Provided herein are methods and compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, for treating thrombosis, vascular inflammation, and thrombocytopenia. The methods and compositions of the present invention are also useful for extending the useful storage shelf life of platelets.

The worldwide demand for platelets is increasing, in large part due to their prophylactic use to prevent bleeding in thrombocytopenic cancer patients. The success of new therapies, especially for patients with blood cell cancers, is helping to drive up the number of annual cases of therapy-related thrombocytopenia. Typically patients receive platelet transfusions when their platelet count falls below a "trigger" threshold level and thus the frequency of transfusions in thrombocytopenic patients, in part, depends on the circulating lifespan of the transfused platelets. Interestingly, it has been recently reported that the lifespan of circulating platelets largely depends on the amount of exposed penultimate residues contained in platelet surface glycan structures. On nascent platelets, these residues are normally capped and "masked" by sialic acid. The terminal sialic acid residues on glycan chains can be removed by sialidase enzymes present in blood. Loss of sialic acid on the platelet surface glycans, in turn, then leads to a more rapid clearance of platelets by hepatocytes and macrophages. See Sørenson et al., Blood, 114: 1645-1654 (2009). Accordingly, an agent that could prevent this more rapid in vivo platelet clearance and sustain circulating platelet levels for longer periods of time, should provide a more efficient prophylactic therapy for thrombocytopenic patients.
Storage of platelets for transfusions has long been a difficult issue. According to the Food and Drug Administration's Blood Products Advisory Committee statement, issued Mar. 15, 2002, entitled "Review of Data Supporting Extension of Dating Period for Platelets": "Bacterial contamination of platelet products continues to be a problem with a contamination rate estimated at 1/2000 units. Storage of platelets at room temperature for up to 5 days allows for proliferation of bacteria in platelet units, and "older" platelets have been associated with increased incidence of septic transfusion reactions. Various approaches are being developed that would either screen or chemically decontaminate platelet units prior to transfusion. If such methods are shown to decrease bacterial contamination of platelet products, storage of platelets out to 7 days may become practical."
Attempts have been made to reduce the incidence of contamination and extend the storage life of platelets by refrigeration or cold storage. See, Snyder and Rinder, N. E. J. Med. 348:2032-2033 (2003). However, platelets, unlike other transplantable tissues or cell types, do not tolerate refrigeration and disappear rapidly from the circulation if subjected to chilling before transplantation or transfusion. See Rumjantseva et al., Nature Medicine, 15:1273-80 (2009).
Andrews and Berndt, Current Biology, 13:R282-84 (2003) suggest that during chilling of platelets GPIbα could be modified in such a way that cold platelet storage may be feasible by maintaining hemostatic activity and preventing accelerated clearance. However, attempts to inhibit the rapid clearance of long-term stored, chilled platelets have thus far achieved very limited success. For example, Wandall et al., Blood, 111:324956 (2008) report the inability to prevent rapid clearance through galactosylation. Hoffmeister et al., US Patent Application 2008/0138791, report some success in reducing clearance and thereby prolonging the survival of platelets through glycan modification of GPIbα molecules.
The useful life of platelets stored at room temperature remains limited because of the risk of contamination and loss of function. The current inability to chill platelets for longer-term storage, thereby allowing the "stockpiling" of platelets with preserved function, results in chronic shortages of platelets for clinical transfusions and adds to the overall costs of clinical platelet transfusions.
GPIb-IX-V is a multifunctional hetero-complex of four distinct glycoprotein chains, abundantly found on the surface of platelets. The GPIbα chain is one of the subunits of GPIb-IX-V and its N-terminal domain is capable of interacting with several proteins that are either circulating in or exposed to the bloodstream. These proteins include von Willebrand Factor (VWF), thrombin, Factor XI, Factor XII, kininogen, thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1), integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18, αMβ2 or CR3), P-selectin, as well as Ashwell-Morell receptors. Because of this range of interactions, GPIbα has a broad role in platelet function with regard to thrombosis, hemostasis and inflammation. Specific binding events mediated by GPIbα can be separated and vary in importance to hemostatic function. For example the importance of regulated binding to VWF is demonstrated by the finding that a single amino acid substitution in the N-terminal domain of GPIbα can cause gain-of-function phenotypes resulting in human platelet-type von Willebrand disease.
Recent experimental evidence suggests that when platelets are collected and cooled by refrigeration during storage prior to transfusion, the GPIbα glycoprotein chain plays a key role in mediating the subsequent rapid clearance of those transfused platelets from the circulation of the recipient. This rapid clearance has been reported to involve surface clustering of the glycans and protein components of GPIbα on stored platelets, which are observed to form interactions with the recipient's Mac-1 and the Ashwell-Morell asialoglycoprotein receptors. See Rumjantseva et al., Nature Medicine, 15:1273-80 (2009).
Given the role that GPIbα plays with regard to multiple platelet functions, it has been previously contemplated that a specific antagonist to one or more of the GPIbα interaction domains might have therapeutic value in treating cases of undesired thrombosis, inflammation, thrombocytopenia, and rapid platelet clearance. However, experimental attempts using proteins, including antibodies and antibody derived fragments, to block the GPIbα interaction domains have typically resulted in undesired thrombocytopenia. Thus, there exists the need in the art for a therapeutic agent or drug that will serve as a specific GPIbα binding domain antagonist, without causing undesired thrombocytopenia. Moreover, a drug that selectively inhibits certain GPIbα binding functions, yet preserves the capacity of the platelet to maintain its other hemostatic functions, would have substantial therapeutic utility in a variety of vascular disease settings.
The discovery, using a phage display screening approach, of a ten amino acid cyclic peptide termed OS-1, capable of binding to the N-terminal domain of GPIbα was recently reported by Benard et al., Biochemistry, 47:4674-82 (2008). The ability of OS-1 to block VWF-mediated platelet aggregation in vitro, was reported with this peptide. Two other peptides, designated as PS-4 and OS-2, were also shown to competitively inhibit the interaction between VWF-A1-domain and GPIbα. However, no in vivo data was provided in this study and inhibition of Mac-1 binding to GPIbα was not demonstrated. Indeed, simultaneous inhibition of both VWF and Mac-1 binding is unexpected for small peptides. In fact, using small peptides as inhibitors, it has been reported that the binding sites for VWF and Mac-1 on GPIbα are inhibited independently and therefore distinct binding sites. Munday et al., Blood (ASH Annual Meeting Abstracts) 114:472 (2009) and oral presentation Dec. 7, 2009. The N-linked glycans present on GPIbα having exposed βGlcNAc and/or galactose residues represent an entirely separate point of interaction between either GPIbα and Mac-1 or GPIbα and the asialoglycoprotein (Ashwell-Morell) receptors. Given its small size, it is unlikely the OS-1 peptide is able to create a steric interference of this interaction.
McEwan et al., Blood 114:4883-85 (2009) describes the non-covalent interaction of OS-1 peptide with GPIbα and demonstrates that the GPIbα-OS-1 complex structure overlaps with the structure of the GPIbα-VWF A1 domain complex. This indicates that the OS-1 peptide directly interferes with binding of VWF to GPIbα. In commenting on the findings of McEwan, Lopez and Munday, Blood 114:4757-58 (2009) hypothesized that the OS-1 peptide occupies the site where VWF would interact with GPIbα and effects a conformational change in GPIbα that prevents formation of the GPIbα-VWF complex.
There remains a need for improved methods and materials useful for extending the useful storage life of platelets. Such methods should reduce the contamination of platelets, for example, by reducing bacterial and viral growth, yet substantially preserve the platelet's hemostatic function and in vivo half-life after transfusion. There is a further need for methods and materials for the treatment of thrombosis, vascular inflammation, thrombocytopenia, and other platelet-related disorders.

Compositions and methods for treatment of thrombosis and for prolonging survival of stored platelets


In a first embodiment, a system includes a first solids feeder having a first inlet and a first outlet, a second solids feeder having a second inlet and a second outlet, and an adjustable volume coupled to the first outlet and the second inlet. The first solids feeder is configured to supply a feedstock at a first feed rate and the second solids feeder is configured to supply the feedstock at a second feed rate. The adjustable volume is configured to adjust based at least in part on first feed rate and the second feed rate.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to solids feeders, such as a system and method for controlling a feedstock supplied to a solids feeder.
A solids feeder is used in a variety of industries to transport a solid feedstock, such as particulate matter. In general, the solids feeder transports the solid feedstock along a path from an inlet to an outlet in a metered quantity. The solids feeder may supply the feedstock at various feed rates to a downstream system. The downstream system may contain gas at high pressure. At the outlet of the solids feeder, the solids feeder may force the feedstock into a solids seal condition, wherein the feedstock reduces backflow of a gas at high pressure. However, the quality of the solid feed output of the first solids feeder may change due to variability of upstream processes. Reduced backflow of gas may be difficult with inconsistent feedstock supply at the solids feeder inlet.

System and method to supply a solid feedstock to a solids feeder


An information processing apparatus generates, for each person, a first face dictionary storing face data concerning a face of the person included in an image. The apparatus receives, from an imaging apparatus, a second face dictionary which is stored face data of a person corresponding to the first face dictionary and which may be updated the face data using images obtained on the imaging apparatus, and stores. The information processing apparatus transmits the first face dictionary to the imaging apparatus when an update date and time of the second face dictionary is older than a date and time of the first face dictionary. The information processing apparatus does not transmit the first face dictionary to the imaging apparatus when the first face dictionary includes face data of the person included in an image captured outside of a predetermined period.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for the apparatus, and a storage medium, and particularly to a technique of processing face images included in images.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, there has been disclosed an imaging apparatus which specifies a person concerning a face image included in a captured image by performing face recognition processing for the captured image, generates a face record file in which information indicating the specified person is associated with the face image, and provides the file to an external apparatus (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-278350).
Some PCs (Personal Computers) installed with application software equipped with a face recognition function store a face image of a specific person included in an image in a predetermined database and search for images including the specific person based on the face image.
In general, the capacity of the storage area of an imaging apparatus is smaller than that of a PC. In addition, the storage area of the imaging apparatus is used with top priority being given to imaging processing.
In addition, since the faces of persons generally change due to temporal factors such as age, the accuracy of searching for images including a specific person decreases as stored face images become old. For this reason, the search accuracy is improved by adding new face images and updating old face images.
As described above, however, since the capacity of the storage area of the imaging apparatus is small, in order to ensure a capacity to store new face images, it is necessary to delete existing face images.
On the other hand, the face images generated by the user taking with an imaging apparatus are generally more important than the face images generated by third parties which the user has acquired via the Internet and the like. That is, when a face image obtained by the user by performing imaging operation using an imaging apparatus disappears to store a new face image, troubles arise. For example, when the user wants to use the face image previously captured by himself/herself, he/she needs to generate a similar face image by imaging the same person. If the face image which has disappeared is old, it is difficult to image the same person. In some cases, therefore, he/she cannot generate a similar face image.

Information processing apparatus including a face dictionary, control method therefor, and storage medium


Generally discussed herein are techniques, software, apparatuses, and systems configured for application development for an application using multiple primary user interfaces. In one or more embodiments, a method can include receiving data indicating a plurality of workflow activities to be used in an application, each of the workflow activities including data corresponding to a configuration of a view model module and a list of views to be associated with the configuration, receiving data indicating a plurality of primary user interface views to associate with each of the workflow activities, receiving data indicating a connection between two of the workflow activities of the plurality of workflow activities, and producing an application model based on the received data indicating the plurality of workflow activities, the data indicates the connection between two of the workflow activities and the data indicating the plurality of primary user interface views.

Modern mobile devices may be used by workers in performing their job duties. The primary means of interacting with applications on these mobile devices is through the touchscreen (e.g., display and virtual keyboard). The development paradigm for these devices tends to focus solely on the touchscreen as the primary means of input and output with some applications including voice dialog as a secondary means of interacting with an application.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Application development using multiple primary user interfaces


A thyristor-controlled capacitor bank includes a thyristor switch and a capacitor bank. The capacitor bank is split into at least two series-connected capacitor groups. A series circuit including a thyristor switch and an inductor coil is connected in parallel with the capacitor group which is remote from a capacitor group at a mains power supply connection. A thyristor-switched capacitor bank is thus obtained which has a thyristor switch that therefore only needs to be constructed for a fraction of the mains power supply voltage itself, which is a major advantage for economic reasons.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a thyristor-switched capacitor bank having a thyristor switch and a capacitor bank.
A solid-state compensator, which is also referred to as a Static Var Compensator (SVC) includes one or more parallel-connected inductive and capacitive paths, which are connected to a high-voltage mains power supply through a dedicated transformer or else through a tertiary winding of a mains power supply transformer. As a result of a rated voltage on the secondary side of the transformer being fixed, the use of a dedicated transformer offers the capability of constructing the equipment optimally in terms of its current and voltage control. A direct connection may also be economical in medium-voltage mains power supplies up to 30 kV.
The total amount of capacitance is provided through permanently connected or switched capacitors (capacitor bank) that are also referred to as a Fixed Capacitor (FC), or thyristor-switched capacitors that are also referred to as a Thyristor Switched Capacitor (TSC). A thyristor switch which includes a plurality of series-connected, reverse-parallel or anti-parallel thyristors is normally used for that application. The capacitor bank must then be provided with a protective inductor, in order to limit an inrush current gradient. The use of mechanically switched capacitors is subject to operational limitations. The capacitor bank must always be discharged through a power switch during switching on (for example through a discharge resistor or a transformer) in order to keep equalization processes during switching-on as small as possible and thus to prevent overloading. In comparison therewith, a thyristor as a switch offers the advantage of permitting the capacitor bank to be connected and disconnected from any charge state and as frequently as desired with the minimum possible equalization process. The controller (intelligence) which is required for that purpose can easily be implemented by using digital technology.
The total amount of inductance is provided through inductor coils. They can either be switched (Thyristor Switched Reactor (TSR)), or else the reactive volt-amperes at the fundamental frequency can be controlled (Thyristor Controlled
Reactor (TCR)) using an appropriate controller. To that end, the entire amount of the reactive volt-amperes emitted to the mains power supply from the solid-state compensator can be adjusted infinitely variably in terms of the capacitive or inductive reactive volt-amperes required at the mains power supply point.
Continuous control of a TCR path is always linked to the production of harmonic currents, which must be kept away from the transmission grid by the use of filters at the TCR connection point. The production of harmonics can be completely prevented only by the inductive path being operated in such a way that it is switched identically to the capacitive path (Thyristor Switched Reactor (TSR)). The installed inductive volt-amperes are then only connected or disconnected in the same way as in the case of a thyristor-switched capacitor bank (Thyristor Switched Capacitor (TSC)).
In principle, the solid-state compensator can carry out various control tasks. When used in transmission grids, the primary task is voltage control. The solid-state compensator can thus also contribute to limiting overvoltages at the operating frequency, can make a contribution to improving the grid stability and can also damp volt-ampere fluctuations between grid sections.
An article entitled "Statische Kompensatoren und ihre Komponenten" Solid-State Compensators and their Components!, printed in the German journal "etz", Volume 112 (1991), Issue 17, pages 926 to 930, discusses circuit types, application and structural criteria for the components used in solid-state compensators using thyristor technology. The solid-state compensators which are implemented and referred to each include a plurality of power-factor correctors, which are connected to a high-voltage mains power supply through the use of a transformer. The selection and combination of the various power-factor correctors depends essentially on the requirements of the mains power supply. The following viewpoints, inter alia, have to be considered in that case: total cost of the compensator, loss assessment, reliability, maintenance costs and the capability of the compensator to be upgraded. For example, the SVC system at Kemps Creek, Australia includes a thyristor-switched inductor (TSR) and two thyristor-switched capacitor banks (TSC). The three phases of each of those power-factor correctors are electrically connected in delta and are of identical construction.
As already mentioned, the capacitor bank of the thyristor-switched capacitor bank (TSC) should always be discharged during switching-on. As a rule, the capacitor bank is disconnected from the AC mains power supply at the current zero crossing, that is to say at the instant when the mains power supply voltage is at a maximum. If the discharging of the capacitor bank through a discharge circuit is a slow process in comparison with the period of the AC voltage, then virtually twice the maximum mains power supply voltage occurs on the thyristor switch after half a cycle. Relatively expensive thyristors having an increased withstand voltage must be used for the thyristor switch, or a plurality of thyristor switches must be connected in series. If incorrect triggering of a thyristor were then to occur at the least favorable point in time, the capacitor bank would be recharged to a maximum of three times the mains power supply voltage amplitude.
In order to ensure that the thyristor switch only need be constructed for the maximum mains power supply voltage itself, which is a major advantage for economic reasons, the capacitor bank must be able to be discharged through a discharge circuit sufficiently quickly, at the most within one half-cycle of the AC voltage. If the AC voltage frequency is 50 Hz, the duration of one half cycle is 10 ms. The capacitor bank normally has a capacitance on the order of magnitude of several 100 .mu.F. In order for it to be possible for such a large capacitor bank to be able to be discharged in 10 ms at all, the discharge circuit must have a low impedance. For example, a purely non-reactive resistor in the discharge circuit must have a value of only a few ohms which, for the capacitor, represents virtually a short circuit with a correspondingly high power loss, that cannot be tolerated when the capacitor bank is connected to the AC mains power supply.
European Patent 0 116 275 B1 discloses a reactive volt-ampere compensator, a discharge circuit having at least one inductive impedance element being connected in parallel with a thyristor-switched capacitor bank, and a first control unit being provided for the thyristor switch. The first control unit produces triggering signals for the thyristor switch from current and voltage measurement signals from an AC mains power supply which is to be corrected. The discharge circuit is permanently closed and the inductive impedance element is variable in such a manner that its value is greater in the operating state when the thyristor switch is closed and is less when the thyristor switch is open. One advantage of that device is that rapid and continuous discharging of the capacitor bank, after it has been disconnected from the AC mains power supply, takes place without any switching elements in the discharge circuit of the capacitor bank. Such switching elements would be susceptible to defects and would be expensive. An iron-cored discharge-circuit inductor is provided as the inductive impedance element. The iron core is at least largely unsaturated at that current which flows through the inductor when the thyristor switch is closed, and is increasingly saturated with greater currents. Its winding impedance is selected in such a way that the discharging of the capacitor bank corresponds to an RC discharge with a priori damping. As a result of the saturation characteristics of its iron core, the discharge-circuit inductor thus acts as a variable impedance element in the discharge circuit, having an impedance which is greater when the capacitor is being connected to the AC mains power supply, that is to say when the thyristor switch is closed, than when the capacitor bank is disconnected from the AC mains power supply with the thyristor switch open. The difference between those two states in that case is so significant that only a small, insignificant current flows in the first-mentioned case during discharge, while a greater current, which discharges the capacitor bank in less than one half-cycle of the AC voltage, can flow in the second case. In addition, the discharge circuit may be permanently closed. There is no need for any interruption in the charging circuit while the capacitor bank is connected to the AC mains power supply. That results in the thyristor voltage being relatively low, and the costs of expensive high-voltage thyristors are thus saved.


A memory device includes a plurality of blocks, with each block having a respective array of memory cells and respective local word lines. The memory device also includes a respective switching device coupled between each local word line and a common voltage node. A global word line driver controls the respective switching devices to turn on for respective local word lines in a row across the blocks including an accessed memory cell. Thus, the common voltage node is in the current path of the accessed memory cell with minimized layout area and resistance of the current path.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to memory devices, and more particularly to reducing resistance of a word line in a current path of an accessed memory cell.
2. Description of the Related Art
A PRAM (Phase-change Random Access Memory) device is being developed as one of the next-generation memory devices for higher performance and lower power consumption. A PRAM device is a nonvolatile memory device for storing data by using a phase change material such as GexSbyTez (hereinafter referred to as 'GST').
The resistance of the phase change material is controlled by changing the state of the phase change material to be amorphous or crystalline. Such a state may be controlled by temperature adjustment. The phase change material has higher resistance when in the amorphous state and has lower resistance when in the crystalline state.
When the phase change material is "RESET", the phase change material is changed from a crystalline state to an amorphous state. On the other hand, when the phase change material is "SET", the phase change material is changed from an amorphous state to a crystalline state.
For adjusting temperature, a laser beam may be used. Alternatively, joule heating is generated by applying current to a heater. In the case of joule heating, current density and the time period of current application through the heater determines the amount of heat generated for controlling whether the phase change material is crystallized or becomes amorphous. In any case, the phase change material stores bit information with such two distinct crystalline and amorphous states within a memory device.
FIG. 1 shows a memory cell for a diode type of PRAM device. Referring to FIG. 1, the memory cell includes a diode D1 and a variable resistor element GST. The diode D1 is coupled between a word line WL and the variable resistor element GST. In FIG. 1, a cathode of the diode D1 is coupled to the word line WL, and an anode of the diode D1 is coupled to one end of the variable resistor element GST. Another end of the variable resistor element GST is coupled to a bit line BL. The variable resistor element GST is comprised of a phase change material.
FIG. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a conventional PRAM device comprised of an array of memory cells, with each memory cell similar to FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the PRAM device includes a word line driver 20, a plurality of word lines WL0, WL1 and WL2, an array of memory cells 10, and a plurality of bit lines BL0, BL1, . . . , BLk-1 and BLk.
Further referring to FIG. 2, the memory cells in a same row are coupled to a same one of the word lines WL0, WL1 and WL2. The memory cells in a same column are coupled to a same one of the bit lines BL0, BL1, . . . , BLk-1 and BLk.
For driving each word line, the word line driver 20 includes a respective NOR gate 22 and a respective inverter comprised of an NMOS transistor 26 and a PMOS transistor 24. The output of the respective NOR gate 22 generates a signal for providing a path of current 40 through the respective inverter with the path of current 40 also being through an accessed memory cell 10 and the bit line BLk of the accessed memory cell 10.
Operation of the PRAM device of FIG. 2 is now described. For accessing the example memory cell 10, a corresponding column selection signal Yk among column selection signals Y0, Y1, . . . , Yk-1 and Yk is enabled. The memory cell 10 is accessed for performing any of typical operations such as a read or write operation on the memory cell 10. A column selection transistor controlled by the enabled column selection signal Yk applies current 40 to the accessed memory cell 10. Such a current 40 is applied from a (write driver)/SA(Sense Amplifier) 30 to the accessed memory cell 10 via the bit line BLk.
The word line driver 10 processes an address signal GWLb and a block selection signal SiEib to couple a word line WL0 for the accessed memory cell 10 to a ground node. Thus, the word line WL0 and the ground node become within a current path 40 for the current flowing through the accessed memory cell 10.
The level of current 40 flowing through the accessed memory cell 10 depends on the resistance of the variable resistor element GST1 within the accessed memory cell 10. If the phase change material of the variable resistor element GST1 has a 'reset' state, the variable resistor element GST1 has a high resistance for a lower level of current 40 flowing through the accessed memory cell 10. On the other hand, if the phase change material of the variable resistor element GST1 has a 'set' state, the variable resistor element GST1 has a low resistance for a higher level of current 40 flowing through the accessed memory cell 10. Such variable current levels indicate the bit information stored within the memory cell 10.
In the PRAM device of the prior art in FIG. 2, the length of each of the word lines W0, WL1 and WL2 is relatively long. For example, each of the word lines W0, WL1 and WL2 may run through a row of memory cells disposed within multiple blocks of memory cells. With such a long word line WL0, current flowing through the accessed memory cell 10 is reduced by word line resistance R_wl. Such reduced current may result in an erroneous read/write operation for the accessed memory cell 10.
To solve such a problem, the main array of memory cells has been divided into a plurality of blocks having less memory cells. In the prior art, a word line driver similar to the word line driver 20 of FIG. 2 is fabricated for each such block, for reducing a word line resistance. However, a large number of the word line drivers are used with each block having a separate word line driver implemented with logical gates such as an inverter, a NAND gate, and/or a NOR gate. Such a large number of word line drivers disadvantageously occupy a large layout area.

Memory device with reduced word line resistance


In an image processing apparatus of the present invention, an image storage device stores a plurality of image data. A status holding unit holds a status table having respective status descriptors, corresponding to the plurality of image data stored in the image storage device, each status descriptor indicating a status of execution of a series of image processing steps of the image data related to the status descriptor, and being updated every time one of the image processing steps of the related image data is performed.

1. Field of The Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that receives image data and performs a series of image processing steps of the image data, and requires taking corrective measures for the series of image processing steps at the time of power-down.
2. Description of The Related Art
Conventionally, an image processing apparatus that receives image data and performs a series of image processing steps of the image data is known. Moreover, an image processing system or image filing system, which includes the image processing apparatus and an external device for giving image processing instructions to the image processing apparatus, is known. In the image processing system, the image processing apparatus performs a series of image processing steps of an image data file which is received and stored in the image processing apparatus, and uses a plurality of queues corresponding to the image processing steps in cooperation with the execution of the series of image processing steps.
When power-down occurs in a conventional image processing system during the execution of the series of image processing steps, the execution of some of the image processing steps may be suspended due to the power-down. It is necessary to restart the execution of such suspended image processing steps when the system is powered up again after the power-down. However, it is difficult for the conventional image processing system to restart the execution of such suspended image processing steps after the execution of the series of image processing steps is terminated due to the power-down. In particular, in the case of the conventional image processing system including the image processing apparatus provided with an image reader, it is likely that the power-down and the power-up events frequently occur, and it is difficult to restart the execution of such suspended image processing steps when the system is powered up again after the power-down.

Image processing apparatus having a status holding function, and image processing system including the same


An apparatus includes housing, a camera lens, a video recorder, a mounting rail, and a mount. The video recorder is located within the housing for recording images captured by the camera lens. The mounting rail is located on the housing and is received by the mount.

A motion picture camera attached to the barrel of a rife is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,427,102 (Wade). This invention is cumbersome to use and is only designed to be attached to an elongated barrel of a firearm. Moreover, its use requires the operator to physically change the structure of the firearm.
A gun mounted video camera is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,621 (Black). This patent discloses a device that looks like a rifle but is really just a video camera recording device.
Video cameras mounted to firearms with head mounted video displays are disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,966 (Hanson), U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,137 (Hanson), U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,589 (Hanson), U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,213 (Hanson), U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,827 (Hanson), U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,104 (Schmitz). A similar invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,676 (Elliot). These patents relate to using a video camera to transmit a video signal to a head mounted video display for aiming purposes and are generally designed for military or police purposes not for recording game hunting.


The present disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for narrow-band communication. In some aspects, a base station determines a quantity of resource elements to allocate to a user device for wireless communication based on a state of the user device. The base station selects, from a resource block, resource elements for the user device that include the determined quantity of resource elements and a portion of subcarriers of the resource block. The base station then communicates, to the user device, an identification of the selected resource elements that includes respective frequencies and time locations of the selected resource elements within the resource block.

Many computing and electronic devices include a transceiver for communicating over a wireless network. Wireless networks are typically managed by a managing node or access point which manages communication within that wireless network. To do so, the managing node often allocates or assigns physical access of wireless spectrum to each device associated with the network. This physical access can be assigned to each of the devices as uniform units of frequency or time. With advances in wireless standards and increasing data rates, network-specified allocations of physical access have become extremely wide, with some bandwidth allocations spanning up to 1 gigahertz (GHz) of physical access.
While these wide-band allocations of physical access support the increased data rates desired by many users, supporting wide-band communication can adversely impact operation of transceiver hardware within a device. For example, to receive wide-band communications, a greater receiver bandwidth is needed, along with higher sampling rates for gain control, demodulation functions, and other communication functions. On the transmitter side, spreading transmit power across a wide frequency range lowers power-amplifier efficiency, particularly when attempting to communicate over longer distances. As such, operating a device transceiver in wide-band communication modes often increases power consumption of the transceiver hardware and lowers power efficiency of the device. This increased power consumption may also negatively affect a user experience, particularly with battery-powered devices that may suffer from reduced run-times or fallback to low-performance modes of operations due to a reduced battery level.


A video game controller charging device is supported directly on the top of a video game console and integrated therewith. The device includes a main body portion having a console-engaging structure for providing support to the device while positioned on top of the game console. One or more controller support surfaces, formed as cradles or docking structures for receiving game controllers, are formed on a top surface of the charging device. An extension arm engages a second surface of the game console and includes power connector integrated therein and adapted to engage a power source connection on the game console when the charging device is installed on the game console. Fastening devices may include suction devices that may be selectively activated to secure the charging device to a surface of the game console.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to the field of charging systems for video game controllers.
2. Background Information
Various devices have been devised for charging video game controllers. Such devices typically utilize a carriage or cradle for receiving and supporting the game controller as well as a power supply for providing energy to recharge a power storage device, such as a battery, on the video game controller. The prior art is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,848, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
Existing devices typically involve a separate structure that is supported in a remote location from the gaming console and requires a power cord that is typically plugged into a wall outlet. The separate structure does not lend itself to compact storage and integrated association with the gaming console. Moreover, the separate power cord adds to the complexity in managing the many power devices that are typically located near a video gaming console, such as additional devices for entertainment, including satellite receivers and digital video recorders. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a device and system which addresses the aforementioned problems and others.

Modular charging system for game consoles


The present invention provides a protective visor for use during the treatment of hair comprising a bill attached to a headband, wherein the bill is composed of high density foam and the headband is composed of soft foam, the protective visor being adopted to attach to a person's head just below that person's hair line, thereby protecting that person from fluids running off of her hair or hot air blown in her face.

1. Field of the Invention
Applicant's invention relates to the protection of a person's face and neck from liquids, chemicals and hot air during the preparation of that person's hair.
2. Background Information
Presently, the preparation of hair often requires the application of heat and chemicals which are uncomfortable to the person whose hair is being prepared. For instance, shampoos, conditioners and chemical applications such as hair dyes or permanents can run into the person's face when they are applied to the person's hair. Also, hair drying often requires the application of hot, dry air to the person's hair which air creates discomfort to the person's face, eyes, nose and mouth.
The hair preparation industry attempts to increase the comfort of the person whose hair is being treated by a number of primitive methods. For instance, the preparer will often hold a towel to the face of her client. Alternatively, the preparer will use her hand to divert the overflow of liquids or chemicals from her client's face. Often, the client is the one who must put a hand up to protect her own face. None of these methods are of much use in protecting a client's face during the hair drying process.
The hair preparation industry has attempted to alleviate the discomfort suffered by its clientele with a number of devices. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 2,987,730 by Walker, discloses a cape-like protector with a transparent window which protects a person's face and shoulders during preparation of that person's hair, but which is cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear. Other devices, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,091 by Lange, U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,385 by Rushton, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,954 by Lyons disclose the use of a headband comprised of absorbent material that absorbs liquids coming from the hair of a person; however, such devices tend to hold liquids against the person's skin, increasing the irritation caused by such liquids, and do not offer any protection from liquids splashing in the person's face. Still other devices, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,680 by Mason et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,545 by Seidman disclose headband devices having a channel for liquids to escape from the person's hair; but these devices are unnecessarily complicated, and do not offer a secure guard for protection of a person's facial region.
The present invention attempts to increase the comfort and protection levels to a person whose hair is being prepared by providing an apparatus and method for diverting uncomfortable liquids, chemicals and blown air away from that person's face and neck.


This invention is related to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor including a MOSFET.. The method comprises a step of forming an opening in a first insulating layer covering a second insulating layer and a surface of semiconductor substrate, so that the second insulating layer covering a gate electrode, and a surface of a source region and a drain region are exposed, a step of burying a conductive material in the opening, and a step of etching the conductive material so that a surface of the second insulating layer is exposed.

With the sharp increase in semiconductor equipment integration, the MOS transistors tend to be more miniaturized.
FIGS. 1 (a) and (b) show a top view and a sectional view, respectively, for a conventional MOS transistor structure. The conventional MOS transistor consists of the following elements:
1. Gate electrode 4, formed on the device field of semiconductor substrate 1 through gate oxide layer 3; PA0 2. Source region and drain region 8; and PA0 3. Contacting electrode 11, formed to connect to the source region and drain region 8.
In addition, the MOS transistor shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with a wiring layer 12 to connect to a contacting electrode 11. The wiring layer 12, the contacting electrode 11, and the gate electrode 4 are electrically isolated by an interlayer insulating layer 9. The source region and drain region 8 consist of the following elements:
The first diffusion layer 6, formed by diffusing impurities on the device field surface other than the gate electrode 4, and the second diffusion layer 8, formed by diffusing impurities on the device field surface other than the region, where an insulating layer 7 formed on the side-wall of the gate electrode 4 is grown. The source region and drain region 8 are referred to as Lightly Doped Drain structure for the above structure.
In a conventional MOS transistor having such a structure, it is required to increase the separation between the contacting electrode 11 and the gate electrode 4, in order to prevent short-circuiting between two electrodes. Accordingly, the MOS transistor needs a larger proportion of the surface area compared to the whole semiconductor equipment. Therefore, it is impossible to achieve higher semiconductor equipment integration. Furthermore, the separation between the contacting electrode 11 and the gate electrode 4 is so large that it increases the parasitic resistance due to the source region or drain region 8. As transistors are being miniaturized, resistance of the channel region decreases. Thus, the proportion of the parasitic resistance to the resistance of the channel region increases. In other words, the above parasitic resistance causes unusual deterioration in the drive power for transistors.
To solve the aforesaid problems, the position of the contacting electrode 11 is aligned to the gate electrode 4 in the semiconductor equipment shown in FIG. 2. This structure is referred to as SAC (Self Align Contact) structure. FIG. 2 (a) shows a top view and (b) shows a sectional view, respectively, for MOS transistors having the SAC structure. The insulating layer 5 and the side-wall insulating layer 7 cover the gate electrode 4 to prevent short-circuiting between the contacting electrode 11 and the gate electrode 4.
FIG. 3 shows a sectional view for a method to manufacture the MOS transistor having the SAC structure. The gate insulating layer 3, the gate electrode 4, and the insulating layer 5 are formed in sequence on the semiconductor substrate 1, where a device isolation field 2 was formed. Thereafter, the first diffusion layer 6 is formed on a portion other than this gate electrode 4 and this insulating layer 5, using the ion implantation method. (FIG. 3 (a))
Next, for example, insulating layers are stacked so as to cover the gate electrode 4. After the insulating layers are formed, the insulating layers on the semiconductor substrate 1 are removed, using the anisotropic etching method, thereby forming the insulating layer 7 on the side-wall of the gate electrode 4. Further, the second diffusion layer 8 can be formed, for instance, using the ion implantation method. (FIG. 3(b))
Thereafter, the interlayer insulating layer 9 is formed over the entire surface of semiconductor substrate 1. Further, contacting holes 10a and 10b are opened within the interlayer insulating layer 9 by the normal lithography technique and the anisotropic etching method (FIG. 3(c)). At this time, the anisotropic etching should be performed under the condition where an etching speed to the insulating layers 5 and 7 is slower than that to the interlayer insulating layer 9. This enables the insulating layers 5 and 7 to remain, as shown in FIG. 3(c). Therefore, there is no need to increase the separation between the contacting holes 10a, 10b, and the gate electrode 4, even if an overlay offset (an overlay offset between predetermined clearance region of the contacting holes 10a and 10b, and the actual clearance region) occurs.
Subsequently, the contacting electrode 11 is formed by embedding tungsten etc. into the contacting holes 10a and 10b. Wiring 12 is formed on the upper area of the contacting electrode 11 by using Al, etc., thereby producing the MOS transistor, as shown in FIG. 2 (b).
As described above, the conventional MOS transistor having the SAC structure can reduce the separation between the contacting holes 10a/10b and the electrode 4, which can miniaturize the MOS transistor. On the other hand, the separation between the channel region and the contacting electrode 11 of the MOS transistor is shortened, so that the parasitic resistance can be reduced. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the pattern for the contacting hole 10 is formed so as to overlap with the gate electrode 4 pattern, which enables the separation between the channel region and the contacting electrode 11 to be equal to the width of side-wall insulating layer 7. Therefore, the parasitic resistance, due to the source region or drain region 8, can be miniaturized.
Meanwhile, in order to minimize the parasitic resistance, as described above, it is required to overlay the connecting holes 10a, 10b and the gate electrode 4 each other, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), by at least overlay offset separation b for the aforesaid contacting holes 10a and 10b. At this time, the separation c between the contacting holes 10a and 10b is expressed by Equation: c=d-2.times.b, in the case when the gate electrode 4 width is specified at d.
Generally, many cases used to miniaturize the transistor provide the width for the gate electrode 4 with a critical minimum size, so that the gate electrode pattern can be formed. Therefore, the separation between the contacting holes 10a and 10b will be shorter than a critical minimum size for fabrication of gate electrode, which makes it very difficult to simultaneously pattern the contacting holes 10a and 10b. assuming discretely patterning the contacting holes 10a and 10b, a problem will occur in which the number of manufacturing processes increase. Furthermore, it can not be assured that the cross section of the interlayer insulating layer 9, between the contacting holes 10a and 10b, appears in a rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), which causes to short the contacting electrodes 11a and 11b formed inside of the holes 10a and 10b. Thus, it is necessary to take new measures to avoid the aforesaid problems.
As described above, the conventional manufacturing method used for semiconductor equipment was found to make it difficult to simultaneously align predetermined contacting holes located at both ends of the gate electrode for the gate electrode.

Method of manufacturing semiconductor device


Conventionally, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)-based solutions have been extensively devised in the domains of indoor localization and context-aware applications. These solutions are primarily based on a path-loss attenuation model, with customizations on RSSI processing and are usually regression-based. Further, existing solutions for distance and proximity estimation incorporate data features derived only from the RSSI values themselves with additional features like frequency of occurrence of certain RSSI values thus are less accurate. Present disclosure provides systems and methods that implement a classification model that uses RSSI as well as temporal features derived from the received data packets. The model uses data from multiple devices in different environments for training and can execute proximity decisions on the device itself. The method of the present disclosure monitoring proximity between a plurality of devices implements/uses an effective protocol for decision aggregation to suppress false positive proximity events generated and further stabilizes device's response.

In the wake of recent (COVID-19) pandemic, contact tracing has turned out to be an indispensable technique to help administrative authorities contain localized infections efficiently. In the absence of a definitive and an official vaccine for the infection, practicing social distancing has proved to be an effective norm to prevent the risk of infection. RSSI-based solutions have been extensively devised in the domains of indoor localization and context-aware applications. These solutions are primarily based on a path-loss attenuation model, with customizations on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) processing and are usually regression-based. Further, existing solutions for distance and proximity estimation incorporate data features derived only from the RSSI values themselves with additional features like frequency of occurrence of certain RSSI values thus are less accurate.

Real-time monitoring of proximity between a plurality of computing devices


A method for pulsed neutron well logging of a subsurface formation, includes irradiating the formation with a plurality of bursts of neutrons of a group of selected durations; detecting gamma rays resulting from interaction of the neutrons during a group of selected time gates which contains at least some early and late gamma ray counts. The gamma rays are detected at at least two axially spaced apart locations from a position of the irradiating. A weighted sum of the numbers of gamma rays detected in each of the time gates is calculated. A ratio of the weighted sum of detected gamma rays at a first axial spacing to the weighted sum at a second axial spacing is determined. The ratio is used to determine a hydrogen index of the subsurface formation.

The invention relates generally to the field of measurements of subsurface formation properties using pulsed neutrons as an energy source. More specifically, the invention relates to determining fractional volume of pore space (porosity) of subsurface formations using a pulsed neutron source and at least one gamma ray radiation detectors.
Subsurface formation HI (hydrogen index) measurement using high energy neutrons as a measurement source has been used in well logging since at least the 1950s. In case of no bound-water in the formation matrix (such as shale), hydrogen atoms only appear in the pore space (oil or water). Thus, the formation hydrogen index is typically a measurement of formation porosity. Neutron source based porosity measurements known in the art rely on the fact that the slowing down of neutrons, and therefore the average distance travelled within the formations by the neutrons, is strongly dependent on the hydrogen content of the formation. The hydrogen content dependency is due to the fact that neutrons can incur a very large energy loss in a single elastic scattering event with a proton (a hydrogen nucleus). In its simplest form, neutron based porosity measurement can be performed using a neutron source and a detector axially spaced from the neutron source. If the axial spacing of the detector from the source is chosen appropriately, then the neutron flux at the detector location will decrease monotonically with increasing formation hydrogen content. As one possible alternative, the neutron detector can be replaced by a gamma-ray detector, since the flux of neutron induced gamma-rays is related to the neutron flux.
Early versions of neutron-based porosity measurement instruments included those having a single gamma-ray detector (e.g., a Geiger-Mueller counter) with a radioisotope-based neutron source (e.g., 241AmBe, 238PuBe). Such instruments may be referred to as "neutron-gamma" instruments. Correspondingly, instruments using a neutron detector (e.g., a 3He proportional counter) may be referred to as "neutron-neutron" instruments. Traditionally, the term "neutron porosity" typically means a neutron-based porosity measurement using a 241AmBe source and "neutron-neutron" instruments. The following terms are defined in order to differentiate this work from the traditional "neutron porosity". "Neutron-neutron porosity" may be defined as neutron porosity based on a neutron source and neutron detectors. Similarly, "neutron-gamma porosity" may be defined as neutron porosity based on a neutron source and gamma ray detectors, which is the scope of this invention.
Both neutron-neutron instrument measurements and to an even larger extent neutron-gamma instrument measurements are strongly affected by a multitude of environmental effects. Most, if not all open-hole neutron tools used at the present time are neutron-neutron measurements based on the detection of the thermal and/or epithermal neutron flux at one or more neutron detectors.
It can be more difficult to measure formation HI based on gamma ray detectors as compared to using neutron detectors. In addition to other phenomena, gamma ray detectors measure the gamma rays from neutron "capture" interaction (i.e., capture of a thermal neutron by a nucleus of certain atoms having large "neutron capture cross section" and subsequent emission of a gamma ray) in the formation, wellbore or the instrument itself. Capture gamma ray measurement is therefore an indirect measurement the presence of neutrons. The physics of neutron-neutron porosity only involves neutron transport from the source to the neutron detector. The physics of neutron gamma porosity involves both neutron and gamma ray transport, so that such physics are more complex. Thus, neutron-gamma porosity may have more environmental effects which may be more difficult to interpret.
Notwithstanding the additional complexity in interpretation there may be advantages associated with measuring neutron-gamma porosity. The count rate of a gamma ray detector can be more than 1 order of magnitude higher than a 3He neutron detector. The depth of investigation (lateral distance from the wellbore wall into the formation) of a neutron-gamma measurement may be deeper than that of a neutron-neutron measurement. The energy of a gamma ray from a neutron capture event is normally in the million electron volt (MeV) range, which means such gamma rays can travel a longer distance than a thermal neutron before absorption. A scintillation type gamma ray detector can also provide gamma ray spectroscopy and inelastic neutron scatter-related measurements, which a thermal or epithermal neutron detector cannot. The foregoing features make neutron-gamma porosity very appealing. Thus is it desirable to have an improved neutron-gamma porosity instrument.

Neutron porosity based on one or more gamma ray detectors and a pulsed neutron source


A processing system with a trusted platform module (TPM) supports migration of digital keys. For instance, an application in the processing system may create a first configuration key as a child of a TPM storage root key (SRK) when the processing system has a first configuration. The application may also create an upgradable root user key associated with an upgrade authority as a child of the first configuration key. The application may also create a user key as a child of the upgradable root user key. When the processing system has a second configuration, the application may create a second configuration key as a child of the SRK. The application may request migration approval from the upgrade authority. In response to receiving the approval from the upgrade authority, the application may migrate the root user key to be a child of the second configuration key. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

A processing system may include hardware resources, such as a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and nonvolatile storage such as read only memory (ROM) and one or more hard disk drives. The processing system may also include data and software resources, such as a basic input/output system (BIOS), a hypervisor or virtual machine monitor (VMM), and one or more operating systems (OSs). When the processing system is started or reset, it may load and run the BIOS. The processing system may then load and run one or more of the VMM and the OSs.
The data stored in a processing system may have high value. The data may include trade secrets and other confidential business data or personal information such as social security numbers and credit card numbers. In addition, processing systems are frequently used for electronic business transactions. To improve computer security, the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), a not-for-profit industry-standards organization, has formed and adopted specifications for more secure processing systems.
TCG specifications define trusted processing system platforms, computer platforms which may behave in a particular manner for a specific purpose. A trusted platform may provide data security functions such as data encryption and decryption and data storage. A key component of a trusted platform is the trusted platform module (TPM). A TPM which may perform operations such as cryptographic hashes to detect loss of integrity, public and secret key encryption to prevent unauthorized disclosure of data, and digital signing to authenticate transmitted information. The TCG Protected Storage mechanisms, which may be rooted in hardware, may be used to protect keys, secrets and hash values. Additional details on TPMs may be found in specifications such as the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) TPM Specification Version 1.2, dated Oct. 2, 2003 (hereinafter the "TPM specification"), which includes parts such as Design Principles, Structures of the TPM, and TPM Commands. The TPM specification is published by the TCG and is currently available from the Internet at www.trustedcomputinggroup.org/home.
A trusted platform may also demonstrate that it operates in a safe configuration when it has access to confidential data by measuring the configuration and sealing the data to the configuration. TCG specifications provide for measuring the components of a computer platform and for storing the results of the measurements. The measurements of a configuration may be hashed and stored in platform configuration registers (PCRs). A trusted platform may allow access to data only under a particular configuration of the trusted platform. The TPM seal operation may encrypt data to a specific set of PCR values or an authorization value. To unseal the data, and thereby gain access to it, the authorization must be presented and the set of values stored in the PCRs must match the set used in the seal operation. Similarly, a signing key may be locked to a set of PCR values during key generation within the TPM.
Changes in a platform configuration may render sealed data or PCR locked keys inaccessible. To gain access to sealed data under a modified configuration, the data may first have to be accessed under the original configuration and resealed to the modified configuration. Gaining access to the data may prove difficult when the data is distributed over multiple computer platforms. Generally, keys locked to a particular platform configuration are not accessible from other configurations.

Methods and apparatus for providing upgradeable key bindings for trusted platform modules


Apparatus, systems, and methods to manage memory refresh operations are described. In one embodiment, an electronic device comprises a processor and memory controller logic to determine a memory refresh frequency for a memory system and transmit refresh commands to a refresh control logic in at least one memory bank coupled to the memory controller according to the memory refresh frequency. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) memory systems may require refresh operations to be implemented on a regular basis. Existing practice is to specify a fixed refresh period (e.g., 64 msec) and DRAM memory systems are built to conform to the fixed refresh period. Variation in the refresh needs of individual memory cells in a DRAM memory system necessitates that the weakest memory cell (i.e., the one requiring the most frequent refresh) determines the refresh requirement for the entire DRAM. Refresh requirements for cells in a DRAM memory system will form a distribution, and the distribution exhibits a fairly long tail of refresh requirements for quite frequent refreshes for a very small percentage of the cells. Since the refreshes are done on a per row basis (typically 8K bits per row), the weakest cell in a row will determine the refresh requirements of any given row, and therefore the row containing the weakest cell will determine the refresh period needed by all of the rows in the DRAM. Thus, many rows in a DRAM memory system are being refreshed more frequently than required, which wastes system resources.


A handlebar clamping device includes a clamping body, a conventional C-clamp for clamping the body to a vertical steerer tube on the steering fork of the bicycle, and a recessed clamping surface for clamping the body to the handlebar. The recessed area of the body of the clamp includes a first semi-cylindrical clamping surface situated between a pair of tapered inner walls. The device further includes a cover member which has two outwardly projecting prongs which define a second semi-circular clamping surface, and further define a pair of tapered outward walls. The outward protruding prongs on the cover member are inserted into the recessed area of the clamping body so that the first and second tapered outer walls are in opposing surface to surface contact with the first and second tapered inner walls on the clamping body, respectively. The handlebar is clamped in place between the first and second semi-cylindrical clamping surfaces, and the opposing tapered walls cause the protruding prongs to also become compressed against the outer circumference of the handlebar.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a clamping device for attaching a handlebar to a steering fork on a bicycle.
2. Background of the Related Art
In a class of cycling known as bicycle motocross, commonly referred to as BMX, riders perform a number of stunts, such as riding on one wheel (known as "wheelies"), riding the bicycle off the end of a ramp and twisting and turning on the bicycle in mid-air, and riding on unusually difficult and challenging terrain. Racing on short tracks having various obstacles is also a common event in BMX cycling. As might be expected, the bicycle itself is subjected to a great deal of punishment during such events.
The characteristics of a BMX bicycle typically include relatively small wheels, a short frame, a high seat post and high handlebars. The steering fork, to which the front wheel is attached, includes an upward protruding vertical steerer which is inserted through the neck of the frame. The steerer is essentially a metal pipe or tube. The handlebar is attached to the top of the steering fork with a clamping device which includes some type of means for clamping the device to the steerer, and a second means for clamping the device to the handlebar.
On current BMX bicycles (and on many other models, too), the means for attaching the handlebar is typically comprised of a relatively flat surface with a semi-cylindrical recess in the body of the clamp, a cover plate also with a semi-cylindrical recess, and a set of fasteners for fastening the cover plate to the body of the clamp. The handlebar is essentially sandwiched between semi-cylindrical recesses in the cover plate and body of the clamp.
There are a number of drawbacks with current clamps of this design. In lesser quality clamping devices made of low grade material, the cover tends to flex and bend over time, and consequently the handlebar becomes loose, requiring retightening. In the event the handlebar becomes loose during a race, retightening the clamp is not possible. For higher quality clamping devices made from hardened metals, the cover does not bend, but instead causes the handlebar to become flattened or "out of round." In severe cases, a portion of the handlebar becomes squeezed outwardly in between the gap between the cover plate and body of the clamp. It is quite common for riders to make various adjustments to a BMX bicycle for different stunts and events. However, a handlebar which has become "out of round" cannot be properly adjusted for different events.
Consequently, an improved clamping device for attaching the handlebar to the steering fork is desired.


A method is provided for transmitting Acknowledgement/Negative Acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) information in a wireless communication system. A User Equipment (UE) configures a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) format 3 for transmission of the ACK/NACK information. The UE transmits the ACK/NACK information for downlink transmission in a downlink subframe set including M downlink subframes in one uplink subframe, wherein M>1. A plurality of serving cells are configured for the UE and include one Primary Cell (PCell) and at least one Secondary Cell (SCell). The UE transmits the ACK/NACK information using a PUCCH format 1b when a first condition is met that comprises a condition in case where the ACK/NACK information corresponds to one Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) without a corresponding Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) received only on the PCell in the downlink subframe set and the ACK/NACK information corresponds to an additional PDSCH indicated by detection of one corresponding PDCCH.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile radio communication system, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving uplink control information.
Discussion of the Related Art
Wireless communication systems have been widely deployed to provide various types of communication services such as voice or data services. Generally, a wireless communication system is a multiple access system capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (bandwidth, transmission power, etc.). Multiple access systems include, for example, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) system, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system, a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) system, and a Multi-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (MC-FDMA) system.

Method and device for transmitting/receiving uplink control information in wireless communication system


A method for the determination of the electrical work in systems in which the voltage is switched. At preset times for this purpose current values are measured and interpolated between the measurement. With the help of the switched voltage a classification of each interpolated current path is performed. The interpolated current value is then multiplied or integrated by the voltage value/values between the preset times respectively for the determination of the work. Along with the electrical work moreover in accordance with a further method similarly the electrical power in such systems can be determined.

The invention relates to a method for the determination of the electrical work in systems in which the voltage is switched. In addition the invention relates to a method for the determination of the electrical power in systems in which the voltage is switched.
In the case of converter-fed electrical systems, in particular loads such as electrical motors or inductive components, such as for example transformers, chokes or the like, the required terminal voltage is typically built up by the application of a clocked switched direct-current voltage. So that this can happen in as loss-free a manner as possible, rapid switching processes are strived for. In order for example to obtain a sinusoidal voltage form within the scope of a pulse width modulation voltage time slots or voltage time pulses of different duration are created. Switching regulators or pulse width modulators are in the process established means for the generation of the voltage pulses.
For determination or measurement of power in such systems with switched voltages it has been necessary up to now to isochronously measure current and voltage precisely. In particular due to the typically very rapidly pulsed voltages this is connected with an extremely large technical expenditure. Along with the required installation space and the weight of such hardware, the extremely high costs also constitute a serious disadvantage.

Method for the determination of work/power


A semiconductor device and fabrication method are presented which employ a thermally conductive substrate having an outer layer of palladium. The substrate may be made of, for example, a metal such as copper. The substrate does not itself include layers of signal traces or bonding pads which function as device terminals, but provides a stiff backing for support of a flexible circuit which includes signal traces and bonding pads. An adhesive layer bonds the flexible circuit to the substrate. The outer layer of palladium has a desired surface roughness and chemical properties which improve the adhesion of the adhesive layer to the substrate. The substrate has opposed, substantially planar upper and underside surfaces. In one embodiment, the underside surface of the substrate has a die cavity, and the flexible circuit includes a set of conductors bonded to one side of a sheet of dielectric material (e.g., polyimide film). The sheet of dielectric material has an opening extending therethrough for receiving an upper surface of an integrated circuit. Each conductor has a first end which extends laterally across the film and into the opening and a second end which terminates at a bonding pad. The opening is surrounded by multiple apertures also which allow access to the substrate through the sheet of dielectric material for the bonding of a portion of the conductors to the substrate. The adhesive layer has openings which correspond to those of the sheet of dielectric material.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to semiconductor device packages, and more particularly to semiconductor device packages employing a thermally conductive heat spreader substrate.
2. Description of Related Art
During manufacture of an integrated circuit (e.g., a microprocessor), signal lines formed upon the silicon substrate and to be connected to external devices are terminated at flat metal contact regions called input/output (I/O) pads. Following manufacture, the integrated circuit is typically secured within a protective semiconductor device package. Each I/O pad of the chip is then connected to a bonding pad of the device package, and ultimately to a terminal which typically extends from the periphery of the package.
As integrated circuit fabrication technology improves, manufacturers are able to integrate more and more functions onto single silicon substrates. As the number of functions on a single chip increases, however, the number of signal lines which need to be connected to external devices also increases. The corresponding numbers of required I/O pads and device package terminals increase as well, as do the complexities and costs of the device packages.
Grid array semiconductor device packages have terminals arranged in a two-dimensional array across an underside surface of the device package. An increasingly popular type of grid array device package is the ball grid array (BGA) device package. A BGA device includes a chip mounted upon a larger substrate made of, for example, fiberglass-epoxy printed circuit board material or ceramic material (e.g., aluminum oxide, alumina, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, or aluminum nitride, AlN). A BGA substrate typically includes two sets of bonding pads: a first set adjacent to the chip and a second set arranged in a two-dimensional array across the underside surface of the device package. The I/O pads of the chip are typically connected to corresponding members of the first set of bonding pads by signal lines. Members of the second set of bonding pads function as device package terminals. The solder balls on the underside of the BGA device package allow the device to be surface mounted to an ordinary PCB. The substrate also includes one or more layers of signal lines (i.e., traces) which connect respective members of the first and second sets of bonding pads. During PCB assembly, the BGA device package is attached to the PCB by heating the solder balls until they reflow. When the solder cools, the substrate is physically and electrically coupled to the PCB.
Common methods used to connect the I/O pads of the integrated circuit to bond traces of the device package include wire bonding and tape automated bonding (TAB). In wire bonding, connections are made using fine metal wires (e.g., gold or aluminum wires). TAB techniques connect I/O pads of the integrated circuit to bond traces of the device package using fine-line conductors etched from one or more sheets of metal (e.g., copper). The electrically conductive sheet is bonded to a sheet of a dielectric material (e.g., polyimide film), then portions of the conductive sheet are selectively removed in order to form the TAB conductors. The sheet of dielectric material maintains proper conductor spacing during handling and installation.
Some BGA packages with enhanced thermal performance employ a thermally conductive heat spreader substrate. The heat spreader substrate may be made of, for example, a metal such as copper. The heat spreader substrate does not itself include layers of signal traces or bonding pads which function as device terminals, but provides a stiff backing for support of a flexible TAB tape which includes signal traces and bonding pads. As with standard BGA packages, an integrated circuit is mounted substantially in the center of one surface of the heat spreader. The TAB tape surrounds the integrated circuit, and a layer of an adhesive is used to bond the TAB tape to the heat spreader substrate. One end of each TAB tape conductor is connected to an I/O pad of the integrated circuit, and the other end typically terminates at a bonding pad coated with solder which functions as a device terminal.
A problem arises, however, in the bonding of the TAB tape to the heat spreader substrate. Copper readily tarnishes and corrodes, thus bare copper is not a desirable product finish. In order to provide a tarnish- and corrosion-resistant finish, copper heat spreader substrates are commonly plated first with nickel, then with gold. However, the smoothness of the outer surface of the gold plating and the chemical stability of gold cause an eventual lack of adhesion (i.e., a delamination) at the interface between the adhesive layer which bonds the TAB tape to the heat spreader substrate and the heat spreader substrate itself. Repeated heating and cooling of the device package accelerates the delamination process. The resulting physical separation between the heat spreader substrate and the TAB tape places undue stress on the delicate conductors of the TAB tape and creates a long-term device package reliability problem.
It would be advantageous to have a device package employing a heat spreader substrate and having a stable bond between the heat spreader substrate and a flexible TAB tape including signal traces and bonding pads. Such a device package would possess both improved heat transfer characteristics and long-term operational reliability.

Semiconductor device and fabrication method employing a palladium-plated heat spreader substrate


In order to elevate workability in collecting refuse and the like, an elastic blade is attached to an extreme end of an opening of a main body of a collecting device in order to provide an intimate contact with the surface of a floor. A rotating shaft extending laterally along the under side of the blade is provided therein at the rear of the same, and this rotating shaft is pivotally supported between two opposing sidewalls of the collecting device main body, whereby the front edge of the blade is rotatably urged towards and away from the surface of the floor due to the elastic force derived from the bottom of the blade through the rotating shaft. The blade is gradually elevated towards the rear end to form an inclined portion, whereby a prescribed amount of refuse and the like collected within the opening can be held on the inclined portion. On the opposite side surfaces of the blade, each sidewall is provided with the blade so as not to drop refuse and the like once swept up.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a collecting device, and in particular, to a device used to sweep or collect refuse, including dust, as well as rainwater, standing water or the like (hereinafter referred to simply as "water and the like") from a surface of a floor.
2. Description of the Related Art
A broom has been conventionally used to gather refuse. A squeegee or the like has also been used in conjunction with a dust-pan or the like to sweep up dust or water and the like.
However, the conventional dust-pan as described above after has a gap between a blade attached to the extreme end of an opening in a dust-pan and the surface of a floor, especially a floor with an uneven or irregular surface, when dust or water and the like on the surface of the floor is swept up by a squeegee or the like. As a result, some dust or water and the like is pushed into the back of the dust-pan and some is pushed under the dust pan. In use, this means that the dust pan is moved backwards step-wise to try to collect the refuse which was swept under the pan previously.

Device for collecting dust, water or the like


A phthalocyanine compound (1) of a specific structure excelling in ability to absorb near infrared, ability to effect selective absorption of near infrared radiation particularly in a wavelength range exceeding 920 nm and falling short of 1050 nm, solubility in a solvent as well, compatibility with resin, and in such characteristic properties as heat resistance, light resistance, and weatherability, and a near infrared absorbing filter characterized by using the phthalocyanine compound (1) and phthalocyanine compound (2) having a maximum absorption wavelength at least in the range of 800–920 nm are provided. It enjoys a long service life and permits extensive use without selecting a substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a novel phthalocyanine compound, a method for the production thereof, and a near infrared absorbing dye, heat ray shielding material, and near infrared absorbing material formed by using the compound.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a plasma display panel (hereinafter abbreviated as "PDP") which can be applied to a large image plane on a thin wall has been attracting attention. The PDP, however, entails the problem of emitting near infrared radiation during the course of plasma discharge and suffering the near infrared radiation to induce malfunctioning of such electrical apparatuses as domestic TV sets, room coolers, and video decks.
For the purpose of solving the problem of this sort, phthalocyanine compounds having a specific structure have been disclosed in the official gazette of U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,340. These phthalocyanine compounds are characterized by manifesting high permeability to visible radiation and high efficiency of cutting near infrared radiation, possessing excellent ability to permit selective absorption in the near infrared region, and excelling in resistance to heat, light resistance, and weatherability.
There is also an invention which concerns a near infrared radiation-shielding film possessing prominent ability to shield off near infrared radiation and ability to transmit visible radiation (the official gazette of JP-A-2001-133624). This near infrared radiation-shielding film is formed by laminating a transparent resin film layer, a transparent near infrared radiation-shielding layer containing an agent for absorbing near infrared radiation, a transparent resin film layer, and a transparent color tone smoothing layer containing a coloring material capable of smoothing the color tone of the shielding layer and it uses a diimonium type compound as the agent for absorbing near infrared radiation.
In order for the film to be effectively used in a panel such as for a display, it calls for color tone as a quality as well as the property for absorbing near infrared radiation and requires the color tone thereof to be adjusted generally by mixing several kinds of dyes. Some of the dyes which possess an absorbing property in the near infrared region suffer their properties to vary when they are admixed with other dyes or suffer their abilities to absorb near infrared radiation to be varied by a chemical reaction or an inductive interaction. Further, since the manufacture of a panel involves a step for carrying out a melt extrusion or a reaction of polymerization at elevated temperatures, it requires to use a thermally and chemically stable near infrared absorbing material. With a view to coping with a problem such as this, the near infrared absorbing filter which is formed by resorting to such methods as, for example, a casting method or a coating method which uses a solution having a dye possessing an ability to absorb near infrared radiation and a macromolecular resin homogeneously mixed in a solvent, a method of melt extruding a blend of such dye and macromolecular resin, and a method of polymerizing or solidifying a homogeneous mixture of a dye possessing an ability to absorb near infrared radiation with a monomer has been disclosed (the official gazette of JP-A-2002-82219). Since some of the dyes suffer their properties to vary when they are admixed with other dyes, yield to chemical reactions or induced interactions, or lack thermal stability, this filter is made to acquire a capacity for absorbing near infrared radiation in a range fit for an intended application by producing component films by forming methods appropriate to their properties and laminating the component films. The agents for absorbing near infrared radiation include polymethine dyes and phthalocyanine compound type dyes, for example.
The near infrared absorbing film having a resin layer measuring 1–50 microns in thickness and containing at least one kind of near infrared absorbing dye having the maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 800–1200 nm (A dye) and at least one kind of B dye having the maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 575–595 nm and a half-value width of not more than 40 nm formed on a transparent substrate has been also disclosed (the official gazette of WO 02/052531). Phthalocyanine compound type dyes are cited as examples of the near infrared absorbing dyes possessed of the maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 800–1200 nm. Cyanine type dyes are cited as examples of the B dyes possessed of the maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 575–595 nm and a half-value width of not more than 40 nm.
The near infrared absorbing material which uses a transparent resin coating film containing a near infrared absorbing dye and a dye capable of selectively absorbing a wavelength in the range of 550–620 nm has been also disclosed (the official gazette of JP-A-2002-200711). This wavelength corresponds to the orange light that obscures an image and the selective absorption aims to remove this wavelength. In the official gazette, dithiol nickel complexes and diimonium compounds are cited as examples of the near infrared absorbing dye and cyanine type dyes are cited as examples of the dye for selectively absorbing the orange light (in the range of 550–620 nm) respectively. Further, for the near infrared radiation-shielding filter for the use in display, the good transmission in the visible light range is as important a factor as the interception of the near infrared radiation.
It is an object of this invention to provide a phthalocyanine compound capable of forming such a filter as, for example, a near infrared absorbing filter which represses malfunction of remote control by absorbing near infrared radiation of a longer wavelength which causes the difficult absorption by the conventional phthalocyanine compounds and possesses a high transmittance to visible light enough to obtain a clear image as well.
It is another object of this invention to provide a pthalocyanine compound excelling in solubility in a solvent, in compatibility with resin, and in heat resistance, light resistance, and weatherability and a method for the production thereof.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a near infrared absorbing dye using the phthalocyanine compound and a heat ray shielding material, near infrared absorbing filter, and near infrared absorbing material containing the dye.

Phthalocyanine compound, method for production thereof, and near infrared absorbing dye and near infrared absorbing filter using same


This invention is a method dedicated to pseudo-invariant features retrieval and, more particularly, applied to content-based copy identification. The range of a query is computed during the search according to deviation statistics between original and observed features. This approximate search range is directly mapped onto a Hilbert's space-filling curve allowing an efficient access to the database. Such a method is sublinear in database size and does not suffer from dimensionality problems.

Many video content-based copy identification systems have been developed to compare a broadcasted video program to a reference video database.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,469,749 discloses a method to identify video segments that are likely to be associated with a commercial or other particular type of video content. A signature is extracted from each of the segments so identified, and the extracted signatures are used, possibly in conjunction with additional temporal and contextual information, to determine which of the identified segments are in fact associated with the particular video content. One or more of the extracted signatures may be, e.g., a visual frame signature based at least in part on a visual characteristic of a frame of the video segment, as determined using information based on DC and motion coefficients of the frame, or DC and AC coefficients of the frame. A given extracted signature may alternatively be an audio signature based at least in part on a characteristic of an audio signal associated with a portion of the video segment. Other types of signatures can also be used. That method allows the identification and extraction of particular video content to be implemented with significantly reduced amounts of memory and computational resources.
Another system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,587,637 in which video images are retrieved by sequentially inputting images for each frame, sequentially extracting features from the inputted frame images, converting the features sequentially extracted into a feature series corresponding to the inputted frame image series, compressing the feature series in the direction of the time axis, storing the compressed feature series in the storage, sequentially extracting features separately from the images to be retrieved for each inputted frame, sequentially comparing the features of the images to be retrieved for each frame with the stored compressed feature series, storing the progress state of this comparison, updating the stored progress state of the comparison on the basis of a comparison result with the frame features of the succeeding images to be retrieved, and retrieving image scenes matching with the updated progress state from the images to be retrieved on the basis of the comparison result between the updated progress state and the features of the images to be retrieved for each frame.
In a public document entitled "Robust Content-Based Video Copy Identification in a Large Reference Database" disclosed in 2003 during the Internation Conference on Image and Video Retrieval (CIVR), a novel scheme for video content-based copy identification dedicated to TV broadcast with a reference video database exceeding 1000 hours of video was disclosed. It enables the monitoring of a TV channel in soft real-time with a good tolerance to strong transformations that one can meet in any TV post-production process like: clipping, cropping, shifting, resizing, objects encrusting or color variations. Contrary to most of the existing schemes, the recognition is not based on global features but on local features extracted around interest points. This allows the selection and the localization of fully discriminant local patterns which can be compared according to a distance measure. In the disclosed document, retrieval is performed using an efficient approximate Nearest Neighbors search and a final decision based on several matches cumulated in time.
As for many content based retrieval systems and as seen in the above-mentioned prior art, one of the difficult tasks is the cost to search similar objects in a large database DB.

Search of similar features representing objects in a large reference database


The present invention provides an anaerobic curing composition comprising a monofunctional or multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate as a polymerizable monomer having at least one functional vinyl group, 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of an organic peroxide and 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of at least one aromatic amine having a pKa of 6.5 to 9.0, based on the total weight of the monomer, which may be stored as a liquid for a long time and cures rapidly at anaerobic conditions, to form a strong bond between adjacent surfaces of, especially, metals, so that it is useful as an adhesive and sealant for metals.

Anaerobic curing compositions comprise polymerizable monomers and their curing effect is achieved through a polymerization mechanism which is inhibited by oxygen. Such anaerobic compositions remain as an unpolymerized liquid as long as adequate contact with oxygen or air is maintained and cure spontaneously to a solid state upon the exclusion of oxygen or air.
The anaerobic curing compositions are useful for locking threaded assemblies, sealing porous and flanged assemblies, and, in particular, bonding adjacent surfaces of metals such as threads of a bolt and a nut.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,628,178 discloses oxygenated polyacrylate monomers showing anaerobic curing properties. However, the compositions containing these monomers require a continuous supply of air through them to prevent their polymerization and solidification during storage.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,898,950 describes anaerobic curing compositions containing unoxygenated polyacrylate monomers which are polymerized rapidly and spontaneously to a solid state in the presence of an organic peroxide catalyst upon the exclusion of air or oxygen therefrom. These compositions possess an adequate shelf-stability without the supply of air as long as adequate contact with air is maintained.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,046,262 teaches anaerobic curing compositions comprising imide and/or formamide as an accelerator. However, while the accelator may promote the curing rate, it also tends to lower the shelf stability.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,218,305 provides anaerobic curing compositions having excellent shelf-stability and being capable of rapidly polymerized which comprise, in admixture, monomers, hydroperoxide catalysts, sulfimides, stabilizers including quinone, and organic amines.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,044 discloses the addition of certain organophosphorus ester to anaerobic adhesive and sealant compositions to increase adhesiveness. However, these resulting compositions have several deficiencies including the fact that they require a significantly increased curing time and a high curing temperature in excess of 100.degree. C.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,509 suggests that the incorporation of an effective amount of carboxylated nitrile elastomer into an anaerobic composition containing an anaerobically polymerizable material having a terminal ethylenically unsaturated group, a polymerization initiator, an organophosphorus ester and a tertiary dimethylarylamine eliminates the undesired gel formation. However, as more components are added to the anaerobic curing composition, its shelf stability normally becomes deteriorated.

Anaerobic curing compositions comprising a lutidine


A fishing caddy apparatus kit includes a housing having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. A pair of axles is attached to the housing and each has a pair of free ends. Wheels are attached to each of the free ends. A plurality of containers is provided and each is positioned in the housing and extends upwardly above an upper edge of the peripheral wall. A female coupler is attached to one of said axles and extends forward of the front wall. A plurality of pulling members is provided. Each of the pulling members is selectively engaged to the female coupler. A fastener is removably extendable through the female coupler and an engaged one of the pulling members.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fishing caddy devices and more particularly pertains to a new fishing caddy device for holding and transporting a plurality of items to be used by a person while the person is fishing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of fishing caddy devices is known in the prior art. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a device that allows a person to selectively determine how to pull, for transportation purposes, a plurality of fishing items. Further, the device should include a plurality of containers for holding bait as well as fishing rod holding members.