A headlamp system stores a plurality of beam patterns on a microprocessor 32 that selects a predetermined beam pattern based on driving conditions and sends the predetermined beam pattern to a digital micromirror device (DMD) 18 that is capable of generating the desired beam pattern by adjusting the position of individual pixels on the DMD 18. Several vehicle parameters are inputs 36, 37, 38, 29, 70 to the microcontroller 32 and are used to determine the appropriate beam pattern to be produced by the DMD 18 and projected by the headlamp system of the present invention.

The present invention relates generally to a headlamp system, and more particularly to a headlamp system having a plurality of digitally stored beam patterns.
There are several beam patterns necessary for a vehicle""s headlamps, such as high beams, low beams, turning beams, fog beams, daytime running beams, and others. In addition, there are different standards for beams outside of the U.S. For example, European beam requirements are different from Japanese beam requirements, and both are different from U.S. requirements. Currently, different lamps must be used or complicated beam adjustments must be made to the headlamp system for adjusting the beam patterns as desired.
Current technology for headlamp beam adjustment employs mechanical adjustments to the beam patterns. For example, multiple lamps, lenses, and motors are used to steer the lamps and lenses in order to provide the desired beam pattern. For example, a motor is used to steer a lamp to illuminate a corner when making a turn. The mechanical steering system typically includes auto-leveling systems, left-right actuation motors, a long wave infra red (LWIR) camera and other mechanical light aiming devices. These systems are not only complex and costly, but they also require significant packaging space thereby complicating packaging constraints.
Thus there is a need for a simplified system and method for providing a plurality of headlamp beam patterns. In addition, there is a need for providing a predetermined or desired headlamp beam pattern from a plurality of stored patterns upon demand.
It is an object of the present invention to deliver a predetermined beam pattern to a headlamp. It is another object of the present invention to digitally store a plurality of headlamp beam patterns that are activated and delivered to a headlamp upon demand.
It is a further object of the present invention to utilize a digital micro-mirror device to store and change beam shapes to a desired headlamp beam pattern. It is still a further object of the present invention to use appropriate vehicle parameters to determine the proper headlamp beam pattern to be delivered to and displayed by the headlamp system.
In carrying out the above objects and other objects and features of the present invention a method and system for providing a predetermined headlamp beam pattern using light distribution optics from a digitally stored beam pattern in a digital light processor is provided. The present invention is applicable to conventional headlamp systems for providing an improved method of creating and displaying high beam, low beam, fog lamp, daytime running lamp patterns, as well as side beams for turning without the need for added lamps and complicated motors.
The present invention is especially applicable to a high intensity discharge (HID) lighting system which uses a centralized HID light source that is integrated with drive electronics. A light source is coupled to a bundle of fibers that deliver light to a headlamp, or a terminated fiber optic bundle, to form a headlamp beam pattern. According to the present invention, the output of the headlamp is controlled by a digital beam pattern that is stored on a microprocessor and processed upon demand by a digital micromirror device (DMD). The DMD is capable of generating a plurality of beam patterns that can be created by adjusting the position of individual pixels on the DMD.
Several vehicle parameters can be used as inputs to the microcontroller in order to determine the appropriate beam pattern to be produced by the DMD and projected by the headlamp system. In addition, the beam pattern created according to the present invention is better defined and more precise due to the fact that each pixel in a pixel array on the DMD is addressable by the microcontroller.
Another advantage of the present invention is the flexibility provided in storing predetermined beam patterns and commanding the headlamp system to display the desired pattern upon demand. In addition, the headlamp system is simplified over systems known in the art, because there is no need for auto-leveling systems, left-right actuation motors, LWIR cameras and other mechanical light aiming devices employed used in the prior art. Also, any electromagnetic interference that was of concern with the motors used in the prior art is eliminated.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

Headlamp system with selectable beam pattern


A gas turbine having a system of stages including at least one stage having first and second airfoils arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The first airfoils each have a first array of cavities and the second airfoils each have a second array of cavities different from the first array of cavities.

During the operation of gas turbines, so-called "airfoil flutter" can occur in the airfoils due to aeroelastic effects.
In this regard, U.S. Pat. No. 2,916,258 proposes a mistuned array of airfoils which all have different masses and thus different natural frequencies. In order to vary the masses, the airfoils may be formed as solid airfoils having different airfoil thicknesses, or as hollow airfoils having a central cavity, where the cavities of different airfoils differ in size.


A coupler comprising a shaft, an enlarged head, a proximal end of the shaft, and a journal for contacting and rotating in an annular bearing surface of a component for forming a pin connection with the component. In addition, the coupler includes a plurality of projecting fins projecting from the journal along axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and are radially spaced around the journal.

The present invention relates to a coupler and, more particularly, to a coupler that provides a pin connection and which can be used to mount a blade to grass mowing equipment, for example.
In grass mowing equipment, and especially large grass mowing equipment, for example the mowing equipment often used along highways, the loss of a mower blade while the equipment is being operated is dangerous. Therefore, it is important for the blade to be mounted to the rotating hub of the mower by a bolt that has the proper capacity.
Accordingly, there is a need to assure that the proper bolt or coupler is being used, especially in situations when failure of the connection using the bolt or coupler could expose someone to risk of injury.

Mower blade coupler with enlarged head and projecting fins


Provided is an awning system comprising: a) two vertical tracks; b) two arms, with each arm attached at a first end to one of the vertical tracks, the arm configured to move in a vertical direction and pivot in relation to the track, each arm further configured to be extendible; c) a cross-bar, with each end of the cross-bar attached to a second end of one of the arms; d) a piece of fabric attached at one end to the cross-bar; and e) a holder placed on top of the tracks for holding a second end of the fabric; wherein the awning fabric is configured to be adjusted in both the vertical and the horizontal direction; wherein a user can move the arms vertically and extend the arms to adjust a position of the fabric. Provided is a retractable canopy system comprising: a) a track; b) a frame movably attached to the track; c) a support attached to the frame; d) a connector movably attached to the support, e) two or more rods attached to the connector; f) a canopy piece attached to the rods; wherein the awning is configured to have a stowed and deployed position that are obtained by moving the frame against the track.

Canopies and awnings have been widely used to provide shade and shelter from sunlight, rain, wind, snow or other weather conditions. Typically, canopies or awnings are attached to a building for support, and often use support posts to hold the fabric pieces upright. However, many canopy systems are custom made to meet various design needs, thus adding expense. There is a need for an inexpensive canopy system that possesses advantages of using readily available components to allow for inexpensive setup and use.
Drop Arm Awnings also known as Window Awnings is a common shade system to provide shade and privacy for residential and commercial applications. The shade is commonly composed of the shade fabric rapped on a tube on one end and connected to a bar on the opposite end. The front bar is connected to a hinged arm on both ends that are permanently attached to the wall. The length of the arm is predetermined which in turn dictates its vertical anchoring location from the roller tube which is typically the same as the arm's length plus a few inches. As such the span and arch of the shade fabric can't be changed once the awning is ordered and installed.
The present invention provides canopies and awnings that address the above shortcomings.

Adjustable awning and retractable canopy system


A switching circuit is provided for protecting semiconductors such as switching transistors against transients occurring in system voltage provided by an associated source of electrical energy. The circuit uses one or more avalanche transistors (124, 126, and 128) to apply electrical energy from the source thereof to associated loads (130, 132 and 134) with which they are in series. A processing device (116), which includes a microprocessor (150), monitors the system voltage and generates an output control signal that switches the avalanche transistors into a state of conduction so that the system voltage, including any voltage transients, appears substantially entirely across the loads. Using avalanche transistors as switching transistors provides a significant margin of time for the detection, processing and switching actions to occur without damage being done to the switching transistors by a voltage transient.

This invention includes a second embodiment of a high energy transient semiconductor protection device disclosed in, and this patent application incorporates by reference all material contained in, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/745,621, titled Semiconductor Protection Against High Energy Transients, filed Aug. 15, 1991. Embodiments of the apparatus disclosed and claimed in the referenced patent application constitute certain of the elements of the combination of the present application.
Electrical transient protection devices have been known for many years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,765, issued on Jun. 25, 1985 to Brajder, discloses a protective circuit for a switching transistor. The protective circuit includes a comparator that compares the base-emitter voltage of the switching transistor with a reference voltage. Any increase in the collector current of the switching transistor will be reflected by an increase in base-emitter voltage, the base current remaining constant. Whenever the base-emitter voltage exceeds the reference voltage, the comparator generates an output signal. Driving pulses that switch the switching transistor into and out of a state of conduction are controlled by a device responsive to the output signals from the comparator so that the switching transistor is switched off when its collector current increases above a predetermined level, thereby preventing the flow of excessive current through the transistor.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,963, issued on Mar. 28, 1989 to Eden, discloses an apparatus for protecting a transistor when an associated load is shorted. The circuit compares a command voltage with a reference voltage; and the transistor is turned on if the command voltage exceeds the reference voltage and is turned off if the reference voltage exceeds the command voltage. The reference voltage is developed across a capacitor that is charged quickly when the load is shorted and is discharged slowly. This keeps the transistor turned on for short periods and turned off for comparatively long periods, the former being short enough to ensure the protection of the transistor while the load is shorted.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,049, issued on May 13, 1986 to Krumrein, discloses a protection circuit for integrated circuits. The protection circuit is connected across the integrated circuit to be protected and includes a first transistor in series with a measuring resistor, the series combination thereof also being connected across the integrated circuit. A zener diode, or its equivalent, is connected between the base and collector of the first transistor so that the latter will conduct if an excessive amount of voltage is applied across the integrated circuit.
Whenever the first transistor conducts, a voltage is developed across the measuring resistor. This voltage is compared to a reference voltage by a comparator the output of which is connected to the base of a second transistor, the collector of which is connected to the base of the first transistor. When the voltage is developed across the measuring resistor, the output of the comparator turns on the second transistor, which renders the first transistor more conductive.
With the first transistor turned on, the series circuit of the first transistor and the measuring transistor shunts current flow therethrough, developing thereacross a relatively low voltage, which is also reflected across the integrated circuit to which it is connected in parallel. A limiting resistor is used between a source of operating potential and the first transistor to develop thereacross a major portion of voltage applied across the series circuit including the limiting resistor, the first transistor and the measuring resistor.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,845, issued on Jul. 18, 1989 to Schmitt, disclose transient suppressor for dissipating overvoltages developed across a power supply connected to a load. The transient suppressor senses an overvoltage condition with respect to a reference voltage and turns on a transistor connected across the power supply. The conducting transistor and a resistor connected in series with it across the power supply shunt current flow from the power supply, developing a relatively low voltage across the series circuit and across the integrated circuit to which it is connected in parallel, the resistor dissipating excess electrical energy while the transistor is conducting. When the voltage drops to a level below that of the overvoltage, the transistor is turned off. If the overvoltage continues, the transistor is turned on and off repeatedly. The number of transistor transitions are counted; and, if a predetermined number is exceeded, the operation of the transient suppressor is inhibited and the supply of electrical power is discontinued.
The protective circuits disclosed in the first two patents, to Brajder and Eden respectively, are of the type that turn off the transistors to be protected when an electrical transient is detected. The circuits each require added current-sensing, decision and control circuitry and protect single devices.
The last two patents, to Krumrein and Schmitt respectively, provide clamping circuits that shunt current around circuits to be protected. The Krumrein circuit requires an added overvoltage detector, current measuring circuit, clamping transistor and limiting resistor and protects a single device. The Schmitt patent requires an added overcurrent detector, decision and control circuitry, and clamping hardware.
While each of these protection circuits functions with a certain degree of efficiency, none discloses a device for transistor protection against high energy transients wherein so few elements need to be added to the device to be protected, wherein switching transistors can have relatively low voltage ratings, wherein relatively long applications of high energy transients can be tolerated, wherein a number of devices can be protected by one protection device, and wherein the functions of a processing device, or microcomputer, which may be used for other purposes in an associated circuit, can be shared by the protection device as does the present invention as is hereinafter more fully described.

Semiconductor protection against high energy transients


The invention is directed to a lightweight flour-based modeling dough composition of matter having unique pliability and moldability. The composition comprises flour, water, and glass microsphere bubbles in an amount of from about 1 to 15% by weight. The composition is lightweight and capable of being used as a kneading compound, as well as being moldable and stretchable for use in modeling play activities. The composition is based on a cohesive and substantially nondrying binder composition that is appropriate for child use. The invention is also directed to a method of making the instant flour based modeling composition of matter.

Through the years, play compositions of different types have been provided by practitioners in the toy arts to amuse children and adults and to aid in the development of manual skills and dexterity, as well as creativity. While the variety of such play material compositions is virtually endless, all generally involve the use of free-forming or malleable materials, such as oil base or water base gums and gel compounds which may be manipulated and shaped by the user. Certain materials have been provided which are moldable and tend to retain their shapes, such as modeling clay or the like. Others, however, have been provided which are looser and more free-flowing, such as novelty play materials and compositions. Still others are gel-like and provide interesting characteristics, such as shaking or quivering similar to gelatin dessert products.
Regardless of the type of play compositions used, it has remained imperative that such materials be safe for young children. Safety requirements have evolved through the years as safety concerns have grown. Generally, safety requirements mandate that play material compositions be nonirritating to the skin or eyes or the like, and be nontoxic if ingested. Additional requirements have been expected of these materials to avoid damage to clothing, upholstery fabric, or carpeting.
Play compositions having molding or modeling characteristics by which a child can represent people or objects are well known and generally comprise products of mineral origin, i.e., clay products, or vegetable origin, i.e., starch products. These particular materials are, in general, nonelastic and nonstretchable over significant lengths. Additionally, these modeling clays are messy and frequently have oils and other staining ingredients which are difficult to remove from carpets and fabrics. Elastomeric silicone-based play compositions are known and are essentially designed to be stretched, as well as to be rolled into a ball which has a high degree of elasticity or "bounce" under suddenly applied stress. However, silicone-based modeling compositions or puttys are generally known to have an unpleasant feel and have limited stretch capabilities, thereby limiting the material to a narrow field of play activity. Moreover, silicone puttys cannot be readily removed from fabric and carpets and, therefore, are not preferred materials for use by children.
Grain or wood flour play compositions are known in the art as being child-user friendly. Specifically, flour or other starch materials have been found to be harmless if accidentally ingested, have no unpleasant odor or feel, and are readily removable from carpet or fabrics. However, most flour or starch modeling compositions require the use of flour and other fillers to give physical integrity to the materials so as to enable the retention of detail or shape and consequently are dense and heavy from the cumulative amounts of binder and flour. Moreover, flour modeling doughs are water based and an inherent problem of such doughs is the loss of volume (shrinkage) upon drying.
One attempt to overcome the shrinking or drying problem has been to incorporate large proportions of filler in the dough mixture which technique has been ineffective in significantly holding water. Moreover, large amounts of filler causes flaking, cracking, or crumbling of the dough composition.
Yet another problem associated with conventional water/flour based doughs is that they are heavy and hard to manipulate. Dense heavy play modeling doughs are awkward and the child is limited in the types of shapes that can be created without the dough falling apart.
Recognizing the need to provide a more versatile play modeling dough material, the present invention was configured. Specifically, there was significant interest in providing a modeling dough material that is kneadable, moldable, pliant and ductile enough to avoid tearing during use; that can be used for long periods of time without drying to the point that it becomes unusable; that would not be harmful if accidentally ingested; and that exhibits a pleasant tactile feel with no unpleasant odor. It was further sought to have a play material that is light weight; which can be cleaned up and removed from carpets and fabrics with water; and which can be molded and maintain detail until it is reworked. It was also important to produce a composition exhibiting all of the above properties while being moderate in cost.


An indexing valve system includes a tubular having an inner surface portion defining a passage portion, a first plurality of indexing components provided on the inner surface and a second plurality of indexing components provided on the inner surface portion. A valve sleeve is arranged in the passage portion. The valve sleeve includes a first plurality of indexing elements that selectively engage with the first plurality of indexing components, a second plurality of indexing elements that selectively engage with the second plurality of indexing components, and an inner surface section defining a passage section. The inner surface section includes a plurality of indexing step members. An insert extends into the passage section. The insert includes an outer surface supporting an indexer that selectively engages with the plurality of indexing step members to shift the valve sleeve between the first plurality of indexing components and the second plurality of indexing components.

In the resource exploration and recovery industry, boreholes may be formed in a resource bearing formation. A casing may be extended into the resource bearing formation. A tubular may then be extended into the casing. The resource bearing formation may include various zones of interest. Seals or packers may be deployed from the tubular outwardly against the casing to isolate one zone of interest from another. At this point, the casing may be selectively perforated in order to introduce fluids from the tubular into the formation or vice-versa.
Treatment fluids may flow into the formation through valves provided in the tubular. Similarly, valves may be selectively positioned to allow formation fluids to pass into the tubular from the formation. There are various actuation mechanisms for operating downhole valves. One system involves the use of a pin and j-slot assembly. The pin and j-slot assembly relies on the use of multiple separate and distinct components including a j-sleeve and a bearing sleeve internal to a valve's housing to provide a j-slot track that facilitates movement between valve positions. The multiple separate and distinct components add to an overall cost and complexity of the actuation mechanism. Further, the use of j-slot tracks imposes a length requirement on the valve. The art would be appreciative of a valve having fewer components and may be made without j-tracks and thus allow for the construction of a more compact valve.

Indexing tool system for a resource exploration and recovery system


The method and apparatus disclosed herein empowers the general population to deliver e-commerce orders from retail stores to buyers. Embodiments of the invention reduce overall fuel usage, creating value for all members of the value chain: reduction in delivery fees for buyer, higher customer satisfaction and purchasing of goods for retailers, and the ability to earn extra income for patrons that deliver the orders. The method and apparatus comprise a database of patrons to perform home or local delivery of e-commerce orders, a database of e-commerce orders from stores, a database of buyers who place the orders, and computer instructions to match acceptable orders with patrons.

Internet-based retail sales have become a mainstay in the continued growth of electronic commerce, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce Census Bureau (E. Rabinovich, Journal of Business Logistics 26:1, 2005). Electronic commerce via the internet is rapidly changing the way in which products are purchased by and delivered to consumers. An important challenge faced by most businesses engaging in commerce over the Internet (or by telephone or mail order) relates to the manner in which their products actually get to consumers.
Most internet retailers rely on third-party services such as UPS and Federal Express to deliver the products purchased on their web sites. This model has some advantages for the retailers, because they can utilize professional delivery companies rather than investing in and developing their own delivery infrastructures.
However, as is well-known, the delivery cost to the consumer can be quite high. High delivery costs can cause would-be buyers to cancel orders or otherwise purchase less from a retailer, which obviously hurts the retailer economically (provided the particular has a profitable business on each marginal order).
Many consumers greatly value the opportunity cost of their time and prefer the convenience of online shopping, saving a trip to a physical store. Some consumers, on the other hand, do prefer to shop at a "real" store, for example, to be able to see products before purchasing, or because they enjoy the shopping experience. Some consumers, furthermore, would welcome opportunities for extra income on a regular basis by delivering orders from the store in which they are shopping, or nearby stores, to online shoppers who live in close proximity.
From an environmental standpoint, current delivery methods for retail orders can have a high cost. Fuel is wasted when product delivery routes are longer or less efficient than they need to be. Low product-delivery efficiencies can be caused, for example, when goods are transported across the country from a warehouse to a consumer, rather than from a local store that stocks the item.
It is widely recognized that energy is one of the most critical challenges facing humans in the 21 st century. One area of particular importance is reducing the high consumption of liquid fuels, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, derived from petroleum. A significant percentage of transportation fuel usage—and associated emissions—is due to inefficiencies during delivery of retail goods.
Based on these known limitations, consumers and retailers would benefit from a delivery method, service, and apparatus that can provide delivery of goods at a lower cost, compared to what is commercially available today. There also exists a desire in the marketplace for improved delivery methods that can reduce overall fuel usage and road congestion, and thereby benefit the environment and quality of life.
What is therefore needed is a method and apparatus to match the supply and demand of the delivery system in an efficient manner. Namely, persons seeking extra income need to be matched with persons preferring the convenience of online shopping. In a preferred system, the reduction in fuel usage could translate into value creation for all members of the value chain: reduction in delivery fees for buyers, higher customer satisfaction and purchasing of goods for retailers, and the ability to earn extra income for delivers.

Method and apparatus for the home delivery of local retail e-commerce orders


A method for increasing the manufacturing certainty of soldered connections between a ceramic carrier and a printed-circuit board. It includes the method step of applying a first decomposition-resistant metallization layer on a ceramic carrier and the subsequent imprinting onto the first metallizing layer of a second metallizing layer, improving the wetting performance. In this manner, it is possible to achieve an increase in the overall metallizing layer thickness in the edge area of a soldered connection, whose solder rise in turn makes possible an optical, fully-automatic monitoring of the soldered connection.

Using the method according to the present invention for increasing the manufacturing certainty of soldered connections, the quality of the soldered connections can be better monitored by fully automatic soldering-point control systems.
In a method for the throughplating using silver conductive paste of printed-circuit boards that are coated on two sides, a printing screen is used that has openings that are assigned to the throughplating holes of the printed-circuit board. In this method, the printing screen, furnished with a silver conductive paste layer, is placed onto the printed-circuit board and the lower side of the printed-circuit board is exposed to an atmospheric partial vacuum, as a result of which the silver conductive paste forms hollow-cylindrical, electrical conductors that contact the walls of the throughplating holes.
Furthermore, it is known from the related art to furnish throughplating holes with a tin-plating to improve the bonding of the solder. However, tin cannot be used in ceramic carriers; sensors arranged on the ceramic carrier could be impaired by the tin-plating applied.
The method according to the present invention for increasing the manufacturing certainty of soldered connections makes it possible to use fully automatic optical soldering-point control systems having low error rates. In contrast to the known methods for creating throughplatings in printed-circuit boards, the wetting capacity for the solder is significantly improved by applying a second metallizing layer onto a preceding first metallizing layer, which can be composed, for example, of an AgPd thick film paste, so that it is possible to achieve an improved solder rise especially on endplatings on ceramic carriers. The resulting increase in the overall metallizing layer thickness increases the resistance against the decomposition of the metallization in response to soldering, the xe2x80x9cleachingxe2x80x9d effect.
In ceramic carriers, printed-circuit boards, or the like, throughplatings are produced by a sucking or pressing of conductive materials; endplatings can be produced by separating throughplatings along their lines of symmetry. In producing throughplatings in ceramic carriers or circuit boards, a first metallizing layer is initially applied, onto which, in a second method step, a second metallizing layer is imprinted. In an advantageous manner, a first metallizing layer is made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as AgPd thick film metal. To increase the overall metallizing layer and to improve the wetting capacity of the second metallizing layer, the first metallizing layer is provided with a further metallizing layer. The latter contributes appreciably to an improved wetting capacity of the first metallizing layer as a result of the solder. The second metallizing layer is preferably made of a rare metal layer, such as Au, which has better wetting capacities and whose wetting angle is  less than 60xc2x0.
Using the method according to the present invention, it is possible in the edge area of the metallizing layer to achieve a sufficient layer thickness, dimensioned such that there is still material even in the outflow area of the metallizing layer. If there is sufficient metallizing material on hand at that location, the wetting capacity there can be maintained at a high level, in the edge area of the metallizing layer a rise of the solder is assured by the good wetting capacity. This in turn supports the use of fully automatic soldering-point control systems because a solder rise can be achieved in this way which can be reliably detected by a fully automatic soldering-point control system.
Using the application of the second metallizing layer, as called for in the present invention, the overall metallizing layer thickness in the edge area is increased, and the wetting capacity is improved so that the solder rises sufficiently. Since a second metallizing layer, for example of Au, can be affected by the disadvantage of decomposition, this disadvantage is removed by using AgPd as the first metallizing layer. The combination of the two metallizing layers in the production of throughplatings in the ceramic carrier lays the foundation for improving the endplatings generated after the separation of the throughplatings, such that fully automatic soldering-point control systems can be used which check the dimensions of the soldering points, assuring the prerequisite for meaningful fully-automatic measurements, namely a sufficient solder rise.

Method for improving the manufacturing safety of weld joints


A gene detection method, a gene detection kit, and a gene detection device, including the following steps: providing a plurality of separation cavities on a kit, using a plunger to separate adjacent separation cavities, and respectively providing a lysate solution, a washing solution and a reaction solution in the separation cavities; when detecting a sample, pushing each plunger to align a plunger hole of the plunger with the separation cavity, thereby making the separation cavities interconnected; then, controlling magnetic beads in the kit to drive the sample to be tested to pass through the separation cavities in sequence by an electromagnetic control method, carrying out a lysing, a washing and a reaction in sequence; and finally, performing a optical detection on a gene in the reaction solution from outside.

Gene detection is a technique for detecting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by blood, other body fluids, or cells, namely, taking detached oral mucosal cells or other tissue cells of a person, amplifying gene information thereof, and then detecting the DNA molecular information in the cells of the person by a specific device, so as to predict a risk of a disease, and analyze conditions of various genes contained therein, thereby enabling the person to know his gene information, and therefore avoiding or delaying the occurrence of the disease by improving his living environment and living habits.
Gene detection can diagnose diseases, and can be used to predict disease risk as well. Disease diagnosis is achieved by using gene detection techniques to detect mutated genes that cause hereditary diseases. The most commonly used gene detection is genetic disease detection for newborns, genetic disease diagnosis and auxiliary diagnosis of some common diseases. Currently, more than 1,000 genetic diseases can be diagnosed by gene detection techniques.
Since biological tissue cells are commonly used as a sample in the gene detection, steps of lysing, washing, and amplifying the cells are required in the gene detection, followed by detecting genes by an optical detection. Different treatments are involved in the various steps, and the sample usually needs to be processed by multiple devices respectively for the different steps, so the detection is complicated. Moreover, when performing the different steps, sometimes it is necessary to transfer the sample to a different carrier, which is likely to pollute the sample and affect the detection accuracy.

Gene detection method, gene detection kit and gene detection device

HANGZHOU LIFEREAL BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


An RF tag having an antenna for receiving a RF signal having a frequency band between first and second frequencies and an acoustical resonator having a resonant frequency related to the first and second frequencies. The acoustical resonator has first and second electrodes that sandwich a layer of piezoelectric material. The antenna is connected to one of these electrodes. The resonator filters the signal received on the antenna. The filter can function either as a notch filter or as a bandpass filter. A resonator that acts as a bandpass filter includes a third electrode and a second layer piezoelectric material sandwiched between the second electrode and the third electrode. A frequency multiplier circuit may be incorporated in the RF tag to provide a response signal that occupies a frequency band at a frequency above the second frequency. In one embodiment of the present invention, multiple resonators having different resonant frequencies are utilized to generate a response code. In one embodiment of the present invention, the resonators are suspended on a support member over a substrate at locations on the support member which differ in thickness.

Various systems use transponders to identify objects from a distance by associating a transponder with the object. The transponders are programmed with unique identification codes that identify the object. Typically, an interrogator transmits an interrogation signal. When a transponder receives the interrogation signal, it responds by broadcasting its unique identification code. The interrogator identifies the transponder and the object with which it is associated by detecting this identification code.
The high cost, excessive bulk and poor reliability of conventional transponders prevent their use in numerous applications. A highly reliable, small transponder which may be provided at such a low cost that it may be regarded as a simple "tag" is needed to permit these and many other applications to identify objects from a distance. These applications may include, for example, tags for identifying luggage, employees, vehicles, and goods in inventory.
While transponders that include a power source have improved range, these transponders are more expensive and less reliable than passive transponders. Passive transponders obtain the energy required for their operation from the interrogation signal itself For example, the response signal may be broadcast by modulating the reflectivity of the transponder to the interrogation signal rather than by actively sourcing and radiating an RF signal.
Such conventional transponders use an antenna printed on one portion of the circuit board and mount various discrete, individually packaged electrical components, such as semiconductor chips, diodes, resistors, capacitors, inductors and the like on remaining portions of the circuit board. The antenna size is limited by the available circuit board area which must be shared with the electrical components. An efficient antenna must have dimensions that are determined by the frequency of the interrogation signal. To provide a compact transponder, the transponder must operate at very high frequencies, typically in the GHz region. Individual components are poorly suited for operation at these high frequencies.
As noted above, each tag must respond with a response signal that identifies the tag. In some applications, a number of identical tags may be deployed; in other applications, each tag must have a unique response signal. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to be able to provide a single tag design that can be easily programmed with its identification code.
Finally, as noted above, the cost of manufacturing tags has limited the use of radio tags. It would be advantageous to be able to manufacture radio tags as single chips using conventional semiconductor manufacturing techniques.
Broadly, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved radio tag.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a radio tag that operates at high frequencies.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a radio tag that does not require discrete components.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive method for making a radio tag.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

RF-tags utilizing thin film bulk wave acoustic resonators


A large data file is distributed to a number of nodes in a data communication network by a process of distributed downloading. Destination nodes are informed of the location in the network of the large data file and are directed to receive the large data file by requesting that blocks of data containing the file be transmitted to them from the designated source node. The destination nodes control the file transfer. The large data file may contain program code for updating network software.

The invention relates generally to the field of data communication between digital devices in a network and more specifically to a method for routing a very large data file to a number of digital devices in a packet communication network.
Packet communication is a form of data communication whereby segments or packets of data are routed with error checking and confirmation of receipt. Packets may be transmitted directly between a source node and a destination node or may be relayed via a number of relay nodes. Several methods of data packet routing are known.
Some methods of packet communication are directory-based routing and non-directory-based routing. According to directory-based routing method, the address in the header of a packet is used as an index to a directory of packet routing lists stored in a source node. The source node must maintain and continuously update a routing list for each node in the network. In non-directory-based routing, the complexities associated with directory-based routing techniques are avoided. There is no need to store connectivity information for each transmitting node in the network, thus reducing the amount of overhead processing that must be done by the network to preserve network connections. However, non-directory-based routing techniques generally do not permit network parameter optimization. A number of patents have issued to the assignees of the present invention concerning various aspects of data network operation including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,079,768; 5,115,433; and 5,007,052.
A common task that must be periodically performed in any network is the updating of network software in each of the physically separate machines that make up the network. The network software resides individually in each physically separate network node and controls how that machine interacts with the network. In general, changing the network software involves installing the new software on all of the machines in the network. This may be done manually by a human operator at each machine but is preferably done over the network in such a way that one node on the network directs the other nodes to accept data transmissions that include the new program code and then directs the nodes to execute the new code.
Typically, the data file that contains the new executable program code is very large when compared to other files transmitted on the network and may take many minutes to several hours to transmit, even just between two nodes. Updating all the nodes on a network can therefore consume significant network resources, particularly if the program code file is routed independently from the source node to each node in the network.
Two methods known in the art for program downloading are direct transmission and code float.
In direct transmission, an error free and correctly ordered connection is created between the computer that serves as the executable code source (the source) and the computer that requires the code update (the destination). Code is then sent, properly demarcated as to destination location. The destination computer then can store the received executable code in a local store for later execution upon successful and complete receipt.
This method has several drawbacks in practice, especially when utilized in attempting code download to a multitude of nodes in a geographically distributed broadcastless communication environment. First, when a large number of nodes require simultaneous updating, keeping track of the progress of the individual downloads becomes logistically difficult. In addition, the described method requires that the medium over which the download is proceeding be error free. To create an error free connection over any of several unreliable media requires substantial computing resources to be dedicated to the maintenance of each connection. In practice, this limits the number of simultaneous connections (downloads) that can exist. Finally, the path between the code source and the destination node must remain intact throughout the download. This requirement places possibly severe demands on the stability of the network topology; in environments where the network topology is changing rapidly, it may not be possible to maintain a connection for the length of time required for the complete code transfer.
Another method for the transport of executable code is often called the "code float" method. In this method, data packets containing the executable code are "floated" over the network medium to all the nodes in the network. Each node keeps track of the blocks it has received (or those it has not received and thus requires). When it has received and validated all the blocks of code it requires, the node generally sends in a report to the source stating that "it is done downloading." When all the nodes have reported in, the source can stop and free the consumed data bandwidth for other uses.
This method also has several drawbacks in practice that place limits on its effectiveness for download to geographically distinct nodes. First, the method requires that a broadcast medium (or a close approximation) be available for "floating" the code out. In addition, much data is sent out redundantly; the source does not know which blocks are still required by the receiving nodes and thus usually just keeps sending blocks in sequence until all the nodes have reported in as complete (or conversely, have reported in that they still need blocks of code). Finally, code floating by nature is best utilized when all the nodes in a network are homogeneous. It is unsuited for the download of different code bodies, for example in the case where nodes with completely different functionality are required.
What is needed is a method for distributing large files possibly containing executable code to a large number of nodes in a network that does not have the inefficiencies associated with direct transmission or code float.

Method for distributing program code to intelligent nodes in a wireless mesh data communication network


A two-part, solvent-free laminating adhesive including a Part A that is a liquid mixture of a first polyol and a hydroxyl functional acrylic polymer having a molecular weight of no greater than 15,000 g/mole, and a Part B that is an isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymer. The adhesive is especially suited for making flexible laminates for use in food packaging. When adhered two polymeric film materials and in cured form, the adhesive provides substantially no contribution to the oxygen barrier properties of the laminate.

Isocyanate-based adhesives can be used to manufacture laminates for use in flexible packaging. These adhesives are curable two-part compositions where a polyol (Part A) and an isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymer (Part B) are mixed immediately before the laminating process, and are used to adhere superimposed layers of substrates. Flexible packaging is particularly useful as food packaging.
Certain perishable food items, particularly fresh produce e.g., fruits and vegetables, even after harvested, continue their respiratory functions for an extended period of time. Packaging with gas transmission characteristics allows the fresh produce to respire so that they can maintain their freshness longer.


An exemplary storage arrangement can be provided, which can include a first section and a second section. The first section can be moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration and can have at least one slot. The second section can be coupled to the first section and comprising at least one protrusion configured and dimensioned to mate with the slot(s) to facilitate movement of the first section. In the exemplary storage arrangement, the space formed by the first and second sections can receive a portable transportation arrangement, and at least one of the first section or the second section can be coupled to a configuration provided at or near a patient. Alternatively or in addition, the exemplary storage arrangement can include a locking mechanism which can be configured to secure at least one portion of the first section to the second section.

Accelerated or emergency preparedness in the hospital setting is necessary, particularly in the event of an unscheduled transport or an evacuation. One important aspect of such preparedness is having appropriate evacuation equipment readily available especially if the staff has to evacuate non-ambulatory patients from the hospital.
Portable transportation units, such as evacuation sheet stretchers, can be important when it comes to evacuating patients, particularly non-ambulatory patients, from the hospital. Evacuation sheet stretchers facilitate a quick and safe evacuation or transport because they can increase patient safety and prevent a patient from injuring themselves or staff during transportation.
Because of the importance of evacuation sheet stretchers, they should be kept in close proximity to the patient for easy access. Storage, however, is limited in hospitals and the evacuation sheet stretcher cannot be kept in a location that is not easily accessible during time of emergency. For example, if the evacuation sheet stretcher is maintained in a storage closet or basement, staff members would have to go to the storage closet or basement, find the evacuation sheet, and retrieve it. This could be problematic because it would create a delay in providing the emergency equipment to the patient, and retrieving the equipment can be dangerous to the staff if the storage closet is near the source of danger, i.e. a fire.
Preferably, the evacuation sheet stretcher should not be placed under hospital mattresses because it could cause a shift in pressure, which can lead to patient bed sores. Additionally, on certain types of bed, the evacuation sheet could potentially cause an interference with electronic devices which can be connected to the hospital bed. Another problem with storing the evacuation sheet stretcher under the hospital bed or mattress is that the evacuation sheets would be unprotected, and thus, could potentially become soiled, and/or lost during bed repairs. Because the sheet stretcher may not be clearly visible under the hospital mattresses, it would be difficult to determine whether the sheet stretcher is cleaned, soiled, or even present.
There are several devices available for sheet stretchers. However, one limitation of these devices is they are not necessarily provided in a fixed or set location in the hospital room or in near proximity to the patient. Another limitation of these devices is that they do not account for patient's being moved or transported to other locations during an evacuation. For example, if a patient is being transported by gurney or other similar transportation device, the sheet stretcher may not be moved along with the patient (i.e., if the sheet stretcher is stored in a closet), and thus, is not readily available in case of an emergency during transport. Further, the devices presently used with the sheet stretchers do not account for whether the sheet stretcher has been compromised due to unauthorized handling or use, which would make the sheet stretcher unfit for use during an actual emergency.
Thus, there may be a need for a storage arrangement that is readily accessible, secure, visible, and sanitary while also not interfering or impeding the work-flow of hospital operations and staff, and which can overcome at least some of the deficiencies described herein above.

Storage arrangement for medically-related transport or evacuation device(s)


The novel polyfunctional peroxides are compounds represented by the following general formula (1): EQU R.sup.1 --CX.sub.3 (1). wherein R.sup.1 represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and X represents a group: ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.2 represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms).. Such polyfunctional peroxides include 1,1,1-tris(t-butylperoxycarbonyloxymethyl)propane and the like. The polymerization initiators for vinyl monomers comprise such polyfunctional peroxides. In the process for polymerizing vinyl monomers, a vinyl monomer is polymerized employing such polyfunctional peroxide at 60 to 160.degree. C.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel polyfunctional peroxide to be utilized as a polymerization initiator for a vinyl monomer, a curing agent and a crosslinking agent for a polymer, a polymerization initiator comprising the same and a process for polymerizing a vinyl monomer employing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Polyfunctional peroxides having a plurality of peroxy bonds have conventionally been employed as polymerization initiators, when high molecular weight vinyl polymers are to be obtained by subjecting vinyl monomers to bulk polymerization or suspension polymerization.
Various kinds of compounds are so far known as such polyfunctional peroxides. For example, U.K. Patent No. 1049969 discloses 1,1,4,4-tetra(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexane. Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 40-19013 discloses 2,2-bis (4,4-di(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexyl)propane. Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 58-56561 discloses tri(t-butylperoxy)triazine. Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 1-30844 discloses tri(t-butylperoxy)trimellitate.
However, these conventional polymerization initiators have low polymerization initiation efficiency, so that they have a low probability that all of the peroxy bonds which are present in each molecule act effectively as the polymerization initiator. Accordingly, the conventional polymerization initiators substantially act as the polyfunctional initiators at low rates.
More specifically, polymerization mechanism resorting to a polyfunctional peroxide is supposed to operate usually as follows. First, radicals formed by initial cleavage of some of the peroxy bonds in the polyfunctional peroxide are added to the monomer to initiate polymerization thereof. Thus, a polymer containing peroxy groups is formed. The polymerization initiation efficiency at this initial stage is substantially the same as those of the conventional monofunctional peroxides.
Next, the peroxide moieties in the polymer are decomposed to form polymer radicals, which initiate another polymerization to form a high molecular weight polymer or a branched polymer. However, the conventional polyfunctional peroxides involve a problem that the polymer radicals serving as the polymerization initiator in the second step have low polymerization initiation efficiency. Accordingly, polyfunctional polymerization initiators having higher polymerization initiation efficiency are in demand.

Polyfunctional peroxides, vinyl monomer polymerization initiators comprising the same and process for polymerizing vinyl monomers employing the same

19, Aza-Uchikoshi, Ohaza-Yataka Agui-cho


A melting apparatus facilitates the melting of pieces of solid metal in a bath of molten metal (10). The melting apparatus comprises a device (18) having a lower portion (22), an upper portion (20), and a body portion (24) extending therebetween. Solid metal is introduced into the device (18) through the upper portion (20). A flow inducer, such as an impeller (28) induces flow of molten metal through the device (18). Flow straighteners, such as baffles (38) encourage axial flow of molten metal through the device (18). The body portion (24) is formed with a plurality of apertures (36) therein and the device (18) is arranged, in use, with the lower portion (22) and the plurality of apertures (36) positioned within the bath (10) and the upper portion (20) positioned above the upper surface (12) and the molten metal bath (10).

The ease with which molten magnesium oxidises generally results in significant losses of metal during molten metal processing. This is particularly so for the overall process of high pressure die casting where there is generally a large amount of returns (eg. rejects, biscuits and runner systems) that need to be recycled. Typically, 40-60% of the weight of a casting requires recycling. The difficulty of recycling without large melt losses typically necessitates recycling in a dedicated facility.
Melt losses, and their consequences, add considerably to the cost of die castings because:                up to 10% of purchased metal is lost to dross and sludge in some operations with the industry average for high pressure die casting being approximately 3-5%;        the effect of melt loss is exacerbated each time metal is melted during recycling;        dross and sludge cannot be readily recycled and therefore removal, transport, treatment and disposal of residues attract significant costs;        of the increased risk of inclusions in the cast part with attendant higher scrap rates;        of downtime of the melting furnace and the diecasting machine, and associated labour, to clean out accumulated sludge;        of reduced furnace capacities due to accumulation of sludge; and        due to its insulating effect, the presence of sludge reduces heat transfer from the heating medium to the molten magnesium, which results in poorer temperature control, extension of heating cycles and decreased crucible life due to increased temperatures at the crucible wall.
Dross is produced through reaction with air and moisture at the surface of the melt. The production of dross can be reduced by ensuring good seals at crucible lids, selection of an effective cover gas, good cover gas distribution to the melt surface, minimisation of melt surface area and reduction of disturbances to the melt surface.
Sludge mainly contains Fe—Mn—Al intermetallic compounds, oxides that have sunk rather than floated, and entrapped magnesium alloy. Intermetallics form because Fe dissolves from the crucible walls and reacts with Mn and Al in the melt. In this way Fe levels are kept low, but it is important to minimise this reaction otherwise sludge volumes and crucible maintenance increase and further additions of Mn may be necessary.
Intermetallics will also form if the temperature of the liquid falls below the equilibrium level set by the concentrations of Fe and Mn in solution in the liquid pool. This level will initially be set by the composition of the incoming metal, but will change with time in the crucible. Intermittent operation of a melting furnace will also lead to the formation of aluminium-rich compounds in the sludge. This in turn leads to increased dissolution of iron from the crucible.
The rate of dissolution of Fe increases with increasing temperature and the driving force for precipitation of intermetallics increases with decreasing temperature. Thus, if there are significant temperature differences in a melting furnace then large amounts of Fe will dissolve at hot spots on the crucible walls and this will result in the precipitation of intermetallics in cooler areas. Because melting involves the introduction of cold material to a melt, the situation in a melting furnace inherently involves hot and cold spots and so has the potential to generate large amounts of sludge.
An arrangement for melting which minimises the formation of dross and sludge would be of significant benefit to the magnesium industry, and particularly the magnesium die casting industry, because it would increase the efficiencies of melting operations and facilitate more efficient recycling of scrap.


A computer writes information to a series of blocks that form a stripe on a disk array. The computer first checks if the stripe contains data written in a current pass. If the stripe has stored data, but is not completely full, the computer calculates a parity for the stripe (assuming the information is appended to the data). If appending the information to the data would not complete the stripe, the computer caches the parity outside the disk array. The computer appends the information to the data and updates a parity block on the stripe each time information is appended to the stripe. In various implementations, the computer places a stamp on the pages forming the blocks in the stripe to which information is written. Alternatively, the computer zeroes the bits in the remaining blocks to form a complete stripe.

The present invention relates generally to storing information on disks, and more particularly to a method for writing information to an array of independent disks.
Magnetic disks are typically used as secondary storage for computers. Increasing storage needs have prompted improvements in disk capacity, but at a greater user cost.
A less expensive alternative to high storage capacity disks is a disk array, consisting of a set of independent disks linked together as a single data store. The greater number of disks in the array, however, increases the possibility of disk failure. Redundant information storage is therefore necessary to increase the reliability of the array.
In one scheme, a check disk is added to the array to store the parity of the information on the disks. In another scheme, each disk in the array stores some parity information. These schemes are discussed in detail in Patterson et al., "A case for redundant arrays of inexpensive disks (RAID)", Proc. ACM SIGMOD Conf., Chicago, Ill., June 1988, 109.

Append-only storage in a disk array using striping and parity caching


A portable, evaporative cooling apparatus includes a cabinet for storing cooling water, a water pump, a fan, and a spraying system. The fan is mountable on the cabinet lid and is removable from the cabinet lid for storage within the cabinet. The cabinet has wheels that allow it to be rolled along a surface and a handle for pulling the cabinet along the surface. The apparatus may be retrofit to a standard food cooler.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an evaporative cooling apparatus and, more particularly, to a portable evaporative cooling apparatus that includes a standard food cooler chest and a quick release for removably mounting the fan of the cooling apparatus to the food cooler chest.
2. Background of the Invention
Evaporative coolers are used in a variety of settings including factories, warehouses, workshops and agricultural structures, as well as automobiles, homes, offices, trailers and at the sidelines of sporting events. Evaporative cooling improves workplace productivity by keeping workers cool in the workplace which, in turn, reduces heat-related illness and employee turn-over, particularly in the summer months and/or in hotter climates. It also improves performance of sports players by keeping players cool or preventing heat exhaustion in sports that demand extended periods of physical exertion.
Evaporative coolers require minimal parts and are relatively simple to manufacture and maintain, making them an attractive alternative to conventional air conditioning and mechanical refrigeration systems. Because of their simple construction, the cost of acquiring and operating evaporative coolers is considerably lower than that of conventional air conditioning systems. Moreover, evaporative coolers are especially useful in outside environments, whether open, such as an athletic field, or enclosed, for example, a factory or the like, whereas refrigeration systems in such environments are comparatively inefficient, if not impractical. Evaporative coolers are also economical since they use minimal amounts of energy and environmentally safe since they have no CFCs or HCFCs.
The versatility and other advantages of evaporative coolers have caused manufacturers to explore ways of making them more attractive to a wider range of consumers. One way of doing this is by making evaporative coolers more portable. Heretofore, attempts at improving portability have included, for example, reducing the size of and combining the components of the evaporative cooler into a smaller and more compact system. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 2,769,620, which is illustrative of a typical portable evaporative cooler. Other attempts have included self-containing certain portions of the evaporative cooler, for example, by providing a water source that is remote from, or a separate component of, the evaporative cooler.
Yet another attempt to provide a portable evaporative cooling system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,371 entitled, "Method and Apparatus for Misting Vehicle Occupants." The '371 patent integrates an evaporative cooling system into a golf cart having the fluid reservoir and other components integrated within the golf cart body. A disadvantage of the system disclosed in the '371 patent is the use of an accumulator system and accompanying solenoid valve. The accumulator is a device which traps air to store energy for supplying water under a substantially constant pressure. The accumulator therefore is implemented to reduce the pulsing of fluid to the mist nozzles caused by the pump. The inclusion of an accumulator and accompanying solenoid further increases the cost and complexity of the system and provides a potential reliability problem since the accumulator reservoir is often an inflatable diaphragm which may puncture or leak during the rugged operation of the golf cart. Alternatively, the accumulator reservoir is a rigid tank which disadvantageously increases the size of the system, making it difficult to incorporate the system into various types or vehicles or applications.
Another attempt to provide an evaporative cooler is illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,463. The '463 patent discloses a portable evaporative cooling apparatus having a fan, a water pump, and a water cooler for storing the water. However, the '463 patent has certain disadvantages. First, because the apparatus as disclosed is designed to be mounted in the top opening of a round water cooler, it has a high center of gravity so that the device can easily be tipped over. Second, the fan is permanently mounted to the adapter that connects to the water cooler and therefore cannot be disconnected from the adapter for transport.
There is accordingly a need for an improved evaporative water cooler that addresses the deficiencies discussed above.


The present invention relates to an electrical power outlet device and a module thereof. The electrical power outlet device includes an electrical power outlet section and a main body section. The electrical power outlet section has an electrical power outlet unit with a plurality of sockets, and an electric plug is inserted into the sockets and is remained firmly in an electrical power outlet. The main body section is connected with the electrical power outlet section and has a circuit device and an output unit, wherein the circuit device is connected with the corresponding plurality of sockets of the electrical power outlet unit to receive a power signal and converts the power signal to produce a converted signal, and the output unit is connected to the circuit device to send out a converted signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical power outlet device, and more particularly to an electrical power outlet device which obtains electric power in a parallel mode.
2. Description of Related Art
With the popularity of all kinds of electronic devices, the average family has various electronic devices. Since various electronic devices each need a standard power outlet and the electronic devices are placed centralizedly, the average family always hasn't enough standard power outlets. So additional devices, such as power extension lines, outlet expansion sockets and so on, are usually connected to increase the number of the outlets. As a result, the environmental problems are generated and the additional devices are inconvenient to carry around or move positions.
Furthermore, in various portable devices, transformers are needed to convert alternating current power signals for charging the portable devices, so it also needs extra power outlets.
Conventional chargers mainly obtain alternating current power signals via combining electric power obtaining devices with household power outlets, convert the voltage via transformer circuits and stabilized voltage devices, and then send out a stable direct voltage and current via a transport interface. However, because the chargers generally have a large volume and may be twice as large as the size of a standard power outlet, it is still inconvenient for use in the average family.

Electrical power outlet device and module thereof


An apparatus for detecting a camera tampering, includes: an image capturing unit to capture at least one image; an input-edge-image generating unit to extract an edge image from an object displayed in the captured image and generate an input edge image by using the extracted edge image; a reference-edge-image generating unit to generate a reference edge image from the input edge image; a stolen-edge-image generating unit configured to generate a stolen edge image by substracting the input edge image from the reference edge image; and a tampering determining unit to compare the input edge image with the reference edge image, compare the reference edge image with the stolen edge image, and determine whether or not a camera tampering has occurred, based on a first similarity and a second similarity.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and do not necessarily constitute prior art.
When an image of a fixed area is continuously inputted, such as to a closed-circuit television (CCTV) or the like, and when an abnormality has occurred in a camera, a technique to analyze the abnormality is required. A known image determining apparatus receives an image and generates an input edge image of an object appearing on the image by obtaining a gradient of the image. Thereafter, the image determining apparatus determines a similarity value of the input edge image to a reference edge image that is an accumulated image with a fixed edge. When the similarity value is less than a predetermined value, the image determining apparatus generates a tampering mark. When this tampering mark is generated on a predetermined number of consecutive images, it is determined that a tampering has occurred. When there is no tampering, the reference edge image is updated, thus determining whether or not a camera tampering has occurred.
The tampering means a state in which a normal image input is hampered due to an abnormality of a camera. In other words, the tampering includes not only a trouble of the device itself such as a damage on a lens of the camera but also an inability to input an image in a set area due to a directional change of the camera or an obstacle placed in front of the lens.

Apparatus and method for detecting camera tampering using edge image


To create a thumbnail version of an image associated with respective content (e.g., a web page), a computer process herein receives an identification of content formatted according to a first format. Based on the identification of the content to be converted into a thumbnail, the computer invokes a first service to utilize the content formatted according to the first format (e.g., HTML) and produce a rendition of the content according to a second format (e.g., a PDF format). The computer then invokes a second service to produce a rendition of the content according to a third format based on the rendition of the content according to the second format. The format of the thumbnail has a lower resolution compared to a respective imaging resolution associated with the PDF format to reduce network resources required to transfer the thumbnail rendition of the content to other users in a collaborative whiteboard session.

Software application programs have long been used to perform tasks for computer users. For example, one type of software application programs supports collaboration in which multiple users at remote locations of a network can easily convey information to each other. In such a software application, a server disposed in the network typically maintains communication links with each of multiple clients that display respective collaboration windows (e.g., a whiteboard) to viewers. When one of the viewers modifies contents of his collaboration window, the server receives an indication of the changes and notifies all other collaboration windows of the changes so that each collaboration window in the network displays the same information to all users. Consequently, a user at a first remote location can communicate with one or more users at respective one or more other remote locations in the network and vise versa.
One type of information that can be displayed in a respective collaboration window is text. For example, a user can type in text at a respective collaboration window. As the user types the text, the collaboration server learns of the changes made to the respective user collaboration window by the user. To synchronize the collaboration windows, the server populates the other collaboration windows with the text typed in by the user so that each user views the same information.
Another type of information that can be displayed in a respective collaboration window is a picture. For example, a user can initiate inclusion of a digital picture in a respective collaboration window for viewing by all other users. In this case, to synchronize the collaboration windows, the server retrieves a copy of the newly added picture that is presented in the collaboration window and populates the other collaboration windows with the same digital picture so that each user again views the same information. The time and resources required to retrieve a copy of the picture and distribute it to the other users can be quite substantial since a single picture can be on the order of millions of pixels in resolution.

Methods and apparatus to reformat and distribute content


An intra-aortic balloon pump catheter includes an inner lumen formed by a thin walled superelastic metal alloy tube, namely of nitinol, with an inside diameter sufficient for a guidewire and a small outside diameter which allows reduction of the outer lumen and related components by at least one size French while providing gas shuttle capacity between the lumens for conventional intra-aortic balloon pump operation. The outer lumen is a tube formed of co-extruded plastics to enhance the size reduction and capacity goals, with an inner nylon portion for strength and a relatively thin polyurethane outer portion for biocompatability, flexibility and compatibility for bonding to a thin polyurethane balloon. The proximal end sleeve of the balloon is stretched and then stress-relieved by heating with an internal heater on a mounting mandrel to effect a desired small diameter sizing. A radiopaque metal marker ring of nitinol also is provided to improve imaging capabilities while being compatible with the lumen materials.

Intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) are used to provide counter pulsation within the aorta of ailing hearts over substantial periods of time, e.g. to provide ventricular assistance during cardiogenic shock, low cardiac output in post-operative care, weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, treatment for refractory unstable angina, and other circumstances of subnormal cardiac function. Such pumps of the type involved in this invention include a flexible intra-aortic balloon (IAB) which is readily inflatable under low pressure to substantial size and displacement. The balloon is mounted on a catheter device used for insertion of the balloon into a remote artery, typically a femoral artery, and through the intervening vascular system of the patient to the aortic pumping site while the balloon is deflated and furled. This requires insertion of the furled large capacity balloon through a small insertion passage, e.g., a small puncture opening or through an introducer cannula into the selected artery, and then sliding-threading of the catheter and furled balloon through tortuous lumen passageways of the patient's vascular system over a guidewire to the pumping site, e.g. from insertion into an artery in the groin area to the patient's descending aorta. At the pumping site, the balloon is unfurled and then successively and rapidly inflated and deflated in synchronism with the patient's cardiac pulsation rates over extended periods of time in a known counterpulsation technique to enhance cardiac output. Thus, use of an IABP requires forceful sliding insertion of a relatively large balloon through a small insertion opening and tortuous arterial lumens, which may be randomly narrowed by arteriosclerotic deposits of plaque, and subsequent unfurling and reliable pulsation operation at heartbeat rates over substantial periods of time, e.g. for several days.
It will be appreciated that the circumstances and requirements of insertion and use of intra-aortic balloon pumps provide numerous conflicting parameters. Significant aspects of these conflicting parameters are related to the fact that the inflated but unstretched diameter of the balloon is much larger than the diameter of the insertion site, which may be percutaneous, and larger than at least portions of the lumen of the vascular system through which it is to be threaded. This requires that the balloons be furled for insertion through passageways which are of very small inside diameter (ID) relative to the size of the balloon when opened. The related catheter equipment typically must include dual concentric lumens, including an inner lumen passageway to serve functions such as engaging over a guidewire, sensing values in the aorta, e.g. arterial pressure, and/or administration of medicaments. A surrounding annular passageway between the inner and outer lumens must be of a size adequate to shuttle an operating gas such as helium at rates to obtain the rapid repetitious expansion and collapse of the balloon necessary for the pumping function in counterpulsation to the patient's heart.
The aforenoted parameters for intra-aortic balloon catheters have resulted in these catheters being of significant complexity of construction and attendant substantial size, i.e. substantial effective diameter of the catheter structure during insertion as well as during the periods of pumping operation within the patient's vasculature. A significant potential complication during use is associated with limb ischemia due to size mismatch between the overall size (diameter) of the counter pulsation catheter and the effective lumen size of the patient's vasculature through which the catheter must pass and in which it must remain during the period of pumping assistance. Heretofore, the full featured IAB catheter systems available on the market have been of nominal 9 French (Fr) size or larger. The Fr size designation of an IABC refers to the approximate size of the outer lumen. Thus, for example, while 9 Fr literally is about 0.118" diameter, catheters designated as 9 Fr may have outer lumens which slightly exceed that dimension, e.g., up to about 0.122". Further, such catheters may include balloons which originally were furled to about 0.126" outer diameter and in which the furling has relaxed to about 0.144" outer diameter in their packaging sheaths. In any event, reduction in size of intra-aortic balloon catheters and introducer systems would improve systemic flow to limbs at risk.
However, as indicated above the insertion of an IAB catheter intrinsically involves pushing the device along a tortuous path through the patient's vasculature. This requires applying and transmitting compressive forces through the very slender "column" structure of the catheter, which requires a significant degree of stiffness in the catheter. The catheter also must flex or bend to follow the desired path through the patient's vasculature without undue lateral reactive force which could cause trauma to the vessels. Thus IAB catheters should have a high degree of stiffness over a wide range of bending angles, while providing flexibility to follow tortuous paths along which the IAB catheter is being pushed. These characteristics are measures of the "pushability" and "trackability" of the catheter, e.g., to follow a guide wire when pushed therealong over a tortuous path without overcoming the guiding stiffness of that wire and/or otherwise impinging on the vasculature walls with potentially injurious forces.
IAB catheters also must resist kinking, i.e., sharp bending collapse of either or both of the lumen tubes with attendant loss of smooth curvature and closing or drastic reduction of the respective internal passageway. Resistance to kinking is necessary to maintain pushability of the catheter assembly and to avoid binding on the guide wire. Avoiding kinking also minimizes risks of cracking of the lumens during insertion and attendant risks of later leakage during operation, as well as minimizing risks of kink-blockage of the gas shuttle capacity between the lumens or blockage of medication or sensing operations through the inner lumen during pumping operation.
It is an object of this invention to provide improved intra-aortic balloon pump catheters.
It is a more specific object of this invention to provide such catheters wherein adequate gas shuttling capacity can be obtained with conventional pump controllers through catheters of significantly reduced size.
Similarly, it is an object of this invention to provide such improved catheters wherein substantially higher gas flow rates and attendant higher shuttle speeds may be obtained in catheters of sizes used heretofore, thereby permitting tracking of heart rhythms not trackable with conventional previous catheters.
It is a further object to provide improved IAB catheters which attain some or all of the aforegoing objects and which maintain high degrees of flexibility, torquability, pushability and trackability for safe and easy insertion, with minimal risk of trauma to the patient.


Method for pairing a Wi-Fi type terminal with a Wi-Fi type access point connected to a display unit, the pairing method comprising the steps, implemented by the access point, of:                detecting the presence of a terminal;        detecting whether the terminal is located near the access point;        if the presence of the terminal near the access point is detected, displaying a message proposing to pair the terminal to the access point on the display unit;        when a pairing acceptance signal is received, displaying a pairing information message on the display unit providing assistance for pairing the terminal with the access point.

The pairing of a Wi-Fi terminal, e.g. a mobile telephone, with a Wi-Fi access point, e.g. a decoder box (or "set-top" box) or with a residential gateway, is conventionally performed as follows.
The terminal begins by searching for available networks by scanning its environment while searching for such available networks.
The terminal user then selects one of the available networks on the terminal and inputs an encryption key giving access to the selected network.
The encryption key is sometimes written on a label situated on the access point, or else it may be known to the user who previously defined the encryption key via a configuration interface of the access point.
The encryption key may also be input by scanning a barcode of the quick response (QR) type. Using a QR code generally requires making use of a specific application that has been downloaded to the terminal.
It is also possible to pair the terminal by making use of the Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) protocol. The WPS protocol defines a plurality of configurations for connecting a terminal in secure manner to an access point, which configurations include a so-called "pushbutton" configuration (PBC) that requires access to a physical button on the access point.
Thus, a prior art decoder box 1 is known, as shown in FIG. 1, and it proposes two types of association (pairing by inputting an encryption key and pairing by using a WPS protocol). The decoder box 1 has a liquid crystal screen 2 on which the decoder box 1 displays the encryption key 3.
Pairing the terminal to the access point is thus relatively complex, in particular when the user is not familiar with new technologies.

Method for providing assistance for pairing a Wi-Fi type terminal with a Wi-Fi type access point


According to the present invention, when an image data currently being received is switched over to the data from another image information device, the best picture quality is provided without stopping the image up to the next I frame even when the switching request is given at the middle of I frame. The apparatus of the invention comprises a clock processing unit 103 for generating a current time corrected according to an information of a time received from a system controller 107 via a network 101, a transmitting/receiving processing unit 102 for transmitting and receiving data and control signal to and from the network, a time designation processing unit 104 for setting the designation time received from the system controller via the network, and a designation time detection processing unit 105 for comparing the preset designation time with the current time, and when the designation time agrees with the current time, the received data is switched over, and the switching is synchronized with the next I frame.

In a method for operating a digital device of this type, it has been practiced in the past that the digital device such as a camera is operated by a command based on an instruction packet from operation/control means such as a personal computer, or the digital device is triggered by the control from external control means.
As a conventional method for transmitting a digital data such as an image data, a data transmission method has been known, which can transmit the data efficiently according to an image data compression technique such as MPEG.
However, (1) in the conventional method for operating the digital device as described above, when the operation of the digital device is controlled by an instruction packet as described above, much time is required, e.g. a time to generate the instruction packet, a time to transmit the instruction packet, a time to interpret the instruction packet, and a time to execute the instruction. In this respect, there has been a problem in that the timing to operate the device cannot be accurately controlled by the instruction packet.
Also, when it is tried to trigger the digital device by the control from external control means, complicated wiring is required such as the wiring for a separate signal line.
(2) In the conventional transmission method for transmitting digital data as described above, when the data amount to be transmitted rapidly is increased, the data cannot be sent out within the anticipated time. In such case, particularly when a network is shared with other devices based on time division multiplex system, competition of the packet may occur if the sending of the data is not stopped within the scheduled time.
(3) When an image compression technique such as MPEG is used and the image data is compressed using an information of the changes between frames, a system is adopted to use an information of I frame (compressed and coded image within a frame) and to express the changes of a series of the subsequent image data, using the image data as a starting point.
However, according to this system, when multiplex transmission is performed for the image data from a plurality of image information devices such as camera on a single transmission route, the receiving of the image data from an image information device currently in transmission should be stopped and it should be switched over to the receiving of the image data from another image information device. When the receiving of the information of the switched image data is started from the middle of I frame, the image data cannot be constructed until the next I frame is received. Thus, the image is interrupted at the switching of the image information devices.
(4) Also, when a plurality of data transmitting devices such as photographing means and a plurality of data receiving devices such as monitoring means are connected over the network, and when transmission is requested individually from the data receiving device to the data transmitting device, it is necessary at first to inquire operating condition and channel of the data transmitting device. This results in the increase of traffic and leads to the increase of the processing amount of each device.
(5) When a data receiving device switches over the data transmitting device via a trunk line of the network, it has been practiced in the past that the data receiving device connected to the local bus transmits only the necessary data by connecting packet transmission control means between the local bus and the trunk line because data transmission in the local bus is not so rapid as in the trunk line of the network. Under the condition that the necessary data varies according to the time, and when data transmitting device is switched over by means such as instruction, there may occur error in the period from the sending of the switching instruction to the actual switching, and this means that it is not possible to control accurately.
(6) In the system to transmit the compressed data by controlling compression rate in such manner that the data amount averaged by time is on a constant level, there is no surplus time between the data groups to be transmitted. In this respect, when the data group is switched over to the next group, the compressed data after a certain data amount must be cut off.

Apparatus controller, device and method for controlling data transmission of digital apparatus, and data transmission control system

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A probe card interface for interfacing a probe head with a first circuit. The probe card interface includes an impedance control element to interface a first set of pins of the probe head with the first circuit. The impedance control element is further configured to control the impedance of the first set of pins. The probe card interface includes a conductive plane to interface a second set of pins of the probe head with the first circuit. The conductive plane is further coupled to provide at least one of power or ground to the second set of pins.

Probe cards are typically used in the testing of integrated circuit (IC) devices. Due to their design, probe cards are particularly advantageous for testing entire semiconductor wafers to detect any manufacturing defects before they are diced and packaged. For example, a probe card is typically formed from a printed circuit board (PCB) having a number of electrical contact elements and/or traces disposed thereon to connect to a testing apparatus. The PCB is connected to a probe head having a number of pins that are brought into contact with a device under test (DUT) to facilitate the transmission of electrical signals to and from the DUT. Accordingly, the probe card acts as an interface between the testing apparatus and the DUT.
Because the probe head serves as the primary interface with the DUT, the pitch (i.e., spacing between the pins) of the probe head must be very small in order to properly align with corresponding contact pads of the DUT. On the other hand, the electrical traces on the PCB are generally coarser and spaced further apart to be more easily connected to the testing apparatus (e.g., automatic test equipment or "ATE"). Accordingly, many probe cards additionally include a space transformer disposed between the PCB and the probe head to interface the pins of the probe head with the electrical traces on the PCB. A typical space transformer is made of a multilayer ceramic material having a plurality of transmission paths formed therein to connect the probe head to the PCB. Such space transformers can be very expensive to produce. In contrast, a low-cost space transformer is made up of a number of wires that form the transmission paths connecting the probe head to the PCB. However, the lengths of the transmission paths can have many adverse effects on the signals communicated to and from the DUT. For example, in high frequency signaling (where a switching edge of an electrical signal is short relative to the length of the transmission path), any slight discontinuities in impedance along the length of the transmission path will create reflections, thus causing the transmitted signal to become distorted. In addition, most IC devices must be powered (e.g., by receiving a power signal) in order to function. However, because longer ground paths also have greater inductances, a long power path will radiate and be more susceptible to external noise and interference.
As die sizes continue to shrink, so too does the pitch of the contact pads of IC devices. Accordingly, there is a need for a probe card that can be used in the testing of such fine pitch IC devices. More specifically, there is a need for a low cost means of interfacing the pins of a fine pitch probe head with corresponding contacts on a PCB, without sacrificing signal quality or efficiency.
Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawing figures.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A terminal device capable of managing a storage capacity is provided. The terminal device includes a storage which stores a plurality of contents, a controller which selects candidates to be deleted according to a characteristic value from among the plurality of contents and generates a deletion candidate list, a display which displays the deletion candidate list, and an input which receives a user command to select content to be deleted from the deletion candidate list. A method of managing a storage capacity includes checking a storage capacity of a terminal device; in response to the storage capacity meeting a preset capacity condition, selecting candidates to be deleted from among a plurality of contents and generating a deletion candidate list; displaying the deletion candidate list; and deleting at least one content selected from the deletion candidate list.

1. Field
Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a terminal device and a management method thereof. More particularly, exemplary embodiments relate to a terminal device which allows a user to selectively manage a storage capacity of a memory, and a management method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
As electronic technology has developed, various types of terminal devices have developed and propagated. In addition, the memory capacities of terminal devices have increased.
Accordingly, terminal devices are capable of recording and storing a desired program or content and playing back the stored program or content at anytime. For example, a television having a personal video recording (PVR) may have already been stored and played back at home.
However, if a large memory capacity has not been managed properly, the memory capacity may become exhausted. Accordingly, when needed, data may not be recorded in the memory.
Therefore, when the user records desired content, the user has to frequently check both the remaining memory capacity before and/or during the recording. In particular, in the case of a scheduled recording, if the memory is exhausted during the recording, the recording may inevitably stop in a premature fashion.

Terminal device capable of managing storage capacity and management method thereof


A current sense amplifier comprises a reference current input terminal, a control line input terminal, a sense current input terminal, an output terminal, a first NAND gate, a transmission gate, and two cross coupled inverters each comprising a n-FET. The first NAND gate comprises an output terminal being coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier. The transmission gate comprises two transmission terminals and a gate terminal. The gate terminal is coupled to the control line terminal. Sources of the n-FETs are coupled to the sense current input terminal and the reference current input terminal, respectively. One of the transmission terminals is coupled to an input terminal of one of the inverters and the other transmission terminal is coupled to an input terminal of the other inverter. The input terminals of the first NAND gate are coupled to the control line terminal and one of the input terminals of the inverters, respectively.

Several techniques may be implemented to read data in a memory cell. For instance a current sense amplifier may be used for reading the data stored in the memory cell. In this regard, the current sense amplifier may compare a cell current to a reference current. The reference current may be a current of a reference memory cell. When the memory cell is coupled to the current sense amplifier via a bit line it causes two different currents flowing in the bit line depending on a logical value ("0" or "1") stored in the memory cell. Based on comparison of the current in the bit line against the reference current the current sense amplifier determines the logical value stored in the memory cell. The choice of current sense amplifiers for reading data stored in the memory cells is determined by the fact that the bit lines have high capacitance. Thus evaluation of currents flowing in the bit lines enables faster operation of digital circuitry in comparison with the case when evaluation of voltages is used for reading of data stored in the memory cells.

International Business Machines Corporation