A tab extending sleeve for a flip-top beverage, snack, and pet food container for easy opening and re-closing, wherein the sleeve is a substantially longitudinal member having a length, a width, a front end, and a distal end. The sleeve includes a top surface and a planar bottom surface being connected to each other, and an internal longitudinal channel is disposed between the top and bottom surfaces. The internal channel extends throughout the entire length of the tab extending sleeve with a width that adequately accommodates a lifting tab of the container. At the front end of the bottom surface there is provided a central notch, whereas an extended holding lip is disposed at the center of the distal end of the top surface which extends beyond the peripheral rim for easy lifting thereof of the beverage container.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a tool for use with a conventional beverage can having a lid pre-scored opening flap for easy opening by the use of an opening tab pivotally attached to the center of the lid using a rivet post. In particular, the invention relates to a tool adapted to mount on the ring-tab to facilitate the effective opening of the can and thereafter provide a convenient means for covering the opening to prevent insects and foreign matter from entering the beverage can.
2. Description of Related Art
Flip-top beverage containers or cans have been in use for a long time in the beverage industry alongside the widespread use of bottles. However, in recent times, the use of cans has become extremely pervasive, not only in beverage industries, but also in snack and pet food industries. The substantial increase of the use of cans in the respective industries, resulted in gradual modifications in the lid and lift tab portions of the can in order to facilitate the opening of the can by the user. In general, the lid of a beverage can consists of an opening tab pivotally attached approximately at the center of the lid with a rivet pin. The lid also includes a pre-scored flap portion disposed adjacent to the rivet and in between the rivet pin and the inner periphery of the upper rim of the can. The pivotally connected opening tab includes a lifting and gripping portion on one side of the rivet and a detent portion on the opposite end portion of the opening tab. The tab, when lifted upward, uses the rivet as a fulcrum to exert a mechanical lever action to depress the detent portion of the tab upon the scored flap portion in the lid so as to force the scored flap portion in the lid downwardly into the can to make an opening to enable dispensing the liquid from the can.
Although, such containers have been extremely popular in the beverage industries, nonetheless, they still inherently contain longstanding drawbacks that many inventors have repeatedly attempted to solve. Often, in lifting, the tab poses a challenge to physically challenged individuals with either physical disabilities in their hands or having long and/or brittle fingernails. Some extremely tightly manufactured tabs also may pose a problem to a perfectly average individual without any disabilities because of the difficulties incurred in attempting to grab the tab for lifting of same. Since the opening tabs are not insured against breakage from its pivotal connection with the rivet pin, they sometimes break off before the detent portion of the tab depresses the pre-scored flap portion of the lid in an attempt to open the can. This situation is often faced by waiters/waitresses under extremely busy time constraints, such as, when they need to open a can quickly, and invariably the tab breaks off the lid without making the intended opening to enable dispensing the liquid from the container. In addition, since the opening tab is incorporated only to facilitate the opening of the can, once open, the can is not re-sealable, and leaves a wide opening for various unintended foreign objects and small insects to gain access and contaminate the contents of the can. It is very common for bees, ants, and other insects to enter through the opening if the lid of the can is not properly covered. This is especially a problem when people open the can out of doors, i.e., during outdoor sporting events or a picnic. It is known that insects are also attracted by the sugar of the contents even in enclosed areas, such as bars and restaurants.
In the past, various inventors have made efforts to address the previously mentioned problems, and attempted solutions have been made in the field. Except for a few, most of the inventions require structural modifications of the lid itself in order to accommodate the improvements, necessitating a change in the manufacturing process of the can to incorporate a lid that is re-closable after it is opened. The present attempt to solve the aforesaid problems deal with using existing conventional containers without modifications of the lid itself. The following discussed prior art is limited to inventions which have attempted to improve the use of conventional containers, in which an improved opening of the can and an effective re-closing the same have been attempted.
The use of a separate device or means, removably attached to the opening tab of a container to manipulate the same, is well known in the beverage industry. Detailed delineation of typical approaches to using such devices in manipulating a lid of a container may be found in a number of U.S. patents. One of such teaches using a separate tab extension sleeve as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,830 to Jamieson. In the Jamieson disclosure, two of the three embodiments of the invention have been directed to an improved lid, which requires a completely new process of manufacturing of the lid rather than using a conventional container lid. In these embodiments, the patent teaches a tab having an extended lifting section that overhangs and locks onto the rim of the container. The tab also includes a contoured sealing section integral with the extended lifting section. The contoured sealing section preferably includes a stamped ridge, which seats against the perimeter of the scored opening of the lid to seal the opening. The third embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, on the other hand, calls for a separate tab extension sleeve, which may be used in conjunction with a conventional container lid. The sleeve includes two locking arms contoured to fit over the edges of a tab of a conventional container lid. The sleeve, according to the invention, has an extended lifting section, a locking section, and a contoured sealing section having a stamped ridge as provided in the first two embodiments. The operation of the device is described as follows. The sleeve is slipped over the tab to hold it steadily to open the can. To seal the can, the extended lifting section is used to rotate the tab 180 degrees, and place the sleeve over the opening, so that the contoured sealing section fits over the opening. Finally, the invention discusses that, the locking section of the tab snaps onto the rim of the can to lock the sleeve on the can. Although the invention attempts to provide a tab extension sleeve, which may be used to re-close an open can, nonetheless, it suffers from similar drawbacks that its predecessors failed to address. The perimeters of the opening flaps are different for different cans so it is not clear how the stamped ridge 32 can seal different size openings or different shape openings. The attempt to effectively close such openings with a tab extension sleeve, having pre-defined stamped ridges of the contoured sealing section, is ineffective in a sense that, the same ridges may not conform to the perimeters of every kind of opening flap in the lid. In addition, since the disclosure does not reveal as to how the sleeve's contoured sealing section mates against the perimeters of the opening flap, it is not clear whether the ridges of the sealing section are capable of being disposed completely inside the opening. In the event the ridges rest on the top of the lid, there must remain a gap between the bottom surface of the sleeve and the top surface of the lid, such that foreign objects and insects can enter the opening and contaminate the content of the can. Further, the disclosure teaches that the locking section snaps over the rim of the can to lock the sleeve in place. Since different can manufacturers have rims of different heights, it is not clear how snapping the locking section over the rim can possibly seal the opening if the rim heights will not allow the locking section to travel downwards sufficiently to seal the opening in the lid.
Another attempt to provide a device to re-close an open container is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,794 to Nordhoff. The reference teaches a method and a tool for manipulating an opening tab mounted on a beverage container. The tool 10, shown in FIG. 3 with the "prior art" legend has an elongated body 11 having a longitudinal length with a front end 18, a top face 12, and a lower face 14. An internal channel 60 is defined within a portion of the elongated body beginning in the front end and extending lengthwise within the elongated body to a blind end. The internal channel 60 is sized to accommodate a lifting/opening tab 20 of a pull-tab can. A cut-away section is included in the lower face of the elongated body. A groove 40 is provided in the lower face of the elongated body distally from the front end, so that the tool 10 may be locked onto the rim 55 of the container by snapping the upper edge of the rim into the groove 40. As understood from the disclosure and the drawings, the internal channel 60 of the tool 10 does not run along the entire length of the elongated body. In addition, it is clear from FIGS. 4 and 5 and the reference that, the tool sits on the lid of the container at an angle such that the frontal end sits on the top of the lid 51 while the groove 40 in the lower face of the distal snaps over the top of the rim 55 of the container. Since the tool is of uniform thickness, this configuration of the lid 51 and the elongated body leaves a triangular open space 5 along the underside of the elongated body. Although, the specification claims that the tool, along with the opening tab, "substantially" covers the opening of the can to restrict insects from entering, nonetheless, as clearly illustrated in FIG. 3, it fails to completely cover the opening of the can from all sides of the tool 10.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,380 to Tipp teaches a tab-lifting tool for lifting container lid tabs. The tool consists of a thin, relatively long, and narrow body suitable for holding in a user's thumb and fingers. The body has a front edge and top and bottom surfaces, the front edge having a beveled undersurface, which extends rearwardly and downwardly whereby the tool may be slipped under a container lid tab. The top surface has a generally planar main area and has a concave section intersecting the front edge having a sloped container lid tab-contacting surface that extends upwardly and rearwardly from the front edge until intersecting with the top surface. Again, since the bottom surface of the relatively long tool sits on the top of the rim of the container, it fails to completely close the opening of the can to prevent insects and foreign objects from entering the opening.
The aforementioned prior art devices, attempts to provide teachings to close an open beverage container, such that a complete seal of the opening is achieved. Though the search is not exhaustive, attempts to use a tool or device, in conjunction with an opening tab, in closing an open pull-tab container have not been successful. As described above, in all three references, although the device achieved some degree of success in covering an opening, nonetheless, all references fail to offer a device, which completely closed the opening under all circumstances to prevent access by insects or foreign matter. It is true that, though, an airtight seal is not required, yet the present problem calls for a solution, which requires the covering of an opening and restrict common insects and foreign materials from entering the opening. In addition, it is noted that, the prior art references all mention that their respective devices facilitate the opening of the can, but none of the references specifically teach how the device facilitates the opening of the can. Put it differently, none of the references describes the benefit of the composite characteristic, of the enclosed tab mounted inside the channel/locking arms, which can be obtained from a properly designed and configured extension sleeve disposed in conjunction with a pre-existing opening tab of a container.
Consequently, what is needed is a tab extending sleeve or tool, which can be used in conjunction with a pre-existing opening tab of a conventional container, first to effectively open the can, and subsequently covering the opening of the same ensuring against the entry of any foreign objects or insects.

Ring-tab extending sleeve for easy opening and re-closing the opening of a beverage container


A transient voltage compensation apparatus and a power supply using the same are provided. The power supply mainly uses an energy transferring circuit coupled between an input terminal and an output terminal of a power converter. When a load of the power supply is switched in a very short time, a power coupled to the energy transferring circuit is retrieved to compensate the output of the power supply, such that the output voltage is kept steady, and the transient response of the power supply is increased.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a switching power supply. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus used for compensating the transient output voltage undershoot when the load of a power supply is switched from a light load to a heavy load, and for compensating the transient output voltage overshoot when the load of the power supply is switched from a heavy load to a light load, and a power supply using the same.
2. Description of Related Art
As rapid development of various information and communication equipments, the design of a switching power supply with high efficiency has become a kind of knowledge combined with engineering and experience. The switching power supply is used to switch the power in many applications, including computers, illumination converters, and telecommunication equipments. Taking the DC to DC switching power supply as an example, during the short time for the load to be switched from the light load to the heavy load, since the energy of the DC to DC switching power supply cannot be supplied in time, the output voltage is reduced in a very short time, thus causing an undershoot. However, in many applications, a voltage output must be steady, and the problem that the voltage output drops in a very short time must be limited within a tolerable scope.
The USA manufacturer, Intel Corporation, has established a regulation of Voltage Regulator Down (VRD) standard. In the VRD standard, the output voltage of the power supply is regulated following the demand of the CPU.
However, when the modern CPU is operated under a high load, its power consumption is up to hundreds of watts. When the CPU is operated under a low load, its power consumption is generally about 5 Watts. Generally, the core voltage of the modern CPU is approximately between 1V and 2V. Supposing the core voltage of a CPU is 1V, and supposing its power consumption is 100 Watts when being operated under a high load, at this time, the power supply must supply a current of 100 A, and if the CPU is operated under a low load, the power supply is only required to supply a current of, for example, 5 A.
If the CPU is switched from a low load to a high load, the load of the power supply is also switched from a light load to a heavy load, and at this time, the voltage of the power supply will be suddenly dropped. When the output voltage outputted from the power supply is excessively dropped at instant, the CPU will be entered the protection state due to the drop of the core voltage, and thereby the computer is crashed. Furthermore, the CPU may also be damaged. In addition, as for a computer user, it is not acceptable that the computer is crashed when working. When the CPU is switched from operating under a high load into operating under a low load, the load of the power supply is also switched from the heavy load into the light load, and at this time, the voltage of the power supply will be suddenly arisen, which not only causes an additional power consumption of the CPU due to the increase of the core voltage, but also may damage the CPU.

Transient voltage compensation apparatus and power supply using the same


An abrasive article, comprising a polycrystalline material comprising abrasive grains and a filler material having an average negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) within a range of temperatures between about 70 K to about 1500 K. A method of forming an abrasive article, comprising preparing an abrasive material, preparing a filler material having an average negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) within a range of temperatures between about 150 K to about 1500 K, and forming a polycrystalline material comprising grains of the abrasive material and the filler material.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The following is directed to abrasive articles, and, more particularly, to abrasive articles of a polycrystalline material comprising an abrasive material and a filler material.
2. Description of the Related Art
Abrasive articles are used in various industries for many different applications including, for example, forming, shaping, abrading, cutting, drilling, and finishing. Abrasive articles can also be formed of various shapes and sizes depending upon the intended end use of the abrasive article. Such articles rely upon the delivery of hard materials to a surface being worked to achieve the end result. Delivery of the hard materials can change depending upon the industry, but after sufficient use, abrasive articles can become less effective as they tend to wear during use.
Certain abrasives and abrasive materials and the methods of forming such materials have gained interest, because such materials are particularly hard and capable of withstanding a greater degree of degradation. Accordingly, the industry continues to demand improvements in abrasive articles.


The invention relates to a filter and a method for manufacturing a filter. The filter comprises a shell construction with a wall construction and a bottom portion, which form at least one section in the shell construction. The filter further comprises at least one resonator within a section of the shell construction. At least the bottom portion of the shell construction and one or more resonators, or at least the part thereof close to the bottom portion of the shell construction, are an integral unit extruded from the same basic block in one piece.

The invention relates to a filter comprising a shell construction with a wall construction and a bottom portion forming at least one section in the shell construction, said filter further comprising at least one resonator within a section of the shell construction.
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a filter comprising producing a shell construction with a wall construction, a bottom portion and at least one section, and at least one resonator in said shell construction.
Radio frequency filters are used for implementing high-frequency circuits for instance in base stations of mobile telephone networks. Filters can be used, for example, as interface and filtering circuits in the amplifiers of transmitter and receiver units in base stations.
There are several different types of resonator filters comprising a shell construction, or body, e.g. coaxial resonator filters. In coaxial resonator filters, the shell envelops a conductor which is positioned in a section of the shell and which is called a resonator or resonator pin. High-frequency filters, for example, particularly more complicated filters, are provided with a multi-section shell construction and so-called subdivision. In this case, the resonator filter has a multi-section, or multi-cavity, shell construction; in other words, it comprises a plurality of resonator cavities, or sections in the shell construction, each of which forms a separate resonant circuit with the corresponding resonator.
In some known coaxial resonator filters, the shell construction and the resonators are made of separate pieces, wherefore the resonators must be, for instance, soldered onto the bottom of the shell construction. Such a construction increases the probability of detrimental intermodulation and is slow to manufacture. There are also known solutions in which material is milled away from a sufficiently large metal block so that the remaining part of the block constitutes the shell construction and resonator pins of the filter. Such a solution consumes a great deal of raw material and requires time-consuming manufacturing steps.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,051 discloses a solution according to which halves of a waveguide shell construction are manufactured by forging into a die: a slug of material is hit by a punch such that the slug material is displaced in the closed space between the die and the punch. This publication does not disclose any solution for manufacturing resonators. The solution according to this publication has drawbacks, since it involves the manufacture of complementary halves of a shell, and since the slug material displaced as a result of punching to form a half of the shell construction does not flow freely, since the flow of the material is restricted by the closed die.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,687 discloses a solution according to which both a shell construction and a resonator are moulded or extruded from plastic as an integral unit to be coated with metal. However, the thermal conductivity of such a construction is not good. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,957 discloses a solution according to which resonators are cast in the shell construction. The construction of the last-mentioned publication is manufactured by die casting, which requires a multielement die arrangement which must open in at least three directions. On account of the material residues left in the joints of the die, a resonator made by die casting will not be entirely circular, which impairs the electrical properties of the resonator.

Filter having part of a resonator and integral shell extruded from one basic block


A semiconductor device includes a first etching stopper film and a second etching stopper film that are formed to be spaced apart from one another on a first inter-layer insulating film; a metal thin film resistor formed to extend over the first and second etching stopper films; a second inter-layer insulating film formed on the first inter-layer insulating film to cover the first and second etching stopper films and the metal thin film resistor; a first contact hole formed in the second inter-layer insulating film to extend from a surface of the second inter-layer insulating film onto the first etching stopper film by penetrating through the metal thin film resistor; and a second contact hole formed in the second inter-layer insulating film to extend from a surface of the second inter-layer insulating film onto the second etching stopper film by penetrating through the metal thin film resistor.

A metal thin film resistor is very thin, and thus, when a contact hole is formed directly on the metal thin film resistor, the contact hole may penetrate through the metal thin film resistor to connect the metal thin film resistor to a wiring positioned below the metal thin film resistor.
Conventionally, to prevent a metal thin film resistor from being connected to a wiring positioned below the metal thin film resistor, the following semiconductor device has been known. To be specific, this conventional semiconductor device includes a metal thin film resistor formed on an inter-layer insulating film, two conductive etching stopper films having conductivity and formed to be spaced apart from one another on a surface of the metal thin film resistor, an insulating layer formed on the inter-layer insulating film to cover the metal thin film resistor and the etching stopper films, and two contact holes extending from a surface of the insulating film to the etching stopper films, respectively. In such a conventional semiconductor device, since the conductive etching stopper films are formed on the metal thin film resistor, the contact holes can be prevented from penetrating the metal thin film resistor. Accordingly, the metal thin film resistor can be prevented from connecting to a wiring positioned below the metal thin film resistor.
The above conventional semiconductor device can be manufactured, for example, as follows. Initially, a thin film resistor layer of a material for a metal thin film resistor is formed on an inter-layer insulating film. A first insulating film is then formed on the thin film resistor layer. Subsequently, two thin contact holes are formed to be spaced apart from one another in the first insulating film, extending from a surface of the first insulating film onto a surface of the thin film resistor layer. Thereafter, a conductor layer of a material for etching stopper films is formed on the surfaces of the thin film resistor layer and the first insulating film. Accordingly, the conductor layer connected to the thin film resistor layer is buried in the two thin contact holes. Then, the thin film resistor layer, the first insulating film, and the conductor layer are etched to be patterned such that the thin film resistor layer remains only in a required location. Thereafter, the conductor layer on the thin film resistance layer (i.e., metal thin film resistor) is divided into two parts through the etching such that it includes conductor layers buried in the different thin contact holes, respectively. Accordingly, two etching stopper films are formed in positions spaced apart from one another on the surface of the metal thin film resistor. Thereafter, a second insulating film is formed on the inter-layer insulating film to cover the surfaces of the metal thin film resistor, the first insulating film, and the conductor layer. And then, two deep contact holes extending from the surface of the second insulating film onto each of the etching stopper films are formed in the second insulating film.
This manufacturing method, however, takes time because of the large number of processes. Further, masks are required in four processes of forming the thin contact holes, etching the thin film resistor layer, separating the conductor layer into two parts, and forming the deep contact holes, which results in an increase in cost for manufacturing the masks.

Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device


An image processing apparatus includes: a document type automatic classification section which determines whether input image data is image data for a text document or not; a newspaper document classification section which determines whether the input image data is image data for a newspaper document or not; a segmentation process section which identifies a page-background region in the input image data; and a color correction section for, if the input image data is classified as the text document and but not the newspaper document and if a page-background removal process is to be performed to the input image data, performing a first page-background removal process to the image data, but if the input image data is classified as the text document and the newspaper document, not performing the first page-background removal process to the image data. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of visual sharpness of the text in the document image printed on the newspaper.

As an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus, a printer and the like using a digital photographic process or an inkjet technique, a full-color copying apparatus, a complex machine and the like which reproduces high quality color images has been manufactured according to development of digital image processing techniques.
In these image forming apparatuses, in order to obtain a successful reproductive image of a document image, it is required to perform an image processing suitable for each type of the document image. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus, a segmentation process is performed to separate an input image data to be processed into multiple regions.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that each pixel of an input image data is separated into a halftone region, a text region, a photographic paper region, a page-background region, and an indefinite region to which pixels, which cannot be classified in any regions above, belong. The page-background region is a background section where brightness of the image is more than a certain degree. Therefore, pixels belonging to the page-background region are separated based on the brightness.
Moreover, Patent Document 2 discloses a page-background density is removed by an automatic exposure process with respect to a region separated into the page-background region. The automatic exposure process is a method to obtain a high quality image by determining a document type and selecting a color correction property according to the document type.
With the conventional configurations, the page-background removal process is performed, so that a text can be vividly reproduced in an image having the text. Furthermore, as a series of processes, a black generation process, an under color removal process (UCR), and a filter process (edge emphasizing process) are performed, so that the text on the page-background is reproduced in such a manner that the page-background around the text does not become white.    Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication, Tokukai, No. 2004-272557 (published on Sep. 30, 2004)    Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication, Tokukai, No. 2001-285635 (published on Oct. 12, 2001)
As described above, in ordinary printings except a newspaper, the page-background removal process is just performed, so that a visual sharpness of the text can be improved in an image printed by the image forming apparatus. This is because in ordinary printings except for a newspaper, a density change of a text edge section is clear.
However, unfortunately, in the case where an image to be processed is printed on a newspaper, when the page-background removal process is performed, a visual sharpness of the text becomes rather lower. This is because a quality of recycled papers used for newspapers and the like is rough. Therefore, the text printed thereon has a wide density change region at the edge section and the edge section is blurred. Accordingly, when a gray page-background is removed, the edge section of the text is rather more blurred.

Image processing apparatus and method including page-background process capability, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium for causing computer to function as the same


A transparent media adapter for scanning transmissive media on a flatbed scanner comprises a fiber optic face plate. The fiber optic face plate translates the image from the media to the scanner focal plane.

Many modern flatbed document scanners provide means for scanning transmissive media such as photographic slides or negatives. Transmissive media are sometimes called transparent media, or transparencies. Typically, a transmissive original is placed on or near the scanner platen, and light is directed through the media to be sensed by the imaging system below. A system or device for holding the media and providing the backlight to the media is sometimes called a transparent media adapter.
FIG. 1 shows a typical arrangement in cross section. A 35 millimeter slide 101 is cradled in positioning template 102, which rests on the scanner platen 103. Light source 104 directs light 106 downward through the slide 101 and platen 103, where some of the light is collected by an optical system in an imaging module 105. Often, the scanner is designed to create an in-focus image of an original placed on the platen.
Imaging module 105 may be a contact image sensor (CIS) module. FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of some components of a typical CIS module placed below scanner platen 103. Some parts such as supporting structures have been omitted for clarity. An array of gradient index rod lenses 201 is positioned just below the scanner platen 103. A set of light sensing elements 202 is placed below the array of gradient index rod lenses 201. The light sensing elements 202 are fixed on a circuit board 203, and electrical signals travel from the light sensing elements 203 to other electronics (not shown) through cable 204. Typically, a light source 205 is used to illuminate reflective originals, such as paper documents, that are placed on the scanner platen 103 for scanning. The light source 205 is typically not used when scanning transmissive originals. The CIS module is typically moved by a transport mechanism (not shown) to enable scanning of an area of the scanner platen 103.
FIG. 3 shows the CIS module of FIG. 2 in cross section view. Gradient index rod lenses 201 project an image from an image plane substantially at the surface of the scanner platen 103 onto light sensitive elements 202.
Typically, an imaging module 105 has a limited depth of field. That is, objects placed at the nominal image plane will image sharply onto the scanner's image sensors, but objects displaced significantly from the nominal image plane will appear out of focus in the resulting image. The range of object positions that will result in images of acceptable sharpness is called the scanner's depth of field. A scanner utilizing a CIS module for its imaging apparatus may have a depth of field of 0.5 millimeters or less.
The image, or focal, plane of the scanner may be nominally adjusted to be just above the platen surface in order to fully utilize the scanner's depth of field in the space above the platen where originals or objects can be. However, because the scanner's depth of field is so limited, the focal plane may still be considered to be substantially at the platen surface.
FIG. 4 illustrates some variable dimensions of the transmissive media holding system of FIG. 1. By virtue of the height of the positioning template 102 and the thickness T of the carrier of slide 101, the film portion of slide 101 is held a distance D above the scanner platen 103. Because the scanner is likely designed to focus near the top of the platen 103, slide 101 will be out of focus. Even if slide 101 were placed directly on the platen 103, the film portion would be held a distance away from the scanner's focal plane by virtue of carrier thickness T.
Furthermore, the thickness T of the carrier of slide 101 varies significantly from slide to slide. Some commercially available slide carriers are as thin as 1.2 millimeters, while others are as thick as 3.0 millimeters. Even if the scanner could be configured to focus a distance above platen 103 in an attempt to focus on the film of slide 101, the variability in thickness T imparts enough variability in distance D to carry some slides out of the depth of field of the scanner.
What is needed is a means for scanning, with adequate sharpness, transmissive media on a scanner with limited depth of field.

Scanner transparent media adapter using fiber optic face plate

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A file transfer system is provided in which the image data photographed at a destination place by the user is easily transferred to a specific file server. Specifically, a memory card reader is controlled by a system controller. A memory card is a recording medium for saving an image data file. A modem has a function of implementing the external communications with the memory card reader employing a telephone line. In a specific recording area of the recording medium, the positional information indicating the position of any specific region on file servers is recorded, and when the recording medium is mounted on the memory card reader, the memory card reader reads the positional information and the file, and the file is transferred to the specific region on the file servers indicated by the positional information.

In recent years, the digital cameras have been widespread with great strides to excel the film cameras. In the digital cameras, the image data photographed is temporarily stored in a memory card mounted in this camera, and the recorded image data is transferred to a mass storage device at any time, making the memory card reusable. In this respect, the digital cameras are superior to the film cameras which employ a non-reusable film. However, the film has an advantage that it is purchased relatively easily and cheaply at a destination place. On the other hand, the memory card has the shortcomings that it is not always purchased anywhere easily, and is expensive.
Accordingly, the user of a digital camera needed to take some excess memory cards when photographing many images during the trip. Also, when excess memory cards were used up, more images could not be photographed.
Therefore, a camera has been proposed in which an image file is transferred to a file server by connecting a cellular telephone to the file server, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-307794. Also, most Internet Providers provide a service for allowing the user to utilize a disk space with a certain amount of capacity on the file server. In the future, it is expected that there are increasing business forms of lending out a part of the disk space on the file server.
However, when the image file was transferred via a network such as the Internet to the file server, the user needed to enter a telephone number and an IP address in order to designate a file server provider and a storage area (directory) of the file server available to the user, and then transfer the transfer files sequentially, which took a very complex operation and was inconvenient.
On the other hand, a disk space lending dealer was difficult to obtain many users because the dealer request a user complicated operations as described above, resulting in a problem of interfering with the business.


A heat transfer composition and methods for using same to transfer heat in a transformer. In one embodiment, a heat transfer composition has soy-based oil, an additive comprising a nano-particle size diamond powder characterized by a first mass, and a chemical agent characterized by a second mass, wherein the ratio of the second mass to the first mass is greater than one.

Transformer, which is a device that transforms an electric current from one voltage to another voltage, is of great practical importance to the transport and distribution of electrical power. A transformer normally has a primary coil and a secondary coil wound around a core that is usually made of iron to increase corresponding magnetic field and flux. A heat transfer composition such as transformer oil is used to keep the primary and secondary coils and the core cool and transfer heat to the surrounding through radiator.
Heat transfer compositions and methods for transferring heat between a heat source and a heat sink may find many other applications in both heating and cooling, including transformers, refrigerators, air conditioners, computer processors, thermal storage systems, heating pipes, fuel cells, and hot water and steam systems. Heat transfer media include a wide range of liquid or phase change materials, including oils, water, aqueous brines, alcohols, glycols, ammonia, hydrocarbons, ethers, and various halogen derivatives of these materials, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydro chlorofluorocarbons (Huffs), and the like. These have been used alone or in combination with additives, such as refrigerant oil additives for lubrication and composites of fluids to affect boiling or freezing temperature. Such heat transfer compositions are used to transfer heat from one part of a system to another part of the system, or from one system to another system, typically from a heat source (e.g., an vehicle engine, boiler, computer chip, or refrigerator), to a heat sink, to effect cooling of the heat source, heating of the heat sink, or to remove unwanted heat generated by the heat source. The heat transfer medium provides a thermal path or channel between the heat source and the heat sink, and may be circulated through a loop system or other flow system to improve heat flow. For an operating transformer, the heat source includes at least the primary and secondary coils and the core, and the heat sink includes the radiator, which in turn, transfers heat to the surrounding environment.
A number of criteria have been proposed and used for selecting heat transfer media for specific applications. Exemplary criteria include the influence of temperature on heat transfer capacity and viscosity, high dielectric strength, chemical stability of a medium at a given range of temperature and the energy required to pump the medium through a heat transfer system, to name a few. Specific parameters describing the comparative performance of a heat transfer medium include density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and kinematics viscosity. The maximization of the heat transfer capability of any heat transfer system is important to the overall energy efficiency, material resource minimization, and system costs. Transformer oil is no exception.
Currently transformer oil available in the market has served its purpose well, but it suffers from excessive maintenance and replacement costs, environmental jeopardy and catastrophic failure incidence directly traceable to overheating, which may be partially due to the fact that transformer oil itself is a poor thermal conductor; hence local hot spots may lead to cracking of the oil's molecular composition and insulation collapse (corona).
Other factors that affect the feasibility and performance of heat transfer media such as transformer oil include environmental impact, toxicity, flammability, physical state at normal operating temperature, and corrosive nature.
Thus, among other things, there is a need to develop new and improved heat transfer compositions and methods that are cost-effective and have better performance, which can be used as a heat transfer medium in transformers and in other applications where heat transfer is needed as discussed above.
One of the challenges in finding such new and improved heat transfer compositions and methods is how to enhance thermal conductivity of a heat transfer composition, which often is in a liquid phase and in a form of suspension, without compromising other needed properties and at a reasonable cost. Historically, most research on particle suspensions has considered particles of micron scale or larger. In the present context, prior work may have shown that particles with higher thermal conductivity than their surrounding liquid can increase the composite material's effective thermal conductivity. However, recent work on smaller particles with diameters in the order of 10 nm has shown that further enhancement, beyond that predicted by macroscopic theory, is possible. In the present invention, among other things, we developed and studied such suspensions in an effort to characterize important effects of particle type, size, and concentration in practical engineering fluids for transferring heat without compromising the dielectric strength or viscosity of the fluid(s).
A satisfying explanation for nonsocial size effects on thermal conductivity enhancement has not yet appeared. As nanofabrication technology improves, the availability of solid particles with smaller and smaller size has increased. One significant advantage of nanoparticle suspensions is their improved solubility due to small size. Results by Choi et al.1 on colloids with grains ranging from 10 nm to 40 nm exhibit good suspension stability for weeks and even months. Further, because heat transfer occurs at the surface interfaces between particles and liquids, larger surface-to-volume ratios are expected to improve thermal conductance. Experiments by Lee et al.2 demonstrate that smaller-sized (˜10 nm) Al2O3 particles increase the thermal conductivity of aqueous solutions by more than 20% as compared to 40 nm Al2O3 particles with an identical volume fraction. Given that the surface-to-volume ratio of 10 nm particles is 1000 greater than that of 10 μm particles, this difference likely begins to explain, at least qualitatively, the experimental observations. Recently, Eastman et al.3 conducted tests on 10 nm Cu particles in a glycol-based nano-particle suspension and found a 40% increase in thermal conductivity with only 0.3% particle volume fraction—a result that is much higher than that predicted by traditional theory. These results demonstrate the shortcomings of macroscopic models applied to nonsocial materials.
Nevertheless, new models are still needed to predict the thermal conductivity of nano-scale particle suspensions. And new and improved heat transfer compositions and methods that are cost-effective and have better performance need to be developed accordingly.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Compositions with nano-particle size conductive material powder and methods of using same for transferring heat between a heat source and a heat sink


A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing data compression on raw uncompressed data. The method develops a semi-adaptive modeler that sub-divides the length of an input data file into blocks of fixed size. The blocks are then sub-divided into sub-blocks in which the frequencies of the symbols are mapped to occupy the whole frequency space. The modeler is then used to develop a reduced complexity implementation of arithmetic coding, whereby, the time consuming divide operation used in computing the symbols' true probabilities is replaced by a simple shift operation. The reduced complexity arithmetic coder is referred to as approximate arithmetic coder. The modeler and the approximate arithmetic coder are then used in a multi-step data compression system that employs a ZL coder. The multi-step method results in high efficiency data compression systems that are ideal for real time operations and are better suited for network communications or data storage systems. The method overcomes many of the difficulties found in the prior art and generally achieves better compression ratios.

The proliferation of computer networks coupled with the reduced cost of long distance services is resulting in a large volume of data being transferred over communication mediums. It has consequently become important to employ lossless data compression techniques to reduce the amount of traffic on networks, thereby effectively increasing channel capacity and reducing communication costs.
The term "data compression" refers to any process that converts data in a first given format into a second format having fewer bits than the original. "Lossless data compression techniques" refers to a data compression and decompression process in which the decompression process generates an exact replica of the original uncompressed data. "Application of data to a medium" or "applying data to a medium" refers to putting of the data on a communications medium or a storage medium. This involves the step of generating physical signals (electrical, electromagnetic, light, or other) which are sent (for a communications medium) or stored (for a storage medium).
Data transferred over communication mediums between commercial computer systems generally contains significant redundancy. Data compression techniques have been proposed as a means of reducing the redundancy content of the data, such that it could be transmitted in less time over communication channels. In general, data compression systems are particularly effective if the original data contains substantial redundancy.
There are many approaches to performing general purpose data compression in the prior art. A data compression method, known as "Huffman" encoding (see Huffman D. A., "A Method for the Construction of Minimal-redundancy Codes", Proceedings IRE, Vol. 40., No. 9, pp. 1098-1101, September 1952), has received considerable attention in the prior art. In this method, it is assumed that each byte within a data file occurs with a certain frequency. Huffman encoding works by assigning to each byte a bit string, the length of which is inversely related to its frequency. Huffman proposed an algorithm for optimally assigning the bit strings, based on the relative frequency of their corresponding bytes in the file. The resulting bit strings are uniquely decodable. In practice, Huffman encoding translates fixed size pieces of input data into variable length symbols. Huffman encoding exhibits a number of limitations. In its generic form, it requires two passes over the data to determine the correct frequency of the bytes. For real time data transmission systems, such a requirement hinders the efficiency of the data compression sub-system. In actual implementation, the bit-run size of input symbols is limited by the size of the translation table needed for compression. The decompression process is very complex and computationally expensive.
A second popular approach to data compression is known as "run-length" encoding. This method encodes repeated characters in a file in a format that consists of an escape character, repeat count and the character. The rest of the characters are encoded as plain text. The escape character is chosen as a seldom used character. The value of run-length encoding is dependent on the file type. Run-length encoding performs well on graphical image files, but has virtually no value in text files, and only moderate value in data files.
Another method of data compression is based on the idea of arithmetic coder. The term "arithmetic coder" refers to a method for performing an encoding operation during the process of compressing the data, and a decoding operation during the process of decompressing the compressed data. The term "arithmetic coder" refers to the means for performing arithmetic coding. The method of arithmetic coding was suggested by Elias and presented by Abramson (see Abramson, N., "Information Theory and Coding", McGraw-Hill, 1963). Practical implementations of Elias techniques were suggested by Rissanen (see Rissanen, J., "Generalized Kraft Inequality and Arithmetic Coding", IBM Journal Research Development, Vol. 20, pp. 198-203, May 1976), and most recently by Witten et al. (see, Witten, I. H. et al., "Arithmetic Coding for Data Compression," Communications of the ACM, Vol. 30, no. 6, pp. 520-540, June 1987). Arithmetic coding works by representing the source data as a fraction that assumes a value between zero and one. The encoding algorithm is a recursive one that continuously subdivides an interval and retains it to be used as the new interval for the next encoding step of the recursion. The recursive subdivision of the interval is done in proportion to probabilistic estimates of the symbols as generated by a given model. The decoding algorithm works in such a way that the decoder identifies the next symbol, using a division and a search, by first looking at the position of the received value within the current coding interval, and then proceeds to mimic the operation of the encoder to generate the new coding sub-interval. The arithmetic coder works in conjunction with a model that generates probability estimates of the symbols that have occurred in the data. The strength of arithmetic coding resides in the separation of the model from the coder. Arithmetic coding can be used with static or adaptive models. Static models assume fixed probability distributions of the symbols which are determined beforehand. The encoder and the decoder have access to the same model. Adaptive models are one pass methods which are dynamic in nature since they learn the frequency distribution of the data over time. In theory, arithmetic coding is optimal, and in practice it approaches the theoretical limit of the entropy of the model. In practice, arithmetic coding is far superior to techniques based on the better known Huffman method. Basically, Huffman coding produces an encoding with an average length that only approximates the entropy of the probabilities being generated by the model, while arithmetic coding has the ability to encode symbols using minimal average code length. In general, Huffman coding can be shown to be a special case of arithmetic coding. The main drawback of arithmetic coding is in its high computational complexity. The standard implementation of the algorithm requires up to two multiplications and one division for encoding each symbol, and up to two multiplications and two divisions to decode a single event. The optional operations of updating the model is not included in the estimate. Such computational complexity hinders the implementation of arithmetic coding in practical real time data transmission and networking systems.
Several approaches have been suggested to improve on the computational speed of arithmetic coding. Witten et al. presented a practical implementation of the algorithm that uses fixed precision registers and allowed for incremental transmission and reception of compressed data bits. The statistical model used by the Witten et al. arithmetic coder achieves high compression efficiency but is computationally very expensive to maintain. This is because the model is expected to update the symbol counts and the cumulative frequencies at every iteration of the encoding process. Moffat (see, Moffat, A., "Linear Time Adaptive Arithmetic Coding," IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 401-406, March 1990) proposed a modification to the adaptive model of Witten et al., and proposed an algorithm that enabled adaptive arithmetic coding to be performed in linear time as a function of the number of inputs and outputs. However, the approach does not address the time consuming divide instructions that are required by the algorithm. Howard (see, Howard P. G. and J. S. Vitter, "Practical Implementation of Arithmetic Coding" published in Image and Text Compression, edited by James A. Storer, Kluwer Academic Publications, proposed a variant on arithmetic coding called "quasi-arithmetic" coding, which is an arithmetic coder with a simplified number of states. The work shows that it is possible to achieve faster execution speed of the generic algorithm at the expense of some loss in compression efficiency. The main drawback of this approach is that it is suitable for small size alphabets, but is impractical for applications that require large size alphabets. There are other variations to arithmetic coding, which are specifically designed to handle binary alphabets (see Langdon, Jr., "An introduction to Arithmetic Coding", IBM Journal research Development, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 135-149, March 1984). They can achieve high compression efficiency for binary images and are generally not extendible to multi-symbol alphabets. Radford Neal (see, Neal R. M., "Fast Arithmetic Coding Using Low-Precision Division," Manuscript, 1987--source code available by anonymous ftp from fsa.cpsc.ucalgary.ca.) introduced an alternative approach to speed up the computational requirements of the arithmetic coder by using low precision division. The approach enhances on the performance of the algorithm with minimal reduction in computational efficiency. However, the approach uses the same statistical model proposed by Witten et al., and therefore is computationally expensive, particularly for real time networking systems.
Another approach for data compression was developed by Ziv and Lempel "ZL" (see, J. Ziv and A. Lempel, "A Universal Algorithm for Sequential Data Compression," IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, vol. IT-23, No. 3, May 1977, pp. 337-343), and its variants, the "LZW" as introduced by Welch (see, Welch Terry A., "A technique for High-performance Data Compression", IEEE Computer, pp. 8-19, June 1984). The ZL method assigns fixed-length codes to variable size strings. The ZL method maintains a history buffer of the last N (typically 4096) characters from the input data stream and encodes the output data stream as a sequence of symbols. If the character string is not found, it is encoded as zero followed by the original eight bit character, resulting in a nine bit code. If a character or stream of characters is found in the dictionary (history buffer), the stream is encoded as one followed by an index and length in the dictionary. The encoding procedure enables the receiving end to reconstruct from its copy of the buffer, the transmitted data, without the overhead of transmitting table information. In a typical implementation of the ZL method, the size of the index is in the range of 11-14 bits, with 12 bits as the most common due to the ease of its implementation. Hashing functions are generally used for the efficient matching of strings. The ZL method can achieve high compression efficiency particularly on files containing data consisting of long repetitive strings. The main drawback of the ZL method is that for long data files the dictionary tends to fill up. In this case, different approaches could be used to solve the problem. In one approach, the size of the dictionary could be increased. But this in turn requires the use of more bits to represent the index. Hence it reduces the compression efficiency. In an alternative approach, all or part of the dictionary could be discarded. However, due to the nature of the algorithm, that basically has infinite memory, it is difficult to come up with a table reduction strategy that minimizes the loss of compression ratio.
The LZW algorithm converts strings of varying lengths from an input data stream to fixed-length, or predictable length codes, typically 12 bits in length. The premise of the algorithm is that frequently occurring strings contain more characters than infrequently occurring strings. The LZW starts with an initial dictionary that is empty except for the first 256 character positions which contain the basic alpha-numeric single character entries. A new entry is created whenever a previously unseen string is encountered. The encoder searches the input stream to determine the longest match to a string stored in the dictionary. In the dictionary, each string comprises a prefix string and an extension character. Each string has a code signal associated with it. A string is stored in the string table by at least implicitly, storing the code signal for the string. When a longest match between an input data character string and a stored string is found, the code signal for the longest match is transmitted as the compressed code signal and a new string is stored in the string table. The LZW algorithm exhibits a number of short comings. Particularly during the initial stages of the construction of the dictionary, many data fragments will occupy large parts of the available dictionary space. This in turn will reduce the amount of achievable compression. In some cases, the method will actually expand data by up to 50% as opposed to compressing it.
Another method of data compression is used by the commercially available Stacker LZS.TM. compressor (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,009). In this method, an input data character stream is converted into a variable length encoded data stream. The method uses an array of history tables, and a hashing function that maps the characters into a string list, where a mechanism for finding the longest match is employed. This technique encodes variable length strings into variable length code strings that are further encoded using run-length encoding. The method is relatively computationally inexpensive, but suffers from the limitations of run-length encoding techniques. Consequently, the resulting compression ratios are very moderate.
Preferred data compression methods in a computer networking system are generally transparent to the end user. That is, the user is not aware of the existence of the compression method, except in system performance manifestations. As a result, decompressed data is an exact replica of the input data, and the compression apparatus is given no special program information. For optimal performance, reduced hardware costs and effective link utilization, it is preferred that the compression method be computationally inexpensive while achieving high compression efficiency.
In this regard, U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,379 teaches a data processing system for transmitting compressed data from one Local Area Network (LAN) to another LAN across Wide Area Networks (WAN). The data processing system employs an efficient mechanism that rearranges the protocol header fields and user data portions in LAN packets for efficient information compression and transmission over WAN's. The preferred technique considers the packets to be composed of static and dynamic fields, where static fields contain information that often remains constant during a multi-packet communication interval and dynamic fields contain information that changes for each packet. U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,379 describes a compression method which includes reformatting each data packet by associating its static fields with a first packet region and its dynamic fields with a second packet region. The process then assembles a static table that includes static information from at least an initial data packet's first packet region. It then identifies static field information in a subsequent data packet's first packet region that is common to the information in the static table. Such common information is encoded as to reduce its data length. The common static information is then replaced in the modified data packet with the encoded common static information and the modified data packet is then transmitted. A similar action occurs with the user data information. A single dictionary table is created for all packet headers, while separate dictionary tables are created for each user-data portion of a packet-type experienced in the communication network thereby enabling better compression.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a data compression method for use with packetized data in a computer networking and communication system or data storage system that is computationally inexpensive to implement while achieving high compression efficiency.
Another object of the invention is to provide improved statistical data modelling methods that are computationally inexpensive to maintain while providing very good estimates of the probabilities of the processed data during the process of encoding or decoding.
Another object of the invention is to provide a two stage apparatus and method for performing data compression that achieves high compression ratios with reduced complexity in the implementation of the arithmetic coder.
Another object of the invention is to provide a data compression method that accommodates a plurality of protocols employing different types of packets in any computer network.

Method and apparatus for performing data compression


A device for absorbing side forces during a side impact of a motor vehicle has a reinforcing structure (12) with a transversely extending reinforcing beam (14). An end (15) of the reinforcing beam (14) is mounted in a bracket (20) that is fixed to the vehicle. A profile part (30) is at the end (15) of the reinforcing beam (14) and supports the reinforcing beam (14). The profile part (30) is connected firmly to the bracket (20) that is fixed to the vehicle thereby providing improved side impact protection and enhanced safety for vehicle occupants.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for absorbing side forces during a side impact of a motor vehicle, with a reinforcing structure that is effective in the transverse direction and comprises a transversely extending reinforcing beam with an end arranged in a bracket fixed to the vehicle, and with a profile part at one end of the reinforcing beam.
2. Description of the Related Art
German Patent DE 10 2005 051 947 B4 discloses a device for absorbing side forces during a side impact of a motor vehicle with a profile part inserted through and held in a bracket fixed to the vehicle. A free region of the profile part projects from the bracket and is provided in a pillar space together with a beam element. An end region of the profile part is provided with an impact plate that is connected to upright legs of the profile part.
It is an object of the invention to improve safety of vehicle occupants and to improve side impact protection.

Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft


The performance of platelets can be best understood by monitoring both the force development and the elastic modulus of the blood clot during both clotting and dissolution of the blood clot. Intermittent application and removal of a compressive force on a blood sample (8) positioned between a pair of plates (12 and 14) throughout clot formation and dissolution provides a standard for using voltage output from a transducer (22) to determine force and elastic modulus parameters. Force development arises from the internal actions of the platelets during clot retraction. Elastic modulus provides a measure of the stiffness of the clot. Clotting can be measured as an increase in force development and clot elastic modulus. Clot dissolution can be determined by a dramatic decrease in force development and in elastic modulus. Providing the blood sample with a clot dissolving agent such as tPA allows determining the fibrinolytic potential of whole blood and, thus, aids in identifying patients at risk for thrombosis due to a decreased ability to dissolve clots. Clot elastic modulus provides a measure of erythrocyte flexibility.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is generally related to blood analysis instrumentation and, more particularly, to instrumentation and techniques for monitoring the platelet function and clot structure of a blood sample during both clotting and dissolution of clots. In addition, the invention provides a new method of assessing erythrocyte flexibility.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,964 to Carr et al. discloses a clot retractometer which measures force development during platelet mediated clot retraction. This instrument has been shown to be a novel gauge of platelet function (see, Carr et al., Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis, 2:30-308 (1991), Carr et al., Am. J. of Med. Sci., 302:13-18 (1991), and Carr et al., Blood, 78:482A (1991)). However, clot retraction is dependent on intact platelet membrane structure, normal platelet metabolic function, fibrin structure and normal platelet-fibrin interactions. Changes in clot retraction are sensitive to a spectrum of both fluid phase and platelet abnormalities. Force development is completely dependent on platelet function and if platelet function is abnormal or if no platelets are present, force development will be completely absent.
When tissue injury occurs, bleeding is halted and vascular integrity is restored by activation of the hemostatic mechanism. A complex combination of blood protein interactions and cellular activations leads first to the formation of a platelet plug and subsequently to the production of the fibrin-platelet clot. Since the amount of blood loss is directly proportional to the time required to stop the bleeding, both sets of reactions occur rapidly. While the ability to stop injury-induced blood loss is critical, the capability of turning flowing blood into a solid is a source of serious problems. Clot formation within a vessel leads to decreased flow, ischemic damage and, if the clot is not removed, eventual tissue infarction.
To avoid clot formation in non-injured tissue and to prevent clot propagation from the site of injury to other locations within the vascular bed, the coagulation system is balanced by a series of potent inhibitors. Furthermore, the clot itself is designed as a temporary patch. Once bleeding stops and tissue repair is initiated, the clot is dissolved by the enzyme plasmin.
Under normal conditions, the coagulation system remains in a fine balance. Pathologic alterations of the system may induce a risk of hemorrhage or increase the potential for thrombosis. An example of the former would be the bleeding disorder of hemophilia which results from a low level of Factor VIII, a blood clotting protein. An example of the latter would be recurrent venous thrombosis in individuals who have decreased levels of the coagulation inhibitor antithrombin III. Patients with decreased ability to remove clots, decreased fibrinolytic potential, are also at risk for thrombosis.
Currently, the evaluation of patients for increased risk of bleeding is accomplished through a series of coagulation screening tests. The prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) identify patients at risk for bleeding and direct the clinician to more specific tests to define the cause of the increased risk. If the PT is prolonged (i.e. takes longer to clot than normal plasma), the patient is at increased risk for bleeding. Since prolongations of the PT are known to occur in specific factor deficiencies, the appropriate factor levels can be measured to define the abnormality. Unfortunately, screening tests for fibrinolytic potential are presently not available. Furthermore, tests which identify patients at risk for thrombosis due to decreased ability to dissolve clots have not been reported and are not in use.
Clot dissolution can be monitored using clot optical density measurements or by measurement of radioactive material release from the clot. The optical density technique relies on the fact that clot formation increases the turbidity of the plasma sample while clot dissolution reduces turbidity back to baseline, pre-clot values (see, Carr et al., Thromb. Haemostas., 67:106-110 (1992)). In this technique, clotting is monitored as a rise in turbidity, while clot dissolution is seen as a fall in clot turbidity. The radioactive tracer technique involves the addition of radiolabelled clotting protein, for example .sup.125 I labelled fibrinogen, to the patient sample (see, Carr et al., Thromb. Haemostas., 67:106-110 (1992) and Knight et al., Thromb. Haemostas., 46:593-596 (1981)). As clotting occurs, the labelled fibrinogen is incorporated into the clot structure. During subsequent clot dissolution, radioactive fragments are released. The rate of radioactivity release is proportional to the rate of clot dissolution.
A major problem with the turbidity technique is that it cannot be utilized in systems containing erythrocytes. A major problem with the tagged fibrinogen technique is the necessity for using radioactive material. Moreover, a divergence in results has been observed with the two techniques. When dissolution is rapid, both techniques yield comparable dissolution times. However, when dissolution is delayed, dissolution times measured by the turbidity technique tend to be longer than those measured by .sup.125 I release (see, Carr et al., Thromb. Haemostas., 67:106-110 (1992)).
Altered erythrocyte deformability is thought to play a role in multiple disease processes. Unfortunately, measurement of erythrocyte flexibility remains somewhat problematic. Currently, the majority of investigators have utilized erythrocyte filtration techniques to measure flexibility. The common feature of these methods is the flowing of erythrocytes through filters which typically have pores of uniform size. Erythrocytes either flow through under low pressure (e.g., a static column of blood), or are forced through at higher pressures. Results are reported as a "filtration index". Filtration techniques have several major deficiencies. First, they are difficult to reproduce. Results vary from laboratory to laboratory, and may vary over time in the same laboratory. Second, they fail to take into account the possibility that microvascular channels may be flexible. Third, they ignore possible contributions of the clotting system. Another prior method of measuring erythrocyte flexibility is called ektocytometry. This method involves the deformation of cells in shear fields with simultaneous monitoring of shape change. Ektocytometry has the advantage of being a non-flow method of monitoring erythrocyte flexibility; however, it is indirect, expensive, and not widely available. In view of the above, it would be advantageous to have an inexpensive and reproducible method of evaluating erythrocyte flexibility.

Instrumentation and method for evaluating platelet performance during clotting and dissolution of blood clots and for evaluating erythrocyte flexibility


An electronic device includes a resonator provided with a heating element, and a circuit component opposed to the heating element, and provided with at least an oscillating amplifier element, and a distance between the heating element and the circuit component is in a range not smaller than 0 mm and no larger than 1.5 mm.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an electronic device, and an electronic apparatus and a moving object each equipped with the electronic device.
2. Related Art
In the past, further miniaturization and height reduction of an electronic device including a resonation device such as a quartz crystal resonator has been demanded due to miniaturization and height reduction of an electronic apparatus, and at the same time, reduction of the power consumption has also been demanded in order for achieving energy saving. In particular, the electronic device such as an oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), which includes a thermostatic oven for heating the quartz crystal resonator with a heating element to keep the ambient temperature of the quartz crystal resonator constant in order to avoid an influence of the ambient temperature to obtain high frequency stability, has a problem that the power consumption is high since the heat from the heating element is transferred to a substrate, and is radiated to the outside of the OCXO.
In order to solve such a problem, in JP-A-7-50523, there is disclosed a method in which there is adopted a structure of supporting a substrate provided with the quartz crystal resonator attached with the heating element in a state of being separated from a case base using a support member, and a foil-like heat-insulating material is partially attached in a scattered manner on a surface of a case for covering these constituents, and thus, the heat to be radiated outside from the case is suppressed to achieve the reduction of power consumption.
Further, in JP-A-2009-200817, there is disclosed a method in which there is adopted in a substrate provided with the quartz crystal resonator a structure of disposing a heating film resistor and a temperature-sensitive film resistor on an upper surface of the substrate having a surface opposed to the lower surface of the quartz crystal resonator, and supporting the substrate in a state being separated from the case base using a support member, and the followability of the operating temperature with respect to the external temperature variation is enhanced, and the heat radiated outside from the case is suppressed to achieve the reduction of power consumption.
However, since the OCXO described above does not keep the ambient temperature of the oscillator circuit for oscillating the quartz crystal resonator constant with respect to the external temperature variation, there is a problem that the frequency stability is deteriorated due to the temperature characteristics provided to the oscillator circuit.

Electronic device, electronic apparatus, and moving object


A new and distinct Paulownia hybrid tree named ‘WEGROW-B7’ which is characterized by a fast rate of growth, developing a large diameter trunk in a relatively short period of time, an upright trunk with a narrow canopy, and high frost tolerance. The claimed plant propagates successfully by softwood stem cuttings and has proven to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations.

Parentage: The claimed tree is a spontaneous whole-plant mutation of an unnamed and unpatented Paulownia elongata x Paulownia fortunei hybrid plant which was discovered by the inventor in the summer of 2012 at a commercial tree farm in Bonn, Germany. The mutation was noted for its fast rate of growth, near vertical trunk and narrow foliar canopy.
Asexual Reproduction: In the summer of 2012, 'WEGROW-B7' was first asexually reproduced by way of meristematic tissue culture micropropagation in Bonn, Germany. The claimed tree was found to asexually reproduce in uniform and stable manner and 6 successive cycles of vegetative propagation have proven to be true to type.


A low power CMOS to ECL level translator especially suitable for use as an output level translator includes a CMOS switch having a P-channel MOSFET transistor and an N-channel MOSFET transistor connected to CMOS voltage levels V.sub.DD and V.sub.SS, an NPN bipolar transistor having a base connected to the output of the CMOS switch through an equalization circuit, a collector connected to ECL potential V.sub.CC, and an emitter connected to an ECL potential V.sub.EE. The ECL output is taken directly from the emitter of the bipolar transistor. The equalization circuit includes a PMOS transistor (or parallel transistor array if a greater size is needed) connected between V.sub.CC and the base of the bipolar transistor, the gate or gates thereof being connected to the output of the CMOS switch; and a second PMOS transistor connected between the base and emitter of the bipolar transistor, the gate thereof being connected to the DATA terminal. When the CMOS level is a logic zero, the equalization circuit isolates the base of the bipolar transistor from V.sub.CC, and shorts the base and emitter of the bipolar transistor, effectively tristating the level translator while avoiding reverse-biasing the bipolar transistor. When the CMOS level is a logic one, the equalization circuit isolates the base from the emitter and raises the base toward V.sub.CC, thereby driving the ECL output terminal. An enable circuit for the level translator also is described. The level transistor is suitable for use as an output translator, as an element of a bidirectional output translator, and when combined with a clamping circuit, as an internal level translator.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to integrated circuit level translators, and more particularly to CMOS to ECL output level translators.
2. Description of Related Art
BiCMOS integrated circuits are suitable for applications requiring higher levels of performance than effectively achieved by traditional CMOS integrated circuits. For example, gate arrays incorporate BiCMOS buffers/drivers to maintain the density advantage of CMOS technology while providing the high drive capacity of bipolar technology. The BiCMOS technology allows designers to create fast ECL input/output ("I/O") circuits and high performance CMOS interfaces.
An example of a CMOS to ECL translator 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Transistors 112 and 114 are P-channel and N-channel CMOS transistors respectively, the gates of which share a common CMOS input 116. The drains of transistors 112 and 114 are connected to one another and to the base of an NPN transistor 122, which forms one typical branch of an ECL current switch 120. The other branch of the ECL current switch 120 is formed by NPN transistors 124 and 126, which have shorted collector-base junctions. The two branches of the ECL current switch 120 are connected to V.sub.CC 118 through respective resistors 123 and 127, and are connected to V.sub.EE through a current source 128. The level translator 100 is described in more detail in Alvarez, A.R., BiCMOS Technology and Applications, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, 1989, page 218. The output 130, which is taken from the shorted collector-base of transistor 126, generally is applied to an emitter follower such as 140. A similar translator using an emitter follower driven by a reference voltage VCSB instead of the current source 128 is described in Gallia, James D. et al., "High-performance BiCMOS 100K-gate array," IEEE Journal of Solid State Circuits, Vol. 25, No. 1, February 1990, pp. 142-49.
For applications requiring a normal buffer, the low level on output line 130 is about minus 0.9 volts, which results in about minus 1.7 volts on the emitter of the bipolar buffer transistor 142. In other words, the buffer transistor 142 is never off, but instead is swing controlled. For bus driver applications requiring a cutoff buffer, the transistor 142 should be off when line 130 is low. In such applications, the value of impedance 152 of the bus 150 typically is fifty ohms, and the value of resistor 127 is chosen to ensure that the transistor 142 is off. A suitable output voltage on line 130 under these circumstances would be about minus 1.5 volts, for example.
Unfortunately, the power consumption of the CMOS to ECL translator of FIG. 1 is on the order of conventional ECL buffers. This level of power consumption is inconvenient for ECL LSI integrated circuits, and is excessive for BiCMOS VLSI integrated circuits.


A cleaning brush includes a handle member and a brush member that are connected in a locking/unlocking fashion and wherein they may be separated from one another by a locking mechanism component that is located on the handle member remotely from the brush member. The handle member has a first end handle portion and a second end having a mechanism for removably attaching the brush member. The brush member has one of a male and female fittage and the second end of the handle member has the other of the male fittage and the female fittage so the one slides into the other. These fittages are functionally positioned perpendicular to the elongated length of the handle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cleaning brushes, and, more specifically, to such brushes that are used for sanitary applications wherein a user may be reluctant to touch the brush end after use, e.g. after toilet cleaning. More specifically, the present invention cleaning brush has a releasable, disposable head with a release mechanism which is operated remotely from the brush head.
2. Information Disclosure Statement
The following patents illustrate various brush arrangements that show the state of the art:
U.S. Pat. No. 2,247,526 describes a mirror, brush or similar construction, a frame and handle assemblage to receive a mirror or brush element comprising a split resilient sheet metal channel rim and U-shaped cross section constituting the periphery of the frame, a separate handle member having a throat portion connected to said frame at the split in said channel rim, a backing member having an enlarged portion of the same shape and outline as the mirror and back of the brush element, the edges of said mirror or brush element and said backing member being tightly held within said channel rim and between the side flanges and drawn tightly up and resiliently wedged between said side flanges, said handle member being provided with an axial bore adjacent the frame and said backing member being provided with a threaded extension extending into said bore, said handle member being laterally pierced and said piercing being provided with parallel upper and lower faces and an elongated nut member fitted into said piercing also having upper and lower parallel end faces closely abutting the faces of said piercing and threaded upon said threaded extension and serving to draw up said handle upon said frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,516,778 describes a having a body portion having an integral circular plate head and an elongate flat solid handle portion, a central depression in the inner face of said head, a central opening in the outer face of said head communicating with said depression, a circular plate member threadably secured to said head within said depression, an annular shoulder on the outer marginal edge of said plate member, said shoulder adapted to engage the inner face of the head, to limit the movement of said plate member to form said central depression as a chamber within the head, said central opening in the outer face of said head being connected with said chamber, and sealing means about said central opening in the outer face of said head, truncated conical openings in said circular plate member, truncated conical plugs in said truncated conical openings, bristle tufts carried by said plugs, and central bores in said plugs within said tufts.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,015 describes a paint applicator having an essentially cylindrical paint container serving as a handle and formed of a resilient material, a threaded cap closing the container, a paint applicating head and a conduit connecting the applicating head to the paint container. The applicating head includes a metal plate affixed to the conduit and having an opening for the supply of paint, a layer of sponge-like material overlying the plate, a porous layer having a nap on one surface overlying the sponge-like material and a paint impervious layer covering at least the top edge of the sponge-like material.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,754,516 describes a brush that includes a movable handle in the form of nippers and head having a housing at least on one side, sized for receiving the handle. The latter is made up of two rods of equal length joined together at one of their ends and secured to the head by a set of notches and detents provided in the housing and the free ends of the handle. Securing of the handle to the head is obtained by latching of the detents in the notches. Such a brush is particularly advantageous inasmuch as it makes it extremely simple to replace the head by another one having identical or different size or shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,182 describes a device having a removable insert such as a brush, massage element or pad for applying lotions, medicines, and the like to human body. The device includes an elongated handle having a receptacle end provided with opposed inwardly facing grooves. The removable inserts are generally rectangular in shape and include integral spring biased tabs at the sides thereof. Each tab is provided with a locking stud that is received in a correspondingly shaped recess in the grooves. Each insert may include a brush, massage element, or disposable pad.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,328 describes a multi-purpose toiletry article which comprises: a long, rigid, plastic handle; a preferably oval rigid, plastic support head mounted in fixed or pivotal relationship at one end of such handle; and a removable fastener to removable and interchangeably affix one of a multiple of oval working members to said oval support head.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,697 relates to a cleaning device for cleaning various surfaces, such as the surfaces in and about a toilet, the device comprising a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted to be held by a user to manipulate the device; and a water soluble brush releasably fitted on the distal end of the shaft, wherein the brush is configured to dissolve in water. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the shaft is constructed of a water soluble material.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,243 describes a plastic tool with a handle and trigger at one end and a pair of jaws (one of which is moveable) at the other end which are inserted into a biodegradable paper cleaning pad filled with cleaning/disinfectant and/or deodorant materials. The lower jaw of the tool is moveable by way of a trigger near the handle. When depressed the trigger compresses a lock spring and moves an actuator rod down the barrel which operates a hinge to open the jaws far enough to be inserted into the cleaning pad. The open jaws surround a paper tab which forms the center of the double-walled cleaning envelope. On the release of the trigger the coil operating spring decompresses and moves the actuator rod back towards the handle locking the jaws over the center tab of the cleaning pad. Facilitated by a nominal 15-degree bend in the barrel of the cleaning tool and the flexible tip of the cleaning pad, the cleaning tool can reach all surfaces within the toilet to clean the unit. The soiled and used cleaning pad is disposed of by pointing the tools toward the toilet bowl and again squeezing the trigger, which causes the jaws to open and permits the used cleaning pad to drop into the toilet bowl to be flushed away.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,307 describes a kit for aiding in the drying and curling of hair that has a plurality of brushes which may be twisted into the hair and allowed to remain for a period of time to set a curl. Each of the brushes has a connector to which a handle can be removably attached such that a single handle can be used with all of the brushes in the kit.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,771 describes the WC cleaner that has a wipe which takes the form of a disposable wipe which is detachably retained on handle, off which it can be pushed. To this end the handle ahs an internal push-rod which is disposed displaceably in a continuous longitudinal bore in handle. After using the WC cleaner, the wipe can be pushed off by pushing the push-rod inside handle down so that it pushes the wipe out of the device holding it on the handle. The disposable wipe is flushed through the WC into the drainage system in the same way as WC paper. The storage device for the disposable wipes consists of a container which is open at the top and has a weighted base. The disposable wipes are stored stacked inside the container.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,620 B2 describes a brush assembly, such as for cleaning and sanitizing toilet bowls, having a removable and disposable applicator head. The brush assembly comprises an elongated handle with a broadening diverging end and an applicator head for removable attachment thereto. Dual locking means for the applicator head are provided, where the locking means may be manually released without having to physically handle a soiled applicator head.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2004/0129296 A1 describes a cleaning apparatus including a substantially hollow tubular body having a bore extending therein, actuation means operably coupled to the body and including a plunger disposed within the body and a cleaning head detachably coupled to the body, wherein actuation of the plunger ejects the cleaning head from the body.
Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

Cleaning device with releasable, disposable head


A method may include training a machine learning model to perform a first task before training the machine learning model to perform the second task. The machine learning model includes a generator network and a discriminator network. The training includes training, based on a first training sample associated with the first task, the discriminator network to perform the first task. The generator network may be trained to generate a first synthetic training sample emulating the first training sample. The discriminator network trained to perform the first task may be reinitialized in order for the discriminator network to be trained, based on a second training sample, to perform the second task. The reinitialized discriminator network may be further retrained, based on the first synthetic training sample, to perform the first task. Related systems and articles of manufacture, including computer program products, are also provided.

Machine learning models may be trained to perform a variety of cognitive tasks including, for example, object identification, natural language processing, information retrieval, speech recognition, and/or the like. A deep learning model such as, for example, a neural network, may be trained to perform a classification task by at least assigning input samples to one or more categories. The deep learning model may be trained to perform the classification task based on training data that has been labeled in accordance with the known category membership of each sample included in the training data. Alternatively and/or additionally, the deep learning model may be trained to perform a regression task. The regression task may require the deep learning model to predict, based at least on variations in one or more independent variables, corresponding changes in one or more dependent variables.

Generative adversarial network with dynamic capacity expansion for continual learning


A system includes a sampling module and a correction module. The sampling module is configured to sample an input signal at sampling points and to output samples. The correction module is configured to output a correction factor when the first one of the samples is preceded by a second one of the samples having a first polarity, and when the first one of the samples is followed by a third one of the samples having a second polarity that is opposite of the first polarity. The correction factor comprises a correction value that is based on at least one of the samples that precedes the first one of the samples. The correction value is used to correct the input signal at a first one of the sampling points corresponding to the first one of the samples.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
Data storage systems typically comprise magnetic and optical storage devices. Magnetic storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs). Optical storage devices include compact disc (CD) drives, digital versatile disc (DVD) drives, high definition DVD (HD-DVD) drives, Blu-ray drives, and China Blue High Definition (CBHD) drives.
In HDDs, data is written by recording magnetic flux changes having opposite polarities on a magnetic medium. The opposite polarities of the magnetic flux changes represent binary 1's and 0's (or vice versa). Data is read back from the magnetic medium by sensing the magnetic flux changes.
In optical storage devices, data is written by generating pits (marks) on an optical medium using a laser beam. Areas between the marks are called lands (spaces). Marks have different reflectivity than spaces. Accordingly, marks and spaces may represent binary 1's and 0's (or vice versa), respectively. Data is read back by sensing the marks and spaces using the laser beam.