Systems and methods are described that desynchronize a video to be protected, thereby creating one or more digitally fingerprinted videos. In one implementation, a video to be protected is temporally desynchronized and spatially desynchronized. A fingerprinted copy of the video, as modified by the temporal and spatial desynchronizations, is created.

The proliferation of digital multimedia, along with the ever-increasing bandwidth in internet communications, has made the management of digital copyright more and more challenging. Since any end user receiving a copy of multimedia content can redistribute the copy to other users, a mechanism to trace the illegal distributor needs to be established to protect the digital copyright. Multimedia fingerprinting is a way to embed unique IDs into each user's multimedia content. Because the embedded fingerprint is uniquely associated with the user to whom the copy was given, extraction of that fingerprint in a pirated copy uniquely identifies the user associated with the fingerprint.
Since multimedia data can be slightly modified without causing perceptual distortion, a fingerprint may be embedded within the data without degrading the end user's experience. There have been a number of prior works on fingerprinting image and audio signal. However, the research into video fingerprinting has been quite limited. Usually, as the host signal for fingerprinting changes, the fingerprinting scheme also needs to be adapted. For example, in a color image of natural scenes, the space for fingerprint embedding is usually much larger than in a binary image. Naturally, we would expect more embedding capacity from video. However, the large volume of data in video introduces both favorable and unfavorable aspects. A favorable aspect is that the embedding capacity of video is much higher than still images, and therefore the robustness of fingerprinting is increased. An unfavorable aspect is that the spatial and temporal redundancy of video signals may be exploited by attackers. Therefore, the design and engineering of video fingerprinting schemes is more sophisticated than fingerprinting still images and audio.
While the fingerprint designer's effort to protect digital copyright, the attackers also have strong incentive to remove the fingerprint. For example, popular marketing schemes send popular motion pictures to theaters prior to a period of time during which they are sold "on video," e.g. on a DVD medium. If a pirate can sell the movie on DVD during its theater run, a huge profit can be realized. In attacking a fingerprinting scheme, the attackers' goal is to fool the fingerprint detector so that it will not be able to detect or correctly identify a finger print. For attackers, time complexity and perceptual quality are also important considerations, since the value of multimedia lies in part in its timeliness and perceptual quality. Accordingly, a group of attackers, each in possession of a fingerprinted copy of a video may conspire to form a collusion attack. Such an attack attempts to attenuate or remove the fingerprint embedded in each copy. When the number of fingerprinted copies within the collusion attack is large enough, e.g. 30 to 40 colluders, the utility of the fingerprint is reduced so much that it may not be possible for the fingerprint detector to detect the existence of fingerprint in the colluded copy.

Collusion resistant desynchronization for digital video fingerprinting


A semiconductor memory device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of memory units provided on the semiconductor substrate and each including a plurality of memory cells that are stacked; and a plurality of bit lines formed above each of a plurality of the memory units aligned in a column direction, an alignment pitch in a row direction of the plurality of bit lines being less than an alignment pitch in the row direction of the memory units, and an end of each of the memory units aligned in the column direction being connected to one of the plurality of bit lines formed above the plurality of the memory units aligned in the column direction.

Field
The embodiments described herein relate to a semiconductor memory device and a method of control therein.
Description of the Related Art
In recent years, several semiconductor memory devices having memory cells disposed three-dimensionally (stacked type semiconductor memory devices) have been proposed to increase the degree of integration of memory.
In one known example of such a stacked type semiconductor memory device, a semiconductor pillar is formed extending in a perpendicular direction with respect to a semiconductor substrate, and word lines disposed in multiple layers in the perpendicular direction are connected to a side surface of that semiconductor pillar via a charge storage layer, thereby configuring a memory cell unit having memory cells connected in series in the perpendicular direction.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Semiconductor memory device with a three-dimensional stacked memory cell structure


A communication apparatus includes a mechanism for reducing loss of text telephone information during normal traffic channel preempting. The communication apparatus includes a transmitter that may generate a signal including a plurality of text telephone symbols for transmission via a voice channel. The transmitter may receive a notification that indicates information transmitted via the voice channel will be replaced by control information. In response to receiving the notification, the transmitter may further selectively prevent at least a portion of the plurality of text telephone symbols from being provided for transmission.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to mobile telephony and, more particularly, to modulation of text telephone data for transmission via a mobile telephone medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Text Telephone (referred to as TTY in North America) equipment has been used in the fixed telephone network for many years to transmit text and speech through the conventional telephone network. In such systems, a conventional telephone is connected to a terminal and the user enters the characters via a keyboard. Some types of TTY systems the telephone handset may be acoustically coupled to the terminal, while in other types of TTY systems the telephone may be directly connected. The terminal encodes the characters into tones (using a mapping code) which are then transmitted from the terminal through the normal voice path of the conventional telephone. A TTY terminal, in conjunction with a telephone on the receiver side, may decode the tones and display the characters on the terminal display.
In the United States, some cellular telephony systems support TTY services using a Baudot Code to map the characters using two tones: 1400 Hz and 1800 Hz. However, conventional digital cellular systems may not provide satisfactory character error rates for text transmitted in the speech channel using the traditional TTY modulation techniques developed for the fixed network. Thus, a new standard has been created to provide this cellular TTY service. The new standard is commonly referred to as Cellular Text Telephone Modem (CTM).
Situations may arise during a mobile call such as during a cell handover, for example, when the normal traffic channel may be preempted and replaced by the transmission of control information using an associated control channel. One example of a control channel used in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) systems is a fast associated control channel (FACCH). In a conventional communication apparatus, the loss of normal speech data during preempting may be inconsequential as speech decoders may inject predetermined voice patterns or white noise into the receive path. However, this same loss of data during a text telephone transmission may result in an unacceptable character error rate at the receiver.

Communication apparatus including a mechanism for reducing loss of text telephone information during normal traffic channel preempting


An Information Interface Provider (IIP) acting as the interface between a biller and its customers for both the presentment of electronic bills to the customers and for the processing of payments from the biller""s customers. The IIP creates and electronically publishes bills to the biller""s customers in response to data provided by the biller and processes the payments in response to instructions provided by the customers. Bill publication is accomplished by any and/or all channels of distribution which are effective in reaching the customers of the biller including Internet web sites, Email and personal digital assistants, for example. Once billing data has been received by the IIP, the IIP formats the billing data for storage in its own internal database and then performs the task of reformatting the bill for the particular channel(s) of distribution selected by the customer. Several types of customer payments are processed by the IIP including Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, credit or debit card payments, paper checks, smart card payments, and digital currency payments. Once the IIP has debited the consumer""s account for the payment, it credits the account of the biller. The IIP consolidates all of the Accounts Receivable (A/R) information and presents the biller with a single file which can then be used by the biller to update its own internal A/R systems.

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for publishing electronic information to consumers and for processing consumer""s responses and more particularly to a system and method for presenting electronic bills to consumers and for processing consumer payments.
Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP) is an electronic alternative to the traditional paper bill presentation and payment methods which have dominated commerce since the establishment of postal services. Separate from the accounting costs, some of which will be incurred regardless of the method of bill presentment and payment, the cost of presenting and paying bills using traditional paper methods is astronomical. Large billers (credit card, mortgage, car loans, student loans . . . ) are interested in EBPP for its cost displacement, revenue generation, and image enhancement potential.
Using EBPP, an entity which generates invoices (bills) for its goods and services is able to present bills electronically to its customers and enables the consumer to pay the bills electronically. In one simple model of EBPP, the invoicing entity, hereinafter a xe2x80x9cbillerxe2x80x9d, generates the electronic bill itself and presents the electronic bill directly to its customer. The direct bill presentment is typically accomplished through an Internet web site maintained by or for the biller. This form of direct electronic bill presentment has certain advantages such as increasing consumer traffic to the biller""s web site, which can generate additional revenues. Direct biller presentment also leverages the biller""s investment in the web site. Finally, by using direct biller presentment, the biller can totally control each segment of the bill presentment and payment process. The entity which actually presents the interface to the customer is denoted as a Consumer Service Provider (CSP). As stated above, the functions of the CSP can be accomplished in-house by the biller itself, or outsourced to a firm which specializes in this type of function.
The greatest disadvantage of direct biller presentment is that the biller""s customers must initiate the process of logging onto the biller""s site on the Internet in order to view, review and pay its bills. This is known in the art as an example a xe2x80x9cpullxe2x80x9d type technology in which the consumer must take an active step of logging onto the biller""s site. In contrast to the above described xe2x80x9cpullxe2x80x9d technology, xe2x80x9cpushxe2x80x9d technology is exemplified by the traditional paper billing process in which the paper bill is xe2x80x9cpushedxe2x80x9d to the customer""s mailbox at his/her mailing address. Another significant drawback of the direct biller presentment model is that, from a consumer""s point of view, only bills from a single biller can be presented and paid at a the biller""s web site. For example, if a customer""s telephone service provider maintains a direct bill presentment web site, the customer can only pay its telephone bill at that site, and not its cable bill. To pay the cable bill, the consumer must log off of the telephone company""s site and log onto the cable company""s site. Still another disadvantage of direct bill presentment by the biller is that the biller must create a method by which the customer may pay the bill electronically while being logged onto the biller""s site. Although several methods of processing electronic payments have been developed over the last few years, it is up to the biller to adopt, maintain and/or outsource one or more of these methods. There are actually two functions associated with payment processing. First, the function of actually interfacing with the consumer is accomplished by an entity which is denoted as a Consumer Payment Provider (CPP). The second function is processing the biller""s credits which is performed by a Biller Payment Provider (BPP). Although these are two separate and distinct functions associated with payment processing, they are often performed by the same entity.
A second model for EBPP is through a consolidated bill presentment site. Through this method, access to electronic bills from several billers is provided on a single bill presentment site. Typically a bank provides a bill presentment site, after it has agreement from several billers (or the agents of billers) to act as the electronic bill presenter on behalf of the billers. An advantage to the biller in using a consolidated site is that it avoids the costs of developing and maintaining the site itself. Although the entity maintaining the consolidated site (the xe2x80x9cconsolidatorxe2x80x9d) will charge the biller for the service (typically on a transactional basis) the costs to the biller are significantly less than a self maintained site. Furthermore, the consolidator will typically provide some sort of payment processing service as described above. This is one reason which banks are drawn to this role, since banks typically have the systems and processes for payment processing. The consolidated approach is attractive to consumers in that a consumer can log onto a single site (typically with a single password) and have access to several electronic bills from several different billers. Another advantage of a consolidated site is that it does not exclude the biller from separately maintaining its own direct presentation site as described above. Even if the biller has its own Internet site which it uses for EBPP, the additional use of the consolidated site will only increase the likelihood that a biller""s customer will use EBPP and thereby save the biller money by avoiding the traditional, and costly, paper billing system.
As with the direct bill presentment model described above, the greatest disadvantage of consolidated presentment is that it is a pull technology in which the consumers must initiate the process of logging onto the consolidated bill presentment site. Although it represents an advance over the direct presentation model, another disadvantage of the consolidated model is that a consumer can only electronically view and pay a subset of its bills at the consolidated site. The subset is usually defined by the number of billers which a consolidator is able to attract to its site. The advantage of the Internet being accessible national-wide (international) is, in part, a disadvantage from the perspective of EBPP which must take into account regional or local bills. For example, two of the monthly bills typically paid by most consumers are telephone and utility bills. By their very nature, the billers for these services are organized on a regional or local basis. For this reason, consolidators have an easier time attracting national billers (e.g., Sears) than they have signing up a local utility company. Another disadvantage for a biller using a consolidator is that the biller loses a significant marketing opportunity with respect to its customers. Typically, a consolidator will only provide the biller with a limited capability to present marketing materials to its customers. Furthermore, there exists the potential that a competitor of biller will also appear on the consolidated site and potentially drain customers away from the biller. A final and significant disadvantage of consolidated bill presentment is that the biller must, in some form, provide its billing data to the consolidator. Separate from the technical details of formatting its billing data in a form which the consolidator can use, the biller loses control of the process by the employment of a consolidator. Although contractual and legal obligations can be created with respect to the consolidator, the biller must always be concerned that its customer""s billing data provided to the third party consolidator is not mishandled or misused.
One additional model for EBPP is through the use of Email. In this model, the biller, or the biller""s agent generates the electronic bill which is forwarded directly to the consumer""s designated electronic mailbox (Email address). The greatest advantage of this model is that, through the push technology of Email, the electronic bill is sent directly to the customer, without the customer having to take any action whatsoever. Naturally the customer must open his or her Email in order to actually view the electronic bill, but the consumer does not have to actively seek out the bill. Another advantage of the Email model is that, assuming all the customer""s billers adopt this approach, all of the customer""s bill arrive at a single mailbox. The Email model is closest parallel to the traditional paper billing process with which everyone is familiar. The most significant drawback of the Email model is the lack of security for the billing and payment information. Although encryption techniques are currently available, the lack of a consistent Email interfaces renders these encryption techniques difficult to practically implement. A further disadvantage of the Email model is the lack of a certification of delivery of the Email message containing the electronic bill. This generates uncertainty, both from the biller""s and customer""s point of view, whether or not a particular electronic bill was sent by the biller and/or received by the customer. A final drawback of the Email model is lack of any legal precedent governing this type of bill presentation.
In light of the disadvantages of each of the above described models for EBPP, there is a need felt in the industry for a system and method which: provides attractive financial opportunities for billers; maximizes consumer reach; guarantee privacy and security; facilitated rapid functional evolution; and avoids disruptions to a biller""s systems and operations environment.
The present invention incorporates the advantages of each of the models described above in an integrated solution which minimizes the disadvantages associates with each model. The core of the present invention is an entity known as an Information Interface Provider (IIP). The IIP takes on the role of the information interface between a biller and its customers. In a preferred embodiment, the IIP provides a billing interface (for both bill presentment and payment processing) but the IIP is also able publish a variety of information for different types of entities, such as 401K statements for financial institutions. Although the below detailed description describes the preferred embodiment of electronic bill presentment, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In its central function, the IIP creates and publishes bills to the biller""s customers in response to data provided by the biller and processes the payments in response to instructions provided by the customers. The IIP maintains a Biller Acquisition Platform (BAP) which is a biller""s single pipeline to the ever expanding EBPP world. The BAP is not a presentment site, rather it is a staging area which facilitates presentment to the biller""s customers via any vehicle (web sites, email . . . ) and facilitates payment via any accepted payment mechanism (ACH, credit card, paper check, digital cash . . . ).
The IIP accomplishes the bill publication by any and/or all channels of distribution which are effective in reaching the customers of the biller. These channels include, for example, traditional paper distribution, biller direct Internet site, a Customer Service Provider (CSP) operated Internet presentation site, consolidated Internet presentation sites, Email, personal digital assistants, voice response units, video phones, programmable cellular phones, interactive cable TV, interactive satellite TV, smartphones, telephones, facsimile, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), and pagers. In one embodiment of the present invention, the customer selects one channel by which it is to be presented bills and the IIP transmits the bill through that single channel of distribution. In an alternative embodiment, the customer can select several of the above channels and the IIP will ensure that the bill is available on each of the customer selected channels. In addition, the IIP can ensure that certain bills will only be published through certain channels.
In providing the core billing function, the role of the IIP is to insulate its customers, the billers, from the physical task of presenting the bills to the consumers and from processing the payments from the consumers. In order to carry out the task of presenting the bills to the consumer, the IIP must have access to the xe2x80x9crawxe2x80x9d billing data from the biller. This access can be accomplished either through direct access by the IIP to the accounting systems of the biller or through a data feed from the biller to the IIP. Once the billing data has been received by the IIP, the IIP formats the billing data for storage in its own internal database and then performs the task of formatting the bill for the particular channel(s) of distribution selected by the customer. Each biller has its own format and content for its xe2x80x9crawxe2x80x9d billing data. Each channel of distribution has a distinct format and restrictions on content. Each customer has its own selected preference(s) for the channel on which the bill is to be presented. In light of all of these variables, the function of correctly formatting a particular bill for a particular customer is a significant task for the IIP. The present invention performs this formatting task using relational and object oriented databases which are the core of the BAP.
In addition to presenting the bills, the IIP is also responsible for processing the payment from the consumers on behalf of the biller. As described above, an IIP performing this function is acting as a CPP. Several types of consumer payments are envisioned in the present invention including Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, credit or debit card payments, paper checks, smart card payments, and digital currency payments. Furthermore, the IIP must be able to track preauthorized payments of certain bills by customers. Using preauthorization, the consumer may authorize the IIP to debit a preselected consumer account with respect to certain bills, typically recurring bills for the same amount, e.g., a mortgage payment. Once the IIP has debited the consumer""s account, it performs the role of a BPP and credits the account of the biller. The IIP consolidates all of the Accounts Receivable (A/R) information (i.e., which consumers have paid their bills and how much) and presents the biller with a single file which can then be used by the biller to update its own internal A/R systems.
As described above, in addition to performing billing functions, the IIP has the capability to electronically publish virtually any type of information which an entity desires to distribute to its customers. For example, the IIP can provide electronic statements to the entity""s customers (e.g., a statement of a 401K account or an insurance policy). Furthermore, the IIP can include marketing or other informational inserts in a presented statement or bill and perform ordering, payment and fulfillment functions with respect to the marketing and/or informational inserts. Additional functions of the IIP are to provide consolidated customer service data, collect and store customer enrollment data and customer preferences, and to provide a consolidated bill activation process. Each of these additional services performed by the IIP is ancillary to the core electronic publication function and can be performed or not performed at the request of the biller or other entity. In the preferred embodiment, since the goal of the IIP is to isolate the biller from the customer billing interface, it is anticipated that most billers would want the IIP to perform these additional functions. Any statement or marketing inserts which are to presented to the customer must also go through a formatting process, depending on the intended channel of distribution.
Customer service functions performed by the IIP include responding to customer and or biller inquiries regarding bills and payments. In one embodiment of the present invention, the role of the IIP is to either resolve the consumer""s problem directly, if possible, or in any event to guide the consumer to the entity having responsibility for resolution of the problem (e.g., the consumer""s bank, the biller itself, the CSP . . . ). In an alternative embodiment, the IIP does not perform the customer service function directly, but rather maintains and provides the biller with access to a customer service database which can be utilized by the Customer Service Representative (CSR) of the biller in order to track customer service inquiries to their conclusion.

Electronic account presentation and response system and method


A positron emission tomography module is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the positron emission tomography module includes a gamma ray detector arrangement designed such that it can alternately be combined with a magnetic resonance tomograph and with a computed tomograph.

In addition to magnetic resonance tomography systems (MR scanners), computed tomographs (CT scanners), and positron emission tomography systems (PET scanners), combinations of positron emission tomography systems with computed tomographs or magnetic resonance tomography systems are also known.
For example, DE 10 2005 015 070 A1 describes a combined positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance tomography system, in which the positron emission tomography component is located in the examination space of the magnetic resonance tomography system.
DE 10 2006 054 542 likewise discloses a combined MR-PET system, in which the PET detector ring is arranged within the main magnet of an MR scanner but offset in the z-direction from the radio frequency coil of the MR scanner.
Furthermore, DE 697 32 467 T2 discloses a PET scanner, in which the gamma ray detectors can be rotated about the patient couch.
Both the combination of PET- and MR imaging and the combination of PET- and CT imaging have specific advantages. Hence, it would be desirable for both combined systems to be available. However, contrary to this wish, there are both high costs of a positron emission tomography system on the one hand, and the small number of examinations that can be carried out by it, and hence the low utilization, on the other hand.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, a possibility of allowing the requirement to be satisfied at a lower cost is created.
In at least one embodiment of the invention, a positron emission tomography module is designed such that it can alternately be combined both with a magnetic resonance tomograph and with a computed tomograph.
The positron emission tomography module of at least one embodiment includes at least one gamma ray detector arrangement. The additional electronics belonging to a PET scanner, such as the amplifier, analog-to-digital converter and power supply, can be integrated wholly or partly in the positron emission tomography module. However, the positron emission tomography module is preferably as slim as possible, so that it is portable and hence can be easily transported from one system to the other. The abovementioned additional electronic components are thus preferably accommodated in a carrying apparatus, explained in more detail below, or in the respective magnetic resonance tomograph or computed tomograph, which can be combined with the positron emission tomography module.
Combinability refers to, for example, that the positron emission tomography module can be placed both in or on a patient tunnel of a magnetic resonance tomograph and in or on a gantry of a computed tomograph. The patient tunnel of an MR scanner is the examination space into which the patient to be examined on a patient table is pushed. In the case of a conventional 1.5 T system with a superconducting main magnet this is a horizontally aligned tube in a cylindrical main magnet, the longitudinal axis of which defines the z-direction.
In embodiments of this application, the z-direction always refers to the movement direction of the patient table, which usually corresponds to the direction of the static main magnetic field in the aforementioned MR scanners. In the following, when referring to a computed tomograph, the z-direction likewise refers to the movement direction of the patient table, which usually corresponds to the axial direction of the tomograph.
The combinability of the positron emission tomography module with optionally an MR scanner or else a CT scanner means that the positron emission tomography module can be placed in or on the patient tunnel of an MR scanner or in or on the gantry of a CT scanner such that the patient on the patient table of the MR scanner or the CT scanner can be moved into the sensitive area of the gamma ray detector arrangement without having to be moved to another bed, or is already located in this sensitive area during the MR- or CT measurement. This can be achieved by inserting the positron emission tomography module directly into the patient tunnel of a magnetic resonance tomograph, or by placing it on these systems in a fashion offset in the z-direction from the patient tunnel of an MR scanner, or offset in the z-direction from the gantry of a CT scanner.
Even if the positron emission tomography module combined with an MR scanner or with a CT scanner is arranged slightly offset from the examination space of these scanners, the invention nevertheless allows a quasi-parallel acquisition of PET images and MR- or CT images. In the case of a given position of the patient within the combined arrangement of positron emission tomography module and MR- or CT scanner, an appropriate measurement can already be carried out in a first volume area of the patient in the examination area of the MR- or CT scanner, while PET signals are already being acquired simultaneously in a second volume area of the patient, located in the sensitive area of the gamma ray detector arrangement.
By subsequently pushing the patient on the patient table further through the arrangement, the first and the second volume can correspondingly be interchanged. Overall, the combined arrangement has a considerable speed advantage over back-to-back measurement of a patient in two separate systems. In particular, the patient does not have to be moved to another bed, so the PET images are directly comparable to the MR- or CT image data acquired in the examination space of the MR scanner or CT scanner.
During placement, it is preferable to prescribe a defined position with regard to the patient tunnel of the MR scanner, or to the gantry of the CT scanner, so that the images recorded by the respective imaging modalities can be related to one another spatially (registered) and hence can be directly compared with one another. For this purpose, the positron emission tomography module is preferably fixed to the MR scanner or the CT scanner using an interlocking connection, such as a latching- or snapping connection, or a clamping-, pressing-, screwed-, magnetic-, velcro- or adhesive connection. Preferably, both the magnetic resonance tomograph and the computed tomograph have appropriate recesses which allow an accurate fit when inserting corresponding bumps on the positron emission tomography module or a carrying apparatus belonging to it, which will be explained in more detail below.
The gamma ray detector arrangement includes, in at least one embodiment, an annular arrangement of gamma ray detectors, as is usual in the case of PET scanners. When placing the annular arrangement on the MR scanner or the CT scanner, it is preferably placed concentrically with the examination space of the respective scanner and, if appropriate, fixed to the scanner. The sensitive area of the gamma ray detector arrangement is thus preferably arranged offset in the z-direction from the respective examination space of the MR scanner or CT scanner. Preferably, the individual gamma ray detectors of the positron emission tomography module are screened from another by septa.
The weight of the arrangement of gamma ray detectors is preferably kept as low as possible so as to ensure easier portability of the positron emission tomography module. By way of example, the gamma ray detector arrangement can contain scintillation detectors or avalanche photodiodes, the latter being preferred since they can also be used within a strong main magnetic field of the MR scanner.
According to a first example embodiment, the positron emission tomography module is designed as a detachable positron emission insert for the patient tunnel of a magnetic resonance tomograph. Insert refers to the fact that the module can be inserted into the patient tunnel such that it is arranged concentrically with the examination space of the MR scanner. In this embodiment, the positron emission tomography module preferably comprises a detector ring made of gamma ray detectors which can be pushed into the patient tunnel. The same detector ring is preferably designed to be housed in an additional carrying apparatus of the computed tomograph. Such a carrying apparatus is preferably substantially in the form of an annulus or an annular segment and is fixed to the gantry in a fashion offset in the z-direction from the examination space of the computed tomograph. It is particularly preferred for the additional carrying apparatus to likewise be detachable from the computed tomograph, so that the gantry can be tilted without the positron emission insert.
In addition to the gamma ray detector arrangement, the positron emission insert preferably also comprises a part of the associated electronics, in particular an electronic unit for detecting and, if required, amplifying the detector signals generated by the gamma ray detectors.
Additional electronic modules, for example a power supply unit for the supply of current, and amplifiers, are preferably integrated in the carrying apparatus of the computed tomograph or in the MR scanner. Preferably, the signal leads and current supply lines are fed from the positron emission tomography module to the MR- or CT scanner or the carrying apparatus belonging to it via plug connectors. The plug connectors are preferably set up such that the electrical contacts are automatically made when the positron emission tomography module is placed or inserted into the magnetic resonance tomography, on the computed tomograph or into the carrying apparatus.
According to a second alternative embodiment, the positron emission tomography module has its own carrying apparatus, which can be assembled optionally next to the magnetic resonance tomograph or next to the computed tomograph. In this embodiment, the positron emission tomography unit is arranged offset in the z-direction from the patient tunnel of the MR scanner or the gantry of the CT scanner, respectively. As mentioned above, the carrying apparatus can contain components of the electronics, preferably a power supply unit for supplying the positron emission tomography module with energy and/or an evaluation unit for calculating image data from the detector signals.
By way of example, the carrying apparatus can be detachably fixed both to the gantry of the computed tomograph and to the housing of the MR scanner, for example by clamping, screwing, latching in, or inserting bolts or rails. Preferably, the carrying apparatus stands on the floor. Here it can either stand freely next to the MR- or CT scanner or it can be coupled to these scanners, in each case by way of a clamping-, snapping-, latching-, sliding- or other connection. In this case, this connection only serves to ensure a defined position of the carrying device with regard to the MR- or the CT scanner, so that the image data recorded with the respective modalities can be superposed on one another.
The carrying apparatus preferably has the shape of a tubular receptacle, with only a bottom segment of the tube being present, where appropriate, onto which the positron emission tomography module is placed.
It is particularly preferable for the carrying apparatus to be movably supported on rails so that it can be pushed directly to and fro between the MR- and the CT scanner.
In the two alternative embodiments, further electronic units and an EDP system for controlling the positron emission tomography module can be contained in both the MR- and the CT system. This has the advantage that only the actual detector module needs to be moved, whereas the control electronics for the PET are integrated into the MR- or CT scanner.
At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a computed tomograph comprising a gantry which encloses an examination space and defines a z-direction along its axial direction. The computed tomograph has a carrying apparatus for an inventive positron emission tomography module, which is designed such that the longitudinal axis of the positron emission tomography module inserted into the carrying apparatus is aligned along the z-direction of the computed tomograph. Hence, the carrying apparatus keeps the positron emission tomography module offset from the examination space of the CT scanner in the z-direction. The positron emission tomography unit can be inserted into the carrying apparatus and can be taken out of it, so that it can also be inserted into another system, in particular an MR scanner. This achieves better utilization of the expensive positron emission tomography module.
Furthermore, at least one embodiment of the invention also relates to at a magnetic resonance tomograph which has a substantially tubular patient tunnel, which defines a z-direction along its axial direction. The magnetic resonance tomograph has a carrying apparatus, which is designed for detachably housing an inventive positron emission tomography module. The carrying apparatus is designed such that the longitudinal axis of the inserted positron emission tomography module is aligned along the z-direction of the magnetic resonance tomograph.


A fluid antenna generator includes a first source of electrically conductive fluid and a second source of electrically conductive fluid. The first source and the second source are oriented such that, when the first source and the second source are operated, the electrically conductive fluid generated by the first source intersects the electrically conductive fluid generated by the second source. A method for generating a fluid antenna includes generating a first electrically conductive fluid portion and generating a second electrically conductive fluid portion, such that the first electrically conductive fluid portion and the second electrically conductive fluid portion intersect.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating an antenna. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating a fluid antenna.
2. Description of Related Art
Electromagnetic energy can be used in many ways to sense or affect objects from a distance. Radar, for example, is reflected electromagnetic energy used to determine the velocity and location of a targeted object. It is widely used in such applications as aircraft and ship navigation, military reconnaissance, automobile speed checks, and weather observations. Electromagnetic energy may also be used to jam or otherwise interfere with radio frequency transmissions or to affect the radio transmitting equipment itself.
In certain situations, it may be desirable to radiate one or more electromagnetic pulses over an area to sense or affect objects within the area. Generally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a signal generator 101 generates an electromagnetic pulse, which is radiated by an antenna 103 as an electromagnetic wave 105. Upon encountering an interface, such as an interface between an object 107 and a surrounding medium 109 (e.g., an atmosphere), a portion of the energy of electromagnetic wave 105 is reflected as an electromagnetic wave 111. Reflected electromagnetic wave 111 may then be received by a sensor 113, which analyzes reflected wave 111 to determine various characteristics of object 107.
It is often desirable to deploy such antennas, e.g., antenna 103, during flight. For example, a vehicle approaching an object may deploy an antenna so that electromagnetic energy may be directed toward the object. Conventional antennas generally include rigid or semi-rigid members that may be compactly folded for storage and transport and then unfolded when needed. Alternatively, conventional antennas may be wires that are explosively deployed or deployed by parachutes. A substantial amount of time is often required to deploy such antennas, which results in additional planning to determine the appropriate time to begin deployment so that the antenna will be available when needed. Further, circumstances may arise in which the immediate transmission of electromagnetic energy is desirable. If the antenna has not been deployed, there may not be sufficient time to deploy the antenna and transmit the electromagnetic energy in the desired time frame.
In other implementations, the vehicle from which the antenna is being deployed may be traveling at a very high rate of speed, for example, at a speed greater than the speed of sound. If the medium through which the vehicle is traveling has significant density, such as an atmosphere, considerable forces may act on such conventional antennas when deployed. It may, therefore, be very difficult, if not impossible, for such conventional antennas to be deployed without damage from fast-moving vehicles.
It is also be desirable in certain situations to transmit electromagnetic energy having a broad spectrum of frequencies or to transmit low frequency electromagnetic energy. Generally, longer antennas are capable of transmitting electromagnetic energy more efficiently at lower frequencies than shorter antennas. Such longer antennas are typically capable of transmitting electromagnetic energy having higher frequencies as well. Longer, foldable antennas require more storage space, are typically more complex, generally take longer to unfold, and are typically more susceptible to damage upon deployment.
While there are many deployable antennas well known in the art, considerable room for improvement remains.

Apparatus and method for generating a fluid antenna


A fluid treatment method includes the steps of forming a ring lamination by laminating a plurality of filtering rings with contact surfaces facing each other in a laminating direction; providing at least portions of the filtering rings with a contact surface roughness (Ra) in a range of about 0.01 μm to 20 μm; pressing the ring lamination under a contact surface pressure (p) within a range from 0 to 177 kg/cm2 in the laminating direction of the filtering rings to cause the contact surfaces to closely adhere to each other; directing an object fluid into gaps formed by contact surfaces of neighboring filtering rings of the ring lamination; and dividing the object fluid into a first separated fraction and a second separated fraction for separation. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a ring lamination, a housing therefor, a ring press for acting on the ring lamination under a prescribed pressure, an object fluid source, and a pressure source for impressing a prescribed pressure on the object fluid.

The present invention relates to a fluid treating method and a fluid treating apparatus for discriminating a prescribed substance from the other constituents in a fluid to be treated (hereinafter referred to as "an object fluid"), such as a liquid suspension substance or sea water containing an electrolytic ion substance, and for separating and dividing the substance, by using a ring lamination formed of a plurality of filtering rings.
As a filtering apparatus for separating an object fluid which is a liquid suspension substance, such as a solid-liquid slurry material, into purified water and solids, the following apparatuses have conventionally been used:
(1) A vacuum-rotation-type apparatus in which a filter cloth and a steel wire are wound on a rotary drum to carry out dehydration by means of vacuum from the interior and then scraping off external residues;
(2) A filter press which pressure-feeds target slurry by a pump pushing the slurry into a filter block and opening the blocks at the maximum quantity of dehydrated cakes to scrape off the cakes;
(3) A screw press which charges target slurry through an inlet port into the press, discharges water and liquid through outside meshes, and delivers cakes through a following restricting port;
(4) A centrifugal separator in which target slurry is charged into the separator, and from which the load classified by weight is taken out by rotating the separator at a high speed; and
(5) A belt roller dehydrator which dehydrates a fluid under the pressing pressure of the roller.
These conventional apparatuses have respective problems and are not as yet sufficiently satisfactory. The vacuum-rotation apparatus, in which dehydration is accomplished under a negative pressure, is not suitable for the purpose of reducing the water content. The filter press, having the highest dehydrating capability, requires much labor for scraping off dehydrated cakes for disposal. The screw press, convenient for carrying out rough dehydration, requires a secondary treatment of the residual liquid. The centrifugal separator, although permitting achievement of dehydration, has a very poor yield, because classification residues remain in the solution. The belt roller dehydrator, compact in size and convenient to use, cannot treat return water resulting from roller release, leading to a low yield.
There is proposed a filtering apparatus comprising a laminated filter formed by laminating a plurality of flat filtering materials, for introducing an object fluid in a direction perpendicular to the laminating direction of the filtering materials, and for filtering the object fluid while causing the fluid to pass through the flat filtering materials.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 10-52608 discloses, as shown in FIG. 11 attached hereto, a laminated filter 100 for use in filtration of sewage and liquid waste, comprising a plurality of ring-shaped flat filtering materials 101 closely adhering to each other, laminated separably at contact surfaces thereof, so that suspended substances of sewage or liquid waste flow and pass through the gap on the contact surfaces.
However, a conventionally proposed flat filtering material 101 used in a filtering apparatus or a laminated filter disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 10-52608 is a porous filtering material. Particles of the suspended substance passing through the gap of the contact surfaces adhere to the surface of the porous filtering material 101 and are accumulated in fine pores of the filtering material, leading to lower filtering performance. To avoid such inconvenience, it is necessary to frequently carry out a so-called backwashing operation for causing a backward flow of the filtering liquid to remove particles accumulated in these fine holes. When clogging of the porous filtering material occurs, the regenerative rate of such backward washing is low, requiring washing with chemicals or replacement.


A computer-implemented method for evaluating team effectiveness and acting on one or more outliers based on the evaluated team effectiveness. The method retrieves electronic data of one or more users, wherein the electronic data comprises a plurality of electronic communications. The method further extracts one or more concepts and metadata from the retrieved electronic data. The method further determines one or more outliers based on the extracted one or more concepts and metadata, wherein the determined one or more outliers are based on one or more poorly connected concepts and one or more poorly connected users. The method further acts on the determined one or more outliers and displays a report based on the determined one or more outliers.

The present invention relates generally to the field of data processing and more particularly to management efficiency assessment systems.
A company, an organization, or an entity comprises multiple teams working toward accomplishing a common business goal. A team is a primary unit of workers to resolve problems and to achieve business goals. Currently, teams may comprise of members with different professional trainings, members located at different geographic locations, members with different personal backgrounds, and members with different native languages. Moreover, digitization further expanded how teams communicate. Teams shifted from mere face to face verbal communications to sending and receiving digital communications using multiple electrical communication services.

Team effectiveness assessment and enhancement

International Business Machines Corporation


A carrier substrate for carrying objects subjected to elevated temperatures comprises at least a grid part and a border part. The grid part includes grid elements having end portions provided with holes. The end portions partly extend outside the border part via sleeves in the border part. The grid elements and the border part are interconnected solely by interengaging connection portions comprising the first end portions and metal wires extending through the holes.

The invention relates to a carrier substrate for carrying objects subjected to elevated temperatures, the carrier substrate comprising at least a grid part and a border part.
The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a selection electrode for a color cathode ray tube, said selection electrode comprising a shadow mask blank having a pattern of apertures, the method comprising the steps of providing patterns of apertures in a steel foil, cutting mask blanks from the steel foil, and annealing a stack of mask blanks at an elevated temperature, in which annealing step a carrier substrate of the above-mentioned type is used.
A carrier substrate for carrying objects subjected to elevated temperatures is known. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,396 a carrier substrate is described for use during an annealing step of mask blanks. Several manufacturing steps transform the mask blanks finally into selection electrodes for color Cathode Ray Tubes. To facilitate the subsequent deep drawing and obtain a grain size for good magnetic screening by the shadow mask, an annealing process is carried out on the blanks. To this end, a stack of blanks is placed on a carrier substrate and subjected to temperatures in the range of 600 to 880xc2x0 C. It appears that the lifetime of such carrier substrates is limited due to permanent deformation of the carriers occurring after several temperature cycles.
It is an object of the invention to provide a carrier substrate that has an improved lifetime.
A first aspect of the invention is characterized in that the carrier substrate comprises elements that are interconnected solely by interengaging connection portions.
Carrier substrates according to the state of the art comprise parts that are often connected to each other by welding or a similar connection technique. At elevated temperatures, the connection points appear to be sensitive to internal thermal stress, which leads to permanent deformation of the carrier substrate. The inventors have realized that internal stresses may be reduced by creating a connection without any additional connection means.
An embodiment of the invention provides a way of connecting elements to each other to result in a rigid frame that has as an additional advantage that the separate elements are easily replaced in case the frame needs to be repaired.
A further embodiment of the invention has the advantage that a rigid frame is obtained in which repair may easily take place.
A further embodiment of the carrier substrate according to the invention further improves the rigidity of the frame.
An embodiment of the invention further provides a proper selection of materials, which have a high yield strength, if the carrier substrate comprises a material selected from the group of materials molybdenum, tungsten, austenitic steel, ceramics or alloys of nickel and iron. Good results were obtained.
A second aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a selection electrode for a color cathode ray tube, said selection electrode comprising a shadow mask blank having a pattern of apertures, the method comprising the steps of providing patterns of apertures in a steel foil, cutting shadow mask blanks from the steel foil, and annealing a stack of shadow mask blanks at an elevated temperature, in which annealing step a carrier substrate is used for carrying the shadow mask blanks, said carrier substrate comprising at least a grid part and a border part, characterized in that said carrier substrate comprises elements that are interconnected solely by interengaging connection portions.


We disclose novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

Metallic Nanoparticles and Methods for Generating
Nanomaterials offer unique properties (e.g., magnetic, optical, mechanical, and electronic) that vary with changes in particle size. Metal-based nanoparticles such as Au, Pt, Cu, and Ag, and metallic oxides, for example, FexOy, have been used as industrial chemicals, catalysts, optical media, magnetic storage materials, materials for enhancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electrode materials.
However, metallic nanoparticles without a protective coating often have a high propensity to oxidize or undergo other chemical reactions. Metal-core carbon-shell nanoparticles (sometimes referred to as "carbon-encased metal nanoparticles"), which have a metallic core surrounded by a carbon shell, can broaden the uses of metallic nanoparticles. The metal in such nanoparticles is protected against chemical reactions, and the carbon shells may be functionalized to have specific physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Currently, synthesis of metal-core carbon-shell nanoparticles is based on wet chemical or expensive physical methods that would be difficult to scale for commercial applications. The common techniques to make these and other types of nanoparticles are described below.
Metal Evaporation is a simple way to fabricate metal/metal oxide nanoparticles. A mixture of a metal and its oxide is placed in a basket or pouch through which an electrical current is passed. This process causes the metal and its oxide first to melt and then to vaporize. An electron beam may be used to assist in vaporizing metal/metal-oxide mixtures having high melting temperatures. Vaporization may occur either in vacuum or in an inert gas. Vaporized metal/metal-oxides are solidified directly on a substrate placed above the basket or pouch. The size and size distribution of such particles depend on a number of parameters including whether they are generated in an inert gas or vacuum, and if in a vacuum, the pressure. Metallic nanoparticles produced by this method tend to be very reactive, which is useful for some applications but undesirable for others.
Sonochemical processing is a method for generating nanoparticles in an ultrasonicated solvent. Sonochemistry involves acoustic cavitation, which appears to be caused by an implosive collapse of a bubble in an ultrasonically irradiated liquid. This process generates a transient, localized hot spot with an effective temperature of about 5000° K at pressures of about 1000 atm. Heating and cooling rates may be greater than 1000° K/s. Acoustically cavitated bubbles produce large pressure variations and fluid motion. In addition, there may be other sonochemical effects, such as momentum and mass transport, generation of radicals and other excited particles, formation of high velocity liquid jets, and generation of shockwaves external to the bubble. While metallic nanoparticles may be made by this method, the process is difficult to control.
Chemical Reduction of metal ions in solution may be used to form metallic nanoparticles. This process begins with a solution of a metal ion. A reducing agent added to the solution causes precipitation of the metal, metal alloys, or metal carbides. Poly-alcohols, such as ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, have been used as both solvent and reductant. Particle size of precipitants depends on the rate of nucleation and growth, and may be affected by aggregation during growth. This method has been used to form Au, Cu, Te, and Pt nanocrystalline metals, and nanocrystalline intermetallics.
Protective Layers. Because of their high surface area-to-volume ratio, many metallic nanoparticles, including copper nanoparticles, are prone to readily oxidize or otherwise chemically react. To avoid this problem a protective layer may be formed around the nanoparticles. Several techniques, such as layer-by-layer assembly, formation of microemulsion, modifications of the Kratschmer-Huffman carbon arc method, hydrocarbon decomposition, arc discharge in de-ionized water, hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilicate (TEOS), plasma polymerization, plasma torch synthesis, and flow-levitation have been used to coat metallic nanoparticles. Some of the more common methods are described below.
Layer-by-Layer Assembly (LBL) is a method for fabrication of composite nanomaterial films. This method is based on the sequential adsorption of substrates in solutions of oppositely charged compounds. Nanometer film thicknesses are typical. Deposition is controlled by adjusting processing conditions, such as solution pH, ionic strength, and immersion time.
Microemulsion is a method in which two or more immiscible substances are dispersed. This dispersion or mixture typically contains water, oil, a surfactant, and sometimes a co-surfactant. An oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion is one in which oil is at a droplet center surrounded by surfactant and co-surfactant. A water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion is one in which water is at a droplet center surrounded by oil. The submicroscopic droplets/micelles may take up solutes and often exhibit different environments than exhibited by bulk solvents. Microemulsion droplets have been used to encapsulate water-soluble agents such as nanoparticles and submicron particles.
Kratschmer-Huffman Carbon Arc is a method originally used to make fullerenes. The method uses graphite rod electrodes to produce a continuous DC electric arc discharge in vacuum. Carbon that evaporates from an anode produces carbon soot. In high vacuum, the method produces a hard, graphite-like substance, while at lower vacuum it forms a fine soot rich in fullerenes and other nano-materials. This method has been modified by simultaneously evaporating carbon and a metal to generate nanoparticles comprising a carbonaceous material that encapsulates a metal nanoparticle. However, it appears that this process often results in the metal being oxidized.
Typically the existing methods for generating core-shell or coated metal nanoparticles are either too selective or too difficult to implement. For example, the LBL method has been reported to date to be limited to polymer and coated noble metal nanoparticles.
The microemulsion method cannot be applied generally because it requires very specific recipes for each metal salt. Further this method is limited by the reducing potential of the metal salt. In addition, nanoparticles generated by the microemulsion method tend to agglomerate. Further, like the LBL method, this method has been reported to date only to produce polymer or coated noble metal nanoparticles.
While the Kratschmer-Huffman carbon arc method appears to produce high quality carbon shells on metal particle surfaces, it also produces numerous by-products, nanoparticles with large variations in shape and size, and some metal oxides.
In addition, none of the existing methods for generating metallic nanoparticles routinely achieve complete carbon coating which provide complete protection of metallic nanoparticles. The metallic nanoparticles tend to oxidize readily in air from the exposed surfaces, resulting in a short shelf-life for these materials unless stored under an inert gas. Scaled-up production using any of these methods also will be difficult and expensive, because precise control of the method variables is difficult.
J. He et al., "Facile synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles in porous cellulose fibers," Chem. Mater., vol. 15, pp. 4401-4406 (2003) reported in situ, wet-chemistry formation of Ag, Au, Pt, or Pd nanoparticles in porous cellulose fibers from the corresponding noble metal salt precursors, using a traditional reducing agent (NaBH4). This method was not reported to produce a carbon shell.
J. He et al., "Facile fabrication of composites of platinum nanoparticles and amorphous carbon films by catalyzed carbonization of cellulose fibers," Chem. Commun., Issue 4, pp. 410-411 (2004) reported carbonizing cellulose matrixes containing reduced platinum nanoparticles. J. He et al proposed that the platinum nanoparticles may have catalyzed the carbonization of the cellulose matrix. The resulting product consisted primarily of amorphous carbon fibers and Pt nanoparticles.
H. Zhu et al., "Synthesis of assembled copper nanoparticles from copper-chelating glycolipid nanotubes," Chem. Phys. Lett., vol. 405, pp. 49-52 (2005) reported an annealing process for assembling copper nanoparticles from copper-chelating amphiphiles using glycolipid nanotubes.
Raymond et al, "In-Situ Synthesis of Ferrites in Cellulosics," Chem. Mater. 6:249-255 (1994) disclosed that nano-ferrite particles could be generated within a cellulosic matrix. This method appears to use an ion-exchange mechanism to retain these particles within the cellulosic matrix. No carbonization of this material was reported.
There exists an unfilled need for metallic nanoparticles that are stable in air and water, while still exhibiting desirable chemical activity, and a method of generating such metallic nanoparticles that is cost efficient and scalable for industrial use.
Wood Preservation
Millions of homes are constructed each year from light frames made of wood. Wood, unless protected, is naturally degraded by heat, moisture, insects, decay, mold and other forces. Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) can be particularly destructive to wood.
It is well known that copper is a very effective wood preservative. In recent years, primarily because of environmental concerns, the most widely used form of copper, chromated copper arsenate ("CCA"), has been substantially reduced. Removal of CCA from the market has made wood preservation more difficult.
Laks et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,035 disclosed a method for incorporating additives such as biocides into wood or wood products using polymeric nanoparticles.
Richardson et al, PCT Application WO 2006/065684 disclosed methods for protecting wood against insect attack and decay by injecting sparingly soluble copper hydroxide-containing particles into wood and wood products. This disclosure taught the use of micron size particles, and suggested that particles smaller than 0.02 microns would tend to convert from metallic copper to copper oxide and be easily flushed from the wood.
Copper-containing wood preservatives that have been proposed to replace CCA typically use one or more soluble copper ions (e.g., Cu++). Copper complexes such as copper alkanolamine complexes, copper polyaspartic acid complexes, alkaline copper quaternary salts, ammoniacal copper quaternary salts, ammoniacal copper zinc salts, copper azole, copper boron azole, copper bis-(dimethyldithiocarbamate), ammoniacal copper citrate, copper citrate, and copper alkanolamine carbonate complexes have been suggested. However, due primarily to cost, the only formulations that have been used commercially are copper alkanolamine complexes and copper ammonium complexes.
Wood is naturally resistant to mildews and certain molds, in part because there is very little fixed nitrogen in wood. However, amine and ammonium complexes that add nitrogen to the wood may paradoxically promote mildew or mold. For example, amine and ammonium copper complexes appear to facilitate increased sapstain mold formation and enhanced mildew formation.
Another problem with commercially available copper-based preservatives is that they tend to be water-soluble, making them subject to leaching from wood exposed to moisture. To maintain protective amounts of copper in wood, a higher concentration of copper may need to be impregnated into the wood. While such an approach does not prevent leaching, it does increase the time during which the copper is effective. However, since the copper ions are thought to be toxic to aquatic life, such an increase in the copper loading is not desirable because of the associated increase in copper ions discharged into the environment. In addition, increasing the amount of copper increases the cost of this process. Also, because amine and ammonium complexes may emit vapors, large amounts of these complexes of copper tend to increase the odor and irritation from the amine and ammonia fumes.
Another problem with existing commercial, copper-containing wood preservatives is that they often cause corrosion of metal fasteners and other hardware. Metal ions as well as amines, alkanolamines, and ammonia used in soluble copper treatments appear to contribute to corrosion of metal hardware. Thus, commercial copper-based wood preservative may not be suitable for outdoor wooden structures, unless galvanized metal or stainless steel is used for all fittings. Use of such hardware will make the wooden structure more costly.
An unfilled need exists for copper-containing wood preservatives that are economical, that do not readily leach, that do not emit noxious vapors, and that do not cause corrosion of fasteners.
Strengthening Polymer and Polymer Composite Materials
Polymers offer many advantages over conventional building materials including lightness, resistance to corrosion and ease of processing. Polymers may be used alone or in combination with fibrous materials. In addition, polymers may be used as additives to form composites, which may be used as structural members. Polymer composites can be used in many different forms ranging from structural composites in the construction industry to the high technology composites of the aerospace and space satellite industries.
In recent years, composites comprising natural fibers, for example wood, and reinforced plastic have become one of the most rapidly growing markets within the polymer industry. In some markets more than 80% of products such as decking, railing, windows, door profiles, and shingles are either polymeric or fiber/polymer composites. Other uses of these materials include infrastructure, for example boardwalks, docks, and related structures, in the transportation industry, in automobiles, for example interior panels, rear shelves, and spare tire covers, and within the industrial/consumer industry, for example picnic tables, park benches, pallets, and other similar products.
However, some concerns over product quality and product toughness remain. Using wood or other natural fiber as filler in composites increases composite stiffness, but appears to reduce the toughness of the composite. Brittleness appears to be caused in part by stress concentrations at fiber ends and by poor interfacial adhesion.
Thus an unfilled need exists for new additive or coupling agents for composites that improve toughness while maintaining or improving other composite properties.

Nanoparticles, nanosponges, methods of synthesis, and methods of use

Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University And Agricultural and Mechanical College


A method of designing, fabricating and operating antennas is disclosed that considers the diffusive nature of the environment in which the antennas are to operate. Furthermore, the antennas can be designed, fabricated and operated so as to provide the optimal channel capacity possible given the diffusive nature of the environment in which they are to operate. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises: describing an environment; describing a candidate antenna; determining a performance characteristic based on the candidate antenna with respect to the environment; and fabricating a first antenna in accordance with the candidate antenna.

The present invention relates to the design, fabrication and operation of antennas in general, and, more particularly, to a technique for designing, fabricating and operating antennas that considers the diffusive nature of the environment in which the antennas are to operate.
Although it is not usually difficult to design a workable antenna, it is notoriously difficult to design a good antenna. And while the truthfulness of this statement may be clear for the radio amateur, it is also true for the professional antenna designer who has experience, a state-of-the-art laboratory, and a modern computer with good antenna modeling software.
One of the reasons that a good antenna is difficult to design is that the elements of the antenna interact in a complex and nonlinear manner. Recently, advances in antenna modeling software have made this consideration easier. Another reason is that the objects in the environment in which the antenna operates might scatter the transmitted signal.
FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative terrestrial environment that comprises: transmitting antenna 101, receiving antenna 102, forest 111, building 112, building 113 and boat 114. As a signal is transmitted from transmitting antenna 101 to receiving antenna 102, the signal is likely to be scattered by objects in the environment that are near and between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. A good antenna design considers the scattering of the transmitted signal.
In the prior art, the multipath character of the environment has not, in general, been considered in designing antennas. Rather, designers have usually made the simplifying assumption that the antennas operate in xe2x80x9cfree space.xe2x80x9d FIG. 2 depicts a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna in free space. When antennas are operating in free space, it is assumed that the transmitted signal radiates without scattering from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna. This assumption is perhaps reasonable for terrestrial microwave and satellites, but is untenable for many terrestrial applications (e.g., cities, etc.). The result is that antennas designed and fabricated to operate in free space provide poor performance when operating in diffusive environments. Therefore, the need exists for a technique for designing and fabricating antennas that considers the multipath character of the environment in which the antennas are to operate.
Some embodiments of the present invention are able to design, fabricate and operate antennas without some of the costs and disadvantages of techniques in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention not only considers the multipath character of the environment in which the antennas will operate, but also takes advantage of the scattering to make better antennas. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention can design, fabricate and operate antennas that provide optimal channel capacity by taking advantage of the multipath character of the environment in which the antennas operate.
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention models the multipath character of the environment using diffusive models and uses an iterative approach to predict the performance of candidate antenna designs in that environment and to suggest improvements in the design until the predicted performance reaches an optimal or otherwise acceptable level.
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises: describing an environment; describing a candidate antenna; determining a performance characteristic based on the candidate antenna with respect to the environment; and fabricating a first antenna in accordance with the candidate antenna.

Design, fabrication and operation of antennas for diffusive environments


A vehicle wheel service apparatus that includes: a frame; a plurality of working tools, connected to the frame and movable to perform operations for mounting and/or demounting the tyre relative to the wheel rim; a shaft driven by an actuator rotationally about a longitudinal axis and connectable to the rim; a measuring system for generating vibration signals representing vibrations of the shaft produced by wheel imbalances; a control unit, connected to the measuring system to receive the vibration signals; a support device, connected to the frame and movable between an activated position, where it encircles the shaft while still allowing it to rotate, and a deactivated position, where it is spaced from the shaft; a connector, movable between a working position, where it mechanically connects the measuring system to the frame, and a rest position, where the measuring system is mechanically disengaged from the frame.

Wheel service apparatuses are used to perform particular maintenance and checking operations on vehicle wheels such as, for example, but not limited to, demounting and mounting the tyre from/to the rim, balancing the wheels and diagnosing rims and/or tyres.
Known in the prior art of wheel service equipment are solutions where each service is performed by a specific machine such as, for example, tyre changers and balancing machines.
Wheel service machines of this kind, however, are very cumbersome. To perform the main services on the wheel, therefore, a user requires a great deal of space. As a result, there is now a real need for machines which perform these same functions while occupying less workshop space.
Furthermore, most of the time, these wheel services are performed in series and much time is wasted to unload the wheel from one machine and load it onto another. Also known in the prior art of wheel service equipment are solutions that combine tyre changing and balancing operations in a single machine. Combining these two services presents some difficulties, however. To mount and demount a tyre to and from a rim, the machine shaft must turn slowly while transmitting a high drive torque. Conversely, in the case of balancing, the machine shaft must turn very fast while transmitting a low drive torque. In some prior art solutions, the shaft is driven selectively by a first or a second motor, depending on the type of work to be done. These solutions are described, for example, in document IT1067852B, where a clutch system selectively engages a first or a second motor.
These solutions are relatively unreliable, however. In effect, when the motor transmits a high torque, the links to the measuring system of the balancing machine discharge the forces on the measuring system itself and the measuring system, being very fragile, is easily damaged. Moreover, even when the damage is not irreparable, the measuring system might lose its calibration settings, leading to unacceptably imprecise measurements.
Other solutions are known where the direction of the forces due to imbalance and the direction of the forces due to mounting and demounting operations were taken into consideration to design a structure capable of being more flexible in the direction of the imbalance forces and stiffer in the direction of the forces due to demounting. Solutions of this kind are described, for example, in document EP2711206B1.
Other examples of solutions that combine a balancer with a tyre changer are provided by the patent documents US55385045A, EP3160777A1, US2011/042875A1 and CN201107156Y.
In these solutions, too, however, the deformation induced by the demounting forces on the imbalance measuring system are not negligible and the probability that the sensors lose their calibration settings or are damaged remains high.


A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's birth canal during childbirth is provided. The device includes a pliable, elongated member having a mouth adapted to fit over the head of a fetus, an insertion wand or applicator for positioning the elongated member over the head of the fetus, and a drawstring attached at the mouth. The elongated member is constructed so that as it is pulled longitudinally from the end opposite the mouth, the elongated member will axially grip the head of the fetus in much the same way that the novelty item, "Chinese handcuffs," grip the finger of a user. Once the elongated member has axially engaged the head of the fetus, the elongated member may be used to extract the fetus from the birth canal.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to obstetric devices, and more particular to devices useful in removing the fetus during vaginal delivery.
2. Prior Art
Today's state of the art obstetrics utilizes various procedures to assist in instances of difficult vaginal deliveries. These procedures basically fall into three categories: version, Caesarian, and device assisted delivery. The devices used in the prior art have two principal subcategories: forceps and vacuum extraction. In the case of severe cephalo-pelvic disproportion, placenta previa, vaso previa, and other contraindications to vaginal delivery, the "C-Section," whether classic or low transverse, remains the mainstay procedure. However, it has long been recognized that to the extent that C-Section deliveries can be successfully avoided, statistical. maternal and fetal benefits will be realized. Even the non-difficult vaginal delivery can benefit from non-traumatic assists.
Many problems may develop during delivery which require assistance from the attending obstetrician to successfully remove the baby from the birth canal. One such problem results from the presenting part of the baby, usually its head, descending too slowly. This is particularly true in the case of the primigravida mother. Even with a completely dilated and effaced cervix, and an adequate pelvis, a fetus might refuse to descend beyond station "+1", especially when the mother is suffering from contraction exhaustion. Slow descent remains a problem even with an assist from administration of oxytocin (Pitocin). The problem of slow descent can also be exacerbated by anesthesia, especially epidural anesthesia, which frequently produces induced non-beneficial partial atony of the engaged and dedicated muscles. Such partial atony frequently results in non-beneficial, and sometimes hazardous, prolongation of labor.
Forceps are limited by the stage of delivery at which they may be safely applied. Station "+1" is considered mid-pelvis and in the usual case is considered too high for a forceps-assisted delivery. The risks to the fetus with forceps application at this level are extreme. Forceps cannot be safely used until the presenting part is at least at station "+2", and preferably between stations "+2" and "+3", which is the floor of the perineum. Modern obstetrics has not developed an alternative to the use of forceps when an assisted natural delivery is indicated, such as when the fetus is consistently exhibiting late decelerations of heartbeat following contractions or is exhibiting non-variability of the baseline heartbeat rate.
Obstetrical forceps are typically, in their various types, two-bladed instruments which are blindly inserted one blade at a time in a hopefully temporal-cheek position and then articulated together before assisting traction is applied. Actual traction is exerted slightly below or underneath the mandible. Traction applied with forceps is point concentrated and slippage of the forceps is increased because of natural lubrication, refusal of the fetal skull to conform to existing forceps design, and other known myriad of variables that vary from one fetus-to-pelvis physical relationship to another.
Even proper positioning of the forceps can result in harm to the fetus. For example, in instances of minimal cephalo-pelvic disproportion, the insertion of one blade of the forceps can exacerbate any slight deficiency in birth canal adequacy. In addition the softness, or pliability, of the fetal skull, coupled with the existence of sutures which separate the plates of the skull, render the skull susceptible to trauma associated with metal forceps assisted deliveries.
In an attempt to alleviate the potential trauma of forceps, vacuum extractors have seen some use. Devices which use cloth or other pliable materials which envelope the fetal head have also been developed. However, because these devices are pliable, insertion of these devices can be problematic or slow. What is needed is a device for assisting childbirth which is safe for the mother and the fetus and which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.


A stabilized composition of matter which comprises an organic material subject to oxidative, thermal or actinic degradation, and an effective stabilizing amount of a bisphosphite typified by formula I ##STR1## wherein n has a value of 0 or 1; Q is --CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently hydrogen, alkyl or aryl; Y.sup.1, Y.sup.2, Y.sup.3, Y.sup.4, Z.sup.2, Z.sup.3, Z.sup.4 and Z.sup.5 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, cyano, acyl and hydrogen; and each Z represents an identical or different alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl group.

The use of organic trivalent phosphorus compounds, e.g. organic phosphites and phosphonites, for the stabilization of degradable polymeric substrates is well known. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,143,028; 4,196,117; 4,318,845; 4,374,219; 4,524,166; 4,912,155; and 4,999,393 and references cited therein describe the use of seven- and eight-membered dibenzo[df][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepins and dibenzo[d,g][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocins for the stabilization of degradable polymers.
Spivack et al. in Polymer Stabilization and Degradation, P. P. Klemchuk editor; American Chemical Society: Washington D.C., 1985, 247-257 has described the use of hydrolytically stable seven- and eight-membered dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepins and dibenzo[d,g][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocins, respectively, as processing stabilizers.
The detailed synthesis of seven- and eight-membered dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepins and dibenzo[d,g][1,3,2]dioxaphosphocins is described by Pastor et al. in Phosphorus Sulfur, 1983, 15, 9; Phosphorus Sulfur, 1983, 15, 253; J. Heterocycl. 1983, 20, 1311; Phosphorus Sulfur, 1984, 19, 1; and Phosphorus Sulfur, 1984, 19, 285.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,751,319 and 4,812,501 describe stabilized compositions containing biaryl derivatives of 1,3,2-oxazaphospholidines, which are structurally distinct from the compounds of this invention. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,599,206; 4,717,775; 4,748,261; 4,769,498 and 5,059,710 describe ligands of formula I, and III useful for transition-metal-catalyzed hydroformylation reactions. The use of compounds of formula I, and III for the stabilization of degradable organic materials is neither described nor suggested.
The instant stabilized compositions essentially comprise a degradable polymeric substrate and a compound of formula I, and III described in this invention provide superior stabilization. This is manifested in the superior processing stability of these polymeric compositions in terms of melt flow stabilization and resistance to discoloration. In addition the compositions of the instant invention exhibit superior resistance to hydrolysis prior to processing.


An electric food processor has a housing in which there is arranged an electric motor with a motor shaft. A belt drives a step-down belt pulley of a vertical first shaft from the motor shaft. The first shaft is disposed vertically in the housing and working tools running in a working container that can be placed on the housing of the food processor can be coupled to the first shaft. A compact and flat construction of the food processor is assured in that the electric motor is aligned horizontally in the housing. The motor shaft rotates about a substantially horizontal axis. An intermediate shaft is mounted essentially vertically in the housing. The intermediate shaft is coupled to the motor shaft with a half-crossed, first belt and, on the other hand, is coupled to the vertical first shaft by an open, second belt. The first shaft is thus driven by the motor through the intermediary of the intermediate shaft.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric food processor with a housing in which there is disposed an electric motor with a motor shaft. The shaft, via a belt, drives a step-down belt pulley of a first shaft, which is disposed vertically in the housing and to which working tools are couplable that run in a working container placed on the housing of the food processor.
2. Description of the Related Art
A food processor of that type is disclosed in the European patent application EP 0 570 685 A1. There, a vertical motor shaft drives two output drive shafts which are mounted on one axis and rotate at different speeds. The two output drive shafts have corresponding belt pulleys, which are each rotationally connected to the motor shaft via a belt.

Electric food processor with a belt drive


A water conservation device for lever actuated faucets having a pair of donut-shaped rings formed of a non-abrasive material, the apertures of the donut-shaped rings of such a dimension that they are slidably received onto a faucet head of a faucet associated with a sink and the lever of the faucet which activates the flow and termination of water, the pair of donut-shaped rings having secured there between a length of expandable/retractable band fabricated from suitable material which is expandable and stretchable upon upward pressure on the lever handle of the faucet to allow the lever handle to open the valve and initiate the flow of water, the retractable band having sufficient elasticity to exert downward pressure on the lever moving the lever downwardly to close the valve and terminate flow.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to water conservation, and in particular, to a water restriction device which is slidably adaptable onto a faucet which is lever actuated, the device having engagement ends engaging both the faucet and the lever with an interconnecting retractable expandable band for automatically closing the lever and terminating the water flow if the user's hand is removed from the lever.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One of the most precious resources which we have is fresh potable water, and the conservation of it has become a priority, particularly in those areas which experience both short term and long term drought conditions. The conservation effort has become so important that even the most mundane water using devices have been improved upon in recent years to reduce the amount of water which they require. For instance, flush toilets have become more and more efficient with respect to the amount of water required in order to flush them, as have washers and dish washers.
One area which has not undergone any significant improvement is the faucet associated with bathroom and kitchen sinks, and utility sinks. Many times a user will initiate the flow of water and then for convenience sake let the water run for a period of time when it is not actually needed or required. There therefore has been a need for some sort of device which will automatically operate on a faucet to terminate the flow automatically.
Applicant's device has particular attention to those types of faucets which are actuated by a lever mechanism associated with the faucet, the lever mechanism being raised to initiate flow and turned from the left to the right, depending upon the desire for hot or cold water. The flow is halted when the lever mechanism is moved downwardly closing the valve. In this type of faucet, the lever must be manually operated by the user and it is therefore possible that the user can move the lever upwardly to initiate the flow of water and let it remain in an up, open position, for the flow of water when the actual flow is not required. Until the user actually initiates a downward force on the lever, the faucet will continue to run. Applicant's device is a simple mechanism adaptable to fit on both the faucet head and the lever of the aforesaid type of faucets such that when the user's pressure on the lever upwardly in order to open the valve and initiate flow of water is removed from the lever, the device will automatically draw the lever downwardly to a closed position and terminate the flow of water.

Water restricting device for lever actuated faucets


An aluminum heat exchanger includes laminated aluminum tubes and corrugated fins, a core portion receiving respective ends of tubes into sheet metals members, and iron or stainless steel inserts having high strength receiving U-shaped folded pieces of the sheet metal members contacting the corrugated fins at the outermost portion of the core portion. The tubes and the corrugated fins are held and pressed from both sides of the core portion by the inserts and the corrugated fins are protected from coming apart during a brazing operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an aluminum heat exchanger and its manufacturing method where reinforcing plates of the heat exchanger are assembled on both sides in a lamination direction of a core portion having alternating layers of a tube in which liquid flows and a fin improving heat exchange efficiency, and to a jig function when it is brazed.
2. Description of Related Art
When a lamination type heat exchanger having a core portion having alternating layers of a tube and a fin disposed therein is manufactured, an expansion of the core portion by elasticity of the tube and the fin at a temporary assembly before a brazing operation or falling of the fin by declining of elastic holding force of the tube and the fin during the brazing operation under high temperature exist undesirably. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, core portion 104 of heat exchanger 100 is fastened and held by jig 105 and band 106 so that the shape of core portion 104 can be maintained until the brazing operation is over. Also as shown in FIG. 12, core portion 104 is fastened and held by winding wire 108 around inserts 107 being fixed at the outside of the outermost fins 102 of core portion 104 so that core portion 104 can retain its shape until the brazing operation is over. In FIGS. 11 and 12, tubes 101 allow liquid to flow therein and sheet metals 103 support both end portions of tubes 101.
Thus, in the manufacturing method of the heat exchanger mentioned above, supporting tools such as jig 105, band 106, and wire 108, etc. are required to maintain the shape of core portion 104 until a brazing operation is over so that operation efficiency becomes bad and the number of working processes increases. Consequently, productivity of core portions declines. Also, since it costs to have jig 105, band 106 and wire 108 which are scrapped after the end of the brazing operation, the cost of the product becomes high.
Thus, in order to eliminate fixing jigs such as jig 105, band 106, and wire 108, a technique where side plates of a core portion having a jig function are pressed and held by a core plate is disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 62-45478. The technique is effective for soldering a core portion of a copper heat exchanger. The fusing point of copper is much higher than that of solder so that copper can maintain a jig function at around the temperature at which solder melts. However, when a core portion of an aluminum heat exchanger is brazed, both fusing points of an aluminum core material and an aluminum blazing filter metal are roughly the same so that the aluminum core material softens around a temperature at which the filter metal melts and looses its jig function. Thus, it is improper to apply the technique mentioned above to an aluminum heat exchanger.
In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger of which a core portion thereof has self-holding function without using special tools during a brazing operation of the core portion in a manufacturing process of an aluminum heat exchanger, and which realizes improved productivity and reduction of product cost of an aluminum heat exchanger.