light-emitting layer containing a fluorescent organic compound or a phosphorescent organic compound.
There is room for improvement in luminous efficiency and durability.
PTL 1 discloses a benzo[c]phenanthrene derivative serving mainly as a host compound in a phosphorescent layer, the derivative being typified by H03 described below and having an aromatic substituent at the 5-position of a benzo[c]phenanthrene ring.

Benzo[c]phenanthrene compound and organic light-emitting device containing same

Abstract: wherein R1 to R10 are each independently selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group, and a heteroaromatic group; n represents an integer of 1 to 3, when n represents 2 or more, R1's in different benzo[c]phenanthrene rings may be the same or different, and the same is true for R2's to R10's in different benzo[c]phenanthrene rings; Ar represents an n-valent substituent and represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group or a heteroaromatic group, or Ar may represent a single bond when n represents 2.


Products that are aerated multiphase systems containing an aqueous continuous fluid phase which may include solutes thus forming an aqueous syrup and disperse phases like gas/air cells, water ice crystals and solid/semi-solid fat globules or aggregates thereof, whereas the disperse phases are that finely structured that their mean diameters are below phase specific critical maximum values and thereby generate a most preferred by consumers, full rich silky-creamy mouth feel at much lower fat content than usual in conventional related products like premium and super premium ice creams.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to aerated multiphase systems containing an aqueous continuous fluid phase which may include solutes, thus forming an aqueous syrup and disperse phases like gas/air cells, water ice crystals and solid/semi-solid fat globules or aggregates thereof, whereas the disperse phases are that finely structured that their mean diameters are below phase specific critical maximum values and thereby generate a most preferred by consumers, full rich silky-creamy mouth feel at much lower fat content than usual in conventional related products like premium and super premium ice creams, and processes for their manufacture.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In conventional frozen and aerated water-based ice slurries of the ice cream type, creaminess is mainly generated by a disperse fat phase forming globules with diameters between 0.5 and 2 microns, preferably below 1 micron, and/or fat globule aggregates built due to partial coalescence of the primary fat globules. Such interconnected fat globules/fat globule aggregates can form a three-dimensional network thus stabilizing the air cells in the ice cream structure, most obviously when the ice crystals are melted. Fat globule networking in particular at the air cell interface is supported by more hydrophobic fat globule surfaces. Those are more available if emulsifiers like mono-/diglycerides containing a larger fraction of unsaturated fatty acids support the de-hulling of initially protein covered fat globules in the temperature range where a major portion of the fat fraction crystallizes. In ice creams, milk fat is generally used as the main fat component for which the related relevant crystallizing temperature range is below 5 to 8° C. The well stabilized air cells are mainly responsible for the creaminess and texture sensation during ice cream melting in the mouth. The more stable the air cell/foam structure in the melted state during shear treatment between tongue and palate, the more pronounced the creaminess is perceived. Another but smaller direct contribution to the creaminess is derived from medium sized fat globule aggregates below 30 micron. If the fat globule aggregates become too large (larger than about 30-50 microns) the creamy sensation turns into a buttery, fatty mouth feel.
It has been demonstrated how the diameter reduction of the fat globules by applying higher homogenization pressure in ice cream mix preparation supports the build-up of a fat globule network, improving air cell/foam structure stability and related creaminess.
The scoop ability of frozen, aerated slurries like ice cream is mainly related to the ice crystal structure, in particular the ice crystal size and their inter-connectivity. Scoop ability is a very relevant quality characteristic of ice creams in the low temperature range between −20C and −15 C, right after removing from the freezer. In conventional ice cream manufacture partial freezing is done in continuous or batch freezers (=cooled scraped surface heat exchangers) down to outlet temperatures of about −5° C. Then the ice cream slurry is filled into cups or formed e.g. at the outlet of extrusion dies. Following this the products are hardened in freezing systems with coolant temperatures of around −40° C. until a product core temperature of about −20° C. is reached. Then the products are stored and/or distributed. After the pre-freezing step in the scraped surface heat exchanger (=ice cream freezer) in conventional ice cream recipes, about 40-45% of the freezable water is frozen as water ice crystals. Another fraction of about 25-30% is still liquid. Most of this fraction freezes during further cooling in the hardening system. In this production step, the ice cream is in a state of rest. Consequently the additionally frozen water crystallizes at the surfaces of the existing ice crystals, thus causing their growth from about 20 microns to 50 microns and larger. Some of the initial ice crystals are also interconnected thus forming a three-dimensional ice crystal network. If such a network is formed the ice cream behaves like a solid body and the scoop ability becomes very poor.
It has been shown that the ice crystal growth during cooling/hardening is claimed to be restricted by the use of anti-freeze proteins. This is also expected to have a positive impact on the ice crystal connectivity with respect to improved scoop ability.
It has also been claimed that the use of other specific ingredients like low melting vegetable fat, polyol fatty acid polyesters or specific sugars like sucrose/maltose mixtures are claimed to soften the related ice cream products thus improving scoop ability and creaminess.
Finally reference has been made to specific processing equipment, mostly single or twin screw cooled extruders, in order to modify the ice cream microstructure for improving the texture and stability properties.
It has not yet been recognized that all of the disperse phases in aerated frozen ice cream-like slurries can be reduced or modified in size and/or connectivity on the basis of a mechanical shear treatment principle. Thus the mechanical shear treatment principle can effectively contribute to the adjustment of microstructure related quality characteristics like scoop ability and creaminess.

Aerated frozen suspension with adjusted creaminess and scoop ability based on stress-controlled generation of superfine microstructures


A linear motor has a mover that is a magnetostatic induction element and is relatively movable through electromagnetic coils or the like. The mover has a length of a magnetic path which derives attraction from the coil in regard to the length of the electromagnetic coil. As the magnetostatic induction element proceeds through the electromagnetic coils, the electromagnetic coils are energized while the magnetic field created thereby exert forward attractive force on the magnetostatic induction element, and disenergized before the traction in a reverse direction is exerted on the magnetostatic induction element.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a linear motor used for conveying objects or a linear motion devices in industry, and in particular, relates to a linear magnetization mover motor due to linear force resulting from the interaction between a magnetostatic induction element and electromagnetic coils.
2. Related Art
According to "The Present State and the applied Technology of the Linear Electromagnetic Driving System" that is a technical report of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan [Section 2], No. 314, linear electromagnetic actuators classify two groups; linear motors obtainable by developing rotary motors cut open in a straight line; and the other is linear actuators, which are called linear motion oscillators, and is limited to a certain extent of motion in itself. According to the definition, the linear motors, i.e., linear induction motors, linear synchronous motors, linear pulse motors, linear direct current motors, or linear hybrid motors that are combinations of other types of linear motors, or the like, have a linear driving force interactive between a current filament and a traveling magnetic field, instead of the rotating field at the rotating machines. The linear actuators, such as electromagnetic pumps or the like, which generate linear attractive force within a limited range of motion are not included in the linear motors. According to other documents, an electromagnetic gun for accelerating a projectile under Fleming's left hand rule is also categorized as an apparatus for creating linear propulsive and attractive force.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a conventional magnetic leakage type of a linear electromagnetic solenoid actuator having an electromagnetic air-core coil 102 and a movable plunger 101, which is limited to a certain extent of motion in itself. Such an actuator is described on page 27 of "Linear Motor and Their Application" which is edited by the Institutes of Electrical Engineers and published by Ohmsha LTD.
The above linear electromagnetic actuators use electromagnetic attraction or repulsive force resulting from the interaction between a current filament (or a magnetic element) and a magnetic field.
In the linear motors according to the present invention wherein electromagnetic air-core coil, ferromagnetic core coil or the like and movable element are employed, magnetizable materials made by an induced magnetization from a magnetostatic field is used instead of the current or the magnet that are used in the linear electromagnetic actuators described above.
The technical report of Electrical Society [Section 2], No. 314 discloses a linear oscillatory actuator which is a linear actuator exerting linear reciprocation on a movable member by electrical input without using any converter; and a linear electromagnetic solenoid which is a component giving linear motion directly to a movable iron core by the electromagnetic force which is exerted on an exciting coil by application of voltage. Japanese Utility Model Application Kokai (Laid-Open) No. 50-79953 discloses a digital solenoid comprising a movable iron core which can be linearly moved through a cylindrical exciting coil by exciting the coil. "Linear Motor for Industry", edited by Hajime Yamada and published by Kogyo chosakai Publishing Company, Limited, discloses a linear digital actuator. Each of the above-described actuators, however, has a limited stroke, therefore, is different from the present invention that is a linear motor with electromagnetic air-core coil and has a magnetic induction element that is an electromagnetic air-core coil according to which enables continuous linear propulsion of objects.
Since the conventional linear motor is obtained by developing a rotary motor cut open in a straight line, in a direction of motion thrust, propulsion force and traction force result from interaction between a current filament and traveling magnetic field intensity. The forces have the direction mutually perpendicular to the traveling magnetic field and the current. FIG. 11 schematically shows attraction and repulsive forces acting between the mover (a magnet or an electromagnetic coil) 111 and ground coils 112-A, 112-B, 112-C, . . . , and 112-N, according to a conventional construction. As shown in the figure, when the mover of a current loop (or magnetic poles) and the other current loop (the magnetic poles of magnets) face to each other, the attractive force exerted on the mover is zero to the direction of thrust and propulsion, and when the half overlapping condition both the current loop and the other current loop, the mover receives a largest transversal force. Therefore, the linear driving force exerted on the mover varies as the object travels along the track or the magnitude of traveling magnetic field. It is possible to create a continuous magnetic field by disposing the magnets to overlap with one another. However, this solution will make necessary a complex structure.
The magnetic field that issues from the excitation of electromagnetic coil has the maximum intensity at the center of the coil and the intensity gradually decreases according to the distance from the center. Therefore, the closer to the center of the coil, the more intensive the magnetic field. Accordingly, it is necessary to locate interacting magnets, the magnetostatic magnet and magnet (or a current filament), as close as possible to each other to economize the magnetic energy. However, according to the conventional linear motor, the mover (or a magnet, current filament) is not always located where magnetic field has the greatest magnetic intensity as clearly shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, such a conventional structure requires a large electric current to obtain necessary attractive force
The driving force is produced by the vector product of the magnetic field intensity and the current intensity of the mover. Other problems in conventional linear motors are that a high-powered permanent magnet, an exciting power supply and coils for producing a high-powered electromagnet, a cooling device, a power supply for cooling, and an exciting circuit therefor is required.

Linear magnetization mover motor due to linear force resulting from the interaction between magnetostatic induction element and electromagnetic coil

c/o Railway Technical Research Institute, 8-38, Hikari-cho 2-chome


A magnetic disk sub-system provides for sudden cutting off of a main power supply such as a power failure so that the backup by battery is effected to supply electric power to the cache memory from a battery upon cutting off of the main power supply in order to protect data in the cache memory and when the main power supply is cut off by operation of a main power supply switch the backup by battery is stopped to cut off supply of electric power to the cache memory from the battery after data in the cache memory is written into a magnetic disk unit and supply of electric power from the main power supply is then cut off. Further, the magnetic disk sub-system divides the cache memory into several portions so that the backup by battery can be controlled independently to thereby extend the backup period.

The present invention relates to a magnetic disk controller for controlling data transfer between magnetic disk units constituting external storage apparatuses and a main memory unit of a higher rank apparatus and more particularly to data protection in a cache memory for temporarily holding data transferred between the magnetic disk units and the main memory unit.
As compared with a reading speed of information from a magnetic disk and a writing speed of information into the magnetic disk, a reading and writing speed of information to a cache memory constituted by a random access memory (RAM) is vary fast. Accordingly, by adding a cache memory to a magnetic disk controller for controlling data transfer between the magnetic disk units and the higher rank apparatus, an access time to the higher rank apparatus can be reduced greatly.
In this case, when data is read from the magnetic disk units to the higher rank apparatus, a magnetic disk control unit transfers data from a cache memory to the higher rank apparatus directly when the data is stored in the cache memory. When the data is not stored in the cache memory, the higher rank apparatus and a bus are once released after reception of an instruction and the data is then written into the cache memory from the magnetic disk. Thereafter, the higher rank apparatus and the bus are connected again and the data is transferred from the cache memory to the higher rank apparatus.
Further, when data is to be written into the magnetic disk units from the higher rank apparatus, the data is once written into the cache memory without writing the data into the magnetic disk directly and completion of the writing is reported to the higher rank apparatus when the data has been written into the cache memory. Then, the higher rank apparatus and the bus are released and thereafter the data in the cache memory is written into the magnetic disk to thereby shorten an occupancy time of the higher rank apparatus and the bus.
However, when the data is to be written into the magnetic disk units, the data is first written into the cache memory and then completion of the writing is reported to the higher rank apparatus. Accordingly, when a breaker is pulled down or when a plug receptacle is pulled out or when a power supply is suddenly cut off due to a power failure or the like before the data in the cache memory is written into the magnetic disk, he data written in only the cache memory disappears due to the volatility of the RAM used in the cache memory.
In order to cope with such a case, a battery is provided for the backup of the cache memory so that electric power is supplied from the battery to the cache memory directly to protect the data stored in the cache memory. In the prior art, however, a flag is stored to indicate that the data is stored in the cache memory and it is judged whether the cache memory is backed up by the battery or not.
In the conventional magnetic disk controller, if any data is stored in the cache memory when the power supply for the apparatus is cut off, the cache memory is backed up by the battery. Accordingly, even when the power supply is cut off by a main power supply switch (even when it is previously understood that the power supply is cut off), the data in the cache memory is not written into the magnetic disk and the cache memory is backed up by the battery, so that the battery for backup is continued to be used.

Magnetic disk controller for backing up cache memory


A plurality of DC/DC converters is provided for each group of solar panels and is configured to convert an output power of the solar panels. A charger includes an input to which outputs of the plurality of DC/DC converters are connected and is configured to convert an input voltage with maintaining the input voltage to a lower limit voltage during charging. The control device controls each of the plurality of DC/DC converters independently. Each of the plurality of control devices is configured to control so as to gradually increase the output voltage of the DC/DC converter from the lower limit voltage, measure the output power of the solar panel each time the output voltage is increased, and search for the output voltage where the measured output power is maximum and maintain that output voltage.

In recent years, solar cells have been actively developed towards zero carbon dioxide emission. Among these, there have been proposed solar cell systems that utilize a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control to improve a power extraction efficiency (refer to Patent Documents 1, 2 listed below). The MPPT control is used to operate a power converter such as an inverter and a converter that converts output power of the solar cell so as to generate maximum output power of the solar cell. In these solar cell systems, the MPPT control is performed separately with respect to individual solar cells, instead of performing the MPPT control collectively with respect to the plurality of solar cells.
However, although the maximum power for each solar cell can be generated by performing the MPPT control for each solar cell, it is also necessary to consider after the power from solar cells are combined. For this purpose, it is possible to provide a control device for grasping electricity generation amounts of all solar cells, where the control device may control an output voltage from each power converter so as to maintain the maximum power.
In this case, however, the control device needs to grasp the electricity generation amounts of all solar cells, causing the device to be complicated and causing an increase in the cost.


A communications system includes multiple mobile wireless communications devices transmitting at a same time to a fixed receiver assembly. Each mobile wireless communications device transmits a source signal defined by a respective character set comprising a plurality of symbols. At least one of the symbols in the respective character sets is transmitted at a different power level so that the transmitted source signal from each mobile wireless communications device appears with linearly independent power level time periods. The linearly independent power level time periods are used by the fixed receiver assembly to populate a mixing matrix for signal separation processing.

Source signal separation involves recovering source signals from a composite signal, wherein the composite signal includes a mixture of the source signals. Source signal separation includes blind signal separation (BSS), for example. The separation is "blind" because it is often performed with limited information about the signals, the sources of the signals, and the effects that the propagation channel has on the signals.
An example is the familiar "cocktail party" effect when a person at a party is able to separate a single voice from a combination of all the voices in the room. Blind source separation is particularly applicable to cellular and personal wireless communications devices, where many frequency bands have become cluttered with numerous radio frequency emitters, often co-existing in the same spectrum. The problem of co-channel emitters is expected to only worsen in years to come with the development of low power, unlicensed wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and other personal area networks.
Three commonly used blind signal separation techniques are principal component analysis (PCA), independent component analysis (ICA) and singular value decomposition (SVD). PCA involves first and second moment statistics of the source signals, and is used when the signal-to-noise ratios of the source signals are high. Otherwise, ICA is used which involves PCA processing followed by third and fourth moment statistics of the source signals. As an alternative, SVD may be used to separate a source signal from the mixture of source signals based upon their eigenvalues.
Regardless of the blind signal separation technique that is applied, a plurality of sensors is used to receive different mixtures of the source signals from the various signal sources. Each sensor outputs a mixture of the source signals, which is a unique sum of the source signals. In general, both the channel coefficients and the original source signals are unknown to the receiver. The unique sums of signals are used to populate a mixing matrix. The appropriate blind signal separation technique is then applied to the mixing matrix for separating desired source signals from the mixture of source signals.
As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,170 discloses the separation of an independent source signal from a mixture of source signals using ICA. A plurality of sensors receive the mixture of source signals, and a processor takes samples of the mixture of source signals over time and stores each sample as a data vector to create a data set. Each sensor outputs a mixture of the source signals, which is a unique sum of the source signals. An ICA module performs an independent component analysis of the data vectors to separate an independent source signal from other signals in the mixture of source signals.
The sensors are spatially separated from one another, and the processor generates only one data vector for each respective sensor to create the data set. The '170 patent also discloses that the number of sensors N is equal to or greater than the number of sources M, i.e., N≧M for populating the data set. A problem with such an implementation is that as the number of sources M increases, then so does the number of sensors N. Small portable communications devices have little available volume for a large number of sensors N, and mounting the sensors on the outside of the communications devices is a problem for the users.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,362 discloses another method for separating signals using blind signal separation. The disclosed blind signal separation technique forms a mixing matrix with hybrid matrix-pencil adaptive array weights that minimize the mean squared errors due to both interference emitters and Gaussian noise. The hybrid weights maximize the signal to interference plus noise ratio. As with the '170 patent, the sensors are also spatially separated from one another, and the number of sensors N is equal to or greater than the number of sources M for populating the mixing matrix. Moreover, each sensor provides a single input to the mixing matrix resulting in a larger volume area for a portable communications device.
The rank of the mixing matrix thus determines how many signals can actually be separated. The larger the rank, the more signals that can be separated. A multipath signal is beneficial in that it can be used to populate the mixing matrix, as long as the multipath signal is independent in some measurable characteristic. Multipath occurs when a single data transmission encounters obstacles that cause it to split into multiple versions, each taking a different path to an intended receiver.
However, the symbols within a multipath signal may be time shifted so that when they reach the intended receiver, they may cancel or interfere with other received symbols. Alternatively, multipath may not even exist between the signal source and the intended receiver. As a consequence, the number of linearly independent signal sums received by the intended receiver for both of these cases may not be enough to populate the mixing matrix for signal separation.

Undulating transmit patterns for multiple simultaneous transmitters to support signal separation at a receiver


According to a method for enabling online game play in a content stream, a website logon is received from a user of a computing device and an associated profile is retrieved. The content stream associated with the profile is displayed in a GUI presented by the computing device. The content stream includes a view of an online game. The view associated with the game is updated in response to a game move. The game move results from input from the user and the view associated with the game continues to be displayed in the content stream.

Playing online games, i.e., games played over a computer network, is a popular Internet-based activity. Some online games are single-player games, while others are multi-player games. In the case of multi-player games, which are growing in popularity due at least in part to the social interaction that they afford, players typically must access a game server at the same time to initiate a game. This requirement can make it difficult for friends to participate in a multi-player game together.
Social networking websites such as Facebook provide a convenient way for friends to interact online. However, to participate in a multi-player game together, friends typically must leave their feed streams to play the game on a separate canvas.
It is in this context that embodiments arise.


A developing unit capable of dispersing a pressure of developer used therein includes a developer housing to contain the developer and a blocking member to divide the developer housing into a first section and a second section, the second section including a developing member disposed therein to transfer the developer onto a photosensitive medium and to store the developer, the blocking member being detachably mounted in the developing unit. When the blocking member is detached from the developing unit, the first section is connected to the second section, so that the pressure of developer inside the developer housing can be spread evenly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present general inventive concept relates to an image forming apparatus utilizing an electrophotographic process, and more particularly, to a developing unit capable of evenly spreading pressure of a developer and preventing the developer from being scattered, and an image forming apparatus having the developing unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image forming apparatuses utilizing electrophotographic processes perform operations such as charging, exposing, developing, transferring and fixing in order to form images. Developing units within the image forming apparatus function to develop electrostatic latent images formed on photosensitive media using a developer. Developing units include developer housings containing developer, and developing rollers. The developer contained in the developer housings is attached to developing rollers, and a developing gap of a predetermined distance is formed between the developing rollers and photosensitive media. Electrostatic forces generated by a potential difference between the developing rollers and photosensitive media cause the developer attached to developing rollers to move to photosensitive media through the developing gap, so that visual images corresponding to the electrostatic latent images are formed.
There are two types of developing units, one of which is manufactured with developer pre-supplied to developer housings, and the other one of which does not have the developer pre-supplied.
In the case of a developing unit in which developer is not pre-supplied to developer housings, it is impossible to check whether the developing unit is of inferior quality after the developing unit has been manufactured, since there is no developer in the developing unit with which to perform a print test.
In the case of a developing unit in which developer is pre-supplied, it is possible to sort out defective products by performing a print test. However, problems may arise during distribution before the developing units reach customers.
Developer as powders have an adhesive quality, and thus if a developing unit is placed in an upright position for a long period of time or is transported a long distance, the developer particles may become coagulated on one side of the developing unit. Accordingly, the pressure of the developer particles may increase, and the torque required to transfer the developer particles may increase excessively due to the coagulated developer particles. Therefore, the load on a motor may become excessive, causing the motor to be unable to rotate, and making it impossible for printing to be performed.
A developing roller rotates while a developing unit is being operated, causing airflow to be generated in a developing gap between the developing roller and a photosensitive medium, and accordingly, some developer scatters outwards from the developing unit in the direction of the airflow rather than moving onto the photosensitive medium. Additionally, a portion of the airflow formed in the developing gap flows into a developer housing, so the air pressure inside the developer housing becomes greater than the air pressure outside the developer housing. Such a difference in air pressure may cause a greater amount of developer to be scattered, and an image forming apparatus and printing media may thus be contaminated due to the scattered developer.
In order to prevent the scattering of developer, it is necessary for the air pressure in the developer housing to be reduced. To achieve this, there is provided a conventional developer housing including a filter and an air vent hole formed therein. The filter only allows air to pass through while preventing the developer from passing through. However, fine developer particles having a diameter less than that of pores formed on the filter are able to flow out through the air vent hole. If a developing unit is attached to an image forming apparatus, there is a small possibility that fine developer particles flow out. However, since shocks or vibrations may be applied to the developing unit during distribution before the developing units reach customers, the outflow of fine developer particles may increase.

Developing unit and image forming apparatus having the same


Seamless client roaming for Multi-Link Device (MLD) clients may be provided. First, a Traffic Identifier (TID)-to-link map may be established by an Upper Service Access Point (U-SAP) of a multi-AP MLD entity that assigns subsets of TIDs to at least two links of the entity. For example, a client device logically associates with the U-SAP, while the client device physically connects to a first and second AP of the entity on a respective first and second link, where the first and second AP include first and second Lower Service Access Points (L-SAPs) and are non-collocated. Next, using the map, data received at the U-SAP is directed over one of the two links for transmission to the client device. Further, frame aggregation and block acknowledgment functions may be performed by one of the first or second L-SAP based on whether data transmission is over the first or second link.

In computer networking, a wireless Access Point (AP) is a networking hardware device that allows a Wi-Fi compatible client device to connect to a wired network and to other client devices. The AP usually connects to a router (directly or indirectly via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself. Several APs may also work in coordination, either through direct wired or wireless connections, or through a central system, commonly called a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) controller. An AP is differentiated from a hotspot, which is the physical location where Wi-Fi access to a WLAN is available.
An AP connects to a wired network, then provides Radio Frequency (RF) links for other radio devices to reach that wired network. Most APs support the connection of multiple wireless devices to one wired connection. APs are built to support a standard for sending and receiving data using these radio frequencies.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11be, also referred to as Wi-Fi 7, introduces a concept of a Multi-Link Device (MLD) that enables a client device to simultaneously be associated with multiple RF links on an AP, which provides increased capacity and higher throughputs for the client device.

Seamless roaming for multi-link device clients