A process for producing a patterned deformable polymer film for use in a deformable polymer device is disclosed. The process includes positioning an intermediary layer between a deformable film and a process tooling and printing at least one electrode on the deformable film by depositing an ink to form the at least one electrode on a first surface of the deformable film, wherein the intermediary layer permits release of the deformable film from the process tooling subsequent to the printing process. Films produced by the inventive processes may find use in electroactive polymer devices.

A tremendous variety of devices used today rely on actuators of one sort or another to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. Conversely, many power generation applications operate by converting mechanical action into electrical energy. Employed to harvest mechanical energy in this fashion, the same type of device may be referred to as a generator. Likewise, when the structure is employed to convert physical stimulus such as vibration or pressure into an electrical signal for measurement purposes, it may be characterized as a sensor. Yet, the term "transducer" may be used to generically refer to any of the devices.
A number of design considerations favor the selection and use of advanced dielectric elastomer materials, also referred to as "electroactive polymers", for the fabrication of transducers. These considerations include potential force, power density, power conversion/consumption, size, weight, cost, response time, duty cycle, service requirements, environmental impact, etc. As such, in many applications, electroactive polymer technology offers an ideal replacement for piezoelectric, shape-memory alloy and electromagnetic devices such as motors and solenoids.
An electroactive polymer transducer comprises two electrodes having deformable characteristics and separated by a thin elastomeric dielectric material. When a voltage difference is applied to the electrodes, the oppositely charged electrodes attract each other thereby compressing the polymer dielectric layer therebetween. As the electrodes are pulled closer together, the dielectric polymer film becomes thinner (the Z-axis component contracts) as it expands in the planar directions (along the X- and Y-axes), i.e., the displacement of the film is in-plane. The electroactive polymer film may also be configured to produce movement in a direction orthogonal to the film structure (along the Z-axis), i.e., the displacement of the film is out-of-plane. U.S. Pat. No. 7,567,681 discloses electroactive polymer film constructs which provide such out-of-plane displacement—also referred to as surface deformation or as thickness mode deflection.
The material and physical properties of the electroactive polymer film may be varied and controlled to customize the deformation undergone by the transducer. More specifically, factors such as the relative elasticity between the polymer film and the electrode material, the relative thickness between the polymer film and electrode material and/or the varying thickness of the polymer film and/or electrode material, the physical pattern of the polymer film and/or electrode material (to provide localized active and inactive areas), the tension or pre-strain placed on the electroactive polymer film as a whole, and the amount of voltage applied to or capacitance induced upon the film may be controlled and varied to customize the features of the film when in an active mode.
Numerous applications exist that benefit from the advantages provided by such electroactive polymer films whether using the film alone or using it in an electroactive polymer actuator. One of the many applications involves the use of electroactive polymer transducers as actuators to produce haptic feedback (the communication of information to a user through forces applied to the user's body) in user interface devices. There are many known user interface devices which employ haptic feedback, typically in response to a force initiated by the user. Examples of user interface devices that may employ haptic feedback include keyboards, keypads, game controller, remote control, touch screens, computer mice, trackballs, stylus sticks, joysticks, etc. The user interface surface can comprise any surface that a user manipulates, engages, and/or observes regarding feedback or information from the device. Examples of such interface surfaces include, but are not limited to, a key (e.g., keys on a keyboard), a game pad or buttons, a display screen, etc.
The haptic feedback provided by these types of interface devices is in the form of physical sensations, such as vibrations, pulses, spring forces, etc., which a user senses either directly (e.g., via touching of the screen), indirectly (e.g., via a vibrational effect such a when a cell phone vibrates in a purse or bag) or otherwise sensed (e.g., via an action of a moving body that creates a pressure disturbance sensed by the user). The proliferation of consumer electronic media devices such as smart phones, personal media players, portable computing devices, portable gaming systems, electronic readers, etc., can create a situation where a sub-segment of customers would benefit or desire an improved haptic effect in the electronic media device. However, increasing haptic capabilities in every model of an electronic media device may not be justified due to increased cost or increased profile of the device. Moreover, customers of certain electronic media devices may desire to temporarily improve the haptic capabilities of the electronic media device for certain activities.
Use of electroactive polymer materials in consumer electronic media devices as well as the numerous other commercial and consumer applications highlights the need to increase production volume while maintaining precision and consistency of the films.

Automated manufacturing processes for producing deformable polymer devices and films


The invention comprises a stable solution of cyclosporine forming a polar lipid self-emulsifying drug delivery system ("PLSEDDS"). The composition typically consists of cyclosporine dissolved in a polar lipid, such as a medium chain monoglyceride of C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 fatty acids having a monoglyceride content of at least 50% and a surfactant. The composition provided here instantly forms a fine emulsion on exposure to water. The encapsulated dosage form of this composition needs neither a hydrophilic component nor air-tight blister packaging, and is particularly suitable for oral administration.

Cyclosporines form a class of polypeptides commonly possessing immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activity. The most commonly known cyclosporine is cyclosporine-A. It is commercially available as Sandimmune.RTM. in a soft gelatin capsule dosage form. Other forms of cyclosporines include cyclosporine-B, -C, -D, and their derivatives. It should be understood that in this specification the terms "cyclosporine" or "cyclosporines" refer to any of the several cyclosporines or to any mixture of the several cyclosporines.
Cyclosporine is a hydrophobic material exhibiting poor bioavailability. The liquid oral formulations containing oils, ethanol and a trans-esterification product of a triglyceride and a polyol as a surfactant (U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,307) have a variety of difficulties, such as unpleasant taste, which is unacceptable for long-term therapy. The use of the soft gelatin capsule dosage to mask the taste of the solution entails specialized packaging of the encapsulated product in an air tight blister or aluminum foil blister package. This renders the product more bulky and more expensive. The storage conditions are far from ideal.
The bioavailability of these liquid formulations or the soft gelatin capsule formulation containing ethanol, oils and Labrafil surfactant, is low and variable, and reported to be about 30%.
Recently, U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,625 was issued claiming an improved formulation of cyclosporine in the form of a microemulsion pre-concentrate. In addition to the cyclosporine, this formulation requires a hydrophilic phase, a lipophilic phase, and a surfactant. The microemulsion pre-concentrate is claimed to provide enhanced bioavailability. The hydrophilic phase of the microemulsion concentrate comprises either 1,2-propylene glycol or: EQU R.sub.1 --O--(CH.sub.2)!.sub.x --OR.sub.2
where R.sub.1, R.sub.2 =C.sub.1-5 alkyl or tetrahydrofurfuryl, and x=1 to 6. R.sub.2 may also be hydrogen. Such ethers are commercially available under the trade name of Transcutol, Colycofurol and Glycofurol. The hydrophilic phase may additionally contain C.sub.1-5 alkanols such as ethanol. The hydrophilic component of U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,625, an essential component for microemulsion preconcentrate, provides cosolvency for the cyclosporine.
The formulations of both U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,388,307 and 5,342,625 include the use of hydrophilic components, such as ethanol or 1,2-propylene glycol, which require specialized packaging, such as aluminum foil blister. U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,625 further requires the use of other ethers, such as Transcutol and Glycofurol, which are restricted by several regulatory agencies worldwide including the FDA because they are not considered "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) for oral use. Therefore, there is a need for an improved formulation that can be inexpensively and conventionally packaged, such as in glass or OHD polyethylene bottles. It is also desirable that the components of the formulation consist only of "GRAS" excipients for oral use.
The formulation of U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,930 requires a non-aqueous water-miscible solvent for the medication, preferably ethanol or a polyethylene glycol. The patent is different from the present invention not only in requiring the hydrophilic phase, but also in requiring a desalted charged lipid.
Alcohol-free emulsion pre-concentrates are known, but have drawbacks. For example, the formulation of U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,219 requires a multitude of ingredients, including the medication, a protease inhibitor, cholesterol, a phospholipid, a surfactant, a polyol and a lipid solvent. It is desirable to minimize the number of ingredients in order to reduce the chance of, for example, adverse reactions in the person taking the medication.
Kurihara, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,337, discloses improved solubility of cyclosporines in medium chain mono- and di-glycerides. All of the examples with cyclosporine and a surfactant involve making two solutions, one containing cyclosporine and a glyceride, and the other containing water and a surfactant. The two solutions are mixed and then emulsified with laboratory equipment.
We have discovered that if cyclosporine is dissolved in a polar lipid and mixed with a surfactant, then the mixture unexpectedly completely and reliably self-emulsifies upon contact with an aqueous phase such as water.

Pharmaceutical composition for cyclosporines


A method of generating test payloads for a target system includes receiving a plurality of reference programs, each reference program modelling at least one aspect of the target system, building a specification for each received reference program, each specification defining illegal states for the respective reference program, analyzing each specification to determine one or more entry constraints that would generate an illegal state from a specific input, and synthesizing one or more payloads from the determined entry constraints.

This invention relates to computer software testing systems and, more specifically, to the automatic synthesis of payloads for functional software testing with particular application in the security testing of web services.
The functional testing of software systems has many applications, including bug finding, security assessment, accessibility and compatibility checking, for example. A key difficulty in building and deploying a testing solution is to come up with quality test payloads, which are likely to exercise the subject application in an effective way. This has traditionally been known to require domain knowledge and expertise, which left the task of constructing effective payloads in the hands of domain experts. For example, an entire team of security experts may be assigned the job of building tests and maintaining the test suite according to repositories of attack reports.

Payload generation for computer software testing

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A pharmaceutical formulation and its use. The pharmaceutical formulation contains peroxidic species or reaction products resulting from oxidation of an alkene, such as geraniol, by an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent, such as ozone; a penetrating solvent, such as dimethylsulfoxide (“DMSO”); a dye containing a chelated metal, such as hematoporphyrin; and an aromatic redox compound, such as benzoquinone. The pharmaceutical formulation is used to effectively treat patients affected with diabetes and obesity.

The present invention relates to a composition containing peroxidic species or oxidation products, its method of preparation, and its use. More specifically, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition or formulation which contains: peroxidic species or reaction products resulting from oxidation of an olefinic compound, in a liquid form or in a solution, by an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent; a penetrating solvent; a dye containing a chelated metal; and an aromatic redox compound. The invention also relates to the preparation of the pharmaceutical formulation and its use in treating diabetes and obesity.
Ozone is a triatomic gas molecule and an allotropic form of oxygen. It may be obtained by means of an electrical discharge or intense ultraviolet light through pure oxygen. The popular misconception that ozone is a serious pollutant, the "free radical" theory of disease, and the antioxidant supplement market have comprehensibly prejudiced medical orthodoxy against its use as a treatment. Ozone therapy, however, is a misnomer. Ozone is an extremely reactive and unstable gas with mechanisms of action directly related to the by-products that it generates through selective interaction with organic compounds present in the plasma and in the cellular membranes. The selective reaction of ozone with unsaturated olefins occurs at the carbon—carbon double bond, generating ozonides. Ozone is toxic by itself, and its reaction products, ozonides, are unstable and are not therapeutic by themselves.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), discovered in 1818, is present in nature in trace amounts. Hydrogen peroxide is unstable and decomposes violently (or foams) when in direct contact with organic membranes and particulate matter. Light, agitation, heating, and iron all accelerate the rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition in solution. Hydrogen peroxide by direct contact ex vivo kills microbes that have low levels of peroxide-destroying enzymes, such as the catalases. However, there is no bactericidal effect when hydrogen peroxide is infused into the blood of rabbits infected with peroxide-sensitive E. coli. Moreover, increasing the concentration of peroxide ex-vivo in rabbit or human blood containing E. coli produces no evidence of direct bactericidal activity. The lack of effect of high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide is directly related to the presence of the peroxide-destroying enzyme catalase in the host animal's blood. To have any effect, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide have to be in contact with the bacteria for significant periods of time. Large amounts of hydrogen peroxide-destroying enzymes, such as catalase, normally present in the blood make it impossible for peroxide to exist in blood for more than a few seconds. Thus, hydrogen peroxide introduced into the blood stream by injection or infusion does not directly act as an extracellular germicide in blood or extracellular fluids.
However, hydrogen peroxide does participate in the bactericidal processes of activated macrophage cells. Activated macrophage cells are drawn to the site of infection, attach to the infectious organism, and ingest it. The killing of the organisms takes place inside the macrophage cell by hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes cellular chloride to the chlorine dioxide free radical, which destabilizes microbial membranes and, if persistent, induces apoptosis or cellular suicide. The critical therapeutic criteria for intracellular peroxidation are the selective delivery, absorption and activation of peroxidic carrier molecules into only diseased macrophages, which are believed to be incapable of upgraded catalase and glutathione reductase activity. Infused hydrogen peroxide is a generalized poison whereas targeted intracellular peroxidation is a selective therapeutic tool.
Macrophage cells play critical roles in immunity, bone calcification, vision, neural insulation (myelinization), detoxification, pump strength, and clearance of toxins from the body, depending upon their site of localization. The energy requirements of macrophages are met by intracellular structures called mitochondria. Mitochondria are often structurally associated with the microfilament internal cytoarchitecture. The folded internal layer of the mitochondria creates the high-energy molecule ATP, while the outer layer contains cytochromes and electron recycling molecules that generate peroxides. The outer layers of mitochondria are susceptible to toxic blockade or damage by endotoxins, mycotoxins, drugs, heavy metals, and pesticides. When the peroxidation function of mitochondria is blocked, the filament architecture of the cell tends to cross-link, generating incorrect signals, incompetence, inappropriate replication, or premature cell death.
Type 2 diabetes develops when tissue responsible for the regulation of blood glucose becomes resistant to insulin (Ivy, et al., 1999). Insulin resistance is evident when a normal insulin concentration produces a less than normal biological response. Skeletal muscle is the primary tissue responsible for control of blood glucose in the post-prandial state when insulin levels are elevated.
Increasing evidence in both experimental and clinical studies suggests that an oxidation-reduction imbalance plays a major role in the pathogenesis of both types of diabetes mellitus (Maritim, et al., 2003). Diabetes-affected individuals may experience such imbalance during glucose oxidation, nonenzymatic glycation of proteins, and the subsequent oxidative degradation of glycated proteins, and it can lead to damage of cellular organelles and enzymes, increased lipid peroxidation, and the development of insulin resistance. These consequences of an oxidation-reduction imbalance can promote the development of complications of diabetes mellitus.
Insulin resistance is also a common feature in most types of human and animal obesities. Skeletal muscle is unable to clear glucose from the circulation when there is a lack of insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake. Excess glucose in the blood is then converted to fat cells, which over time results in obesity. Thus, reducing whole body insulin resistance would effectively treat obesity by improving skeletal muscle glucose uptake and decreasing excess glucose in the circulation.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,480 to De Villez teaches a composition and method for treating acne. The method includes topically treating the affected area with an ozonized material derived from ozonizing various fixed oil and unsaturated esters, alcohols, ethers and fatty acids.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,602 to De Villez shows an ozonide of Jojoba used to control microbial infections.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,637 to Herman discloses a method to parenterally treat local and systemic viral infections by administering ozonides of terpenes in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,076 to Herman shows an antiviral composition containing a carrier and an ozonide of a terpene. The composition is suitable for systemic administration or local application.
U.S. Pat. No.5,126,376 to Herman describes a method to topically treat a viral infection in a mammal using an ozonide of a terpene in a carrier.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,977 to Herman teaches an antiviral composition containing a non-aqueous carrier and an ozonide of a terpene suitable for systemic injection.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,979 to Herman describes a method to parenterally treat a medical condition in a mammal using an ozonide of a terpene in a carrier.
U.S. Pat. No.5,260,342 to Herman teaches a method to parenterally treat viral infections in a mammal using an ozonide of a terpene in a carrier.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,344 to Herman shows a method to treat a systemic disorder in a mammal by applying to the intestine of the mammal a trioxolane or a diperoxide derivative of an unsaturated hydrocarbon which derivative is prepared by ozonizing the unsaturated hydrocarbon dissolved in a non-polar solvent.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,879 to Herman describes a composition for the treatment of a medical condition in a mammal, the composition contains a diperoxide or trioxolane derivative of a non-terpene unsaturated hydrocarbon which derivative is prepared by ozonizing below 35° C. the unsaturated hydrocarbon in a carrier.
Despite the reports on the use of terpene ozonides for different medical indications, terpene ozonides display multiple deficiencies. For example, ozonides of monoterpene, such as myrcene and limonene, flamed out in the laboratory. Consequently, they are extremely dangerous to formulate or store.
Furthermore, ozonides of geraniol, a linear monoterpene alcohol, in water or in dimethylsulfoxide ("DMSO") did not show any clinical efficacy in three cases of viral Varicella Zoster (shingles) and two cases of Herpes Simplex dermatitis.
Thus, there is a need for a safe and effective pharmaceutical formulation or composition utilizing reaction products from the oxidation of an alkene compound. What is also needed is a method for stimulating mitochondrial defenses against free radical formation and reducing the insulin resistance of diabetes-affected and obese individuals.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Use of targeted oxidative therapeutic formulation in treatment of type 2 diabetes


A first resist pattern, which is capable of generating an acid, is formed on a semiconductor device layer. Over the first resist pattern, a layer of a second resist, which is capable of undergoing an cross-linking reaction in the presence of an acid, is formed. Then, a cross-linked film is formed in portions of said layer of the second resist at the boundary with said first resist by action of an acid from said first resist. Thereafter, non-cross-linked portions of said second resist are removed to form a finely isolated resist pattern. The semiconductor device layer is etched, via a mask of said finely isolated resist pattern, to form a fine spaces or holes.

The high degree of integration of semiconductor devices is accompanied with very fine interconnections and isolation widths required in manufacturing processes. Fine patterns are typically created by forming a resist pattern according to a photo-lithographic technique and etching various types of underlying thin films via the resist pattern used as a mask.
In this sense, the photo-lithographic technique is very important as a starting point for the fine processing. The photo-lithographic technique includes resist coating, mask alignment, exposure to light and development. This technique limits the fineness due to the restriction imposed on the wavelength of exposing light.
As described above, when using the conventional photo-lithographic technique, it has been difficult to form a fine resist pattern which exceeds the limit of the wavelength.

Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same


The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having an excellent gettering effect. In this method, when phosphorus is added to a poly-Si film, which has been crystallized by the addition of a metal, to subject the resultant poly-Si film to the heat treatment to carry out gettering therefor, the device is performed for the shape of the island-like insulating film on the poly-Si film which is employed when implanting phosphorus. Thereby, the area of the boundary surface between the region to which phosphorus has been added and the region to which no phosphorus has been added is increased to enhance gettering efficiency.

An active matrix liquid crystal display device is a monolithic display device in which a pixel matrix circuit and a driver circuit are provided on the same substrate. In the monolithic display device, it is the main stream, to employ the thin film transistors (TFTs). In the thin film transistor, an amorphous silicon film is formed on an insulating substrate such as a glass substrate or a quartz substrate to obtain an active layer. The development of a system-on-panel incorporating therein logic circuits such as a memory circuit and a clock generating circuit utilizing the TFTs has been advancing.
The high speed operation is required for such a driver circuit and the logic circuit, and therefore it is not suitable therefor that the amorphous silicon film is formed as the active layer on the quartz substrate or the glass substrate to obtain an element. For this reason, at present TFT in which a polycrystalline silicon film is used as the active layer is manufactured.
There are present some technologies in which after having deposited the amorphous silicon film on the quartz substrate or the glass substrate, the polycrystalline silicon film is obtained through crystallization. Of those, there is known a technique in which the catalytic metal element, with which the excellent electrical characteristics of the element are obtained when forming the element, and which promotes the crystallization of the amorphous silicon film, is added to the film to conduct the crystallization by a heat treatment. This technique will hereinbelow be described in more detail.
A semiconductor thin film having the amorphous structure containing as a main component a silicon is formed on an insulating substrate such as a quartz substrate or a glass substrate into a thickness on the order of 50 nm to 100 nm by LPCVD or the PECVD. Metal is added to the surface of the semiconductor thin film or into the semiconductor thin film having the above-mentioned amorphous structure to carry out the heat treatment therefor, thereby crystallizing the semiconductor thin film having the above-mentioned amorphous structure in the solid phase. The semiconductor thin film having the above-mentioned amorphous structure is crystallized in the solid phase so that a crystalline semiconductor thin film containing silicon as the main component is formed. Then, it is confirmed by the inventors of the present invention that the addition of the metal promotes the solid-phase crystallization, and it is therefore said that the metal acts as the catalyst during the solid-phase crystallization. In the present specification, the metal is referred to as the catalytic metal.
As for the phenomenon that the semiconductor thin film having the above-mentioned amorphous structure is crystallized by the heat treatment with the metal as a catalyst, a large number of reports have been made as the Metal Induced Lateral Crystallization (MILC). As the typical ones, there are the transition metal elements such as nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), and copper (Cu). The presence of the catalytic metal becomes advantageous in the temperature and the time required for the semiconductor thin film having the above-mentioned amorphous structure to be crystallized in the solid phase as compared with the case where no catalytic metal is added. As a result, it has become clear that the Ni element shows excellent property as the catalytic metal. Hereinbelow, descriptions will be made on the assumption that the Ni element is employed as the catalytic metal.
The heat treatment required for the solid phase crystallization of the semiconductor thin film having the above-mentioned amorphous structure is performed at from 400° C. to 700° C. for several hours or more by the electric furnace, etc.
In the present specification, the semiconductor thin film having the amorphous structure containing silicon as the main component includes a SiGe thin film having the amorphous structure, in which the component ratio of Ge is less than 50%.

Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


A pump for processing molten metal having an enlarged tubular body which houses a centrifugal pump at its bottom end. The bottom end has a concave curved shape whose shape is a function of the particular type of vortex to be created for the application at hand. This curved portion of the body receives the ejected molten metal from the impeller and forms an uplifting axial vortex within the tubular section of the body. The pump is designed to cooperate synergistically with said body such that the uplifting axial vortex to climb up the inner wall of the body up to and out of an outlet formed in the upper end of the body. A radial vane impeller is formed in the back plate of the impeller. When the impeller is rotated, solid particles introduced into the body are accelerated radially by the back plate impeller into the vortex.

A typical molten metal facility includes a furnace with a pump for moving molten metal. During the processing of molten metals, such as aluminum and zinc, the molten metal is normally continuously circulated through the furnace by a centrifugal circulation pump to equalize the temperature of the molten bath. These pumps contain a rotating impeller that draws in and accelerates the molten metal creating a laminar-type flow within the furnace.
To transfer the molten metal out of the furnace, typically for casting the metal, a separate centrifugal transfer pump is used to elevate the metal up through a discharge conduit that runs up and out of the furnace. As shown in FIG. 1, a typical prior art transfer pump includes a base 5, two to three support posts 6 (only one shown), a shaft-mounted impeller 7 located within a pumping chamber or volute 5a in the base 5, a motor 8 and motor mount 9 which turn the impeller, bearings 10 that support the rotating impeller (and shaft), and a riser tube or conduit 11 located at the outlet of the base. The riser 11 is provided to allow the metal to lift upward over the sill edge of the furnace in order to transfer some of the molten metal 12 out of furnace into ladles or molds.
A well-known problem with previous transfer pumps, however, is that the relatively narrow riser tube 11 becomes clogged as small droplets of the molten metal accumulate in the riser each time the pump stops transferring and the metal stops flowing through the riser. Initially, the metal accumulates in the porosity of the riser tube material (typically graphite or ceramic) and then continues to build upon the hardened metal/dross until a clog 13 occurs. As a result of this problem, furnace operators must frequently replace the transfer pump's riser tube as they are too narrow to effectively clean. This replacement typically requires the furnace to be shut down for an extended period to remove the clogged riser tube.
Several treatments have been used to alleviate this riser-clogging in transfer pumps. Including impregnating, coating, and inert gas pressurization of the riser to reduce the build-up within the tube. Another method pump manufacturers employ is to simply increase the diameter of the riser to delay the blockage. These treatments have varying degrees of success, but still only delay the inevitable clogging of the riser.
Another common operation in a molten metal facility is to add scrap metal, typically metal working remnants or chips, to the molten bath within a furnace. The heat of the bath melts the chips. Currently, the added chips are simply allowed to fall into the bath or may be mixed into the molten metal by a circulation pump. The current process(es), however, is not effective to fully immerse the solid chips into the molten bath resulting in a longer melt time.
In view of the current inefficient use of molten metal transfer pumps, there is a need for a molten metal pump that overcomes all of the above-indicated drawbacks of prior transfer pumps.

Riserless transfer pump and mixer/pre-melter for molten metal applications


The memory access capabilities of a host processor are used to facilitate the movement of instructions and data to an application-specific component having direct access to memory. Although the component executes code absent direct host processor control, the code may be uniquely tailored to the component's architecture. According to one embodiment, a flow of instructions requested by a host processor from a memory device is monitored. The flow of instructions is routed to an application-specific component in response to identifying code embedded in the flow of instructions targeted for execution by the component. While the instruction flow is routed to the component, a sequence of instructions is directed to the host processor that maintains instruction execution flow in the host processor, e.g., no-op instructions. When the end of the application-specific code is detected, the instruction flow is re-routed to the host processor for execution.

The present invention generally relates to off-loading tasks in an electronic system, and particularly relates to managing the flow of information between an application-specific component and other components using the memory access capabilities of a host processor.
Conventional electronic systems comprise various components, each component having a defined role within the system. For example, one or more host processors such as a General Purpose Processor (GPP) or a Central Processing Unit (CPU) controls overall system operation, e.g., by executing code and managing the flow of information within the system. Other components included in the system perform specific tasks, e.g., memory management, Input/Output (I/O) management, peripheral management, and limited or specialized data processing tasks.
Ever increasing performance demands create various bottlenecks within conventional systems. For example, memory and I/O interface bottlenecks hinder system performance. In addition, increased processing demands placed on a host processor further limit system efficiency since the host processor is tasked not only with executing performance-intensive code, but also with overseeing overall system operation such as I/O and memory management.
Special-purpose CPUs, e.g., a Digital Signal Processor may alleviate some processing demands placed on a host processor by handling certain types of tasks. Special-purpose CPUs are conventionally loosely coupled to a host processor in that they communicate with a host processor via a separate interface and have their own memory to which only they have direct access. Since a special-purpose CPU is loosely coupled to a host processor and has direct access to its own memory, it does not require direct control by the host processor to function. Instead, a special-purpose CPU is capable of independently accessing memory, fetching instructions, and executing code. Because special-purpose CPUs operate independently from a host processor, complex hardware and software is included in special-purpose CPUs for managing memory access.
A co-processor is yet another option for off-loading processing tasks assigned to a host processor, thereby allowing the host processor to utilize its processing resources for other tasks. Co-processors are designed for specific applications such as floating point arithmetic, graphics processing, broadband signal processing, encryption/decryption, etc. A co-processor is conventionally tightly coupled to a host processor in that the co-processor shares a single main memory with the host processor and operates under direction of the host processor. In addition, conventional co-processors execute instructions that are compliant with the instruction set architecture associated with the host processor. Unlike a special-purpose CPU, a co-processor is dependent upon a host processor for overseeing its operation since the co-processor does not have direct access to its own dedicated memory nor instruction fetch capability. Further, a co-processor is conventionally collocated with a host processor, and thus cannot be loosely coupled to the host processor, but instead operates under direct control of the host processor. As such, co-processors are conventionally dependant upon a host processor for fetching instructions, controlling co-processor instruction execution and handling all other operations aside from co-processor functions.

Method and apparatus for retrieving application-specific code using memory access capabilities of a host processor


A submersible electrical connector intended for use in a power distribution network permits a metal to stripped metal conductor connection to be visually inspected and verified by the installer while eliminating many opportunities for human error present with existing connectors. The connector in one embodiment includes a generally cup or dome-shaped enclosure which is preferably transparent. An open end of the enclosure mates with a seal body and a connector plate has a number of apertures adapted to receive the bare metal ends of conductors or wires inserted through the seal body. Each aperture in the connector has an associated set screw for securing the conductor thereto. A molded seal member is adapted to mate with the seal body and to provide a water-tight connection when mated with the enclosure. The seal member has a number of seal ducts each aligned with one of the apertures in the connector. The seal ducts provide a water-tight seal around the plastic sheath of the conductor when installed in the assembly. Each seal duct initially includes a missel-shaped wire way guide plug inserted therein. Each wire way guide plug is open at the bottom to receive the exposed end of the conductor therein. The wire way guide plugs remain installed in the seal ducts to seal them until a conductor is inserted through the associated seal duct.

Electrical distribution systems are used extensively in most industrialized countries. These distribution systems typically include power cables, transformers and connectors for linking the components together. Some distribution systems have cables suspended from poles anchored into the ground so that the cables are located substantially above the ground surface. In such instances, the transformers and connectors are also mounted on the poles above the ground.
Newer electrical distribution today is underground. This includes not only the conductor but the transformer and the set screw connector. The connections are usually made below grade in a hand hole, manhole, vault or fairly deep hole with confined space. Many such connections are made in mud or muddy water. If the connection is not below water initially, over its service life, it will be due to rains or floods or even normal seasonal fluctuations of ground water.
To provide such connectors with a longer service life, submersible connectors have been developed. Such connectors are provided with a molded waterproof encasement. Problems, however, arise both where the conductors enter the case and more particularly where access to the set screw is required.
Many such connectors include long projecting sleeves at the conductor ports which are plugged with elongated grommets known as "rockets." The rockets include stepped tips which are cut off at a selected step depending on the size of the conductor. The conductor is inserted through the cut-off tip of the rocket which now becomes an elongated sleeve grommet. Both are inserted into the long sleeve of the case with the grommet sealing against the interior of the sleeve and the projecting tip of the conductor extending beneath the path of the set screw. The preparation and insertion of the conductor is typically a two-handed operation for a technician.
Access to the set screw is through a port provided by a somewhat shorter cylindrical sleeve projection. The port is provided with a removable cap or plug which is supposed to provide a watertight connection. When the plug is removed, access is provided to the recessed hex head set screw.
The submersible connection in each of the paired sleeve ports includes the rocket and the watertight plug. When the connection is initially installed, only some of the paired ports may be used and additional connections may be made later, if ever.
When a connection is made, the rocket is removed, cut to size and inserted on the end of the conductor. Before inserting the conductor, the technician has to remove the plug on the corresponding set screw port sleeve projection and make sure the set screw is backed out. This is done by inserting a hex driver such as an Allen wrench and backing out the set screw. Only then is the conductor inserted to a position to be clamped by the set screw. Because of the tight connection of the plug in its sleeve, such plugs usually have to be removed with a pair of pliers. The set screw is then tightened with the hex driver to complete the electrical connection. While the modified rocket seals the conductor port, the plug has to be replaced and properly seated to maintain the waterproof integrity of the case. The technician must perform all of these operations usually with heavy gloves on, and in a cramped dark, and wet space. It is not uncommon for the bottom of the space to be filled with muddy water.
Since the technician often wears gloves, manual dexterity is compromised and the plug or rocket is often dropped. Commonly, after the connection is made, the technician must grope in the mud or water to retrieve the plug or rocket.
If the plug can not be found readily, the common practice is to cover the port hole with a strip or strips of electrical tape, for a makeshift seal, if a seal at all. One major cause of failure of this type of connector is the loss of watertight rockets and plugs. The absence of a proper plug and a properly sized rocket allows water to penetrate the connector.
Unfortunately, water ingress, particularly where the plug and rocket is intended to seal against the jacket of the conductor end, may result in corrosion and failure of the connector. When properly installed, such plugs and rockets do not permit water ingress. Unfortunately, if improperly installed the seal provided by the plug and rocket may not be sufficient to keep water out. Accordingly, water enters and degrades the electrical connection resulting in premature failure of the connector. The inability to easily inspect the connectors in underground hand holes or vaults is also problematic, especially in light of the opportunity for errors in making the connections.
Less highly skilled technicians are more commonly used to install the connectors as a cost savings measure for utilities and their subcontractors. Instances of improper installation are more likely to occur as training and skill levels are reduced, and while at the same time greater production rates are required. For example, an improperly trained technician may cut the rocket at a ring that is too large to correctly seal on the conductor. Of course, the larger the ring, the less insertion force required to position the conductor through the rocket. Weeks, months or years after installation, water penetrates the area of the "seal" and causes connector failure.
Therefore, a submersible electrical set screw connector which could more easily be used and properly installed with less chance for human error in the cramped and wet environment of an underground connection is needed. The ability to easily and readily inspect the connection is also highly desired. Moreover, such a connector where components such as the rockets or plugs would not get lost and would remain handy to the technician to properly and efficiently complete a long lasting failure free set screw connection is also desired.
Another problem associated with known electrical connectors of this type stems from the use of conductors having a number of strands encased in a plastic sheath. Whether the conductors are manufactured as segmented or non-segmented center conductors from aluminum wire strands or copper wire strands, the end portion of the sheath must be removed from the conductor to expose the wire strands for electrical connection. The technician then inserts the unsheathed tip end of the conductor into the aperture in the set screw connector. In many instances, numerous strands of the conductor splay outwardly from the remaining strands as the unsheathed end of the conductor is inserted through various holes, ports or apertures in such submersible and allegedly water-tight connection systems. Such frayed conductors with splayed strands are much more difficult for the technician to efficiently and cleanly insert into the connector to accomplish a proper connection.
Moreover, proper installation of the conductors should avoid splaying the conductor strands. Additionally, the design should allow for a variety of sizes of conductors and tap lines to be accommodated with a minimum of installation effort and without specialized tools. The connector must be designed so that taps can be made by tap lines and conductors added and withdrawn after the original installation.


Relates to a fixing device comprising a fixing part for fixing toner to a paper, and a separation mechanism to separate paper P from fixing body, separation mechanism has a separation member 12 with a shaft member 17 and a separation pawl 16, and a first urging mechanism 19 for urging separation pawl 16 to approach fixing body 2. To improve the device to suitably separate even a firmly adhered paper without damaging fixing body, a second urging mechanism 28 is provided for urging shaft member 17 toward initial position. Resultant force of pressing forces by two urging member 19, 28 is set such that shaft member 17 will be moved to the retracted position by a jammed paper P, and in a normal state, shaft member 17 will be prevented from moving to the retracted position even if paper P has a high adhesive force.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fixing device in an image-forming apparatus.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a fixing device comprising:                a fixing part for conveying a sheet of paper that is held between a pressure body and a fixing body that are rotatably supported about substantially parallel shafts while simultaneously fixing supported unfixed toner; and        a separation mechanism for separating the sheet of paper, which is carried away from the fixing part, from the fixing body or pressure body; wherein        the separation mechanism has a separation member provided with a separation pawl for separating the sheet of paper and a shaft member, a support part for pivotably supporting the separation member via the shaft member so that the separation pawl can be brought near to and separated from the fixing body or pressure body, a first urging mechanism for urging the separation member in a direction in which the separation pawl approaches the fixing body or pressure body, and a control part for controlling the pivoting range of the separation pawl toward the fixing body or pressure body by applying a contact pressure;        the shaft member is provided so as to be movable between an initial position on the support part for the separation, and a retracted position that is set apart from the fixing part with respect to the initial position;        the urging force created by the first urging mechanism operates such that a pressing force is generated in a direction in which the shaft member is displaced from the retracted position toward the initial position; and        the magnitude of the pressing force is set such that the shaft member is moved from the initial position to the retracted position by a contact pressing force exerted on the separation pawl by a jammed sheet of paper.
2. Description of the Related Art
An example of a fixing device according to prior art is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2005-31350. In the fixing device according to the prior art, the magnitude of a pressing force created by a first urging mechanism that presses a shaft member toward an initial position is usually set to a value at which the shaft member is displaced from the initial position to a retracted position by a contact force exerted on a separation pawl by a jammed sheet of paper so that a state is not created in which the contact pressure created by the jammed sheet of paper causes the separation pawl to firmly press against a fixing surface or pressure surface and damage the fixing surface or pressure surface.
However, in the fixing device, even in a normal state in which a sheet of paper is not jammed, when a sheet of paper is firmly adhered against the fixing surface or pressure surface, the separating pawl, which is inserted between the adhering sheet of paper and the fixing surface or pressure surface, may be pressed by the adhered sheet of paper and made to resist the pressing force of the first urging member so that the shaft member will be moved to the retracted position. The separation pawl will be separated from a position preferable for separating the sheet of paper that is in the vicinity of the fixing part, and the sheet of paper will be impossible to be separated.
In order to resolve the foregoing problem, if the pressing force created by the elastic urging force of the first urging mechanism on the shaft member is set to a high value, the separation pawl will be pressed against the fixing surface or pressure surface with excessive force even in a normal state in which a paper jam has not occurred, and a risk arises that the fixing surface or pressure surface will be damaged by the separation pawl.


The present invention is directed to a simulation system for simulating virtual reality experiences such as for the sport of hang gliding or the like. The simulation system has a stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display, for providing pupil forming simulated images to a rider at a fixed point of reference relative to the stereoscopic display. In the disclosed embodiment, the simulation system comprises a mechanical support structure for suspending the rider in a harness so as to allow freedom of movement. The rider is suspended to face a visual display over a movable control bar coupled to the mechanical support structure. By maneuvering the control bar, riders may view the results of their actions as by a simulated display. The visual display is coupled to the control bar to receive electrical signals indicative of the movements initiated by the riders as they maneuver through a programmed environment. The visual display provides stereoscopic "pupil forming" images of positional states of the hang glider to the riders at a fixed point of reference relative to the visual display. The fixed point of reference is provided by limiting movement of the rider's head relative to the visual display, as for example with a head rest disposed directly above the viewing area of the visual display.

Over the years, many systems for simulating virtual reality experiences have been developed to facilitate training, as well as provide entertainment. Simulation systems can be operated by persons desirous of experiencing particular endeavors, by manipulating conventional controls, to be shown the results of their actions as by simulated displays. For example, in training activities, simulators are widely used to provide experience in airplanes, helicopters, ground vehicles and so on. More recently, simulators for entertaining and educating children and adults alike, in sport exercises and the like, have gained tremendous popularity.
To that end, current state of the art technology used in creating simulation systems typically involves a visual display. Thus, as the person operating the simulation system manipulates the controls of the system, he or she is provided with a responsive display showing his or her view, as the simulator simulates movement through a programmed environment. Contemporary simulators utilize advanced computer graphics techniques to provide a dynamic display. An environment is programmed and positional signals are developed to indicate the position and orientation of the simulated vehicle in the environment. Representative simulator data is subsequently supplied to a computer graphics system to attain a dynamic display.
Consider the sport of hang gliding as one example, where persons may desire to experience the thrill of the sport without being exposed to the actual dangers of participating in the sport. Recent methods of flight simulation, relating to light aircrafts including hang gliders, for people in search of the eternal thrill of flying, employ digital microprocessors or computers and accompanying software programming. There are several commercially available flight simulation software packages, which can be run on personal computers. For example, Microsoft's "Flight Simulator.RTM.," version 4.0 includes a sailplane simulation. Microsoft's "Aircraft and Scenery Designer," version 1.0 can be used to modify the sailplane flight characteristics so that it accurately simulates hang glider performance.
Different landscapes and environments can be created using the scenery design portion of the software, providing a means for creation of various flying sites and situations. Several computer peripheral devices such as joysticks, yokes, rudder pedals or the like, are typically used to provide input for the computer based simulators.
However, none of these simulation packages provide a real-time virtual reality experience of suspended flight.
Turning now to display systems utilized in current simulation systems, it should be recognized that large screen displays have the capability of operating in real-time at high resolution rates to provide three-dimensional images of video information. Generally, stereoscopic imaging capability enhances displays, by portraying data containing altitude, distance and ocean depth information in conjunction with other inter-related operational parameters.
The stereoscopic imaging process has two fundamental requirements. First, two distinct and different images must be presented to the viewer, each of which presents the scene from the view point of one of the viewer's eyes. Next, the system must be able to assure that each eye sees only the one view intended for it, that is, the images must be separated, one to each eye. Stereoscopic image separation is generally performed by any one four methods: (1) Optical separation (using lenses, prisms, mirrors etc.), (2) Color separation (anaglyphs), (3) Temporal separation (using shutters, etc.) and (4) Polarization separation (using polaroid filters).
Of these, the most amenable to large screen projection systems has traditionally been the polarization technique. However, the polarization technique requires that the two images be projected with orthogonal polarizations, and that the viewer wear a pair of polaroid glasses whose polarization axes are arranged at right angles to one another.
Color separation relies upon encoding the left and right images, such that the left eye and the right eye images are portrayed in colors and such that the viewer sees two different color images. This makes it difficult to portray full color images, produces eye fatigue through color bombardment, which in turn desensitizes the visual system with respect to the colors involved and creates problems for ambient viewing.
Temporal separation requires the viewer to wear eyeglasses attached to the video system with a cord and is often accompanied by high voltages in the eyeglasses.
Optical separation has thus far required bulky, often elaborate optical apparatus between the screen and the observer to separate the images.
Achieving a realistic visual display can be an expensive undertaking, which is not always practical, particularly for entertainment simulators. Thus, a need exists for improved and inexpensive techniques for providing more realistic virtual reality experiences and simulated displays.
The present invention is directed to a simulation system for simulating virtual reality experiences with a stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display, which utilizes a unique and inexpensive optical separation technique for providing "pupil forming" simulated images to a person at a fixed point of reference relative to the stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the simulation system of the present invention simulates the sport of hang gliding or the like, largely in an entertainment based system. The simulation system of the present invention may alternatively be used for training purposes as well.
As disclosed, the simulation system comprises a mechanical support structure for suspending a rider in a harness so as to allow freedom of movement. The rider is suspended to face a visual display, over a movable control bar coupled to the mechanical support structure. By maneuvering the control bar, riders may view the results of their actions as by a simulated display. The visual display is coupled to the control bar to receive electrical signals indicative of the movements initiated by the riders as they maneuver through a programmed environment. The visual display, which is a stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display provides "pupil forming" images of positional states of the hang glider to the riders, at a fixed point of reference relative to the visual display. The fixed point of reference is provided by limiting movement of the rider's head relative to the visual display, as for example with a head rest disposed directly above the viewing area of the visual display.
The stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display facilitates a very wide field of view and accommodates the rider's eyes to focus at infinity. Thus, the programmed environment or imagery appears to be in the distance and, not only is the binocular convergence of the rider's eyes parallel, but the focus of the eyes is relaxed as if collimated.

Hang gliding simulation system with a stereoscopic display


An olefin polymerization process comprises gas-phase polymerization of at least one olefin monomer in a reactor using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst system in the presence of at least one suitable radical-generating compound in an amount sufficient for polymer modification and subsequent stabilization of such compound and generated radicals before post-reactor heat processing.

This invention relates to polymerization of olefins and particularly relates to Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyzed gas-phase polymerization of olefins including alpha-olefins and ethylene in the presence of a radical generating compound.
Ziegler-Natta and metallocene catalyzed olefin polymerization in the gas phase now is well-known in the art. Known gas-phase processes include horizontally and vertically stirred sub-fluidized bed reactor systems, fluidized bed systems, as well as multi-zone circulating reactor systems in which, typically, a fluidized zone is combined with a slower moving reactive zone, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,845 incorporated by reference herein. These systems have been used to polymerize ethylene and C3-C10+ alpha olefins as homopolymers or copolymers. Typically, olefin polymers formed in the gas phase are polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of ethylene and C3-C10+ olefin monomers, and copolymers of propylene with ethylene and C4+ olefin monomers either as statistical (random) copolymers or multi-phasic (rubber-modified or impact) copolymers.
Post-polymerization reactor modification of olefin polymers with free radical generating species, such as organic peroxides, also is well known in the art. Typically, such modification is performed in an extruder in which formed polymer is melted by mechanical or external heating, extruded through strand dies, and chopped into discrete pellets. Post reactor modification is used in polyethylene to introduce crosslinks among polymer chains to increase molecular weight and modify polymer properties. In propylene polymers, post-reactor extruder modification with peroxides is used to decrease polymer molecular weight through chain scission or cleaving, thereby producing, "controlled rheology" product.
Properties of substantially linear olefin polymers are known to be altered by creating branching of the linear chain or attaching hydrocarbon moieties along the linear chain, although actual formation of such branched linear olefin polymers may be difficult to control, especially in a continuous reactor produced polymer. This invention provides a practical method of producing branched olefin polymers in a continuous gas-phase reactor system.
High melt strength propylene polymers are discussed by Rätzsch et al., Progress in Polymer Science, 27 (2002) 1195-1282, incorporated by reference herein. Post-reactor processing in an extruder with certain peroxides to produce high melt strength propylene polymers is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,103,833, 6,323,289, 6,620,892, and 5,416,169. For this method, extruder conditions are generally set at lower temperatures when compared to normal extrusion processes. The lower extruder temperature typically results in a greater power demand for mixing this material. Therefore, production of high melt strength polymer via this peroxide method will result in higher energy costs, in addition to the added costs for the special peroxide.
In some polyolefins, such as propylene polymers, there is a need in certain uses for a polymer with increased melt strength. For example, higher melt strength is needed for propylene polymers used in thermoforming applications. Current techniques to produce these types of materials employ expensive post reactor processing such as electron beam treatment, as discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,554,668 and 5,605,936, and processing with special peroxides under controlled conditions as mentioned above. Other approaches to branched propylene polymers use macromonomers as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,184,327 and 6,423,793.
However there is a need for efficient direct reactor formation of branched polyolefins, such as branched propylene polymers, without use of post-reactor peroxide treatment or use of specially prepared macromonomers.

Olefin polymerization process in the presence of a radical generating system


A fault sensor suitable for use in a heterogenous power distribution system executes a stored program and causes sufficient information to be collected to distinguish a source of fault current as being from a public utility portion of the power distribution network or from a distributed generator. Short circuit current and magnetizing current are reliably distinguished based on differences in VI "signatures." In addition, the fault sensor periodically senses a condition of a battery of the fault sensor. When the condition of the battery indicates the battery power is low, the fault sensor sends a digital data signal including a low battery indication to a remote location. Subsequent to occurrence of a sustained power outage, the sensor detects that power has been restored and sends to a remote location a digital data signal including an indication that power has been restored. The sensor periodically measures peak line voltage and peak line current and reports peak values to the remote location.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fault sensors for use in power distribution systems, particularly to fault sensors having telecommunications capability.
2. State of the Art
In the field of power transmission and distribution, generating systems produce electrical power which is transmitted through a grid of electrical high voltage alternating-current (AC), three-phase power lines. Occasionally, a transmission or distribution power line experiences a fault in which, for example, a short circuit or equipment failure on a power line causes a circuit breaker to trip open, causing a power interruption to the customer. Other faults, in particular high impedance faults, can occur when a power line falls onto a high-impedance surface, such as dry grass or an asphalt road, but the wire remains energized because the high impedance surface insulates the down wire to prevent it from generating enough short circuit current to trip the circuit breaker. Or, a down wire may be backfeeding from a service transformer. The backfeeding current will never be high enough to trip the substation protective relay. Another type of voltage problem occurs in a typical three-phase three-wire distribution system where service transformers are delta connected, when there is an open circuit on one of the power lines causing extremely low voltage to the customers located beyond the open circuit.
Various fault sensors have been proposed to detect and report power line faults. One such fault sensor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,476 of the present assignee, incorporated herein by reference. The fault sensor described in the foregoing patent is microprocessor-based and is provided with a detection algorithm that allows the fault sensor to intelligently distinguish between various different kinds of faults, including momentary outage, sustained outage, overload, inrush, an open line on one to three phases of the circuit with the possibility of a live line on the ground, and voltage sag.
The foregoing fault sensor functions well according to its intended purpose in a homogeneous power distribution system. Presently, however, the power industry is entering an era of deregulation comparable to the deregulation experienced by the telecommunications industry in the 1980's. As a result, the power distribution system will increasingly become a heterogenous system as compared to the homogeneous system of today.
More particularly, a conventional distribution circuit usually has only one power source. Although a distribution circuit may be tied to other circuits originating from other substations, switches between the circuits are opened to prevent parallel circuit operation. This type of distribution system is referred to as a radial system. Prior art fault sensors are designed to detect and identify a faulted line section based on the conventional radial distribution system configuration. Presently, utility operators can identify faulted line sections by tracing tripped fault sensors which have detected the flow of short circuit current. Short circuit current is usually an order of magnitude higher than normal load current. This system only works when there is one supply source per circuit, as is illustrated in FIG. 1, which is typically how the distribution lines are configured today. In FIG. 1, fault sensors S-1 and S-2 are tripped by fault current. The fault location is between the last in a series of tripped fault sensors (S2) and the first normal state fault sensor (S3).
As the utility industry is deregulated, small, dispersed generators are expected to be installed on the distribution system to compete with central generation by the power utility. Distribution circuits with generators are substantially different from radial or single-power-source systems. With conventional fault sensors, in the event of a circuit failure, short circuit current contributed from the substation and the distributed generators will cause all the fault sensors that are on the circuit between distribution substations and distributed generators to trip. As a result, utility operators will no longer be able to locate the faulted line section by tracing the trip fault sensors if the fault occurs between a substation and a distributed generator. Conventional fault sensors are therefore not suitable for use in a heterogenous, multiple-source distribution system.
Interconnection of generators on the distribution circuit will cause conventional prior-art fault sensors to become obsolete. This situation is illustrated in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 2, if the same circuit has a distributed generator interconnected to the circuit then a different situation arises than in FIG. 1. All five fault sensors on the circuit will detect short circuit current and thus will be triggered. In particular, fault sensors S-1 and S-2 are tripped by fault current contributed by the substation, and fault sensors S-3, S-4 and S-5 are tripped by fault current contributed by the generator. As a result. operators cannot identify the faulted line section by tracing the tripped fault sensors.
Conventional fault sensors also suffer from further disadvantages. Retaining sensor integrity over the life of the sensor is key to minimizing operation and maintenance cost. In the prior art, in order to monitor line current and voltage field and transmit information relating to the faults occurring on a distribution line, conventional batteries were used to power a microprocessor and a transmitter. The problem arises with such prior art devices that the conventional batteries become exhausted over a short period of time and require replacement or recharging. To manage such conventional battery maintenance and/or replacement at thousands of remote sensing locations has involved considerable expense and has often resulted in failure to detect faults over significant periods of time. Inspecting battery condition in these prior-art devices to insure reliable and proper operation becomes a major maintenance effort.
Another problem with prior fault sensors is that most fault sensors clear themselves from the fault signal after a predetermined time, e.g., four hours. After the fault signal has been cleared, no information is provided as to whether power has been restored to the line. Consequently, troublemen and linemen do not know if there is still a sustained outage or if power has been restored.
What is needed therefore is a fault sensor which can detect faults on a distribution system with distributed generators. The fault sensor should provide for a power-restore signal and, in addition, a low-battery alarm so that maintenance of the sensor can be done on an as-needed basis in a timely manner without implementing a labor-intensive inspection program. The present invention addresses these needs.

Fault sensor suitable for use in heterogenous power distribution systems


The present invention concerns an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, in which an edge coordinates extraction circuit is used to extract edge coordinates information for an input bitmap. By converting the bitmap image into vector data the edge coordinates information so extracted reduces the time required for raster-vector conversion.

Conventionally, printers and other image processing systems that process page description languages (PDL) such as Postscript, LIPS, PCL and the like have a band buffer, page buffer or other such frame buffer, with objects to be drawn being rendered in the frame buffer. In such a method, in order to draw a single object from among a plurality of objects in the frame buffer, images surrounding the image to be drawn are read from a memory that is the frame buffer, combined with the object to be drawn and rewritten to the memory, with such a process being repeated until all the objects are drawn. As a result, the memory that is the frame buffer is subjected to a large volume of read-modify-write processing, and accordingly, when the printer resolution is high or when the fineness of the imaging is enhanced (as in the case of a color printer), either the amount of time required to render the object in the memory or the required memory bandwidth increase dramatically.
In order to overcome such a drawback, a rendering method that generates final pixel information directly from the edge information and the layer information of the objects to be drawn has been proposed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Ser. 2000-137825. In this method, what kinds of objects exist is determined from the object edge information, and then what object exists on the surface is determined from the layering of the objects, and finally, from the color information of the object resting on top, the color of the current pixel is determined. Production of each and every pixel is carried out in a similar manner, one pixel at a time. As a result, the need to carry out large volumes of read-modify-write operations when rendering the object in the memory is eliminated. The advantage thus gained is that the time needed for rendering does not increase dramatically even if the resolution and fineness increase.
However, with the method described above, edge information for the object must be obtained prior to rendering the object. Many alphanumeric characters are included in any textual matter to be printed, for example, but even so it is necessary to obtain edge information for the character font objects. Given the large variety of alphanumeric characters and the complexity of their edges, a drawback arises in that extensive time is required for the edge extraction process.
Additionally, the typical bitmap font is a binary bitmap image, and the process of extracting edges from a binary bitmap image amounts to bit processing. As a result, processing with an ordinary CPU requires a large number of cycles, making it difficult to carry out such processing at high speed.
Additionally, problems with the edge extraction process are not limited to the above-described rendering but occur also in the execution of raster-to-vector conversion in so-called optical character recognition (OCR) operations.
In other words, when performing OCR on an image scanned from a scanner, the raster image is converted into a vector image. The first part of such raster-to-vector conversion involves scanning each pixel of the raster image and establishing the coordinates of points where the density of the pixels changes (in other words, the edges of the image). The last part of the raster-to-vector conversion involves deducing the relationship between a plurality of edges from the edge coordinates so established so as to produce vectors. Conventionally, the entire raster-to-vector conversion process, including the above-described process of establishing coordinates, has been carried out using CPU software.
In OCR, the raster image to be processed is often a binary bitmap image. In the process of scanning the pixels of the binary bitmap image, a large amount of bit processing must be carried out, and in the ordinary CPU such bit processing requires a large number of cycles. As a result, the conventional problem remains insofar as the raster-to-vector conversion still requires substantial periods of time in order to be accomplished.

Image processing apparatus and image processing method


A swimming pool installation including a skimmer device, a vacuum system, a pump and a valve module is disclosed. A seat divides the valve module into an upstream chamber coupled to the skimmer device and a downstream chamber coupled to the vacuum system and the pump. A piston having a seal is mounted in the upstream chamber for reciprocal movement in opposition to the seat and is biased away from the seat. A pawl is mounted to the piston for rotation and stops are mounted adjacent the pawl. The piston moves reciprocally in response to a cyclical application and removal of water movement there across caused by a cyclical operation of the pump, which causes the pawl to interact with the stops and cycle between a locked condition securing the seal away from the seat and an unlocked condition permitting the seal to move against the seat.

This invention relates to swimming pools.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a pool cleaning system including a skimmer device and a vacuum system.
In a further and more specific aspect, the present invention relates to a valve for alternating pool water movement between different cleaning devices of a pool cleaning system.
A conventional swimming pool installation usually incorporates a recirculating system having a pump and a filter assembly located adjacent the pool for circulating and filtering the pool water. Typically included in this recirculating system is a skimming device adjacent the sidewall of the pool and, a main drain located on the floor of the pool. Water from the pool is drawn through the skimming device and the main drain by the pump, and forced through the filter assembly before being returned to the pool through a discharge outlet. The skimmer device removes the film of material and floating objects from the surface of the water while the main drain is adapted to collect sediment that sinks to the bottom of the pool. A small filter basket is usually provided in the system before the pump to intercept large debris picked up by the main drain or which has passed through the skimmer device.
Often, before the skimming device can remove all of the dirt and debris from the surface of the pool, the material will sink. The dirt and debris that sinks to the bottom of the pool collects on the floor and may not be pulled through the main drain. To remove this material, it must be swept toward the main drain, or vacuumed up as is commonly done. A vacuum generally consists of a hose having a first end coupled to a vacuum head and a second end coupled to the pump to provide suction. The second end is generally coupled to the pump via the skimmer device. Many skimmer devices are adapted to receive the second end of the hose directly, or by using an adapter. The material is sucked through the hose with the pool water, and forced through the filter assembly that removes the material.
Many pool owners find the necessity of vacuuming the pool a tedious task, best avoided at all costs. To this end, they hire services that maintain the pool or have installed special devices that will automatically clean the pool. These devices include special jets, which form water currents pushing dirt and debris toward the main drain and automatic vacuum devices. The automatic vacuum devices are similar to conventional vacuums, in that they include a vacuum head and a hose. The difference is that they continuously move about the pool floor by themselves, continually picking up dirt and debris. This greatly reduces the labor involved in keeping a pool clean. Automatic vacuums, however, present new problems.
In a properly maintained pool, the skimmer device will keep the surface of the pool clean, and remove large debris before it sinks. The skimmer device generally includes a strainer basket that collects the larger debris and prevents it from passing on to the filter assembly. The strainer basket can be easily emptied of the collected debris. In this manner, very little debris will pass through the system to the small strainer basket. This is desirable because as debris collects in the basket, the performance of the recirculating system is reduced. In a properly maintained system, the smaller basket needs to be cleaned infrequently. This is accomplished by turning the pump off, opening a scaled lid and removing the basket. The basket must then be replaced and the system resealed and started. During vacuuming, the strainer basket is removed from the skimmer device, and the second end of the hose is inserted into the skimmer device. The collected material goes directly to the filter assembly, with the small strainer basket in the line to remove any large debris. While this system works sufficiently well for its intended conventional use, problems occur when a continuous and automatic vacuum is employed.
In most pool cleaning systems, an automatic vacuum is generally coupled to the pump through the skimmer device, rendering the skimmer inoperative. In a particularly noteworthy pool cleaning system, the skimmer device and the automatic vacuum are constructed and arranged such that the swimming pool may be continuously vacuumed while the skimmer device and the main drain are also operating. With the vacuum and the skimmer device and the main drain operating simultaneously, tremendous and continuous strain is placed on the pump. As a result, a bigger pump usually must be employed, which significantly increases power consumption. Also, although simultaneous operation of the skimming device, main drain and vacuum can be desirable, it is typically unnecessary in providing a clean swimming pool.
Thus, there is a need for an improved pool cleaning system including a valve, which couples a skimmer device, a vacuum and a main drain of a pool installation to a pump, and that is responsive to sequential operation of the pump for moving between skimmer and main drain operation, and simultaneous operation of the skimmer, main drain and vacuum system. By toggling between these two modes of operation, a swimming pool is kept clean and the strain and wear and tear on the pump and the vacuum is significantly diminished.
Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is valve system for use in a swimming pool installation including a swimming pool and a recirculating system having a skimmer device, a vacuum system and a pump. The pump is configured to cycle between inactive and active conditions. The valve system includes a housing defining a main chamber and a seat extending from the housing, which divides the main chamber into an upstream chamber which is coupled to the skimmer device and a downstream chamber which is coupled to the vacuum system and to the pump, and the coupling of the skimmer device and the vacuum system can be reversed. A piston having a seal is mounted in the upstream chamber for reciprocal movement in opposition to the seat. The seal opposes the seat and because the seal is part of the piston, reciprocal movement of the piston in reciprocal directions in opposition to the seat results in movement of the seal away from the seat and against the seat isolating the upstream chamber from the downstream chamber. A pawl is mounted to the piston for rotation. The pawl includes an end having first and second portions and an opposing end having third and fourth portions. First and second stops are supported by the housing adjacent the pawl, and a biasing element is provided for biasing the piston, and hence the seal, away from the seat.
The piston is responsive to a cyclical application and removal of water movement there across in a direction from the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber caused by the cyclical operation of the pump between inactive and active conditions so as to move in reciprocal directions, which causes the pawl to sequentially interact with the first and second stops and rotate or pitch sequentially in a single direction so as to cycle into and between first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eight, ninth and tenth positions. In the first position of the pawl, the second portion engages the first stop and the third portion registers with the second stop, the pump is in the inactive condition and the biasing element biases the seal away from the seat. In the second position of the pawl, the third and fourth portions engage the second stop and the first portion registers with the first stop, the pump is in the active condition, the bias of the biasing element is overcome by the water movement and the seal is located at a fixed position away from the seat, which permits the pump to pull water from the swimming pool through the skimmer device and the vacuum system. In the third position of the pawl, the first portion engages the first stop and the fourth portion registers with the second stop, the pump is in the inactive condition and the biasing element biases the seal away from the seat. In the fourth position of the pawl, the fourth portion engages the second stop, the pump is in the active condition, the bias of the biasing element is overcome by the water movement and the seal is positioned away from the seat. In the fifth position of the pawl, the third portion registers with the first stop, the pump is in the active condition, the bias of the biasing element is overcome by the water movement and the seal is positioned against the seat isolating the upstream chamber from the downstream chamber, which permits the pump to pull water from the swimming pool only through the vacuum system.
In the sixth position of the pawl, the third portion engages the first stop and the second portion registers with the second stop, the pump is in the inactive condition and the biasing element biases the seal away from the seat. In the seventh position of the pawl, the first and second portions engage the second stop and the fourth portion registers with the first stop, the pump is in the active condition, the bias of the biasing element is overcome by the water movement and the seal is located at fixed position away from the seat. In the eighth position of the pawl, the fourth portion engages the first stop and the first portion registers with the second stop, the pump is in the inactive condition and the biasing element biases the seal away from the seat. In the ninth position of the pawl, the first portion engages the second stop, the pump is in the active condition, the bias of the biasing element is overcome by the water movement and the seal is positioned away from the seat. In the tenth position of the pawl, the second portion registers with the first stop, the pump is in the active condition, the bias of the biasing element is overcome by the water movement and the seal is positioned against the seat isolating the upstream chamber from the downstream chamber. This completes the entire cycle of movement of the pawl in response to reciprocal movement of piston and is repeated as the pump continues to operate between its inactive and active conditions for facilitating a cycling between a simultaneous operation of the skimmer device and the vacuum system and a single operation of only the vacuum system, and this is, of course, reversed if the coupling of the skimmer device and the vacuum system to the housing is reversed.
In a preferred embodiment, the biasing element is at least one compression spring having an end coupled to the piston and another end coupled to the housing. The piston is mounted for reciprocal movement to an extension of the housing that depends from a removably attached lid. The extension is reciprocally adjustable in opposition to the seat by way of an adjustment member, which includes an elongate element having a head secured to the lid for rotation and a threaded segment threadably associated with a complemental threaded segment of the extension. The first and second stops are preferably carried by the extension.
The seal is an annular body having an annular sealing surface that is capable of sealing substantially against the seat for preventing water from flowing from the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber. A relief valve assembly is associated with the seal and is movable between a closed condition to an open condition for allowing water to pass from the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber when the seal is sealed against the seat and when the pressure in the downstream chamber becomes insufficient to keep the relief valve assembly closed. The relief valve assembly includes openings extending through the seal, a plate positioned against the seal closing the openings in a direction facing the downstream chamber, and a biasing assembly for biasing the plate against the seal. The biasing assembly includes an element or extension extending away from the seal toward the second chamber, and a compression spring captured between a head of the extension and the plate.


A method for helping pets recover from periods of strenuous activity includes providing a source of carbohydrates formulated to provide a readily available replenishment source of glycogen for the pet and providing a replenishment source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are expended at rates that are higher during the strenuous activity than during non-strenuous activity.

This invention relates generally to food products for pets, and more particularly to dietary supplements for pets.
While pet care product customers presently have a host of suppliers and products to choose from, it may take substantial time, effort, and investigation to determine a product that best suits a particular pet's needs among the available alternatives. This is particularly true in the case of pet foods. While veterinarians and other professionals may assist in recommending a brand of pet food for a particular pet, pet foods are typically mass manufactured to meet the needs of an average pet within a selected range of pets, such as pet age and/or size. Nutritional needs, however, vary from pet to pet, and an optimal regimen of appropriate nutrients for a particular pet or breed of pet are beneficial. Nutritional requirements for more athletic pets, for example, canine athletes such as performing dogs, dogs utilized in athletic competitions (e.g. agility trials), sled dogs, hunting dogs and dogs used in law enforcement and rescue work, are especially important as the energy expended by these animals is unusually high over certain periods of time.


A Viterbi bit detection method for detecting the bit values of bits of a channel data stream stored on a record carrier along an N-dimensional channel tube, N being at least two, of at least two bit rows one-dimensionally evolving along a first direction and being aligned with each other along at least a second of N−1 other directions, the first direction together with the N−1 other directions constituting an N-dimensional lattice of bit positions, includes application of a row-based one-dimensional Viterbi bit detection method independent for each of the bit rows of said channel tube. To achieve a reliable bit detection, a number of independent one-dimensional row-based Viterbi bit detectors, also known as sequence detectors, is used, one for each bit row in the channel tube: the interference between successive neighboring bit rows is taken into account via the computation of the branch metrics (for the considered bit row), in which local bit decisions on the primary neighboring bits in the neighboring rows are used. As local bit detectors going beyond the performance of a threshold detector, the use of a HD-2 or HD-3-like hard-decision bit detector is proposed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a row-based Viterbi bit detection method for detecting the bit values of bits of a channel data stream stored on a record carrier. Further, the present invention relates to a corresponding row-based Viterbi bit detector, a method of reproduction of a user data stream, a corresponding reproduction device and a computer program for implementing said methods. In particular, the present invention relates to a row-based Viterbi bit detection method for information written in a two-dimensional way on a record carrier, such as an optical disc or a memory card. The present invention could also be regarded as relating to Partial Response Maximum-Likelihood (PRML) bit detection, i.e., the invention also relates to a PRLM bit detection method and device.
2. Description of the Related Art
European Patent Application No. 01203878.2 discloses a method and system for multi-dimensionally coding and/or decoding an information to/from a lattice structure representing channel bit positions of said coded information in at least two dimensions. Encoding and/or decoding is performed by using a quasi close-packed lattice structure. For the case of three-dimensional encoding and/or decoding, preferably a (quasi) hexagonally close packed (hcp) lattice structure is to be used. Another possibility in three dimensions is the use of a (quasi) face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure. For the case of two-dimensional encoding and/or decoding, preferably, a quasi-hexagonal lattice structure is to be used. Another possibility in two dimensions could be the use of a quasi square lattice structure. For the sake of a more simple and clear description of the object of the present invention, special attention is given to the two-dimensional case. The higher-dimensional cases can be derived as more or less straightforward extensions of the two-dimensional case. The special situation of the one-dimensional case which comprises only a single row of bits, boils down to the very classical case of PRML bit detection as is well known in the state of the art for one-dimensional modulation and coding, as, for instance, described in Chapter 7 "Viterbi Detection" by Jan Bergmans, "Digital Baseband Transmission and Recording", Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1996.
In one-dimensional recording on optical discs, the channel bits of the channel data stream are recorded along a spiral track, the spiral being one bit wide. For two-dimensional recording, the channel bits of a channel data stream can also be recorded along a spiral, albeit a broad spiral, that consists of a number of bit rows which are aligned with respect to each other in the radial direction, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the spiral direction. The additional alignment of bit rows can also be obtained in another direction not strictly orthogonal to the spiral direction, but in a direction making a certain non-zero angle with the spiral direction.
A PRML bit detection apparatus for deriving a bit sequence from an input information signal is disclosed in WO 00/18016, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,580,766. The apparatus comprises input means for receiving the input information signal, sampling means for sampling the input information signal at sampling instants so as to obtain samples of the input information signal at said sampling instants, conversion means for converting an array of said samples into an array of bits of a first or a second binary value, detection means for repeatedly detecting a state for subsequent sequences of n subsequent bits of said array of bits, said subsequent sequences being obtained by shifting a time window of n subsequent bits each time over one bit in time, means for establishing the best path through the states, and deriving means for deriving a sequence of bits in accordance with the best path through said states. In that apparatus, n is larger than 3, and sequences of n subsequent bits having n−1 directly successive bits of the same binary value are allocated to the same state. In a specific embodiment, n is an odd number larger than 4. In that specific embodiment, sequences of n subsequent bits having n−2 directly successive bits of the same binary value as the central n−2 bits in such n-bit sequence, are allocated to the same state. This results in a PRML detection apparatus with reduced complexity.
A full-fledged PRML bit detector for 2D bit-arrays would require a trellis which is designed for the complete width of the broad spiral, with the drawback of an enormous state-complexity that leads to a completely impractical algorithm, since it cannot by far be implemented even in the fastest hardware of the coming decennia.
A 2D PRML bit detector is disclosed in "Study of Recording Methods for Advanced Optical Disks", S. Taira, T. Hoshizawa, T. Kato, Y. Katayama, T. Nishiya, T. Maeda, Technical Report of IEICE, 2002–03, pp. 57–64. Therein, an optical storage system with 2D modulation on a square lattice, with d=1 RLL constraints both in horizontal and vertical directions is described. For this system, a receiver, consisting of a 2D-equalizer and a 2D-Viterbi detector or a 2D-PRML detector, is disclosed in "Two-Dimensional Partial-Response Equalization and Detection Method with Multi-Track", T. Kato, S. Taira, Y. Katayama, T. Nishiya, T. Maeda, Technical Report of IEICE, 2002–03, pp. 65–70. The 2D PRML detector is based on three successive bit rows, but the typical add-compare-select operation (ACS) of the Viterbi-algorithm uses the HF-samples of the central bit row only; the other two bit rows are used in order to determine, in a joint way, the reference level from which the received HF-signal should be subtracted in order to derive the branch metrics for the branches (or transitions) in the trellis diagram of the Viterbi detector. In this way, at its output, the Viterbi-detector yields bit-decisions for the central bit row only. In this sense, for successive rows, the PRML detectors operate already independently, and the state-complexity for the complete set of bit rows has been reduced down to the complexity that is to be associated with 3 rows only. Within a strip of 3 rows, the known bit detector performs a kind of 2D-PRML, but with a 1D-output (for the single row being the mid-row of the 3-row strip). It should be noted that the channel strips are processed independently, but that the state-complexity of the Viterbi-detector is still quite high.
Assuming the practical case of a 3-taps response in the tangential direction, as disclosed in the above mentioned documents. For the square lattice, but also when applying this algorithm for a hexagonal lattice, assuming no modulation coding for both lattices, states characterized by 6 bits each would be obtained, yielding a number of 26=64 states; each state would then have 23=8 possible predecessors. On the square lattice, assuming the runlength modulation coding of the above references with 2D d=1 constraint, the number of states is only a bit smaller than 64, since some of the states are forbidden just because of the use of the runlength constraints along vertical and horizontal directions.