An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes one or more processing units, a control unit, an update program acquiring unit that acquires an update program for updating programs of the processing units and the control unit, and a program updating unit that updates the programs of the processing units in the order of the number of the other processing units through which the control unit communicates with each of the processing units. The order in which the processing units are updated is determined based on the number of other processing units via which each of the processing units communicates with the control unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus of which programs can be updated remotely and a method of remotely updating programs of the image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Multifunctional peripherals are known and widely used. A multifunctional peripheral (MFP) is an image forming apparatus in which various functions of a facsimile machine, a printer, a copier, and a scanner, for example, are integrated. The MFP includes hardware resources such as a display unit, an image forming unit, and an image capturing unit. The MFP further includes application programs such as a facsimile application, a printer application, a copier application, and a scanner application, for example. The facsimile application, the printer application, the copier application, and the scanner application cause the MFP to operate as a facsimile machine, a printer, a copier, and a scanner, respectively.
The MFP is operated by various programs such as the application programs and modules stored in non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM), for example. It is possible to add new functions to the MFP and/or improve existing functions of the MFP by updating the programs stored in the NV-RAM. The programs of the MFP may be updated by accessing a server via a network such as the Internet thereby to download an update program stored in the server.
The update program downloadable from the server usually includes a plurality of individual programs. For example, one individual program updates the printer application, and another individual program updates a program for controlling paper handling mechanism. The plurality of individual programs are combined into a series of data.
The data structure of the update program is shown in FIG. 37. As shown in FIG. 37, the update program includes an update program header followed by a plurality of individual update programs each of which includes an individual update program header and an individual update program body.
The update program header includes a "total length" and a "total number of programs". The total length indicates the data length of the update program except for the update program header. The total number of programs indicates the total number of individual update programs included in the update program.
The individual update program header includes a "program name", a "version", and a "length". The program name indicates the name of a program (a printer application, for example) that is to be updated by the individual update program. The version indicates the version of the individual update program. The length indicates the length of the individual update program body.
If the individual update programs are executed in the order in which the individual update programs are arranged in the data structure of the update program as shown in FIG. 37, the update program may not work properly because of reasons described below.
Additionally, when the MFP is remotely updated, if the MFP is not rebooted, an operator of the MFP may need to understand that the MFP has been remotely updated from what is displayed on a screen of the display unit of the MFP, and the operator may need to manually reboot (power off and on) the MFP.
If the MFP is updated at night, the operator may not know that the MFP has been updated and whether the update is successful.

Image forming apparatus of which programs are remotely updatable


An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and a computer program which detects a defect such as a scum at high speed and with high precision. In order to accomplish the above-described object, the present invention proposes an image processing apparatus and a computer program which acquires image data, and detects edge branch points from this image data. Here, at each of the edge branch points, an edge associated therewith branches off in at least three or more directions. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to detect a defect such as a scum without utilizing the reference-pattern image. As a consequence, it becomes possible to detect the scum at high speed and with high precision.

In a semiconductor integrated circuit in recent years, there has been a significant development of its micro-fabricated implementation and multi-layered implementation. Also, there has been a significant increase in the complication of its logic. Accordingly, a difficult situation is now underway in which it is extremely difficult to fabricate this semiconductor integrated circuit. As a result of this difficult situation, a defect that is caused to occur by the fabrication process tends to occur frequently. Consequently, it has become important to detect this defect efficiently and precisely, and to identify problems existing in the fabrication process.
The representative defect caused to occur by the fabrication process is a scum. The scum is a thin-film-like resist that remains at the foot portion of a resist pattern after the development process is over. If the scum is caused to occur, there arises a possibility that etching of the scum portion will not be performed, and that the resist pattern will be short-circuited. This possibility makes it required to inspect such factors as the scum's occurrence position and process-condition-based occurrence frequency.
In the case of detecting a defect generally, there exists the following method therefor: Namely, the comparison is made between the shape of a normal circuit pattern (which, hereinafter, will be referred to as "a reference pattern") where no defect is caused to occur, and the shape of an inspection target's circuit pattern (which, hereinafter, will be referred to as "an inspection pattern"). Concretely, the operator selects an ideal-shape-equipped circuit pattern from among circuit patterns formed on wafers. Moreover, the operator photographs this ideal-shape-equipped circuit pattern, thereby creating the image of the reference pattern. Next, the operator photographs the inspection pattern, then performing superimposition between the inspection-pattern image and the reference-pattern image, and calculating a luminance difference between these images.
In PATENT LITERATURE 1, the disclosure has been made concerning a technology for detecting a defect by making the image comparison between the reference-pattern image and the inspection-pattern image. Here, the reference-pattern image is formed based on original design data.


A composition for domestic livestock grafting for application to a prospective mother and a juvenile animal to be cared for by the prospective mother to mask the natural scents of the prospective mother and the juvenile animal to induce acceptance of the juvenile animal by the prospective mother includes a mint oil or mixture of mint oils, water, and an emulsifier, preferably utilizing peppermint oil and polysorbate 80 as the emulsifier. Methods of making and using the composition are also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to domestic livestock grafting, specifically to a new composition using peppermint oil to aid in the mothering acceptance of domestic livestock such as cows, horses, sheep, and goats.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The grafting of domestic livestock has been a problem throughout the history of ranching and farming. Whenever a mother rejects a baby, whether it is biologically hers or an orphaned young animal, grafting (attempting to overcome that rejection to unite a baby animal with a mother animal) becomes necessary. There are two main instances when domestic grafting becomes a necessity. Using cows as an example, the first instance is when a mother rejects its biological baby. It is a common occurrence for a new heifer to reject it own calf, especially when the heifer has not given birth to a calf before. Typically, this is due to inexperience and lack of mothering instinct. The second instance where grafting becomes a necessity is in cases in which a mother cow has lost its biological baby and an orphaned calf is given to her in place of the lost calf. The mother cow often does not accept the orphaned calf because it is not biologically hers. She will often reject it and even harm the calf in attempts to keep it from feeding. Up to this point there has been no remedy that works consistently. The commercial products are sporadically effective and generally inconvenient in their application.
Scent and taste have a great deal to do with the grafting of livestock. A mother cow often may reject the scent and/or taste of her own calf if it differs from her own scent. Likewise, a foster mother will often reject an orphaned calf because it does not carry her scent.
Some products have attempted to remedy this problem by camouflaging the scent and/or the taste of the calf through various means. These products typically include disadvantages including but not limited to the following.
At least one commercially available product warns of potential contamination of food and water with which it comes in contact. This becomes an inconvenience and danger when you consider that the instructions recommend that you restrain the animals in an enclosed facility such as a barn. In such a facility one would be surrounded by hay, feed, and water that could be contaminated and would probably be consumed by livestock. Also once a foster mother has adopted a calf, she often licks the calf. Use of a potential contaminant may be quite harmful for the mother to directly lick it off of the newly adopted calf.
Currently commercially available products can have a very undesirable odor. Some products attempt to hide the calf's scent with ammonia. The odor is very offensive and can give a burning sensation to ones nostrils from the fumes.
Commercially available products may contain animal by-products as its first and main ingredient. There are many potential side affects that can accompany the consumption of animal by-products. The use of them is becoming more and more undesirable.
Application of currently available products can be inconvenient. If the calf is not wet or damp, the applicator needs access to water or syrup. The applicator must dampen the calf to help a powdery substance adhere to the animal. It is sometimes recommended that syrup be poured over the calves back to secure adhesion of the powder. The need to add an additional ingredient, whether water or syrup, is less convenient than a product that doesn't require the presence of such a substance.
Currently available commercial products are not safe products for children to handle. These products post label warnings to keep the substance out of the reach of children.
Finally, the success rate of currently available commercial products is less than the success rate of the present invention.

Composition for domestic livestock grafting and method of making and using


The kayak launch and lift apparatus, hence forth referred as the launch and lift, disclosed herein will enable the user to easily board and disembark from a kayak, a canoe or other small watercraft without many of the problems associated with existing devices. The present invention has the advantages of providing a means to stabilize the kayak, while the user is either boarding or disembarking from the kayak from a stationary dock or a sea wall. The launch and lift is made of aluminum and consists of: a pair dock loop grab rails that are bolted to the dock or sea wall, a slidable ladder, a pair of cradles that are attached to the bottom step of the ladder, a pair of bunks to support the kayak on the cradles, an additional outer grab rail that is used when boarding or disembarking from the kayak at the water level, and, a brake winch and stainless steel cable, that is used to raise or lower the kayak from or to the water level. As the water level changes due to changes in the tide or rain fall, the cradle is raised or lowered to accommodate the changes in water levels by means of a brake winch and cable. The brake winch is mounted on a platform attached to the dock grab rail and a stainless steel cable is attached to the spool of the brake winch, traverses two pulley systems welded to the side rail adjacent to the bottom step of the slidable ladder. An additional advantage of the kayak launch and lift is that it also serves as a storage device for the kayak, thus eliminating the need to store the kayak away from the launch site.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a kayak launch and lift apparatus attached to either a stationary dock or a sea wall that will enable the easy boarding onto or disembarking from a kayak, canoe or small watercraft.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One of the main problems with launching a kayak off a stationary dock or sea wall is the difficulty of boarding, launching and subsequently disembarking from the kayak. Very often the water level is not at the same level as the dock, and this poses difficulties for the boater to board, launch and exit from the vessel. If the kayak is not stabilized by a supportive device, it is almost impossible to board the kayak safely and effortlessly. This is especially true for both young and mature individuals. It is easy for the kayak to become unstable under these conditions and to pose safety hazards to those that are not in excellent physical condition or have well developed upper body strength. In addition, if the seas are turbulent, it is most difficult to board or exit a kayak safely under these conditions. It is also quite common, when launching a kayak from a stationary dock or sea wall, for the water level to be distant from the surface of the dock, adding to the difficulty of safely boarding and exiting the kayak. Numerous attempts have been made to overcome the difficulties of launching and disembarking from a kayak from a stationary dock, sea wall or floating dock.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,842 discloses a boat lift apparatus for raising and lowering that permits horizontal as well as vertical movement of the load. The lift apparatus has a load member, a lift cradle, and a lifting arrangement. The lift cradle has bearings for sliding along the rail portion of the lift cradle that can rotate to deposit the load on the dock.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,030 B2 discloses an apparatus for stabilizing a watercraft during boarding and exiting the watercraft comprising a pair of spaced pontoons in the water supported with watercraft supports joining the pontoons and rollers mounted on the watercraft supports. This system has the disadvantage that it is used only with a floating dock, and is not applicable to a stationary dock. Also the pontoons are relatively large and occupy considerable dock space.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,383,781 B1 discloses a boat lift system for raising and lowering a boat from and into a body of water comprising a cradle configured to hold the boat, a cable connected to the cradle, and a drive system. The cable is connected to the cradle and the drive system either raises or lowers the cradle. The primary disadvantage of the boat lift system disclosed herein is that the system must be anchored to the ground surface beneath the water and will accumulate barnacles and algae and will lead to corrosion.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,256,366 B2 discloses a boat lift for use with a canoe or kayak that is provided with guide rails on either side of the boat lift to be used by a boater to propel the watercraft on to the boat lift. In addition, the boat lift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member that can be used by boaters with impaired leg function. Also disclosed herein, is a docking system that comprises a dock and the boat lift system referenced above. The disadvantages of the boat lift disclosed above are that its use is restricted to a floating dock and cannot be used with a stationary dock or seawall.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,381,673 B2 discloses an apparatus for stabilizing a watercraft for boarding or exiting comprising an elongated cradle arm support member for attaching vertically to a dock, and a cradle arm for attaching to the cradle arm support member, in which the cradle arm has a V-shaped upper surface for cradling the under surface of the watercraft, thus restricting roll. The cradle arm is adjustable to accommodate changing water levels. One primary disadvantage of this apparatus is that the cradle arm assembly is difficult to adjust to accommodate changing water levels.
US Patent Application Publication 201/0251242 A1 discloses a retractable platform to assist kayakers to launch off an elevated boat dock. The retractable platform comprises a support frame assembly mechanically coupled to a step assembly. The support frame assembly is mechanically coupled to a platform assembly, a hand crank, a hand rail and a platform assembly. The disadvantages of this system are that the platform does not adjust easily as the water level changes and the range for the manual adjustment is only from 30.48 to 60.96 centimeters (12 to 24 inches).


A thermoforming apparatus for forming sheets of sheet plastic onto a substrate in which a retractable substrate heater is able to be positioned over a substrate loaded into the press and energized while a plastic sheet is being heated in an oven included in the thermoformer apparatus. The plastic sheets are cut from a strip pulled from a roll of sheet material, the roll supported for side to side movement and driven by a servomotor responsive to error signals generated by a strip edge sensor to compensate for wandering of a strip edge to thereby insure accurate location of plastic sheets cut from the unwound strip.

This invention concerns thermoforming, a widely practiced manufacturing process involving the forming of preheated thin plastic sheets into molded parts. In this process, the plastic sheets are preheated in an oven, and then positioned aligned with tooling in a thermoforming press, the sheet drawn against tooling mold surfaces, using a pressure differential or vacuum to force the heated plastic sheet into conformity with the mold surfaces. A plug assist opposite the mold tooling is often used to preform the sheet into closer conformity to the mold surfaces when press platens are moved together to assist in the process of thermoforming the sheet against the tooling mold surfaces.
Often, in automated machines, sheet material is fed off a large roll, cut to a proper length, then clamped about its perimeter in a clamping frame. The clamping frame and sheet is advanced into an oven where the sheet is preheated to a forming temperature. The clamping frame is then advanced into a press having platens mounting mold and plug assist tooling which are brought together to cause the heated sheet to be formed into a part.
Vacuum or a differential air pressure is applied at the same time to form the sheet into conformity with the molding surfaces.
After forming, the press is opened and the completed part is removed or transferred to another station for further processing.
In twin sheet thermoforming, two sheets are preheated and formed as described, and then fused together to form a unitary part.
In another version of the thermoforming process, a preheated sheet is drawn onto a preformed porous substrate by a vacuum applied to the undersurface of the substrate. Such process has been used for applying a cover skin layer to an automotive interior trim piece.
The cover layer can be adhesively bonded to the substrate. While heat activated adhesives can provide a superior bond, to have a separate oven and coordinated handling of the substrate as well as the sheets would add considerably to the complexity and cost of the machine.
In automating this process, it is usual to feed sheet material off a roll fed into a loading area where a proper length is cut off, the cut sheet clamped into a clamping frame for transport to an oven and thereafter to the forming press. Sometimes material rolls are wound such that the edge of the web wanders laterally to some extent as the sheet is pulled off the roll. This will cause some mispositioning of the cut sheets which can cause faulty parts to be produced.
It is the object of the present invention to provide the capability of preheating a substrate to bond a thermoformed sheet thereto without requiring separate additional handling of the substrate.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an accurately controlled feeding of sheet material into a thermoforming apparatus when being unwound from a roll of sheet material.

Thermoformer for forming and heat bonding a thermoplastic sheet to a substrate


A container particularly well suited to hold premoistened wipes is described. The container can be formed primarily from flat polymeric sheets. In one embodiment, for instance, the container can be formed and loaded with a stack of wipes all in a single process. Further, the flat polymeric sheets used to form the container can be printed with various graphics during formation of the container so as to apply any suitable graphics to the container. Through the process of the present disclosure, containers can be formed having a sleek and compact design.

Disposable premoistened wipes are marketed and sold in a variety of different forms. The premoistened wipes generally include a substrate that is saturated with a cleaning solution. The substrate can comprise a nonwoven web containing polymeric fibers, pulp fibers, or a mixture of both. The substrate, for instance, may comprise a web that is produced by combining pulp fibers with molten thermoplastic fibers during formation of the web. In another embodiment, the substrate may be formed by hydroentangling pulp fibers with polymer fibers.
The wiping solution applied to the web can vary depending upon the particular application. For instance, premoistened wipes may include baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, cleaning wipes, antimicrobial wipes, and premoistened flushable bath tissue.
Premoistened wipes are packaged and sold in various different types of containers. Baby wipes, for instance, are typically packaged into a rigid plastic canister. The canisters, for instance, may be injection molded and are typically formed in a process separate from the process of producing the wipes themselves. Thus, the canisters are typically formed, stacked together, and then shipped to a location where the wipes are loaded in the canisters.
Many canisters are sold to consumers without any decorative graphics applied to the canisters. When graphics are applied, the graphics are typically applied to an adhesive label that is then later applied to the canister.
In view of the above, a need currently exists for an improved container for wipes, such as premoistened wipes. More particularly, a need exists for a container that can be produced while the container is being packaged with the wipes. A need also exists for a container for wipes that can easily accept graphics for improving the aesthetic appeal of the product or for any other suitable purpose.

Container for holding a stack of premoistened wipes


An airflow directing structure for hand dryers includes an airflow directing case, an air inlet, an air outlet, a heating means, an air intake means and a flow directing channel. The air intake means has a rotary axle which has one end fastened to air intake blades. The flow directing channel has an air intake passage communicating with the air inlet, a tortuous passage communicating with the air intake passage and an air exit passage with one end communicating with the tortuous passage and the other end communicating with the air outlet. The air exit passage and the air intake means are parallel in a juxtaposed manner, and located on the same side with the air intake blades and the air outlet. Thus total size of the airflow directing structure is smaller and the cost is lower, and an optimal heating speed can be achieved to improve drying efficiency.

Hand dryers are commonly used in lavatories to aid users to dry hands after washing. The conventional hand dryer usually has a motor and a heating structure. The motor draws in air which is heated by the heating structure and generates a powerful heated airflow to dispel or dry residual moisture on user's hands.
However, compared with paper towel, the hand dryer takes more time and consumes electric energy when in use. Hence how to increase hand drying efficiency to reduce energy consumption is a big issue in the industry. To increase hand drying efficiency, one approach is to boost motor efficiency to generate a stronger airflow pressure to dispel the moisture from user's hands. Another approach is to enhance the efficiency of the heating structure and increase airflow exit temperature to dry the moisture on the hands easier. The stability of heated airflow passage in the hand dryer often is overlooked. Hence there still leaves a lot to be desired in terms of airflow exit efficiency.
A desired airflow passage in the hand dryer can produce a higher airflow exit efficiency to dispel or dry the moisture from user's hands at a shorter time. Use duration of the hand dryer not only affects user's convenience also impacts optimal energy utilization. If the air drawn by the motor can be transformed to effective exit airflow, energy waste can be greatly reduced.
The commonly used hand dryers, open through type or wall-mounted type, such as R.O.C. patent No. I266629 entitled "Hand drying apparatus", No. 254101 entitled "Multi-function dryer", or U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,301 do not focus on the size of the hand dryer. The hand dryers they proposed are quite bulky. Due to environment and space constraints, their applicability and installation are restricted. There is still a need to develop a compact hand dryer with a higher exit airflow efficiency to improve the problems mentioned above.

Airflow directing structure for hand dryers


An invariant numeric reference format is defined in a run-time environment for both run-time and storage use. A numeric reference to an object encodes the location of the object as an integral offset from an implicit machine pointer. In environments where the size of contiguous virtual memory segments is limited, objects are stored in a number of fixed-size contiguous chunks in virtual memory called pages. A page-offset numeric reference includes an offset and a page number, which is used to index a page map that contains a page pointer to the beginning of the page. Page-offset numeric references are dereferenced by adding the offset in the numeric reference to the page pointer obtained from the page map based on the page number in the numeric reference.

The present invention relates to computer systems and more particularly to managing memory for a run-time environment.
A dynamic run-time environment for a language such as JAVA(trademark) is responsible for managing memory for objects that are created and destroyed during the execution of a program. An object may be defined as a logically contiguous atomic unit of typed state of the program. Objects thus encapsulate data in particular regions of memory that are allocated and deallocated for the program by the dynamic run-time environment.
The state of the program, or xe2x80x9cprogram state,xe2x80x9d is the set of objects, the content of the objects, and the references between the objects that exist at a specific point in time during the execution of the program. A xe2x80x9creferencexe2x80x9d to an object is an entity used to identify and ultimately access a region of memory that stores the data of the object. Typically, references between objects in a run-time environment are encoded using machine pointers. A machine pointer is a native entity that contains the address of the object in the main memory, which can be a real address or, more commonly, a virtual address. Since machine pointers are closely coupled to the underlying hardware and firmware of a computer system, machine pointers provide a fast means of accessing objects and, hence, are a popular implementation for references.
In a run-time environment, however, a program state that contains machine pointers is so machine-dependent that it is sometimes disadvantageous. For example, it may be desirable to store the program state on disk or other secondary storage medium and restore the stored program state to main memory. Some run-time environments, in fact, are designed to use the same program state on different types of machines. For instance, such run-time environments provide load-balancing and crash recovery functions by transferring the execution of a program (including its state) from one machine to another.
One of the reasons why machine pointers are not machine-independent is that the size in bits of a machine pointer is determined by the extent of the virtual address space, which varies between computer architectures. In fact, some computer architectures even have pointers of varying sizes, for example, near (16-bit) pointers and far (32-bit) pointers. If program state includes machine pointers whose size varies from platform to platform, then the size of objects will vary from platform to platform. Furthermore, since the size of intervening objects will vary, the relative locations between objects will vary from platform to platform. For example, on a platform with near pointer the relative location of one object can be 48 bytes from another object, but on a platform with far pointers, the relative location might increase to 96 bytes.
One approach directed to machine independence, known as xe2x80x9cpointer swizzling,xe2x80x9d employs two completely different formats for representing references: a machine-dependent runtime format using pointers for references in main memory, and a platform invariant format for encoding references in secondary storage. When the reference is written to secondary storage, machine pointers are converted into a machine-independent symbol such as a string or serial number. When the reference is read back into main memory from secondary storage, the symbol is unswizzled and converted back into a machine pointer. Swizzling is also referred to as xe2x80x9cserializationxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cpickling.xe2x80x9d Since the size and relative locations of objects differs between platforms, swizzling and unswizzling operations employ a look-up technique into an associative data structure, wherein a machine pointer is associated with a corresponding symbol. Look-up operations, however, are computationally expensive, requiring many memory accesses into an auxiliary symbol table, typically implemented by a hash table or binary tree stored in memory. Thus, frequent storage and retrieval of program state into and out of secondary storage can be responsible for a significant drain on system performance.
Differences between server environments make machine independence very difficult to achieve for portable run-time environments even with pointer swizzling. For example, some operating systems, in practice if not by design, limit the guaranteed size of contiguous virtual memory to a xe2x80x9cpage,xe2x80x9d typically about two or four kilobytes in size. This page-size limitation is particularly common for allocating objects in shared memory for access by different processes. Consequently, in paged memory systems, large objects such as arrays cannot be contiguously allocated for these servers. Prior paged memory systems either failed when sufficiently large blocks of virtual memory were not available, or employed ad hoc constructions to simulate specific array types.
Failure to allocate memory for large objects, merely because sufficient contiguous virtual address space is unavailable, limits the availability and marketability for such run-time environments. Ad hoc simulations, moreover, are impracticable for paged memory servers especially for large, user defined objects, because they are unknown to the designer of the run-time environment. Furthermore, it is difficult to integrate such ad hoc solutions with the pointer swizzling operations for addressing machine independence.
There exists a need for a memory management system that can efficiently save and restore program state in a machine-independent format. Specifically, a need exists for a reference format that can be easily stored and has comparatively efficient run-time performance. There is also a need for a memory management system that is portable to, and capable of working with, operating systems that impose a page-size limitation to contiguous memory.
These and other needs are addressed by the present invention, in which a genus of machine-independent formats, called a numeric reference format, is defined for both run-time and storage. A numeric reference to an object encodes the location of the object as an integral offset from an implicit machine pointer. Since the semantics of an integer, as opposed to a native machine pointer, can be completely specified in terms of size and byte-order, integers can be easily translated between machines without applying computationally expensive pointer swizzling operations.
Accordingly, one aspect of the invention relates to a computer-implemented method and a computer-readable medium bearing instructions for managing memory for a run-time environment. The methodology includes storing a plurality of objects in a virtual memory; storing references between the objects as numeric references in the virtual memory; and storing the objects in a secondary storage that is not part of the virtual memory and the references in a numeric reference format in a secondary storage that is not part of the virtual memory.
Another aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method and a computer-readable medium bearing instructions for managing memory for a run-time environment. Management of the run-time environment involves loading objects into virtual memory from secondary storage that is not part of the virtual memory; loading references between the objects as numeric references into the virtual memory; and dereferencing one of the numeric references by adding, to a machine pointer, an offset contained within the numeric reference. Use of numeric references for storing references between objects provides an invariant representation for references, thereby enabling machine-independent program state to be stored within and loaded from secondary storage that is not part of the virtual memory.
In circumstances where program state containing the objects and references is to be used in environments where the size of contiguous virtual memory segments is limited, the objects are stored or loaded into virtual memory in a number of fixed-size contiguous chunks called xe2x80x9cpages.xe2x80x9d A xe2x80x9cpage-offsetxe2x80x9d numeric reference for such environments includes a page number, which is used to index a page map that contains a page pointer to the beginning of the page, and an offset. Page-offset numeric references are dereferenced by adding the offset in the numeric reference to the page pointer obtained from the page map based on the page number in the numeric reference. Use of page-offset numeric references allows for a software virtual memory system to be systematically implemented for all system-defined and user-defined types supported in a run-time environment, in effect, implementing a software paged memory system.
Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

Machine-independent memory management system within a run-time environment


A weathervane includes a vane and a wind direction display roller. Driven by wind force, the vane rotates the display roller through a motion transfer system. The display roller includes a plurality of wind direction indicators. The weathervane further includes a housing that receives the display roller. The housing includes an opening through which one or more direction indicators are visible.

Weathervanes are commercially available wind direction indication devices. They are constructed in different shapes and forms. Conventional weathervanes usually include the four well known cardinal direction symbols N, W, S and E to represent North ("N"), West ("W"), South ("S") and East ("E") directions respectively. The symbols N and S are mounted to two opposite ends of one rod, while the symbols W and E are mounted to two opposite ends of another rod. The two rods are at a right angle to each other. After installation, the direction symbols point to the right directions and are stationary.
A conventional weathervane further includes a figure for the purposes of both decoration and wind direction indication. The figure usually lines up with a pointing device, such as an arrow. When wind blows, the figure rotates and adjusts itself to the direction of wind. A user then determines the direction of wind by checking the angle of the pointing device relative to the four cardinal direction symbols. For example, when the pointing device is between the symbols N and E, and at an angle of 45° (meaning 45 degrees) from the rod linking the symbols E and W, the wind direction is northeast.
When checking the conventional weathervane from afar (such as thirty feet or more), the user cannot easily determine the wind direction with accuracy. The source of this problem is the user's perspective in relation to the weathervane. Even when the user is in a very close proximity, such as within a few yards, of the conventional weathervane, he may still have trouble reading the wind direction with accuracy. For example, the user likely cannot discern the wind direction with convenience and accuracy unless he moves his person right in front of or behind the pointing device to determine the angle of the pointing device relative to the direction symbols. Electric weathervanes have been developed. However, they present a new set of problems. For example, they require batteries or have to be connected to an external power source. Batteries have to be regularly replaced and are expensive.
Accordingly, there is a need for a weathervane that is accurate in indicating wind direction, less expensive and convenient to install and read.

Weathervane for indicating wind direction


An atrial defibrillation system includes an implantable atrial defibrillator having an atrial defibrillation detector for detecting atrial fibrillation and a cardioverter for cardioverting the atria of a heart. The implantable atrial defibrillator further includes a receiver for receiving commands from an external nonimplanted transmitter. A nonimplantable communication device includes a transmitter for transmitting a command to the receiver. The command causes only the atrial fibrillation detector to be activated resulting only in the detection for atrial fibrillation without committing to atrial fibrillation cardioversion should atrial fibrillation be detected.

The present invention generally relates to a defibrillation system including an atrial defibrillator for applying cardioverting electrical energy to the atria of a human heart in need of cardioversion. The present invention is more particularly directed to such a system having a portable communication device operable by a patient for selectably initiating atrial fibrillation detection without committing to atrial cardioverting therapy.
Atrial fibrillation is probably the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Although it is not usually a life-threatening arrhythmia, it is associated with strokes thought to be caused by blood clots forming in areas of stagnant blood flow as a result of prolonged atrial fibrillation. In addition, patients afflicted with atrial fibrillation generally experience palpitations of the heart, and may even experience dizziness or even loss of consciousness.
Atrial fibrillation occurs suddenly, and many times can only be corrected by a discharge of electrical energy to the heart. Implantable atrial defibrillators have become a reality to provide relief to patients suffering from occurrences of atrial fibrillation.
For example, implantable atrial defibrillators and lead systems which exhibit complete automatic operation are fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,837, issued Feb. 1, 1994, for "Improved Atrial Defibrillator and Method," U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,404, issued Sep. 27, 1994, for "Lead System for Use with an Atrial Defibrillator and Method," and U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,219, issued May 4, 1993, for "Atrial Defibrillator and Method for Providing Interval Timing Prior to Cardioversion," all of which patents are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. Each of these patents discloses and claims an implantable atrial defibrillator wherein atrial fibrillation is automatically detected and, when needed, cardioverting electrical energy is applied to the atria to terminate the atrial fibrillation episode and return the heart to normal sinus rhythm.
As with any implantable device, it would be desirable to be able to provide the patient with some manual control for the implanted device. For example, implantable pacemakers known in the art may be totally deactivated by placing a magnet over the implant site. The magnetic field of the magnet causes a reed switch within the implanted device to remain either open or closed as long as the magnet is held there. Other magnet modes are known for checking the power levels of the implanted device battery, for example.
While magnets have proven effective in the past, they are not convenient to use. First of all, such magnets are heavy and, in most uses, rather large, making them difficult to carry in a pocket or purse. Also, because the magnets produce a magnetic field, they can erase dictation or other type of audio tape to which they may come into close proximity within a purse or pocket. Under such conditions, they can also erase the magnetic strips on credit and bank cards. They would further erase floppy disks for computers.
Providing some manual control over an implanted atrial defibrillator is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,862. There, a magnet is described for generating external commands which cause the defibrillator to enter an atrial fibrillation detection and committed therapy sequence. A magnet is certainly effective for such use. However, in addition to the drawbacks previously mentioned, magnets do not provide any means for feedback to inform the patient that the implanted device is acting upon the external command. An acknowledgment of receipt of a command and the fact that the implant is implementing the command would be important feedback to patients. This is especially true if the patient is attempting to have the implanted device initiate required therapy.
In answer to the problems resulting from the use of magnets in such systems, an atrial defibrillation system including an external communication device dimensioned to be hand-held is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,249 which issued on Oct. 7, 1997 for "Atrial Defibrillation System Having A Portable Communication Device," and which is incorporated herein by reference. The portable communication device there disclosed includes an RF transmitter for transmitting a command signal to the implantable defibrillator. The implantable defibrillator includes a receiver for receiving the command signals and performs a task responsive to receipt of the command signal. An RF transmitter within the implantable device transmits an acknowledgment signal back to the portable communication device upon receipt of the command signal. The portable communication device further includes a receiver which receives the acknowledgment signal and provides a perceptible indication responsive to receipt of the acknowledgment signal to the patient. In this way, the patient knows that the command was received and that the implanted device is performing the desired task.
While the last two mentioned atrial defibrillation systems go a long way towards providing effective and positive control of an implantable atrial defibrillator by the patient, they do not provide a complete answer. For example, they provide for very limited operational modalities of an automatic mode, a patient activated mode, and a combination of these two modalities. In all of these modalities, the patient is committed to cardioverting therapy if atrial fibrillation is detected. In the automatic mode, atrial fibrillation detections most often occur when the patient is not in atrial fibrillation. Many atrial fibrillation patients are highly symptomatic when experiencing atrial fibrillation. Automatic detection for these patients can represent unwarranted depletion of the defibrillator power source. Further, a patient may not be in a position to receive cardioverting therapy at a time when the committed therapy is to be delivered. At other times, a patient may simply want to confirm the absence of atrial fibrillation or be able to determine that the atrial fibrillation detector of the patient's defibrillator agrees with patient's perception of the arrhythmia. Hence, there is a need in the art for an atrial defibrillation system which enables a patient to select and activate atrial fibrillation detection without committing to cardioverting therapy.

Atrial defibrillation system having patient selectable atrial fibrillation detection


A blend of ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers with crystalline nylon, and ionomers and optionally amorphous nylon that have a unique balance of properties and to packaging films, laminates, co-extrusions and containers prepared therefrom.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to three and four component blends of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers, ionomer, and nylon (semicrystalline nylon in the three-component blend and semicrystalline and amorphous nylon in the four-component blend). These blends have a unique balance of properties and are useful in packaging films, laminates, co-extrusions and containers prepared therefrom. Also, the barrier resins of the present invention can be used as coatings on substrates such as paperboard and can be used in structures that are not multi-layer.
2. Background Discussion and Related Art
Ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH), particularly those with high levels of vinyl alcohol, exhibit excellent oxygen barrier properties at low humidity. Typically, to provide good barrier properties at high humidities, EVOH is laminated on both sides with polyolefins (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,259 which is incorporated herein by reference). U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,952,628; 4,990,562; 5,003,002; 5,064,716; 5,110,855; 5,126,401; 5,126,402; 5,194,306; 5,208,082; and 5,286,575 (all of which are incorporated herein by reference) teach various blends of EVOH and amorphous nylon, and, in some cases, semicrystalline nylon with the amorphous nylon that have barrier properties less dependent on humidity. U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,854 which is incorporated herein by reference suggests a wide variety of polymers that can be blended with EVOH to improve gas permeation characteristics particularly for packaging applications.
In European Patent No. 0 470 486, entitled, "Toughened ethylene (vinyl alcohol) copolymer resins," which is incorporated herein by reference, the EVOH is blended with terpolymers of alpha-olefin, acrylate and either partly neutralized carboxylic acid groups or carbon monoxide. The combination is taught to have a combination of excellent oxygen barrier, toughness and thermoforming characteristics in the form of sheet or film.
It is also known that excellent properties such as gas-barrier, impact resistance, stretchability, drawability and transparency can result from blends of EVOH, ionomer and semicrystalline nylon (see Japanese Patent Application HEI6-310239, filed Dec. 14, 1994, to Kenji Miharu, inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference).


A two-dimensional nanoindentation measurement apparatus includes a first actuator that imparts a first force in a first direction, and a second actuator that imparts a second force in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A first elongate member has a first end attached to the first actuator and a second end attached to an indenter tip that engages the surface of the sample. A second elongate member includes a first end attached to the second actuator and a second end connected to the second end of the first elongate member. The first elongate member is rigid in the first direction and compliant in the second direction, and the second elongate member is rigid in the second direction and compliant in the first direction. The first force is imparted to the indenter tip in the first direction through the first elongate member, and the second force is imparted to the indenter tip in the second direction through the second elongate member.

Contact measurements between a nanoindentation probe and a thin film material can provide significant information regarding properties of the surface of the material, such as stiffness, yield strength, creep resistance, stress relaxation, modulus, fracture toughness, and fatigue.
Some known nanoindentation measurement systems, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,141, provide for continuous measurement of the elastic response of a mechanical junction between an indentation probe and a sample material. Such systems apply an increasing direct force to the probe to load the junction while simultaneously applying a relatively small amplitude oscillatory force to alternately load and unload the junction. Continuous measurement of the amplitude and phase of the resulting displacement of the probe as the oscillatory forces are applied provides a continuous indication of the stiffness of the junction.
Some measurement systems, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,459, provide for multidimensional surface mechanics measurements. Such systems include multiple elongate members that are oriented orthogonally to each other and coupled together by a coupler, with an indentation probe connected to the coupler. Forces applied to the elongate members cause movement of the probe in a direction that is normal to the surface, and in one or more directions parallel to the surface.
These known systems are not easily constructed and calibrated for two-dimensional measurements. The system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,459 requires three elements (one in each orthogonal direction) that must be aligned properly to allow the system to operate. Even if one of the three elements is used to simply immobilize one of the axes of motion (thus producing a two dimensional system), that third element must be present and aligned so that the other two axes can operate properly.

Apparatus and method for two dimensional nanoindentation


A piezoelectric actuator is provided, including comb-shape piezoelectric actuators, each including a plurality of piezoelectric layers. The actuators are made by a process including the steps of (1) preparing a plurality of piezoelectric material green sheets on which electrode films are formed and forming slits on a first green sheet using a punch and a die, (2) pulling up the first green sheet using a stripper, (3) pulling up a top portion of the punch slightly from the lowest portion of the pulled up first green sheet, (4) forming second slits in a second green sheet by the punch, (5) pulling up the second green sheet jointly with the first green sheet, (6) pulling up the top portion of the punch slightly from the lowest portion of the pulled up second green sheet, and thereafter laminating green sheets by repeating steps (4) through (6). The layers are thereafter fired.

As an example using a comb teeth type actuator, there are ink jet printers. In case of this ink jet printer, an ink discharging part, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-246025A, has a plurality of nozzles which are aligned and allocated, ink chambers which contain ink to be discharged at the back part of each nozzle, and pressure generating members which comprise piezoelectric elements at positions opposite to respective nozzles. The ink chambers are pressurized and transformed by transformation of piezoelectric elements, so that ink droplets are discharged to flow. Pressure generating members as actuators are normally aligned and allocated in alignment with positions of the nozzles, and pressure generating members formed of comb teeth shape are utilized as actuators.
Then, in case that resolution of a printer is of 180 dpi, alignment pitch of nozzles becomes 141 μm, and pitch of neighboring actuators, i.e., pitch of comb teeth is also formed by this spacing. Therefore, refined and skilled dimensional precision is required, and an actuator which comprises such comb teeth shaped piezoelectric element is formed in a manner as shown in a manufacturing process chart of FIG. 6. In this manner, a plurality of piezoelectric material green sheets 21 on which electrode films 20 are formed are laminated and sintered to form a multi-layer piezo-actuator 22, and it is processed by a dicer etc. to form slits 23 and comb teeth 24. In addition, in FIG. 6, A shows a before laminating state, and B shows a pressurized and laminated state, and C shows a fired and integrated state, and D shows a state in which comb teeth are formed by carrying out a dicer process.
However, since the forming method in which slit fabrication is carried out by the above dicer etc. occurs after sintering of the piezoelectric material green sheet, corner portions tend to be easily dropped out and interlayer separation tends to easily occur, and in concrete terms, the following problems exists.
Firstly, residual stress occurs between a piezoelectric material layer and an electrode material layer, due to difference etc. of coefficient of thermal expansion of both materials. Therefore, since a surface thereof is exposed by machine work, an interlayer separation defect tends to easily occur during the machine working. Further, separation tends to occur between the piezoelectric material layer/electrode material layer at the worked surface during use.
Secondly, in the slit fabrication, since respective slits are formed by cutting off by the dicer etc., it takes a long amount of time to form the slits, even if they are formed at a dash by a plurality of dicer blades.
Thirdly, cleansing is necessary since it is contaminated by working fluid after the slit fabrication, but because strength after the fabrication is lower, cleansing—drying processes have to be carried out carefully, and at high costs.
Fourthly, there are design constraints. This means that slit width between comb teeth in a practical design is constrained by the thickness of the dicer blade for fabrication use and can not be, approximately, 70 μm and below. Therefore, it was not possible to obtain a comb teeth type actuator of higher density, or higher strength, or higher strength and higher output. Also, since only linear or planar slit fabrication is possible, when comb teeth of a complex shape is necessitated, there was no other choice than accommodating by adhering a component in post-process as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication 6-71877A.

Method for manufacturing a comb teeth type piezoelectric actuator


An improved processing chamber is provided that withstands numerous high pressure/high temperature processing cycles without heater breakage. The processing chamber contains a high conductivity, a high emissivity and/or a high transmissivity shield positioned in sufficient proximity to a heater to prohibit gas currents such as convection current loops from forming between the shield and the heater. The shield is preferably a thin anodized metal or a sapphire sheet.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for extending heater life, and specifically to a method and apparatus for extending the life of a brittle heater within a non-vacuum semiconductor processing chamber.
Many common semiconductor devices require vertical surface features (i.e., vias, trenches, holes or other similar topographical features) in order to connect distinct planes of material (e.g., for device electrical connections) or to increase device surface area (e.g., for capacitors). With shrinking lateral device dimensions, vertical surface features have become increasingly important for maintaining adequate device surface area by replacing horizontal (e.g., planar) surface area with vertical (e.g., three dimensional) surface area.
During the formation of vertical surface features, deposited material can cling to the side walls of these features, blocking deposited material from reaching the lower surfaces of the features and causing formation of hollow areas (voids) which affect device quality. This problem is exacerbated with decreased lateral device dimensions. Recently, the practice of placing a semiconductor device within a high temperature/high pressure chamber (known as isostatic pressing) has been employed to collapse such voids, causing them to fill with hot deposited material. Isostatic pressing thus creates consistently higher quality devices through void elimination. High temperatures allow the deposited material to collapse and to flow more easily into voids and may also be employed to control crystal orientation.
Attempts to develop a commercially viable isostatic pressing chamber have failed because ceramic heaters (pervasively used in semiconductor processing because of their efficient heat transfer and electrically insulating properties) cannot survive even one isostatic pressing cycle. Specifically, in an isostatic pressing chamber having an upper heater and a lower heater, and having a wafer mounted proximate to the upper heater, the lower heater may fail by fracture during even the first high temperature/high pressure isostatic pressing cycle. Heater cracking requires heater replacement after each cycle, intolerably increases processing cost per semiconductor device and, moreover, generates particles which may destroy any devices being processed. Accordingly, a processing chamber must be developed that is able to withstand the repeated high temperature/high pressure cycling necessary to make isostatic pressing and its benefits a commercial reality.

High pressure/high temperature process chamber


A replacement clip and method for repairing a modular cable connector having a broken locking clip. The replacement clip comprises a substantially u-shaped housing being configured to mount onto a modular connector having a broken clip, the housing having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite from the top surface, the top surface having an arm extension ending in a locking tab, the locking tab being spaced by the arm extension and located at an end opposite from the cable that the connector is connected to, the bottom surface having a slit therein running parallel to the cable, the slit being configured to mount the replacement clip onto the connector, such that, the locking tab securely holds the connector within a socket and such that mechanical and electrical connections between the connector and the socket are maintained.

In today's business environment, computers are usually connected to some type of network in order to share resources. Examples of such networks include the Internet, Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs). In order to tap into a network such as a LAN, a client computer must be coupled to the LAN either wirelessly (e.g., via an 802.11x router) or through hard wiring. A popular hard wiring system utilizes modular connectors, such as, the RJ45 connectors.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which depict a prior art modular plug or connector 100A and 100B, respectively. Further, FIGS. 2A and 2B, reference numerals 200A and 200B, respectively, illustrate a profile of a prior art modular plug or connector plugged into a female connector. Turning to FIG. 1A, reference numeral 100A, a cable 106 terminates in a male connector, such as, a male RJ45 (Registered Jack-45) plug 104. The male RJ45 plug 104 has a molded flexible latch 102. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, reference numeral 200A of FIG. 2A illustrates the exterior perimeter profile of a male plug or connector 104 corresponding with the respective interior perimeter profile of a female receptacle housing 1164. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, a male plug or connector 104 is plugged into a female receptacle or port 1160 (shown in FIG. 2B) within a receptacle housing 1164, such that, the flexible latch mechanism (referenced as numeral 102 in FIG. 2A) is located proximate to a top surface of the receptacle housing 1164. The details of the male connector as plugged into the receptacle housing is further shown in FIG. 2B. As shown in reference numeral 200B of FIG. 2B, the male plug or connector 104 that is mounted onto a cable 106 is pushed or plugged into the female receptacle 1160 and is held within the receptacle housing 1164 by a catch mechanism or lip 1166 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B), which is located proximate to a top surface within the receptacle housing 1164. The catch mechanism 1166 of the receptacle housing 1164 engages the protrusion portion 101 of the molded flexible latch 102 of the male connector to securely hold the male plug or connector within the receptacle housing 1164. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, reference numeral 100B, the molded flexible latch 102 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) of the male connector or plug 104 breaks, as shown by the broken latch 202 in FIG. 1B. As such, the wires within the male plug 104 may not establish mechanical and electrical connections when the male plug 104 is plugged into a female receptacle or port 1160 (shown in FIG. 2B), thus, needing to be replaced. Replacing the male plug 104 is extremely difficult, given that it entails replacing the fine gauge of wires leading from cable 106 to pins 108 (shown in FIG. 1A) within the male plug 104. Due to the difficulty in repairing a cable 104 with a broken molded flexible latch 202, typically, the entire cable 104 is discarded and replaced with a new cable, which can be costly.

Replacement clip and method for repairing a modular cable connector having a broken locking clip

International Business Machines Corporation


An improved endoscope comprises an objective including a diffractive optical element juxtaposed to a solid-state imaging element at the distal tip of the endoscope. An inexpensive halogen lamp at the proximal end of the endoscope is employed as the illumination source. A fiber-optic bundle carries light to the distal tip of the endoscope, where diffractive optical elements are provided to disperse light, illuminating the field of view.

Endoscopes, that is, instruments for viewing the interior of volumes not accessible to direct examination, are shown by prior art extending back many years. A number of different classes of endoscopes are shown in the prior art.
In a first class of endoscopes, an image formed by an objective at the distal tip of a rigid tubular member is transferred by a transfer module comprising a sequence of refractive optical elements to an image-forming device at the proximal end of the tube. See, for example, Broome U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,240. The image-forming device may include an optical eyepiece for direct viewing, or an electronic imaging device and associated circuitry for providing a visible image on an electronic display screen.
The prior art also teaches endoscopes wherein the image formed by an objective at the distal tip of the endoscope is transferred by a fiber optic bundle to an image-forming device at a proximal end of the endoscope. Employment of the fiber optic bundle in lieu of the refractive elements in a transfer module disposed in a rigid tube allows some flexibility of the shaft of the endoscope, which is of particular value in medical applications. However, the ultimate image quality is severely limited by the use of the fiber optic bundle to transfer the image from the objective to the image-forming device.
A third class of endoscopes is shown in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,736 to Ito, wherein a solid state imaging element, typically a charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging element, is juxtaposed to the objective, so that an image signal is formed at the distal tip of the endoscope. As only wires are needed to transfer the image signal from the tip of the endoscope to means for display, the endoscope can be relatively flexible.
Ito also teaches the transmission of illuminating light from a source located at the proximal end of the endoscope to its distal tip by a fiber optic bundle. A dispersing optical element is provided at the tip of the fiber optical bundle, causing the light emitted by the fiber optic bundle to diverge, illuminating a relatively broad field of view.
In its preferred embodiment, the present invention relates generally to an endoscope of the class described in the Ito patent, that is, the present invention also relates to an endoscope wherein an image signal is formed by a solid state imaging element juxtaposed to the objective. Also as in Ito, an optical conduit, such as a fiber optic bundle, carries light from a source external to the proximal end of the endoscope to its distal tip, and a dispersive optical element is used to illuminate a wide field of view. However, the present invention makes numerous improvements over the endoscope shown in Ito, and certain aspects of the invention described herein have applicability beyond this preferred embodiment.
Other prior art references generally relevant to the subject matter of the present invention include Nishioka U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,225, teaching a particular illumination optical system for an endoscope. Nishioka teaches use of an aspheric lens for dispersing light from the distal tip of a fiber optic bundle, so as to illuminate a relatively wide field of view.
A number of additional patents also address the question of providing sufficient illumination to the field of view of an endoscope. See, for example, Matsumoto U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,765 showing a light source for an endoscope. The light source includes a parabolic reflector directing light from a lamp onto an aspheric element for focusing the light onto the input end of a fiber optic bundle, which then transmits the light to the distal tip of the endoscope for illuminating a field of view.
Wood U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,950 teaches a light source for an endoscope wherein a relatively low-powered metal halide arc discharge lamp is disposed at the focus of a reflector for concentrating light on the proximal end of a fiber optic bundle. This solution is technically useful in that such metal halide discharge lamps provide substantial illumination; however, such lamps require costly power supplies and are themselves relatively expensive.
It has been known for many years that, at least in theory, diffractive optical elements can be advantageously substituted for many types of refractive optical elements, for example, to focus light from a field of view in order to form an image. In this connection, a refractive optical element is one in which rays of light are bent at the interfaces between differing transmissive media. The degree of bending is proportional to the relative velocities of light in the two media, and is expressed by Snell's Law. Lenses in common use are typically refractive; for example, Ogasawara et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,380 discloses an objective for an endoscope employing refractive lens elements.
So-called "Fresnel" lenses are also refractive. In Fresnel lenses, the smooth surfaces of conventional refractive lenses are divided by grooves into a number of smaller areas, typically concentric circular zones, and the two optical surfaces of the lens are effectively collapsed toward one another. The advantage is that the overall thickness, weight, and cost of the lens are reduced. The width of the zones, i.e., the spacing of the grooves, is many hundreds of wavelengths of the light to be focused. Claytor U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,722 shows such Fresnel lenses.
By comparison, diffractive optical elements typically comprise a number of parallel lines or grooves spaced on the order of the wavelength of the light to be focused. Light rays are bent through an angle which varies as a function of the wavelength of the light and the spacing of the grooves. If the lines are spaced uniformly, the structure is commonly referred to as a diffraction grating, and the light is simply bent differentially as a function of wavelength; that is, white light is broken into its constituent colors. This phenomenon accounts for the spectral patterns seen when one inspects a structure including closely spaced grooves, such as the surface of a conventional "CD-ROM" optical storage device.
If the spacing of the grooves is varied, the diffractive effect may be used to form an image by bending light incident from various directions differentially, i.e., so that light from different parts of a field of view is directed onto corresponding portions of an image plane. Moreover, if the depth of the grooves is also varied, the diffraction efficiency (the amount of the incident light that is diffracted into a particular "order") can be optimized, to form a substantially uniformly illuminated image.
The basic theoretical underpinnings of diffractive optics are shown in numerous references. See, for example, Sommerfeld, Optics, Section D, "Phase Gratings", pages 228-233 (1964); Miyamoto, "The Phase Fresnel Lens", JOSA, Vol. 51, No. 1, pages 17-20 (1959); Swanson et al, "Infrared Applications of Diffractive Optical Elements", SPIE Holographic Optics: Design and Applications, Vol. 883, 155-162 (1988); Faklis et al, "Optical Design of Diffractive Lenses", Photonics Spectra, 205-208 (November 1991); Faklis et al, "Diffractive Lenses in Broadband Optical System Design", Photonics Spectra, 131-134 (December 1991).
Various U.S. patents teach diffractive lenses and other diffractive optical elements, both in general and for specific purposes. Tomlinson et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,814,498 teaches that by selecting the spacing and depth of grooves, an optical grating can be caused to focus light. Hettrick U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,446 is generally similar, as is Aoyama et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,843. Futhey U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,666 teaches specific improvements in manufacture of diffractive lenses. Three Chen patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,151,823, 5,044,706, and 5,257,133, show various optical systems employing diffractive elements, none of these relating directly to endoscopes. Maruyama et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,799 discusses diffractive elements at some length, and provides specific designs for objectives using at least one diffractive element, in some cases provided over an underlying aspheric surface, for laser diode reading systems for optical disk drives. Finally, Baker U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,904 teaches a laser catheter for ablating atherosclerotic deposits in veins and the like, having a diffractive grating for beam shaping.
However, while as noted there exists ample technical literature relating to diffractive optical elements in general, and while various patents address specific systems employing such elements, no prior art presently known to the inventor discusses use of such diffractive elements in endoscopes per se.
Manufacture of a suitable endoscope involves consideration of numerous optical and related constraints. It will be apparent, of course, that substantial illumination must be provided by a lamp and dispersed into the field of view at the distal tip of the endoscope in order that the objective can collect sufficient light to form a useful image. In general, the more light delivered, the better the quality of the image. However, as noted, the brightest light sources available for such use, that is, short-arc lamps such as xenon lamps, or the metal halide lamps used in the Wood patent, are too expensive for certain uses. It would therefore be desirable to provide an optical system for an endoscope sufficiently efficient (including both the optics for transferring light from the source to the tip of the endoscope, and the image-forming objective) that a less expensive lamp could be used.
Reduction in cost of endoscopes is always desired; of course, in the medical context, reduction of cost means that an instrument will be affordable for use in more types of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, which can ultimately lead to an improvement in patient care. Hence, it is significant to reduce the cost of the components employed in the endoscope.
Similarly, the smaller the endoscope the better, particularly for medical use, so as to be received into various cavities or incisions allowing the patient's anatomy to be examined. Given that larger optical elements are in general able to collect more light, to combine a relatively low cost illumination source with an efficient objective capable of collecting sufficient light to form high quality images while remaining small in diameter poses a significant technical challenge not met by any prior art endoscopes known to the inventor.

Endoscopic imaging system employing diffractive optical elements


An apparatus for propelling a plurality of coil clad hoses simultaneously includes a plurality of modules. Each module includes a primary driven bull gear. A follower bull gear is rotatably fastened to a follower axle extending parallel to the drive axle and the follower bull gear meshes with the primary bull gear. A plurality of secondary bull gear/sprocket modules are fastened to each of the axles, each of the modules having a secondary bull gear having teeth extending to a first outer diameter and a sprocket gear having teeth extending a distance less than the first outer diameter. The secondary bull gear teeth of modules on the drive axle mesh with corresponding secondary bull gear teeth of modules on the follower axle to define between adjacent modules an opening width for receiving and passing therebetween a coil clad portion of a high pressure hose.

The present disclosure is directed to manipulation of flexible conduit, tubing and hoses. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for extension and retraction of flexible conduit such as a helical coil clad high pressure hose and an apparatus for precise extension and retraction of a plurality of flexible conduits such as helical coil clad high pressure hoses used as flexible nozzle lances.
During water blast cleaning operations in fluid conduits such as a piping system, heat exchanger tubing, or sewer systems, high pressure hoses are often difficult to manipulate over distances. Various power driven mechanisms have been developed to address such difficulties. One such mechanism is disclosed in my U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/723,410, filed Mar. 12, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,887,343.

Apparatus for propelling a coil clad hose


A filtration system (10) for removing contaminants from a fluid is provided. The system includes a housing (44) having a convex shaped base (78) and a top (84), with filter media (46) disposed within the housing. The filter media may take the form of a roll having a first end formed by edges of the wound filter media and convex in shape. The system may further include a seal (56) adapted to impede channeling of the fluid in proximity to the core through substantially sealing annuluses formed between adjacent wraps of filter media by engaging the edges of the filter media in proximity to the core without substantially radially displacing the filter media. A fluid passageway may pass through the housing, wherein the passageway (20, 24, 40, and/or 42) is sized sufficiently small in cross-sectional area to substantially impede the flow of fluid through the passageway due to gravity.

Fluid filtration systems are commonly used in today's industrialized society to remove contaminants from a fluid. In one industry in particular, the automotive industry, fluid filtration is essential to ensuring the longevity and proper operation of internal combustion engines. More specifically, it has been found that the normal operation of an internal combustion engine results in the contamination of the lubricating oil and, consequently, increased wear/damage to the engine. Generally, contaminants are introduced into the lubricating oil by five primary sources: engine wear may introduce metal shavings; cylinder blow-by may introduce the products of combustion; water may enter from condensation or a leak in the cooling system; environmental dust may enter through the air intake system; and fuel may enter from fuel system leaks or an excessively rich intake mixture.
Typically, internal combustion engines are provided with a full flow filtration system to remove a portion of these contaminants. However, inasmuch as the full flow filtration system must handle a high rate of lubricating oil, typically in the range of 7 to 10 gallons per minute, the filter must be porous and therefore capable of removing only the larger-sized particulates, such as particulates having a size of 30 to 40 microns or larger. However, it has been found that 92% of all engine wear is the result of particulate matter sized between 7 and 40 microns, the majority of which are not removed by high-capacity full flow filtration systems.
One solution has been to provide a secondary by-pass filtration system that can remove the finer sized particulate matter. In a by-pass filtration system, a fraction of the full flow volume, such as one quart per minute for a 7- to 10-gallon flow rate system, is directed to a by-pass filter system. Typically, the by-pass filtration systems are designed to remove particles down to 1 to 6 microns. To assure maximum pressure differentials across the by-pass filter element, the return oil line is often routed directly back to the oil sump.
Another problem with existing full flow oil filtration systems is that they generally only have sufficient absorbent capacity to absorb a few teaspoons of water. Not only can water aid in the break down of the oil, limiting its lubricating properties, the water may combine with the products of combustion introduced by blow-by. Water mixed with the products of combustion may create sulfuric acid that can pit polished surfaces. In contrast, high-density by-pass filters can absorb substantially greater amounts of water, often a pint or more. When the oil heats up, the water evaporates and is released through the engine's breather conduit(s).
Commonly used by-pass filters are of one of two types. In the first type of by-pass filters, the oil passes through a perforated steel plate where all particles greater than approximately 3 microns are screened and trapped. Other by-pass filters use synthetics, paper, or polyester blends wound around a central core to create a microscopic screen to trap particles. Others use filter mediums constructed from organic materials, such as cotton or paper. While synthetics or organics will theoretically capture minute contaminants equally well, organic filtration often provides superior moisture absorption. As previously discussed, moisture mixed with soot (carbon from blow-by) forms acids. So, organic filtration may offer superior protection by trapping larger amounts of moisture in the filter so acid formation is reduced.
The operation of a typical wound filter media by-pass filter will now briefly be described. Oil at high pressure is injected at a low flow rate to a first end of the filter. The oil runs parallel with the windings between the annulus formed between the inner central core and the outer canister wall. As the lubricating oil travels from the first end to a second end of the filter, contaminants from the oil are removed. Once the oil passes the entire length of the canister, the oil is directed through a central core of the filter to return to the oil sump.
Although existing by-pass filtration systems may be effective, they are not without their problems. Often, the by-pass filters are subject to what is known in the art as channeling, where preferential paths form in the filter media. These preferential paths allow the oil to pass preferentially through the media without significant filtering. Typically, channeling is most pronounced along the inner wall of the canister and along the outer surface of the central core.
Further, changing of the by-pass filter system often results in spillage of the lubricating oil contained within the canister. Not only does the spill create a mess that must be cleaned, it also presents a slipping hazard, may harm the environment, and may lead to the violation of environmental regulations.
Still further, existing by-pass filter systems are subject to substantial pressures over a large surface area. Existing by-pass filter systems often utilize canisters having flat end shapes, which do not efficiently contain the pressure exerted on their surfaces; therefore the canister ends require more material, are heavier, and are more expensive to manufacture.
Thus, there exists a need for a by-pass filter system that reduces channeling, impedes the spillage of oil during removal, and has a canister design that efficiently contains the pressure within the canister.


An apparatus for automatically unfolding and for displaying a road map for use by a driver or a passenger is provided. The road map is preferably made from a resilient fabric or similar material which is stretched over an umbrella-like mechanism that is attached to a shaft, such that when the mechanism is activated, the road map is automatically unfolded by the mechanism to a position perpendicular to the shaft. When the mechanism is inactive the road map is substantially conically folded about the shaft forming a generally cylindrical assembly. The mechanism may be returned to its inactive state automatically, by use of a return mechanism, or manually by the user. A device for attaching the apparatus to an area within a vehicle cabin is also provided. Preferably, the device enables the apparatus to be positioned by the user so as to provide the best viewing position for the user while driving the vehicle. The device is preferably freely detachable from the area to which it may be attached. The apparatus may optionally be provided with a selectively activatable light source for illuminating the road map from the back of the road map.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to devices for folding and unfolding maps. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically unfolding and displaying a map.
2. Description of the Related Art
Maps are an ever-present part of travel, especially when it comes to travel by a road vehicle such as a car or a truck. Most cars and trucks, in the United States and in other countries, have numerous road maps which drivers (and sometimes passengers) use to navigate complex networks of throughways, turnpikes, highways, and roads. While accuracy and quality of maps have greatly improved with the years, the physical structure of maps has changed very little from ancient times. Most road maps are still paper affairs which are often sold in pre-folded form, to the precise configuration of which most people never manage to return after unfolding the map. Some maps, termed "road atlases" are presented in form of large booklets.
Both types of road maps share a common disadvantage--they are unwieldy and difficult for the driver (and passenger) to use, especially while driving. Use of these road maps may even prove dangerous if a driver attempts to unfold a map or to search through a road atlas while driving (as unfortunately many drivers attempt to do). Not only does the driver need to use at least one hand to unfold a map, but the map must be held and manipulated while driving. Of course the most prudent course of behavior is to pull over and stop the vehicle in order to examine the map; however, this is not always possible as many highways do not have an area suitable for stopping a vehicle. Furthermore, folding maps tend to deteriorate at the creases each time they are folded and unfolded. Many such maps fall apart after frequent use. Another problem with previously known road maps is that they require a light source to be turned on inside the vehicle to be visible. This forces the driver to pay even less attention to the road as a light in a vehicle at night is quite distracting.
It would thus be desirable to provide an apparatus for automatically unfolding a road map for use by a driver or a passenger. It would further be desirable to conveniently display the unfolded map for viewing by driver or passenger. It would also be desirable to provide a backlighting capability to the apparatus so that the unfolded map may be backlit.

Apparatus for automatically unfolding and displaying a map


A system and method for distributing packets in a network arc disclosed. The method comprises a step of receiving at least one data packet at a first node front a second node. The method also comprises a step of determining a current set of weights which are applied by the second node to distribute data packets across the first plurality of links. The received data packets are analysed to determine if the current set of weights are to be adjusted (step S102). When it is determined that the current set of weights is to be adjusted, an adjusted set of weights is generated by determining an adjustment factor (step S104). The adjustment factor is applied to the current weight for the selected link and at least one other current w eight in the current set of w eights.

In the context of computer networks, link aggregation is the practice of combining multiple links and presenting them as a single link to the outside world. It allows for improvements in capacity and reliability versus what is achievable when a single non-aggregated link is used.
FIG. 1 illustrates a network in which link aggregation is used. There is a distributor 10 which is connected to a collector 12 by a plurality of links: link 0, link 1, . . . , link n. The distributor 10 receives data packets and splits them amongst the various links, according to some balancing mechanism. The collector 12 receives the packets from the various links, optionally re-orders the packets, and delivers them to the next part of the network, e.g. upper layers of the network stack.
A clear quantification of the capacity and reliability improvements associated with link aggregation would depend on the mechanism employed and how it is configured. In simple terms, and as intuition would suggest, the capacity of an aggregated link might be as high as the sum of the capacity of each of the individual links. Reliability is also increased by virtue of the fact that we are no longer in a situation where a single link failure is enough to bring communications to a halt. An aggregated link composed of N simple links could potentially survive N 1 simultaneous failures before communications are halted, albeit with a capacity penalty.
One challenge is to determine how packets are to be distributed amongst the various links. Some instances of this problem have known solutions. For example, when the capacity of each link is known, the distributor 10 can simply split traffic such that each link gets an amount of traffic that is proportional to its share of the overall capacity. For example, given N links with capacities C={c1, c2, c3 . . . cN}, the distributor 10 can simply split traffic such that each link gets an amount of traffic that is proportional to its share of the overall capacity, i.e. link i would get
      c    i              ∑              j        =        1            N                                    c      j      or me overall traffic.
In another variation with a known solution, each link has a queue whose occupancy is known. The distributor 10 can then simply forward a given packet through the link whose queue occupancy is lowest.
As an example of another solution, US2011/0116443A1 describes an example of a radio network having a set of sending radio devices and a set of receiving devices. There is a load balancing radio device that receives data packets from an originating network and that labels the data packets with sequence numbers. The labelled data packets are then distributed among the sending data packets based on the relative capacities and statuses of the sending radio device. US2017/0170981 describes a method for increasing wireless communication throughput by adjusting a tunnel bandwidth weighting schema in response to a change in bandwidth capabilities. US2016/0261507 describes a method for controlling and managing a flow which classifies a flow management space into a plurality of spaces and adjusts variably the flow management space due to a control traffic processing overhead. U.S. Pat. No. 9,762,495 describes a method for adjusting network traffic balance among a plurality of communication links by determining weights for each link and associating a lower weight with a degraded link. US2002/0161925 describes an agile network protocol for secure communications with a load balancer. Typically in the prior art documents, the capacity and/or latency of each link is obtainable, e.g. in US2017/0170981 heartbeat packets are generated to monitor tunnel performance.
The applicant has recognised the need for a method and system which can distribute packets when there is little or no information regarding each link, including its capacity, status and/or latency.

System and method for distributing packets in a network

CAMBRIDGE BROADBAND NETWORKS GROUP LIMITED


A rear seat assembly for a vehicle is disclosed in which the seat cushions and the seat backs may be positioned on top of one another from a flat usage position into a non-usage position. Folding the seat cushions on top of one another and, folding the seat backs on top of one another takes place in order to form the loading space in the region of the back seat arrangement. The seat cushions and the seat backs, respectively, are stowed in a compact manner in the region of the passenger car and provides sufficient space for forming the loading space in the region of the back seat arrangement.

Back seat arrangements for passenger cars are known that have seats arranged adjacent to one another and that each have a seat part and a backrest. In small cars, the space available can indeed be restricted in such a manner that only minimal loading space is available in the rear region of the vehicle. By folding the back seat arrangement, the loading space can be extended into the region of the back seat arrangement.
From DE 10 2007 052 529 A1, a back seat arrangement for a passenger car is known. The back seat arrangement has three seats which are arranged next to one another and which each have a seat part and a backrest. In order to increase a loading space, for example, the respective backrest can be folded forwards onto the seat part so that the load can be placed onto the backrest. For increasing the loading space in the lateral regions which adjoin the middle seat it is further provided to fold the seat part of the respective outer seat against the backrest and to rotate this arrangement by 90° with respect to the horizontal so that with an arrangement of the respective outer seat adjacent to the middle seat, a load-through possibility is provided between the outer seat and that side panel of a body part that faces the outer seat.

Back seat arrangement of a passenger car


This application provides transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), polynucleotide sequences encoding the TALENs, expression cassettes for producing TALENs to target cleavage of nucleic acids, and methods of producing and using the TALENs.

The ability to modify the genome of an organism at a specifically targeted location is a long sought goal in the biological sciences. For example, such targeted modifications can repair genetic defects. Alternatively, genes (endogenous or heterologous) can be introduced into an organism at a pre-determined location. As yet another alternative, endogenous genes, or regulatory regions associated therewith, can be knocked out or altered. However, robust methods for such targeted genome modification have been challenging to develop.
The present invention provides a robust platform for modular assembly of customized and highly-effective nucleic acid editing tools. This platform enables rapid targeted modification of nucleic acids and genomes. The nucleic acid editing tools are based on an optimized Transcription Activator-like (TAL) effector endonuclease (TALEN) scaffold.

Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs)


A commutator includes a support ring and a plurality of conducting segments arranged over a circumference of the support ring. Some of the conducting segments have an electrically insulating portion. The commutator is employed with a device that measures rotation of an electric motor rotor shaft. The commutator is fitted onto the electric motor rotor shaft. A commutator housing includes at least three brushes and comes into contact with the conducting segments of the commutator. At least one of the brushes contacts the electrically insulating portions of the commutator segments to provide an electrical measurement that enables the speed, the direction of rotation and the angular position of the electric motor rotor shaft to be determined.

This invention relates generally to a commutator for an electric motor and to a device for measuring the rotation of an electric motor rotor shaft of the commutator. In particular, the invention applies to an electric motor designed to drive motor vehicle equipment, such as a window regulator, a sunroof or a seat operation motor, for example.
French Patent No. 2,814,868 discloses an electric motor including a commutator.
A conventional commutator 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The commutator 10 includes a support ring 11 having a tubular shape made of an insulating material, such as plastic. The support ring 11 is surrounded by a plurality of metal commutator segments 18 arranged over the entire periphery of the support ring 11. The support ring 11 can include notches which receive the metal commutator segments 18. The notches can define a rib 14 between each pair of adjacent metal commutator segments 18. The metal commutator segments 18 are consequently perfectly insulated from each other by the central support ring 11 and the ribs 14. The support ring 11 can, for example, be directly molded in plastic with an appropriate shape or can be tooled. The metal commutator segments 18 also include hook members 13 formed at one end of each metal commutator segment 18. The hook members 13 allow subsequent connection of the commutator segments 18 to the rotor windings.
An electric motor generally includes a stator frame and a rotor mounted rotatably in the stator. The motor also includes windings integral with the rotor shaft, and each winding is electrically connected to two diametrically opposed segments of the commutator 10 by the hook members 13.
The commutator 10 is generally mounted in a commutator housing integral with the stator. The housing includes a support having a central opening designed to receive the commutator 10 and to allow the rotor shaft to pass through the housing support. The housing support is made of an insulating material, for example plastic.
The commutator housing also includes at least one pair of brushes diametrically opposed relative to the commutator 10 to make contact with the segments of the commutator 10 during the rotation that is linked to the rotor shaft. The brushes are electrically connected to a supply of electric current and supply the stator windings with current.
Additionally, in an electric motor, it is necessary to control the rotor shaft speed and to know, at any time, the speed of rotation, the direction of rotation and the angular position of the rotor shaft. This information is particularly necessary for the electronics generally associated with a window regulator motor that performs applications associated with the window regulator, such as an anti-trapping function, a resume raising function, a slowdown-at-end-of-travel function, or the like.
A Hall effect sensor is used to determine the speed of rotation of the motor rotor shaft. A magnetic ring is arranged on the rotor shaft and provides a rotating magnetic field integral with the rotor shaft rotation. The Hall effect sensor is generally arranged near the magnetic ring to determine the rotor shaft speed of rotation from the frequency of alternation of the magnetic field. The Hall effect sensor can also be arranged far from the magnetic ring, for example, on a printed circuit board of the electronics associated with the electric motor. Flux guiding members then lead the magnetic flux from the rotor shaft ring to the Hall Effect sensor. This solution is disclosed in EP 0,891,647.
To determine the direction of rotation of the rotor shaft or the angular position, two Hall effect sensors are used to measure the magnetic flux at separate points of the magnetic ring arranged on the rotor shaft. Although Hall effect sensors provide reliable measurements, they are expensive and complicate motor design.
Apart from the cost of the sensor or sensors, it is also necessary to mount a magnetic ring on the rotor shaft and to optionally provide flux guiding members, which is also a burden on motor production.
It is also necessary to ensure that the magnetic flux employed for measuring the rotor shaft rotation does not interfere with operation of the motor and that the electric components of the motor (commutator brushes, stator windings or otherwise) do not interfere with the magnetic measurements.
There is consequently a need for a device for measuring the rotation of an electric motor shaft which is simplified and yet reliable.

ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems-France