A process for selectively extracting bioactive components from a raw material extract derived from vegetable matter, including the steps of: (a) passing said raw material extract through a passageway containing an adsorbent whereby at least some of the components to be extracted are adsorbed onto the said adsorbent; (b) subsequently passing through said passageway an eluent mixture substantially containing water and alcohol whereby the concentration of alcohol in the eluent is increased at a substantially constant rate from 15 vol percent to 95 vol percent during at least those periods when the components are being eluted; (c) sequentially collecting an eluate in fractions corresponding to the presence of the extracted components.

Citrus fruits contain a range of compounds which are biologically active in humans. Many of these compounds have a beneficial antioxidant activity with the ability to produce advantageous physiological effects in the treatment of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and arthritis. For example citrus limonoid compounds derived from citrus may be used as anti-tumour agents. Further studies have also identified beneficial physiological effects produced by Flavonoids such as Flavanones and Polymethoxylated Flavones.
The bioactive compounds present in citrus fruits include groups consisting of Limonoids and Flavonoids.
Limonoids are a group of triterpenoid derivatives found in naturally occurring substances such as citrus fruits. The compounds which typically occur in citrus fruits are linked to a glucose molecule (the glucoside) and are commonly referred to as limonoid glucosides.
Flavonoids being to the group of benzopyrane derivatives which occur widely in nature. They have a typical chemical structure consisting of one benzene ring with a fused heterocyclic six membered ring containing an oxygen atom. These compounds also contain phenolic hydroxyl groups, which may be free, methylated or bound to sugars. Typically, flavonoids are distinguished by means of differences between the heterocyclic rings and between additional functional groups. Three types of flavonoids occur in citrus fruits—flavanones, flavones and flavonois. Many of these exist as glycosides.
Flavonones are the most predomonant type of citrus flavonoid. In fruits such as sweet orange, mandarin and lemon the dominant flavanone is the nearly tasteless hesperidin, while in more bitter fruits such as grapefruit, pummelo and sour orange, the more bitter flavanone naringin dominates.
The term polymethoxylated flavones represents the chemical family of flavones with a number of methoxyl groups equal to or greater than 4. These compounds are almost exclusively found in citrus fruits with a specific characteristic distribution for each variety. They are found in all parts of the fruit including the peel, flavedo, albedo and endocarp.
In the citrus processing industry, a commercial practice has arisen of producing juice or juice additives from citrus peel. In this process water soluble components are extracted from the peel using a range of devices. The resultant extract is typically bitter and astringent due to the large amounts of limonoid and flavonoid compounds which are particularly concentrated in the peel. To ensure the juice is not overly bitter the extract is typically clarified and de-bittered. The de-bittering process involves contacting the extract with a polymer adsorbent. This results in the adsorption on the polymer of some of the bitter principles; the remaining natural sugars, acids and some flavour compounds remain in the treated "juice". This treatment results in the adsorption of a large portion of the flavonoid compounds in addition to the limonoids.
Commercial de-bittering operations typically regenerate the polymer by desorbing the removed compounds with a caustic soda solution. This process destroys the bioactive and flavour components resulting in their discharge as waste with the spent caustic solution, without harnessing these valuable bioactive by-products.
The object of the present invention is to address some or all of these problems, and to effect a separation of individual bioactive components.

Process for selectivity extracting bioactive components


An encoding processing apparatus includes a first storing section for storing first encoded information and second encoded information, a second storing section for storing a table indicating association relation between the first encoded information and the second encoded information, an arithmetic section for calculating the second encoded information by reading the first encoded information stored in the first storing section and searching the table stored in the second storing section, a third storing section for storing by associating the first encoded information previously read from the first storing section and the second encoded information, a first control section for reading the second encoded information associated with the first encoded information from the third storing section, and a second control section for storing by associating the first encoded information with the second encoded information in the third storing section. The arithmetic section performs processing of searching the table stored in the second storing section and calculating the second encoded information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an encoding processing apparatus encoding image data, and a decoding processing apparatus decoding the encoded image data.
2. Description of Related Art
In variable-length encoding processing in encoding processing of encoding image data compliant with encoding schemes, such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group), syntaxes are generated from bitstreams by referring to a variable-length code table. For example, in processing of variable-length-encoding DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) coefficients for the encoded image data, since the processing is the one for performing on macroblock-level syntaxes, the variable-length code table becomes large in size and thus a search processing time becomes also enormous. Particularly, when such search processing is performed by using a general-purpose computation processor, the search processing cannot be performed parallelly, but performed sequentially from the variable-length code table stored in a cache, thereby increasing a processing cycle count.
In order to reduce the time for searching a variable-length code table in decoding processing, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. JP H06-152988 (Patent Document 1) discloses a decoding processing apparatus achieving higher-speed search processing by dividing a coded table by the numbers of "1" or "0" consecutively listed from the top of a target bitstream for variable-length decoding processing.
However, in the decoding processing apparatus disclosed in the Patent Document 1, processing steps in which the numbers of "1" or "0" consecutively listed from the top of the target bitstream are obtained first, then a first table is referred by using the obtained value as an address, a second table is referred by using the information obtained by reference, and further a run length is associated with a level for the string of variable-length code bits, has to be performed with respect a Huffman code table provided in advance.
When such processing steps are performed for a general-purpose processor, processing for a run length/level pair requires a processing time of several tens of cycles. In this way, in the processing compliant with the macroblock-based syntaxes, search processing for run-length and level occupies a relatively large percentage. As such, when encoding processing is performed on high-resolution image data, such a general-purpose processor also performs processing other than the variable-length encoding processing, it would become difficult to perform the encoding processing at real time.
Further, in addition to the variable-length encoding processing, the encoding processing includes a step of calculating encoded information by searching a table associating input/output relation of encoded information calculated at an intermediate processing stage. Thus, in the general-purpose processor, in order to perform encoding processing and decoding processing at real time., a reduction of time required for the search processing is required.

Encoding processing apparatus and decoding processing apparatus


Various methods and apparatus are described for implementing effective echo suppression in a wide variety of telephony system architectures. These methods and apparatus include broadband and multi-band techniques for speech detection, estimation of near-end transmission path attenuation, and estimation of far-end transmission path attenuation and delay.

The present invention relates to telephony and voice applications in digital networks, and specifically to techniques for mitigating the effects of echo in such applications. More specifically, the present invention relates to techniques for speech detection and echo suppression.
In telephony applications, acoustic coupling between the speaker and microphone at the far end can result in reception of an "echo" at the near end which is annoying to the near end user and makes it difficult to communicate coherently, thus significantly undermining the efficacy of such applications. In digital network telephony, this problem is exacerbated by the relatively long delays in the transmission paths, and the typically poor acoustic isolation of the transducers used by such applications.
There are two solutions to this problem, commonly referred to as echo cancellation and echo suppression, either of which may be used alone or in combination with the other. Echo cancellation is typically implemented as an adaptive filtering algorithm in the far-end equipment and can be highly effective. Basically, echo cancellation algorithms model the process by which the echo at the far end is generated, generate an estimated echo signal, and subtract the estimated echo signal from the signal to be transmitted to the near end.
However, there are some issues which limit the universal applicability of conventional echo cancellation techniques. For example, because changes in the acoustic attenuation of various echo paths cannot be compensated for immediately, some of the echo leaks through. In addition, in the presence of large amounts of acoustic noise, the adaptive algorithm may not converge. Also, large amounts of computational resources are required for such algorithms. Finally, in order for a near-end user to derive the benefit of echo cancellation algorithms in far-end telephony equipment, the equipment at both ends must be provided by the same or cooperative vendors, an obvious limitation on the effective deployment of such techniques.
By contrast, echo suppression, which may be used instead of or in conjunction with echo cancellation, is typically implemented as an algorithm running entirely in the near-end equipment. The fundamental idea is to detect when the near-end user is speaking and, allowing for the round-trip delay of the echo signal, to significantly reduce the gain of the near-end speaker, a technique often referred to as "ducking." Any echo that might otherwise be heard is reduced to the point where it does not interfere with the near-end user's current attempts at communicating.
Unfortunately, many currently available echo suppression techniques are relatively primitive. That is, such techniques typically detect when a near-end user is speaking and turn down the near-end speaker gain at some fixed delay from when the speech is detected. The fixed delay is typically relatively short, e.g., 200 ms, to ensure that the suppression of the near-end speaker occurs before any echo is received. In addition, the suppression typically continues well after the detected speech has ended to ensure that all of the corresponding echo has been suppressed.
The problem with such a brute force approach to echo suppression is that much more information is suppressed than is necessary, including speech from the far-end user which occurs simultaneously with the near-end speech, i.e., the so-called double talk condition. It is therefore desirable to provide echo suppression techniques that more intelligently suppress echo as well as avoid the undesirable suppression of far-end speech.

Echo suppression and speech detection techniques for telephony applications


A wide-angle zoom optic system includes: in an order from an object, a first lens group having a negative refractive power; a second lens group having a positive refractive power; and a third lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein the first lens group includes two lens elements. In the zoom optic system, the ratio of the distance between the last lens element with respect to the object and an image field at a wide-angle position to a focal length at the wide-angle position is adjusted, so that a compact zoom optic system having a high magnification and a wide viewing angle can be implemented.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wide-angle zoom lens system suitable for a camera using a solid-state image pickup device, and more particularly to, an inexpensive compact wide-angle zoom lens system having a wide field of view and high magnification.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, image pickup apparatuses using an image pickup device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), for example, digital cameras and digital camcorders, have been widely used. High performance such as high magnification and a wide viewing angle has been required for the image pickup apparatuses. In addition, there is a demand for inexpensive compact image pickup apparatuses. Accordingly, there is also a demand for inexpensive high-performance compact zoom lenses.
A zoom optic system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-108531 includes first to third lens groups having negative, positive, and positive refractive power respectively, in that order from an object. In the zoom optic system, although a wide viewing angle of 80° or more can be obtained, a magnification has a low value of less than 3. In addition, since the first lens group is constructed with three lenses, it is unsatisfactory for compactness.
A zoom optic system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-102182 includes first to third lens groups having negative, positive, and positive refractive power, respectively. At the telephoto position, the first and second lens groups are moved so as to shorten the distance between the first and second lens groups and lengthen the distance between the second and third lens groups. The zoom optic system has a high magnification of 3 to 4 but a narrow viewing angle of 70° or less.
A zoom optic system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-196621 includes first to fifth lens groups having positive, negative, positive, positive, and positive refractive power, respectively. During image-field shifting from wide-angle to telephoto, the first to fourth lens groups are moved, and the fifth lens is fixed. A partial lens group of the third lens group is designed as a shift lens group. By shifting the partial lens group in a direction substantially perpendicular to an optical axis direction, the image field can be shifted. In this zoom optic system, a high magnification of 7 and a wide viewing angle of 75° or more can be obtained. However, the construction of lenses is complicated and since the zoom optic system has five lens groups, there is a disadvantage in that the lens barrel needs to be large.
A zoom optic system disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2001-042218 includes first to third lens groups having negative, positive, and positive refractive power, respectively. During image-field shifting from wide-angle to telephoto, the first and second lens groups are moved and the third lens group is fixed, so that the distance between the first and second lens groups is shortened and the distance between the second and third lens groups is lengthened. However, since the zoom optic system is constructed with six lens groups, there is a disadvantage in terms of an increase in cost.


An apparatus for dehumidifying gas is provided which converts humid gas into dehumidified gas using a hydrophilic membrane that includes a superabsorbent polymer. A sub-dew point cooling tower, sub-dew point evaporative cooler and sub-dew point water harvesting system which utilize the apparatus for dehumidifying gas are also provided.

Dehumidifying devices haven used in a variety of application including air conditioners, cooling towers and the like. One kind of dehumidifying apparatus includes a hydrophilic membrane. When humid gas is passed across the hydrophilic membrane, the membrane absorbs moisture from the humid gas, yielding dehumidified gas. The dehumidified gas can then be used for the various cooling applications.
Dehumidification of the gas depresses its dew point temperature. The amount of dehumidification, and thus the depression of dew point, are dependent upon the flow rate of the humid gas and the absorption capacity and permeability of the hydrophilic membrane. If the absorption capacity and rate of the hydrophilic membrane are increased, then the dehumidification of the humid air stream and/or its flow rate can also be increased. There is a need or desire for dehumidification apparatus which provides better water absorption and dehumidification of humid air for enhanced cooling.

Apparatus for dehumidifying gas and methods of use


A lifting apparatus of surgery comprises a vertical post, a horizontal arm, a rack slider and a vertical rack. One end of vertical post is mounted on a surgical table; and the other end is to be slid on and pivoted by the horizontal arm. The horizontal arm includes a hole to slide and pivot on vertical post, a shaft to be slid on by rack slider and a fastening means to secure horizontal arm on vertical post. The rack slider includes a hole to slide on a shaft of horizontal arm, and a lifting mechanism to engage with vertical rack. The vertical rack includes a rack to engage with lifting mechanism of rack slider and an adaptor to couple with a distension instrument. First clamp vertical post on a surgical table. Then slide and secure horizontal arm on vertical post to desired position. Following slide rack slider on horizontal arm to desired position such as above patient's abdominal wall. Then, engage rack slider with vertical rack to provide upward lifting by turning the handle of lifting mechanism on rack slider.

Laparoscopic surgery is generally performed through small incisions in the abdomen using specialized instruments to accomplish the desired surgical procedures. Usually, the instruments are introduced through a narrow diameter tube, such as a trocar sleeve, while the physician observes manipulation of the instruments through specialized imaging equipment, such as a laparoscope. Laparoscopic surgical techniques offer significant advantages over conventional "open" surgical procedures, including better cosmetics effect, less postoperative pain, decrease resumption of gastrointestinal function and early return to work.
In laparoscopic surgical procedures, it is generally necessary to lift the abdominal wall away from the underlying abdominal organs to improve the visibility and accessibility of such organs. Such distension of the abdominal cavity, or peritoneum, has been heretofore accomplished by injecting a gas such as CO2 into the peritoneal cavity to tent-up the interior of the abdominal wall. The insufflation thus requires gas seals to be present at all entry ports through the abdominal wall; and, because of the doming effect on the abdomen, the laparoscopic instruments (graspers, scissors, electrocautery instruments, etc.) need long shafts to reach the treatment site. Further, using the insufflation technique, maintenance of the required distension is complicated by the loss of gas through the entry ports through the abdominal wall.
It has been proposed to use mechanical systems for peritoneal distension to overcome the problems associated with the insufflation technique. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 538,012 and Hashimoto et al. (Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an approach without pneumoperitoneum, Surgical Endoscopy, 1994, pp. 54-56) adopts an alternative to abdominal insufflation, by upward and outward traction on the anterior abdominal wall with a hanger lifting method using subcutaneous wiring. However, the wires hung above the abdominal wall may obstruct the operators' actions during operation.
Chin et al. disclose the Laparofan® technique for lifting the abdominal wall by means of angle-shaped rods having elongated arms at their distal ends which are inserted through an incision and farmed out within the abdomen. (Gasless laparoscopy using a planar lifting technique, Journal of American College of Surgery, 1993, Vol. 178, pp 401-403) Most of Chin et al.'s patents mainly focus on the fan retractors. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,653 utilizes a pair of lifting rods each hinged at their distal ends to opposite ends of an elongate cross-member. After insertion, the apparatus is locked into the triangular configuration, connected to a lifting arm, and lifted to cause the retraction rods to lift and support the abdominal wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,689 discloses a fan retractor for laparoscopic surgery which has a pair of angle-shaped elements with first legs disposed in parallel relationship to one another and second legs extending laterally from the first legs for movement between a juxtaposed collapsed condition and a fanned-out expanded condition.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,569,165 and 5,690,607 provide an apparatus for allowing two fan retractors to be used to lift the abdominal wall and to provide improved visualization and working space in the abdomen of obese patients, and in the lateral regions of the abdomen of normal patients.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,327 utilizes a lifting body having two or more retraction rods supported by the lifting body. The retraction rods are spread apart from each other while their parallel orientation is maintained. The lifting body is connected to a lifting arm and lifted, causing the retraction rods to lift and support the abdominal wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,946 discloses a mechanical lifting retractor to increase working space in the chest for cardiac surgery by temporarily expanding the space between the rib cage and the pericardium. The lifting device has a pair of parallel right-angled retractors. Following insertion of the distal portions into the mediastinal space, the distal portions are rotated into the lifting position and oriented in the sagittal plane such that each distal portion extends beneath one of the ribs. A lifting force is applied to the lifting retractor, causing the distal portions to engage the ribs and to lift the rib cage and thereby enlarging the mediastinal space.
All of these retractors or apparatus mentioned above require a mechanical lifting arm to provide the lifting force. However, none of these patents mentioned above fully disclosed the arm.
Chin et al.'s U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,372,147 and 5,555,897 do describe a mechanical lifting arm. The arm comprises a support structure including an extendible vertical post, an extendible horizontal arm, and means at the lower end of the post for mounting the structure to a surgical table. A mechanism is provided for releasably locking the position of the horizontal arm relative to the vertical post including an actuator switch at the distal end of the horizontal arm. Furthermore, the arm is provided for power-assisted raising and lowering of the vertical post. Although power assisted raising of the arm provides quick and controlled lifting of the body structure, the power requirement also made the system to be kind of complicated.
Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,900 also discloses an apparatus for peritonal distension with manual operation. The apparatus is a surgical instrument support structure including a substantially vertical post having a gear rack disposed generally along the post's axis and an arm assembly movably coupled along the gear rack extending from the gear rack for holding a surgical instrument. The arm assembly includes a circular gear rotatably coupled to the arm assembly in engagement with the gear rack and a mechanism for rotating the circular gear, whereby rotation of the circular gear raises and lowers the arm assembly relative to the vertical post. The '900 apparatus using the circular gear to raise and lower the whole arm including the distension instrument may also increase the possibility of structure instability. The apparatus is not only complicate but also has a support, elbow and distal end to increase the instability problem.
For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide improved apparatus for lifting the distension instrument, particularly for providing a stable lifting force during gasless laparoscopic surgical procedures. In particular, the apparatus should provide for lifting of the abdominal wall or other body structure without using power-assisted lifting and lowering. The apparatus should allow easily manual manipulation and stable support the lifting.

Lifting apparatus for gasless laparoscopic surgery


Remote devices communicate with a central server in order to provide event tracking information pertaining to a business process, which is conducted by persons performing multiple roles. Software, including a state machine, is downloaded onto the device. A first state table is also downloaded and applied to the state machine in order to configure the device to operate in accordance with a first role. While the device is configured to operate in accordance with the first role, field data is captured and processed with the state machine in accordance with the first state table to generate event tracking information, which is transmitted to the server. Then, a second state table is applied to the state machine previously downloaded in order to reconfigure the device to operate in accordance with a second role. The device is reconfigured from the first role to the second role without changing the state machine on the device. While the remote device is configured to operate in accordance with the second role, field data is captured and processed with the state machine in accordance with the second state table to generate event tracking information, which transmitted to the server.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods for mobile process automation.
2. Description of the Related Art
Existing mobile process automation solutions require bulky, expensive equipment and only allow for rigid, pre-defined process models. Project-based solutions often involve expensive, up-front development costs and long implementation times, thereby making it difficult to keep processes synchronized with the actual business. GPS-based solutions only provide information as to the location of people and assets, rather than what they are doing or what next steps might be required. There is a need in the art for a flexible solution with rapid process modeling that does not require an investment in IT infrastructure.


An improved and new method for forming stacked polysilicon contacts for use in multilevel conducting interconnection wiring in semiconductor integrated circuits has been developed. The polysilicon contacts are self-aligned between wiring levels and the fabrication process results in a substantially planar top insulating layer surface.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of fabrication used for semiconductor integrated circuit devices, and more specifically to an improved process for forming stacked polysilicon contacts.
(2) Description of Related Art
The complexity of present-day integrated circuits requires multiple layers of interconnection conductive patterns in order to connect the discrete semiconductor devices into integrated circuits. In order to minimize use of lateral area over the semiconductor chip surface it is desirable to stack connecting vias directly over one another when connections are made between multiple layers of interconnection conductive patterns. However, in conventional via processing allocation must be made for possible mask misalignment between the conductive interconnection patterns of successive interconnection layers and the etched through hole patterns of successive insulating layers. As a result design rules require that interconnect vias have larger than necessary diameters to assure that they will overlap with conductive lines above and below them with sufficient area to meet designed current carrying requirements. Also, spacings between laterally adjacent interconnection lines have to be enlarged in the region of the interconnect vias in order to avoid undesired shorts.
In conventional processes for formation of the multilevel interconnection structure each via between successive interconnection layers is formed by separate lithographic and etching steps. Each additional lithographic step and each via etch step are costly and add to the complexity of the manufacturing process.
Numerous improvements to methods of forming stacked vias have been invented. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,155,056 entitled "Process for Formation of Cells Having Self-Aligned Capacitor Contacts, and Structure Thereof" granted Oct. 13, 1992 to Kim Jeong-Gyoo describes a method of forming self-aligned capacitor contacts, wherein polysilicon layers of differing conductivity types are used.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,129 entitled "Method of Forming Low Resistance Contacts At the Junction Between Regions Having Different Conductivity Types" granted Jul. 11, 1995 to Robert L. Hodges describes a method for forming low resistance contacts between polysilicon layers of different conductivity types. The contact resistance is reduced by forming titanium disilicide or other refractory metal suicides at the contact region.
And, U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,848 entitled "Method for Fabricating a Self-Aligned Multi-Level Interconnect" granted Aug. 8, 1995 to Sheng T. Hsu et al describes a method of forming self-aligned multilevel interconnects in which a hole in the top insulator layer defines a succession of self-aligned subsequent holes through underlying conductors and insulating layers.

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.


A three-wheeled vehicle having a reversed tricycle configuration provides a means of transporting a quadraped pet, such as a dog, to accompany the pet owner while he or she jogs or runs behind the vehicle pushing and steering it.

The present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle in which a dog or other quadruped pet can be transported while the pet owner is jogging or running behind the vehicle. This invention enables an individual who enjoys jogging and/or running with their pet to have their pet accompany them when the pet is not able or disposed to do so.
Three-wheeled strollers designed for carrying an infant while an adult is jogging or running have long been known in the prior art. A typical example of such a "baby jogger" is taught by Jacobs, U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,891. The baby jogger vehicle has a tricycle-type wheel configuration, with one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear. A seat to accommodate an infant in the upright seated position is positioned above the rear wheels. A handle for pushing and guiding the vehicle extends from the portion of the vehicle supported by the two rear wheels.
The principal problem encountered in adapting such a "baby jogger" for pets is the fact that dogs and other quadrupeds do not sit the same way humans do. In the upright seated position, humans lean back with their legs dangling in front of them. Dogs and most other quadruped animals, on the other hand, sit leaning forward on their front legs. Therefore, a pet jogger should be designed for load distribution toward the front of the vehicle, as opposed to the baby jogger which distributes the load to the rear.
For optimal stability of a three-wheeled vehicle, the load should be concentrated above the wider wheel base afforded by the two wheels with a connecting axle. Applying this principle to a pet jogger with forward load distribution, it follows that the optimal design is not the standard tricycle configuration, but rather a reversed tricycle configuration, with two wheels in the front and one in the rear.
One version of a three-wheeled vehicle primarily designed for transporting aged, infirm or disabled pets is taught by Gordon, U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,271. But Gordon ignores the different load distribution of a pet vehicle and retains the standard tricycle configuration of a baby jogger. Furthermore, the Gordon design is not adaptable to jogging or running on rugged terrain, since the platform on which the pet sits is supported directly on the axles of the front and rear wheels, thus limiting ground clearance height to the radius of the wheels. In the Gordon "Pet Buggy," moreover, the shock of passing over curbing or other irregularities in the vehicle's path is imparted directly to the platform on which the pet sits, without any cushioning or shock-absorbing mechanism.
Consequently, the Gordon "Pet Buggy" does not address the need for a stable vehicle in which a pet can comfortably sit while its owner jogs or runs. This is precisely the need that the present invention is designed to address.


A traveling position detection apparatus is provided. The traveling position detection apparatus includes: a map information storage part that stores map information including route information indicating a road route and lane marker information; a route position decision part that decides a route position that is a position on a road route based on a traveling speed, a traveling direction, and a positioning result; an offset position detection part that detects an offset position of a subject vehicle related to a lane markings by analyzing a road image and extracting the lane marking; and a traveling position decision part that decides the traveling position on a road based on the route position, an offset position, and lane marker information. When the offset position is not detected, the traveling position detection part estimates the traveling position based on the traveling speed, a traveling direction, and the already decided traveling position.

It may be possible to use various driving assistance when a traveling position of a vehicle can be accurately detected. For example, it may be possible to guide a route to a destination position by referring to map information and to automatically reduce speed before a sharp curve.
In addition, it may be possible to provide a detailed driving assistance such as prompting a driver to early perform a traveling lane change when a detection accuracy of the traveling position can be improved to a degree capable of distinguishing whether the traveling lane on which a vehicle travels is on a traveling lane or a fast lane.
Though a technology detecting a traveling position by receiving a positioning signal from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite is known as technology detecting the traveling position of the vehicle, a detection result currently includes a large error and it may be difficult to distinguish whether the traveling position of the vehicle is on the road. Therefore, the position accuracy is improved to a practical degree by combining technology called as dead reckoning navigation and a technology called as map matching, in addition to the technology using the GNSS.
Here, the dead reckoning navigation is a method detecting a movement distance and a variation amount of a movement direction every moment, accumulating them, and thereby detecting a relative position from a reference position obtained at a certain time. Map matching is a method collating movement route obtained by the dead reckoning navigation with a road shape stored in the map information, and thereby identifying the traveling position of the vehicle on the map. Dead reckoning navigation cannot decide an traveling position accurately when a reference position is not determined accurately. Furthermore, as the vehicle becomes distant from the reference position, the detection accuracy of the traveling position deteriorates. The map matching does not always identify the traveling position since identifying the traveling position from a shape of the movement route. A practical accuracy is somehow secured by combining the technologies currently. It may be difficult to secure the position accuracy at a degree capable of distinguishing the traveling lane during traveling.
A technology securing the position accuracy capable of distinguishing the traveling lane where the subject vehicle travels by detecting the lane marking on the road in an image photographed by an onboard camera is proposed (Patent Literature 1).

Traveling position detection apparatus and traveling position detection method


An approach for saving power in a memory subsystem that uses memory access idle timer to enable low power mode and memory scrub operation within computing system has been provided. The computing system determines that a memory subsystem is switched out of low power operation mode due to a memory scrub operation. In addition, the computing system bypasses the low power operation mode of an idle timer of the memory subsystem such that the memory subsystem is returned to the low power operation mode upon completion of the memory scrub operation. The computing system further sets a scrub flag of the memory subsystem to a high state, and clears the scrub flag to a low state to track if the idle timer should be bypassed.

Memory controllers manage flow of data going to and from main memory of computing systems. Memory controllers can also be separate processors or integrated into other processors, such as, for example, on a silicon die of a microprocessor of the computing system. However, main memory, being constructed at smaller scales and higher densities than standard gates, can be vulnerable to errors developed in the data that is managed by the memory controllers.
For instance, errors in main memory can be due to variations in the physical structure of the semiconductors from which the memory is constructed, or for example, due to an external influence such as temperature variation or incident ionizing radiation. In addition, due to the vulnerability of errors in the memory, error correcting codes (ECC) can be stored in conjunction with stored data values of data managed by the memory controllers, hence, providing a level of redundancy which allows isolated errors in the memory data to be corrected. Moreover, computing systems platforms, including, for example, IBM® Power Systems® (IBM and power systems are trademarks of the International Business Machines in the United States other countries or both) architectures can proactively attempt to address memory errors by utilizing memory scrubbing operations. Memory scrubbing involves reading of contents of the memory through ECC logic, and correcting any errors of the memory controllers that have been accumulated in the computing system. Correctable errors are usually single-bit or double-bit errors within a cacheline but some ECC codes allow for up to 8 bits in error within a single byte.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for mitigating effects of memory scrub operations on idle time power savings modes

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A device and method for sensory training and assessment are provided. The device includes a plurality of haptic drivers connected to a processing circuitry, wherein the plurality of haptic drivers are configured be secured to a body of a user to create vibrotactile stimuli; a feedback interface configured to receive feedback from the user in response to the vibrotactile stimuli; and a memory configured to store therein a sensory training program, wherein the sensory training program includes instructions for the haptic drivers to create the vibrotactile stimuli based on a selected sensory training program.

Dysfunctional sensory processing can be a debilitating issue for many individuals, and may be exhibited in a variety of ways. One common sensory dysfunction is a feeling of chronic pain. Pain can be caused by a variety of ailments and injuries, and is often categorized as either acute pain, lasting only a short period of time (e.g., less than 12 weeks), and chronic pain, lasting for a longer period of time (e.g., more than 12 weeks). Acute pain is a normal and healthy bodily response to an injury or disease, serving to warn an individual of a problematic area within the body. For example, after a bodily injury, the nerves in the injured area may become hypersensitive, creating elevated pain levels which serve to remind the individual to be cautious while the injury heals. This initial hypersensitivity should resolve itself within a number of weeks. For various medical and physiological reasons, this hypersensitivity sometimes does not resolve, and the pain remains present for an extended period, irrespective of whether the initial injury has healed or not. When pain hypersensitivity lasts longer than 12 weeks, it is categorized as "chronic pain." Chronic, or persistent, pain currently affects about 100 million adults in the U.S., making it a significant and pressing medical issue. In addition to the physically painful sensations, the effects of chronic pain are multidimensional. Many affected users can no longer effectively work, have impaired sleep schedules, or have feelings of depression or anxiety, each of which can impact social relationships and their sense of self within their social environment.
Pain, both acute and chronic, is a complex biological experience. Pain does not simply travel from the various body locations directly to the individual's brain. Rather, nerves in the various limbs and organs send electrical signals to the spinal cord, which are then modulated (i.e., amplified or inhibited), and then distributed to regions throughout the brain where the signals are further processed. Based on many factors (e.g., context, meaning, memory, competing motivations, mood, and so on), the brain may produce a small amount of pain, a large amount of pain, or no pain at all from an identical physical state.
Thus, the amount of pain felt by the individual may not be an accurate reflection of the amount of tissue damage or severity of organ injury. Rather, pain can be conceptualized as the brain's understanding of how much protection the body needs, and whether any behavior is required to restore homeostasis. It is for this reason that chronic pain can fluctuate moment to moment, and day to day, or context to context, even when there are no changes in the underlying tissues, and why the amount of pain can be very different than the amount of tissue damage (e.g., a paper cut can produce a lot of pain, while a shark bite may be painless at the moment of injury).
Pain hypersensitivity within the context of chronic pain is complex, and involves functional and structural changes at multiple locations in the nervous system (e.g., spinal cord, brainstem, prefrontal cortex, and so on), and affects multiple stages of sensory processing (e.g., detection, modulation, salience detection, valence, memory, learning and so on). The widespread and complex changes that manifest as chronic pain can be illustrated by the following examples: the brain may treat non-threatening sensory input as highly threatening, the brain's attentional system may become hypervigilant to certain types of sensory input, or the brain may excessively amplify certain types of sensory input while not sufficiently inhibiting other sensory input. The maladaptive changes in the nervous system are learned (e.g., through sensory experience), and research has shown that these changes can be unlearned through therapy and training. Treatment of acute pain (in the first weeks after an injury) is focused on the underlying injury or inflammation. After approximately 12 weeks, the treatment strategy shifts and focuses on reducing nerve hypersensitivity.
With this new knowledge about pain in general, and chronic pain specifically, there has been a shift in priorities for pain researchers and health professionals. The traditional focus has been directed to identifying the underlying tissue damage responsible for chronic pain and developing treatments that target underlying tissue damage (e.g., spine surgery, strength exercises and similar treatments directed to the pain-producing areas).
A new focus is developing that emphasizes nerve sensitivity. Researchers and clinicians examine pain system hypersensitivity, and evaluate treatments based on their effect on pain system hypersensitivity. Traditional treatments are being re-examined for their effects on pain system hypersensitivity. Such studies have focused on the effectiveness of treatments such as exercise, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, massage and medications.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide a solution for easing chronic pains that would overcome the challenges noted above.
Several prior art publications deal with similar issues as those described above, however each of them has one or more drawbacks associated therewith, and none of them describe the inventive solution of the present invention as described herein.
WO 2015028480 to Mena Benito et al. discloses a pain relieving stimulation system for relieving tinnitus or pain using stimulation. Tactile stimulation is combined simultaneously with a rhythmically aligned non-tactile (e.g., auditory, visual) stimulation. Mena Benito's tactile stimulator device may be arranged to provide at least one of: a mechanical stimulation and an electrical stimulation of a part of the person's body. The mechanical stimulation may be in the form of vibration of a part of the person's body, e.g. an arm or hand or it may be in the form of one or more pins serving to provide a pricking or dabbing of an area of the skin of the person, e.g. on the person's arm. Such types of stimulation can be implemented in a wearable battery powered device, e.g. a belt, a band, or the like, shaped so as to fit onto a specific body part, e.g. a wrist band or a back belt etc.
Mena Benito fails to describe a system that is capable of simultaneous or near simultaneous tactile stimulation at two or more areas of the body to enable the training of a user to focus attention at a particular area of the body. Furthermore, patterns of stimulation are not employed by Mena Benito's system nor are any means or methods of collecting feedback from the user, providing feedback to the user or subsequent adjustment of stimulation using user feedback.
US 20090151737 to Baxter discloses an apparatus, system and methods for reducing pain perception by focusing a user's attention on a positive stimulus. The apparatus consists of "focus cards" with graphics on one side and "indicia" on the other comprised of tasks and questions that can be directed to the user to focus the user's attention. The system can also include a thermal and/or vibratory device applied to the skin during a painful procedure to temporarily reduce pain via distraction. In an example, a child getting an injection is presented with one of a series of cards with instructions/questions that require focusing attention on the graphics of the card thereby distracting from pain. This can be combined with a thermal or vibrating analgesic device placed near the site of the pain.
Baxter provides for applying stimulation at a single body location and only at or near the expected pain site and it is used only at the time of expected perceived pain. The method does not provide for the querying of the user with respect to tactile stimulation, recording of input from the user, comparing that input to internally generated data of the system, providing feedback to the user with respect to such comparison or adjusting the types or timing of stimulus based on this comparison and other data (including subjective factors and user response data under various scenarios including scenarios involving the delivery of threat cues, as defined below).
Baxter's device describes very generally only one stimulator at only one area of the body and does not allow for varying patterns or intensities of stimulation. It would not be obvious for Baxter to use additional "vibratory means", as such an embodiment is not described in its method of use. The system does not have any interface which allows input from or feedback to the user regarding the stimulation. (The only mechanism for feedback is the questions on the backs of the cards delivered verbally by an individual.)
U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,733 to Peterson et al. discloses: computer-implemented methods and apparatus for treating motor control and somatosensory perception deficits and further, a training regime including somatosensory perception and motor control exercises which may be flexibly administered. Several training apparatus are described for implementing the somatosensory perception and motor control exercises. In one embodiment the device includes a plurality of force sensors situated in proximity such that each may receive one or more fingers from a human hand. In another embodiment the device includes a set of pins coupled with actuators wherein each pin is capable of independent vertical displacement. In another embodiment the devices includes a probe coupled with an actuator capable of linear displacement.
The device of Peterson et al. does not describe simultaneous, near simultaneous or alternating stimulation at two or more non proximate areas of the body, or stimulation at an area of the body while moving that particular body part. The device describes the use of only spatial tactile discrimination as compared to temporal discrimination as described herein (in other words, the Peterson device requires the user to distinguish points of stimulation at different locations on the body only whereas the system described herein requires the user to identify patterns at a single location or timing of stimulation across two or more locations).
WO 2007139996 to Tommerdahl discloses devices, systems, methods and computer program products for non-invasive diagnosis and screening of neurological disorders. Spatio-temporal mapping can be used between skin and the central nervous system ("CNS") to assess functional connectivity in the CNS. Stimulation drivers can be independently operated to control the movement of stimulators to achieve a variety of stimulation patterns.
The device of Tommerdahl is intended for diagnosis and screening (not therapy), primarily for the detection of neurological disease such as autism, ADHD and TBI
While the device of Tommerdahl can deliver controlled somatosensory stimulation patterns, a single device cannot deliver such patterns to two or more non proximate body parts simultaneously (or even in rapid succession) since the device is designed to deliver stimulation at a single location. The device cannot be used at all at certain body locations given the need to conform to the contour of many parts of the body.
The method described in Tommerdahl does not involve simultaneous or sequential stimulation at two or more non-proximate body parts, and does not involve stimulation at both a painful and non-painful body location. Feedback is solicited from the user but this does not involve asking user to shift attention between separate body parts or to alternatingly pay attention to one body part while ignoring stimulus at another. Moreover, Tommerdahl does not provide the user with repetitive feedback for training purposes, and does not incorporate algorithms that adjust tasks based on user input regarding subjective factors such as mood, fatigue, etc.
US 20150213724 to Shoshani discloses a device that creates signals, sensible to touch, in various pre-programmed shapes to treat depression, anxiety and pain. Shoshani's device does not allow concurrent or near concurrent stimulation of two or more non proximate body parts. It allows for spatio but not temporal discrimination.
The method described by Shoshani does not require shifting attention between non-proximate body parts. To the contrary, the stimulus is to be as localised as possible. The method does not involve ignoring distracting stimulus, not does it involve delivering a stimulus at painful and non-painful body parts. No algorithms or adjustment of training for subjective factors are provided. Furthermore, Shoshani does not involve tactile discrimination in the context of prescribed body movements, body positions or other threat cues.

System and method for sensory training and assessment


A device for attracting and killing fleas and other insects and bugs has a light for attracting the insects and a shallow reservoir of soapy water which the insects fall into causing them to drown. The soapy water can be replaced as often as is necessary or desired.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to insect traps, and more particularly, to a device for attracting and killing fleas and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Fleas and other insects and bugs often get into unwanted places such as homes. The insects and particularly fleas, are many times brought in by household pets.
Traps for fleas and other insects which use light to attract the insects and a sticky surface to trap them are well known in the prior art (see the following U.S. patents for examples: U.S. Pat. No. 4,117,624; U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,998; U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,506; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,112).
The above prior art insect traps use sticky surfaces to trap the insects. Thus insects which are trapped will be stuck on the surfaces until the surfaces are disposed of, which may be days or weeks depending upon how many bugs are trapped. Having dead bugs stuck on a trap in someone's home for days or weeks is not desirable. What is needed is a relatively inexpensive way to attract insects and dispose of them frequently without also disposing of expensive sticky surfaced materials.
Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use lights to attract fleas and insects, the provision of a more simple and cost effective device is not contemplated. Nor does the prior art described above teach or suggest a flea attracting and killing device which may be used by individuals to attract fleas and other insects with a light and trap the insects in such a way that the insects can be disposed of frequently in an inexpensive way. The foregoing disadvantages are overcome by the unique device for attracting and killing fleas and the like of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.


A room monitor having a second display includes a controller, a first display and a second display. The first display is preferably a touch screen monitor, which allows the entry of data into the controller without the need for a keyboard. However, the controller may be programmed through a keyboard. The controller includes a plurality of inputs and outputs for monitoring and/or controlling such room environmental factors as pressure, temperature, humidity and lighting. The inputs are used to read sensors. The outputs are used to actuate control devices. The first display includes a plurality of menus for controlling at least one environmental factor. The second display shows information the condition of a critical environment room. There is at least one message displayed on the second display. A second embodiment of the room monitor includes a controller and the first display. The first display must be a touch screen monitor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to monitoring of critical environment rooms and more specifically to a room monitor for critical environment rooms having a second display for disclosing the condition in a room.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
The prior art discloses monitoring of room environmental factors, such as humidity, pressure, temperature and lighting in a room. The monitoring is done with a controller and a display. The controller has multiple inputs for the connection of sensors and multiple outputs for the connection to control devices. The controller will also provide alarms, when the room environmental factors exceed the limits of a range. The information from the inputs and outputs may be displayed on a screen. Information for configuring sensors and control devices and setting limits is entered through a keyboard, which is connected to the controller. The prior art does not disclose the use of a second display, which displays who may enter a critical environment room or if it is safe to enter the critical environment room. Further, it appears the prior art does not disclose the use of touch screen monitors for the entry of limits concerning room environmental factors of a critical environment room.
Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a room monitor for critical environment rooms, which provides a second display for disclosing the condition of a critical environment room and utilizes a touch screen display for the entry of data.

Room monitor for critical environment rooms


A twin-sheet thermoforming process for the manufacture of vehicle headliners. In the process a first sheet and second sheet of SuperLite material are mounted onto respective frames. The frames transfer the sheets into an oven, where they are heated to a desired temperature using IR. The first sheet is combined with a cover-stock material using compression molding forming a covered first headliner part. The covered first headliner part is then transferred to a second mold station. The second sheet is heated and then transferred from the oven to the second mold station where it is vacuum-formed on the upper half mold, forming a second headliner part. The upper and lower mold halves are pressed together fusing and sealing the first and second headliner parts into a unified part. The unified part is then unloaded and trimmed as necessary forming a headliner. The SuperLite material used to form the headliner is a sheet of low pressure, thermoformable, thermoplastic composite comprised of polypropylene and long chopped glass fibers.

Traditionally, product made from a twin-sheet thermoforming process, with respect to the interior of a vehicle, has been used in applications such as rear parcel shelves, door panels, pillar trim, and load-floors. Such a process has not been used for the manufacture of vehicle headliners.
Currently, most vehicle headliners include extra Head Impact Countermeasures (HIC), such as PU foam blocks, attached in strategic positions on the back of a headliner substrate. These HIC parts are expensive and necessitate a secondary operation to affix these parts. These parts are usually made from materials such as Polyurethane, Expanded Polypropylene, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polystyrene, and others.
What is needed is for a twin-sheet thermoform process for the manufacture of vehicle headliners. Also needed is for the process to obviate the need for HIC parts by molding the proper geometry into the headliner substrate itself. Moreover, it is desired that the process introduces fabric into the vehicle headliner, thereby obviating the need for adhesively adhering the fabric to the headliner. Further needed is for the headliner to have beneficial acoustic properties.


The present invention provides an image-recording process wherein the voltage applied between a photosensitive member 2 and electrostatic information recording medium 1 is put off after the lapse of a given time from the closing of an exposure shutter 13. It is thus possible to move all the generated carriers onto electrostatic information recording medium 1 and accumulate them as charges in an amount corresponding to the quantity of exposure irrespective of a voltage shutter time. It is also possible to electrically charge electrostatic information recording medium 1 or the photosensitive member 2 in advance and put on-off an electrical connection between the electrodes of the photosensitive member 2 and electrostatic information recording medium 1 to control image exposure, thereby dispensing with any external high voltage power source and obtaining a positive image. In addition, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of inverse discharge and prevent the resulting image from falling into disorder by separating the photosensitive member 2 and electrostatic information recording medium 1 from each other, while voltage remains applied between the electrodes thereof, after an electrostatic image has been formed on the electrostatic information recording medium 1, and putting off the voltage impressed.

As so far known in the art, there is available a process for recording and reproducing electrostatic images wherein "image exposure" is carried out with the application of voltage between both the electrodes of a photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium which are located in opposite relation to each other, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of high resolving power on electrostatic information recording medium.
Such an electrostatic image-recording process is illustrated in FIG. 1, in which electrostatic information recording medium is shown at 1, a photosensitive member at 2, a photoconductive layer support at 2a, an electrode of the photosensitive member at 2b, a photoconductive layer at 2c, an insulating layer at 1a, an electrode of electrostatic information recording medium at 1b, an insulating layer support at 1c and a power source at E.
Referring to FIG. 1,. exposure is carried out through the photosensitive member 2. The photosensitive member 2 is constructed by providing the transparent electrode 2b formed of a 1000 .ANG. thick ITO on the support 2a formed of a 1-mm thick glass and providing the photoconductive layer 2c of about 10 .mu.m in thickness on the electrode 2b. The electrostatic information recording medium 1 is located in opposite relation to the photosensitive member 2 through a gap of about 10 .mu.m. The electrostatic information recording medium 1 is formed by providing the A1 electrode 1b of 1000 .ANG. in thickness on the insulating layer support 1c by vapor deposition and providing the insulating layer 1a of 10 .mu.m in thickness on the electrode 1b.
As illustrated in FIG. 1a, electrostatic information recording medium 1 is first set with respect to the photosensitive member 2 through a gap of about 10 .mu.m.
Then, voltage is applied between the electrodes 2b and 1b from the power source E, as illustrated in FIG. 1a. In the dark, no change will take place between both the electrodes, because the photoconductor 2c is a high resistant. However, when a voltage higher than the Paschen's discharge voltage is impressed to the gap depending upon the magnitude of the applied voltage or leakage currents from the substrate electrode, discharge takes place through the gap, forming electrostatic charges corresponding to the discharge on electrostatic information recording medium. When the photoconductive layer 2c is irradiated with light incident from the photoconductive layer support 2a, it generates photocarriers (electrons, holes) at the irradiated region, and charges opposite in polarity to the electrode of electrostatic information recording medium store through the photoconductive layer 2c toward its surface. In the meantime, as the proportion of voltage assigned to the air gap exceeds the Paschen's discharge voltage, corona discharge or field emission takes place between the photoconductive layer 2c and the insulating layer 1a, so that charges can be extracted from the photoconductive 2c and accelerated by the electric field, causing accumulation of the charges on the insulating layer 1a.
After the completion of exposure, the photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium are short-circuited, as shown in FIG. 1c. It is noted that while voltage supply has been described as put off by opening the switch, this may also be achieved by short-circuiting both the electrodes. Then, the electrostatic information recording medium 1 is removed, as shown in FIG. 1d, to complete the formation of an electrostatic latent image. By putting on off the voltage applied in this way or, in other words, using a voltage shutter, it is possible to form an electrostatic latent image; it is possible to dispense with such a mechanical or optical shutter as used with ordinary cameras.
The photoconductive layer 2c is an electrically conductive layer which, upon irradiated with light, generates photocarriers (electrons, positive holes) at the irradiated region, allowing such carriers to migrate in the widthwise direction. This layer may be formed of inorganic or organic photoconductive materials or their hybrids.
The inorganic photosensitive materials used may include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, cadmium sulfide, zinc oxide and so on.
The organic photosensitive materials used are broken down into single-layer and function-separated types.
The single-layer type of photosensitive material comprises a mixture of a charge-generating substance with a charge transport substance. As the charge-generating type of substances likely to absorb light and generate charges, for instance, use may be made of azo pigments, bis-azo pigments, trisazo pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, perylene pigments, pyrylium dyes, cyanine dyes and methine dyes. As the charge transport type of substances well capable of transporting ionized charges, for instance, use may be made of hydrazones, pyrazolines, polyvinyl carbazoles, carbazoles, stilbenes, anthracenes, naphthalenes, triphenyl-methanes, azines, amines and aromatic amines.
Referring to the function-separated type of photosensitive material, the charge-generating substance is likely to absorb light but has the property of trapping photocarriers, whereas the charge transport substance is well capable of transporting charges but less capable of absorbing light. For that reason, both the substances are separated from each other to make much use of their individual properties. For use, charge-generating and charge transport layers may be laminated. As the substances forming the charge-generating layer, for instance, use may be made of azo pigments, bis-azo pigments, trisazo pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, acid xthanten dyes, cyanine dyes, styryl dyes, pyrylium dyes, perylene dyes, methine dyes, a-Se, a-Si, azulenium salt pigments and squalenium salt pigments. As the substances forming the charge transport layer, for instance, use may be made of hydrazones, pyrazolines, PVKs, carbzoles, oxazoles, triazoles, aromatic amines, amines, triphenylmethanes and polycyclic aromatic compounds.
Referring here to the nature of the carriers generated, it is known that in the case of the inorganic photosensitive material, the mobility .mu. is high but the life time .tau. is short, whereas in the case of the organic photosensitive material, the mobility .mu. is low but the life time .tau. is long, with the product of .mu..tau. being nearly on the same level in both the cases. The formation of an electrostatic latent image by the "exposure with the application of voltage" may be achieved even by a mechanical exposure shutter or voltage shutter alone. However, with the mechanical exposure shutter alone, voltage remains impressed between the photosensitive material and the electrostatic information recording medium, This in turn poses 8 a problem that even when exposure is not carried out, dark currents flow, giving rise to dark potential.
When only the voltage shutter is used with the organic photosensitive material, on the other hand, there is a problem that the quantity of exposure and the amount of charges vary with a voltage shutter time. This will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is a graph showing the amount of charges on electrostatic information recording medium at a constant light intensity but at varied voltage shutter times, say, 0.01 second, 0.1 second and 1 second. In the case of the inorganic photosensitive material which has a high carrier mobility, the amount of charges corresponds to the quantity of exposure even at varied voltage shutter times, as can be seen from a characteristic curve A. On the other hand, the use of the organic photosensitive material results in a phenomenon that even at the same amount of exposure, there is a difference in the quantity of charges between the voltage shutter times 0.01 second and 0.1 second, and 0.1 second and 1 second, as can be seen from characteristic curves B. This is because the organic photosensitive material has a low carrier mobility; the carriers generated by exposure disappear, since the voltage is cut off before they reach the charge-carrying medium. Thus, there is a problem that even at the same quantity of exposure, the image potential varies with a voltage shutter time.
When the photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium are short-circuited, as illustrated in FIG. 3, so as to cut off voltage supply, increased inverse voltage is induced between the photosensitive member and the charge-carrying medium, causing re-discharge in the inverse direction. This will now be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
The photosensitive member, gap and electrostatic information recording medium are all considered to be capacitors, each of given capacitance, and if the photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium have the same thickness, dielectric constant and area, then both will have an equal electrostatic capacitance. Also, given a gap of about 12-13 .mu.m between the photosensitive member and the electrostatic information recording medium, then the discharge voltage in the gap will be on the order of about 400V. For instance, now assume that the exposure with the application of voltage is carried out at an application voltage of 2000V. Then, the photosensitive member is made electrically conductive at the region exposed to light. Consequently, the overall "image exposure" system may be considered as an equivalent circuit in which, as illustrated in FIG. 4a, 400V and 1600V are applied to the capacitances C2 and C3 of the gap and electrostatic information recording medium, respectively. Similarly, the unexposed region may be taken as an equivalent circuit in which, as shown in FIG. 4b, 800V, 400V and 800V are applied to the capacitances C1, C2 and C3 of the photosensitive member, gap and electrostatic information recording medium, respectively.
Now consider potential distributions on the photosensitive member, and electrostatic information recording medium. For instance, it the electrode of the photosensitive member is defined as a reference position with a point P representing the end position of the gap, a point Q the end position of the gap and a point R the end position of the charge-carrying medium, then the distributions of potential on the exposed and unxposed regions are shown by P-Q-R in FIG. 5a and P-Q-R in FIG. 5b, respectively. This is because the photosensitive member is an electrical conductor.
When the photosensitive member and charge-carrying medium are short-circuited in such a state as shown in FIG. 5a, the point R is reduced to zero potential or a point R', and the point Q is reduced by the same potential difference or to a point Q', giving a potential distribution P-Q'-R'. Thus, a potential difference between P and Q', i.e., a voltage applied to the gap comes to 1600V.
This also holds for FIG. 5b; a potential difference between P and Q', i.e., a voltage applied to the gap comes to 1600V.
In consequence, the voltages applied to the respective capacitors are changed in state from FIGS. 4a and 4b to FIGS. 4c and 4d, respectively, in the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 4. This poses a problem that an inverse voltage of 1600V that is much higher than the discharge voltage of 400V is so impressed on the gap that redischarge discharge can be instantaneously induced in the inverse direction, causing the recorded signals to fall into disarray and so rendering the dim image.
It is also well-known in the art to use a previously corona-charged, insulating layer film having an electrically conductive layer to form an electrostatic latent image thereon. To this end, exposure may be carried out while voltage is applied between the electrically conductive layer of the insulating layer film and the electrode of the associated photosensitive member, or both may be electrically short-circuited.
However, a problem with a conventional "image exposure with the application of voltage" process is that an external power source is needed to induce discharge by applying voltage between the photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium for exposure, only to render the system large in size and make the system likely to be affected by fluctuations in power source voltage.
If the previously corona-charged, insulating film is used, it may then be possible to dispense with using an external power source for exposure. Until now, however, nothing has been known about how to form latent images practically.
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical sketch for illustrating a typical process, so far proposed, for recording electrostatic images with the use of a spacer.
Referring to FIG. 6, a photosensitive member 2--in which a transparent electrode layer 2b and a photoconductive layer 2c are successively laminated on the overall surface of a transparent substrate 2a--is located in opposite relation to electrostatic information recording medium 1--in which an electrode layer 1b and an insulating layer 1a are successively laminated on the overall surface of a substrate 1c--with a spacer 3 interposed therebetween. With voltage applied between both the electrode layers, the image exposure is carried out through, e.g. the photosensitive member 2. Then, the photoconductive layer 2c generates carriers at the exposed region and is made so electrically conductive there that discharge can take place at the exposed region between the photosensitive member and the electrostatic information recording medium, accumulating charges corresponding to the quantity of exposure on the insulating layer 1a and so forming an electrostatic latent image.
In the process for recording electrostatic images shown in FIG. 6, however, a variation of the gap length between the photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium causes changes in the field strength and hence the discharge current. This results in a change in the amount of charges accumulated on the insulating layer even in the same quanity of exposure. In order to obtain the amount of charges corresponding to the exposure energy therefore, it is required to keep the gap length constant. This is why the insulating spacer 3 has been inserted between the photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium every the image exposure to keep the gap length constant. In order to increase recording sensitity, it is then required to increase the amount of charges formed on the insulating layer 1a in the same exposure energy and it is necessary to this end to boost the voltage applied between the photosensitive member and electrostatic information recording medium. As the voltage increases, however, there is a problem that as when dust, etc. exist between the spacer and the photoconductive layer, discharge may take place at the spacer region, causing a breakdown of the photoconductive layer that is costly.
In addition, it is very awkward to interpose the spacer between the photosensitive material and electrostatic information recording medium to keep the gap therebetween constant, since the gap length is as short as a few tens microns. As a result, it is impossible to achieve high-speed image pickup continuously. Also, when the electrostatic information recording medium--in which electrostatic charge information has been carried--are put one upon another or rolled up--in this case, they should be flexible--for storage, there is a problem that the insulating layers may come into contact with the associated substrates, causing such information carried thereon to fall into disorder.
Usually, electrode layers are provided on the overall surfaces of the photoconductive material and electrostatic information recording medium with a spacer formed as of an insulating PET film provided between them to keep a discharge gap constant. However, when high voltage is applied on the spacer region or, especially when the spacer or its wall is bruised or otherwise flawed on the surface, surface currents flow through that spacer region, doing damage to the photosensitive member or electrostatic information recording medium and so causing their discharge breakdown. Once such discharge breakdown has occurred, the photosensitive member or the electrostatic information recording medium can never be used. Thus, the prior art poses a problem in connection with the service life of the photosensitive member or electrostatic information recording medium.
The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems.

Process for recording images on an electrostatic information recording medium with delayed disconnection of charge accumulation voltage


A lever-style de-latch mechanism for a pluggable electronic module, such as an SFP MSA fiber optic transceiver or other pluggable optoelectronic or electronic module. The mechanism is easily accessible to an operator and does not require any tools to operate. The mechanism uses rotational motion of a lever about a horizontal axis transverse to a horizontal direction of elongation of a module, or about a vertical axis (relative to a module extending in a horizontal plane), to cause translational motion of the de-latch actuator. Mechanisms including both T and bail latch style levers are provided. The lever may be adjacent to, or extend beyond, the front/face of the module's housing for tool-free accessibility and operation. The mechanism may allow the user to apply force to actuate the mechanism in a direction that does not oppose a withdrawal and/or module ejection force.

It has been known in the pertinent art to dispose electronic modules, particularly optoelectronic transceivers, in a pluggable manner on a printed-circuit board. Known in particular are pluggable transceivers of a small construction, known as Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers. Standards for SFP transceivers are set forth in the "Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) Transceiver Multisource Agreement (MSA)," dated Sep. 14, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Such transceivers are received in an SFP receptacle on the printed-circuit board. Infrared light is coupled into and out of the transceiver via a plug receptacle that is arranged on the transceiver or coupled to it and into which an optical connector can be plugged. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,546,281, 5,717,533, 5,734,558, 5,864,468, 5,879,173 and 6,517,382 B2 which disclose exemplary optoelectronic transceivers, are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 1A shows an exemplary transceiver module 10, receptacle 12, and printed circuit board (PCB) 14 of a type generally known in the art, as discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,382 B2. The receptacle 12 is mounted to the PCB 14 and is preferably constructed of a conductive metal. Contacts 20 ground the receptacle 12 to a stacked array (not shown). The module 10 of FIG. 1A is shown partially inserted into the receptacle 12 so that the components are more clearly illustrated. As shown, the receptacle 12 has a front, back, top, bottom and sides defining a cavity for receiving the module. On the bottom side, the receptacle 12 includes an inclined leading edge 30 and a latch tab 26 defining an opening 22. During insertion of the module 10 into the receptacle 12, the leading edge 30 rides over an outwardly extending latching member 32 on a first side 34 of the module 10, causing the latch tab 26 to be resiliently deflected until the latching member 32 is positioned to enter the opening 22 of the latch tab 26, at which time the latch tab 26 resiles, or snaps back, and latches the module 10 to the receptacle 12. The latching member 32 and the opening 22 are sized and shaped to mate closely, thus preventing movement of the module 10 within the receptacle 12. The module 10 remains latched to the receptacle 12 until the latch tab 26 is displaced to release the latching member 32, at which time the module 10 is de-latched from the receptacle 12 and can be easily withdrawn therefrom.
An exemplary de-latch mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,382 B2 and shown in FIG. 1A. This exemplary de-latch mechanism is illustrative of those known in the art in that it includes an actuator 50 that is slidably mounted in a slot 42 on a bottom side of the module 10, as shown in FIG. 1A. The actuator includes a ramped portion 54 for displacing the latch tab 26 when the actuator 50 is in an operative position, by causing it to be deflected until the latching member 32 is released from the latch tab 26.
To increase the number of modules per area, multiple SFP modules/receptacles are generally arranged in stacked rows and columns. In such stacked configurations, e.g. a belly-to belly configuration as shown in FIG. 1B, the de-latch mechanism is not readily accessible in that the actuator 50 is positioned between modules and/or behind the face (front) 11 of the module 10 when the actuator 50 is in both the operative and inoperative positions (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). Accordingly, a special tool or probe (not shown) must be inserted into the slot 42 on the module's face 11 and/or between adjacent modules to access and depress the actuator 50. The requirement of a tool for removing the module is not only inconvenient, but also prevents an operator from removing a module if he or she does not have a suitable tool at the appropriate time. This requirement of a tool results in increased installation cost and/or repair time.
Furthermore, operation of conventional push-button or other slide-actuatable de-latch mechanisms is complicated by the need to apply force for actuating the de-latch mechanism in a direction that opposes a direction in which force must be applied to withdraw the module from the receptacle. More specifically, such mechanisms require a user to push rearwardly on the actuator to actuate and to pull forwardly on the module to withdraw it from the receptacle. This can lessen the effectiveness of module ejection mechanisms, which are typically spring-biased. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,382 B2.
Accordingly, there is a need for a pluggable module having a de-latch mechanism that is easily accessible to an operator and does not require any tools to operate, and does not require the user to apply force for actuating the de-latch mechanism in a direction opposing force required to withdraw the module from its receptacle.

Lever style de-latch mechanism for pluggable electronic module


A controlled-release material sensitive and response to fouling organisms for an antifouling agent includes an encapsulating precursor and a crosslinking agent. A hyaluronic acid/polyL-lysine nano-shell controlled-release material is prepared by an alternating layer-by-layer self-assembly of hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lysine, and a polypropylene ammonium chloride/poly-L-glycine nano-shell controlled-release material is prepared by an alternating layer-by-layer sell-assembly of polypropylene ammonium chloride and poly-L-glycine. The crosslinking agent is composed of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxythiosuccinimide. Based on the specific catalytic hydrolysis characteristic of fouling organism extracellular proteases on the controlled-release material, the purpose of adjusting the release of antifouling agents adaptively with the change of fouling organisms in off-season/peak-season can be achieved, prolonging the service life of the antifouling coatings.

Biofouling causes serious harm to ships and underwater facilities. Currently, smearing antifouling coatings is a main action to solve the problem. Antifouling agent-type antifouling coatings now have a largest market share in the coating market. Due to a limited content of antifouling agents in coatings, a controlled release of the antifouling agents is a key means to prolong a service life of such coatings while maintaining an antifouling effect. The existing antifouling coatings are mainly tin-free self-polishing antifouling coatings, which have three main problems. Firstly, an effective controlled release technique is absent for the antifouling agent in the coatings, and the antifouling agent is prone to "burst release" phenomenon, resulting in a large amount of waste, and a generally short service life of the antifouling coatings (generally only 3-5 years). Secondly, copper substances (such as cuprous oxide, pyrrolidone, etc.), which are currently used as major antifouling agents, have a devastating impact on the marine ecological environment. They have been banned in some areas and are facing a trend of restriction and ban. Thirdly, with the further implementation of China's Marine strategy, large ships with long dock repair intervals and a high readiness ratio are constructed in bulk, requiring matched long-term antifouling coating materials. However, the lifetime of existing coatings cannot meet the long-term antifouling needs.
Therefore, using new environment-friendly antifouling agents, such as natural products and quasi-natural products with efficient antifouling activity, and achieving the purpose of efficient utilization and long-term antifouling through antifouling agents controlled release technology, is an important development direction of new long-term and environment-friendly antifouling coating materials.
At present, the slow-release technology for antifouling agents mainly includes porous material adsorption, high specific surface area material absorption, or material embedding technique, thus achieving the purpose of slow release of antifouling agents. US Oceanographic Institution performed an in-depth study on the release behavior and release rate of antifouling agents by using copper-plated microtubules as slow-release carriers of antifouling agents. Price et al. embedded natural marine antifouling active substances in microcapsules, which allowed a slow release of the active substances and significantly improved the service life. Deasy et al. used halloysite microtubules as slow-release carriers of antifouling agents and studied the storage of antifouling molecules by microtubules and slow-release behavior of antifouling molecules. Domestic scholars also used microtubules such as carbon nanotubes and nano titanate tubes to embed new antifouling agents including isothiazolone to control the release rate.
The above slow-release technology has played a positive role in delaying the release rate of antifouling agents and prolonging their service life. However, at present, the slow-release technology still has serious deficiencies. Firstly, at present, antifouling agents adsorbed in porous materials are generally released by diffusion, and the release process thereof is less affected by marine environmental factors such as seawater temperature and pH value, etc. Secondly, the self-polishing resin antifouling agents having antifouling side groups are usually released by hydrolysis, and the release rate has poor correlation with the growth level and season of fouling organisms. These factors lead to poor correlation between the release of antifouling agents and the growth level of fouling organisms. Even though in the grown off-season of fouling organisms or in areas with low growth level of fouling organisms such as deep sea, antifouling agents are continuously released, with poor controllability and serious waste. It is difficult to meet the need of controlled release of antifouling agents in the development of long-term, environmental-friendly antifouling materials.

Controlled-release material for antifouling agent sensitive and response to fouling organisms and preparation method thereof

LUOYANG SHIP MATERIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE


An apparatus includes a variable orifice choke disposed within a riser. The riser is connected between a drilling platform and a wellbore. A control unit is in signal communication with the variable orifice choke. The control unit is operable to control a flow area of the variable orifice choke such that a selected fluid pressure is maintained in the wellbore.

This disclosure relates to the field of managed pressure wellbore drilling. More specifically, the disclosure relates to controllable orifice chokes used in managed pressure wellbore drilling.
Subterranean wellbore drilling methods include so called "managed pressure" drilling methods. Examples of such methods are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,981 issued to van Riet, U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,719 issued to van Riet, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,597 issued to Reitsma. Managed pressure drilling methods and apparatus used to perform such methods may include a controllable orifice flow restriction or "choke" in a conduit from which fluid is discharged from a wellbore during certain drilling operations. Fluid may be pumped into the wellbore through a conduit such as a drill string that extends into the wellbore. Fluid may be returned to the surface by passing through an annular space between the wall of the wellbore and the conduit. In managed pressure drilling apparatus, the conduit may be closed to release of fluid using a device such as a rotating control device (RCD) which seals the annular space while enabling rotation and axial motion of the conduit. Fluid leaving the annular space may be discharged through an outlet line hydraulically connected below the RCD. The variable orifice choke may be disposed in the outlet line. By controlling a rate at which fluid is pumped into the wellbore through the conduit such as a drill string, and by selectively controlling the flow restriction provided by the choke in the outlet line, fluid pressure in the annular space may be controlled. Such fluid pressure control may provide, among other benefits, the ability to use lower density fluid for wellbore drilling operations than would otherwise be required if the annular space were not pressurized as a result of the flow restriction provided by the controllable orifice choke.
In certain types of marine drilling methods, a pipe or casing is disposed in a portion of a wellbore that begins at the bottom of a body of water. The casing extends to a selected depth in the wellbore, whereupon drilling of the wellbore may continue. A wellbore pressure control apparatus such as a blowout preventer (BOP) may be coupled to the top of the casing, just above the water bottom. A conduit called a "riser" may extend from the BOP to a drilling platform above the water surface. Using managed pressure drilling methods and apparatus such as the examples provided in the above listed U.S. patents may require the use of an RCD proximate the BOP at the base of the riser, or may require an RCD proximate the top of the riser. Other equipment associated with the managed pressure drilling apparatus may be similar to that used where no riser is required.

Riser mounted controllable orifice choke


An impact fuse includes a body containing a piezoelectric generator positioned on a bracket integral with the body. The piezoelectric generator serving as an anvil. The fuse includes a piston intended to mechanically contact the generator upon impact. The piston receives the impact forces transmitted by a cap. The fuse being characterized in that the piston is slidably fitted within the body and in that it includes plastically deformable means that are interposed between the cap and the body. The means are deformed by cap movement upon impact with a target via piston movement. The plastically deformable means is configured to be deformed in a manner that causes the piston to more gradually exert force on the piezoelectric generator.

The technical field of the invention is that of impact fuses for projectiles. It is known to produce impact fuses that include a piezoelectric generator for generating an electrical voltage upon the fuse impacting a target.
Conventionally, piezoelectric generators comprise one or several piezoelectric ceramics stacked on one another. Such a generator is placed on a bracket that is integral with the fuse body and the generator serves as an anvil.
In other respects, the fuse comprises a piston for mechanically contacting (exerting stress on) the generator upon impact. The FR-1595412 patent describes such a known impact fuse. The electrical voltage obtained from the generator is used to initiate an electrical primer.
One of the problems with the known fuses is that, under some impact conditions, the electrical voltage generated may be insufficient to ensure the initiation of the primer.
This is due to the fact that the shock received by the generator is too brief (the force on the generator is insufficient).
In other respects, initiation of the primer due to relatively low energy levels and/or detonation of the casing must be avoided.
Thus, contradictory conditions are present. On the one hand, a deformation of the generator sufficient to ensure a nominal electrical voltage allowing the initiation of the primer is needed. On the other hand, preventing any deformation of the generator at a reduced shock level is likewise needed.
The FR-2669416 patent describes a priming device that comprises a piezoelectric generator integral with the fuse body and is actuated by a hammer upon impact. At that time, the hammer is projected toward the piezoelectric generator as a result of the shockwave leaving from the cap. With such a concept, the shock received by the generator is all the same too brief. In other respects, the WO-85/03345 reference describes a percussion fuse comprising a piezoelectric generator and a means for enhancing safety. This means involves combining a self induction coil and a spark gap. Thus the firing is only caused when the rising edge of the received pulse exceeds a given amplitude.
The purpose of the fuse of this reference is different than that of the disclosed invention because the purpose of the reference is directed to a mechanical link for ensuring a high and brief pulse of the piston on the generator.


A shovel includes a power storage device, and an electric motor to which electric power is supplied from the power storage device. The power storage device includes a housing; a first power storage module including a plurality of laminated power storage cells stacked in a first direction, a first terminal, and a second terminal and being housed within the housing; a first electrode and a second electrode fixed to the housing; a first relay current path configured to electrically connect the first terminal to the first electrode; and a second relay current path configured to electrically connect the second terminal to the second electrode. The first relay current path includes a distance adjustment structure configured to compensate variations in the distance between the first electrode and the first terminal.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a shovel mounted with a power storage device including a power storage module in which a plurality of power storage cells are stacked.
2. Description of the Related Art
Power storage modules are well-known in which a plurality of plate-shaped power storage cells are stacked and the stacked power storage cells are connected in series. Heat transfer plates for cooling are inserted between the power storage cells. Push plates are arranged at both ends of a stacked body of the power storage cells and the heat transfer plates, and tie rods are passed through the two push plates. The tie rods apply compressive forces to the stacked body.
Two pairs of wall plates are arranged at the sides, top, and bottom of the stacked body. One pair of wall plates is thermally coupled with the heat transfer plates via end surfaces of the heat transfer plates to thereby absorb the heat of the heat transfer plates. The two push plates and the two pairs of wall plates are fixed with bolts to constitute a strong parallelepiped structure. This can enhance the shock resistance of the power storage modules.