Unnamed: 0 int64 0 350k | level_0 int64 0 351k | ApplicationNumber int64 9.75M 96.1M | ArtUnit int64 1.6k 3.99k | Abstract stringlengths 1 8.37k | Claims stringlengths 3 292k | abstract-claims stringlengths 68 293k | TechCenter int64 1.6k 3.9k |
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349,800 | 350,674 | 16,854,441 | 1,794 | A multi-profile chat system may receive a chat request comprising a user identifier and chat data. The system may process the chat data to determine a chat profile request, a request topic, and/or a request sentiment. The system may retrieve a user profile and/or a user chat record based on the user identifier. The system may determine a chat profile based on the chat profile request, the request topic, the request sentiment, the user profile, and/or the user chat record. The system may generate a chat response based on the chat request and the chat profile. | 1-20. (canceled) 21. A method, comprising:
updating, by a chat environment, a plurality of chat profiles based at least in part on a machine learning analysis of user chat data associated with a plurality of user identifiers; generating, by the chat environment, a first chat response based at least in part on a first chat request associated with a user identifier and a first chat profile of the plurality of chat profiles; receiving, by the chat environment, a second chat request associated with the user identifier; determining, by the chat environment, a second chat profile from the plurality of chat profiles that differs from the first chat profile in response to analyzing the second chat request; and generating, by the chat environment, a second chat response based at least in part on the second chat request and the second chat profile. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the second chat request further comprises determining that a topic of the second chat request differs from a topic of the first chat request. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the second chat request further comprises determining that a sentiment of the second chat request differs from a sentiment of the first chat request. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the second chat request further comprises determining that the second chat request provides additional detail regarding an error included in the first chat request or an inquiry included in the first chat request. 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
determining that the second chat request corresponds to a group chat function; and wherein the second chat response is generated further based at least in part on the first chat profile. 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the second chat profile is determined based at least in part on historical user chat data associated with the user identifier. 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the second chat profile is determined based at least in part on transaction account data associated with the user identifier. 28. A system, comprising:
at least one computing device; and instructions executable by the at least one computing device, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the at least one computing device to at least:
update a plurality of chat profiles based at least in part on a machine learning analysis of user chat data associated with a plurality of user identifiers;
receive a chat request associated with a user identifier;
determine a chat profile from the plurality of chat profiles that differs from the a previously selected chat profile for the user identifier in response to an analysis of the chat request; and
generate a chat response based at least in part on the chat request and the chat profile. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the analysis of the chat request determines that a topic of the chat request differs from a topic of a previous chat request associated with the user identifier. 30. The system of claim 28, wherein the analysis of the chat request determines that a sentiment of the chat request differs from a sentiment of a previous chat request associated with the user identifier. 31. The system of claim 28, wherein the analysis of the chat request determines that the chat request provides additional detail regarding an error included in a previous chat request associated with the user identifier. 32. The system of claim 28, wherein the analysis of the chat request determines that the chat request provides additional detail regarding an inquiry included in a previous chat request associated with the user identifier. 33. The system of claim 28, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the at least one computing device to at least:
determine that the chat request corresponds to a group chat function; and wherein the chat response is generated further based at least in part on the previously selected chat profile. 34. The system of claim 28, wherein the chat profile is determined based at least in part on historical user chat data associated with the user identifier. 35. The system of claim 28, wherein the chat profile is determined based at least in part on transaction account data associated with the user identifier. 36. A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying instructions executable by at least one computing device, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the at least one computing device to at least:
update a plurality of chat profiles based at least in part on a machine learning analysis of user chat data associated with a plurality of user identifiers; generate a first chat response based at least in part on a first chat request associated with a user identifier and a first chat profile of the plurality of chat profiles; receive a second chat request associated with the user identifier; determine a second chat profile from the plurality of chat profiles that differs from the first chat profile in response to analyzing the second chat request; and generate a second chat response based at least in part on the second chat request and the second chat profile. 37. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein analyzing the second chat request further comprises at least one of:
determining that a topic of the second chat request differs from a topic of the first chat request; determining that a sentiment of the second chat request differs from a sentiment of the first chat request; or determining that the second chat request provides additional detail regarding an error included in the first chat request or an inquiry included in the first chat request. 38. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the at least one computing device to at least:
determine that the second chat request corresponds to a group chat function; and wherein the second chat response is generated further based at least in part on the first chat profile. 39. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the second chat profile is determined based at least in part on historical user chat data associated with the user identifier. 40. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the second chat profile is determined based at least in part on transaction account data associated with the user identifier. | A multi-profile chat system may receive a chat request comprising a user identifier and chat data. The system may process the chat data to determine a chat profile request, a request topic, and/or a request sentiment. The system may retrieve a user profile and/or a user chat record based on the user identifier. The system may determine a chat profile based on the chat profile request, the request topic, the request sentiment, the user profile, and/or the user chat record. The system may generate a chat response based on the chat request and the chat profile.1-20. (canceled) 21. A method, comprising:
updating, by a chat environment, a plurality of chat profiles based at least in part on a machine learning analysis of user chat data associated with a plurality of user identifiers; generating, by the chat environment, a first chat response based at least in part on a first chat request associated with a user identifier and a first chat profile of the plurality of chat profiles; receiving, by the chat environment, a second chat request associated with the user identifier; determining, by the chat environment, a second chat profile from the plurality of chat profiles that differs from the first chat profile in response to analyzing the second chat request; and generating, by the chat environment, a second chat response based at least in part on the second chat request and the second chat profile. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the second chat request further comprises determining that a topic of the second chat request differs from a topic of the first chat request. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the second chat request further comprises determining that a sentiment of the second chat request differs from a sentiment of the first chat request. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing the second chat request further comprises determining that the second chat request provides additional detail regarding an error included in the first chat request or an inquiry included in the first chat request. 25. The method of claim 21, further comprising:
determining that the second chat request corresponds to a group chat function; and wherein the second chat response is generated further based at least in part on the first chat profile. 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the second chat profile is determined based at least in part on historical user chat data associated with the user identifier. 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the second chat profile is determined based at least in part on transaction account data associated with the user identifier. 28. A system, comprising:
at least one computing device; and instructions executable by the at least one computing device, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the at least one computing device to at least:
update a plurality of chat profiles based at least in part on a machine learning analysis of user chat data associated with a plurality of user identifiers;
receive a chat request associated with a user identifier;
determine a chat profile from the plurality of chat profiles that differs from the a previously selected chat profile for the user identifier in response to an analysis of the chat request; and
generate a chat response based at least in part on the chat request and the chat profile. 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the analysis of the chat request determines that a topic of the chat request differs from a topic of a previous chat request associated with the user identifier. 30. The system of claim 28, wherein the analysis of the chat request determines that a sentiment of the chat request differs from a sentiment of a previous chat request associated with the user identifier. 31. The system of claim 28, wherein the analysis of the chat request determines that the chat request provides additional detail regarding an error included in a previous chat request associated with the user identifier. 32. The system of claim 28, wherein the analysis of the chat request determines that the chat request provides additional detail regarding an inquiry included in a previous chat request associated with the user identifier. 33. The system of claim 28, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the at least one computing device to at least:
determine that the chat request corresponds to a group chat function; and wherein the chat response is generated further based at least in part on the previously selected chat profile. 34. The system of claim 28, wherein the chat profile is determined based at least in part on historical user chat data associated with the user identifier. 35. The system of claim 28, wherein the chat profile is determined based at least in part on transaction account data associated with the user identifier. 36. A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying instructions executable by at least one computing device, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the at least one computing device to at least:
update a plurality of chat profiles based at least in part on a machine learning analysis of user chat data associated with a plurality of user identifiers; generate a first chat response based at least in part on a first chat request associated with a user identifier and a first chat profile of the plurality of chat profiles; receive a second chat request associated with the user identifier; determine a second chat profile from the plurality of chat profiles that differs from the first chat profile in response to analyzing the second chat request; and generate a second chat response based at least in part on the second chat request and the second chat profile. 37. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein analyzing the second chat request further comprises at least one of:
determining that a topic of the second chat request differs from a topic of the first chat request; determining that a sentiment of the second chat request differs from a sentiment of the first chat request; or determining that the second chat request provides additional detail regarding an error included in the first chat request or an inquiry included in the first chat request. 38. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the at least one computing device to at least:
determine that the second chat request corresponds to a group chat function; and wherein the second chat response is generated further based at least in part on the first chat profile. 39. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the second chat profile is determined based at least in part on historical user chat data associated with the user identifier. 40. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the second chat profile is determined based at least in part on transaction account data associated with the user identifier. | 1,700 |
349,801 | 350,675 | 16,854,436 | 1,794 | A display device is provided and includes substrate; first and second common electrodes arranged on the substrate; pixel electrodes arranged over first and second common electrodes; insulating layer arranged between pixel, first common, and second common electrodes; first line having first and second terminals, first terminal connected to first common electrode; second line having first and second terminals, first terminal connected to second common electrode; first transistor connected to second terminal of first line; and second transistor connected to second terminal of the second line, wherein first and second common and pixel electrodes are arranged in display area, first and second transistor are arranged outside display area, second line is longer than first line, and channel width of first transistor is smaller than channel width of second transistor. | 1. A display device comprising:
a substrate; a first common electrode arranged in a first row on a first layer on the substrate; a second common electrode arranged in a second row on the first layer; a plurality of the pixel electrodes arranged over the first common electrode and the second common electrode; an insulating layer arranged between the plurality of the pixel electrodes and the first common electrode and between the plurality of the pixel electrodes and the second common electrode; a first line having a first terminal and the second terminal, the first terminal connected to the first common electrode; a second line having a first terminal and the second terminal, the first terminal connected to the second common electrode; a first transistor connected to the second terminal of the first line; and a second transistor connected to the second terminal of the second line, wherein the first common electrode, the second common electrode, and the plurality of the pixel electrodes are arranged in a display area, the first transistor and the second transistor are arranged outside the display area, the second line is longer than the first line, and a channel width of the first transistor is smaller than a channel width of the second transistor. 2. The display device of claim 1, further comprising:
a touch sensor circuit configured to supply drive signals for touch detection to the first common electrode and the second common electrode and to receive signals from the first common electrode and the second common electrode. 3. The display device of claim 2, wherein
the touch sensor circuit is formed on a flexible printed circuit connecting the substrate and a host device. 4. The display device of claim 3, further comprising:
a control signal generator configured to control conduction of the first transistor and the second transistor. 5. A display device comprising:
a first substrate; a first electrode arranged in a first row on a first layer on the first substrate; a second electrode arranged in a second row on the first layer; a first line having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal connected to the first electrode; a second line having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal connected to the second electrode; a first transistor connected to the second terminal of the first line; a second transistor connected to the second terminal of the second line; a second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a display area, the first transistor and the second transistor are arranged outside the display area, the second line is longer than the first line, and a channel width of the first transistor is smaller than a channel width of the second transistor. 6. The display device of claim 5, further comprising:
a touch sensor circuit configured to supply drive signals for touch detection to the first electrode and the second electrode and to receive signals from the first electrode and the second electrode. 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein
the touch sensor circuit is formed on a flexible printed circuit connecting the first substrate and a host device. 8. The display device of claim 7, further comprising:
a control signal generator configured to control conduction of the first transistor and the second transistor. 9. The display device of claim 5, wherein
the second substrate includes an insulating substrate having a light transmitting property. 10. The display device of claim 9, wherein
the second substrate includes color filters, an overcoat layer, an alignment film, a conductive film, and a black matrix. | A display device is provided and includes substrate; first and second common electrodes arranged on the substrate; pixel electrodes arranged over first and second common electrodes; insulating layer arranged between pixel, first common, and second common electrodes; first line having first and second terminals, first terminal connected to first common electrode; second line having first and second terminals, first terminal connected to second common electrode; first transistor connected to second terminal of first line; and second transistor connected to second terminal of the second line, wherein first and second common and pixel electrodes are arranged in display area, first and second transistor are arranged outside display area, second line is longer than first line, and channel width of first transistor is smaller than channel width of second transistor.1. A display device comprising:
a substrate; a first common electrode arranged in a first row on a first layer on the substrate; a second common electrode arranged in a second row on the first layer; a plurality of the pixel electrodes arranged over the first common electrode and the second common electrode; an insulating layer arranged between the plurality of the pixel electrodes and the first common electrode and between the plurality of the pixel electrodes and the second common electrode; a first line having a first terminal and the second terminal, the first terminal connected to the first common electrode; a second line having a first terminal and the second terminal, the first terminal connected to the second common electrode; a first transistor connected to the second terminal of the first line; and a second transistor connected to the second terminal of the second line, wherein the first common electrode, the second common electrode, and the plurality of the pixel electrodes are arranged in a display area, the first transistor and the second transistor are arranged outside the display area, the second line is longer than the first line, and a channel width of the first transistor is smaller than a channel width of the second transistor. 2. The display device of claim 1, further comprising:
a touch sensor circuit configured to supply drive signals for touch detection to the first common electrode and the second common electrode and to receive signals from the first common electrode and the second common electrode. 3. The display device of claim 2, wherein
the touch sensor circuit is formed on a flexible printed circuit connecting the substrate and a host device. 4. The display device of claim 3, further comprising:
a control signal generator configured to control conduction of the first transistor and the second transistor. 5. A display device comprising:
a first substrate; a first electrode arranged in a first row on a first layer on the first substrate; a second electrode arranged in a second row on the first layer; a first line having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal connected to the first electrode; a second line having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal connected to the second electrode; a first transistor connected to the second terminal of the first line; a second transistor connected to the second terminal of the second line; a second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a display area, the first transistor and the second transistor are arranged outside the display area, the second line is longer than the first line, and a channel width of the first transistor is smaller than a channel width of the second transistor. 6. The display device of claim 5, further comprising:
a touch sensor circuit configured to supply drive signals for touch detection to the first electrode and the second electrode and to receive signals from the first electrode and the second electrode. 7. The display device of claim 6, wherein
the touch sensor circuit is formed on a flexible printed circuit connecting the first substrate and a host device. 8. The display device of claim 7, further comprising:
a control signal generator configured to control conduction of the first transistor and the second transistor. 9. The display device of claim 5, wherein
the second substrate includes an insulating substrate having a light transmitting property. 10. The display device of claim 9, wherein
the second substrate includes color filters, an overcoat layer, an alignment film, a conductive film, and a black matrix. | 1,700 |
349,802 | 350,676 | 16,854,422 | 1,794 | An optoelectronic module may include a housing enclosing at least one optical transmitter or receiver, a release mechanism configured to engage with a cage sized and shaped to receive the housing, and a retainer including at least one occlusion member sized and shaped to be positioned inside a port of the optoelectronic module and a sleeve member configured to slide with respect to the occlusion member. | 1. An optoelectronic module comprising:
a housing enclosing at least one optical transmitter or receiver; a release mechanism configured to engage with a cage sized and shaped to receive the housing; and a retainer including at least one occlusion member sized and shaped to be positioned inside a port of the optoelectronic module and a sleeve member configured to slide with respect to the occlusion member. 2. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the occlusion member and the sleeve member are configured to engage one another to retain the occlusion member and the sleeve member with respect to one another. 3. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the occlusion member and the sleeve member cooperatively engage with arms of the port to retain the retainer inside of the port. 4. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member is configured to abut a handle of the optoelectronic module when the sleeve member is positioned in the port. 5. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member is configured to at least partially surround arms of the port to retain the arms inside of indents defined by the occlusion member when the sleeve member is positioned in the port. 6. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member defines an opening sized and shaped to receive the occlusion member. 7. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the release mechanism comprising:
a slider configured to move with respect to the housing, the slider including at least one protrusion configured to engage a cage sized and shaped to receive the housing; and a handle coupled to the slider to actuate the slider; wherein the retainer is configured to engage both the handle and the port to retain both the handle and the slider with respect to the housing. 8. The optoelectronic module of claim 7, wherein the slider includes a protrusion configured to engage a corresponding resilient tab of the cage. 9. The optoelectronic module of claim 7, wherein the retainer disables a release mechanism of the slider when engaged with the handle and the port. 10. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the occlusion member comprising a ramp and an indent sized and shaped to receive a protrusion positioned on an arm of the port. 11. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the occlusion member comprising a protrusion corresponding to a recess defined by the sleeve member. 12. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the sleeve member comprising at least one retainer member configured to engage with the occlusion member to retain the sleeve member and the occlusion member with respect to one another. 13. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the sleeve member comprising two resilient retainer members extending substantially parallel to one another, the retainer members including ramp members that permit the retainer members to move through a recess defined by the sleeve member in one direction. 14. The optoelectronic module of claim 11, the sleeve member including a resilient retainer member, and the occlusion member defining an opening sized and shaped to receive the retainer member, the retainer member including ramp members that permit the retainer member to move through the opening in one direction. 15. A method comprising:
positioning an occlusion member of a retainer into a port of an optoelectronic module to occlude the port; sliding a sleeve member with respect to the occlusion member towards the port of the optoelectronic module; and cooperatively engaging the occlusion member and the sleeve member with the port to retain the retainer inside of the port. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising engaging the sleeve member with the occlusion member to prevent the sleeve member from moving with respect to the occlusion member. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
positioning the occlusion member in between arms of the port; displacing the arms of the port away from one another by ramps of the occlusion member; and positioning protrusions of arms of the port in indents defined by the occlusion member. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising surrounding at least a portion of the protrusions of the arms by the sleeve member, thereby retaining the protrusions in the indents by preventing the arms from moving apart. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising abutting the sleeve member against a portion of a handle of the optoelectronic module to retain the handle in a fixed position with respect to a housing of the optoelectronic module. 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising disabling a release mechanism of a slider of the optoelectronic module to prevent release of the optoelectronic module from a cage. | An optoelectronic module may include a housing enclosing at least one optical transmitter or receiver, a release mechanism configured to engage with a cage sized and shaped to receive the housing, and a retainer including at least one occlusion member sized and shaped to be positioned inside a port of the optoelectronic module and a sleeve member configured to slide with respect to the occlusion member.1. An optoelectronic module comprising:
a housing enclosing at least one optical transmitter or receiver; a release mechanism configured to engage with a cage sized and shaped to receive the housing; and a retainer including at least one occlusion member sized and shaped to be positioned inside a port of the optoelectronic module and a sleeve member configured to slide with respect to the occlusion member. 2. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the occlusion member and the sleeve member are configured to engage one another to retain the occlusion member and the sleeve member with respect to one another. 3. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the occlusion member and the sleeve member cooperatively engage with arms of the port to retain the retainer inside of the port. 4. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member is configured to abut a handle of the optoelectronic module when the sleeve member is positioned in the port. 5. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member is configured to at least partially surround arms of the port to retain the arms inside of indents defined by the occlusion member when the sleeve member is positioned in the port. 6. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, wherein the sleeve member defines an opening sized and shaped to receive the occlusion member. 7. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the release mechanism comprising:
a slider configured to move with respect to the housing, the slider including at least one protrusion configured to engage a cage sized and shaped to receive the housing; and a handle coupled to the slider to actuate the slider; wherein the retainer is configured to engage both the handle and the port to retain both the handle and the slider with respect to the housing. 8. The optoelectronic module of claim 7, wherein the slider includes a protrusion configured to engage a corresponding resilient tab of the cage. 9. The optoelectronic module of claim 7, wherein the retainer disables a release mechanism of the slider when engaged with the handle and the port. 10. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the occlusion member comprising a ramp and an indent sized and shaped to receive a protrusion positioned on an arm of the port. 11. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the occlusion member comprising a protrusion corresponding to a recess defined by the sleeve member. 12. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the sleeve member comprising at least one retainer member configured to engage with the occlusion member to retain the sleeve member and the occlusion member with respect to one another. 13. The optoelectronic module of claim 1, the sleeve member comprising two resilient retainer members extending substantially parallel to one another, the retainer members including ramp members that permit the retainer members to move through a recess defined by the sleeve member in one direction. 14. The optoelectronic module of claim 11, the sleeve member including a resilient retainer member, and the occlusion member defining an opening sized and shaped to receive the retainer member, the retainer member including ramp members that permit the retainer member to move through the opening in one direction. 15. A method comprising:
positioning an occlusion member of a retainer into a port of an optoelectronic module to occlude the port; sliding a sleeve member with respect to the occlusion member towards the port of the optoelectronic module; and cooperatively engaging the occlusion member and the sleeve member with the port to retain the retainer inside of the port. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising engaging the sleeve member with the occlusion member to prevent the sleeve member from moving with respect to the occlusion member. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
positioning the occlusion member in between arms of the port; displacing the arms of the port away from one another by ramps of the occlusion member; and positioning protrusions of arms of the port in indents defined by the occlusion member. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising surrounding at least a portion of the protrusions of the arms by the sleeve member, thereby retaining the protrusions in the indents by preventing the arms from moving apart. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising abutting the sleeve member against a portion of a handle of the optoelectronic module to retain the handle in a fixed position with respect to a housing of the optoelectronic module. 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising disabling a release mechanism of a slider of the optoelectronic module to prevent release of the optoelectronic module from a cage. | 1,700 |
349,803 | 350,677 | 16,854,488 | 1,794 | An example apparatus includes a pointing structure, a magnetic-contrast bearing, and drive circuitry. The magnetic-contrast bearing is coupled to the pointing structure, and includes a magnetic array and a substrate that is arranged with the magnetic array. The drive circuitry generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic array and causes control of a pointing position of the pointing structure. | 1. An apparatus comprising:
a pointing structure; a magnetic-contrast bearing coupled to the pointing structure, the bearing including:
a magnetic array; and
a substrate arranged with the magnetic array; and
drive circuitry to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic array and causes control of a pointing position of the pointing structure. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive circuitry is to control motion of the pointing structure, the control of motion and pointing position including tilting and rotating the position of the pointing structure via the magnetic array coupled thereto. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is formed of a diamagnetic material that repels the magnetic array and causes passive levitation of the pointing structure. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the diamagnetic material is a material selected from a group consisting of: pyrolytic graphite, glass, metal, semiconductor, water, plastics, and combinations thereof. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a magnetic fluid arranged about at least a portion of the magnetic-contrast bearing, the magnetic fluid to cause passive levitation of the pointing structure. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetic-contrast bearing is a planar magnetic bearing. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a semi-spherical substrate coupled to the magnetic array and the pointing structure, wherein the magnetic array includes a plurality of magnets arranged about a convex-curved surface of the semi-spherical substrate. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate has a concave semi-spherical surface facing the magnetic array, the apparatus further including a semi-spherical substrate coupled to the magnetic array and the pointing structure, wherein the magnetic array is arranged about a curved surface of the semi-spherical substrate, and the magnetic-contrast bearing is a semi-spherical magnetic bearing. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive circuitry includes an array of traces or coils that are arranged with the magnetic array and a power source to provide current to the array of traces or coils, and which generates the magnetic field. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further including processing circuitry coupled to the drive circuitry, the processing circuitry to provide signals to the drive circuitry to control motion of the pointing structure in x, y, and z directions. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a light source to output a beam of light toward the pointing structure, the pointing structure including a reflective surface to reflect the beam of light, and the change in pointing position of the pointing structure causes the reflected beam of light to output at a particular angle and to a target location. 12. An apparatus comprising:
a magnetic-contrast bearing including:
a magnetic array; and
a substrate arranged with the magnetic array;
magnetic fluid surrounding at least a portion of the magnetic-contrast bearing; a pointing structure coupled to the magnetic-contrast bearing such that the pointing structure levitates; and drive circuitry coupled to the magnetic-contrast bearing to point the pointing structure in a particular direction via controlled movement of the magnetic-contrast bearing. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the drive circuitry is to control movement of the magnetic-contrast bearing includes generating a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic array and causes control of a pointing position of the levitated pointing structure. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the drive circuitry is coupled to the magnetic-contrast bearing to rotate the pointing structure over a 2π steradian (sr) field of regard. 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the magnetic-contrast bearing is to cause levitation of the pointing structure in response to the apparatus being in reduced or no power mode. 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pointing structure is selected from the group consisting of: a reflective surface, a light source, an antenna, a magnet, an optical phase array, fiber optics, a receiver circuit, and a combination thereof. 17. A method comprising:
levitating a pointing structure via interaction between a magnetic array and a substrate arranged with the magnetic array, wherein the magnetic array and the substrate form a magnetic-contrast bearing; generating a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic array and causes control of a pointing position of the levitated pointing structure; and pointing the pointing structure in a particular direction based on the pointing position. 18. The method of claim 17, the method further including, in response to the control of the pointing position, providing a signal in the particular direction using the pointing structure in the pointing position. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the signal includes a reflected beam of light and the method further outputting a beam of light toward the pointing structure, and, in response, reflecting the beam of light via the pointing structure. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein generating the magnetic field includes providing signals to drive circuitry coupled to the magnetic-contrast bearing to control motion of the pointing structure in at least one of an x direction, a y direction, and a z direction. | An example apparatus includes a pointing structure, a magnetic-contrast bearing, and drive circuitry. The magnetic-contrast bearing is coupled to the pointing structure, and includes a magnetic array and a substrate that is arranged with the magnetic array. The drive circuitry generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic array and causes control of a pointing position of the pointing structure.1. An apparatus comprising:
a pointing structure; a magnetic-contrast bearing coupled to the pointing structure, the bearing including:
a magnetic array; and
a substrate arranged with the magnetic array; and
drive circuitry to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic array and causes control of a pointing position of the pointing structure. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive circuitry is to control motion of the pointing structure, the control of motion and pointing position including tilting and rotating the position of the pointing structure via the magnetic array coupled thereto. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is formed of a diamagnetic material that repels the magnetic array and causes passive levitation of the pointing structure. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the diamagnetic material is a material selected from a group consisting of: pyrolytic graphite, glass, metal, semiconductor, water, plastics, and combinations thereof. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a magnetic fluid arranged about at least a portion of the magnetic-contrast bearing, the magnetic fluid to cause passive levitation of the pointing structure. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetic-contrast bearing is a planar magnetic bearing. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a semi-spherical substrate coupled to the magnetic array and the pointing structure, wherein the magnetic array includes a plurality of magnets arranged about a convex-curved surface of the semi-spherical substrate. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate has a concave semi-spherical surface facing the magnetic array, the apparatus further including a semi-spherical substrate coupled to the magnetic array and the pointing structure, wherein the magnetic array is arranged about a curved surface of the semi-spherical substrate, and the magnetic-contrast bearing is a semi-spherical magnetic bearing. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive circuitry includes an array of traces or coils that are arranged with the magnetic array and a power source to provide current to the array of traces or coils, and which generates the magnetic field. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further including processing circuitry coupled to the drive circuitry, the processing circuitry to provide signals to the drive circuitry to control motion of the pointing structure in x, y, and z directions. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a light source to output a beam of light toward the pointing structure, the pointing structure including a reflective surface to reflect the beam of light, and the change in pointing position of the pointing structure causes the reflected beam of light to output at a particular angle and to a target location. 12. An apparatus comprising:
a magnetic-contrast bearing including:
a magnetic array; and
a substrate arranged with the magnetic array;
magnetic fluid surrounding at least a portion of the magnetic-contrast bearing; a pointing structure coupled to the magnetic-contrast bearing such that the pointing structure levitates; and drive circuitry coupled to the magnetic-contrast bearing to point the pointing structure in a particular direction via controlled movement of the magnetic-contrast bearing. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the drive circuitry is to control movement of the magnetic-contrast bearing includes generating a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic array and causes control of a pointing position of the levitated pointing structure. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the drive circuitry is coupled to the magnetic-contrast bearing to rotate the pointing structure over a 2π steradian (sr) field of regard. 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the magnetic-contrast bearing is to cause levitation of the pointing structure in response to the apparatus being in reduced or no power mode. 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pointing structure is selected from the group consisting of: a reflective surface, a light source, an antenna, a magnet, an optical phase array, fiber optics, a receiver circuit, and a combination thereof. 17. A method comprising:
levitating a pointing structure via interaction between a magnetic array and a substrate arranged with the magnetic array, wherein the magnetic array and the substrate form a magnetic-contrast bearing; generating a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic array and causes control of a pointing position of the levitated pointing structure; and pointing the pointing structure in a particular direction based on the pointing position. 18. The method of claim 17, the method further including, in response to the control of the pointing position, providing a signal in the particular direction using the pointing structure in the pointing position. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the signal includes a reflected beam of light and the method further outputting a beam of light toward the pointing structure, and, in response, reflecting the beam of light via the pointing structure. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein generating the magnetic field includes providing signals to drive circuitry coupled to the magnetic-contrast bearing to control motion of the pointing structure in at least one of an x direction, a y direction, and a z direction. | 1,700 |
349,804 | 350,678 | 16,854,469 | 1,794 | The systems and methods are directed towards delivery of third party content onto a user device having a first party portal. The first party portal service facilitates the user viewing of third party content on the user device. In particular, the first party portal service retrieves third party content (e.g., video content streams) from third party content providers and provides the third party content in a format (i.e. channels) that allows users to easily view different types of content. Furthermore, the first party portal service facilitates the user in viewing the third party content alongside other existing channels available to cable television and streaming media/video on demand content. | 1. A method for dynamic assignment of streams, the method comprising:
storing a content preference associated with a user, the content preference stored in memory of a platform server; querying a plurality of third-party servers for metadata regarding a plurality of different third-party content streams hosted by one or more of the third-party servers; receiving a user request regarding the third-party content streams, the user request received from a user device associated with the user; dynamically assigning each of the third-party content streams into one of a plurality of different channels based on descriptive information indicated by the respective metadata and the content preference associated with the user; generating a display of the dynamically assigned channels, wherein a selected one of the channels has been assigned third-party content streams from different third-party servers; and streaming the assigned third-party content streams of the selected channel to the user device, wherein the platform server retrieves the assigned third-party content streams from the different third-party servers in accordance with the dynamic assignment. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the descriptive information includes at least one of a title, an author, and a genre of the third-party content streams. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing references to the dynamically assigned third-party content streams assigned to the plurality of different channels. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein dynamically assigning each of the third-party content streams is further based on a number of total views of the third-party content streams. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a new user request from the user device, the new request specifying a different one of the channels, wherein the third-party content streams assigned to the different channel are retrieved from the different third-party servers and streamed to the user device in accordance with the dynamic assignment. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a user customization that specifies assigning a specified third-party content stream to the selected channel, wherein dynamically assigning each of the third-party content streams is further based on the user customization. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing a number of views by the user of the third-party content streams, wherein dynamically assigning the third-party content streams is further based on the number of views by the user. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising updating the content preference based on the number of views by the user. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the dynamically assigned channels corresponds to a different content preference associated with the user. 10. A system for dynamic assignment of streams, the system comprising:
memory that stores a content preference associated with a user, the content preference stored in memory of a platform server; a communication interface that communicates over a communication network, wherein the communication interface:
queries a plurality of third-party servers for metadata regarding a plurality of different third-party content streams hosted by one or more of the third-party servers, and
receives a user request regarding the third-party content streams, the user request received from a user device associated with the user;
a processor that executes instructions stored in memory, wherein the processor executes the instructions to:
dynamically assign each of the third-party content streams into one of a plurality of different channels based on descriptive information indicated by the respective metadata and the content preference associated with the user, and
generate a display of the dynamically assigned channels, wherein a selected one of the channels has been assigned third-party content streams from different third-party servers, and wherein the communication interface streams the assigned third-party content streams of the selected channel to the user device by retrieving the assigned third-party content streams from the different third-party servers in accordance with the dynamic assignment. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the descriptive information includes at least one of a title, an author, and a genre of the third-party content streams. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the memory further stores references to the dynamically assigned third-party content streams assigned to the plurality of different channels. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor dynamically assigns each of the third-party content streams further based on a number of total views of the third-party content streams. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the communication interface further receives a new user request from the user device, the new request specifying a different one of the channels, and wherein the third-party content streams assigned to the different channel are retrieved from the different third-party servers and streamed to the user device in accordance with the dynamic assignment. 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the communication interface further receives a user customization that specifies assigning a specified third-party content stream to the selected channel, and wherein the processor dynamically assigns each of the third-party content streams is further based on the user customization. 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the memory further stores a number of views by the user of the third-party content streams, and wherein the processor dynamically assigns the third-party content streams further based on the number of views by the user. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the memory further updates the content preference based on the number of views by the user. 18. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the dynamically assigned channels corresponds to a different content preference associated with the user. 19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform a method for a first-party portal service, the method comprising:
storing a content preference associated with a user, the content preference stored in memory of a platform server; querying a plurality of third-party servers for metadata regarding a plurality of different third-party content streams hosted by one or more of the third-party servers; receiving a user request regarding the third-party content streams, the user request received from a user device associated with the user; dynamically assigning each of the third-party content streams into one of a plurality of different channels based on descriptive information indicated by the respective metadata and the content preference associated with the user; generating a display of the dynamically assigned channels, wherein a selected one of the channels has been assigned third-party content streams from different third-party servers; and streaming the assigned third-party content streams of the selected channel to the user device, wherein the platform server retrieves the assigned third-party content streams from the different third-party servers in accordance with the dynamic assignment. | The systems and methods are directed towards delivery of third party content onto a user device having a first party portal. The first party portal service facilitates the user viewing of third party content on the user device. In particular, the first party portal service retrieves third party content (e.g., video content streams) from third party content providers and provides the third party content in a format (i.e. channels) that allows users to easily view different types of content. Furthermore, the first party portal service facilitates the user in viewing the third party content alongside other existing channels available to cable television and streaming media/video on demand content.1. A method for dynamic assignment of streams, the method comprising:
storing a content preference associated with a user, the content preference stored in memory of a platform server; querying a plurality of third-party servers for metadata regarding a plurality of different third-party content streams hosted by one or more of the third-party servers; receiving a user request regarding the third-party content streams, the user request received from a user device associated with the user; dynamically assigning each of the third-party content streams into one of a plurality of different channels based on descriptive information indicated by the respective metadata and the content preference associated with the user; generating a display of the dynamically assigned channels, wherein a selected one of the channels has been assigned third-party content streams from different third-party servers; and streaming the assigned third-party content streams of the selected channel to the user device, wherein the platform server retrieves the assigned third-party content streams from the different third-party servers in accordance with the dynamic assignment. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the descriptive information includes at least one of a title, an author, and a genre of the third-party content streams. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing references to the dynamically assigned third-party content streams assigned to the plurality of different channels. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein dynamically assigning each of the third-party content streams is further based on a number of total views of the third-party content streams. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a new user request from the user device, the new request specifying a different one of the channels, wherein the third-party content streams assigned to the different channel are retrieved from the different third-party servers and streamed to the user device in accordance with the dynamic assignment. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a user customization that specifies assigning a specified third-party content stream to the selected channel, wherein dynamically assigning each of the third-party content streams is further based on the user customization. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing a number of views by the user of the third-party content streams, wherein dynamically assigning the third-party content streams is further based on the number of views by the user. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising updating the content preference based on the number of views by the user. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the dynamically assigned channels corresponds to a different content preference associated with the user. 10. A system for dynamic assignment of streams, the system comprising:
memory that stores a content preference associated with a user, the content preference stored in memory of a platform server; a communication interface that communicates over a communication network, wherein the communication interface:
queries a plurality of third-party servers for metadata regarding a plurality of different third-party content streams hosted by one or more of the third-party servers, and
receives a user request regarding the third-party content streams, the user request received from a user device associated with the user;
a processor that executes instructions stored in memory, wherein the processor executes the instructions to:
dynamically assign each of the third-party content streams into one of a plurality of different channels based on descriptive information indicated by the respective metadata and the content preference associated with the user, and
generate a display of the dynamically assigned channels, wherein a selected one of the channels has been assigned third-party content streams from different third-party servers, and wherein the communication interface streams the assigned third-party content streams of the selected channel to the user device by retrieving the assigned third-party content streams from the different third-party servers in accordance with the dynamic assignment. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the descriptive information includes at least one of a title, an author, and a genre of the third-party content streams. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the memory further stores references to the dynamically assigned third-party content streams assigned to the plurality of different channels. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor dynamically assigns each of the third-party content streams further based on a number of total views of the third-party content streams. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the communication interface further receives a new user request from the user device, the new request specifying a different one of the channels, and wherein the third-party content streams assigned to the different channel are retrieved from the different third-party servers and streamed to the user device in accordance with the dynamic assignment. 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the communication interface further receives a user customization that specifies assigning a specified third-party content stream to the selected channel, and wherein the processor dynamically assigns each of the third-party content streams is further based on the user customization. 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the memory further stores a number of views by the user of the third-party content streams, and wherein the processor dynamically assigns the third-party content streams further based on the number of views by the user. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the memory further updates the content preference based on the number of views by the user. 18. The system of claim 10, wherein each of the dynamically assigned channels corresponds to a different content preference associated with the user. 19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform a method for a first-party portal service, the method comprising:
storing a content preference associated with a user, the content preference stored in memory of a platform server; querying a plurality of third-party servers for metadata regarding a plurality of different third-party content streams hosted by one or more of the third-party servers; receiving a user request regarding the third-party content streams, the user request received from a user device associated with the user; dynamically assigning each of the third-party content streams into one of a plurality of different channels based on descriptive information indicated by the respective metadata and the content preference associated with the user; generating a display of the dynamically assigned channels, wherein a selected one of the channels has been assigned third-party content streams from different third-party servers; and streaming the assigned third-party content streams of the selected channel to the user device, wherein the platform server retrieves the assigned third-party content streams from the different third-party servers in accordance with the dynamic assignment. | 1,700 |
349,805 | 350,679 | 16,854,489 | 1,794 | An optical semiconductor element includes an optical receiver including a first semiconductor layer, a heater for heating the first semiconductor layer; and a monitor. A first semiconductor layer that absorbs light and generates electric carriers; a heater for heating the first semiconductor layer; and a monitor including a second semiconductor layer in which dark current is changed by heat generated by the heater. | 1. An optical semiconductor element comprising:
an optical receiver including a first semiconductor layer that absorbs light and generates electric carriers; a heater that heats the first semiconductor layer; and a monitor including a second semiconductor layer in which dark current is changed by heat generated by the heater. 2. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1,
wherein the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are SixGe1-x layers (0≤x<1) or Ge1-xSnx layers (0≤x<1). 3. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1, further comprising:
a waveguide that guides light to the optical receiver, wherein the monitor is disposed so as to be shifted from an extended line of an optical axis of the waveguide. 4. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first barrier that suppresses light propagation between the optical receiver and the heater; and a second barrier that suppresses light propagation between the heater and the monitor. 5. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 4, further comprising:
a third semiconductor layer which is provided over the optical receiver, the heater, and the monitor and through which the light propagates, wherein the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are formed over the third semiconductor layer, the first barrier includes a first slit formed in the third semiconductor layer, and the second barrier includes a second slit formed in the third semiconductor layer. 6. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 5,
wherein the first slit and the second slit penetrate the third semiconductor layer in a thickness direction. 7. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1,
wherein a temperature of the first semiconductor layer and a temperature of the second semiconductor layer are increased to be equal to each other by the heater. 8. The optical semiconductor element according t claim 7,
wherein the heater is positioned at a center position between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. 9. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1, further comprising:
an electrode common to the optical receiver and the heater. 10. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 9,
wherein the electrode is also common to the monitor. 11. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 10,
wherein the optical receiver includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type with which the electrode is in ohmic contact, the heater includes a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type with which the electrode is in ohmic contact, the monitor includes a third semiconductor region of the first conductivity type with which the electrode is in ohmic contact, a fourth semiconductor region of a second conductivity type is included between the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region, and a fifth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type is included between the second semiconductor region and the third semiconductor region. 12. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 11, further comprising:
a second electrode that applies power to the heater between the electrode and the second electrode, wherein the fourth semiconductor region and the fifth semiconductor region are electrically coupled to the second electrode. 13. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 11, further comprising:
a first switch provided between the fourth semiconductor region and ground; and a second switch provided between the fifth semiconductor region and ground. 14. An optical semiconductor device comprising:
an optical receiver including a first semiconductor layer that absorbs light and generates electric carriers; a heater that heats the first semiconductor layer; a monitor including a second semiconductor layer in which dark current is changed by heat generated by the heater; and a controller that controls the heater based on the dark current. 15. The optical semiconductor device according to claim 14,
wherein the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are SixGe1−x layers (0≤x<1) or Ge1−xSnx layers (0≤x<1). 16. The optical semiconductor device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a waveguide that guides light to the optical receiver, wherein the monitor is disposed so as to be shifted from an extended line of an optical axis of the waveguide. 17. The optical semiconductor device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a first barrier that suppresses light propagation between the optical receiver and the heater; and a second barrier that suppresses light propagation between the heater and the monitor. 18. The optical semiconductor device according to claim 14,
wherein a temperature of the first semiconductor layer and a temperature of the second semiconductor layer are increased to be equal to each other by the heater. 19. An optical semiconductor element comprising:
an optical receiver including a first semiconductor layer that absorbs light and generates electric carriers; a monitor including a second semiconductor layer; and a heater arranged between the optical receiver and the monitor that heats the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. 20. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 19, wherein the heater heats the first semiconductor layer to increase light receiving sensitivity on a long wavelength side of a detection range of the optical receiver. | An optical semiconductor element includes an optical receiver including a first semiconductor layer, a heater for heating the first semiconductor layer; and a monitor. A first semiconductor layer that absorbs light and generates electric carriers; a heater for heating the first semiconductor layer; and a monitor including a second semiconductor layer in which dark current is changed by heat generated by the heater.1. An optical semiconductor element comprising:
an optical receiver including a first semiconductor layer that absorbs light and generates electric carriers; a heater that heats the first semiconductor layer; and a monitor including a second semiconductor layer in which dark current is changed by heat generated by the heater. 2. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1,
wherein the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are SixGe1-x layers (0≤x<1) or Ge1-xSnx layers (0≤x<1). 3. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1, further comprising:
a waveguide that guides light to the optical receiver, wherein the monitor is disposed so as to be shifted from an extended line of an optical axis of the waveguide. 4. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first barrier that suppresses light propagation between the optical receiver and the heater; and a second barrier that suppresses light propagation between the heater and the monitor. 5. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 4, further comprising:
a third semiconductor layer which is provided over the optical receiver, the heater, and the monitor and through which the light propagates, wherein the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are formed over the third semiconductor layer, the first barrier includes a first slit formed in the third semiconductor layer, and the second barrier includes a second slit formed in the third semiconductor layer. 6. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 5,
wherein the first slit and the second slit penetrate the third semiconductor layer in a thickness direction. 7. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1,
wherein a temperature of the first semiconductor layer and a temperature of the second semiconductor layer are increased to be equal to each other by the heater. 8. The optical semiconductor element according t claim 7,
wherein the heater is positioned at a center position between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. 9. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 1, further comprising:
an electrode common to the optical receiver and the heater. 10. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 9,
wherein the electrode is also common to the monitor. 11. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 10,
wherein the optical receiver includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type with which the electrode is in ohmic contact, the heater includes a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type with which the electrode is in ohmic contact, the monitor includes a third semiconductor region of the first conductivity type with which the electrode is in ohmic contact, a fourth semiconductor region of a second conductivity type is included between the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region, and a fifth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type is included between the second semiconductor region and the third semiconductor region. 12. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 11, further comprising:
a second electrode that applies power to the heater between the electrode and the second electrode, wherein the fourth semiconductor region and the fifth semiconductor region are electrically coupled to the second electrode. 13. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 11, further comprising:
a first switch provided between the fourth semiconductor region and ground; and a second switch provided between the fifth semiconductor region and ground. 14. An optical semiconductor device comprising:
an optical receiver including a first semiconductor layer that absorbs light and generates electric carriers; a heater that heats the first semiconductor layer; a monitor including a second semiconductor layer in which dark current is changed by heat generated by the heater; and a controller that controls the heater based on the dark current. 15. The optical semiconductor device according to claim 14,
wherein the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are SixGe1−x layers (0≤x<1) or Ge1−xSnx layers (0≤x<1). 16. The optical semiconductor device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a waveguide that guides light to the optical receiver, wherein the monitor is disposed so as to be shifted from an extended line of an optical axis of the waveguide. 17. The optical semiconductor device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a first barrier that suppresses light propagation between the optical receiver and the heater; and a second barrier that suppresses light propagation between the heater and the monitor. 18. The optical semiconductor device according to claim 14,
wherein a temperature of the first semiconductor layer and a temperature of the second semiconductor layer are increased to be equal to each other by the heater. 19. An optical semiconductor element comprising:
an optical receiver including a first semiconductor layer that absorbs light and generates electric carriers; a monitor including a second semiconductor layer; and a heater arranged between the optical receiver and the monitor that heats the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. 20. The optical semiconductor element according to claim 19, wherein the heater heats the first semiconductor layer to increase light receiving sensitivity on a long wavelength side of a detection range of the optical receiver. | 1,700 |
349,806 | 350,680 | 16,854,458 | 1,794 | An image display device includes an approach situation information acquirer that acquires approach situation information indicating approach of at least part of a customer's body to a shelf on which a plurality of items are displayed and indicating, when there is the approach, a position of the approach on the shelf at each time; an associator that associates the approach situation information with one item of the plurality of items according to the position indicated by the approach situation information; an index value calculator that calculates an index value relating to the customer's behavior on the basis of information indicating the item associated with the approach situation information; and a display unit that displays the index value calculated by the index value calculator together with an image of the item on the basis of the association made by the associator. | 1-4. (canceled) 5. An image display device comprising:
at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to:
count a number of times a customer moved a hand toward a product displayed on a shelf;
generate a shelf image based on the number of times; and
control a display to display the shelf image. 6. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the shelf image comprises a superimposed heat map on an image of the shelf. 7. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the shelf image includes a plurality of products including the product; and wherein the processor configured to execute the instructions to:
generate the shelf image by adding a color corresponding to the number of times to an area of the shelf image including the product. 8. The image display device according to claim 8,
wherein the processor configured to execute the instructions to:
count a second number of times the customer moved the hand toward a second product, of the plurality of products, displayed on the shelf; and
generate the shelf image by adding a second color corresponding to the second number of times to a second area of the shelf image including the second product. 9. The image display device according to claim 7,
wherein the shelf image includes a legend indicating an association between the number of times and the color. 10. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
determine, by a sensor, a position to which the customer moved the hand; and
count the number of times the customer moved the hand toward the product based on the position. 11. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
determine a distance between the hand and the shelf. 12. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
generate the shelf image as including a highlighting of the product,
wherein the highlighting comprises at least one of stripped and dotted lines superimposed over the product. 13: An image display method comprising:
counting a number of times a customer moved a hand toward a product displayed on a shelf; generating a shelf image based on the number of times; and controlling a display to display the shelf image. 14. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which when executed by a processor cause the processor to implement:
counting a number of times a customer moved a hand toward a product displayed on a shelf; generating a shelf image based on the number of times; and controlling a display to display the shelf image. | An image display device includes an approach situation information acquirer that acquires approach situation information indicating approach of at least part of a customer's body to a shelf on which a plurality of items are displayed and indicating, when there is the approach, a position of the approach on the shelf at each time; an associator that associates the approach situation information with one item of the plurality of items according to the position indicated by the approach situation information; an index value calculator that calculates an index value relating to the customer's behavior on the basis of information indicating the item associated with the approach situation information; and a display unit that displays the index value calculated by the index value calculator together with an image of the item on the basis of the association made by the associator.1-4. (canceled) 5. An image display device comprising:
at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to:
count a number of times a customer moved a hand toward a product displayed on a shelf;
generate a shelf image based on the number of times; and
control a display to display the shelf image. 6. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the shelf image comprises a superimposed heat map on an image of the shelf. 7. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the shelf image includes a plurality of products including the product; and wherein the processor configured to execute the instructions to:
generate the shelf image by adding a color corresponding to the number of times to an area of the shelf image including the product. 8. The image display device according to claim 8,
wherein the processor configured to execute the instructions to:
count a second number of times the customer moved the hand toward a second product, of the plurality of products, displayed on the shelf; and
generate the shelf image by adding a second color corresponding to the second number of times to a second area of the shelf image including the second product. 9. The image display device according to claim 7,
wherein the shelf image includes a legend indicating an association between the number of times and the color. 10. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
determine, by a sensor, a position to which the customer moved the hand; and
count the number of times the customer moved the hand toward the product based on the position. 11. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
determine a distance between the hand and the shelf. 12. The image display device according to claim 5,
wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to:
generate the shelf image as including a highlighting of the product,
wherein the highlighting comprises at least one of stripped and dotted lines superimposed over the product. 13: An image display method comprising:
counting a number of times a customer moved a hand toward a product displayed on a shelf; generating a shelf image based on the number of times; and controlling a display to display the shelf image. 14. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which when executed by a processor cause the processor to implement:
counting a number of times a customer moved a hand toward a product displayed on a shelf; generating a shelf image based on the number of times; and controlling a display to display the shelf image. | 1,700 |
349,807 | 350,681 | 16,854,462 | 1,655 | The present invention relates to a composition and method for improving the quantity of tear fluid, a composition and method for treating constipation, and a composition and method for improving skin quality. By utilizing an extract of Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora)), the quantity of tear fluid, constipation, and skin quality are improved | 1. A composition for improving the quantity of tear fluid comprising a pharmalogically effective amount of an extract of Kaempferia parviflora. 2. A composition for improving constipation comprising a pharmalogically effective amount of an extract of Kaempferia parviflora. 3. A composition for improving skin quality comprising a pharmalogically effective amount of an extract of Kaempferia parviflora. 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a food composition, a pharmaceutical composition, or a cosmetic composition. 5. A method of improving the quantity of tear fluid in a subject comprising the step of administering the composition of claim 1 to the subject. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the amount of the extract of Kaempferia parviflora in the composition administered is 100 mg per day for an adult. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the composition is administered in a food composition or a pharmaceutical composition. 8. A method of treating constipation in a subject comprising the step of administering the composition of claim 2 to the subject. 9. A method of improving skin quality in a subject comprising the step of administering the composition of claim 3 to the subject. | The present invention relates to a composition and method for improving the quantity of tear fluid, a composition and method for treating constipation, and a composition and method for improving skin quality. By utilizing an extract of Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora)), the quantity of tear fluid, constipation, and skin quality are improved1. A composition for improving the quantity of tear fluid comprising a pharmalogically effective amount of an extract of Kaempferia parviflora. 2. A composition for improving constipation comprising a pharmalogically effective amount of an extract of Kaempferia parviflora. 3. A composition for improving skin quality comprising a pharmalogically effective amount of an extract of Kaempferia parviflora. 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a food composition, a pharmaceutical composition, or a cosmetic composition. 5. A method of improving the quantity of tear fluid in a subject comprising the step of administering the composition of claim 1 to the subject. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the amount of the extract of Kaempferia parviflora in the composition administered is 100 mg per day for an adult. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the composition is administered in a food composition or a pharmaceutical composition. 8. A method of treating constipation in a subject comprising the step of administering the composition of claim 2 to the subject. 9. A method of improving skin quality in a subject comprising the step of administering the composition of claim 3 to the subject. | 1,600 |
349,808 | 350,682 | 16,854,457 | 1,655 | Systems, methods, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a system for ranking videos. Videos are identified that have been presented at client devices. For each video, session start data is identified that specifies a lead video that initiated presentation to a user during a presentation session. For each lead video, presentation times over multiple user sessions are determined, a scaled presentation time is obtained, user sessions for which the lead video initiated presentation of videos are identified, and an aggregate video presentation time attributable to the lead video is determined. For each given video, a presentation score is determined based on a scaled presentation time of the lead video relative to a sum of the aggregate video presentation times for the lead videos. The videos are ranked based on the presentation scores. A user interface is updated to present the ranked videos. | 1. (canceled) 2. A system comprising:
one or more processors; and one or more memory devices including instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
identifying, for a given video, session start data specifying that the given video was a lead video that initiated video presentation to a user during multiple user sessions;
determining a video presentation time attributable to the given video as a lead video based on a total presentation time of other videos during the multiple user sessions; and
generating a presentation score for the given video based on the video presentation time attributable to the given video as the lead video. 3. The system of claim 2, the operations further comprising:
ranking the given video among other videos based on the presentation score; and updating a user interface to present a highest ranked portion of the ranked videos at a client device according to the ranking. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein ranking the given video based on the presentation score comprises ranking the given video to reduce a number of videos previewed by the user before the given video is presented to the user based on the first presentation score and a friend of the user identifying the given video for the user. 5. The system of claim 2, the operations further comprising:
classifying the lead video as one of an in-service initiated video presentation or a remotely initiated video presentation; applying a first scaling factor to one or more presentation times for in-service initiated video presentations of the lead video; applying a second scaling factor to one or more presentation times for remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video, wherein the first scaling factor is lower than the second scaling factor. 6. The system of claim 5, the operations further comprising:
identifying remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video based on referrer information included in a request to present the lead video, wherein the referrer information specifies one of a third-party website that directed a user to an online video distribution service, a third-party native application that directed a user to the online video distribution service, or shared link that directed a user to the online video distribution service; collecting timestamps indicating playback start times of the lead video; obtaining pings generated during playbacks of the lead video; and determining various presentation times for the playbacks of the lead video based on the timestamps and the pings. 7. The system of claim 5, the operations further comprising:
identifying search queries that resulted in the lead video being identified to various users in search results; for each of the search queries, determining a portion of the various users that initiated presentation of the given video through interaction with the search results; and determining, based on the determined portions, search scaling factors to apply to the determined presentation time of the lead video for the presentations of the given video that were initiated through user interaction with the search results that identified the given lead video. 8. The system of claim 2, the operations further comprising:
generating a creator score for a creator that supplies the video based on the presentation score; and ranking the creator among other creators based, at least in part, on the creator score. 9. A method comprising:
identifying, by one or more processors and for a given video, session start data specifying that the given video was a lead video that initiated video presentation to a user during multiple user sessions; determining, by the one or more processors, a video presentation time attributable to the given video as a lead video based on a total presentation time of other videos during the multiple user sessions; and generating, by the one or more processors, a presentation score for the given video based on the video presentation time attributable to the given video as the lead video. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
ranking the given video among other videos based on the presentation score; and updating a user interface to present a highest ranked portion of the ranked videos at a client device according to the ranking. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein ranking the given video based on the presentation score comprises ranking the given video to reduce a number of videos previewed by the user before the given video is presented to the user based on the first presentation score and a friend of the user identifying the given video for the user. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
classifying the lead video as one of an in-service initiated video presentation or a remotely initiated video presentation; applying a first scaling factor to one or more presentation times for in-service initiated video presentations of the lead video; applying a second scaling factor to one or more presentation times for remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video, wherein the first scaling factor is lower than the second scaling factor. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
identifying remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video based on referrer information included in a request to present the lead video, wherein the referrer information specifies one of a third-party website that directed a user to an online video distribution service, a third-party native application that directed a user to the online video distribution service, or shared link that directed a user to the online video distribution service; collecting timestamps indicating playback start times of the lead video; obtaining pings generated during playbacks of the lead video; and determining various presentation times for the playbacks of the lead video based on the timestamps and the pings. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
identifying search queries that resulted in the lead video being identified to various users in search results; for each of the search queries, determining a portion of the various users that initiated presentation of the given video through interaction with the search results; and determining, based on the determined portions, search scaling factors to apply to the determined presentation time of the lead video for the presentations of the given video that were initiated through user interaction with the search results that identified the given lead video. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
generating a creator score for a creator that supplies the given video based on the first presentation score and the second presentation score; and ranking the creator among other creators based, at least in part, on the creator score. 16. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause performance of operations comprising:
identifying, for a given video, session start data specifying that the given video was a lead video that initiated video presentation to a user during multiple user sessions; determining a video presentation time attributable to the given video as a lead video based on a total presentation time of other videos during the multiple user sessions; and generating a presentation score for the given video based on the video presentation time attributable to the given video as the lead video. 17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 16, the operations further comprising:
ranking the given video among other videos based on the presentation score; and updating a user interface to present a highest ranked portion of the ranked videos at a client device according to the ranking. 18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein ranking the given video based on the presentation score comprises ranking the given video to reduce a number of videos previewed by the user before the given video is presented to the user based on the first presentation score and a friend of the user identifying the given video for the user. 19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 16, the operations further comprising:
classifying the lead video as one of an in-service initiated video presentation or a remotely initiated video presentation; applying a first scaling factor to one or more presentation times for in-service initiated video presentations of the lead video; applying a second scaling factor to one or more presentation times for remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video, wherein the first scaling factor is lower than the second scaling factor. 20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 19, the operations further comprising:
identifying remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video based on referrer information included in a request to present the lead video, wherein the referrer information specifies one of a third-party website that directed a user to an online video distribution service, a third-party native application that directed a user to the online video distribution service, or shared link that directed a user to the online video distribution service; collecting timestamps indicating playback start times of the lead video; obtaining pings generated during playbacks of the lead video; and determining various presentation times for the playbacks of the lead video based on the timestamps and the pings. 21. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 19, the operations further comprising:
identifying search queries that resulted in the lead video being identified to various users in search results; for each of the search queries, determining a portion of the various users that initiated presentation of the given video through interaction with the search results; and determining, based on the determined portions, search scaling factors to apply to the determined presentation time of the lead video for the presentations of the given video that were initiated through user interaction with the search results that identified the given lead video. | Systems, methods, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a system for ranking videos. Videos are identified that have been presented at client devices. For each video, session start data is identified that specifies a lead video that initiated presentation to a user during a presentation session. For each lead video, presentation times over multiple user sessions are determined, a scaled presentation time is obtained, user sessions for which the lead video initiated presentation of videos are identified, and an aggregate video presentation time attributable to the lead video is determined. For each given video, a presentation score is determined based on a scaled presentation time of the lead video relative to a sum of the aggregate video presentation times for the lead videos. The videos are ranked based on the presentation scores. A user interface is updated to present the ranked videos.1. (canceled) 2. A system comprising:
one or more processors; and one or more memory devices including instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
identifying, for a given video, session start data specifying that the given video was a lead video that initiated video presentation to a user during multiple user sessions;
determining a video presentation time attributable to the given video as a lead video based on a total presentation time of other videos during the multiple user sessions; and
generating a presentation score for the given video based on the video presentation time attributable to the given video as the lead video. 3. The system of claim 2, the operations further comprising:
ranking the given video among other videos based on the presentation score; and updating a user interface to present a highest ranked portion of the ranked videos at a client device according to the ranking. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein ranking the given video based on the presentation score comprises ranking the given video to reduce a number of videos previewed by the user before the given video is presented to the user based on the first presentation score and a friend of the user identifying the given video for the user. 5. The system of claim 2, the operations further comprising:
classifying the lead video as one of an in-service initiated video presentation or a remotely initiated video presentation; applying a first scaling factor to one or more presentation times for in-service initiated video presentations of the lead video; applying a second scaling factor to one or more presentation times for remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video, wherein the first scaling factor is lower than the second scaling factor. 6. The system of claim 5, the operations further comprising:
identifying remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video based on referrer information included in a request to present the lead video, wherein the referrer information specifies one of a third-party website that directed a user to an online video distribution service, a third-party native application that directed a user to the online video distribution service, or shared link that directed a user to the online video distribution service; collecting timestamps indicating playback start times of the lead video; obtaining pings generated during playbacks of the lead video; and determining various presentation times for the playbacks of the lead video based on the timestamps and the pings. 7. The system of claim 5, the operations further comprising:
identifying search queries that resulted in the lead video being identified to various users in search results; for each of the search queries, determining a portion of the various users that initiated presentation of the given video through interaction with the search results; and determining, based on the determined portions, search scaling factors to apply to the determined presentation time of the lead video for the presentations of the given video that were initiated through user interaction with the search results that identified the given lead video. 8. The system of claim 2, the operations further comprising:
generating a creator score for a creator that supplies the video based on the presentation score; and ranking the creator among other creators based, at least in part, on the creator score. 9. A method comprising:
identifying, by one or more processors and for a given video, session start data specifying that the given video was a lead video that initiated video presentation to a user during multiple user sessions; determining, by the one or more processors, a video presentation time attributable to the given video as a lead video based on a total presentation time of other videos during the multiple user sessions; and generating, by the one or more processors, a presentation score for the given video based on the video presentation time attributable to the given video as the lead video. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
ranking the given video among other videos based on the presentation score; and updating a user interface to present a highest ranked portion of the ranked videos at a client device according to the ranking. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein ranking the given video based on the presentation score comprises ranking the given video to reduce a number of videos previewed by the user before the given video is presented to the user based on the first presentation score and a friend of the user identifying the given video for the user. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
classifying the lead video as one of an in-service initiated video presentation or a remotely initiated video presentation; applying a first scaling factor to one or more presentation times for in-service initiated video presentations of the lead video; applying a second scaling factor to one or more presentation times for remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video, wherein the first scaling factor is lower than the second scaling factor. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
identifying remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video based on referrer information included in a request to present the lead video, wherein the referrer information specifies one of a third-party website that directed a user to an online video distribution service, a third-party native application that directed a user to the online video distribution service, or shared link that directed a user to the online video distribution service; collecting timestamps indicating playback start times of the lead video; obtaining pings generated during playbacks of the lead video; and determining various presentation times for the playbacks of the lead video based on the timestamps and the pings. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
identifying search queries that resulted in the lead video being identified to various users in search results; for each of the search queries, determining a portion of the various users that initiated presentation of the given video through interaction with the search results; and determining, based on the determined portions, search scaling factors to apply to the determined presentation time of the lead video for the presentations of the given video that were initiated through user interaction with the search results that identified the given lead video. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
generating a creator score for a creator that supplies the given video based on the first presentation score and the second presentation score; and ranking the creator among other creators based, at least in part, on the creator score. 16. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause performance of operations comprising:
identifying, for a given video, session start data specifying that the given video was a lead video that initiated video presentation to a user during multiple user sessions; determining a video presentation time attributable to the given video as a lead video based on a total presentation time of other videos during the multiple user sessions; and generating a presentation score for the given video based on the video presentation time attributable to the given video as the lead video. 17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 16, the operations further comprising:
ranking the given video among other videos based on the presentation score; and updating a user interface to present a highest ranked portion of the ranked videos at a client device according to the ranking. 18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein ranking the given video based on the presentation score comprises ranking the given video to reduce a number of videos previewed by the user before the given video is presented to the user based on the first presentation score and a friend of the user identifying the given video for the user. 19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 16, the operations further comprising:
classifying the lead video as one of an in-service initiated video presentation or a remotely initiated video presentation; applying a first scaling factor to one or more presentation times for in-service initiated video presentations of the lead video; applying a second scaling factor to one or more presentation times for remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video, wherein the first scaling factor is lower than the second scaling factor. 20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 19, the operations further comprising:
identifying remotely initiated video presentations of the lead video based on referrer information included in a request to present the lead video, wherein the referrer information specifies one of a third-party website that directed a user to an online video distribution service, a third-party native application that directed a user to the online video distribution service, or shared link that directed a user to the online video distribution service; collecting timestamps indicating playback start times of the lead video; obtaining pings generated during playbacks of the lead video; and determining various presentation times for the playbacks of the lead video based on the timestamps and the pings. 21. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 19, the operations further comprising:
identifying search queries that resulted in the lead video being identified to various users in search results; for each of the search queries, determining a portion of the various users that initiated presentation of the given video through interaction with the search results; and determining, based on the determined portions, search scaling factors to apply to the determined presentation time of the lead video for the presentations of the given video that were initiated through user interaction with the search results that identified the given lead video. | 1,600 |
349,809 | 350,683 | 16,854,478 | 1,655 | A slurry composition comprising: a base oil; a nonionic surfactant; a hydrophilic polymer; and a mixed branched alkyl organoclay composition comprising: a phyllosilicate clay; and a mixture of quaternary ammonium ions, each ion having a formula of [N—R1R2R3R4]+ wherein, within such mixture of quaternary ammonium ions, one or more of R1, R2 and R3 is each a mixture of branched alkyl groups, each branched alkyl group having 12 to 22 total carbon atoms, a linear backbone and one or more C1 to C3 branching alkyl groups each attached to the linear backbone at a branching carbon position, and within each quaternary ammonium ion and within the mixture of branched alkyl groups, the C1 to C3 branching alkyl groups are linked to the linear backbones at different branching carbon positions as a distribution; and wherein when one or more of R2 and R3 is not a branched alkyl group, R2 and R3 are a first linear alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein R4 is selected from the group consisting of a second linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group, and combinations thereof. | 1. A slurry composition comprising:
a base oil; a nonionic surfactant; a hydrophilic polymer; and a mixed branched organoclay composition comprising: a phyllosilicate clay; and a mixture of quaternary ammonium ions, each ion having a formula of [N—R1R2R3R4]+ wherein, within such mixture of quaternary ammonium ions, one or more of R1, R2 and R3 is each a mixture of branched alkyl groups, each branched alkyl group having 12 to 22 total carbon atoms, a linear backbone and one or more C1 to C3 branching alkyl groups each attached to the linear backbone at a branching carbon position, and within each quaternary ammonium ion and within the mixture of branched alkyl groups, the C1 to C3 branching alkyl groups are linked to the linear backbones at different branching carbon positions as a distribution; and wherein when one or more of R2 and R3 is not a branched alkyl group, one or more of R2 and R3 are a first linear alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein R4 is selected from the group consisting of a second linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group, and combinations thereof. 2. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide, guar, hydroxypropyl guar, hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl guar, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, glactomannan gums, derivatized guars, cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, xanthan gum, starch, derivatized starches, saccharides, xanthan, derivatized xanthan and mixtures thereof. 3. The slurry composition according to claim 2, wherein the polyacrylamide is a water-soluble polymer having a charge selected from the group consisting of nonionic, positive, negative, or zwitterionic. 4. The slurry composition according to claim 3, where in the polyacrylamide has a negative charge. 5. The slurry composition according to claim 2, where in the guar is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl guar, hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl guar, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, glactomannan gums and mixtures thereof. 6. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a C6-C12 ethylene oxide polymer, a C6-C12 propylene oxide polymer, a C6-C12 ethylene-propylene oxide copolymer, and mixtures thereof. 7. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein the base oil is selected from the group consisting of diesel oil, mineral oil, synthetic oil, vegetable oil, fish oil, paraffinics, ester-based oils or combinations thereof. 8. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein R, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+, is a mixture of branched alkyl groups having a number of carbon atoms selected from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; or 14 to 18 carbon atoms. 9. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein R1 and R2, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, are each a mixture of branched alkyl groups having a number of carbon atoms selected from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; or 14 to 18 carbon atoms. 10. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein R1, R2 and R3, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, are each a mixture of branched alkyl groups having a number of carbon atoms selected from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; or 14 to 18 carbon atoms. 11. The slurry composition according to claim 8, wherein one or more of R2 and R3, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, are each a first linear alkyl group having a number of carbon atoms selected from: 1 to 22 total carbon atoms; 12 to 22 total carbon atoms; or 1 to 6 total carbon atoms. 12. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein R4, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, is independently selected from the group consisting of a benzyl group, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group or a hexyl group. 13. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein one of R2, R3 and R4, of formula of [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, is methyl. 14. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein for formula of [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, R2 and R3 are methyl and R4 is benzyl. 15. The composition according to claim 1, wherein each branched alkyl group has a distribution of branching points distributed along the linear backbone of the branched alkyl group ranging from a 2 carbon atom position on the linear backbone, counting from a 1 carbon atom position which is bonded to N+, to a ω-2 carbon atom position, where w is a terminal carbon atom position on the linear backbone. 16. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the phyllosilicate clay comprises a smectite clay selected from the group consisting of: montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite, saponite, stevensite and beidellite. 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein said smectite clay is selected from bentonite and hectorite, and mixtures thereof. | A slurry composition comprising: a base oil; a nonionic surfactant; a hydrophilic polymer; and a mixed branched alkyl organoclay composition comprising: a phyllosilicate clay; and a mixture of quaternary ammonium ions, each ion having a formula of [N—R1R2R3R4]+ wherein, within such mixture of quaternary ammonium ions, one or more of R1, R2 and R3 is each a mixture of branched alkyl groups, each branched alkyl group having 12 to 22 total carbon atoms, a linear backbone and one or more C1 to C3 branching alkyl groups each attached to the linear backbone at a branching carbon position, and within each quaternary ammonium ion and within the mixture of branched alkyl groups, the C1 to C3 branching alkyl groups are linked to the linear backbones at different branching carbon positions as a distribution; and wherein when one or more of R2 and R3 is not a branched alkyl group, R2 and R3 are a first linear alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein R4 is selected from the group consisting of a second linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group, and combinations thereof.1. A slurry composition comprising:
a base oil; a nonionic surfactant; a hydrophilic polymer; and a mixed branched organoclay composition comprising: a phyllosilicate clay; and a mixture of quaternary ammonium ions, each ion having a formula of [N—R1R2R3R4]+ wherein, within such mixture of quaternary ammonium ions, one or more of R1, R2 and R3 is each a mixture of branched alkyl groups, each branched alkyl group having 12 to 22 total carbon atoms, a linear backbone and one or more C1 to C3 branching alkyl groups each attached to the linear backbone at a branching carbon position, and within each quaternary ammonium ion and within the mixture of branched alkyl groups, the C1 to C3 branching alkyl groups are linked to the linear backbones at different branching carbon positions as a distribution; and wherein when one or more of R2 and R3 is not a branched alkyl group, one or more of R2 and R3 are a first linear alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein R4 is selected from the group consisting of a second linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group, and combinations thereof. 2. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamide, guar, hydroxypropyl guar, hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl guar, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, glactomannan gums, derivatized guars, cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, xanthan gum, starch, derivatized starches, saccharides, xanthan, derivatized xanthan and mixtures thereof. 3. The slurry composition according to claim 2, wherein the polyacrylamide is a water-soluble polymer having a charge selected from the group consisting of nonionic, positive, negative, or zwitterionic. 4. The slurry composition according to claim 3, where in the polyacrylamide has a negative charge. 5. The slurry composition according to claim 2, where in the guar is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl guar, hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl guar, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar, glactomannan gums and mixtures thereof. 6. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a C6-C12 ethylene oxide polymer, a C6-C12 propylene oxide polymer, a C6-C12 ethylene-propylene oxide copolymer, and mixtures thereof. 7. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein the base oil is selected from the group consisting of diesel oil, mineral oil, synthetic oil, vegetable oil, fish oil, paraffinics, ester-based oils or combinations thereof. 8. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein R, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+, is a mixture of branched alkyl groups having a number of carbon atoms selected from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; or 14 to 18 carbon atoms. 9. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein R1 and R2, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, are each a mixture of branched alkyl groups having a number of carbon atoms selected from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; or 14 to 18 carbon atoms. 10. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein R1, R2 and R3, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, are each a mixture of branched alkyl groups having a number of carbon atoms selected from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; or 14 to 18 carbon atoms. 11. The slurry composition according to claim 8, wherein one or more of R2 and R3, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, are each a first linear alkyl group having a number of carbon atoms selected from: 1 to 22 total carbon atoms; 12 to 22 total carbon atoms; or 1 to 6 total carbon atoms. 12. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein R4, of formula [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, is independently selected from the group consisting of a benzyl group, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group or a hexyl group. 13. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein one of R2, R3 and R4, of formula of [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, is methyl. 14. The slurry composition according to claim 1, wherein for formula of [N—R1R2R3R4]+ of the mixed branched alkyl organoclay, R2 and R3 are methyl and R4 is benzyl. 15. The composition according to claim 1, wherein each branched alkyl group has a distribution of branching points distributed along the linear backbone of the branched alkyl group ranging from a 2 carbon atom position on the linear backbone, counting from a 1 carbon atom position which is bonded to N+, to a ω-2 carbon atom position, where w is a terminal carbon atom position on the linear backbone. 16. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the phyllosilicate clay comprises a smectite clay selected from the group consisting of: montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite, saponite, stevensite and beidellite. 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein said smectite clay is selected from bentonite and hectorite, and mixtures thereof. | 1,600 |
349,810 | 350,684 | 16,854,468 | 1,655 | Lipogenic yeasts bioengineered to overexpress genes for lipid production, and methods of use thereof. The yeasts are modified to express, constitutively express, or overexpress an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, an alpha-amylase, an ATP citrate lyase, a diacylglycerol acyltransferase, a fatty acid synthase, a glycerol kinase, a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a malic enzyme, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a delta-9 acyl-CoA desaturase, a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, a lysophosphatidate acyltransferase, a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, a beta-glucosidase, a hexose transporter, a glycerol transporter, a glycoside hydrolase enzyme, an auxiliary activity family 9 enzyme, or combinations thereof. The yeasts in some cases are also modified to reduce or ablate activity of certain proteins. The methods include cultivating the yeast to convert low value soluble organic stillage byproducts into lipids suitable for biodiesel production and other higher value uses. | 1-20. (canceled) 21. A recombinant yeast comprising one or more recombinant genes, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are configured to express:
a diacylglycerol acyltransferase; a malic enzyme; and a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. 22. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 23. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 24. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14. 25. The recombinant yeast of claim 24, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58. 26. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34. 27. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40. 28. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; and the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40. 29. The recombinant yeast of claim 28, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 30. The recombinant yeast of claim 28, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 31. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the recombinant genes are further configured to express a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. 32. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32. 33. The recombinant yeast of claim 32, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, wherein the second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:56. 34. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a glycerol kinase. 35. The recombinant yeast of claim 34, wherein the glycerol kinase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:26. 36. The recombinant yeast of claim 34, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40; the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, wherein the second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:56; and the glycerol kinase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:26. 37. The recombinant yeast of claim 36, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 38. The recombinant yeast of claim 36, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 39. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express an acetyl-CoA carboxylase. 40. The recombinant yeast of claim 39, wherein the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2. 41. The recombinant yeast of claim 40, wherein the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a residue other than serine and threonine at a position corresponding to position 1146 of SEQ ID NO:2. 42. The recombinant yeast of claim 39, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40; the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32; and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2 and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a residue other than serine and threonine at a position corresponding to position 1146 of SEQ ID NO:2. 43. The recombinant yeast of claim 42, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 44. The recombinant yeast of claim 42, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. | Lipogenic yeasts bioengineered to overexpress genes for lipid production, and methods of use thereof. The yeasts are modified to express, constitutively express, or overexpress an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, an alpha-amylase, an ATP citrate lyase, a diacylglycerol acyltransferase, a fatty acid synthase, a glycerol kinase, a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a malic enzyme, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a delta-9 acyl-CoA desaturase, a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, a lysophosphatidate acyltransferase, a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, a beta-glucosidase, a hexose transporter, a glycerol transporter, a glycoside hydrolase enzyme, an auxiliary activity family 9 enzyme, or combinations thereof. The yeasts in some cases are also modified to reduce or ablate activity of certain proteins. The methods include cultivating the yeast to convert low value soluble organic stillage byproducts into lipids suitable for biodiesel production and other higher value uses.1-20. (canceled) 21. A recombinant yeast comprising one or more recombinant genes, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are configured to express:
a diacylglycerol acyltransferase; a malic enzyme; and a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. 22. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 23. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 24. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14. 25. The recombinant yeast of claim 24, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58. 26. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34. 27. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40. 28. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; and the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40. 29. The recombinant yeast of claim 28, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 30. The recombinant yeast of claim 28, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 31. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the recombinant genes are further configured to express a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. 32. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32. 33. The recombinant yeast of claim 32, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, wherein the second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:56. 34. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a glycerol kinase. 35. The recombinant yeast of claim 34, wherein the glycerol kinase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:26. 36. The recombinant yeast of claim 34, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40; the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, wherein the second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:56; and the glycerol kinase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:26. 37. The recombinant yeast of claim 36, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 38. The recombinant yeast of claim 36, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 39. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express an acetyl-CoA carboxylase. 40. The recombinant yeast of claim 39, wherein the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2. 41. The recombinant yeast of claim 40, wherein the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a residue other than serine and threonine at a position corresponding to position 1146 of SEQ ID NO:2. 42. The recombinant yeast of claim 39, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40; the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32; and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2 and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a residue other than serine and threonine at a position corresponding to position 1146 of SEQ ID NO:2. 43. The recombinant yeast of claim 42, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 44. The recombinant yeast of claim 42, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. | 1,600 |
349,811 | 350,685 | 16,854,473 | 1,655 | Lipogenic yeasts bioengineered to overexpress genes for lipid production, and methods of use thereof. The yeasts are modified to express, constitutively express, or overexpress an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, an alpha-amylase, an ATP citrate lyase, a diacylglycerol acyltransferase, a fatty acid synthase, a glycerol kinase, a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a malic enzyme, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a delta-9 acyl-CoA desaturase, a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, a lysophosphatidate acyltransferase, a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, a beta-glucosidase, a hexose transporter, a glycerol transporter, a glycoside hydrolase enzyme, an auxiliary activity family 9 enzyme, or combinations thereof. The yeasts in some cases are also modified to reduce or ablate activity of certain proteins. The methods include cultivating the yeast to convert low value soluble organic stillage byproducts into lipids suitable for biodiesel production and other higher value uses. | 1-20. (canceled) 21. A recombinant yeast comprising one or more recombinant genes, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are configured to express:
a diacylglycerol acyltransferase; a malic enzyme; and a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. 22. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 23. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 24. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14. 25. The recombinant yeast of claim 24, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58. 26. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34. 27. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40. 28. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; and the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40. 29. The recombinant yeast of claim 28, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 30. The recombinant yeast of claim 28, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 31. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the recombinant genes are further configured to express a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. 32. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32. 33. The recombinant yeast of claim 32, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, wherein the second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:56. 34. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a glycerol kinase. 35. The recombinant yeast of claim 34, wherein the glycerol kinase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:26. 36. The recombinant yeast of claim 34, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40; the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, wherein the second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:56; and the glycerol kinase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:26. 37. The recombinant yeast of claim 36, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 38. The recombinant yeast of claim 36, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 39. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express an acetyl-CoA carboxylase. 40. The recombinant yeast of claim 39, wherein the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2. 41. The recombinant yeast of claim 40, wherein the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a residue other than serine and threonine at a position corresponding to position 1146 of SEQ ID NO:2. 42. The recombinant yeast of claim 39, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40; the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32; and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2 and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a residue other than serine and threonine at a position corresponding to position 1146 of SEQ ID NO:2. 43. The recombinant yeast of claim 42, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 44. The recombinant yeast of claim 42, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. | Lipogenic yeasts bioengineered to overexpress genes for lipid production, and methods of use thereof. The yeasts are modified to express, constitutively express, or overexpress an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, an alpha-amylase, an ATP citrate lyase, a diacylglycerol acyltransferase, a fatty acid synthase, a glycerol kinase, a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a malic enzyme, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a delta-9 acyl-CoA desaturase, a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, a lysophosphatidate acyltransferase, a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, a beta-glucosidase, a hexose transporter, a glycerol transporter, a glycoside hydrolase enzyme, an auxiliary activity family 9 enzyme, or combinations thereof. The yeasts in some cases are also modified to reduce or ablate activity of certain proteins. The methods include cultivating the yeast to convert low value soluble organic stillage byproducts into lipids suitable for biodiesel production and other higher value uses.1-20. (canceled) 21. A recombinant yeast comprising one or more recombinant genes, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are configured to express:
a diacylglycerol acyltransferase; a malic enzyme; and a glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. 22. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 23. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 24. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14. 25. The recombinant yeast of claim 24, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58. 26. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34. 27. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40. 28. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; and the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40. 29. The recombinant yeast of claim 28, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 30. The recombinant yeast of claim 28, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 31. The recombinant yeast of claim 21, wherein the recombinant genes are further configured to express a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. 32. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32. 33. The recombinant yeast of claim 32, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, wherein the second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:56. 34. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a glycerol kinase. 35. The recombinant yeast of claim 34, wherein the glycerol kinase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:26. 36. The recombinant yeast of claim 34, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40; the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, wherein the second glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:56; and the glycerol kinase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:26. 37. The recombinant yeast of claim 36, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 38. The recombinant yeast of claim 36, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. 39. The recombinant yeast of claim 31, wherein the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express an acetyl-CoA carboxylase. 40. The recombinant yeast of claim 39, wherein the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2. 41. The recombinant yeast of claim 40, wherein the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a residue other than serine and threonine at a position corresponding to position 1146 of SEQ ID NO:2. 42. The recombinant yeast of claim 39, wherein:
the diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:14; the one or more recombinant genes are further configured to express a second diacylglycerol acyltransferase, wherein the second diacylglycerol acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:58; the malic enzyme comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34; the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:40; the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:32; and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2 and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase comprises a residue other than serine and threonine at a position corresponding to position 1146 of SEQ ID NO:2. 43. The recombinant yeast of claim 42, wherein the yeast is a recombinant lipogenic yeast. 44. The recombinant yeast of claim 42, wherein the yeast is a recombinant Lipomyces starkeyi. | 1,600 |
349,812 | 350,686 | 16,854,454 | 1,655 | A method includes receiving medical data records and computing a compliance score from an ideal treatment plan and an actual treatment, the actual treatment stored in medical data records. The method also includes determining whether the compliance score is greater than a compliance threshold and, in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the compliance threshold, storing a pass flag with a data record of the actual treatment. The method also includes, in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the compliance threshold storing a fail flag with the data record of the actual treatment and controlling a graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the fail flag. | 1. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory component having medical data records and instructions stored thereon, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to:
compute a compliance score from an ideal treatment plan and an actual treatment, the actual treatment being stored in the medical data records;
determine whether the compliance score is greater than a compliance threshold;
in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the compliance threshold, store a pass flag with a data record of the actual treatment; and
in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the compliance threshold:
store a fail flag with the data record of the actual treatment; and
control a graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the fail flag. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to, in response to storing a pass flag with the data record, control the graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the pass flag. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to compute costs for the ideal treatment plan based on a geographic area and costs for the actual treatment received for a same injury to an individual. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the medical data records include insurance claim records for an individual. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to control the graphical user display by limiting the graphical user display based on geographic area. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to trigger remedial events when the fail flag is generated or present in the data record. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to trigger decision support events when the fail flag is generated or present in the data record. 8. A method comprising:
receiving medical data records; computing a compliance score from an ideal treatment plan and an actual treatment, the actual treatment stored in medical data records; determining whether the compliance score is greater than a compliance threshold; in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the compliance threshold, storing a pass flag with a data record of the actual treatment; and in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the compliance threshold:
storing a fail flag with the data record of the actual treatment; and
controlling a graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the fail flag. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising, in response to storing a pass flag with the data record, controlling the graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the pass flag. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising computing costs for the ideal treatment plan based on a geographic area and costs for the actual treatment received for a same injury to an individual. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the medical data records include insurance claim records for an individual. 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising controlling the graphical user display by limiting the graphical user display based on geographic area. 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising triggering remedial events when the fail flag is generated or present in the data record. 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising triggering decision support events when the fail flag is generated or present in the data record. 15. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory component having medical data records and instructions stored thereon, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to:
receive an ideal treatment plan corresponding to an injury of an individual;
identify an actual treatment in the medical data records corresponding to the ideal treatment plan;
generate, a compliance score based on the ideal treatment plan and the actual treatment;
determine whether the compliance score is greater than a compliance threshold;
in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the compliance threshold:
store a pass flag with a data record of the actual treatment; and
control a graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the pass flag;
in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the compliance threshold:
store a fail flag with the data record of the actual treatment;
control the graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the fail flag; and
trigger intervention in response to the fail flag being stored in the data record of the actual treatment; and
in response to intervention being triggered:
generate, using machine learning, a calibrated compliance threshold corresponding to the compliance score;
in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the calibrated compliance threshold, continue the triggered intervention. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to compute costs for the ideal treatment plan based on a geographic area and costs for the actual treatment received for a same injury to the individual. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the medical data records include insurance claim records for the individual. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the calibrated compliance threshold, discontinue the triggered intervention. 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to trigger remedial events in response to intervention being triggered. 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to trigger decision support events in response to intervention being triggered. | A method includes receiving medical data records and computing a compliance score from an ideal treatment plan and an actual treatment, the actual treatment stored in medical data records. The method also includes determining whether the compliance score is greater than a compliance threshold and, in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the compliance threshold, storing a pass flag with a data record of the actual treatment. The method also includes, in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the compliance threshold storing a fail flag with the data record of the actual treatment and controlling a graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the fail flag.1. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory component having medical data records and instructions stored thereon, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to:
compute a compliance score from an ideal treatment plan and an actual treatment, the actual treatment being stored in the medical data records;
determine whether the compliance score is greater than a compliance threshold;
in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the compliance threshold, store a pass flag with a data record of the actual treatment; and
in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the compliance threshold:
store a fail flag with the data record of the actual treatment; and
control a graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the fail flag. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to, in response to storing a pass flag with the data record, control the graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the pass flag. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to compute costs for the ideal treatment plan based on a geographic area and costs for the actual treatment received for a same injury to an individual. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the medical data records include insurance claim records for an individual. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to control the graphical user display by limiting the graphical user display based on geographic area. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to trigger remedial events when the fail flag is generated or present in the data record. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to trigger decision support events when the fail flag is generated or present in the data record. 8. A method comprising:
receiving medical data records; computing a compliance score from an ideal treatment plan and an actual treatment, the actual treatment stored in medical data records; determining whether the compliance score is greater than a compliance threshold; in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the compliance threshold, storing a pass flag with a data record of the actual treatment; and in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the compliance threshold:
storing a fail flag with the data record of the actual treatment; and
controlling a graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the fail flag. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising, in response to storing a pass flag with the data record, controlling the graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the pass flag. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising computing costs for the ideal treatment plan based on a geographic area and costs for the actual treatment received for a same injury to an individual. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the medical data records include insurance claim records for an individual. 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising controlling the graphical user display by limiting the graphical user display based on geographic area. 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising triggering remedial events when the fail flag is generated or present in the data record. 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising triggering decision support events when the fail flag is generated or present in the data record. 15. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory component having medical data records and instructions stored thereon, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to:
receive an ideal treatment plan corresponding to an injury of an individual;
identify an actual treatment in the medical data records corresponding to the ideal treatment plan;
generate, a compliance score based on the ideal treatment plan and the actual treatment;
determine whether the compliance score is greater than a compliance threshold;
in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the compliance threshold:
store a pass flag with a data record of the actual treatment; and
control a graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the pass flag;
in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the compliance threshold:
store a fail flag with the data record of the actual treatment;
control the graphical user display to indicate the data record includes the fail flag; and
trigger intervention in response to the fail flag being stored in the data record of the actual treatment; and
in response to intervention being triggered:
generate, using machine learning, a calibrated compliance threshold corresponding to the compliance score;
in response to a determination that the compliance score is less than the calibrated compliance threshold, continue the triggered intervention. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to compute costs for the ideal treatment plan based on a geographic area and costs for the actual treatment received for a same injury to the individual. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the medical data records include insurance claim records for the individual. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to in response to a determination that the compliance score is greater than the calibrated compliance threshold, discontinue the triggered intervention. 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to trigger remedial events in response to intervention being triggered. 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to trigger decision support events in response to intervention being triggered. | 1,600 |
349,813 | 350,687 | 16,854,461 | 1,655 | A system for handling a tubular member includes a gripping assembly configured to grip the tubular member. The system also includes a horizontal actuator configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member horizontally between a rack and alignment with a wellbore while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. The system also includes a vertical actuator coupled to the gripping assembly, the horizontal actuator, or both. The vertical actuator is configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member vertically while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore. The system also includes a rotating assembly coupled to the gripping assembly and configured to rotate the tubular member while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore. | 1. A system for handling a tubular member, comprising:
a gripping assembly configured to grip the tubular member; a horizontal actuator configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member horizontally between a rack and alignment with a wellbore while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly; a vertical actuator coupled to the gripping assembly, the horizontal actuator, or both, wherein the vertical actuator is configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member vertically while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore; and a rotating assembly coupled to the gripping assembly and configured to rotate the tubular member while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the gripping assembly comprises a first arm and a second arm that are configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rotating assembly comprises:
one or more first rollers coupled to the first arm; and one or more second rollers coupled to the second arm, wherein the one or more first and second rollers are configured to grip and rotate the tubular member when the first and second arms are in the closed position to connect the tubular member to a tubular string in the wellbore or to disconnect the tubular member from the tubular string in the wellbore. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more first rollers comprise an upper first roller and a lower first roller, wherein the one or more second rollers comprise an upper second roller and a lower second roller, and wherein the upper first and second rollers are configured to contact the tubular member vertically-above where the lower first and second rollers are configured to contact the tubular member. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more first rollers comprise two first rollers, wherein the one or more second rollers comprise two second rollers, and wherein the two first rollers and the two second rollers are configured to contact the tubular member at different locations around a circumference of the tubular member. 6. The system of claim 3, further comprising:
a motor; a motor gear configured to be rotated by the motor; a rear first arm gear configured to be rotated by the motor gear; a first belt configured to be rotated by the rear first arm gear; a front first arm gear configured to be rotated by the first belt; and a first roller gear configured to be rotated by the front first arm gear, wherein the one or more first rollers are configured to be rotated by the first roller gear. 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising:
a rear second arm gear configured to be rotated by the motor gear; a second belt configured to be rotated by the rear second arm gear; a front second arm gear configured to be rotated by the second belt; and a second roller gear configured to be rotated by the front second arm gear, wherein the one or more second rollers are configured to be rotated by the second roller gear. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertical actuator comprises a neck that is coupled to and positioned at least partially between the gripping assembly and the horizontal actuator, wherein the neck is configured to extend and retract vertically, and wherein the gripping assembly and the tubular member are lowered when the neck extends and the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the horizontal actuator is coupled to and positioned at least partially between the rack and the neck. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the gripping assembly is configured to rotate with respect to the horizontal actuator from a first rotational position that faces toward the rack to a second rotational position that faces away from the rack. 11. A system for handling a tubular member, comprising:
a rack comprising:
a shaft; and
a holder coupled to the shaft, wherein the tubular member is configured to be stored at least partially within the holder;
a first horizontal actuator coupled to the rack; and a first device coupled to the first horizontal actuator, wherein the first device comprises:
a gripping assembly configured to grip the tubular member; and
a rotating assembly coupled to the gripping assembly and configured to rotate the tubular member while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly, wherein:
the gripping assembly is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position,
the first horizontal actuator is configured to move the first device such that the tubular member becomes positioned at least partially within the gripping assembly when the gripping assembly is in the open position,
the gripping assembly is configured to grip the tubular member when the gripping assembly is in the closed position,
the first horizontal actuator is configured to move the first device and the tubular member away from the rack while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly, and
the rotating assembly is configured to rotate the tubular member after the first device and the tubular member have been moved away from the rack and while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first horizontal actuator is configured to move the first device and the tubular member away from the rack and toward a tubular string that is positioned at least partially within a wellbore while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly, and wherein the rotating assembly is configured to rotate the tubular member to couple the tubular member to the tubular string. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first device further comprises a vertical actuator that is coupled to the first horizontal actuator and the gripping assembly, and wherein the vertical actuator is configured to extend to lower the gripping assembly and the tubular member, with respect to the first horizontal actuator, to cause the tubular member to contact the tubular string. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein first device further comprises:
a motor; a motor gear configured to be rotated by the motor; a rear first arm gear configured to be rotated by the motor gear; a first belt configured to be rotated by the rear first arm gear; a front first arm gear configured to be rotated by the first belt; and a first roller gear configured to be rotated by the front first arm gear, wherein the rotating assembly comprises one or more first rollers that are configured to be rotated by the first roller gear. 15. The system of claim 11, further comprising:
a second horizontal actuator coupled to the rack; and a second device coupled to the second horizontal actuator, wherein the holder comprises:
an upper holder defining a slot; and
a lower holder defining an opening,
wherein the upper holder, the lower holder, or both is rotated to circumferentially-align the tubular member with the slot prior to removing the tubular member from the upper and lower holders, and wherein the first and second horizontal actuators and the first and second devices are positioned vertically-between the upper holder and the lower holder. 16. A method for handling a tubular member, comprising:
moving a device toward the tubular member using a horizontal actuator coupled to the device; actuating a gripping assembly of the device into an open position; positioning the device such that the tubular member is at least partially within the gripping assembly; actuating the gripping assembly into a closed position such that the gripping assembly contacts and grips the tubular member; moving the tubular member from a first location to a second location using the device and the horizontal actuator while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly; and rotating the tubular member using a rotating assembly of the device when the tubular member is in the second location and the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tubular member is initially positioned within a rack, and wherein the method further comprises:
rotating at least a portion of the rack such that a slot in the rack is aligned with the tubular member in the rack; and rotating the device, with respect to the horizontal actuator, such that the gripping assembly faces the tubular member in the rack prior to positioning the device such that the tubular member is at least partially within the gripping assembly. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first location is in the rack, wherein the second location is in alignment with a wellbore, and wherein a tubular string is positioned at least partially in the wellbore. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises lowering the device and the tubular member until the tubular member contacts the tubular string prior to rotating the tubular member, and wherein lowering the device and the tubular member comprises extending a vertical actuator such that the gripping assembly and the tubular member are lowered with respect to the horizontal actuator. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating the tubular member comprises rotating a motor gear with a motor, which causes a rear first arm gear to be rotated, which causes a first belt to be rotated, which causes a front first arm gear to be rotated, which causes a first roller gear to be rotated, which causes a first roller to be rotated, wherein the first roller contacts the tubular member when the gripping assembly is in the closed position, and wherein the first roller is configured to rotate the tubular member. | A system for handling a tubular member includes a gripping assembly configured to grip the tubular member. The system also includes a horizontal actuator configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member horizontally between a rack and alignment with a wellbore while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. The system also includes a vertical actuator coupled to the gripping assembly, the horizontal actuator, or both. The vertical actuator is configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member vertically while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore. The system also includes a rotating assembly coupled to the gripping assembly and configured to rotate the tubular member while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore.1. A system for handling a tubular member, comprising:
a gripping assembly configured to grip the tubular member; a horizontal actuator configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member horizontally between a rack and alignment with a wellbore while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly; a vertical actuator coupled to the gripping assembly, the horizontal actuator, or both, wherein the vertical actuator is configured to move the gripping assembly and the tubular member vertically while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore; and a rotating assembly coupled to the gripping assembly and configured to rotate the tubular member while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly and in alignment with the wellbore. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the gripping assembly comprises a first arm and a second arm that are configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rotating assembly comprises:
one or more first rollers coupled to the first arm; and one or more second rollers coupled to the second arm, wherein the one or more first and second rollers are configured to grip and rotate the tubular member when the first and second arms are in the closed position to connect the tubular member to a tubular string in the wellbore or to disconnect the tubular member from the tubular string in the wellbore. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more first rollers comprise an upper first roller and a lower first roller, wherein the one or more second rollers comprise an upper second roller and a lower second roller, and wherein the upper first and second rollers are configured to contact the tubular member vertically-above where the lower first and second rollers are configured to contact the tubular member. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more first rollers comprise two first rollers, wherein the one or more second rollers comprise two second rollers, and wherein the two first rollers and the two second rollers are configured to contact the tubular member at different locations around a circumference of the tubular member. 6. The system of claim 3, further comprising:
a motor; a motor gear configured to be rotated by the motor; a rear first arm gear configured to be rotated by the motor gear; a first belt configured to be rotated by the rear first arm gear; a front first arm gear configured to be rotated by the first belt; and a first roller gear configured to be rotated by the front first arm gear, wherein the one or more first rollers are configured to be rotated by the first roller gear. 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising:
a rear second arm gear configured to be rotated by the motor gear; a second belt configured to be rotated by the rear second arm gear; a front second arm gear configured to be rotated by the second belt; and a second roller gear configured to be rotated by the front second arm gear, wherein the one or more second rollers are configured to be rotated by the second roller gear. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertical actuator comprises a neck that is coupled to and positioned at least partially between the gripping assembly and the horizontal actuator, wherein the neck is configured to extend and retract vertically, and wherein the gripping assembly and the tubular member are lowered when the neck extends and the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the horizontal actuator is coupled to and positioned at least partially between the rack and the neck. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the gripping assembly is configured to rotate with respect to the horizontal actuator from a first rotational position that faces toward the rack to a second rotational position that faces away from the rack. 11. A system for handling a tubular member, comprising:
a rack comprising:
a shaft; and
a holder coupled to the shaft, wherein the tubular member is configured to be stored at least partially within the holder;
a first horizontal actuator coupled to the rack; and a first device coupled to the first horizontal actuator, wherein the first device comprises:
a gripping assembly configured to grip the tubular member; and
a rotating assembly coupled to the gripping assembly and configured to rotate the tubular member while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly, wherein:
the gripping assembly is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position,
the first horizontal actuator is configured to move the first device such that the tubular member becomes positioned at least partially within the gripping assembly when the gripping assembly is in the open position,
the gripping assembly is configured to grip the tubular member when the gripping assembly is in the closed position,
the first horizontal actuator is configured to move the first device and the tubular member away from the rack while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly, and
the rotating assembly is configured to rotate the tubular member after the first device and the tubular member have been moved away from the rack and while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first horizontal actuator is configured to move the first device and the tubular member away from the rack and toward a tubular string that is positioned at least partially within a wellbore while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly, and wherein the rotating assembly is configured to rotate the tubular member to couple the tubular member to the tubular string. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first device further comprises a vertical actuator that is coupled to the first horizontal actuator and the gripping assembly, and wherein the vertical actuator is configured to extend to lower the gripping assembly and the tubular member, with respect to the first horizontal actuator, to cause the tubular member to contact the tubular string. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein first device further comprises:
a motor; a motor gear configured to be rotated by the motor; a rear first arm gear configured to be rotated by the motor gear; a first belt configured to be rotated by the rear first arm gear; a front first arm gear configured to be rotated by the first belt; and a first roller gear configured to be rotated by the front first arm gear, wherein the rotating assembly comprises one or more first rollers that are configured to be rotated by the first roller gear. 15. The system of claim 11, further comprising:
a second horizontal actuator coupled to the rack; and a second device coupled to the second horizontal actuator, wherein the holder comprises:
an upper holder defining a slot; and
a lower holder defining an opening,
wherein the upper holder, the lower holder, or both is rotated to circumferentially-align the tubular member with the slot prior to removing the tubular member from the upper and lower holders, and wherein the first and second horizontal actuators and the first and second devices are positioned vertically-between the upper holder and the lower holder. 16. A method for handling a tubular member, comprising:
moving a device toward the tubular member using a horizontal actuator coupled to the device; actuating a gripping assembly of the device into an open position; positioning the device such that the tubular member is at least partially within the gripping assembly; actuating the gripping assembly into a closed position such that the gripping assembly contacts and grips the tubular member; moving the tubular member from a first location to a second location using the device and the horizontal actuator while the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly; and rotating the tubular member using a rotating assembly of the device when the tubular member is in the second location and the tubular member is gripped by the gripping assembly. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tubular member is initially positioned within a rack, and wherein the method further comprises:
rotating at least a portion of the rack such that a slot in the rack is aligned with the tubular member in the rack; and rotating the device, with respect to the horizontal actuator, such that the gripping assembly faces the tubular member in the rack prior to positioning the device such that the tubular member is at least partially within the gripping assembly. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first location is in the rack, wherein the second location is in alignment with a wellbore, and wherein a tubular string is positioned at least partially in the wellbore. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises lowering the device and the tubular member until the tubular member contacts the tubular string prior to rotating the tubular member, and wherein lowering the device and the tubular member comprises extending a vertical actuator such that the gripping assembly and the tubular member are lowered with respect to the horizontal actuator. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating the tubular member comprises rotating a motor gear with a motor, which causes a rear first arm gear to be rotated, which causes a first belt to be rotated, which causes a front first arm gear to be rotated, which causes a first roller gear to be rotated, which causes a first roller to be rotated, wherein the first roller contacts the tubular member when the gripping assembly is in the closed position, and wherein the first roller is configured to rotate the tubular member. | 1,600 |
349,814 | 350,688 | 16,854,463 | 1,655 | The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for intra-operative imaging. | 1. A system for identifying and removing biological material, comprising:
a) an imager comprising an imaging surface; and b) a visualization system in electrical communication with the imager, wherein the imager has an overall thickness of less than 1 mm. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an optical filter. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the imager is operationally integrated with a surgical tool. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the surgical tool is a scalpel. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the imager comprises:
a) a plurality of pixels; b) nano-gratings; and c) a filter. 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the imager comprises at least one LED or at least one laser diode light source. 7. A lens-free system for identifying and removing a biological material, comprising:
a) a fluorescence imager comprising:
i) a plurality of individual pixels and nano-gratings for angle selective imaging;
ii) an optical filter; and
iii) at least one wavelength-specific light source; and
b) a visualization system in electrical communication with the imager, wherein the fluorescence imager has an overall thickness of less than 1 mm. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the imager is operationally integrated with a surgical tool. 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the imager is a surgical tool. 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the imager comprises at least one LED and/or at least one laser diode. 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter is a single material. 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter is less than about 100 microns thick. 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter is less than about 50 microns thick. 14. The system of claim 7, wherein the imager comprises at least one laser diode. 15. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter comprises an inorganic material that absorbs illumination light by at least 100× more than emission wavelength. 16. A lens-free system for identifying and removing a biological material, comprising:
a) a fluorescence imager comprising an imaging surface, the imaging surface comprising:
i) a plurality of individual pixels and nano-grids for angle selective imaging; and
ii) an optical filter; and
b) a visualization system in electrical communication with the imager; wherein the entire fluorescence imager has an overall thickness of less than 1 mm. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the optical filter is an angle-insensitive filter. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the optical filter comprises an inorganic material that absorbs illumination light by at least OD 2 below emission wavelength. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the optical filter comprises a semiconductor. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the semiconductor is selected from the group consisting of amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon, gallium arsenide, indium phosphate and cadmium selenium. | The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for intra-operative imaging.1. A system for identifying and removing biological material, comprising:
a) an imager comprising an imaging surface; and b) a visualization system in electrical communication with the imager, wherein the imager has an overall thickness of less than 1 mm. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an optical filter. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the imager is operationally integrated with a surgical tool. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the surgical tool is a scalpel. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the imager comprises:
a) a plurality of pixels; b) nano-gratings; and c) a filter. 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the imager comprises at least one LED or at least one laser diode light source. 7. A lens-free system for identifying and removing a biological material, comprising:
a) a fluorescence imager comprising:
i) a plurality of individual pixels and nano-gratings for angle selective imaging;
ii) an optical filter; and
iii) at least one wavelength-specific light source; and
b) a visualization system in electrical communication with the imager, wherein the fluorescence imager has an overall thickness of less than 1 mm. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the imager is operationally integrated with a surgical tool. 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the imager is a surgical tool. 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the imager comprises at least one LED and/or at least one laser diode. 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter is a single material. 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter is less than about 100 microns thick. 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter is less than about 50 microns thick. 14. The system of claim 7, wherein the imager comprises at least one laser diode. 15. The system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter comprises an inorganic material that absorbs illumination light by at least 100× more than emission wavelength. 16. A lens-free system for identifying and removing a biological material, comprising:
a) a fluorescence imager comprising an imaging surface, the imaging surface comprising:
i) a plurality of individual pixels and nano-grids for angle selective imaging; and
ii) an optical filter; and
b) a visualization system in electrical communication with the imager; wherein the entire fluorescence imager has an overall thickness of less than 1 mm. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the optical filter is an angle-insensitive filter. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the optical filter comprises an inorganic material that absorbs illumination light by at least OD 2 below emission wavelength. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the optical filter comprises a semiconductor. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the semiconductor is selected from the group consisting of amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon, gallium arsenide, indium phosphate and cadmium selenium. | 1,600 |
349,815 | 350,689 | 16,854,464 | 1,655 | An antenna-deco film stack structure includes a deco film including a light-shielding portion and a transmissive portion, a dielectric layer facing the deco film, an antenna pattern disposed on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and disposed under the deco film, the antenna pattern being at least partially covered by the light-shielding portion, and a ground pattern on a lower surface of the dielectric layer to at least partially cover the antenna pattern. The deco film and the antenna pattern are combined to improve radiation reliability and optical property of the antenna pattern. A display device including the antenna-deco film stack structure is also provided. | 1. An antenna-deco film stack structure, comprising:
a deco film comprising a light-shielding portion and a transmissive portion; a dielectric layer facing the deco film; an antenna pattern disposed on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and disposed under the deco film, the antenna pattern being at least partially covered by the light-shielding portion; and a ground pattern on a lower surface of the dielectric layer to at least partially cover the antenna pattern. 2. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 1, wherein the antenna pattern comprises a plurality of antenna patterns which are disposed under the light-shielding portion. 3. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 2, wherein the ground pattern overlaps the plurality of antenna patterns in a planar view. 4. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 1, wherein the antenna pattern comprises a radiation electrode, a pad and a transmission line electrically connecting the radiation electrode and the pad. 5. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 4, wherein the pad is disposed under the light-shielding portion of the deco film, and the radiation electrode is disposed under the transmissive portion of the deco film. 6. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 5, wherein the radiation electrode includes a mesh structure. 7. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 6, wherein the pad has a solid pattern structure. 8. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 6, further comprising a dummy mesh electrode on the upper surface of the dielectric layer to be separated from the radiation electrode, the dummy mesh electrode being disposed under the transmissive portion. 9. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 8, wherein the radiation electrode or the dummy mesh electrode is blackening-treated. 10. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 8, further comprising a mesh ground pattern on the lower surface of the dielectric layer,
wherein the mesh ground pattern overlaps the dummy mesh electrode in a planar view. 11. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 4, wherein the ground pattern overlaps the radiation electrode of the antenna pattern, and does not overlap the pad. 12. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 4, wherein the pad comprises a signal pad connected to the transmission line, and a ground pad spaced apart from the signal pad and electrically separated from the transmission line. 13. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 12, wherein the ground pad comprises a pair of ground pads facing each other with respect to the signal pad. 14. A display device, comprising:
a display panel; and the antenna-deco film stack structure of claim 1 on the display panel. 15. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a touch sensor between the display panel and the antenna-deco film stack structure. 16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the dielectric layer of the antenna-deco film stack structure includes a polarizing layer. 17. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a polarizing layer between the display panel and the antenna-deco film stack structure. 18. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a touch sensor between the display panel and the antenna-deco film stack structure and a polarizing layer between the touch sensor and the antenna-deco film stack structure. | An antenna-deco film stack structure includes a deco film including a light-shielding portion and a transmissive portion, a dielectric layer facing the deco film, an antenna pattern disposed on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and disposed under the deco film, the antenna pattern being at least partially covered by the light-shielding portion, and a ground pattern on a lower surface of the dielectric layer to at least partially cover the antenna pattern. The deco film and the antenna pattern are combined to improve radiation reliability and optical property of the antenna pattern. A display device including the antenna-deco film stack structure is also provided.1. An antenna-deco film stack structure, comprising:
a deco film comprising a light-shielding portion and a transmissive portion; a dielectric layer facing the deco film; an antenna pattern disposed on an upper surface of the dielectric layer and disposed under the deco film, the antenna pattern being at least partially covered by the light-shielding portion; and a ground pattern on a lower surface of the dielectric layer to at least partially cover the antenna pattern. 2. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 1, wherein the antenna pattern comprises a plurality of antenna patterns which are disposed under the light-shielding portion. 3. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 2, wherein the ground pattern overlaps the plurality of antenna patterns in a planar view. 4. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 1, wherein the antenna pattern comprises a radiation electrode, a pad and a transmission line electrically connecting the radiation electrode and the pad. 5. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 4, wherein the pad is disposed under the light-shielding portion of the deco film, and the radiation electrode is disposed under the transmissive portion of the deco film. 6. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 5, wherein the radiation electrode includes a mesh structure. 7. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 6, wherein the pad has a solid pattern structure. 8. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 6, further comprising a dummy mesh electrode on the upper surface of the dielectric layer to be separated from the radiation electrode, the dummy mesh electrode being disposed under the transmissive portion. 9. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 8, wherein the radiation electrode or the dummy mesh electrode is blackening-treated. 10. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 8, further comprising a mesh ground pattern on the lower surface of the dielectric layer,
wherein the mesh ground pattern overlaps the dummy mesh electrode in a planar view. 11. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 4, wherein the ground pattern overlaps the radiation electrode of the antenna pattern, and does not overlap the pad. 12. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 4, wherein the pad comprises a signal pad connected to the transmission line, and a ground pad spaced apart from the signal pad and electrically separated from the transmission line. 13. The antenna-deco film stack structure according to claim 12, wherein the ground pad comprises a pair of ground pads facing each other with respect to the signal pad. 14. A display device, comprising:
a display panel; and the antenna-deco film stack structure of claim 1 on the display panel. 15. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a touch sensor between the display panel and the antenna-deco film stack structure. 16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the dielectric layer of the antenna-deco film stack structure includes a polarizing layer. 17. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a polarizing layer between the display panel and the antenna-deco film stack structure. 18. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a touch sensor between the display panel and the antenna-deco film stack structure and a polarizing layer between the touch sensor and the antenna-deco film stack structure. | 1,600 |
349,816 | 350,690 | 16,854,494 | 2,196 | A system and method include determining, by a telemetry control system of a telemetry system that an agent associated with the telemetry control system terminated during operation. The agent collects telemetry data from data sources associated with the telemetry system. The system and method also include determining that a number of times the agent has terminated is greater than a predetermined threshold, restarting the agent after a first predetermined delay in response to exceeding the predetermined threshold, and determining that the agent terminated again within a predetermined time period upon restarting. The system and method further include updating a configuration file of the agent in response to the termination within the predetermined time period and restarting the agent with the updated configuration file. The updating is based upon an agent termination record of the agent. | 1. A non-transitory computer-readable media comprising computer-readable instructions stored thereon that when executed by a processor causes the processor to:
monitor a resource limit of a resource allocated to a telemetry agent operating in a telemetry system, wherein the telemetry agent collects and transmits telemetry data, and wherein the processor is associated with the telemetry agent; troubleshoot the telemetry agent upon determining that a resource utilization of the resource by the telemetry agent has exceeded the resource limit; and terminate the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the resource limit upon troubleshooting. 2. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the resource limit comprises a soft limit and a hard limit, and wherein troubleshooting the telemetry agent comprises:
performing a first troubleshooting action upon the telemetry agent exceeding the soft limit but not the hard limit; and performing a second troubleshooting action upon the telemetry agent exceeding the hard limit. 3. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 2, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to terminate the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the hard limit upon performing the second troubleshooting action. 4. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to:
perform a troubleshooting action upon the telemetry agent exceeding a soft limit of the resource limit; and upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the soft limit upon performing the troubleshooting action, continue to monitor the telemetry agent for the telemetry agent to exceed a hard limit of the resource limit. 5. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to:
perform a troubleshooting action upon the telemetry agent exceeding both a soft limit and a hard limit of the resource limit; and terminate the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the hard limit upon performing the troubleshooting action. 6. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the telemetry agent is one of a plurality of telemetry agents, and wherein each of the plurality of telemetry agents is configured to collect a specific type of the telemetry data. 7. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to:
temporarily store the telemetry data collected within a first pre-determined period of time; and transmit the stored telemetry data upon expiration of a second pre-determined period of time. 8. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to combine the telemetry data collected within the first pre-determined period of time before transmission. 9. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the telemetry system is configured to:
update a configuration of the telemetry agent upon the termination of the telemetry agent; and restart the telemetry agent upon updating the configuration. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to send an exit code to the telemetry system upon termination, and wherein the exit codes identifies a cause of the termination. 11. A method comprising:
monitoring, by a processor of a telemetry agent operating in a telemetry system, a resource limit of a resource allocated to the telemetry agent that collects and transmits telemetry data; troubleshooting, by the processor, the telemetry agent upon determining that a resource utilization of the resource by the telemetry agent has exceeded the resource limit; and terminating, by the processor, the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the resource limit upon troubleshooting. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining, by the processor, that the telemetry agent has exceeded a soft limit of the resource limit but not a hard limit of the resource limit; and performing, by the processor, a troubleshooting action on the telemetry agent upon the telemetry agent exceeding the soft limit. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining, by the processor, that the telemetry agent has exceeded both a soft limit and a hard limit of the resource limit; and terminating, by the processor, the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the hard limit upon performing a troubleshooting action on the telemetry agent. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising sending, by the processor, an exit code to the telemetry system upon terminating the telemetry agent. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
updating, by the telemetry system, a configuration of the telemetry agent upon receiving indication of the termination of the telemetry agent; and restarting, by the telemetry agent, the telemetry agent upon updating the configuration. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
receiving, by the telemetry system, the telemetry data from the telemetry agent; and appending, by the telemetry system, the telemetry data to a commit log. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
deleting, by the telemetry system, the telemetry data from the commit log upon successful transmission of the telemetry data. 18. A system comprising:
a memory to store telemetry data and computer-readable instructions; a processor of a telemetry agent in a telemetry system, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to:
monitor a resource limit of a resource allocated to the telemetry agent, wherein the telemetry agent collects and transmits the telemetry data;
troubleshoot the telemetry agent upon determining that a resource utilization of the resource by the telemetry agent has exceeded the resource limit; and
terminate the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the resource limit upon troubleshooting. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the resource limit comprises a soft limit and a hard limit, and wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to terminate the telemetry agent upon the telemetry agent exceeding both the hard limit and the soft limit, but not upon the telemetry agent exceeding the soft limit only. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein telemetry agent is configured to collect the telemetry data from at least one data source in a virtual computing system. 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to:
temporarily store the telemetry data collected within a first pre-determined period of time; and transmit the stored telemetry data upon expiration of a second pre-determined period of time. 22. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to determine that the telemetry agent has exceeded a soft limit of the resource limit but not a hard limit of the resource limit and to perform a troubleshooting action on the telemetry agent upon the telemetry agent exceeding the soft limit. 23. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to send an exit code to the telemetry system upon terminating the telemetry agent. 24. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to:
update a configuration of the telemetry agent upon receiving indication of the termination of the telemetry agent; and
restart the telemetry agent upon updating the configuration. | A system and method include determining, by a telemetry control system of a telemetry system that an agent associated with the telemetry control system terminated during operation. The agent collects telemetry data from data sources associated with the telemetry system. The system and method also include determining that a number of times the agent has terminated is greater than a predetermined threshold, restarting the agent after a first predetermined delay in response to exceeding the predetermined threshold, and determining that the agent terminated again within a predetermined time period upon restarting. The system and method further include updating a configuration file of the agent in response to the termination within the predetermined time period and restarting the agent with the updated configuration file. The updating is based upon an agent termination record of the agent.1. A non-transitory computer-readable media comprising computer-readable instructions stored thereon that when executed by a processor causes the processor to:
monitor a resource limit of a resource allocated to a telemetry agent operating in a telemetry system, wherein the telemetry agent collects and transmits telemetry data, and wherein the processor is associated with the telemetry agent; troubleshoot the telemetry agent upon determining that a resource utilization of the resource by the telemetry agent has exceeded the resource limit; and terminate the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the resource limit upon troubleshooting. 2. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the resource limit comprises a soft limit and a hard limit, and wherein troubleshooting the telemetry agent comprises:
performing a first troubleshooting action upon the telemetry agent exceeding the soft limit but not the hard limit; and performing a second troubleshooting action upon the telemetry agent exceeding the hard limit. 3. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 2, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to terminate the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the hard limit upon performing the second troubleshooting action. 4. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to:
perform a troubleshooting action upon the telemetry agent exceeding a soft limit of the resource limit; and upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the soft limit upon performing the troubleshooting action, continue to monitor the telemetry agent for the telemetry agent to exceed a hard limit of the resource limit. 5. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to:
perform a troubleshooting action upon the telemetry agent exceeding both a soft limit and a hard limit of the resource limit; and terminate the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the hard limit upon performing the troubleshooting action. 6. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the telemetry agent is one of a plurality of telemetry agents, and wherein each of the plurality of telemetry agents is configured to collect a specific type of the telemetry data. 7. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to:
temporarily store the telemetry data collected within a first pre-determined period of time; and transmit the stored telemetry data upon expiration of a second pre-determined period of time. 8. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to combine the telemetry data collected within the first pre-determined period of time before transmission. 9. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the telemetry system is configured to:
update a configuration of the telemetry agent upon the termination of the telemetry agent; and restart the telemetry agent upon updating the configuration. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises computer-readable instructions to send an exit code to the telemetry system upon termination, and wherein the exit codes identifies a cause of the termination. 11. A method comprising:
monitoring, by a processor of a telemetry agent operating in a telemetry system, a resource limit of a resource allocated to the telemetry agent that collects and transmits telemetry data; troubleshooting, by the processor, the telemetry agent upon determining that a resource utilization of the resource by the telemetry agent has exceeded the resource limit; and terminating, by the processor, the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the resource limit upon troubleshooting. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining, by the processor, that the telemetry agent has exceeded a soft limit of the resource limit but not a hard limit of the resource limit; and performing, by the processor, a troubleshooting action on the telemetry agent upon the telemetry agent exceeding the soft limit. 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining, by the processor, that the telemetry agent has exceeded both a soft limit and a hard limit of the resource limit; and terminating, by the processor, the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the hard limit upon performing a troubleshooting action on the telemetry agent. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising sending, by the processor, an exit code to the telemetry system upon terminating the telemetry agent. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
updating, by the telemetry system, a configuration of the telemetry agent upon receiving indication of the termination of the telemetry agent; and restarting, by the telemetry agent, the telemetry agent upon updating the configuration. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
receiving, by the telemetry system, the telemetry data from the telemetry agent; and appending, by the telemetry system, the telemetry data to a commit log. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
deleting, by the telemetry system, the telemetry data from the commit log upon successful transmission of the telemetry data. 18. A system comprising:
a memory to store telemetry data and computer-readable instructions; a processor of a telemetry agent in a telemetry system, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to:
monitor a resource limit of a resource allocated to the telemetry agent, wherein the telemetry agent collects and transmits the telemetry data;
troubleshoot the telemetry agent upon determining that a resource utilization of the resource by the telemetry agent has exceeded the resource limit; and
terminate the telemetry agent upon determining that the telemetry agent continues to exceed the resource limit upon troubleshooting. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the resource limit comprises a soft limit and a hard limit, and wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to terminate the telemetry agent upon the telemetry agent exceeding both the hard limit and the soft limit, but not upon the telemetry agent exceeding the soft limit only. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein telemetry agent is configured to collect the telemetry data from at least one data source in a virtual computing system. 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to:
temporarily store the telemetry data collected within a first pre-determined period of time; and transmit the stored telemetry data upon expiration of a second pre-determined period of time. 22. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to determine that the telemetry agent has exceeded a soft limit of the resource limit but not a hard limit of the resource limit and to perform a troubleshooting action on the telemetry agent upon the telemetry agent exceeding the soft limit. 23. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to send an exit code to the telemetry system upon terminating the telemetry agent. 24. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor executes the computer-readable instructions to:
update a configuration of the telemetry agent upon receiving indication of the termination of the telemetry agent; and
restart the telemetry agent upon updating the configuration. | 2,100 |
349,817 | 350,691 | 16,854,503 | 2,196 | A vibrational muscle massaging system includes a tubular member that is elongated and has a first end, a second end, and a perimeter surface extending between the first and second ends. The tubular member comprises a substantially solid member. The tubular member comprises a foamed elastomer and is resiliently compressible. The tubular member has a cylindrical shape and has a length greater than a diameter. The first end has a well extending therein. The well has a width that is greater than the height. The well is configured to receive a cellular phone to frictionally engage the cellular phone such that cellular phone extends outwardly away from first end. The tubular member vibrates when the cellular phone vibrates. | 1. A muscle massage roller assembly configured to receive a cellular phone, the assembly comprising:
a tubular member being elongated and having a first end, a second end, and a perimeter surface extending between the first and second ends, the tubular member comprising a substantially solid member, the tubular member comprising a foamed elastomer and being resiliently compressible, the tubular member having a cylindrical shape and having a length greater than a diameter; and the first end having a well extending therein, the well having a width, height and depth, the width being greater than the height, the well being configured to receive a cellular phone to frictionally engage the cellular phone such that cellular phone extends outwardly away from first end; wherein the tubular member vibrates when the cellular phone vibrates. 2. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member has a diameter between 5.0 inches and 8.0 inches, the tubular member having a length from 12.0 inches to 36.0 inches. 3. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 2, wherein the well has a first section, a second section, and middle section positioned between the first and second sections, the first section being positioned adjacent to the first end, the second section being positioned between the middle section and the second end, the first section having a greater height than the second section, the second section being configured to frictionally engage the cellular phone, a height of the middle section decreasing from the first section to the second section. 4. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the well has a width being between 80.0 mm and 100.0 mm. 5. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 4, wherein the well has a total depth of between 80.0 mm and 150.0 mm. 6. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 3, wherein the well has a width being between 80.0 mm and 100.0 mm. 7. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 6, wherein the well has a total depth of between 80.0 mm and 150.0 mm. 8. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm, the middle section has a depth between 30.0 mm and 50.0 mm, and the second section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm. 9. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 8, wherein the height of the first section is between 15.0 mm and 25.0 mm, and the height of the second section is between 4.0 mm and 8.0 mm. 10. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm, the middle section has a depth between 30.0 mm and 50.0 mm, and the second section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm. 11. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 3, wherein the height of the first section is between 15.0 mm and 25.0 mm, and the height of the second section is between 4.0 mm and 8.0 mm. 12. A muscle massaging system comprising:
a tubular member being elongated and having a first end, a second end, and a perimeter surface extending between the first and second ends, the tubular member comprising a substantially solid member, the tubular member comprising a foamed elastomer and being resiliently compressible, the tubular member having a cylindrical shape and having a length greater than a diameter; and the first end having a well extending therein, the well having a width, height and depth, the width being greater than the height; a cellular phone being removably positioned in the well such that the cellular phone is frictionally engaged by the tubular member, the cellular phone extending outwardly from the first end when the cellular phone is frictionally engaged to the tubular member; the cellular phone being configured to vibrate at a plurality of frequencies and intensities, the tubular member vibrating when the cellular phone vibrates. 13. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 12, wherein the tubular member has a diameter between 5.0 inches and 8.0 inches, the tubular member having a length from 12.0 inches to 36.0 inches. 14. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 13, wherein the well has a first section, a second section, and middle section positioned between the first and second sections, the first section being positioned adjacent to the first end, the second section being positioned between the middle section and the second end, the first section having a greater height than the second section, the second section being configured to frictionally engage the cellular phone, a height of the middle section decreasing from the first section to the second section. 15. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 12, wherein the well has a width being between 80.0 mm and 100.0 mm. 16. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 15, wherein the well has a total depth of between 80.0 mm and 150.0 mm. 17. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 14, wherein the well has a width being between 80.0 mm and 100.0 mm. 18. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 17, wherein the well has a total depth of between 80.0 mm and 150.0 mm. 19. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm, the middle section has a depth between 30.0 mm and 50.0 mm, and the second section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm. 20. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 19, wherein the height of the first section is between 15.0 mm and 25.0 mm, and the height of the second section is between 4.0 mm and 8.0 mm. | A vibrational muscle massaging system includes a tubular member that is elongated and has a first end, a second end, and a perimeter surface extending between the first and second ends. The tubular member comprises a substantially solid member. The tubular member comprises a foamed elastomer and is resiliently compressible. The tubular member has a cylindrical shape and has a length greater than a diameter. The first end has a well extending therein. The well has a width that is greater than the height. The well is configured to receive a cellular phone to frictionally engage the cellular phone such that cellular phone extends outwardly away from first end. The tubular member vibrates when the cellular phone vibrates.1. A muscle massage roller assembly configured to receive a cellular phone, the assembly comprising:
a tubular member being elongated and having a first end, a second end, and a perimeter surface extending between the first and second ends, the tubular member comprising a substantially solid member, the tubular member comprising a foamed elastomer and being resiliently compressible, the tubular member having a cylindrical shape and having a length greater than a diameter; and the first end having a well extending therein, the well having a width, height and depth, the width being greater than the height, the well being configured to receive a cellular phone to frictionally engage the cellular phone such that cellular phone extends outwardly away from first end; wherein the tubular member vibrates when the cellular phone vibrates. 2. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member has a diameter between 5.0 inches and 8.0 inches, the tubular member having a length from 12.0 inches to 36.0 inches. 3. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 2, wherein the well has a first section, a second section, and middle section positioned between the first and second sections, the first section being positioned adjacent to the first end, the second section being positioned between the middle section and the second end, the first section having a greater height than the second section, the second section being configured to frictionally engage the cellular phone, a height of the middle section decreasing from the first section to the second section. 4. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the well has a width being between 80.0 mm and 100.0 mm. 5. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 4, wherein the well has a total depth of between 80.0 mm and 150.0 mm. 6. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 3, wherein the well has a width being between 80.0 mm and 100.0 mm. 7. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 6, wherein the well has a total depth of between 80.0 mm and 150.0 mm. 8. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm, the middle section has a depth between 30.0 mm and 50.0 mm, and the second section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm. 9. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 8, wherein the height of the first section is between 15.0 mm and 25.0 mm, and the height of the second section is between 4.0 mm and 8.0 mm. 10. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm, the middle section has a depth between 30.0 mm and 50.0 mm, and the second section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm. 11. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 3, wherein the height of the first section is between 15.0 mm and 25.0 mm, and the height of the second section is between 4.0 mm and 8.0 mm. 12. A muscle massaging system comprising:
a tubular member being elongated and having a first end, a second end, and a perimeter surface extending between the first and second ends, the tubular member comprising a substantially solid member, the tubular member comprising a foamed elastomer and being resiliently compressible, the tubular member having a cylindrical shape and having a length greater than a diameter; and the first end having a well extending therein, the well having a width, height and depth, the width being greater than the height; a cellular phone being removably positioned in the well such that the cellular phone is frictionally engaged by the tubular member, the cellular phone extending outwardly from the first end when the cellular phone is frictionally engaged to the tubular member; the cellular phone being configured to vibrate at a plurality of frequencies and intensities, the tubular member vibrating when the cellular phone vibrates. 13. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 12, wherein the tubular member has a diameter between 5.0 inches and 8.0 inches, the tubular member having a length from 12.0 inches to 36.0 inches. 14. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 13, wherein the well has a first section, a second section, and middle section positioned between the first and second sections, the first section being positioned adjacent to the first end, the second section being positioned between the middle section and the second end, the first section having a greater height than the second section, the second section being configured to frictionally engage the cellular phone, a height of the middle section decreasing from the first section to the second section. 15. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 12, wherein the well has a width being between 80.0 mm and 100.0 mm. 16. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 15, wherein the well has a total depth of between 80.0 mm and 150.0 mm. 17. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 14, wherein the well has a width being between 80.0 mm and 100.0 mm. 18. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 17, wherein the well has a total depth of between 80.0 mm and 150.0 mm. 19. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm, the middle section has a depth between 30.0 mm and 50.0 mm, and the second section has a depth between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm. 20. The muscle massage roller assembly according to claim 19, wherein the height of the first section is between 15.0 mm and 25.0 mm, and the height of the second section is between 4.0 mm and 8.0 mm. | 2,100 |
349,818 | 350,692 | 16,854,483 | 2,196 | A method for limiting an input or output current of a DC-DC converter and a current limiting circuit are disclosed. In an embodiment a method for limiting an input or output current of a DC to DC converter includes storing a first value representative of a level of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter in response to the input or output current exceeding or falling below a first threshold and modifying a control signal based on the first value. | 1. A method for limiting an input or output current of a DC to DC converter, the method comprising:
storing a first value representative of a level of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter in response to the input or output current exceeding or falling below a first threshold; and modifying a control signal based on the first value. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first value is equal to a value of the control signal when the input or output current exceeded or fell below the first threshold. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
storing a second value representative of the level of the output voltage in response to the input or output current falling below the first threshold or a further threshold; and modifying the control signal based on the first and second values. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein modifying the control signal based on the first and second values comprises modifying the control signal to bring the output voltage to an intermediate voltage level between the level of the output voltage represented by the first value and the level of the output voltage represented by the second value. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the intermediate voltage level is a midpoint between the level represented by the first value and the level represented by the second value. 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the first value is equal to the value of the control signal when the input or output current exceeded the first threshold, wherein the second value is equal to the value of the control signal when the input or output current fell below the first threshold or a further threshold, and wherein the control signal is modified to a value between the first and second values. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the control signal comprises maintaining the control signal for a fixed time delay. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising, after maintaining the control signals for the fixed time delay, applying the control signal to the DC to DC converter to increase or decrease the output voltage until the output voltage again exceeds or falls below the first threshold or a further threshold. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
storing a third value representative of the level of the output voltage of the DC to DC converter in response to the input or output current again exceeding or falling below the first or further threshold; and applying the control signal to the DC to DC converter to reduce the output voltage to a further intermediate voltage level between a level represented by a second value and a further level. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising modifying the control signal based on the third value in response to the input or output current yet again exceeding or falling below the first or further threshold. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein modifying the control signal based on the third value comprises modifying the control signal to bring the output voltage to a new intermediate voltage level between the level represented by the third value and the further intermediate level. 12. A current limiting circuit comprising:
a circuit configured to detect when an input or output current of a DC to DC converter exceeds or falls below a first threshold; and a controller configured to:
store a first value representative of a level of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter in response to the input or output current of the DC to DC converter exceeding or falling below the first threshold; and
modify a control signal based on the first value. 13. A DC to DC conversion circuit comprising:
a DC to DC converter; and the current limiting circuit of claim 12. 14. An electronic device comprising:
a DC power source supplying a first voltage level; and the DC to DC conversion circuit of claim 13 configured to convert the first voltage level into the output voltage. 15. A method of limiting an input or output current of a DC to DC converter controlled by a control signal, the method comprising:
in response to the input or output current exceeding or falling below a first threshold, storing a first value equal to the value of the control signal at a time when the input or output current exceeded or fell below the first threshold, the first value being representative of the level of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter; and modifying the control signal based on the first value. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first value is equal to the value of the control signal when the input or output current exceeded or fell below the first threshold. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first value is stored in response to the input or output current exceeding the first threshold, the method further comprising:
in response to the input or output current falling below the first threshold or a further threshold, storing a second value representative of the level of the output voltage. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein modifying the control signal comprises modifying the control signal to bring the output voltage to an intermediate voltage level between the level of the output voltage represented by the first value and the level of the output voltage represented by the second value. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the intermediate voltage level is a midpoint between the level represented by the first value and the level represented by the second value. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first value is equal to the value of the control signal at the time when the input or output current exceeded the first threshold, the second value (VMIN) is equal to the value of the control signal at a time when the input or output current fell below the first or further threshold, and the control signal is modified to a value between the first and second values. 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the modified control signal is maintained for a fixed time delay. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising, after maintaining the control signals for the fixed time delay, applying the modified control signal to the DC to DC converter to increase or decrease the output voltage until the output voltage again exceeds or falls below the first or further threshold. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising, in response to the input or output current again exceeding or falling below the first or further threshold, storing a third value representative of the level of the output voltage of the DC to DC converter and reducing the output voltage of the DC to DC converter to a further intermediate voltage level between the level represented by the second value and the further level. | A method for limiting an input or output current of a DC-DC converter and a current limiting circuit are disclosed. In an embodiment a method for limiting an input or output current of a DC to DC converter includes storing a first value representative of a level of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter in response to the input or output current exceeding or falling below a first threshold and modifying a control signal based on the first value.1. A method for limiting an input or output current of a DC to DC converter, the method comprising:
storing a first value representative of a level of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter in response to the input or output current exceeding or falling below a first threshold; and modifying a control signal based on the first value. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first value is equal to a value of the control signal when the input or output current exceeded or fell below the first threshold. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
storing a second value representative of the level of the output voltage in response to the input or output current falling below the first threshold or a further threshold; and modifying the control signal based on the first and second values. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein modifying the control signal based on the first and second values comprises modifying the control signal to bring the output voltage to an intermediate voltage level between the level of the output voltage represented by the first value and the level of the output voltage represented by the second value. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the intermediate voltage level is a midpoint between the level represented by the first value and the level represented by the second value. 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the first value is equal to the value of the control signal when the input or output current exceeded the first threshold, wherein the second value is equal to the value of the control signal when the input or output current fell below the first threshold or a further threshold, and wherein the control signal is modified to a value between the first and second values. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the control signal comprises maintaining the control signal for a fixed time delay. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising, after maintaining the control signals for the fixed time delay, applying the control signal to the DC to DC converter to increase or decrease the output voltage until the output voltage again exceeds or falls below the first threshold or a further threshold. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
storing a third value representative of the level of the output voltage of the DC to DC converter in response to the input or output current again exceeding or falling below the first or further threshold; and applying the control signal to the DC to DC converter to reduce the output voltage to a further intermediate voltage level between a level represented by a second value and a further level. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising modifying the control signal based on the third value in response to the input or output current yet again exceeding or falling below the first or further threshold. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein modifying the control signal based on the third value comprises modifying the control signal to bring the output voltage to a new intermediate voltage level between the level represented by the third value and the further intermediate level. 12. A current limiting circuit comprising:
a circuit configured to detect when an input or output current of a DC to DC converter exceeds or falls below a first threshold; and a controller configured to:
store a first value representative of a level of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter in response to the input or output current of the DC to DC converter exceeding or falling below the first threshold; and
modify a control signal based on the first value. 13. A DC to DC conversion circuit comprising:
a DC to DC converter; and the current limiting circuit of claim 12. 14. An electronic device comprising:
a DC power source supplying a first voltage level; and the DC to DC conversion circuit of claim 13 configured to convert the first voltage level into the output voltage. 15. A method of limiting an input or output current of a DC to DC converter controlled by a control signal, the method comprising:
in response to the input or output current exceeding or falling below a first threshold, storing a first value equal to the value of the control signal at a time when the input or output current exceeded or fell below the first threshold, the first value being representative of the level of an output voltage of the DC to DC converter; and modifying the control signal based on the first value. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first value is equal to the value of the control signal when the input or output current exceeded or fell below the first threshold. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first value is stored in response to the input or output current exceeding the first threshold, the method further comprising:
in response to the input or output current falling below the first threshold or a further threshold, storing a second value representative of the level of the output voltage. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein modifying the control signal comprises modifying the control signal to bring the output voltage to an intermediate voltage level between the level of the output voltage represented by the first value and the level of the output voltage represented by the second value. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the intermediate voltage level is a midpoint between the level represented by the first value and the level represented by the second value. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first value is equal to the value of the control signal at the time when the input or output current exceeded the first threshold, the second value (VMIN) is equal to the value of the control signal at a time when the input or output current fell below the first or further threshold, and the control signal is modified to a value between the first and second values. 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the modified control signal is maintained for a fixed time delay. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising, after maintaining the control signals for the fixed time delay, applying the modified control signal to the DC to DC converter to increase or decrease the output voltage until the output voltage again exceeds or falls below the first or further threshold. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising, in response to the input or output current again exceeding or falling below the first or further threshold, storing a third value representative of the level of the output voltage of the DC to DC converter and reducing the output voltage of the DC to DC converter to a further intermediate voltage level between the level represented by the second value and the further level. | 2,100 |
349,819 | 350,693 | 16,854,456 | 2,196 | The driving force ECU calculates a restricted driving force for a driving force restricting control, by using a Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula which utilizes a difference between a target acceleration varied depending on a vehicle speed and an actual acceleration of the vehicle. The driving force ECU adjusts (changes) a proportion gain K1 of the Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula based on an inclination angle θ of a road in such a manner that a value of the proportion gain K1 used when the inclination inclination angle θ is relatively large is smaller than a value of the proportion gain K1 used when the inclination inclination angle θ is relatively small. The driving force ECU performs a driving force restricting control by selecting, as a target driving force used for the driving force restricting control, a pedal required driving force or the restricted driving force, whichever is smaller. | 1. A driving force control apparatus of a vehicle comprising:
a driving force generating device configured to generate a driving force applied to said vehicle; and a control unit configured to control said driving force generating device to make said driving force generating device generate a driving force equal to a pedal required driving force which is a target driving force varied depending on an acceleration pedal operation amount, said control unit being configured to:
detect a specific operation by a driver, said specific operation being an operation which has a probability of causing said vehicle to make a movement which is not along an expectation of said driver and has been defined in advance;
calculate a restricted driving force for imposing a limitation on said pedal required driving force, based on a feedback control formula which uses a difference between a target value of a moving state parameter indicative of a moving state of said vehicle and an actual value of said moving state parameter;
perform a driving force restricting control to control said driving force generating device in such a manner that said driving force generated by said driving force generating device does not exceed said calculated restricted driving force, when said specific operation is detected,
wherein, said control unit is further configured to:
acquiring an inclination parameter indicative of an inclination in a vehicle traveling direction of a road on which said vehicle is present; and
adjusting a control gain employed in said feedback control formula based on said inclination parameter in such a manner that a value of said control gain used when said inclination parameter is a first magnitude is smaller than a value of said control gain used when said inclination parameter is a second magnitude smaller than said first magnitude. 2. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said feedback control formula, a Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula; and
adjust, a proportion gain serving as said control gain for a proportional term included in said Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula. 3. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said moving state parameter, an acceleration of said vehicle; and
determine said target value of said moving state parameter based on a speed of said vehicle. 4. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said moving state parameter, an acceleration of said vehicle; and
determine said target value of said moving state parameter based on a speed of said vehicle. 5. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 6. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 7. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 8. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. | The driving force ECU calculates a restricted driving force for a driving force restricting control, by using a Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula which utilizes a difference between a target acceleration varied depending on a vehicle speed and an actual acceleration of the vehicle. The driving force ECU adjusts (changes) a proportion gain K1 of the Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula based on an inclination angle θ of a road in such a manner that a value of the proportion gain K1 used when the inclination inclination angle θ is relatively large is smaller than a value of the proportion gain K1 used when the inclination inclination angle θ is relatively small. The driving force ECU performs a driving force restricting control by selecting, as a target driving force used for the driving force restricting control, a pedal required driving force or the restricted driving force, whichever is smaller.1. A driving force control apparatus of a vehicle comprising:
a driving force generating device configured to generate a driving force applied to said vehicle; and a control unit configured to control said driving force generating device to make said driving force generating device generate a driving force equal to a pedal required driving force which is a target driving force varied depending on an acceleration pedal operation amount, said control unit being configured to:
detect a specific operation by a driver, said specific operation being an operation which has a probability of causing said vehicle to make a movement which is not along an expectation of said driver and has been defined in advance;
calculate a restricted driving force for imposing a limitation on said pedal required driving force, based on a feedback control formula which uses a difference between a target value of a moving state parameter indicative of a moving state of said vehicle and an actual value of said moving state parameter;
perform a driving force restricting control to control said driving force generating device in such a manner that said driving force generated by said driving force generating device does not exceed said calculated restricted driving force, when said specific operation is detected,
wherein, said control unit is further configured to:
acquiring an inclination parameter indicative of an inclination in a vehicle traveling direction of a road on which said vehicle is present; and
adjusting a control gain employed in said feedback control formula based on said inclination parameter in such a manner that a value of said control gain used when said inclination parameter is a first magnitude is smaller than a value of said control gain used when said inclination parameter is a second magnitude smaller than said first magnitude. 2. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said feedback control formula, a Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula; and
adjust, a proportion gain serving as said control gain for a proportional term included in said Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula. 3. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said moving state parameter, an acceleration of said vehicle; and
determine said target value of said moving state parameter based on a speed of said vehicle. 4. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said moving state parameter, an acceleration of said vehicle; and
determine said target value of said moving state parameter based on a speed of said vehicle. 5. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 6. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 7. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 8. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. | 2,100 |
349,820 | 350,694 | 16,854,466 | 2,196 | The driving force ECU calculates a restricted driving force for a driving force restricting control, by using a Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula which utilizes a difference between a target acceleration varied depending on a vehicle speed and an actual acceleration of the vehicle. The driving force ECU adjusts (changes) a proportion gain K1 of the Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula based on an inclination angle θ of a road in such a manner that a value of the proportion gain K1 used when the inclination inclination angle θ is relatively large is smaller than a value of the proportion gain K1 used when the inclination inclination angle θ is relatively small. The driving force ECU performs a driving force restricting control by selecting, as a target driving force used for the driving force restricting control, a pedal required driving force or the restricted driving force, whichever is smaller. | 1. A driving force control apparatus of a vehicle comprising:
a driving force generating device configured to generate a driving force applied to said vehicle; and a control unit configured to control said driving force generating device to make said driving force generating device generate a driving force equal to a pedal required driving force which is a target driving force varied depending on an acceleration pedal operation amount, said control unit being configured to:
detect a specific operation by a driver, said specific operation being an operation which has a probability of causing said vehicle to make a movement which is not along an expectation of said driver and has been defined in advance;
calculate a restricted driving force for imposing a limitation on said pedal required driving force, based on a feedback control formula which uses a difference between a target value of a moving state parameter indicative of a moving state of said vehicle and an actual value of said moving state parameter;
perform a driving force restricting control to control said driving force generating device in such a manner that said driving force generated by said driving force generating device does not exceed said calculated restricted driving force, when said specific operation is detected,
wherein, said control unit is further configured to:
acquiring an inclination parameter indicative of an inclination in a vehicle traveling direction of a road on which said vehicle is present; and
adjusting a control gain employed in said feedback control formula based on said inclination parameter in such a manner that a value of said control gain used when said inclination parameter is a first magnitude is smaller than a value of said control gain used when said inclination parameter is a second magnitude smaller than said first magnitude. 2. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said feedback control formula, a Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula; and
adjust, a proportion gain serving as said control gain for a proportional term included in said Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula. 3. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said moving state parameter, an acceleration of said vehicle; and
determine said target value of said moving state parameter based on a speed of said vehicle. 4. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said moving state parameter, an acceleration of said vehicle; and
determine said target value of said moving state parameter based on a speed of said vehicle. 5. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 6. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 7. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 8. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. | The driving force ECU calculates a restricted driving force for a driving force restricting control, by using a Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula which utilizes a difference between a target acceleration varied depending on a vehicle speed and an actual acceleration of the vehicle. The driving force ECU adjusts (changes) a proportion gain K1 of the Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula based on an inclination angle θ of a road in such a manner that a value of the proportion gain K1 used when the inclination inclination angle θ is relatively large is smaller than a value of the proportion gain K1 used when the inclination inclination angle θ is relatively small. The driving force ECU performs a driving force restricting control by selecting, as a target driving force used for the driving force restricting control, a pedal required driving force or the restricted driving force, whichever is smaller.1. A driving force control apparatus of a vehicle comprising:
a driving force generating device configured to generate a driving force applied to said vehicle; and a control unit configured to control said driving force generating device to make said driving force generating device generate a driving force equal to a pedal required driving force which is a target driving force varied depending on an acceleration pedal operation amount, said control unit being configured to:
detect a specific operation by a driver, said specific operation being an operation which has a probability of causing said vehicle to make a movement which is not along an expectation of said driver and has been defined in advance;
calculate a restricted driving force for imposing a limitation on said pedal required driving force, based on a feedback control formula which uses a difference between a target value of a moving state parameter indicative of a moving state of said vehicle and an actual value of said moving state parameter;
perform a driving force restricting control to control said driving force generating device in such a manner that said driving force generated by said driving force generating device does not exceed said calculated restricted driving force, when said specific operation is detected,
wherein, said control unit is further configured to:
acquiring an inclination parameter indicative of an inclination in a vehicle traveling direction of a road on which said vehicle is present; and
adjusting a control gain employed in said feedback control formula based on said inclination parameter in such a manner that a value of said control gain used when said inclination parameter is a first magnitude is smaller than a value of said control gain used when said inclination parameter is a second magnitude smaller than said first magnitude. 2. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said feedback control formula, a Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula; and
adjust, a proportion gain serving as said control gain for a proportional term included in said Proportional-Integral-Differential control formula. 3. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said moving state parameter, an acceleration of said vehicle; and
determine said target value of said moving state parameter based on a speed of said vehicle. 4. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
employ, as said moving state parameter, an acceleration of said vehicle; and
determine said target value of said moving state parameter based on a speed of said vehicle. 5. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 6. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 7. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. 8. The driving force control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,
said control unit is configured to:
select, as a final target driving force, said pedal required driving force or said restricted driving force, whichever is smaller; and
perform said driving force restricting control by causing said driving force generating device to generate a driving force equal to said selected final target driving force. | 2,100 |
349,821 | 350,695 | 16,854,498 | 2,196 | An apparatus and to a method for treating layers using a plasma zone sealed from the outer atmospheric pressure are provided. The apparatus and method include a plasma reactor including a substrate carrier in form of a container receiving means, and a closing element that is joined with the substrate carrier by means of a lifting device. | 1. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall having an inner surface; an intermediate layer on the inner surface; a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer on the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 2. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force increases at least by 50% after storage. 3. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 4. The pharmaceutical container of claim 3, wherein the breakaway force increases at least by 50% after storage. 5. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is a crosslinked organic film. 6. The pharmaceutical container of claim 5, wherein the crosslinked organic film comprises a material selected from a group consisting of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluorosiloxane, PTFE particles, mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal based oil, synthetic fluid hydrocarbons, fluid fluorinated or chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic esters, fatty acid esters, polyphenylethers, phosphoric acid esters, polyethylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols, polyalphaolefin, polyaromatic hydrocarbon, alkylbenzenes, polyurethanes, squalene, and combinations thereof. 7. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is silicone-free. 8. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is a crosslinked organic film. 9. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a material selected from a group consisting of glass, cycloolefin copolymers (COC), cyclo-olefin polymers (COP), HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, and borosilicate glass. 10. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force, before storage, is greater than ON and at most 10N. 11. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force, after 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water, is greater than ON and at most 15N. 12. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force, after 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water, is greater than ON and at most 17N. 13. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after 7 days of storage at 40° C. filled with water. 14. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after 28 days of storage at 40° C. filled with water. 15. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall having an inner surface; an intermediate layer only on the inner surface; a lubricating layer only on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer on the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force is initially greater than ON and at most 10N and is greater than ON and at most 15N after 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 16. The pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the breakaway force is greater than ON and at most 17N after 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 17. The pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the breakaway force is between 10N to 15N after 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 18. The pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the breakaway force is between 15N to 17N after 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 19. The pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after 28 days of storage at 40° C. filled with water. 20. Pharmaceutical packaging, comprising a plurality of a pharmaceutical containers, each of the plurality of a pharmaceutical containers comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a breakaway force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is initially greater than ON and at most 10N and is greater than ON and at most 15N after 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water, wherein the plurality of pharmaceutical containers comprise four pharmaceutical containers. 21. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 20, wherein the breakaway force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is greater than ON and at most 17N after 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. | An apparatus and to a method for treating layers using a plasma zone sealed from the outer atmospheric pressure are provided. The apparatus and method include a plasma reactor including a substrate carrier in form of a container receiving means, and a closing element that is joined with the substrate carrier by means of a lifting device.1. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall having an inner surface; an intermediate layer on the inner surface; a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer on the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 2. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force increases at least by 50% after storage. 3. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 4. The pharmaceutical container of claim 3, wherein the breakaway force increases at least by 50% after storage. 5. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is a crosslinked organic film. 6. The pharmaceutical container of claim 5, wherein the crosslinked organic film comprises a material selected from a group consisting of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluorosiloxane, PTFE particles, mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal based oil, synthetic fluid hydrocarbons, fluid fluorinated or chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic esters, fatty acid esters, polyphenylethers, phosphoric acid esters, polyethylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols, polyalphaolefin, polyaromatic hydrocarbon, alkylbenzenes, polyurethanes, squalene, and combinations thereof. 7. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is silicone-free. 8. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is a crosslinked organic film. 9. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a material selected from a group consisting of glass, cycloolefin copolymers (COC), cyclo-olefin polymers (COP), HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, and borosilicate glass. 10. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force, before storage, is greater than ON and at most 10N. 11. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force, after 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water, is greater than ON and at most 15N. 12. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the breakaway force, after 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water, is greater than ON and at most 17N. 13. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after 7 days of storage at 40° C. filled with water. 14. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after 28 days of storage at 40° C. filled with water. 15. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall having an inner surface; an intermediate layer only on the inner surface; a lubricating layer only on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer on the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force is initially greater than ON and at most 10N and is greater than ON and at most 15N after 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 16. The pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the breakaway force is greater than ON and at most 17N after 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 17. The pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the breakaway force is between 10N to 15N after 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 18. The pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the breakaway force is between 15N to 17N after 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 19. The pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after 28 days of storage at 40° C. filled with water. 20. Pharmaceutical packaging, comprising a plurality of a pharmaceutical containers, each of the plurality of a pharmaceutical containers comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a breakaway force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is initially greater than ON and at most 10N and is greater than ON and at most 15N after 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water, wherein the plurality of pharmaceutical containers comprise four pharmaceutical containers. 21. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 20, wherein the breakaway force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is greater than ON and at most 17N after 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. | 2,100 |
349,822 | 350,696 | 16,854,480 | 2,196 | The invention provides improved methods of synthesizing oltipraz, which result in higher overall yield and better purity of the desired product. | 1-20. (canceled) 21. A method of making a composition comprising oltipraz, comprising the steps of:
reacting a quantity of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester with methyl propionate to form methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base comprising potassium t-butoxide or sodium pentanoate, and a solvent comprising 1,4-dioxane in tetrahydrofuran (THF), wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane in the THF is at least about 1:5; (ii) adding at least one aqueous liquid to quench the reaction in Step (i); (iii) adding a nonpolar organic solvent and an ionic salt, thereby forming a composition comprising an aqueous component and an organic component, wherein the organic component comprises the nonpolar solvent and methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl) propanoate; (iv) separating the organic component from the aqueous component; (v) reacting the methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate ester in the organic component with P2S5 in the presence of a nonpolar organic solvent to form 4-methyl-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (oltipraz). 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane to THF in Step (i) is from about 1:5 to about 1:3. 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein, the ratio of 1,4-dioxane to THF is about 1:4. 24. A method according to claim 21, wherein the base comprises potassium t-butoxide. 25. A method according to claim 21, wherein the mole ratio of the base to methyl propionate is from about 3:1 to about 1:1. 26. A method according to claim 21, wherein the nonpolar organic solvent used in Step (iii) comprises toluene. 27. A method according to claim 21, wherein the nonpolar organic solvent in Step (v) comprises toluene. 28. A method according to claim 21, wherein the nonpolar solvent in Step (iii) is the same nonpolar solvent used in Step (v). 29. A method according to claim 21, wherein the yield of oltipraz is greater than 21% based on the amount of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester. 30. A composition comprising oltipraz prepared by the process of claim 21. 31. A method of making a purified oltipraz composition, comprising the steps of:
reacting a quantity of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester with methyl propionate to form methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base comprising potassium t-butoxide or sodium pentanoate, and a solvent comprising 1,4-dioxane in tetrahydrofuran (THF), wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane in the THF is at least about 1:5; (ii) adding at least one aqueous liquid to quench the reaction in Step (i); (iii) adding a nonpolar organic solvent and an ionic salt, thereby forming a composition comprising an aqueous component and an organic component, wherein the organic component comprises the nonpolar solvent and methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl) propanoate; (iv) separating the organic component from the aqueous component; (v) reacting the methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate ester in the organic component with P2S5 in the presence of a nonpolar organic solvent to form 4-methyl-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (oltipraz); (vi) quenching the reaction with an aqueous composition to yield a composition comprising (i) an aqueous component and (ii) an organic component that comprises oltipraz; (vii) separating the organic component comprising oltipraz to yield an organic composition comprising oltipraz in the nonpolar organic solvent; (viii) reducing the amount of solvent in the organic composition; (ix) precipitating the oltipraz in the organic composition to yield a composition comprising oltipraz; (x) separating the precipitated oltipraz; and (xi) purifying the separated oltipraz precipitate. 32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane to THF in Step (i) is from about 1:5 to about 1:3. 33. A method according to claim 31, wherein step (viii) comprises evaporating at least a portion of the solvent in the organic composition, step (ix) comprises adding to the organic composition a solvent that causes the oltipraz to precipitate, and step (x) comprises separating the oltipraz by filtering. 34. A method according to claim 31, wherein the step of purifying comprises recrystallization, and excludes purification that comprises chromatographic separation. 35. A method of making a composition comprising methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl), comprising the step of
(i) reacting a quantity of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester with methyl propionate to form methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base comprising potassium t-butoxide or sodium pentanoate, and a solvent comprising 1,4-dioxane in tetrahydrofuran (THF), wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane in the THF is at least about 1:5. 36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the yield of methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate is greater than 80% based on the amount of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester. 37. A method according to claim 35, further comprising the step of adding at least one aqueous liquid to quench the reaction in Step (i), thereby forming a composition comprising an organic component and an aqueous component. 38. A method according to claim 37, further comprising the step of separating the organic component from the aqueous component to yield a composition comprising the organic component. 39. A composition made by the method of claim 37. 40. A composition made by the method of claim 38. | The invention provides improved methods of synthesizing oltipraz, which result in higher overall yield and better purity of the desired product.1-20. (canceled) 21. A method of making a composition comprising oltipraz, comprising the steps of:
reacting a quantity of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester with methyl propionate to form methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base comprising potassium t-butoxide or sodium pentanoate, and a solvent comprising 1,4-dioxane in tetrahydrofuran (THF), wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane in the THF is at least about 1:5; (ii) adding at least one aqueous liquid to quench the reaction in Step (i); (iii) adding a nonpolar organic solvent and an ionic salt, thereby forming a composition comprising an aqueous component and an organic component, wherein the organic component comprises the nonpolar solvent and methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl) propanoate; (iv) separating the organic component from the aqueous component; (v) reacting the methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate ester in the organic component with P2S5 in the presence of a nonpolar organic solvent to form 4-methyl-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (oltipraz). 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane to THF in Step (i) is from about 1:5 to about 1:3. 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein, the ratio of 1,4-dioxane to THF is about 1:4. 24. A method according to claim 21, wherein the base comprises potassium t-butoxide. 25. A method according to claim 21, wherein the mole ratio of the base to methyl propionate is from about 3:1 to about 1:1. 26. A method according to claim 21, wherein the nonpolar organic solvent used in Step (iii) comprises toluene. 27. A method according to claim 21, wherein the nonpolar organic solvent in Step (v) comprises toluene. 28. A method according to claim 21, wherein the nonpolar solvent in Step (iii) is the same nonpolar solvent used in Step (v). 29. A method according to claim 21, wherein the yield of oltipraz is greater than 21% based on the amount of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester. 30. A composition comprising oltipraz prepared by the process of claim 21. 31. A method of making a purified oltipraz composition, comprising the steps of:
reacting a quantity of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester with methyl propionate to form methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base comprising potassium t-butoxide or sodium pentanoate, and a solvent comprising 1,4-dioxane in tetrahydrofuran (THF), wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane in the THF is at least about 1:5; (ii) adding at least one aqueous liquid to quench the reaction in Step (i); (iii) adding a nonpolar organic solvent and an ionic salt, thereby forming a composition comprising an aqueous component and an organic component, wherein the organic component comprises the nonpolar solvent and methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl) propanoate; (iv) separating the organic component from the aqueous component; (v) reacting the methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate ester in the organic component with P2S5 in the presence of a nonpolar organic solvent to form 4-methyl-5-(pyrazin-2-yl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (oltipraz); (vi) quenching the reaction with an aqueous composition to yield a composition comprising (i) an aqueous component and (ii) an organic component that comprises oltipraz; (vii) separating the organic component comprising oltipraz to yield an organic composition comprising oltipraz in the nonpolar organic solvent; (viii) reducing the amount of solvent in the organic composition; (ix) precipitating the oltipraz in the organic composition to yield a composition comprising oltipraz; (x) separating the precipitated oltipraz; and (xi) purifying the separated oltipraz precipitate. 32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane to THF in Step (i) is from about 1:5 to about 1:3. 33. A method according to claim 31, wherein step (viii) comprises evaporating at least a portion of the solvent in the organic composition, step (ix) comprises adding to the organic composition a solvent that causes the oltipraz to precipitate, and step (x) comprises separating the oltipraz by filtering. 34. A method according to claim 31, wherein the step of purifying comprises recrystallization, and excludes purification that comprises chromatographic separation. 35. A method of making a composition comprising methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl), comprising the step of
(i) reacting a quantity of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester with methyl propionate to form methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base comprising potassium t-butoxide or sodium pentanoate, and a solvent comprising 1,4-dioxane in tetrahydrofuran (THF), wherein the ratio of 1,4-dioxane in the THF is at least about 1:5. 36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the yield of methyl 2-methyl-3-oxo-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)propanoate is greater than 80% based on the amount of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester. 37. A method according to claim 35, further comprising the step of adding at least one aqueous liquid to quench the reaction in Step (i), thereby forming a composition comprising an organic component and an aqueous component. 38. A method according to claim 37, further comprising the step of separating the organic component from the aqueous component to yield a composition comprising the organic component. 39. A composition made by the method of claim 37. 40. A composition made by the method of claim 38. | 2,100 |
349,823 | 350,697 | 16,854,531 | 2,899 | A large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display includes a plurality of micro light-emitting diode matrices and an external circuit component. Each of the micro light-emitting diode matrices includes a first layer, a plurality of light-emitting layers disposed on the first layer, a plurality of second layers disposed on the light-emitting layers, respectively, a plurality of first inner electrode layers disposed on the second layers, respectively, and a second inner electrode layer which is disposed on the first layer, and which includes a first portion and a second portion having a plurality of through holes to accommodate said light-emitting layers, respectively. | 1. A large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display, comprising:
a plurality of micro light-emitting diode matrices, each including:
a substrate having a matrix-mounting surface, which has a first side edge extending in a first direction and a second side edge extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction,
a plurality of micro light-emitting matrices mounted on said matrix-mounting surface and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, each of said micro light-emitting matrices including
a first layer disposed on said matrix-mounting surface and extending in the first direction,
a plurality of light-emitting layers disposed on said first layer and spaced apart from each other in the first direction,
a plurality of second layers disposed on said light-emitting layers, respectively,
a plurality of first inner electrode layers disposed on said second layers, respectively, and
a second inner electrode layer which is disposed on said first layer, and which includes a first portion proximate to said second side edge of said matrix-mounting surface and a second portion extending from said first portion in the first direction and having a plurality of through holes to accommodate said light-emitting layers, respectively, and
a first insulation layer covering said matrix-mounting surface to permit said micro light-emitting matrices to be partially embedded in said first insulation layer and to permit said first portion of said second inner electrode layer and said first inner electrode layers of each of said micro light-emitting matrices to be exposed from said first insulation layer; and
an external circuit component including
a carrier including
a first surface having a first side edge extending in the first direction and a second side edge extending in the second direction, and including a first circuit-mounting region and a second circuit-mounting region opposite to each other in the first direction, and
a second surface opposite to said first surface,
a plurality of first external circuits which are spaced apart from each other and which are divided into a first group of said first external circuits and a second group of said first external circuits mounted on said first circuit-mounting region and said second circuit-mounting region of said first surface of said carrier, respectively, each of said first external circuits including a first extending segment extending in the second direction, each of the first group of said first external circuits exclusive of an innermost one of the first group of said first external circuits proximate to the second group of said first external circuits further including a second extending segment extending in the first direction from an end portion of said first extending segment thereof distal from said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier, each of the second group of said first external circuits exclusive of an innermost one of the second group of said first external circuits proximate to the first group of said first external circuits further including a second extending segment extending in the first direction from an end portion of said first extending segment thereof distal from said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier,
a plurality of second external circuits mounted above said first surface of said carrier, spaced apart from each other in the first direction, extending in the second direction, and disposed between said first extending segments of the first group of said first external circuits and said first extending segments of the second group of said first external circuits, each of said second external circuits including an extending segment extending in the second direction,
a second insulation layer covering said first surface of said carrier to permit said first and second external circuits to be exposed from said second insulation layer, and
an electrical bonding unit disposed on said first and second external circuits that are exposed from said second insulation layer,
wherein said micro light-emitting diode matrices are disposed on said external circuit component, and are proximate to and spaced apart from one another so as to permit said first portion of said second inner electrode layer and said first inner electrode layers of each of said micro light-emitting matrices of each of said micro light-emitting diode matrices to be electrically bonded to said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component. 2. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 1, wherein
said innermost one of the first group of said first external circuits further includes a second extending segment extending in the first direction from an end portion of said first extending segment thereof distal from said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier, and said innermost one of the second group of said first external circuits further includes a second extending segment extending in the first direction from an end portion of said first extending segment thereof distal from said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier. 3. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 2, wherein
said first portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface, said second portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface lower than said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and each of said first inner electrode layers has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component is disposed on said second extending segments of said first external circuits and said extending segments of said second external circuits. 4. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 2, wherein
said first portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface, said second portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface lower than said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and each of said first. inner electrode layers has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer; each of said first external circuits further includes at least one inner connecting segment extending from said second extending segment thereof and through said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second surface of said carrier; each of said second external circuits further includes a plurality of inner connecting segments which are disposed on said extending segment thereof, which are spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and which extend through said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second surface of said carrier; and said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component is disposed on said inner connecting segments of said first external circuits and said inner connecting segments of said second external circuits. 5. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 2, wherein
said first portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface, said second portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and each of said first inner electrode layers has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer; said first external circuits are disposed on said first surface of said carrier, and each of said first external circuits further includes a plurality of inner connecting segments; said second insulation layer covers said second extending segments of said first external circuits; said second eternal circuits span across said second extending segments of said first external circuits to permit said second eternal circuits to be isolated from said second extending segments of said first external circuits by said second insulation layer; said inner connecting segments of each of said first external circuits are disposed on said second extending segment of said each of said first external circuits and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and extend through and expose from said second insulation layer; and said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component is disposed on said inner connecting segments of said first external circuits and said extending segments of said second external circuits. 6. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 2, wherein
said first portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface, said second portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and each of said first inner electrode layers has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer; said first external circuits are disposed on said first surface of said carrier, and each of said first external circuits includes a plurality of inner connecting segments and a plurality of bridging segments; said second insulation layer covers said second extending segments of said first external circuits and said extending segments of said second external circuits to permit an end portion of each of said extending segments of said second external circuits proximate to said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second insulation layer; said second eternal circuits span across said second extending segments of said first external circuits, and further includes a plurality of inner connecting segments; said inner connecting segments of each of said first external circuits are disposed on said second extending segment of said each of said first external circuits and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and extend from said second extending segment of said each of said first external circuits and through said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second surface of said carrier; said bridging segments of each of said first external circuits are disposed on said second extending segment of said each of said first external circuits, spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and embedded in said second insulation layer to permit each of said bridging segments of each of said first external circuits to span across said extending segment of a corresponding one of said second external circuits and to be connected to corresponding two of said inner connecting segments of said each of said first external circuits; said inner connecting segments of each of said second external circuits are disposed on said extending segment of said each of said second external circuits and spaced apart from each other in the second direction to permit each of said inner connecting segments of each of said second external circuits to be spaced apart from said second extending segment of a corresponding one of said first external circuits and to extend through said second insulation layer and said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second surface of said carrier; and said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component is disposed on said inner connecting segments of said first external circuits and said inner connecting segments of said second external circuits. 7. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 1, wherein said electrical bonding unit is a conductive component selected from the group consisting of an anisotropic conductive film, a ball grid array, bumps, strips, and combinations thereof. 8. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 1, wherein
said first layer, said light-emitting layers, and said second layers of each of said micro light-emitting matrices of each of said micro light-emitting diode matrices are formed together into a plurality of micro-LED chips; adjacent two of said micro-LED chips of each of said micro light-emitting matrices are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a first spacing distance; adjacent two of said micro light-emitting matrices of each of said micro light-emitting diode matrices are spaced apart from each other in the second direction by a second spacing distance; and adjacent two of said micro light-emitting matrices disposed respectively on adjacent two of said micro light-emitting diode matrices are spaced from each other in the second direction by a third spacing distance, wherein a ratio of the third spacing distance to the first spacing distance ranges from 1 to 150, and a ratio of the third spacing distance to the second spacing distance ranges from 1 to 150. 9. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 8, wherein the first spacing distance ranges from 20 μm to 100 μm, the second spacing distance ranges from 20 μm to 100 μm, and the third spacing distance ranges from 20 μm to 3000 μm. | A large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display includes a plurality of micro light-emitting diode matrices and an external circuit component. Each of the micro light-emitting diode matrices includes a first layer, a plurality of light-emitting layers disposed on the first layer, a plurality of second layers disposed on the light-emitting layers, respectively, a plurality of first inner electrode layers disposed on the second layers, respectively, and a second inner electrode layer which is disposed on the first layer, and which includes a first portion and a second portion having a plurality of through holes to accommodate said light-emitting layers, respectively.1. A large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display, comprising:
a plurality of micro light-emitting diode matrices, each including:
a substrate having a matrix-mounting surface, which has a first side edge extending in a first direction and a second side edge extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction,
a plurality of micro light-emitting matrices mounted on said matrix-mounting surface and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, each of said micro light-emitting matrices including
a first layer disposed on said matrix-mounting surface and extending in the first direction,
a plurality of light-emitting layers disposed on said first layer and spaced apart from each other in the first direction,
a plurality of second layers disposed on said light-emitting layers, respectively,
a plurality of first inner electrode layers disposed on said second layers, respectively, and
a second inner electrode layer which is disposed on said first layer, and which includes a first portion proximate to said second side edge of said matrix-mounting surface and a second portion extending from said first portion in the first direction and having a plurality of through holes to accommodate said light-emitting layers, respectively, and
a first insulation layer covering said matrix-mounting surface to permit said micro light-emitting matrices to be partially embedded in said first insulation layer and to permit said first portion of said second inner electrode layer and said first inner electrode layers of each of said micro light-emitting matrices to be exposed from said first insulation layer; and
an external circuit component including
a carrier including
a first surface having a first side edge extending in the first direction and a second side edge extending in the second direction, and including a first circuit-mounting region and a second circuit-mounting region opposite to each other in the first direction, and
a second surface opposite to said first surface,
a plurality of first external circuits which are spaced apart from each other and which are divided into a first group of said first external circuits and a second group of said first external circuits mounted on said first circuit-mounting region and said second circuit-mounting region of said first surface of said carrier, respectively, each of said first external circuits including a first extending segment extending in the second direction, each of the first group of said first external circuits exclusive of an innermost one of the first group of said first external circuits proximate to the second group of said first external circuits further including a second extending segment extending in the first direction from an end portion of said first extending segment thereof distal from said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier, each of the second group of said first external circuits exclusive of an innermost one of the second group of said first external circuits proximate to the first group of said first external circuits further including a second extending segment extending in the first direction from an end portion of said first extending segment thereof distal from said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier,
a plurality of second external circuits mounted above said first surface of said carrier, spaced apart from each other in the first direction, extending in the second direction, and disposed between said first extending segments of the first group of said first external circuits and said first extending segments of the second group of said first external circuits, each of said second external circuits including an extending segment extending in the second direction,
a second insulation layer covering said first surface of said carrier to permit said first and second external circuits to be exposed from said second insulation layer, and
an electrical bonding unit disposed on said first and second external circuits that are exposed from said second insulation layer,
wherein said micro light-emitting diode matrices are disposed on said external circuit component, and are proximate to and spaced apart from one another so as to permit said first portion of said second inner electrode layer and said first inner electrode layers of each of said micro light-emitting matrices of each of said micro light-emitting diode matrices to be electrically bonded to said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component. 2. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 1, wherein
said innermost one of the first group of said first external circuits further includes a second extending segment extending in the first direction from an end portion of said first extending segment thereof distal from said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier, and said innermost one of the second group of said first external circuits further includes a second extending segment extending in the first direction from an end portion of said first extending segment thereof distal from said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier. 3. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 2, wherein
said first portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface, said second portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface lower than said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and each of said first inner electrode layers has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component is disposed on said second extending segments of said first external circuits and said extending segments of said second external circuits. 4. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 2, wherein
said first portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface, said second portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface lower than said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and each of said first. inner electrode layers has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer; each of said first external circuits further includes at least one inner connecting segment extending from said second extending segment thereof and through said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second surface of said carrier; each of said second external circuits further includes a plurality of inner connecting segments which are disposed on said extending segment thereof, which are spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and which extend through said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second surface of said carrier; and said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component is disposed on said inner connecting segments of said first external circuits and said inner connecting segments of said second external circuits. 5. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 2, wherein
said first portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface, said second portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and each of said first inner electrode layers has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer; said first external circuits are disposed on said first surface of said carrier, and each of said first external circuits further includes a plurality of inner connecting segments; said second insulation layer covers said second extending segments of said first external circuits; said second eternal circuits span across said second extending segments of said first external circuits to permit said second eternal circuits to be isolated from said second extending segments of said first external circuits by said second insulation layer; said inner connecting segments of each of said first external circuits are disposed on said second extending segment of said each of said first external circuits and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and extend through and expose from said second insulation layer; and said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component is disposed on said inner connecting segments of said first external circuits and said extending segments of said second external circuits. 6. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 2, wherein
said first portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface, said second portion of said second inner electrode layer has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer, and each of said first inner electrode layers has a top surface flush with said top surface of said first portion of said second inner electrode layer; said first external circuits are disposed on said first surface of said carrier, and each of said first external circuits includes a plurality of inner connecting segments and a plurality of bridging segments; said second insulation layer covers said second extending segments of said first external circuits and said extending segments of said second external circuits to permit an end portion of each of said extending segments of said second external circuits proximate to said first side edge of said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second insulation layer; said second eternal circuits span across said second extending segments of said first external circuits, and further includes a plurality of inner connecting segments; said inner connecting segments of each of said first external circuits are disposed on said second extending segment of said each of said first external circuits and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and extend from said second extending segment of said each of said first external circuits and through said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second surface of said carrier; said bridging segments of each of said first external circuits are disposed on said second extending segment of said each of said first external circuits, spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and embedded in said second insulation layer to permit each of said bridging segments of each of said first external circuits to span across said extending segment of a corresponding one of said second external circuits and to be connected to corresponding two of said inner connecting segments of said each of said first external circuits; said inner connecting segments of each of said second external circuits are disposed on said extending segment of said each of said second external circuits and spaced apart from each other in the second direction to permit each of said inner connecting segments of each of said second external circuits to be spaced apart from said second extending segment of a corresponding one of said first external circuits and to extend through said second insulation layer and said first surface of said carrier to be exposed from said second surface of said carrier; and said electrical bonding unit of said external circuit component is disposed on said inner connecting segments of said first external circuits and said inner connecting segments of said second external circuits. 7. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 1, wherein said electrical bonding unit is a conductive component selected from the group consisting of an anisotropic conductive film, a ball grid array, bumps, strips, and combinations thereof. 8. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 1, wherein
said first layer, said light-emitting layers, and said second layers of each of said micro light-emitting matrices of each of said micro light-emitting diode matrices are formed together into a plurality of micro-LED chips; adjacent two of said micro-LED chips of each of said micro light-emitting matrices are spaced apart from each other in the first direction by a first spacing distance; adjacent two of said micro light-emitting matrices of each of said micro light-emitting diode matrices are spaced apart from each other in the second direction by a second spacing distance; and adjacent two of said micro light-emitting matrices disposed respectively on adjacent two of said micro light-emitting diode matrices are spaced from each other in the second direction by a third spacing distance, wherein a ratio of the third spacing distance to the first spacing distance ranges from 1 to 150, and a ratio of the third spacing distance to the second spacing distance ranges from 1 to 150. 9. The large area passive micro light-emitting diode matrix display according to claim 8, wherein the first spacing distance ranges from 20 μm to 100 μm, the second spacing distance ranges from 20 μm to 100 μm, and the third spacing distance ranges from 20 μm to 3000 μm. | 2,800 |
349,824 | 350,698 | 16,854,513 | 2,899 | An online system optimizes for longer attribution window conversions with an additive decomposition model by predicting the probability that a predefined action happens given an impression/click. The online system receives a content item from a content provider for display to a target user, and predicts a probability that a target user will convert given an interaction with the content item by the target user. The online system computes, by a first trained model, a short-term conversion probability of a conversion event happening within a first conversion window after the interaction. The online system computes, by a second trained model, a long-term conversion probability of the a conversion event happening within a second conversion window after the interaction, the second conversion window being longer than the first conversion window. The online system computes the conversion probability given the interaction based on the short-term conversion probability and the long-term conversion probability. | 1-20. (canceled) 21. A system, comprising:
a processor; a memory storing instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
selecting, from a plurality of candidate content items, a subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be displayed to a target user;
predicting, for each of the subset of the plurality of candidate content items, that the target user will convert given an interaction with content by the target user;
determining, using an additive conversion probability technique, a probability that the user will convert given an interaction with the content by the target user; and
ranking the subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be selected and displayed to the target user based on the determined probability. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein:
the plurality of candidate content items is received from a content provider for presenting to a plurality of users; and the subset of the plurality of candidate content items are each selected based on an impression opportunity. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the interaction with the content comprises at least one of an impression on the user or an action taken by the user. 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the additive conversion probability technique comprises:
determining a short-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a first conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected by the system that is less than or equal in age to the first conversion window of time; and determining a long-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a second conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected by the system that is greater than or equal in age to the second conversion window of time. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the additive conversion probability technique further comprises:
determining an additive conversion probability based on an additive function of the short-term conversion probability and the long-term conversion probability. 26. The system of claim 24, wherein the first conversion window of time and the second conversion window of time each begins after an initial interaction occurs. 27. The system of claim 24, wherein the first conversion window of time is 1 day. 28. The system of claim 24, wherein the second conversion window of time is 14 days. 29. The system of claim 24, wherein the conversion event comprises an action towards purchasing an item associated with the content items. 30. A method, comprising:
selecting, by a processor, from a plurality of candidate content items, a subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be displayed to a target user; predicting, for each of the subset of the plurality of candidate content items, that the target user will convert given an interaction with content by the target user; determining, using an additive conversion probability technique, a probability that the user will convert given an interaction with the content by the target user; and ranking the subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be selected and displayed to the target user based on the determined probability. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein:
the plurality of candidate content items is received from a content provider for presenting to a plurality of users; and the subset of the plurality of candidate content items are each selected based on an impression opportunity. 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the additive conversion probability technique comprises:
determining a short-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a first conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected by the system that is less than or equal in age to the first conversion window of time; determining a long-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a second conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected by the system that is greater than or equal in age to the second conversion window of time; and determining an additive conversion probability based on an additive function of the short-term conversion probability and the long-term conversion probability. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first conversion window of time and the second conversion window of time each begins after an initial interaction occurs. 34. The method of claim 32, wherein the first conversion window of time is 1 day, and the second conversion window of time is 14 days. 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the conversion event comprises an action towards purchasing an item associated with the content items. 36. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having an executable stored thereon, which when executed instructs a processor to:
select, from a plurality of candidate content items, a subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be displayed to a target user; predicting, for each of the subset of the plurality of candidate content items, that the target user will convert given an interaction with content by the target user; determining, using an additive conversion probability technique, a probability that the user will convert given an interaction with the content by the target user; and ranking the subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be selected and displayed to the target user based on the determined probability. 37. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein:
the plurality of candidate content items is received from a content provider for presenting to a plurality of users; and the subset of the plurality of candidate content items are each selected based on an impression opportunity. 38. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein the additive conversion probability technique comprises:
determining a short-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a first conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected that is less than or equal in age to the first conversion window of time; determining a long-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a second conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected that is greater than or equal in age to the second conversion window of time; and determining an additive conversion probability based on an additive function of the short-term conversion probability and the long-term conversion probability. 39. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein:
the first conversion window of time and the second conversion window of time each begins after an initial interaction occurs; and the first conversion window of time is 1 day, and the second conversion window of time is 14 days. 40. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein the conversion event comprises an action towards purchasing an item associated with the content items. | An online system optimizes for longer attribution window conversions with an additive decomposition model by predicting the probability that a predefined action happens given an impression/click. The online system receives a content item from a content provider for display to a target user, and predicts a probability that a target user will convert given an interaction with the content item by the target user. The online system computes, by a first trained model, a short-term conversion probability of a conversion event happening within a first conversion window after the interaction. The online system computes, by a second trained model, a long-term conversion probability of the a conversion event happening within a second conversion window after the interaction, the second conversion window being longer than the first conversion window. The online system computes the conversion probability given the interaction based on the short-term conversion probability and the long-term conversion probability.1-20. (canceled) 21. A system, comprising:
a processor; a memory storing instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
selecting, from a plurality of candidate content items, a subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be displayed to a target user;
predicting, for each of the subset of the plurality of candidate content items, that the target user will convert given an interaction with content by the target user;
determining, using an additive conversion probability technique, a probability that the user will convert given an interaction with the content by the target user; and
ranking the subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be selected and displayed to the target user based on the determined probability. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein:
the plurality of candidate content items is received from a content provider for presenting to a plurality of users; and the subset of the plurality of candidate content items are each selected based on an impression opportunity. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the interaction with the content comprises at least one of an impression on the user or an action taken by the user. 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the additive conversion probability technique comprises:
determining a short-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a first conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected by the system that is less than or equal in age to the first conversion window of time; and determining a long-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a second conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected by the system that is greater than or equal in age to the second conversion window of time. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the additive conversion probability technique further comprises:
determining an additive conversion probability based on an additive function of the short-term conversion probability and the long-term conversion probability. 26. The system of claim 24, wherein the first conversion window of time and the second conversion window of time each begins after an initial interaction occurs. 27. The system of claim 24, wherein the first conversion window of time is 1 day. 28. The system of claim 24, wherein the second conversion window of time is 14 days. 29. The system of claim 24, wherein the conversion event comprises an action towards purchasing an item associated with the content items. 30. A method, comprising:
selecting, by a processor, from a plurality of candidate content items, a subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be displayed to a target user; predicting, for each of the subset of the plurality of candidate content items, that the target user will convert given an interaction with content by the target user; determining, using an additive conversion probability technique, a probability that the user will convert given an interaction with the content by the target user; and ranking the subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be selected and displayed to the target user based on the determined probability. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein:
the plurality of candidate content items is received from a content provider for presenting to a plurality of users; and the subset of the plurality of candidate content items are each selected based on an impression opportunity. 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the additive conversion probability technique comprises:
determining a short-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a first conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected by the system that is less than or equal in age to the first conversion window of time; determining a long-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a second conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected by the system that is greater than or equal in age to the second conversion window of time; and determining an additive conversion probability based on an additive function of the short-term conversion probability and the long-term conversion probability. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first conversion window of time and the second conversion window of time each begins after an initial interaction occurs. 34. The method of claim 32, wherein the first conversion window of time is 1 day, and the second conversion window of time is 14 days. 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the conversion event comprises an action towards purchasing an item associated with the content items. 36. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having an executable stored thereon, which when executed instructs a processor to:
select, from a plurality of candidate content items, a subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be displayed to a target user; predicting, for each of the subset of the plurality of candidate content items, that the target user will convert given an interaction with content by the target user; determining, using an additive conversion probability technique, a probability that the user will convert given an interaction with the content by the target user; and ranking the subset of the plurality of candidate content items to be selected and displayed to the target user based on the determined probability. 37. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein:
the plurality of candidate content items is received from a content provider for presenting to a plurality of users; and the subset of the plurality of candidate content items are each selected based on an impression opportunity. 38. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein the additive conversion probability technique comprises:
determining a short-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a first conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected that is less than or equal in age to the first conversion window of time; determining a long-term conversion probability of a conversion event to occur within a second conversion window of time, the determination based on data collected that is greater than or equal in age to the second conversion window of time; and determining an additive conversion probability based on an additive function of the short-term conversion probability and the long-term conversion probability. 39. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein:
the first conversion window of time and the second conversion window of time each begins after an initial interaction occurs; and the first conversion window of time is 1 day, and the second conversion window of time is 14 days. 40. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein the conversion event comprises an action towards purchasing an item associated with the content items. | 2,800 |
349,825 | 350,699 | 16,854,518 | 2,899 | A drive circuit for airbag systems, for instance includes a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, an output node coupled to the second input node via a feedback line; a transistor coupled between a drive node and a supply node configured to be coupled to a power supply source; a control node coupled to the control electrode of the transistor and the output node; a Zener diode arrangement having cathode and anode terminals coupled to the supply node and the first input node, respectively; a pull-up component arranged in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and an enable switch coupled to the first input node and referred to ground and switchable between a conductive state and a non-conductive state with the differential transconductance amplifier providing controlled current discharging/charging of the control node to make the transistor conductive/non-conductive, respectively. | 1. A circuit, comprising:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line; a supply node and a drive node configured to be coupled to a transistor current operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node, the supply node being configured to be coupled to a power supply source; a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor; a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier; a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive. 2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the feedback line is a negative feedback line. 3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 4. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the enable switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the Zener diode arrangement and the ground node. 6. The circuit of claim 1, comprising:
load drive circuitry coupled between the drive node and the ground node, the load drive circuitry being operable to be activated in response to the enable switch being in the conductive state and the transistor being made conductive to couple the drive node to the supply node. 7. The circuit of claim 6, wherein the load drive circuitry includes:
first and second output nodes configured to be coupled to a load; and a first transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the intermediate said drive node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the first output node, and a second transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the second output node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the ground node. 8. A device, comprising:
a circuit including:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line;
a supply node and a drive node configured to be coupled to a transistor current operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node, the supply node being configured to be coupled to a power supply source;
a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor;
a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier;
a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and
an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive; and
the transistor arranged with the current path therethrough coupling the supply node and the drive node. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 11. A system, comprising:
a circuit, including:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line;
a supply node configured to be coupled to a power supply source;
a drive node;
a transistor having a first conductive terminal coupled to the supply node, a second conductive terminal coupled to the drive node, and a control terminal, the transistor being operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node;
a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor;
a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier;
a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement;
an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive;
load drive circuitry including:
first and second circuit output nodes; and
a first load transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the intermediate said drive node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the first circuit output node, and a second load transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the second circuit output node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the ground node; and
a load coupled to the first and second circuit output nodes. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the load includes an activation component of a vehicle airbag. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the feedback line is a negative feedback line. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the enable switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the Zener diode arrangement and the ground node. 17. A method, comprising:
operating a switch to set a first voltage to either: a clamp voltage representative of a difference between a supply voltage and a voltage drop across a Zener diode arrangement, or a pull-up voltage to the supply voltage; receiving, by the differential transconductance amplifier at a first input, the first voltage; receiving, by the differential transconductance amplifier at a second input, a feedback voltage representative of an output voltage provided at an output of the differential transconductance amplifier; comparing, by the differential transconductance amplifier, the first voltage to the feedback voltage; and sinking or sourcing controlled current, by the differential transconductance amplifier at the output, to operate a transistor in a conductive state or non-conductive state based on the comparing. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a feedback line between the output and the second input is a negative feedback line. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity. 20. The method of claim 17, comprising:
pulling the pull-up voltage to the supply voltage by a pull-up component that includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch. 21. The method of claim 20, comprising:
placing the pull-up switch in a conductive state to pull the first voltage to the supply voltage. 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the zener diode arrangement and a ground node. | A drive circuit for airbag systems, for instance includes a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, an output node coupled to the second input node via a feedback line; a transistor coupled between a drive node and a supply node configured to be coupled to a power supply source; a control node coupled to the control electrode of the transistor and the output node; a Zener diode arrangement having cathode and anode terminals coupled to the supply node and the first input node, respectively; a pull-up component arranged in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and an enable switch coupled to the first input node and referred to ground and switchable between a conductive state and a non-conductive state with the differential transconductance amplifier providing controlled current discharging/charging of the control node to make the transistor conductive/non-conductive, respectively.1. A circuit, comprising:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line; a supply node and a drive node configured to be coupled to a transistor current operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node, the supply node being configured to be coupled to a power supply source; a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor; a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier; a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive. 2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the feedback line is a negative feedback line. 3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 4. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the enable switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the Zener diode arrangement and the ground node. 6. The circuit of claim 1, comprising:
load drive circuitry coupled between the drive node and the ground node, the load drive circuitry being operable to be activated in response to the enable switch being in the conductive state and the transistor being made conductive to couple the drive node to the supply node. 7. The circuit of claim 6, wherein the load drive circuitry includes:
first and second output nodes configured to be coupled to a load; and a first transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the intermediate said drive node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the first output node, and a second transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the second output node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the ground node. 8. A device, comprising:
a circuit including:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line;
a supply node and a drive node configured to be coupled to a transistor current operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node, the supply node being configured to be coupled to a power supply source;
a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor;
a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier;
a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and
an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive; and
the transistor arranged with the current path therethrough coupling the supply node and the drive node. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 11. A system, comprising:
a circuit, including:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line;
a supply node configured to be coupled to a power supply source;
a drive node;
a transistor having a first conductive terminal coupled to the supply node, a second conductive terminal coupled to the drive node, and a control terminal, the transistor being operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node;
a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor;
a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier;
a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement;
an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive;
load drive circuitry including:
first and second circuit output nodes; and
a first load transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the intermediate said drive node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the first circuit output node, and a second load transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the second circuit output node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the ground node; and
a load coupled to the first and second circuit output nodes. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the load includes an activation component of a vehicle airbag. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the feedback line is a negative feedback line. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the enable switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the Zener diode arrangement and the ground node. 17. A method, comprising:
operating a switch to set a first voltage to either: a clamp voltage representative of a difference between a supply voltage and a voltage drop across a Zener diode arrangement, or a pull-up voltage to the supply voltage; receiving, by the differential transconductance amplifier at a first input, the first voltage; receiving, by the differential transconductance amplifier at a second input, a feedback voltage representative of an output voltage provided at an output of the differential transconductance amplifier; comparing, by the differential transconductance amplifier, the first voltage to the feedback voltage; and sinking or sourcing controlled current, by the differential transconductance amplifier at the output, to operate a transistor in a conductive state or non-conductive state based on the comparing. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a feedback line between the output and the second input is a negative feedback line. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity. 20. The method of claim 17, comprising:
pulling the pull-up voltage to the supply voltage by a pull-up component that includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch. 21. The method of claim 20, comprising:
placing the pull-up switch in a conductive state to pull the first voltage to the supply voltage. 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the zener diode arrangement and a ground node. | 2,800 |
349,826 | 350,700 | 16,854,526 | 2,899 | A drive circuit for airbag systems, for instance includes a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, an output node coupled to the second input node via a feedback line; a transistor coupled between a drive node and a supply node configured to be coupled to a power supply source; a control node coupled to the control electrode of the transistor and the output node; a Zener diode arrangement having cathode and anode terminals coupled to the supply node and the first input node, respectively; a pull-up component arranged in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and an enable switch coupled to the first input node and referred to ground and switchable between a conductive state and a non-conductive state with the differential transconductance amplifier providing controlled current discharging/charging of the control node to make the transistor conductive/non-conductive, respectively. | 1. A circuit, comprising:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line; a supply node and a drive node configured to be coupled to a transistor current operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node, the supply node being configured to be coupled to a power supply source; a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor; a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier; a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive. 2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the feedback line is a negative feedback line. 3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 4. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the enable switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the Zener diode arrangement and the ground node. 6. The circuit of claim 1, comprising:
load drive circuitry coupled between the drive node and the ground node, the load drive circuitry being operable to be activated in response to the enable switch being in the conductive state and the transistor being made conductive to couple the drive node to the supply node. 7. The circuit of claim 6, wherein the load drive circuitry includes:
first and second output nodes configured to be coupled to a load; and a first transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the intermediate said drive node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the first output node, and a second transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the second output node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the ground node. 8. A device, comprising:
a circuit including:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line;
a supply node and a drive node configured to be coupled to a transistor current operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node, the supply node being configured to be coupled to a power supply source;
a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor;
a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier;
a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and
an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive; and
the transistor arranged with the current path therethrough coupling the supply node and the drive node. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 11. A system, comprising:
a circuit, including:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line;
a supply node configured to be coupled to a power supply source;
a drive node;
a transistor having a first conductive terminal coupled to the supply node, a second conductive terminal coupled to the drive node, and a control terminal, the transistor being operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node;
a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor;
a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier;
a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement;
an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive;
load drive circuitry including:
first and second circuit output nodes; and
a first load transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the intermediate said drive node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the first circuit output node, and a second load transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the second circuit output node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the ground node; and
a load coupled to the first and second circuit output nodes. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the load includes an activation component of a vehicle airbag. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the feedback line is a negative feedback line. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the enable switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the Zener diode arrangement and the ground node. 17. A method, comprising:
operating a switch to set a first voltage to either: a clamp voltage representative of a difference between a supply voltage and a voltage drop across a Zener diode arrangement, or a pull-up voltage to the supply voltage; receiving, by the differential transconductance amplifier at a first input, the first voltage; receiving, by the differential transconductance amplifier at a second input, a feedback voltage representative of an output voltage provided at an output of the differential transconductance amplifier; comparing, by the differential transconductance amplifier, the first voltage to the feedback voltage; and sinking or sourcing controlled current, by the differential transconductance amplifier at the output, to operate a transistor in a conductive state or non-conductive state based on the comparing. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a feedback line between the output and the second input is a negative feedback line. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity. 20. The method of claim 17, comprising:
pulling the pull-up voltage to the supply voltage by a pull-up component that includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch. 21. The method of claim 20, comprising:
placing the pull-up switch in a conductive state to pull the first voltage to the supply voltage. 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the zener diode arrangement and a ground node. | A drive circuit for airbag systems, for instance includes a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, an output node coupled to the second input node via a feedback line; a transistor coupled between a drive node and a supply node configured to be coupled to a power supply source; a control node coupled to the control electrode of the transistor and the output node; a Zener diode arrangement having cathode and anode terminals coupled to the supply node and the first input node, respectively; a pull-up component arranged in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and an enable switch coupled to the first input node and referred to ground and switchable between a conductive state and a non-conductive state with the differential transconductance amplifier providing controlled current discharging/charging of the control node to make the transistor conductive/non-conductive, respectively.1. A circuit, comprising:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line; a supply node and a drive node configured to be coupled to a transistor current operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node, the supply node being configured to be coupled to a power supply source; a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor; a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier; a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive. 2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the feedback line is a negative feedback line. 3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 4. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 5. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the enable switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the Zener diode arrangement and the ground node. 6. The circuit of claim 1, comprising:
load drive circuitry coupled between the drive node and the ground node, the load drive circuitry being operable to be activated in response to the enable switch being in the conductive state and the transistor being made conductive to couple the drive node to the supply node. 7. The circuit of claim 6, wherein the load drive circuitry includes:
first and second output nodes configured to be coupled to a load; and a first transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the intermediate said drive node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the first output node, and a second transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the second output node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the ground node. 8. A device, comprising:
a circuit including:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line;
a supply node and a drive node configured to be coupled to a transistor current operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node, the supply node being configured to be coupled to a power supply source;
a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor;
a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier;
a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement; and
an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive; and
the transistor arranged with the current path therethrough coupling the supply node and the drive node. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 11. A system, comprising:
a circuit, including:
a differential transconductance amplifier having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, the output node being coupled to the second input node via a feedback line;
a supply node configured to be coupled to a power supply source;
a drive node;
a transistor having a first conductive terminal coupled to the supply node, a second conductive terminal coupled to the drive node, and a control terminal, the transistor being operative to provide a current path between the supply node and the drive node;
a control node coupled to the output node of the differential transconductance amplifier and the control terminal of the transistor;
a Zener diode arrangement having a cathode coupled to the supply node and an anode coupled to the first input node of the differential transconductance amplifier;
a pull-up component coupled in parallel with the Zener diode arrangement;
an enable switch having a first terminal coupled to the first input node and a second terminal coupled to a ground node, the enable switch being switchable between:
a conductive state during which the first input node is coupled to the supply node via the Zener diode arrangement in a reverse-bias configuration, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current discharging of the control node rendering the transistor conductive; and
a non-conductive state during which the first input node is pulled up to the supply node via the pull-up component, and the differential transconductance amplifier performs controlled current charging of the control node rendering the transistor non-conductive;
load drive circuitry including:
first and second circuit output nodes; and
a first load transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the intermediate said drive node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the first circuit output node, and a second load transistor having a first conduction terminal coupled to the second circuit output node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the ground node; and
a load coupled to the first and second circuit output nodes. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the load includes an activation component of a vehicle airbag. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the feedback line is a negative feedback line. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity such that a first Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has an anode coupled to the first input node, a last Zener diode of the plurality of Zener diodes has a cathode coupled to the supply node and one or more intervening Zener diodes of the plurality of Zener diodes are coupled between the first Zener diode and the last Zener diode and have the same polarity as the first and last Zener diodes. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the pull-up component includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch configured to be placed in a conductive state to couple the first input node to the supply node. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the enable switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the Zener diode arrangement and the ground node. 17. A method, comprising:
operating a switch to set a first voltage to either: a clamp voltage representative of a difference between a supply voltage and a voltage drop across a Zener diode arrangement, or a pull-up voltage to the supply voltage; receiving, by the differential transconductance amplifier at a first input, the first voltage; receiving, by the differential transconductance amplifier at a second input, a feedback voltage representative of an output voltage provided at an output of the differential transconductance amplifier; comparing, by the differential transconductance amplifier, the first voltage to the feedback voltage; and sinking or sourcing controlled current, by the differential transconductance amplifier at the output, to operate a transistor in a conductive state or non-conductive state based on the comparing. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a feedback line between the output and the second input is a negative feedback line. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the Zener diode arrangement includes a plurality of Zener diodes coupled in series and having the same polarity. 20. The method of claim 17, comprising:
pulling the pull-up voltage to the supply voltage by a pull-up component that includes at least one of: a pull-up resistance, or a pull-up switch. 21. The method of claim 20, comprising:
placing the pull-up switch in a conductive state to pull the first voltage to the supply voltage. 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the switch includes a switching transistor operative to have a current path therethrough that provides a current flow line between the zener diode arrangement and a ground node. | 2,800 |
349,827 | 350,701 | 16,854,512 | 2,899 | The present invention relates to a flow rate measuring method comprising: establishing a database which includes a plurality of flow profiles; measuring the flow in a flow field using a plurality of transducers wherein in between every two transducers there exists an acoustic path which indicates the flow speed of the flow between the two transducers, and a feature map can be derived from the flow speeds; comparing the feature map with the database; selecting a matching flow profile from the flow profiles wherein the matching flow profile has a plurality of weighting functions corresponding to the acoustic paths; and calibrating the flow speed using the weighting functions. | 1. A flow rate measuring method, comprising:
establishing a database including a plurality of flow profiles; measuring a flow in a flow field by a plurality of transducers, wherein each of two transducers have an acoustic path represented as a flow speed of the flow between the two transducers, wherein a feature map is derived by the flow speeds; comparing the feature map with the database and selecting a recognized flow profile from the flow profiles, wherein the recognized flow profile has a plurality of weight functions corresponding to the feature map; and calibrating the flow speed by the weight function. 2. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, further comprising:
simulating each of the flow profiles to get theoretical flow distributions, the database further including the theoretical flow distributions corresponding to the flow profiles. 3. The flow rate measuring method as claim 2, wherein the acoustic paths are composed as a measuring flow distribution, the theoretical flow distribution of the recognized flow profile is most likely the measuring flow distribution. 4. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, wherein the comparing method is selected from PCA, NMF, NNMF, ANN, GANN, SVM or the combination thereof. 5. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, wherein the number of the transducers is equal, less or more than 8. 6. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, wherein the transducers are uniformly distributed around the flow field and outside the flow field. 7. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, wherein the transducers are acoustic-based transducer. | The present invention relates to a flow rate measuring method comprising: establishing a database which includes a plurality of flow profiles; measuring the flow in a flow field using a plurality of transducers wherein in between every two transducers there exists an acoustic path which indicates the flow speed of the flow between the two transducers, and a feature map can be derived from the flow speeds; comparing the feature map with the database; selecting a matching flow profile from the flow profiles wherein the matching flow profile has a plurality of weighting functions corresponding to the acoustic paths; and calibrating the flow speed using the weighting functions.1. A flow rate measuring method, comprising:
establishing a database including a plurality of flow profiles; measuring a flow in a flow field by a plurality of transducers, wherein each of two transducers have an acoustic path represented as a flow speed of the flow between the two transducers, wherein a feature map is derived by the flow speeds; comparing the feature map with the database and selecting a recognized flow profile from the flow profiles, wherein the recognized flow profile has a plurality of weight functions corresponding to the feature map; and calibrating the flow speed by the weight function. 2. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, further comprising:
simulating each of the flow profiles to get theoretical flow distributions, the database further including the theoretical flow distributions corresponding to the flow profiles. 3. The flow rate measuring method as claim 2, wherein the acoustic paths are composed as a measuring flow distribution, the theoretical flow distribution of the recognized flow profile is most likely the measuring flow distribution. 4. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, wherein the comparing method is selected from PCA, NMF, NNMF, ANN, GANN, SVM or the combination thereof. 5. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, wherein the number of the transducers is equal, less or more than 8. 6. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, wherein the transducers are uniformly distributed around the flow field and outside the flow field. 7. The flow rate measuring method as claim 1, wherein the transducers are acoustic-based transducer. | 2,800 |
349,828 | 350,702 | 16,854,499 | 2,899 | An external adjustment device includes at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis with a first handle extending linearly at a first end of the device and a second handle at a second end of the device, the second handle extending in a direction substantially off axis to the first handle. The external adjustment device further includes a motor mounted inside the first handle and a first button located in the proximity to one of the first handle or the second handle, the first button configured to be operated by the thumb of a hand that grips the one of the find handle or second handle. The first button is configured to actuate the motor causing the at least one permanent magnet to rotate about the axis in a first direction. | 1. An external adjustment device comprising:
at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis; an actuator configured for rotating the at least one permanent magnet about the axis; a control panel configured to actuate the actuator; and at least one sensor in proximity to the at least one permanent magnet, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense a magnetic field of the at least one permanent magnet as the at least one permanent magnet rotates about the axis. 2. The external adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one permanent magnet includes a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis and a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis. 3. The external adjustment device of claim 2, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor in proximity to the first permanent magnet and a second sensor in proximity to the second permanent magnet, and
wherein the first sensor is configured to sense the magnetic field of the first permanent magnet as the first permanent magnet rotates about the first axis and the second sensor is configured to sense the magnetic field of the second permanent magnet as the second permanent magnet rotates about the second magnet. 4. The external adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is in a fixed position relative to the at least one permanent magnet. 5. The external adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output a first time-variable voltage based at least on a time-variable strength of the sensed magnetic field corresponding to rotation of the at least one permanent magnet. 6. The external adjustment device of claim 1, further comprising:
a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and configured to process sensed magnetic field changes sensed by the at least one sensor. 7. The external adjustment device of claim 6, wherein the control panel includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification when the processor detects that the at least one permanent magnet has stopped rotating. 8. The external adjustment device of claim 6, wherein the at least one permanent magnet includes a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis and a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis; and
wherein the control panel includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification when the processor detects that magnetic poles of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are not synchronized. 9. A distraction system comprising:
a distraction device configured to be implanted within a subject's body and having an adjustable portion for adjusting a dimension of the distraction device; and an external adjustment device configured to be placed external to the subject's body in proximity to the distraction device to cause distraction of the distraction device, the external adjustment device including:
at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis;
an actuator configured for rotating the at least one permanent magnet about the axis;
a control panel configured to control actuation of the actuator; and
at least one sensor in proximity to the at least one permanent magnet, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense a magnetic field of the at least one permanent magnet as the at least one permanent magnet rotates about the axis within the external adjustment device. 10. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the at least one permanent magnet includes a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis and a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second, different axis. 11. The distraction system of claim 10, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor in proximity to the first permanent magnet and a second sensor in proximity to the second permanent magnet, and
wherein the first sensor is configured to sense the magnetic field of the first permanent magnet as the first permanent magnet rotates about the first axis and the second sensor is configured to sense the magnetic field of the second permanent magnet as the second permanent magnet rotates about the second magnet. 12. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor is in a fixed position relative to the at least one permanent magnet. 13. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output a first time-variable voltage based at least on a time-variable strength of the sensed magnetic field corresponding to rotation of the at least one permanent magnet. 14. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the external adjustment device further includes a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and configured to process magnetic field changes sensed by the at least one sensor. 15. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein the control panel includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification when the processor detects that the at least one permanent magnet has stopped rotating. 16. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein the at least one permanent magnet includes a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis and a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis; and
wherein the control panel includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification when the processor detects that magnetic poles of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are not synchronized. 17. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to store at least one of a date of distraction of the distraction device, an amount of distraction attempted, an amount of distraction obtained, or a maximum amount of distraction allowed. 18. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to detect whether the distraction device was implanted in the subject retrograde or antegrade. 19. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein distraction device includes a read/write radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip, and wherein the external adjustment device further includes an antenna configured to receive and transmit data from and to the read/write RFID chip. 20. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the adjustable portion of the distraction device includes a rotationally mounted, internal permanent magnet that rotates in response to the magnetic field applied by the at least one permanent magnet of the external adjustment device. | An external adjustment device includes at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis with a first handle extending linearly at a first end of the device and a second handle at a second end of the device, the second handle extending in a direction substantially off axis to the first handle. The external adjustment device further includes a motor mounted inside the first handle and a first button located in the proximity to one of the first handle or the second handle, the first button configured to be operated by the thumb of a hand that grips the one of the find handle or second handle. The first button is configured to actuate the motor causing the at least one permanent magnet to rotate about the axis in a first direction.1. An external adjustment device comprising:
at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis; an actuator configured for rotating the at least one permanent magnet about the axis; a control panel configured to actuate the actuator; and at least one sensor in proximity to the at least one permanent magnet, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense a magnetic field of the at least one permanent magnet as the at least one permanent magnet rotates about the axis. 2. The external adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one permanent magnet includes a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis and a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis. 3. The external adjustment device of claim 2, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor in proximity to the first permanent magnet and a second sensor in proximity to the second permanent magnet, and
wherein the first sensor is configured to sense the magnetic field of the first permanent magnet as the first permanent magnet rotates about the first axis and the second sensor is configured to sense the magnetic field of the second permanent magnet as the second permanent magnet rotates about the second magnet. 4. The external adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is in a fixed position relative to the at least one permanent magnet. 5. The external adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output a first time-variable voltage based at least on a time-variable strength of the sensed magnetic field corresponding to rotation of the at least one permanent magnet. 6. The external adjustment device of claim 1, further comprising:
a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and configured to process sensed magnetic field changes sensed by the at least one sensor. 7. The external adjustment device of claim 6, wherein the control panel includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification when the processor detects that the at least one permanent magnet has stopped rotating. 8. The external adjustment device of claim 6, wherein the at least one permanent magnet includes a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis and a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis; and
wherein the control panel includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification when the processor detects that magnetic poles of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are not synchronized. 9. A distraction system comprising:
a distraction device configured to be implanted within a subject's body and having an adjustable portion for adjusting a dimension of the distraction device; and an external adjustment device configured to be placed external to the subject's body in proximity to the distraction device to cause distraction of the distraction device, the external adjustment device including:
at least one permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis;
an actuator configured for rotating the at least one permanent magnet about the axis;
a control panel configured to control actuation of the actuator; and
at least one sensor in proximity to the at least one permanent magnet, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense a magnetic field of the at least one permanent magnet as the at least one permanent magnet rotates about the axis within the external adjustment device. 10. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the at least one permanent magnet includes a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis and a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second, different axis. 11. The distraction system of claim 10, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor in proximity to the first permanent magnet and a second sensor in proximity to the second permanent magnet, and
wherein the first sensor is configured to sense the magnetic field of the first permanent magnet as the first permanent magnet rotates about the first axis and the second sensor is configured to sense the magnetic field of the second permanent magnet as the second permanent magnet rotates about the second magnet. 12. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor is in a fixed position relative to the at least one permanent magnet. 13. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output a first time-variable voltage based at least on a time-variable strength of the sensed magnetic field corresponding to rotation of the at least one permanent magnet. 14. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the external adjustment device further includes a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and configured to process magnetic field changes sensed by the at least one sensor. 15. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein the control panel includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification when the processor detects that the at least one permanent magnet has stopped rotating. 16. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein the at least one permanent magnet includes a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis and a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis; and
wherein the control panel includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification when the processor detects that magnetic poles of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are not synchronized. 17. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to store at least one of a date of distraction of the distraction device, an amount of distraction attempted, an amount of distraction obtained, or a maximum amount of distraction allowed. 18. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to detect whether the distraction device was implanted in the subject retrograde or antegrade. 19. The distraction system of claim 14, wherein distraction device includes a read/write radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip, and wherein the external adjustment device further includes an antenna configured to receive and transmit data from and to the read/write RFID chip. 20. The distraction system of claim 9, wherein the adjustable portion of the distraction device includes a rotationally mounted, internal permanent magnet that rotates in response to the magnetic field applied by the at least one permanent magnet of the external adjustment device. | 2,800 |
349,829 | 350,703 | 16,854,509 | 2,899 | The present invention relates to tool steels which present an extremely high conductivity while maintaining high levels of mechanical properties the manufacturing process thereof. Tool steels of the present invention are able to undergo low temperature hardening treatments with good homogeneity of the microstructure and can be obtained at low cost. | 1. A steel, having the following composition, all percentages being in % wt, 2. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % B is higher than 1 ppm. 3. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % W<1. 4. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Ni<0.75. 5. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % C>0.32. 6. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Cr<1.8. 7. A steel according to claim 1, wherein Mn<0.8%, Cr>2.8 and B>52 ppm. 8. A steel according to claim 1 wherein Mn<0.8%, Cr>2.8, B>52 ppm and the sum of all Rare Earth Elements (REE) is >60 ppm. 9. A steel according to claim 1, wherein the sum of all REE is at least 7 ppm. 10. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Ce is at least 5 ppm. 11. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Y is at least 9 ppm. 12. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Gd is at least 2 ppm. 13. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Nd is at least 16 ppm. 14. A steel according to claim 1, wherein any REE is present and % V>0.2%. 15. A steel according to claim 1 wherein any REE is present and % Ni>0.1% 16. A steel according to claim 1, wherein any REE is present and % B<1.64%. 17. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % B is lower than 598 ppm. 18. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Zr+% Hf+% Ta is higher than 0.3%. 19. A steel according to claim 1, wherein the microstructure of the steel comprises at least 20% of High Temperature bainite, wherein High Temperature bainite, refers to any microstructure formed at temperatures above the temperature corresponding to the bainite nose in the TTT diagram but below the temperature where the ferritic/perlitic transformation ends, but excluding lower bainite which can occasionally be formed in small amounts in isothermal treatments at temperatures above the one of the bainitic nose. 20. A steel according to claim 1, which is a hot work tool steel. | The present invention relates to tool steels which present an extremely high conductivity while maintaining high levels of mechanical properties the manufacturing process thereof. Tool steels of the present invention are able to undergo low temperature hardening treatments with good homogeneity of the microstructure and can be obtained at low cost.1. A steel, having the following composition, all percentages being in % wt, 2. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % B is higher than 1 ppm. 3. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % W<1. 4. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Ni<0.75. 5. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % C>0.32. 6. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Cr<1.8. 7. A steel according to claim 1, wherein Mn<0.8%, Cr>2.8 and B>52 ppm. 8. A steel according to claim 1 wherein Mn<0.8%, Cr>2.8, B>52 ppm and the sum of all Rare Earth Elements (REE) is >60 ppm. 9. A steel according to claim 1, wherein the sum of all REE is at least 7 ppm. 10. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Ce is at least 5 ppm. 11. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Y is at least 9 ppm. 12. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Gd is at least 2 ppm. 13. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Nd is at least 16 ppm. 14. A steel according to claim 1, wherein any REE is present and % V>0.2%. 15. A steel according to claim 1 wherein any REE is present and % Ni>0.1% 16. A steel according to claim 1, wherein any REE is present and % B<1.64%. 17. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % B is lower than 598 ppm. 18. A steel according to claim 1, wherein % Zr+% Hf+% Ta is higher than 0.3%. 19. A steel according to claim 1, wherein the microstructure of the steel comprises at least 20% of High Temperature bainite, wherein High Temperature bainite, refers to any microstructure formed at temperatures above the temperature corresponding to the bainite nose in the TTT diagram but below the temperature where the ferritic/perlitic transformation ends, but excluding lower bainite which can occasionally be formed in small amounts in isothermal treatments at temperatures above the one of the bainitic nose. 20. A steel according to claim 1, which is a hot work tool steel. | 2,800 |
349,830 | 350,704 | 16,854,523 | 2,899 | An apparatus and to a method for treating layers using a plasma zone sealed from the outer atmospheric pressure are provided. The apparatus and method include a plasma reactor including a substrate carrier in form of a container receiving means, and a closing element that is joined with the substrate carrier by means of a lifting device. | 1. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall having an inner surface; an intermediate layer on the inner surface; a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer on the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, and wherein the sliding force is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 2. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the sliding force is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 3. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after storage. 4. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is a crosslinked organic film. 5. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is silicone-free. 6. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is a crosslinked organic film. 7. The pharmaceutical container of claim 6, wherein the crosslinked organic film comprises a material selected from a group consisting of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluorosiloxane, PTFE particles, mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal based oil, synthetic fluid hydrocarbons, fluid fluorinated or chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic esters, fatty acid esters, polyphenylethers, phosphoric acid esters, polyethylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols, polyalphaolefin, polyaromatic hydrocarbon, alkylbenzenes, polyurethanes, squalene, and combinations thereof. 8. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a material selected from a group consisting of glass, cycloolefin copolymers (COC), cyclo-olefin polymers (COP), HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, and borosilicate glass. 9. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that, before storage, is greater than 0N and at most 10N. 10. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that is, after storage for 7 days at 40° C. when filled with water, greater than 0N and at most 15N. 11. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that is, after storage for 28 days at 40° C. when filled with water, greater than 0N and at most 17N. 12. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a sliding force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force is less than 5N. 13. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the sliding force is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 14. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the sliding force is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 15. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 16. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 17. Pharmaceutical packaging, comprising a plurality of a pharmaceutical containers, each of the plurality of a pharmaceutical containers comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a sliding force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is less than 5N. 18. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 19. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 20. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the plurality of pharmaceutical containers comprise four pharmaceutical containers. | An apparatus and to a method for treating layers using a plasma zone sealed from the outer atmospheric pressure are provided. The apparatus and method include a plasma reactor including a substrate carrier in form of a container receiving means, and a closing element that is joined with the substrate carrier by means of a lifting device.1. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall having an inner surface; an intermediate layer on the inner surface; a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer on the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, and wherein the sliding force is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 2. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the sliding force is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 3. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after storage. 4. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is a crosslinked organic film. 5. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is silicone-free. 6. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is a crosslinked organic film. 7. The pharmaceutical container of claim 6, wherein the crosslinked organic film comprises a material selected from a group consisting of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluorosiloxane, PTFE particles, mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal based oil, synthetic fluid hydrocarbons, fluid fluorinated or chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic esters, fatty acid esters, polyphenylethers, phosphoric acid esters, polyethylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols, polyalphaolefin, polyaromatic hydrocarbon, alkylbenzenes, polyurethanes, squalene, and combinations thereof. 8. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a material selected from a group consisting of glass, cycloolefin copolymers (COC), cyclo-olefin polymers (COP), HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, and borosilicate glass. 9. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that, before storage, is greater than 0N and at most 10N. 10. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that is, after storage for 7 days at 40° C. when filled with water, greater than 0N and at most 15N. 11. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that is, after storage for 28 days at 40° C. when filled with water, greater than 0N and at most 17N. 12. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a sliding force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force is less than 5N. 13. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the sliding force is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 14. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the sliding force is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 15. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 16. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 17. Pharmaceutical packaging, comprising a plurality of a pharmaceutical containers, each of the plurality of a pharmaceutical containers comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a sliding force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is less than 5N. 18. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 19. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 20. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the plurality of pharmaceutical containers comprise four pharmaceutical containers. | 2,800 |
349,831 | 350,705 | 16,854,511 | 2,899 | An apparatus and to a method for treating layers using a plasma zone sealed from the outer atmospheric pressure are provided. The apparatus and method include a plasma reactor including a substrate carrier in form of a container receiving means, and a closing element that is joined with the substrate carrier by means of a lifting device. | 1. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall having an inner surface; an intermediate layer on the inner surface; a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer on the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, and wherein the sliding force is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 2. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the sliding force is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 3. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after storage. 4. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is a crosslinked organic film. 5. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is silicone-free. 6. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is a crosslinked organic film. 7. The pharmaceutical container of claim 6, wherein the crosslinked organic film comprises a material selected from a group consisting of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluorosiloxane, PTFE particles, mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal based oil, synthetic fluid hydrocarbons, fluid fluorinated or chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic esters, fatty acid esters, polyphenylethers, phosphoric acid esters, polyethylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols, polyalphaolefin, polyaromatic hydrocarbon, alkylbenzenes, polyurethanes, squalene, and combinations thereof. 8. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a material selected from a group consisting of glass, cycloolefin copolymers (COC), cyclo-olefin polymers (COP), HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, and borosilicate glass. 9. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that, before storage, is greater than 0N and at most 10N. 10. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that is, after storage for 7 days at 40° C. when filled with water, greater than 0N and at most 15N. 11. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that is, after storage for 28 days at 40° C. when filled with water, greater than 0N and at most 17N. 12. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a sliding force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force is less than 5N. 13. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the sliding force is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 14. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the sliding force is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 15. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 16. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 17. Pharmaceutical packaging, comprising a plurality of a pharmaceutical containers, each of the plurality of a pharmaceutical containers comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a sliding force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is less than 5N. 18. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 19. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 20. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the plurality of pharmaceutical containers comprise four pharmaceutical containers. | An apparatus and to a method for treating layers using a plasma zone sealed from the outer atmospheric pressure are provided. The apparatus and method include a plasma reactor including a substrate carrier in form of a container receiving means, and a closing element that is joined with the substrate carrier by means of a lifting device.1. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall having an inner surface; an intermediate layer on the inner surface; a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer on the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer, wherein the stopper has a sliding force with respect to the lubricating layer, and wherein the sliding force is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 2. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the sliding force is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 3. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the sliding force does not vary more than 50% before and after storage. 4. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is a crosslinked organic film. 5. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the lubricating layer is silicone-free. 6. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is a crosslinked organic film. 7. The pharmaceutical container of claim 6, wherein the crosslinked organic film comprises a material selected from a group consisting of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), perfluorosiloxane, PTFE particles, mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal based oil, synthetic fluid hydrocarbons, fluid fluorinated or chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic esters, fatty acid esters, polyphenylethers, phosphoric acid esters, polyethylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols, polyalphaolefin, polyaromatic hydrocarbon, alkylbenzenes, polyurethanes, squalene, and combinations thereof. 8. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a material selected from a group consisting of glass, cycloolefin copolymers (COC), cyclo-olefin polymers (COP), HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, and borosilicate glass. 9. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that, before storage, is greater than 0N and at most 10N. 10. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that is, after storage for 7 days at 40° C. when filled with water, greater than 0N and at most 15N. 11. The pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer that is, after storage for 28 days at 40° C. when filled with water, greater than 0N and at most 17N. 12. A pharmaceutical container, comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a sliding force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force is less than 5N. 13. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the sliding force is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 14. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the sliding force is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 15. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 16. The pharmaceutical container of claim 12, wherein the stopper has a breakaway force with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the breakaway force does not increase more than 100% within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when filled with water. 17. Pharmaceutical packaging, comprising a plurality of a pharmaceutical containers, each of the plurality of a pharmaceutical containers comprising:
a wall with an inner surface coated with an intermediate layer and a lubricating layer on the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer adhering the lubricating layer to the inner surface; and a stopper in contact with the lubricating layer; and a sliding force of the stopper with respect to the lubricating layer, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is less than 5N. 18. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is stable within 7 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 19. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the sliding force of each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers is stable within 28 days of storage at 40° C. when the container is filled with water. 20. The pharmaceutical packaging of claim 17, wherein the plurality of pharmaceutical containers comprise four pharmaceutical containers. | 2,800 |
349,832 | 350,706 | 16,854,524 | 2,119 | A system may automatically control a pipeline heating system to maintain a desired temperature and/or to provide flow assurance of process fluid along a pipeline. The system may identify the occurrence and location of the solidification of a given process fluid or the melting of the given process fluid by monitoring temperatures along the pipeline and identifying from the monitored temperatures the occurrence and location of a latent heat signature associated with the solidification or melting of the given process fluid. The system may calculate and display fill percentages of the solidified process fluid at locations along the pipeline. The system may determine the percentage of a given section of pipeline that is filled with solid and/or liquid process fluid on a meter-by-meter basis. The system may perform automated re-melt operations to resolve plugs of solidified process fluid that may occur in the pipeline. | 1. A control system for use with a pipeline that transports a process fluid and a heating system that applies thermal energy to the pipeline, the control system comprising:
a sensor network configured to record pipeline data, the sensor network comprising a plurality of temperature sensors at a plurality of locations along the pipeline; and a controller in electronic communication with the sensor network, the controller comprising a processor and memory storing specific computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to:
receive the pipeline data from the sensor network;
determine, based on the pipeline data, a plurality of rates of change of a plurality of temperatures at the plurality of locations along the pipeline over time;
determine, based on one or more of the plurality of rates of change, that a plug of solidified process fluid is in the pipeline at a first location; and
cause, via electronic communication with a client system, a graphical user interface of a client system to display a representation of the plug at the first location. 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the sensor network comprises a fiber optic based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. 3. The control system of claim 2, wherein execution of the instructions by the processor further causes the controller to:
generate, based on the pipeline data, a distribution of solidified process fluid along a section of the pipeline that includes the first location of the plug; and cause, via communication with a client system, the distribution to be displayed via a graphical user interface of the client system. 4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the controller, to generate the distribution of the solidified process fluid, calculates a plurality of fill percentages representing, respectively, an amount of process fluid that is present at each location of a subset of the plurality of locations included in the section of the pipeline. 5. The control system of claim 4, wherein execution of the instructions by the processor further causes the controller to:
control the heating system to uniformly heat the section of the pipeline to a pre-melt temperature that is a predetermined number of degrees below a melting point of the solidified process fluid; and cause the heating system to initiate a re-melt process in which the heating system increases the temperature of the section of the pipeline to at least the melting point of the solidified process fluid. 6. The control system of claim 5, wherein execution of the instructions by the processor further causes the controller to:
receive, from the sensor network, a subset of the pipeline data during the re-melt process; determine, based on the subset of the pipeline data, that at least a portion of the solidified process fluid in the section of the pipeline has undergone a spatially non-uniform phase change; and cause the heating system to stop the re-melt process and to return the temperature of the section of the pipeline to near a melting point of the solidified process fluid. 7. A method for thermal management of a pipeline, comprising:
recording pipeline data corresponding to temperature characteristics of the pipeline; determining a plurality of pipeline temperature rates of change corresponding to a plurality of locations along the pipeline over time; determining based on a first pipeline temperature rate of change of the plurality of pipeline temperature rates of change, that a plug of solidified process fluid is in the pipeline at a first location; and displaying a representation of the plug at the first location. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the pipeline data is recorded by a sensor network that comprises a fiber optic based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
instructing a heating system to apply power to heaters in a first heating zone of the pipeline corresponding to the first location; and instructing the heating system to maintain a second heating zone of the pipeline at a stagnant line set point temperature. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
generating, based on the pipeline data, a distribution of solidified process fluid along a section of the pipeline that includes the first location; and displaying a graphical representation of the distribution of the solidified process fluid along the section of the pipeline. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining, based on the pipeline data, that a length of the plug is greater than a predetermined length; instructing the heating system to uniformly heat the section of the pipeline to a pre-melt temperature that is a predetermined number of degrees below a melting point of the solidified process fluid; and instructing the heating system to initiate a re-melt process in which the heating system increases the temperature of the section of the pipeline to at least the melting point of the solidified process fluid. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining, during the re-melt process, that the solidified process fluid in the section of the pipeline is undergoing a spatially non-uniform phase change based on a latent heat signature in the pipeline data corresponding to a drop in heating rate that occurs when the solidified process fluid undergoes a solid-to-liquid phase change. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
instructing, during the re-melt process in response to determining that the solidified process fluid in the section of the pipeline is undergoing the spatially non-uniform phase change, the heating system to stop the re-melt process and to maintain the temperature of the section of the pipeline near the melting point of the solidified process fluid. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the distribution of the solidified process fluid along the section of the pipeline comprises:
calculating a fill percentage representing an amount by which the first location of the pipeline is filled with solidified process fluid. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein calculating the fill percentage representing the amount by which the first location of the pipeline is filled with solidified process fluid comprises:
calculating the fill percentage representing the amount by which the first location of the pipeline is filled with solidified process fluid based on the first pipeline temperature rate of change. 16. A system for use with a pipeline that transports a process fluid and a heating system that applies thermal energy to the pipeline, the system comprising:
a sensor network configured to record temperature data for a pipeline, the temperature data including temperature measurements for each of a plurality of locations along the pipeline over time; and a controller in electronic communication with the sensor network, the controller comprising a processor and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to:
receive the temperature data from the sensor network;
determine, based on the temperature data, a rate of change of temperature of a first location of the plurality of locations of the pipeline;
determine, based on the rate of change of temperature, that solidified process fluid is present in the pipeline at the first location;
determine, based on the temperature data, a fill percentage representing an amount of solidified process fluid estimated to be present at the first location; and
electronically communicate with a client system to cause a graphical user interface of the client system to display a graphical representation of the fill percentage at the first location of the pipeline. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor network comprises a fiber optic based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the graphical representation further includes a pipeline fill distribution along the pipeline, wherein the pipeline fill distribution comprises the fill percentage for the first location and a plurality of additional fill percentages for additional locations of the plurality of locations of the pipeline. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the controller to:
determine, based on a latent heat signature in the temperature data, that the solidified process fluid at the first location corresponds to a plug. 20. The system of claim 19, further comprising:
a heating system configured to apply thermal energy to the pipeline, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to:
provide a prompt to the client system requesting that additional power be applied to one or more heaters of the heating system near the first location of the plug in the pipeline. | A system may automatically control a pipeline heating system to maintain a desired temperature and/or to provide flow assurance of process fluid along a pipeline. The system may identify the occurrence and location of the solidification of a given process fluid or the melting of the given process fluid by monitoring temperatures along the pipeline and identifying from the monitored temperatures the occurrence and location of a latent heat signature associated with the solidification or melting of the given process fluid. The system may calculate and display fill percentages of the solidified process fluid at locations along the pipeline. The system may determine the percentage of a given section of pipeline that is filled with solid and/or liquid process fluid on a meter-by-meter basis. The system may perform automated re-melt operations to resolve plugs of solidified process fluid that may occur in the pipeline.1. A control system for use with a pipeline that transports a process fluid and a heating system that applies thermal energy to the pipeline, the control system comprising:
a sensor network configured to record pipeline data, the sensor network comprising a plurality of temperature sensors at a plurality of locations along the pipeline; and a controller in electronic communication with the sensor network, the controller comprising a processor and memory storing specific computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to:
receive the pipeline data from the sensor network;
determine, based on the pipeline data, a plurality of rates of change of a plurality of temperatures at the plurality of locations along the pipeline over time;
determine, based on one or more of the plurality of rates of change, that a plug of solidified process fluid is in the pipeline at a first location; and
cause, via electronic communication with a client system, a graphical user interface of a client system to display a representation of the plug at the first location. 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the sensor network comprises a fiber optic based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. 3. The control system of claim 2, wherein execution of the instructions by the processor further causes the controller to:
generate, based on the pipeline data, a distribution of solidified process fluid along a section of the pipeline that includes the first location of the plug; and cause, via communication with a client system, the distribution to be displayed via a graphical user interface of the client system. 4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the controller, to generate the distribution of the solidified process fluid, calculates a plurality of fill percentages representing, respectively, an amount of process fluid that is present at each location of a subset of the plurality of locations included in the section of the pipeline. 5. The control system of claim 4, wherein execution of the instructions by the processor further causes the controller to:
control the heating system to uniformly heat the section of the pipeline to a pre-melt temperature that is a predetermined number of degrees below a melting point of the solidified process fluid; and cause the heating system to initiate a re-melt process in which the heating system increases the temperature of the section of the pipeline to at least the melting point of the solidified process fluid. 6. The control system of claim 5, wherein execution of the instructions by the processor further causes the controller to:
receive, from the sensor network, a subset of the pipeline data during the re-melt process; determine, based on the subset of the pipeline data, that at least a portion of the solidified process fluid in the section of the pipeline has undergone a spatially non-uniform phase change; and cause the heating system to stop the re-melt process and to return the temperature of the section of the pipeline to near a melting point of the solidified process fluid. 7. A method for thermal management of a pipeline, comprising:
recording pipeline data corresponding to temperature characteristics of the pipeline; determining a plurality of pipeline temperature rates of change corresponding to a plurality of locations along the pipeline over time; determining based on a first pipeline temperature rate of change of the plurality of pipeline temperature rates of change, that a plug of solidified process fluid is in the pipeline at a first location; and displaying a representation of the plug at the first location. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the pipeline data is recorded by a sensor network that comprises a fiber optic based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
instructing a heating system to apply power to heaters in a first heating zone of the pipeline corresponding to the first location; and instructing the heating system to maintain a second heating zone of the pipeline at a stagnant line set point temperature. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
generating, based on the pipeline data, a distribution of solidified process fluid along a section of the pipeline that includes the first location; and displaying a graphical representation of the distribution of the solidified process fluid along the section of the pipeline. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining, based on the pipeline data, that a length of the plug is greater than a predetermined length; instructing the heating system to uniformly heat the section of the pipeline to a pre-melt temperature that is a predetermined number of degrees below a melting point of the solidified process fluid; and instructing the heating system to initiate a re-melt process in which the heating system increases the temperature of the section of the pipeline to at least the melting point of the solidified process fluid. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
determining, during the re-melt process, that the solidified process fluid in the section of the pipeline is undergoing a spatially non-uniform phase change based on a latent heat signature in the pipeline data corresponding to a drop in heating rate that occurs when the solidified process fluid undergoes a solid-to-liquid phase change. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
instructing, during the re-melt process in response to determining that the solidified process fluid in the section of the pipeline is undergoing the spatially non-uniform phase change, the heating system to stop the re-melt process and to maintain the temperature of the section of the pipeline near the melting point of the solidified process fluid. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the distribution of the solidified process fluid along the section of the pipeline comprises:
calculating a fill percentage representing an amount by which the first location of the pipeline is filled with solidified process fluid. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein calculating the fill percentage representing the amount by which the first location of the pipeline is filled with solidified process fluid comprises:
calculating the fill percentage representing the amount by which the first location of the pipeline is filled with solidified process fluid based on the first pipeline temperature rate of change. 16. A system for use with a pipeline that transports a process fluid and a heating system that applies thermal energy to the pipeline, the system comprising:
a sensor network configured to record temperature data for a pipeline, the temperature data including temperature measurements for each of a plurality of locations along the pipeline over time; and a controller in electronic communication with the sensor network, the controller comprising a processor and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to:
receive the temperature data from the sensor network;
determine, based on the temperature data, a rate of change of temperature of a first location of the plurality of locations of the pipeline;
determine, based on the rate of change of temperature, that solidified process fluid is present in the pipeline at the first location;
determine, based on the temperature data, a fill percentage representing an amount of solidified process fluid estimated to be present at the first location; and
electronically communicate with a client system to cause a graphical user interface of the client system to display a graphical representation of the fill percentage at the first location of the pipeline. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor network comprises a fiber optic based distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the graphical representation further includes a pipeline fill distribution along the pipeline, wherein the pipeline fill distribution comprises the fill percentage for the first location and a plurality of additional fill percentages for additional locations of the plurality of locations of the pipeline. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the controller to:
determine, based on a latent heat signature in the temperature data, that the solidified process fluid at the first location corresponds to a plug. 20. The system of claim 19, further comprising:
a heating system configured to apply thermal energy to the pipeline, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to:
provide a prompt to the client system requesting that additional power be applied to one or more heaters of the heating system near the first location of the plug in the pipeline. | 2,100 |
349,833 | 350,707 | 16,854,486 | 2,119 | The present disclosure is directed to a system for calibrating cameras with a fixed focal point. In particular, a camera calibration system comprising one or more computing devices can project a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface using the plurality of collimators. The camera calibration system can capture, using the camera, a plurality of images of the target surface with the camera, wherein the camera is rotated between each captured image in the plurality of images. The camera calibration system can compare the plurality of images with a ground truth projection. The camera calibration system can generate calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection. The camera calibration system can store the calibration data for use in rectifying the camera. | 1. A computer-implemented method for camera rectification by a camera testing system comprising a plurality of collimators and a camera, the method comprising:
projecting, by the camera testing system, a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface using the plurality of collimators; capturing, by the camera testing system and using the camera, a plurality of images of the target surface with the camera, wherein the camera is rotated between each captured image in the plurality of images; comparing, by the camera testing system, the plurality of images with a ground truth projection; generating, by the camera testing system, calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection; and storing, by the camera testing system, the calibration data for use in rectifying the camera. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein a fiducial marker is a circular target image. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the fiducial marker includes a discoverable center point. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of collimators project the plurality of fiducial markers such that the fiducial markers have an infinite focus. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the camera has a fixed focal point. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein projecting a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface using the plurality of collimators further comprises:
determining, by the camera testing system, current angle data for the plurality of collimators; and generating, by the camera testing system, a ground truth projection by mathematically projecting a plurality of fiduciary markers onto a virtual surface using the current angle data for the plurality of collimators. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the ground truth projection describes a location of a plurality of fiducial markers on a virtual surface, each fiducial marker being associated with one or more target points. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the fixed focal point is fixed at an infinite distance. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein comparing the plurality of images with the ground truth projection further comprises:
analyzing, by the camera testing system, the plurality of images to determine a plurality of fiducial markers within the images; and generating, by the camera testing system, a reference grid using the plurality of fiducial markers. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein determining a plurality of fiducial markers further comprises:
identifying, by the camera testing system, one or more fiducial markers in the captured images; for each identified fiducial marker, identifying, by the camera testing system, a center of the fiducial marker as a target point. 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein comparing the plurality of images with the ground truth projection further comprises:
comparing, by the camera testing system, the reference grid with the ground truth projection. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein generating calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection further comprises:
determining, by the camera testing system, a degree and direction of distortions between the ground truth projection and the reference grid; and generating, by the camera testing system, calibration data based on the degree and direction of distortions between the ground truth projection and the reference grid. 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the calibration data includes a camera data matrix and a list of distortion coefficients. 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the camera is rotated around its entrance pupil. 15. A camera testing system comprising:
a plurality of collimators configured to project a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface; a camera with a fixed focal point configured to capture images of the target surface; and a testing control system configured to:
rotate the camera while capturing a plurality of images of the target surface;
compare the plurality of images with a ground truth projection;
generate calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection; and
store the calibration data for use in rectifying the camera. 16. The camera testing system of claim 15, wherein the testing control system is further configured to:
generate a ground truth projection, wherein generation of the ground truth projection comprises:
determining current angle data for the plurality of collimators; and
generating a ground truth projection by mathematically projecting a plurality of fiduciary markers onto a virtual surface using the current angle data for the plurality of collimators. 17. The camera testing system of claim 16, wherein the ground truth projection describes a location of a plurality of fiducial markers on a virtual surface, each fiducial marker being associated with one or more target points. 18. The camera testing system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of collimators project fiducial markers such that the fiducial markers are focused on infinity 19. A camera testing device, the device comprising:
a plurality of collimators configured to project a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface; and a camera with a fixed focal point configured to capture a plurality of images of the target surface from a plurality of rotation angles. 20. The camera testing device of claim 19, the camera testing device further comprising a control system, the control system comprising processors and memory, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the control system to perform operations, the operations comprising:
rotating the camera while capturing a plurality of images of the target surface; comparing the plurality of images with a ground truth projection; generating calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection; and rectifying the camera based on the calibration data. | The present disclosure is directed to a system for calibrating cameras with a fixed focal point. In particular, a camera calibration system comprising one or more computing devices can project a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface using the plurality of collimators. The camera calibration system can capture, using the camera, a plurality of images of the target surface with the camera, wherein the camera is rotated between each captured image in the plurality of images. The camera calibration system can compare the plurality of images with a ground truth projection. The camera calibration system can generate calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection. The camera calibration system can store the calibration data for use in rectifying the camera.1. A computer-implemented method for camera rectification by a camera testing system comprising a plurality of collimators and a camera, the method comprising:
projecting, by the camera testing system, a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface using the plurality of collimators; capturing, by the camera testing system and using the camera, a plurality of images of the target surface with the camera, wherein the camera is rotated between each captured image in the plurality of images; comparing, by the camera testing system, the plurality of images with a ground truth projection; generating, by the camera testing system, calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection; and storing, by the camera testing system, the calibration data for use in rectifying the camera. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein a fiducial marker is a circular target image. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the fiducial marker includes a discoverable center point. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of collimators project the plurality of fiducial markers such that the fiducial markers have an infinite focus. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the camera has a fixed focal point. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein projecting a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface using the plurality of collimators further comprises:
determining, by the camera testing system, current angle data for the plurality of collimators; and generating, by the camera testing system, a ground truth projection by mathematically projecting a plurality of fiduciary markers onto a virtual surface using the current angle data for the plurality of collimators. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein the ground truth projection describes a location of a plurality of fiducial markers on a virtual surface, each fiducial marker being associated with one or more target points. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the fixed focal point is fixed at an infinite distance. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein comparing the plurality of images with the ground truth projection further comprises:
analyzing, by the camera testing system, the plurality of images to determine a plurality of fiducial markers within the images; and generating, by the camera testing system, a reference grid using the plurality of fiducial markers. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein determining a plurality of fiducial markers further comprises:
identifying, by the camera testing system, one or more fiducial markers in the captured images; for each identified fiducial marker, identifying, by the camera testing system, a center of the fiducial marker as a target point. 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein comparing the plurality of images with the ground truth projection further comprises:
comparing, by the camera testing system, the reference grid with the ground truth projection. 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein generating calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection further comprises:
determining, by the camera testing system, a degree and direction of distortions between the ground truth projection and the reference grid; and generating, by the camera testing system, calibration data based on the degree and direction of distortions between the ground truth projection and the reference grid. 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the calibration data includes a camera data matrix and a list of distortion coefficients. 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the camera is rotated around its entrance pupil. 15. A camera testing system comprising:
a plurality of collimators configured to project a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface; a camera with a fixed focal point configured to capture images of the target surface; and a testing control system configured to:
rotate the camera while capturing a plurality of images of the target surface;
compare the plurality of images with a ground truth projection;
generate calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection; and
store the calibration data for use in rectifying the camera. 16. The camera testing system of claim 15, wherein the testing control system is further configured to:
generate a ground truth projection, wherein generation of the ground truth projection comprises:
determining current angle data for the plurality of collimators; and
generating a ground truth projection by mathematically projecting a plurality of fiduciary markers onto a virtual surface using the current angle data for the plurality of collimators. 17. The camera testing system of claim 16, wherein the ground truth projection describes a location of a plurality of fiducial markers on a virtual surface, each fiducial marker being associated with one or more target points. 18. The camera testing system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of collimators project fiducial markers such that the fiducial markers are focused on infinity 19. A camera testing device, the device comprising:
a plurality of collimators configured to project a plurality of fiducial markers on a target surface; and a camera with a fixed focal point configured to capture a plurality of images of the target surface from a plurality of rotation angles. 20. The camera testing device of claim 19, the camera testing device further comprising a control system, the control system comprising processors and memory, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the control system to perform operations, the operations comprising:
rotating the camera while capturing a plurality of images of the target surface; comparing the plurality of images with a ground truth projection; generating calibration data based on the comparison of the plurality of images with the ground truth projection; and rectifying the camera based on the calibration data. | 2,100 |
349,834 | 350,708 | 16,854,517 | 3,676 | A gravel pack assembly for a borehole has first and second joints and a foil. The basepipes of the joints connect end-to-end, and both of the basepipes having filters for filtering fluid passage from a borehole into bores of the basepipes. Transport tubes are disposed along the first and second joint, and a jumper tube expands across the connected ends of the basepipes and connects the transport tubes together. The foil encloses an area across the connected ends. The foil has an external surface defining an annulus thereabout with the borehole. The foil has end rings abutting the filters of the joints. At least a section of the foil leaks fluid from the borehole to the area enclosed by the foil, and at least a filter portion of the assembly filters the leaked fluid from the area to at least one of the first and second bores. | 1. A completion assembly being assembled by grips of rig components at a rig and being configured to position in a borehole, the assembly comprising:
a plurality of wellscreens, each of the wellscreens comprising a basepipe, each of the basepipes defining a bore and comprising:
ends configured to couple adjoining ones of the basepipes together,
an intermediate section disposed between the ends and defining a plurality of intermediate perforations in communication with the bore, and
a primary filter disposed at the intermediate section and being configured to filter communication from the borehole to the intermediate perforations, the ends of the adjoining ones of the basepipes coupled together defining a blank area between the primary filters,
wherein at least one of the wellscreens comprises a plurality of end perforations defined in at least one of the ends and being disposed in communication with the bore, the at least one end comprising:
a foil disposed adjacent the end perforations and being configured to filter communication from the blank area to the bore; and
a gripping section disposed adjacent the end perforations and being configured to be gripped by one of the grips of the rig components in assembling the completion assembly. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the basepipes comprises:
support rings disposed on the ends of the basepipe, each of the support rings defining one or more passages; and one or more transport tubes disposed along the basepipe and extending between the one or more passages in the support rings. 3. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising one or more jumper tubes disposed across the blank annular area between the ends of the adjoining ones of the basepipes and connecting the one or more transport tubes together. 4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the basepipes comprises a shroud disposed along the basepipe and extending between the support rings, the shroud defining a plurality of flow openings therethrough. 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one foil comprises a secondary filter disposed about the end perforations on the at least one end of the at least one basepipe and being supported with end rings affixed to the at least one basepipe at the at least one end, the secondary filter configured to filter communication from the blank annular area to the end perforations; and wherein the gripping section comprises a sleeve disposed about the secondary filter and being supported on the end rings, the sleeve defining a plurality of flow openings configured to communicate the blank annular area with the secondary filter. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of flow openings comprises perforations defined through the sleeve. 7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of flow openings comprises elongated slots defined along the sleeve. 8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the basepipes comprises:
support rings disposed on the ends of the basepipe, each of the support rings defining one or more passages; and one or more transport tubes disposed along the basepipe and extending between the one or more passages in the support rings, wherein the support ring on at least one end is disposed in abutment between one of the end rings of the secondary filter and another end ring of the primary filter or is disposed in spaced relation relative to one of the end rings of the secondary filter. 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one foil comprises a sleeve disposed on the at least one end of the at least one basepipe about the end perforations, the sleeve defining a plurality of elongated slits communicating therethrough, the sleeve providing an exterior gripping surface for the gripping section. 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the sleeve comprises edges welded to the at least one end of the at least one basepipe. 11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein an interior of the sleeve comprises a plurality of channels defined longitudinally therealong. 12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the elongated slits are defined circumferentially about the sleeve, longitudinally along the sleeve, or a combination thereof. 13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one foil comprises a plurality of plugs disposed in the end perforations, the plugs being configured to filter communication from the blank annular area to the end perforations; and wherein the gripping section comprises a sleeve disposed on the at least one end of the at least one basepipe and having flow openings exposed to the end perforations, the plugs being recessed in the flow openings, the sleeve providing an exterior gripping surface for the gripping section. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the sleeve comprises edges welded to the at least one end of the at least one basepipe. 15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the plugs comprises a support ring affixed to the at least one basepipe; and an insert disposed in the end perforation and supported by the support ring, wherein the insert comprises a secondary filter. 16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one foil comprises a secondary filter disposed inside the bore of the at least one end; and wherein the gripping section comprises an exterior gripping surface provided on the at least one end of the at least one basepipe. 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the secondary filter comprises a screen comprising wire wrapped about ribs disposed longitudinally inside the bore of the at least one end. 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the secondary filter is disposed inside the bores of the ends of the adjoining ones of the basepipes coupled together. 19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the secondary filter comprises end caps disposed respectively in the bores, each of the end caps disposed between an end of the secondary filter and a shoulder in the bore of the adjoining ones of the basepipes coupled together. 20. A method for running wellscreens from a rig into a borehole, the rig having at least one grip of a rig component, each of the wellscreens having a basepipe, each basepipe having a primary filter disposed about intermediate perforations defined in the basepipe between ends of the basepipe, the method comprising:
supporting a first of the wellscreens at the rig; making up a second of the wellscreens to the first wellscreen at the rig by connecting the ends of the first and second wellscreens together; and passing the first and second connected wellscreens downhole from the rig, wherein at least one of supporting the first wellscreen and making up the second wellscreen to the first wellscreen comprises gripping the at least one grip of the rig component on a gripping section disposed adjacent end perforations on at least one of the ends of at least one of the basepipes, the gripping section having foil disposed adjacent the end perforations, the foil being configured to filter communication through the end perforations. | A gravel pack assembly for a borehole has first and second joints and a foil. The basepipes of the joints connect end-to-end, and both of the basepipes having filters for filtering fluid passage from a borehole into bores of the basepipes. Transport tubes are disposed along the first and second joint, and a jumper tube expands across the connected ends of the basepipes and connects the transport tubes together. The foil encloses an area across the connected ends. The foil has an external surface defining an annulus thereabout with the borehole. The foil has end rings abutting the filters of the joints. At least a section of the foil leaks fluid from the borehole to the area enclosed by the foil, and at least a filter portion of the assembly filters the leaked fluid from the area to at least one of the first and second bores.1. A completion assembly being assembled by grips of rig components at a rig and being configured to position in a borehole, the assembly comprising:
a plurality of wellscreens, each of the wellscreens comprising a basepipe, each of the basepipes defining a bore and comprising:
ends configured to couple adjoining ones of the basepipes together,
an intermediate section disposed between the ends and defining a plurality of intermediate perforations in communication with the bore, and
a primary filter disposed at the intermediate section and being configured to filter communication from the borehole to the intermediate perforations, the ends of the adjoining ones of the basepipes coupled together defining a blank area between the primary filters,
wherein at least one of the wellscreens comprises a plurality of end perforations defined in at least one of the ends and being disposed in communication with the bore, the at least one end comprising:
a foil disposed adjacent the end perforations and being configured to filter communication from the blank area to the bore; and
a gripping section disposed adjacent the end perforations and being configured to be gripped by one of the grips of the rig components in assembling the completion assembly. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the basepipes comprises:
support rings disposed on the ends of the basepipe, each of the support rings defining one or more passages; and one or more transport tubes disposed along the basepipe and extending between the one or more passages in the support rings. 3. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising one or more jumper tubes disposed across the blank annular area between the ends of the adjoining ones of the basepipes and connecting the one or more transport tubes together. 4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the basepipes comprises a shroud disposed along the basepipe and extending between the support rings, the shroud defining a plurality of flow openings therethrough. 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one foil comprises a secondary filter disposed about the end perforations on the at least one end of the at least one basepipe and being supported with end rings affixed to the at least one basepipe at the at least one end, the secondary filter configured to filter communication from the blank annular area to the end perforations; and wherein the gripping section comprises a sleeve disposed about the secondary filter and being supported on the end rings, the sleeve defining a plurality of flow openings configured to communicate the blank annular area with the secondary filter. 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of flow openings comprises perforations defined through the sleeve. 7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of flow openings comprises elongated slots defined along the sleeve. 8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the basepipes comprises:
support rings disposed on the ends of the basepipe, each of the support rings defining one or more passages; and one or more transport tubes disposed along the basepipe and extending between the one or more passages in the support rings, wherein the support ring on at least one end is disposed in abutment between one of the end rings of the secondary filter and another end ring of the primary filter or is disposed in spaced relation relative to one of the end rings of the secondary filter. 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one foil comprises a sleeve disposed on the at least one end of the at least one basepipe about the end perforations, the sleeve defining a plurality of elongated slits communicating therethrough, the sleeve providing an exterior gripping surface for the gripping section. 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the sleeve comprises edges welded to the at least one end of the at least one basepipe. 11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein an interior of the sleeve comprises a plurality of channels defined longitudinally therealong. 12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the elongated slits are defined circumferentially about the sleeve, longitudinally along the sleeve, or a combination thereof. 13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one foil comprises a plurality of plugs disposed in the end perforations, the plugs being configured to filter communication from the blank annular area to the end perforations; and wherein the gripping section comprises a sleeve disposed on the at least one end of the at least one basepipe and having flow openings exposed to the end perforations, the plugs being recessed in the flow openings, the sleeve providing an exterior gripping surface for the gripping section. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the sleeve comprises edges welded to the at least one end of the at least one basepipe. 15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the plugs comprises a support ring affixed to the at least one basepipe; and an insert disposed in the end perforation and supported by the support ring, wherein the insert comprises a secondary filter. 16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one foil comprises a secondary filter disposed inside the bore of the at least one end; and wherein the gripping section comprises an exterior gripping surface provided on the at least one end of the at least one basepipe. 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the secondary filter comprises a screen comprising wire wrapped about ribs disposed longitudinally inside the bore of the at least one end. 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the secondary filter is disposed inside the bores of the ends of the adjoining ones of the basepipes coupled together. 19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the secondary filter comprises end caps disposed respectively in the bores, each of the end caps disposed between an end of the secondary filter and a shoulder in the bore of the adjoining ones of the basepipes coupled together. 20. A method for running wellscreens from a rig into a borehole, the rig having at least one grip of a rig component, each of the wellscreens having a basepipe, each basepipe having a primary filter disposed about intermediate perforations defined in the basepipe between ends of the basepipe, the method comprising:
supporting a first of the wellscreens at the rig; making up a second of the wellscreens to the first wellscreen at the rig by connecting the ends of the first and second wellscreens together; and passing the first and second connected wellscreens downhole from the rig, wherein at least one of supporting the first wellscreen and making up the second wellscreen to the first wellscreen comprises gripping the at least one grip of the rig component on a gripping section disposed adjacent end perforations on at least one of the ends of at least one of the basepipes, the gripping section having foil disposed adjacent the end perforations, the foil being configured to filter communication through the end perforations. | 3,600 |
349,835 | 350,709 | 16,854,492 | 3,676 | First scanned images of the first container are received from a scanning device that show the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened. Second scanned images that are of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened are also received. The images are analyzed and, based upon the analysis, selective modifications to the operating parameters of the container opening machine are determined and made. | 1. A system for opening a container, the system comprising:
a scanning surface; a plurality of containers that arrive and are sequentially placed on the scanning surface, the containers including a first container and a second container; a scanning device; a database; a container opening machine including at least one cutting tool, the at least one cutting tool being one or more of a saw or a laser, wherein the at least one cutting tool is applied to each of the plurality of containers arriving on the scanning surface wherein the container opening machine is operated and the container cut and opened by the container opening machine according to one or more operating parameters; a control circuit coupled to the database, the scanning device, and the container opening machine, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive first scanned images of the first container from the scanning device, the first scanned images being of the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened, and second scanned images being of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened; based upon the comparing, determine existence of damage to the contents of the first container; based upon an analysis of the damage, selectively determine a modification to the operating parameters of the container opening machine; apply the modified parameters to the container opening machine, wherein the container opening machine opens the second container using the modified operating parameters. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis for damage compares shapes of the items in the first container before and after the first container is opened. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein after the analysis for damage is conducted, a determination is made that there are no changes to the operating parameters of the container opening machine. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating parameters include one or more of:
the cutting depth of the tool, the location of the cut, and the shape of the cut. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the changes to the operating parameters comprise changes to one or more parameters that change of the type of cutting tool used. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis for damage classifies the damage among a plurality of categories. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis for damage indicates that the shapes of the items in the first container changed indicating that the cutting tool has damaged items in the first container. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the database stores images of undamaged items which are used in the analysis for damage. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the scanning surface is a conveyor belt. 10. A method for opening a container, the method comprising:
providing a scanning surface, and a plurality of containers that arrive and are sequentially placed on the scanning surface, the containers including a first container and a second container; providing a scanning device, and a database; providing a container opening machine that includes at least one cutting tool, the at least one cutting tool being one or more of a saw or a laser, wherein the at least one cutting tool is applied to each of the plurality of containers arriving on the scanning surface wherein the container opening machine is operated and the container cut and opened by the container opening machine according to one or more operating parameters; at a control circuit, receiving first scanned images of the first container from the scanning device, the first scanned images being of the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened, and second scanned images being of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened; at the control circuit, based upon the comparing, determining existence of damage to the contents of the first container; at the control circuit, based upon an analysis of the damage, selectively determining a modification to the operating parameters of the container opening machine; by the control circuit, applying the modified parameters to the container opening machine, wherein the container opening machine opens the second container using the modified operating parameters. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the analysis for damage compares shapes of the items in the first container before and after the first container is opened. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein after the analysis for damage is conducted, a determination is made that there are no changes to the operating parameters of the container opening machine. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the operating parameters include one or more of: the cutting depth of the tool, the location of the cut, and the shape of the cut. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the changes to the operating parameters comprise changes to one or more parameters that change of the type of cutting tool used. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the analysis for damage classifies the damage among a plurality of categories. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the analysis for damage indicates that the shapes of the items in the first container changed indicating that the cutting tool has damaged items in the first container. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the database stores images of undamaged items which are used in the analysis for damage. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the scanning surface is a conveyor belt. | First scanned images of the first container are received from a scanning device that show the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened. Second scanned images that are of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened are also received. The images are analyzed and, based upon the analysis, selective modifications to the operating parameters of the container opening machine are determined and made.1. A system for opening a container, the system comprising:
a scanning surface; a plurality of containers that arrive and are sequentially placed on the scanning surface, the containers including a first container and a second container; a scanning device; a database; a container opening machine including at least one cutting tool, the at least one cutting tool being one or more of a saw or a laser, wherein the at least one cutting tool is applied to each of the plurality of containers arriving on the scanning surface wherein the container opening machine is operated and the container cut and opened by the container opening machine according to one or more operating parameters; a control circuit coupled to the database, the scanning device, and the container opening machine, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive first scanned images of the first container from the scanning device, the first scanned images being of the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened, and second scanned images being of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened; based upon the comparing, determine existence of damage to the contents of the first container; based upon an analysis of the damage, selectively determine a modification to the operating parameters of the container opening machine; apply the modified parameters to the container opening machine, wherein the container opening machine opens the second container using the modified operating parameters. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis for damage compares shapes of the items in the first container before and after the first container is opened. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein after the analysis for damage is conducted, a determination is made that there are no changes to the operating parameters of the container opening machine. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating parameters include one or more of:
the cutting depth of the tool, the location of the cut, and the shape of the cut. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the changes to the operating parameters comprise changes to one or more parameters that change of the type of cutting tool used. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis for damage classifies the damage among a plurality of categories. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis for damage indicates that the shapes of the items in the first container changed indicating that the cutting tool has damaged items in the first container. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the database stores images of undamaged items which are used in the analysis for damage. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the scanning surface is a conveyor belt. 10. A method for opening a container, the method comprising:
providing a scanning surface, and a plurality of containers that arrive and are sequentially placed on the scanning surface, the containers including a first container and a second container; providing a scanning device, and a database; providing a container opening machine that includes at least one cutting tool, the at least one cutting tool being one or more of a saw or a laser, wherein the at least one cutting tool is applied to each of the plurality of containers arriving on the scanning surface wherein the container opening machine is operated and the container cut and opened by the container opening machine according to one or more operating parameters; at a control circuit, receiving first scanned images of the first container from the scanning device, the first scanned images being of the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened, and second scanned images being of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened; at the control circuit, based upon the comparing, determining existence of damage to the contents of the first container; at the control circuit, based upon an analysis of the damage, selectively determining a modification to the operating parameters of the container opening machine; by the control circuit, applying the modified parameters to the container opening machine, wherein the container opening machine opens the second container using the modified operating parameters. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the analysis for damage compares shapes of the items in the first container before and after the first container is opened. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein after the analysis for damage is conducted, a determination is made that there are no changes to the operating parameters of the container opening machine. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the operating parameters include one or more of: the cutting depth of the tool, the location of the cut, and the shape of the cut. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the changes to the operating parameters comprise changes to one or more parameters that change of the type of cutting tool used. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the analysis for damage classifies the damage among a plurality of categories. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the analysis for damage indicates that the shapes of the items in the first container changed indicating that the cutting tool has damaged items in the first container. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the database stores images of undamaged items which are used in the analysis for damage. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the scanning surface is a conveyor belt. | 3,600 |
349,836 | 350,710 | 16,854,519 | 3,676 | A processing system includes a processor including a separator, a set configured to cooperate with the separator to separate whole blood into plasma and other components, the set including an inlet line attachable to a patient to receive whole blood and an return line attachable to a patient to return processed fluid, and a source of replacement fluid connected to the disposable set, the processor configured to combine the other components with replacement fluid to define the processed fluid. The processor includes a controller and an input device coupled to the controller, the controller configured to receive an input via the input device, the input representing a volume of replacement fluid, and to control the processor to separate whole blood passing through the set and to combine the other components with the replacement fluid according to the input until the source of replacement fluid is empty. | 1. A processing system comprising:
a processor comprising a separator; a set configured to cooperate with the separator to separate whole blood passing through the set into plasma and other components, the set comprising an inlet line attachable to a patient to receive whole blood from the patient and an return line attachable to a patient to return processed fluid to the patient; and a source of replacement fluid connected to the disposable set, the processor configured to combine the other components with replacement fluid from the source of replacement fluid to define the processed fluid returned to the patient via the return line, wherein the processor comprises a controller and an input device coupled to the controller, the controller configured to receive an input via the input device, the input representing a volume of replacement fluid, and to control the processor to separate whole blood passing through the set and to combine the other components with the replacement fluid according to the input until the source of replacement fluid is empty. 2. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to calculate an amount of plasma to be removed based on the input received via the input device, and to control the processor to separate whole blood passing through the set and to combine the other components with the replacement fluid until the amount of plasma to be removed has been achieved. 3. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the processor to combine the other components with the replacement fluid according to a replacement fluid flow rate, Qrf, according to the following equation: 4. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the separator comprises a centrifugal separator, and the set comprises a processing container defining a separation chamber, the processing container received within the centrifugal separator. 5. The processing system according to claim 1, the separator having an inlet port, and further comprising a source of anticoagulant coupled to the inlet line between the patient and the inlet port of the separator. 6. A processing method comprising:
receiving an input representing a volume of replacement fluid in a source; receiving whole blood; separating the whole blood into plasma and other components; combining a replacement fluid with the other components to define a processed fluid; delivering the processed fluid; and continuing to separate whole blood, combine the replacement fluid and deliver the processed fluid according to the input until the source is empty. 7. The processing method according to claim 6, further comprising calculating an amount of plasma to be removed based on the input received via the input device, and continuing to separate whole blood passing through the set and to combine the other components with the replacement fluid until the amount of plasma to be removed has been achieved. 8. The processing method according to claim 6, wherein the replacement fluid is combined with the other components according to a replacement fluid flow rate, Qrf, according to the following equation: 9. The processing method according to claim 6, wherein separating the whole blood into plasma and other components comprises centrifuging the whole blood. | A processing system includes a processor including a separator, a set configured to cooperate with the separator to separate whole blood into plasma and other components, the set including an inlet line attachable to a patient to receive whole blood and an return line attachable to a patient to return processed fluid, and a source of replacement fluid connected to the disposable set, the processor configured to combine the other components with replacement fluid to define the processed fluid. The processor includes a controller and an input device coupled to the controller, the controller configured to receive an input via the input device, the input representing a volume of replacement fluid, and to control the processor to separate whole blood passing through the set and to combine the other components with the replacement fluid according to the input until the source of replacement fluid is empty.1. A processing system comprising:
a processor comprising a separator; a set configured to cooperate with the separator to separate whole blood passing through the set into plasma and other components, the set comprising an inlet line attachable to a patient to receive whole blood from the patient and an return line attachable to a patient to return processed fluid to the patient; and a source of replacement fluid connected to the disposable set, the processor configured to combine the other components with replacement fluid from the source of replacement fluid to define the processed fluid returned to the patient via the return line, wherein the processor comprises a controller and an input device coupled to the controller, the controller configured to receive an input via the input device, the input representing a volume of replacement fluid, and to control the processor to separate whole blood passing through the set and to combine the other components with the replacement fluid according to the input until the source of replacement fluid is empty. 2. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to calculate an amount of plasma to be removed based on the input received via the input device, and to control the processor to separate whole blood passing through the set and to combine the other components with the replacement fluid until the amount of plasma to be removed has been achieved. 3. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the processor to combine the other components with the replacement fluid according to a replacement fluid flow rate, Qrf, according to the following equation: 4. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein the separator comprises a centrifugal separator, and the set comprises a processing container defining a separation chamber, the processing container received within the centrifugal separator. 5. The processing system according to claim 1, the separator having an inlet port, and further comprising a source of anticoagulant coupled to the inlet line between the patient and the inlet port of the separator. 6. A processing method comprising:
receiving an input representing a volume of replacement fluid in a source; receiving whole blood; separating the whole blood into plasma and other components; combining a replacement fluid with the other components to define a processed fluid; delivering the processed fluid; and continuing to separate whole blood, combine the replacement fluid and deliver the processed fluid according to the input until the source is empty. 7. The processing method according to claim 6, further comprising calculating an amount of plasma to be removed based on the input received via the input device, and continuing to separate whole blood passing through the set and to combine the other components with the replacement fluid until the amount of plasma to be removed has been achieved. 8. The processing method according to claim 6, wherein the replacement fluid is combined with the other components according to a replacement fluid flow rate, Qrf, according to the following equation: 9. The processing method according to claim 6, wherein separating the whole blood into plasma and other components comprises centrifuging the whole blood. | 3,600 |
349,837 | 350,711 | 16,854,493 | 3,676 | The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for multimodal transition among devices connected to a plurality of different networks. A device may be presenting a multimedia item in a first mode (e.g., an audiovisual mode) on a first device. A transition event may occur, prompting the systems and methods described herein to initiate a transition request to transition the multimedia item from a first device to a second device. The second device may be analyzed to determine the constraints of the device (e.g., storage, hardware/software, connectivity strength, etc.). The first mode of the multimedia item may also be analyzed. Based on the analysis of the multimedia item in the first mode and the second device, the multimedia item may be converted from a first mode to a second mode (e.g., an audio-only mode of the multimedia item) and subsequently displayed on the second device. | 1. A method for multimodal transition comprising:
receiving on a device a multimedia item in a first mode in a first location; analyzing the multimedia item in the first mode; analyzing at least one machine-learning model, wherein the at least one machine-learning model is trained on at least one dataset associated with at least one pattern of behavior; analyzing the device; based on the analysis of the multimedia item in the first mode, the analysis of the device, and the analysis of the at least one machine-learning model, determining the device will be relocated from the first location to a second location; prior to the device being relocated to the second location, initiating a conversion of the multimedia item into a second mode; and presenting the multimedia item in the second mode on the device in the second location. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is at least one of: a mobile device, a laptop, a computer, a television, a pair of earphones, a pair of earbuds, a vehicle, a pair of VR/AR glasses, a head-mounted display, a smart watch, and a smart home device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the multimedia item is at least one of: a video, a television show, a broadcast show, a song, a podcast, an audio file, a video file, and an audiovisual file. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first mode and the second mode are the same. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the device further comprises:
analyzing at least one constraint of the device; and analyzing at least one data plan associated with the device. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one constraint is associated with at least one of: local storage, software compatibility, a display, audio capabilities, hardware deficiencies, and network strength. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first mode comprises an audiovisual mode and the second mode comprises an audio-only mode. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one pattern of behavior is a temporal-based pattern. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one machine-learning model determines at least one preferred mode associated with the device based on the analysis of the device and the at least one dataset associated with the at least one pattern of behavior. 10. A system for multimodal transition comprising:
a memory storing computer readable instructions; and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor, when executing the computer readable instructions, is configured to:
receive on a first device a multimedia item in a first mode in a first location;
analyze the multimedia item in the first mode;
receive information related to a second device in a second location;
analyze the information related to the second device using at least one machine-learning model, wherein the at least one machine-learning model is trained on at least one dataset associated with at least one pattern of behavior;
based on the analysis of the multimedia item in the first mode and the analysis of the information related to the second device and the at least one machine-learning model, initiate a conversion of the multimedia item into a second mode; and
while the first device plays the multimedia item in the first mode in the first location, transmit data associated with the multimedia item in the second mode to the second device in the second location. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first mode is an audiovisual mode and the second mode is an audio-only mode. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the data according to at least one of the following: a wireless protocol, a broadband protocol, a broadcast signal, a cellular protocol, a satellite signal, a short-range signal, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WiMax, 4G, 5G, LTE, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one pattern of behavior is a temporal-based pattern. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the temporal-based pattern is associated with the first device and the second device. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the temporal-based pattern associated with the first device and the second device is associated with at least one of: a GPS location, a gyroscope indication, and a calendar event. 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the conversion of the multimedia item into a second mode is further based on at least one calendar event. 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine at least one preferred mode of playing the multimedia item based on the at least one machine-learning model. 18. The system of claim 10, the processor further configured to: after converting the multimedia item into the second mode, automatically initiate a download request of the multimedia item in the second mode onto the second device. 19. The system of claim 10, the system further configured to: after the transmission of the data associated with the multimedia item in the second mode to the second device, compress the data according to at least one compression algorithm. 20. A non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer executable instructions that when executed cause a computing system to perform a method for multimodal transition comprising:
receiving on a first device a multimedia item in a first mode in a first location; analyzing the multimedia item in the first mode; analyzing at least one machine-learning model, wherein the at least one machine-learning model is trained on at least one dataset associated with at least one temporal pattern of behavior; receiving information related to a second device, wherein the information is based on the at least one machine learning model and wherein the information comprises a GPS location of the second device indicating a second location; analyzing the information related to the second device; based on the analysis of the multimedia item in the first mode and the analysis of the information related to the second device, initiating a conversion of the multimedia item into a second mode to be displayed on the second device in the second location, while the first device continues to play the multimedia item in the first mode in the first location; compressing data associated with the multimedia item in the second mode according to at least one compression algorithm; and transmitting the compressed data associated with multimedia item in the second mode to the second device. | The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for multimodal transition among devices connected to a plurality of different networks. A device may be presenting a multimedia item in a first mode (e.g., an audiovisual mode) on a first device. A transition event may occur, prompting the systems and methods described herein to initiate a transition request to transition the multimedia item from a first device to a second device. The second device may be analyzed to determine the constraints of the device (e.g., storage, hardware/software, connectivity strength, etc.). The first mode of the multimedia item may also be analyzed. Based on the analysis of the multimedia item in the first mode and the second device, the multimedia item may be converted from a first mode to a second mode (e.g., an audio-only mode of the multimedia item) and subsequently displayed on the second device.1. A method for multimodal transition comprising:
receiving on a device a multimedia item in a first mode in a first location; analyzing the multimedia item in the first mode; analyzing at least one machine-learning model, wherein the at least one machine-learning model is trained on at least one dataset associated with at least one pattern of behavior; analyzing the device; based on the analysis of the multimedia item in the first mode, the analysis of the device, and the analysis of the at least one machine-learning model, determining the device will be relocated from the first location to a second location; prior to the device being relocated to the second location, initiating a conversion of the multimedia item into a second mode; and presenting the multimedia item in the second mode on the device in the second location. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is at least one of: a mobile device, a laptop, a computer, a television, a pair of earphones, a pair of earbuds, a vehicle, a pair of VR/AR glasses, a head-mounted display, a smart watch, and a smart home device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the multimedia item is at least one of: a video, a television show, a broadcast show, a song, a podcast, an audio file, a video file, and an audiovisual file. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first mode and the second mode are the same. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the device further comprises:
analyzing at least one constraint of the device; and analyzing at least one data plan associated with the device. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one constraint is associated with at least one of: local storage, software compatibility, a display, audio capabilities, hardware deficiencies, and network strength. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first mode comprises an audiovisual mode and the second mode comprises an audio-only mode. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one pattern of behavior is a temporal-based pattern. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one machine-learning model determines at least one preferred mode associated with the device based on the analysis of the device and the at least one dataset associated with the at least one pattern of behavior. 10. A system for multimodal transition comprising:
a memory storing computer readable instructions; and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor, when executing the computer readable instructions, is configured to:
receive on a first device a multimedia item in a first mode in a first location;
analyze the multimedia item in the first mode;
receive information related to a second device in a second location;
analyze the information related to the second device using at least one machine-learning model, wherein the at least one machine-learning model is trained on at least one dataset associated with at least one pattern of behavior;
based on the analysis of the multimedia item in the first mode and the analysis of the information related to the second device and the at least one machine-learning model, initiate a conversion of the multimedia item into a second mode; and
while the first device plays the multimedia item in the first mode in the first location, transmit data associated with the multimedia item in the second mode to the second device in the second location. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first mode is an audiovisual mode and the second mode is an audio-only mode. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit the data according to at least one of the following: a wireless protocol, a broadband protocol, a broadcast signal, a cellular protocol, a satellite signal, a short-range signal, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, WiMax, 4G, 5G, LTE, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one pattern of behavior is a temporal-based pattern. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the temporal-based pattern is associated with the first device and the second device. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the temporal-based pattern associated with the first device and the second device is associated with at least one of: a GPS location, a gyroscope indication, and a calendar event. 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the conversion of the multimedia item into a second mode is further based on at least one calendar event. 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine at least one preferred mode of playing the multimedia item based on the at least one machine-learning model. 18. The system of claim 10, the processor further configured to: after converting the multimedia item into the second mode, automatically initiate a download request of the multimedia item in the second mode onto the second device. 19. The system of claim 10, the system further configured to: after the transmission of the data associated with the multimedia item in the second mode to the second device, compress the data according to at least one compression algorithm. 20. A non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer executable instructions that when executed cause a computing system to perform a method for multimodal transition comprising:
receiving on a first device a multimedia item in a first mode in a first location; analyzing the multimedia item in the first mode; analyzing at least one machine-learning model, wherein the at least one machine-learning model is trained on at least one dataset associated with at least one temporal pattern of behavior; receiving information related to a second device, wherein the information is based on the at least one machine learning model and wherein the information comprises a GPS location of the second device indicating a second location; analyzing the information related to the second device; based on the analysis of the multimedia item in the first mode and the analysis of the information related to the second device, initiating a conversion of the multimedia item into a second mode to be displayed on the second device in the second location, while the first device continues to play the multimedia item in the first mode in the first location; compressing data associated with the multimedia item in the second mode according to at least one compression algorithm; and transmitting the compressed data associated with multimedia item in the second mode to the second device. | 3,600 |
349,838 | 350,712 | 16,854,516 | 3,676 | The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical formulations which have controlled, delayed release of active ingredient, and to a process for the preparation of such formulations. The invention additionally relates to the use of these novel pharmaceutical administration forms as medicaments for the treatment of diseases which require delayed release of the active ingredient, such as hypertension, or asthmatic diseases. | 1-26. (canceled) 27. A process for preparing a pharmaceutical administration form of a composition having extended release of active ingredient, comprising
a) grinding a polyvinyl alcohol which has been approved for use in pharmaceutical formulations at low temperatures in the range from minus 30° C. to 0° C. to give a finely divided powder having an average particle size Dv50 in the range 50-100 μm, preferably in the range Dv50 60-95 μm, and sieving through an 800 μm sieve, and b) mixing intensively with microcrystalline cellulose having an average particle size Dv50 in the range 100 to 150 μm, c) mixing the resultant mixture from b) with an adequate amount of an active ingredient, e) optionally adding additives which are advantageous for further processing, such as flow-control agents or lubricants, and f) after adequate mixing of the resultant mixture and optionally after sieving in order to remove coarse particulate material still present, tabletting the mixture by pressing at a suitable pressure, 28. The process according to claim 27, wherein extended release tablets are produced which have a virtually unchanged active-ingredient release profile over a very broad range of pressing forces and tablet hardnesses. 29. The process according to claim 27, wherein extended release tablets which have hardnesses in the range from 50 to 290 N and, in spite of the modified hardness, have a virtually identical active-ingredient release profile are produced with a pressing force in the range from 5 to 32 kN. 30. The process according to claim 27, wherein polyvinyl alcohol and microcrystalline cellulose are mixed intensively with one another in the ratio 2:1 to 1:2, preferably in the ratio 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, in particular 1:1, based on the total amount of the co-mixture. 31. The process according to claim 27, wherein, as additives, small amounts of silicon dioxide as flow-control agent and magnesium stearate as lubricant are added to the mixture and mixed therewith. 32. The process according to claim 27, wherein in c) the active ingredient propranolol and/or pharmaceutically tolerated salts, hydrates or solvates thereof or theophylline, anhydrous or the monohydrate thereof, in an effective amount is added and mixed therewith. 33. The process according to claim 33, wherein the propranolol-containing mixture is pressed with a pressing force in the range from 10 to 30 kN to give tablets having hardnesses in the range from 100 to 260 N which have an average release rate of 80% of the active ingredient in a time of at least 9 to 12 hours. 34. A pharmaceutically active composition having extended release of active ingredient, prepared by a process according to claim 27, comprising the active ingredient propranolol and/or pharmaceutically tolerated salts, hydrates or solvates thereof as antihypertensive β-blocker and a co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohols
or
the active ingredient theophylline and/or pharmaceutically tolerated salts, hydrates or solvates thereof, preferably the anhydrate thereof, and a co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohols. 35. The composition according to claim 34, comprising propranolol in the form of the hydrochloride or succinate. 36. The composition according to claim 34, comprising co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohols in the ratio 2:1 to 1:2, preferably in the ratio 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, in particular 1:1, based on the total amount of the co-mixture, and in which the polyvinyl alcohols are selected from grades 18-88, 26-88, 40-88, 48-88 and all grades in between in accordance with the requirements of the Ph. Eur., USP or JPE pharmacopoeias, including grade 28-99 in accordance with the requirements of the JPE or Ph. Eur., and have average particle-size fractions in the co-mixture in the range Dv50 50-100 μm, preferably in the range Dv50 60-95 μm. 37. The composition according to claim 34, comprising a co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohol of grade 26-88 and/or 40-88, where the polyvinyl alcohols in the co-mixture have, before pressing, average particle-size fractions in the range Dv50 60-95 μm. 38. The composition according to claim 34, comprising a co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohols, where the polyvinyl alcohols employed have, before pressing, a bulk density in the range from 0.40 to 0.65 g/ml, preferably from 0.45 to 0.60 g/ml, and a tapped density in the range from 0.50 to 0.80 g/ml, in particular in the range from 0.55 to 0.75 g/ml. 39. The composition according to claim 34, which has been pressed to give tablets having hardnesses in the range from 50 to 290 N, where the latter have, independently of the hardness, an average release rate of 80% of the active ingredient in a time of at least 9 to 12 hours;
or which comprises propranolol as active ingredient and has been pressed to give tablets having hardnesses in the range from 100 to 260 N, where the latter have, independently of the hardness, an average release rate of 80% of the active ingredient in a time of at least 9 to 12 hours; or which comprises theophylline as active ingredient and has been pressed to give tablets having hardnesses in the range from 50 to 290 N, where the latter have, independently of the hardness, an average release rate of 80% of the active ingredient in a time of at least 9 to 12 hours. 40. The composition according to claim 34, which has a moderate initial release and subsequently a uniform release of active ingredient, thus preventing undesired dose dumping of active ingredient;
or comprises silicon dioxide as flow-control agent; or comprises magnesium stearate as lubricant. 41. The composition according to claim 34, which is in a pharmaceutical administration form having extended release of active ingredient and which is for oral administration. 42. The composition according to claim 41, which comprises the active ingredient in a matrix which releases the active ingredient by diffusion and/or gradual erosion in the presence of liquid in the gastrointestinal system. 43. The composition according to claim 41, which comprises 10 to 140 mg of the active ingredient, calculated as propranolol, per dose;
or 100 to 600 mg of the active ingredient, calculated as theophylline, per dose; or propranolol hydrochloride as active ingredient in an amount of 80 or 160 mg per dose; or anhydrous theophylline as active ingredient. | The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical formulations which have controlled, delayed release of active ingredient, and to a process for the preparation of such formulations. The invention additionally relates to the use of these novel pharmaceutical administration forms as medicaments for the treatment of diseases which require delayed release of the active ingredient, such as hypertension, or asthmatic diseases.1-26. (canceled) 27. A process for preparing a pharmaceutical administration form of a composition having extended release of active ingredient, comprising
a) grinding a polyvinyl alcohol which has been approved for use in pharmaceutical formulations at low temperatures in the range from minus 30° C. to 0° C. to give a finely divided powder having an average particle size Dv50 in the range 50-100 μm, preferably in the range Dv50 60-95 μm, and sieving through an 800 μm sieve, and b) mixing intensively with microcrystalline cellulose having an average particle size Dv50 in the range 100 to 150 μm, c) mixing the resultant mixture from b) with an adequate amount of an active ingredient, e) optionally adding additives which are advantageous for further processing, such as flow-control agents or lubricants, and f) after adequate mixing of the resultant mixture and optionally after sieving in order to remove coarse particulate material still present, tabletting the mixture by pressing at a suitable pressure, 28. The process according to claim 27, wherein extended release tablets are produced which have a virtually unchanged active-ingredient release profile over a very broad range of pressing forces and tablet hardnesses. 29. The process according to claim 27, wherein extended release tablets which have hardnesses in the range from 50 to 290 N and, in spite of the modified hardness, have a virtually identical active-ingredient release profile are produced with a pressing force in the range from 5 to 32 kN. 30. The process according to claim 27, wherein polyvinyl alcohol and microcrystalline cellulose are mixed intensively with one another in the ratio 2:1 to 1:2, preferably in the ratio 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, in particular 1:1, based on the total amount of the co-mixture. 31. The process according to claim 27, wherein, as additives, small amounts of silicon dioxide as flow-control agent and magnesium stearate as lubricant are added to the mixture and mixed therewith. 32. The process according to claim 27, wherein in c) the active ingredient propranolol and/or pharmaceutically tolerated salts, hydrates or solvates thereof or theophylline, anhydrous or the monohydrate thereof, in an effective amount is added and mixed therewith. 33. The process according to claim 33, wherein the propranolol-containing mixture is pressed with a pressing force in the range from 10 to 30 kN to give tablets having hardnesses in the range from 100 to 260 N which have an average release rate of 80% of the active ingredient in a time of at least 9 to 12 hours. 34. A pharmaceutically active composition having extended release of active ingredient, prepared by a process according to claim 27, comprising the active ingredient propranolol and/or pharmaceutically tolerated salts, hydrates or solvates thereof as antihypertensive β-blocker and a co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohols
or
the active ingredient theophylline and/or pharmaceutically tolerated salts, hydrates or solvates thereof, preferably the anhydrate thereof, and a co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohols. 35. The composition according to claim 34, comprising propranolol in the form of the hydrochloride or succinate. 36. The composition according to claim 34, comprising co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohols in the ratio 2:1 to 1:2, preferably in the ratio 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, in particular 1:1, based on the total amount of the co-mixture, and in which the polyvinyl alcohols are selected from grades 18-88, 26-88, 40-88, 48-88 and all grades in between in accordance with the requirements of the Ph. Eur., USP or JPE pharmacopoeias, including grade 28-99 in accordance with the requirements of the JPE or Ph. Eur., and have average particle-size fractions in the co-mixture in the range Dv50 50-100 μm, preferably in the range Dv50 60-95 μm. 37. The composition according to claim 34, comprising a co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohol of grade 26-88 and/or 40-88, where the polyvinyl alcohols in the co-mixture have, before pressing, average particle-size fractions in the range Dv50 60-95 μm. 38. The composition according to claim 34, comprising a co-mixture of microcrystalline celluloses and polyvinyl alcohols, where the polyvinyl alcohols employed have, before pressing, a bulk density in the range from 0.40 to 0.65 g/ml, preferably from 0.45 to 0.60 g/ml, and a tapped density in the range from 0.50 to 0.80 g/ml, in particular in the range from 0.55 to 0.75 g/ml. 39. The composition according to claim 34, which has been pressed to give tablets having hardnesses in the range from 50 to 290 N, where the latter have, independently of the hardness, an average release rate of 80% of the active ingredient in a time of at least 9 to 12 hours;
or which comprises propranolol as active ingredient and has been pressed to give tablets having hardnesses in the range from 100 to 260 N, where the latter have, independently of the hardness, an average release rate of 80% of the active ingredient in a time of at least 9 to 12 hours; or which comprises theophylline as active ingredient and has been pressed to give tablets having hardnesses in the range from 50 to 290 N, where the latter have, independently of the hardness, an average release rate of 80% of the active ingredient in a time of at least 9 to 12 hours. 40. The composition according to claim 34, which has a moderate initial release and subsequently a uniform release of active ingredient, thus preventing undesired dose dumping of active ingredient;
or comprises silicon dioxide as flow-control agent; or comprises magnesium stearate as lubricant. 41. The composition according to claim 34, which is in a pharmaceutical administration form having extended release of active ingredient and which is for oral administration. 42. The composition according to claim 41, which comprises the active ingredient in a matrix which releases the active ingredient by diffusion and/or gradual erosion in the presence of liquid in the gastrointestinal system. 43. The composition according to claim 41, which comprises 10 to 140 mg of the active ingredient, calculated as propranolol, per dose;
or 100 to 600 mg of the active ingredient, calculated as theophylline, per dose; or propranolol hydrochloride as active ingredient in an amount of 80 or 160 mg per dose; or anhydrous theophylline as active ingredient. | 3,600 |
349,839 | 350,713 | 16,854,504 | 2,484 | Processing and analysis of video data received from surveillance cameras, and more specifically detecting moving objects in the video and further tracking using a rotating video camera. A system for tracking moving objects comprises video cameras, a memory, a graphical user interface (GUI), and a data processing device. The GUI comprises a selection unit, a calibration unit, an operation mode selection unit, and a display unit. A method for tracking moving objects implemented by the computer system comprises the steps at which: the system is set up; the moving object is tracked by a video camera; video data from the video cameras are displayed simultaneously by the GUI display unit in different panes on the video camera layout screen in accordance with the selected system operation mode. | 1. A system for tracking the moving objects which comprises:
at least two cameras, one of which is a pan-tilt-zoom video camera (PTZ) and at least another is a surveillance video camera; memory made with the ability to store video data coming from these video cameras; a graphical user interface (GUI) containing at least the following: a selection block, a calibration block, an operation mode selection block, and a display block; a data processing device configured with the ability to perform the following steps:
setup of the system operation, which comprises in providing the system user with the ability to perform the following actions:
(1) selection of specific surveillance video cameras from the cameras available in the system for PTZ video camera by means of the GUI selection block;
(2) calibration of each selected surveillance camera in relation to the rotating camera by means of the GUI calibration block, whereby the user sets at least six connections between the rotating camera and each surveillance camera during the calibration process;
(3) selection of the system operation mode out of four possible operation modes by means of the GUI operation mode selection block;
tracking of at least one moving object by a rotating video camera, whereby motion of all moving objects is detected in the frame of at least one surveillance video camera by the object tracker; simultaneous display of video data from at least one surveillance camera and from a rotating camera in different panes on the video camera layout in accordance with the selected mode of the system operation by means of the GUI display block. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the object tracker detects all moving objects in the frame and determines their spatial coordinates. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system user performs the following actions by means of the GUI calibration block during the calibration, when setting connections between the rotating camera and each surveillance video camera:
(a) selects one surveillance video camera from the list of previously selected video cameras in the system; (b) focuses the rotating video camera on any point in the field of view of the selected surveillance video camera; (c) sets a point on the frame of the selected surveillance video camera that is currently faced by the rotating camera; (d) repeats actions (b) and (c) at least six times to set at least six connections; (e) repeats actions (s)-(d) for each next surveillance video camera of the system. 4. The system according to claim 3, which is additionally configured to allow the system user to delete the points which were set by mistake by means of the GUI calibration block. 5. The system according to claim 3, wherein all mentioned points are set on one spatial plane only. 6. The system according to claim, wherein one of the operation modes is the “manual mode” in which tracking for at least one moving object by rotating camera in the frame of one of the surveillance cameras begins after the user of the system selects the tracking object on the frame of one of the surveillance cameras. 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the operation modes is “automatic mode” in which tracking of the moving objects is carried out by rotating camera automatically, with a preset frequency of switching between all detected moving objects. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the operating modes is the “user priority mode” in which the default “automatic mode” is used, but the user can select the tracking object at any time, and then activate the “manual mode”, whereby when the user deselects the tracking object or when it disappears from the surveillance area of the rotating camera, the “automatic mode” is activated again. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the operation modes is the “manual rotating camera control mode (PTZ)” in which the “automatic mode” is used by default, but the user can take control of the rotating camera at any time. 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the moving object is a person or a vehicle. 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein tracking of the moving object is carried out by mathematical transformation of the object coordinates in the frame of the surveillance camera into the values of pan (p), tilt (t), and zoom (z) of the rotating camera by using the approximating smooth functions. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the data processor is configured to automatically check for presence of a gap in one of the mentioned coordinates within the frame to allow the use of approximating smooth functions, whereby the mentioned check contains the following steps:
(a) search for a specific place of the gap in the frame; (b) extreme value (max, min) recovery of one of the p, t, and z values through which the cyclic transition at the gap point occurs; (c) extension of coordinates of one of the p, t, z values on the other side of the gap to ensure continuity. 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein when a gap is detected on one of the p, t, z, values, it is converted back to coordinates of the frame of the surveillance camera. 14. The method for tracking the moving objects implemented by the computer system, which includes at least one data processing device, a memory, a graphical user interface (GUI), and at least two video cameras, whereby one of them is a rotating video camera and at least one more camera is a surveillance camera, whereby the method contains the stages at which the following operations are performed:
setup of the system to enable the user to perform the following actions: 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the object tracker detects all moving objects in the frame and determines their spatial coordinates. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the system user performs the following actions by means of the GUI calibration block during the calibration, when setting connections between the rotating camera and each surveillance video camera:
(a) selects one surveillance video camera from the list of previously selected video cameras in the system; (b) focuses the rotating video camera on any point in the field of view of the selected surveillance video camera; (c) sets a point on the frame of the selected surveillance video camera that is currently faced by the rotating camera; (d) repeats actions (b) and (c) at least six times to set at least six connections; (e) repeats actions (s)-(d) for each next surveillance video camera of the system. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the system user is additionally provided with the ability to delete the points that were set by mistake using the GUI calibration block. 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein all mentioned points are set on one spatial plane only. 19. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the operation modes is the “manual mode” in which tracking for at least one moving object by rotating camera in the frame of one of the surveillance cameras begins after the user of the system selects the tracking object on the frame of one of the surveillance cameras. 20. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the operation modes is “automatic mode” in which tracking of the moving objects is carried out by rotating camera automatically, with a preset frequency of switching between all detected moving objects. 21. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the operating modes is the “user priority mode” in which the default “automatic mode” is used, but the user can select the tracking object at any time, and then activate the “manual mode”, whereby when the user deselects the tracking object or when it disappears from the surveillance area of the rotating camera, the “automatic mode” is activated again. 22. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the operation modes is the “manual rotating camera control mode (PTZ)” in which the “automatic mode” is used by default, but the user can take control of the rotating camera at any time. 23. The method according to claim 14, wherein the moving object is a person or a vehicle. 24. The method according to claim 14, wherein tracking of the moving object is carried out by mathematical transformation of the object coordinates in the frame of the surveillance camera into the values of pan (p), tilt (t), and zoom (z) of the rotating camera by using the approximating smooth functions. 25. The method according to claim 24, which offers the ability to automatically check for presence of a gap in one of the mentioned coordinates within the frame to allow the use of approximating smooth functions, whereby the mentioned check contains the following steps:
(f) search for a specific place of the gap in the frame; (g) extreme value (max, min) recovery of one of the p, t, and z values through which the cyclic transition at the gap point occurs; (h) extension of coordinates of one of the p, t, z values on the other side of the gap to ensure continuity. 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein when a gap is detected on one of the p, t, z, values, it is converted back to coordinates of the frame of the surveillance camera. 27. Non-transitory computer readable data carrier that contains instructions executed by the computer processor for implementing the methods for tracking the moving objects according to claim 14. | Processing and analysis of video data received from surveillance cameras, and more specifically detecting moving objects in the video and further tracking using a rotating video camera. A system for tracking moving objects comprises video cameras, a memory, a graphical user interface (GUI), and a data processing device. The GUI comprises a selection unit, a calibration unit, an operation mode selection unit, and a display unit. A method for tracking moving objects implemented by the computer system comprises the steps at which: the system is set up; the moving object is tracked by a video camera; video data from the video cameras are displayed simultaneously by the GUI display unit in different panes on the video camera layout screen in accordance with the selected system operation mode.1. A system for tracking the moving objects which comprises:
at least two cameras, one of which is a pan-tilt-zoom video camera (PTZ) and at least another is a surveillance video camera; memory made with the ability to store video data coming from these video cameras; a graphical user interface (GUI) containing at least the following: a selection block, a calibration block, an operation mode selection block, and a display block; a data processing device configured with the ability to perform the following steps:
setup of the system operation, which comprises in providing the system user with the ability to perform the following actions:
(1) selection of specific surveillance video cameras from the cameras available in the system for PTZ video camera by means of the GUI selection block;
(2) calibration of each selected surveillance camera in relation to the rotating camera by means of the GUI calibration block, whereby the user sets at least six connections between the rotating camera and each surveillance camera during the calibration process;
(3) selection of the system operation mode out of four possible operation modes by means of the GUI operation mode selection block;
tracking of at least one moving object by a rotating video camera, whereby motion of all moving objects is detected in the frame of at least one surveillance video camera by the object tracker; simultaneous display of video data from at least one surveillance camera and from a rotating camera in different panes on the video camera layout in accordance with the selected mode of the system operation by means of the GUI display block. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the object tracker detects all moving objects in the frame and determines their spatial coordinates. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system user performs the following actions by means of the GUI calibration block during the calibration, when setting connections between the rotating camera and each surveillance video camera:
(a) selects one surveillance video camera from the list of previously selected video cameras in the system; (b) focuses the rotating video camera on any point in the field of view of the selected surveillance video camera; (c) sets a point on the frame of the selected surveillance video camera that is currently faced by the rotating camera; (d) repeats actions (b) and (c) at least six times to set at least six connections; (e) repeats actions (s)-(d) for each next surveillance video camera of the system. 4. The system according to claim 3, which is additionally configured to allow the system user to delete the points which were set by mistake by means of the GUI calibration block. 5. The system according to claim 3, wherein all mentioned points are set on one spatial plane only. 6. The system according to claim, wherein one of the operation modes is the “manual mode” in which tracking for at least one moving object by rotating camera in the frame of one of the surveillance cameras begins after the user of the system selects the tracking object on the frame of one of the surveillance cameras. 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the operation modes is “automatic mode” in which tracking of the moving objects is carried out by rotating camera automatically, with a preset frequency of switching between all detected moving objects. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the operating modes is the “user priority mode” in which the default “automatic mode” is used, but the user can select the tracking object at any time, and then activate the “manual mode”, whereby when the user deselects the tracking object or when it disappears from the surveillance area of the rotating camera, the “automatic mode” is activated again. 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the operation modes is the “manual rotating camera control mode (PTZ)” in which the “automatic mode” is used by default, but the user can take control of the rotating camera at any time. 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the moving object is a person or a vehicle. 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein tracking of the moving object is carried out by mathematical transformation of the object coordinates in the frame of the surveillance camera into the values of pan (p), tilt (t), and zoom (z) of the rotating camera by using the approximating smooth functions. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the data processor is configured to automatically check for presence of a gap in one of the mentioned coordinates within the frame to allow the use of approximating smooth functions, whereby the mentioned check contains the following steps:
(a) search for a specific place of the gap in the frame; (b) extreme value (max, min) recovery of one of the p, t, and z values through which the cyclic transition at the gap point occurs; (c) extension of coordinates of one of the p, t, z values on the other side of the gap to ensure continuity. 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein when a gap is detected on one of the p, t, z, values, it is converted back to coordinates of the frame of the surveillance camera. 14. The method for tracking the moving objects implemented by the computer system, which includes at least one data processing device, a memory, a graphical user interface (GUI), and at least two video cameras, whereby one of them is a rotating video camera and at least one more camera is a surveillance camera, whereby the method contains the stages at which the following operations are performed:
setup of the system to enable the user to perform the following actions: 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the object tracker detects all moving objects in the frame and determines their spatial coordinates. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the system user performs the following actions by means of the GUI calibration block during the calibration, when setting connections between the rotating camera and each surveillance video camera:
(a) selects one surveillance video camera from the list of previously selected video cameras in the system; (b) focuses the rotating video camera on any point in the field of view of the selected surveillance video camera; (c) sets a point on the frame of the selected surveillance video camera that is currently faced by the rotating camera; (d) repeats actions (b) and (c) at least six times to set at least six connections; (e) repeats actions (s)-(d) for each next surveillance video camera of the system. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the system user is additionally provided with the ability to delete the points that were set by mistake using the GUI calibration block. 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein all mentioned points are set on one spatial plane only. 19. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the operation modes is the “manual mode” in which tracking for at least one moving object by rotating camera in the frame of one of the surveillance cameras begins after the user of the system selects the tracking object on the frame of one of the surveillance cameras. 20. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the operation modes is “automatic mode” in which tracking of the moving objects is carried out by rotating camera automatically, with a preset frequency of switching between all detected moving objects. 21. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the operating modes is the “user priority mode” in which the default “automatic mode” is used, but the user can select the tracking object at any time, and then activate the “manual mode”, whereby when the user deselects the tracking object or when it disappears from the surveillance area of the rotating camera, the “automatic mode” is activated again. 22. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the operation modes is the “manual rotating camera control mode (PTZ)” in which the “automatic mode” is used by default, but the user can take control of the rotating camera at any time. 23. The method according to claim 14, wherein the moving object is a person or a vehicle. 24. The method according to claim 14, wherein tracking of the moving object is carried out by mathematical transformation of the object coordinates in the frame of the surveillance camera into the values of pan (p), tilt (t), and zoom (z) of the rotating camera by using the approximating smooth functions. 25. The method according to claim 24, which offers the ability to automatically check for presence of a gap in one of the mentioned coordinates within the frame to allow the use of approximating smooth functions, whereby the mentioned check contains the following steps:
(f) search for a specific place of the gap in the frame; (g) extreme value (max, min) recovery of one of the p, t, and z values through which the cyclic transition at the gap point occurs; (h) extension of coordinates of one of the p, t, z values on the other side of the gap to ensure continuity. 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein when a gap is detected on one of the p, t, z, values, it is converted back to coordinates of the frame of the surveillance camera. 27. Non-transitory computer readable data carrier that contains instructions executed by the computer processor for implementing the methods for tracking the moving objects according to claim 14. | 2,400 |
349,840 | 350,714 | 16,854,490 | 2,484 | A leak tester of the present disclosure includes: an air pump for supplying air into the endoscope device; a pressure sensor that detects a pressure inside the endoscope device, and a control unit that controls operation of the air pump and the pressure sensor. The control unit executes: a first process of judging whether an internal pressure of the endoscope device has dropped by a first pressure value within a first time span after start of a wet test; a second process of judging whether the internal pressure has further dropped by a second pressure value different from the first pressure value within a second time span different from the first time span in a case where the internal pressure has dropped by the first pressure value in the first process; and a process of judging pass or fail in the wet test. | 1. A leak tester for inspecting presence or absence of an air leak in an endoscope device, comprising:
an air pump for supplying air into the endoscope device; a pressure sensor that detects a pressure inside the endoscope device; and a control unit that controls operation of the air pump and the pressure sensor and judges the presence or absence of an air leak from the endoscope device, wherein the control unit executes: a first process of judging whether an internal pressure of the endoscope device has dropped by a first pressure value within a first time span after start of a wet test; a second process of judging whether the internal pressure has further dropped by a second pressure value different from the first pressure value within a second time span different from the first time span in a case where the internal pressure has dropped by the first pressure value in the first process; and a process of judging pass or fail in the wet test on the basis of a result of the second process. 2. The leak tester according to claim 1,
wherein the control unit further executes: a third process of judging whether the internal pressure has further dropped by a third pressure value different from the first pressure value within a third time span different from the first time span, in a case where the internal pressure has not dropped by the first pressure value in the first process; and a process of judging pass or fail in the wet test on the basis of a result of the third process. 3. The leak tester according to claim 2,
wherein the second pressure value and the third pressure value are set to a same value. 4. The leak tester according to claim 1,
wherein the control unit performs a dry test before the wet test. 5. The leak tester according to claim 4,
wherein the control unit performs the wet test only when a result of the dry test is pass. 6. The leak tester according to claim 2,
wherein the first pressure value is set to a value greater than the second pressure value. | A leak tester of the present disclosure includes: an air pump for supplying air into the endoscope device; a pressure sensor that detects a pressure inside the endoscope device, and a control unit that controls operation of the air pump and the pressure sensor. The control unit executes: a first process of judging whether an internal pressure of the endoscope device has dropped by a first pressure value within a first time span after start of a wet test; a second process of judging whether the internal pressure has further dropped by a second pressure value different from the first pressure value within a second time span different from the first time span in a case where the internal pressure has dropped by the first pressure value in the first process; and a process of judging pass or fail in the wet test.1. A leak tester for inspecting presence or absence of an air leak in an endoscope device, comprising:
an air pump for supplying air into the endoscope device; a pressure sensor that detects a pressure inside the endoscope device; and a control unit that controls operation of the air pump and the pressure sensor and judges the presence or absence of an air leak from the endoscope device, wherein the control unit executes: a first process of judging whether an internal pressure of the endoscope device has dropped by a first pressure value within a first time span after start of a wet test; a second process of judging whether the internal pressure has further dropped by a second pressure value different from the first pressure value within a second time span different from the first time span in a case where the internal pressure has dropped by the first pressure value in the first process; and a process of judging pass or fail in the wet test on the basis of a result of the second process. 2. The leak tester according to claim 1,
wherein the control unit further executes: a third process of judging whether the internal pressure has further dropped by a third pressure value different from the first pressure value within a third time span different from the first time span, in a case where the internal pressure has not dropped by the first pressure value in the first process; and a process of judging pass or fail in the wet test on the basis of a result of the third process. 3. The leak tester according to claim 2,
wherein the second pressure value and the third pressure value are set to a same value. 4. The leak tester according to claim 1,
wherein the control unit performs a dry test before the wet test. 5. The leak tester according to claim 4,
wherein the control unit performs the wet test only when a result of the dry test is pass. 6. The leak tester according to claim 2,
wherein the first pressure value is set to a value greater than the second pressure value. | 2,400 |
349,841 | 350,715 | 16,854,506 | 2,484 | A backlight unit includes a light guide plate; a wavelength conversion member disposed on a surface of the light guide plate; and a housing which houses the wavelength conversion member and is fused to the light guide plate. | 1. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising:
preparing a light guide plate, a wavelength conversion member to be disposed on a surface of the light guide plate, and a housing which houses the wavelength conversion member and is to be in contact with the light guide plate; and fusing the light guide plate and the housing to each other using a femtosecond laser. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
assembling the light guide plate and the housing, which are fused to each other, with a display panel. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
assembling the light guide plate and the housing, which are fused to each other, with a lower cover. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein
the light guide plate and the housing, which are fused to each other, are directly in contact with each other to form a contact surface, and a bonding portion of the housing and the light guide plate is formed on the contact surface. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the bonding portion comprises a plurality of bonding dots. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein each of the bonding dots comprises a central region and a peripheral region disposed outside the central region. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein a width of the central region is in a range of about 10 micrometers to about 20 micrometers. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein a width of the peripheral region is in a range of about 70 micrometers to about 100 micrometers. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the light guide plate and the housing comprise a glass. | A backlight unit includes a light guide plate; a wavelength conversion member disposed on a surface of the light guide plate; and a housing which houses the wavelength conversion member and is fused to the light guide plate.1. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising:
preparing a light guide plate, a wavelength conversion member to be disposed on a surface of the light guide plate, and a housing which houses the wavelength conversion member and is to be in contact with the light guide plate; and fusing the light guide plate and the housing to each other using a femtosecond laser. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
assembling the light guide plate and the housing, which are fused to each other, with a display panel. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
assembling the light guide plate and the housing, which are fused to each other, with a lower cover. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein
the light guide plate and the housing, which are fused to each other, are directly in contact with each other to form a contact surface, and a bonding portion of the housing and the light guide plate is formed on the contact surface. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the bonding portion comprises a plurality of bonding dots. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein each of the bonding dots comprises a central region and a peripheral region disposed outside the central region. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein a width of the central region is in a range of about 10 micrometers to about 20 micrometers. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein a width of the peripheral region is in a range of about 70 micrometers to about 100 micrometers. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the light guide plate and the housing comprise a glass. | 2,400 |
349,842 | 350,716 | 16,854,539 | 2,484 | In an embodiment, a process for providing optimized data access includes receiving at least a subset of data included in a set of origin data. The process includes transforming at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters. The process includes providing access to the transformed subset of data to an associated set of one or more users | 1. A system comprising:
a communication interface; and a processor coupled to the communication interface and configured to:
receive via the communication interface at least a subset of data included in a set of origin data;
transform at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters; and
provide access to the transformed subset of data to an associated set of one or more users. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of origin data includes data associated with at least one of: a database, a flat file, or a data stream. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of origin data is associated with at least a portion of one or more origin databases. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is included in a plurality of systems, wherein each system includes at least one of a data access node or a data ingestion and transformation module. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of systems includes a first set of one or more systems that performs optimizations differently from a second set of one or more systems. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of systems includes a first set of one or more systems that performs the transformation differently from a second set of one or more systems. 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of systems is configured to access a plurality of different origin databases. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein systems in the plurality of systems are associated with at least one of: different or overlapping subsets of data. 9. The system of claim 4, wherein the subset of data includes data from different origin databases, and the transformation operates on combined data from the different origin databases. 10. The system of claim 4, wherein systems in the plurality of systems are configured to coordinate with each other to share optimizations. 11. The system of claim 4, wherein systems in the plurality of systems are configured to coordinate with each other to self-organize to share work including by optimizing or transforming at a least a first portion at a first system and at least a second portion at a second system. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a data access node remote from an origin database. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the origin database is at least one of: a system of record or a relational database system. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the set of origin data is stored in tables; and the subset of data includes a subset of rows in the tables. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the set of origin data is stored in tables; and the subset of data includes a subset of fields in the tables. 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising updating the received at least a subset of data. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein updating the received at least a subset of data includes at least one of: receiving a publication by a data source or subscription to the data source. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein updating the received at least a subset of data includes receiving data as a batch. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the received batch of data is received at least one of: on a predetermined schedule or based at least in part on an event-based trigger. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the event-based trigger includes at least one of: a query, a type of query, the set of origin data being changed, the set of origin data being accessed, a quantum of change in the set of origin data, or an external event. 21. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes at least one of: creating a new data structure or changing a data structure. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes capturing query metadata for query compatibility with the new data structure or the changed data structure. 23. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes modifying a compound data structure including by storing one record within a field of another data record as an array. 24. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes creating a new index. 25. The system of claim 1, wherein the subset of data is determined based at least in part on a set of queries. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the subset of data includes at least one of: a static configuration or analysis of a specified set of queries. 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the subset of data is observed over time. 28. The system of claim 25, wherein the subset of data is observed using machine learning. 29. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes:
initially accessing an untransformed subset of data; learning over time; and implementing at least one optimization on the subset of data based on the learning. 30. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data is performed offline. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data is performed at least one of: continuously or until currently optimized. 32. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes:
operating on a production database or copy of the production database; and selecting another data structure to organize the subset of data based on a set of queries. 33. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters by which the subset of data is optimized includes at least one of: CPU, storage, access latency, or response time associated with at least a subset of queries. 34. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters by which the subset of data is optimized includes a cost function. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the cost function is multi-variate. 36. The system of claim 34, wherein the cost function is based at least in part on a computational model. 37. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters by which the subset of data is optimized includes a tunable high level objective. 38. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to halt the transformation in response to obtaining a threshold number of results. 39. A method comprising:
receiving at least a subset of data included in a set of origin data; transforming at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters; and providing access to the transformed subset of data to an associated set of one or more users. 40. A computer program product embodied in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:
receiving at least a subset of data included in a set of origin data; transforming at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters; and providing access to the transformed subset of data to an associated set of one or more users. | In an embodiment, a process for providing optimized data access includes receiving at least a subset of data included in a set of origin data. The process includes transforming at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters. The process includes providing access to the transformed subset of data to an associated set of one or more users1. A system comprising:
a communication interface; and a processor coupled to the communication interface and configured to:
receive via the communication interface at least a subset of data included in a set of origin data;
transform at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters; and
provide access to the transformed subset of data to an associated set of one or more users. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of origin data includes data associated with at least one of: a database, a flat file, or a data stream. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of origin data is associated with at least a portion of one or more origin databases. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is included in a plurality of systems, wherein each system includes at least one of a data access node or a data ingestion and transformation module. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of systems includes a first set of one or more systems that performs optimizations differently from a second set of one or more systems. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of systems includes a first set of one or more systems that performs the transformation differently from a second set of one or more systems. 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of systems is configured to access a plurality of different origin databases. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein systems in the plurality of systems are associated with at least one of: different or overlapping subsets of data. 9. The system of claim 4, wherein the subset of data includes data from different origin databases, and the transformation operates on combined data from the different origin databases. 10. The system of claim 4, wherein systems in the plurality of systems are configured to coordinate with each other to share optimizations. 11. The system of claim 4, wherein systems in the plurality of systems are configured to coordinate with each other to self-organize to share work including by optimizing or transforming at a least a first portion at a first system and at least a second portion at a second system. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a data access node remote from an origin database. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the origin database is at least one of: a system of record or a relational database system. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the set of origin data is stored in tables; and the subset of data includes a subset of rows in the tables. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein:
the set of origin data is stored in tables; and the subset of data includes a subset of fields in the tables. 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising updating the received at least a subset of data. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein updating the received at least a subset of data includes at least one of: receiving a publication by a data source or subscription to the data source. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein updating the received at least a subset of data includes receiving data as a batch. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the received batch of data is received at least one of: on a predetermined schedule or based at least in part on an event-based trigger. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the event-based trigger includes at least one of: a query, a type of query, the set of origin data being changed, the set of origin data being accessed, a quantum of change in the set of origin data, or an external event. 21. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes at least one of: creating a new data structure or changing a data structure. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes capturing query metadata for query compatibility with the new data structure or the changed data structure. 23. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes modifying a compound data structure including by storing one record within a field of another data record as an array. 24. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes creating a new index. 25. The system of claim 1, wherein the subset of data is determined based at least in part on a set of queries. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the subset of data includes at least one of: a static configuration or analysis of a specified set of queries. 27. The system of claim 25, wherein the subset of data is observed over time. 28. The system of claim 25, wherein the subset of data is observed using machine learning. 29. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes:
initially accessing an untransformed subset of data; learning over time; and implementing at least one optimization on the subset of data based on the learning. 30. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data is performed offline. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data is performed at least one of: continuously or until currently optimized. 32. The system of claim 1, wherein transforming at least a portion of the subset of data includes:
operating on a production database or copy of the production database; and selecting another data structure to organize the subset of data based on a set of queries. 33. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters by which the subset of data is optimized includes at least one of: CPU, storage, access latency, or response time associated with at least a subset of queries. 34. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters by which the subset of data is optimized includes a cost function. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the cost function is multi-variate. 36. The system of claim 34, wherein the cost function is based at least in part on a computational model. 37. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters by which the subset of data is optimized includes a tunable high level objective. 38. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to halt the transformation in response to obtaining a threshold number of results. 39. A method comprising:
receiving at least a subset of data included in a set of origin data; transforming at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters; and providing access to the transformed subset of data to an associated set of one or more users. 40. A computer program product embodied in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:
receiving at least a subset of data included in a set of origin data; transforming at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters; and providing access to the transformed subset of data to an associated set of one or more users. | 2,400 |
349,843 | 350,717 | 16,854,541 | 2,484 | An element of an automatic gain control system that automatically calibrates a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table responsive to user zone gain inputs at various ambient noise levels. The table is a graph of adjacent (horizontally or diagonally) data points (nodes) mapping ambient noise to composite gain. Three algorithmic rules determine position changes of the nodes responsive to zone gain inputs. A curve may be fit to an arrangement of adjacent nodes. The curve, or the interpolated table value, is used with an ambient noise input to determine the current composite gain. The element may be used with many traditional ANC systems. Once calibrated over the full range of ambient noises in the user's space, the ANC system may never need further user zone gain inputs. | 1. An apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise calibrating look-up table in an ambient noise compensation (ANC) system, the apparatus comprising:
a. an ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; b. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise calibrating look-up table maintained in said ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; c. a plurality of data points (nodes) in said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise calibrating look-up table; d. said ANC automatic calibration logic, comprising:
i. a zone gain signal input coupling for receiving a zone gain input signal;
ii. an ambient noise signal input coupling for receiving an ambient noise signal; and
iii. a current ANC gain signal input coupling for receiving a current ANC gain signal;
e. wherein:
i. a particular said node of said plurality of nodes maps a respective particular ambient noise signal level to a respective particular composite gain; and
ii. each particular said zone gain signal input, receivable at said zone gain signal input coupling, at a particular said ambient noise level input receivable in said ambient noise signal input coupling is operable to map at least one corresponding said particular node to a new said particular composite gain. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said zone gain signal input is user-controlled. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising rule logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to implement algorithmic rules, wherein said rule logic is operable to change an arrangement of said plurality of nodes to form a calibrated composite gain curve, responsive to said zone gain signal input and their coincident ambient noise levels. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:
a. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table is operable to have up to one active zone with left and right table column boundaries and no more than two inactive zones, wherein said left and right table column boundaries of said active zone are determined by said zone gain signal inputs; and b. each particular said zone gain input corresponding to a particular said ambient noise level input that is more than one table column away from a previous active zone boundary is operable to map at least one said node to change said particular composite gain for each said at least one said node of said one or more nodes, responsive to said algorithmic rules. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, comprising said algorithmic rules in said rule logic, said rules comprising:
a. a left node must be less than or equal to an adjacent right node, where a right node corresponds to a higher ambient noise level than said left node; b. a particular said right node cannot be higher than X dB from an adjacent said left node, wherein X is determined based on a maximum slope parameter; c. said nodes in any said inactive zone are one of:
i. in horizontal array with their adjacent nearest said node in said active zone; and
ii. in horizontal array without said active zone; and
d. if a user-controlled zone gain input change exceeds a predetermined limit, then a shape of said gain curve is not modified. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said maximum slope parameter is one of:
a. user-controlled; and b. predetermined. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising curve-fitting logic in said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce a composite gain curve representative of said arrangement of adjacent said nodes. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising current composite gain determination logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce a current composite gain responsive to inputs of said composite gain curve and said ambient noise signal. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, comprising gain target determination logic operable to produce a current ANC gain target responsive to inputs of said current composite gain and said ambient noise signal. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising said apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table installed in an ANC system. 11. An apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table in an ambient noise compensation (ANC) system, the apparatus comprising:
a. an ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; b. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table maintained in said ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; c. a plurality of data points (nodes) in said composite gain vs ambient noise look-up table; d. said ANC automatic calibration logic further comprising:
i. a zone gain signal input coupling for receiving a zone gain input signal;
ii. an ambient noise signal input coupling for receiving an ambient noise signal; and
iii. a current ANC gain signal input coupling for receiving a current ANC gain signal;
e. wherein:
i. a particular said node of said plurality of nodes maps a respectively particular said ambient noise signal level to a respectively particular said composite gain; and
ii. each particular said zone gain input, receivable at a corresponding particular said zone gain signal input coupling, at a particular said ambient noise level input, receivable in said ambient noise signal input coupling, is operable to map at least one corresponding said particular node to change said particular composite gain; and
f. rule logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to implement algorithmic rules, wherein said rule logic is operable to change or maintain an arrangement of nodes to form a calibrated said composite gain curve, responsive to said zone gain signal input. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising:
a. up to one active zone with left and right table column boundaries and no more than two inactive zones in said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table, wherein said left and right table column boundaries of said active zone are determined by said zone gain signal inputs and wherein each particular said zone gain input corresponding to a particular said ambient noise level input that is more than one table column away from a previous active zone boundary is operable to map one or more said nodes to change said particular composite gain for each said node of said one or more nodes; and b. algorithmic rules in said rule logic comprising:
i. a said left node must be less than or equal to an adjacent right said node, wherein a right said node corresponds to a higher ambient noise level than a left said node;
ii. a particular said right node cannot be higher than X dB from an adjacent said left node, wherein X is determined based on a predetermined maximum slope parameter; and
iii. said nodes in any said inactive zone are one of:
1. in horizontal array with their adjacent nearest said node in said active zone; and
2. in horizontal array without said active zone; and
3. if a user-controlled zone gain input change exceeds a predetermined limit, then a shape of said gain curve is not modified. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising curve-fitting logic in said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce said composite gain curve representative of said arrangement of adjacent said nodes. 14. The apparatus of claim 12.b.iii, comprising current composite gain determination logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce a current composite gain responsive to inputs of said composite gain curve and said ambient noise signal. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, comprising gain target determination logic operable to produce a current ANC gain target responsive to inputs of said current composite gain and said ambient noise signal. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, comprising said apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table in an ANC system. 17. An apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table in an ANC system, the apparatus comprising:
a. an ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; b. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table maintained in said ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; c. a plurality of data points (nodes) in said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table; d. said ANC automatic calibration logic further comprising:
i. a zone gain signal input coupling for receiving a zone gain input signal;
ii. an ambient noise signal input coupling for receiving an ambient noise signal; and;
iii. a current ANC gain signal input coupling for receiving a current ANC gain signal;
e. wherein:
i. each particular node of said plurality of nodes maps a respectively particular ambient noise level to a respectively particular composite gain; and
ii. each particular said zone gain input, receivable at a corresponding particular said zone gain signal input coupling, at a particular said ambient noise level input receivable in said ambient noise signal input coupling, is operable to map at least one corresponding said particular node to change said particular composite gain;
f. rule logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to implement three algorithmic rules, wherein said rule logic is operable to change an arrangement of said nodes to form a calibrated composite gain curve, responsive to said zone gain signal input; g. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table having up to one active zone with left and right table column boundaries and no more than two inactive zones in said composite gain vs ambient noise look-up table, wherein said left and right table column boundaries of said active zone are determined by said zone gain signal inputs and their coincident ambient noise levels; h. algorithmic rules in said rule logic comprising:
i. a said left node must be less than or equal to an adjacent right said node, wherein a right node corresponds to a higher ambient noise level than a left node;
ii. a particular said right node can't be higher than X dB from an adjacent said left node, wherein X is determined based on a maximum slope parameter;
iii. said nodes in any said inactive zones are in horizontal array with their adjacent said node in any said active zone; and
iv. if a user-controlled zone gain input change exceeds a predetermined limit, then occurs one of:
1. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table is not modified; and
2. a shape of said gain curve is not modified. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, comprising:
a. up to one said active zone with left and right table column boundaries and no more than two said inactive zones in said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table, wherein said left and right table column boundaries of said active zone are determined by said zone gain signal inputs and wherein each particular said zone gain signal input corresponding to a particular said ambient noise level input that is more than one table column away from a previous active zone boundary is operable to map one or more nodes to change said particular composite gain for at least one said node of said one or more nodes; b. curve-fitting logic in said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce said composite gain curve equation representative of said arrangement of adjacent said nodes; and c. current composite gain determination logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce a current composite gain responsive to inputs of said composite gain curve and said ambient noise signal. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, comprising gain target determination logic operable to produce a current ANC gain target responsive to inputs of said current composite gain and said ambient noise signal. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, comprising said apparatus for automatically calibrating said gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table installed in an ANC system. | An element of an automatic gain control system that automatically calibrates a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table responsive to user zone gain inputs at various ambient noise levels. The table is a graph of adjacent (horizontally or diagonally) data points (nodes) mapping ambient noise to composite gain. Three algorithmic rules determine position changes of the nodes responsive to zone gain inputs. A curve may be fit to an arrangement of adjacent nodes. The curve, or the interpolated table value, is used with an ambient noise input to determine the current composite gain. The element may be used with many traditional ANC systems. Once calibrated over the full range of ambient noises in the user's space, the ANC system may never need further user zone gain inputs.1. An apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise calibrating look-up table in an ambient noise compensation (ANC) system, the apparatus comprising:
a. an ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; b. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise calibrating look-up table maintained in said ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; c. a plurality of data points (nodes) in said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise calibrating look-up table; d. said ANC automatic calibration logic, comprising:
i. a zone gain signal input coupling for receiving a zone gain input signal;
ii. an ambient noise signal input coupling for receiving an ambient noise signal; and
iii. a current ANC gain signal input coupling for receiving a current ANC gain signal;
e. wherein:
i. a particular said node of said plurality of nodes maps a respective particular ambient noise signal level to a respective particular composite gain; and
ii. each particular said zone gain signal input, receivable at said zone gain signal input coupling, at a particular said ambient noise level input receivable in said ambient noise signal input coupling is operable to map at least one corresponding said particular node to a new said particular composite gain. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said zone gain signal input is user-controlled. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising rule logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to implement algorithmic rules, wherein said rule logic is operable to change an arrangement of said plurality of nodes to form a calibrated composite gain curve, responsive to said zone gain signal input and their coincident ambient noise levels. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:
a. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table is operable to have up to one active zone with left and right table column boundaries and no more than two inactive zones, wherein said left and right table column boundaries of said active zone are determined by said zone gain signal inputs; and b. each particular said zone gain input corresponding to a particular said ambient noise level input that is more than one table column away from a previous active zone boundary is operable to map at least one said node to change said particular composite gain for each said at least one said node of said one or more nodes, responsive to said algorithmic rules. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, comprising said algorithmic rules in said rule logic, said rules comprising:
a. a left node must be less than or equal to an adjacent right node, where a right node corresponds to a higher ambient noise level than said left node; b. a particular said right node cannot be higher than X dB from an adjacent said left node, wherein X is determined based on a maximum slope parameter; c. said nodes in any said inactive zone are one of:
i. in horizontal array with their adjacent nearest said node in said active zone; and
ii. in horizontal array without said active zone; and
d. if a user-controlled zone gain input change exceeds a predetermined limit, then a shape of said gain curve is not modified. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said maximum slope parameter is one of:
a. user-controlled; and b. predetermined. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising curve-fitting logic in said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce a composite gain curve representative of said arrangement of adjacent said nodes. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising current composite gain determination logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce a current composite gain responsive to inputs of said composite gain curve and said ambient noise signal. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, comprising gain target determination logic operable to produce a current ANC gain target responsive to inputs of said current composite gain and said ambient noise signal. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising said apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table installed in an ANC system. 11. An apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table in an ambient noise compensation (ANC) system, the apparatus comprising:
a. an ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; b. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table maintained in said ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; c. a plurality of data points (nodes) in said composite gain vs ambient noise look-up table; d. said ANC automatic calibration logic further comprising:
i. a zone gain signal input coupling for receiving a zone gain input signal;
ii. an ambient noise signal input coupling for receiving an ambient noise signal; and
iii. a current ANC gain signal input coupling for receiving a current ANC gain signal;
e. wherein:
i. a particular said node of said plurality of nodes maps a respectively particular said ambient noise signal level to a respectively particular said composite gain; and
ii. each particular said zone gain input, receivable at a corresponding particular said zone gain signal input coupling, at a particular said ambient noise level input, receivable in said ambient noise signal input coupling, is operable to map at least one corresponding said particular node to change said particular composite gain; and
f. rule logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to implement algorithmic rules, wherein said rule logic is operable to change or maintain an arrangement of nodes to form a calibrated said composite gain curve, responsive to said zone gain signal input. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising:
a. up to one active zone with left and right table column boundaries and no more than two inactive zones in said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table, wherein said left and right table column boundaries of said active zone are determined by said zone gain signal inputs and wherein each particular said zone gain input corresponding to a particular said ambient noise level input that is more than one table column away from a previous active zone boundary is operable to map one or more said nodes to change said particular composite gain for each said node of said one or more nodes; and b. algorithmic rules in said rule logic comprising:
i. a said left node must be less than or equal to an adjacent right said node, wherein a right said node corresponds to a higher ambient noise level than a left said node;
ii. a particular said right node cannot be higher than X dB from an adjacent said left node, wherein X is determined based on a predetermined maximum slope parameter; and
iii. said nodes in any said inactive zone are one of:
1. in horizontal array with their adjacent nearest said node in said active zone; and
2. in horizontal array without said active zone; and
3. if a user-controlled zone gain input change exceeds a predetermined limit, then a shape of said gain curve is not modified. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising curve-fitting logic in said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce said composite gain curve representative of said arrangement of adjacent said nodes. 14. The apparatus of claim 12.b.iii, comprising current composite gain determination logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce a current composite gain responsive to inputs of said composite gain curve and said ambient noise signal. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, comprising gain target determination logic operable to produce a current ANC gain target responsive to inputs of said current composite gain and said ambient noise signal. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, comprising said apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table in an ANC system. 17. An apparatus for automatically calibrating a gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table in an ANC system, the apparatus comprising:
a. an ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; b. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table maintained in said ANC automatic calibration logic and memory; c. a plurality of data points (nodes) in said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table; d. said ANC automatic calibration logic further comprising:
i. a zone gain signal input coupling for receiving a zone gain input signal;
ii. an ambient noise signal input coupling for receiving an ambient noise signal; and;
iii. a current ANC gain signal input coupling for receiving a current ANC gain signal;
e. wherein:
i. each particular node of said plurality of nodes maps a respectively particular ambient noise level to a respectively particular composite gain; and
ii. each particular said zone gain input, receivable at a corresponding particular said zone gain signal input coupling, at a particular said ambient noise level input receivable in said ambient noise signal input coupling, is operable to map at least one corresponding said particular node to change said particular composite gain;
f. rule logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to implement three algorithmic rules, wherein said rule logic is operable to change an arrangement of said nodes to form a calibrated composite gain curve, responsive to said zone gain signal input; g. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table having up to one active zone with left and right table column boundaries and no more than two inactive zones in said composite gain vs ambient noise look-up table, wherein said left and right table column boundaries of said active zone are determined by said zone gain signal inputs and their coincident ambient noise levels; h. algorithmic rules in said rule logic comprising:
i. a said left node must be less than or equal to an adjacent right said node, wherein a right node corresponds to a higher ambient noise level than a left node;
ii. a particular said right node can't be higher than X dB from an adjacent said left node, wherein X is determined based on a maximum slope parameter;
iii. said nodes in any said inactive zones are in horizontal array with their adjacent said node in any said active zone; and
iv. if a user-controlled zone gain input change exceeds a predetermined limit, then occurs one of:
1. said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table is not modified; and
2. a shape of said gain curve is not modified. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, comprising:
a. up to one said active zone with left and right table column boundaries and no more than two said inactive zones in said Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table, wherein said left and right table column boundaries of said active zone are determined by said zone gain signal inputs and wherein each particular said zone gain signal input corresponding to a particular said ambient noise level input that is more than one table column away from a previous active zone boundary is operable to map one or more nodes to change said particular composite gain for at least one said node of said one or more nodes; b. curve-fitting logic in said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce said composite gain curve equation representative of said arrangement of adjacent said nodes; and c. current composite gain determination logic within said ANC automatic calibration logic operable to produce a current composite gain responsive to inputs of said composite gain curve and said ambient noise signal. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, comprising gain target determination logic operable to produce a current ANC gain target responsive to inputs of said current composite gain and said ambient noise signal. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, comprising said apparatus for automatically calibrating said gain curve on a Composite Gain vs Ambient Noise look-up table installed in an ANC system. | 2,400 |
349,844 | 350,718 | 16,854,537 | 2,484 | The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method of use thereof for compressive creep testing of materials in the presence of fluids. The apparatus includes a cantilever arm connected on a first end to a cantilever pivot and including a weight holder on a second end; a first platen connected to the cantilever arm via a swivel located between the first end and the second end; a reservoir; and a second platen disposed within the reservoir and positioned to secure a sample between the first platen and the second platen when a force is applied via the weight holder and the first platen to a sample. Electrical properties of the material can be monitored and measured during the compression creep testing. | 1. An apparatus, comprising:
a cantilever arm connected on a first end to a cantilever pivot and including a weight holder on a second end; a first platen connected to the cantilever arm via a swivel located between the first end and the second end; a reservoir; and a second platen disposed within the reservoir and positioned to secure a sample between the first platen and the second platen when a force is applied via the weight holder and the first platen to a sample. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a compression interlock configured to position the second end of the cantilever arm at one of a first height and a second height, wherein:
at the first height the first platen is positioned to transfer the force applied via the weight holder to a sample positioned on the second platen, and
at the second height the first platen is positioned to not transfer the force applied via the weight holder to a sample positioned on the second platen. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first platen and the second platen respectively define a first flat surface and a second flat surface configured to contact a sample of a smaller cross-sectional area than the first platen or the second platen. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first platen or the second platen includes an expansion gauge. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises:
a fluid basin in which the second platen is disposed, wherein the fluid basin extends to a first height greater than a height of a sample held between the first platen and the second platen; a fluid inlet disposed at a second height at or above the first height, wherein the fluid inlet is configured to configured to allow fluid to flow into the fluid basin; and a fluid outlet disposed at a third height at or above the first height and at or below the second height, wherein the fluid outlet is configured to allow fluid to flow out of the fluid basin. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swivel is configured to keep the first platen in contact with a sample held between the first platen and the second platen as the sample deforms under the force applied via the weight holder and the first platen. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
an electrical meter defined in the reservoir, configured to measure an electrical aspect of the sample held between the first platen and the second platen while the first platen is electrically isolated from the second platen. 8. A device, comprising:
a reservoir including a fluid basin in which a first platen, a sample positioned on the first platen, and a fluid rising to a fluid level above an upper surface of the sample are included; a cantilever including:
a mount mounted to a surface on which the reservoir is disposed and including a pivot;
a cantilever arm connected on a first end to the pivot including a weight holder on a second end opposite to the first end and including a swivel between the first end and the second end; and
a second platen connected to the swivel and held in contact with the upper surface of the sample via a downward force applied on the second end to transfer a compressive load to the sample. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the fluid is one of deionized water, jet fuel, and hydraulic fluid. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the sample is made of a polymer material with a lower hardness than the first platen and the second platen. 11. The device of claim 8, further comprising: an electrical meter disposed in the reservoir and configured to measure an electrical aspect across the sample. 12. The device of claim 8, further comprising a fluid level sensor configured to generate an alert when a fluid level is at or below the upper surface of the sample. 13. The device of claim 8, wherein the reservoir further comprises:
a fluid inlet configured to deposit fluid into the reservoir; and a fluid outlet configured to remove fluid from the reservoir, wherein the fluid outlet is disposed at an outlet height above the upper surface of the sample. 14. The device of claim 8, further comprising a test chamber configured to control a temperature of an environment in which the reservoir is disposed. 15. The device of claim 8, wherein the weight holder comprises a dowel configured to receive and hold in position one or more weights of one or more predefined weights. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the one or more weights held by the weight holder are selected based on a length of the cantilever arm, a distance between the pivot and the second end, and a desired level of the compressive load to apply. 17. A method, comprising:
placing a sample of a given material between a first platen and a second platen, wherein:
a cross-sectional area of the first platen and a cross-sectional area of the second platen is greater than a cross-sectional area of the sample, and
the sample is a disposed in a reservoir;
filling the reservoir with a fluid to submerge the sample within the reservoir; applying a load to a cantilever arm connected to the first platen to impart a compressive force between the first platen and the second platen to the sample; in response to a predefined length of time passing, measuring a second height and a second cross-sectional area of the sample; and indicating a creep rate of the given material in presence of the fluid. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
measuring a force between the cantilever arm and the first platen. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
monitoring a level of the fluid over the predefined length of time; and in response to the level of the fluid dropping to a predefined level, adding additional fluid to the reservoir to keep the sample submerged. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: measuring an electrical aspect of the sample between the first platen and the second platen. | The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method of use thereof for compressive creep testing of materials in the presence of fluids. The apparatus includes a cantilever arm connected on a first end to a cantilever pivot and including a weight holder on a second end; a first platen connected to the cantilever arm via a swivel located between the first end and the second end; a reservoir; and a second platen disposed within the reservoir and positioned to secure a sample between the first platen and the second platen when a force is applied via the weight holder and the first platen to a sample. Electrical properties of the material can be monitored and measured during the compression creep testing.1. An apparatus, comprising:
a cantilever arm connected on a first end to a cantilever pivot and including a weight holder on a second end; a first platen connected to the cantilever arm via a swivel located between the first end and the second end; a reservoir; and a second platen disposed within the reservoir and positioned to secure a sample between the first platen and the second platen when a force is applied via the weight holder and the first platen to a sample. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a compression interlock configured to position the second end of the cantilever arm at one of a first height and a second height, wherein:
at the first height the first platen is positioned to transfer the force applied via the weight holder to a sample positioned on the second platen, and
at the second height the first platen is positioned to not transfer the force applied via the weight holder to a sample positioned on the second platen. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first platen and the second platen respectively define a first flat surface and a second flat surface configured to contact a sample of a smaller cross-sectional area than the first platen or the second platen. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first platen or the second platen includes an expansion gauge. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises:
a fluid basin in which the second platen is disposed, wherein the fluid basin extends to a first height greater than a height of a sample held between the first platen and the second platen; a fluid inlet disposed at a second height at or above the first height, wherein the fluid inlet is configured to configured to allow fluid to flow into the fluid basin; and a fluid outlet disposed at a third height at or above the first height and at or below the second height, wherein the fluid outlet is configured to allow fluid to flow out of the fluid basin. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swivel is configured to keep the first platen in contact with a sample held between the first platen and the second platen as the sample deforms under the force applied via the weight holder and the first platen. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
an electrical meter defined in the reservoir, configured to measure an electrical aspect of the sample held between the first platen and the second platen while the first platen is electrically isolated from the second platen. 8. A device, comprising:
a reservoir including a fluid basin in which a first platen, a sample positioned on the first platen, and a fluid rising to a fluid level above an upper surface of the sample are included; a cantilever including:
a mount mounted to a surface on which the reservoir is disposed and including a pivot;
a cantilever arm connected on a first end to the pivot including a weight holder on a second end opposite to the first end and including a swivel between the first end and the second end; and
a second platen connected to the swivel and held in contact with the upper surface of the sample via a downward force applied on the second end to transfer a compressive load to the sample. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the fluid is one of deionized water, jet fuel, and hydraulic fluid. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the sample is made of a polymer material with a lower hardness than the first platen and the second platen. 11. The device of claim 8, further comprising: an electrical meter disposed in the reservoir and configured to measure an electrical aspect across the sample. 12. The device of claim 8, further comprising a fluid level sensor configured to generate an alert when a fluid level is at or below the upper surface of the sample. 13. The device of claim 8, wherein the reservoir further comprises:
a fluid inlet configured to deposit fluid into the reservoir; and a fluid outlet configured to remove fluid from the reservoir, wherein the fluid outlet is disposed at an outlet height above the upper surface of the sample. 14. The device of claim 8, further comprising a test chamber configured to control a temperature of an environment in which the reservoir is disposed. 15. The device of claim 8, wherein the weight holder comprises a dowel configured to receive and hold in position one or more weights of one or more predefined weights. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the one or more weights held by the weight holder are selected based on a length of the cantilever arm, a distance between the pivot and the second end, and a desired level of the compressive load to apply. 17. A method, comprising:
placing a sample of a given material between a first platen and a second platen, wherein:
a cross-sectional area of the first platen and a cross-sectional area of the second platen is greater than a cross-sectional area of the sample, and
the sample is a disposed in a reservoir;
filling the reservoir with a fluid to submerge the sample within the reservoir; applying a load to a cantilever arm connected to the first platen to impart a compressive force between the first platen and the second platen to the sample; in response to a predefined length of time passing, measuring a second height and a second cross-sectional area of the sample; and indicating a creep rate of the given material in presence of the fluid. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
measuring a force between the cantilever arm and the first platen. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
monitoring a level of the fluid over the predefined length of time; and in response to the level of the fluid dropping to a predefined level, adding additional fluid to the reservoir to keep the sample submerged. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: measuring an electrical aspect of the sample between the first platen and the second platen. | 2,400 |
349,845 | 350,719 | 16,854,532 | 2,484 | A rotating control device (RCD) system includes a first RCD comprising a first body and a first sealing element within the first body and a second RCD comprising a second body a second sealing element within the second body. The RCD system also includes a controller that is configured to control a first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to a withdrawn configuration in which the first sealing element is not positioned to seal about a tubular and to control a second actuator assembly to maintain the second RCD in a sealing configuration in which the second sealing element is positioned to seal about the tubular while the first RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. | 1. A rotating control device (RCD) system, comprising:
a first RCD comprising a first body and a first sealing element within the first body; a second RCD comprising a second body and a second sealing element within the second body; and a controller configured to:
control a first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to a withdrawn configuration in which the first sealing element is not positioned to seal about a tubular, wherein the first actuator assembly is configured to exert a radially-outward force on the first sealing element to adjust the first sealing element to the withdrawn configuration; and
control a second actuator assembly to maintain the second RCD in a sealing configuration in which the second sealing element is positioned to seal about the tubular while the first RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. 2. The RCD system of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors positioned proximate to respective ends of the first RCD, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect a presence of a joint of the tubular. 3. The RCD system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to:
receive signals from the one or more sensors, and the signals are indicative of the presence of the joint of the tubular proximate to an entrance of the first RCD; and control the first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 4. The RCD system of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to control the second actuator assembly to adjust the second RCD to the sealing configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 5. The RCD system of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to control the first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals and in response to the second RCD reaching the sealing configuration. 6. The RCD system of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors configured to detect that the second RCD is in the sealing configuration, and wherein the controller is configured to:
receive signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the signals are indicative of the second RCD being in the sealing configuration; and control the first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 7. (canceled) 8. The RCD system of claim 1, wherein the first actuator assembly comprises:
a push portion that is configured to contact the first sealing element; and a support rod coupled to the push portion, wherein the support rod extends in an axial direction and is configured to engage and to exert the radially-outward force on a lip of the first sealing element to adjust the first sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 9. The RCD system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:
control the second actuator assembly to adjust the second RCD to the withdrawn configuration in which the second sealing element is not positioned to seal about the tubular; and control the first actuator assembly to maintain the first RCD in the sealing configuration in which the first sealing element is positioned to seal about the tubular while the second RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. 10-15. (canceled) 16. A method of operating a rotating control device (RCD) system, the method comprising:
receiving, at one or more processors, signals indicative of a presence of a joint of a tubular proximate to an entrance of a first RCD; adjusting, using the one or more processors, the first RCD to a withdrawn configuration in which a first sealing element of the first RCD does not seal about the tubular in response to receipt of the signals by causing an actuator assembly to exert a radially-outward force on the first sealing element; and maintaining, using the one or more processors, a second RCD in a sealing configuration in which a second sealing element of the second RCD seals about the tubular while the first RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising adjusting, using the one or more processors, the second RCD to the sealing configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising adjusting, using the one or more processors, the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration after adjusting the second RCD to the sealing configuration. 19. The method of claim 16, comprising:
receiving, at the one or more processors, additional signals indicative of the second RCD being in the sealing configuration; and adjusting, using the one or more processors, the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals and in response to receipt of additional signals. 20. The method of claim 16, comprising:
receiving, at the one or more processors, additional signals indicative of a presence of the joint of the tubular proximate to a respective entrance of the second RCD; adjusting, using the one or more processors, the second RCD to the withdrawn configuration in which the second sealing element does not seal about the tubular in response to receipt of the additional signals; and maintaining, using the one or more processors, the first RCD in the sealing configuration in which the first sealing element seals about the tubular while the second RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. 21. The RCD system of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors configured to monitor a location of a joint of the tubular relative to the first RCD and the second RCD, wherein the controller is further configured to:
receive from the one or more sensors signals indicative of the location of the joint of the tubular relative to the first RCD and the second RCD; control the first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals; and control the second actuator assembly to maintain the second RCD in the sealing configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 22. An apparatus, comprising:
a rotating control device (RCD) comprising:
a body;
a sealing element within the body, wherein the sealing element is adjustable between:
a withdrawn configuration in which the sealing element is not positioned to seal about a tubular; and
a sealing configuration in which the sealing element is positioned to seal about the tubular; and
an actuator assembly configured to exert a radially-outward force on the sealing element to adjust the sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the actuator assembly comprises:
a push portion that is configured to contact the sealing element; and a support rod coupled to the push portion, wherein the support rod extends in an axial direction and is configured to engage and to exert the radially-outward force on a lip of the sealing element to adjust the sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the actuator assembly comprises:
a cylinder; a piston within the cylinder; one or more rods connecting the piston to the sealing element; and a fluid source fluidly connected with the cylinder, wherein the fluid source is operable to supply a fluid to the cylinder to cause the actuator assembly to exert the radially-outward force on the sealing element to adjust the sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the piston and the one or more rods move in a radially-outward direction to thereby cause the actuator assembly to exert the radially-outward force on the sealing element when the fluid source supplies the fluid to the cylinder. 26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein:
the actuator assembly is an instance of a plurality of actuator assemblies; each of the actuator assemblies is connected to a corresponding portion of the sealing element; and each of the actuator assemblies is operable to exert the radially-outward force on the corresponding portion of the sealing element to adjust the sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 27. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a controller configured to:
control the actuator assembly to adjust the RCD to the withdrawn configuration; and control the actuator assembly to adjust the RCD to the sealing configuration. | A rotating control device (RCD) system includes a first RCD comprising a first body and a first sealing element within the first body and a second RCD comprising a second body a second sealing element within the second body. The RCD system also includes a controller that is configured to control a first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to a withdrawn configuration in which the first sealing element is not positioned to seal about a tubular and to control a second actuator assembly to maintain the second RCD in a sealing configuration in which the second sealing element is positioned to seal about the tubular while the first RCD is in the withdrawn configuration.1. A rotating control device (RCD) system, comprising:
a first RCD comprising a first body and a first sealing element within the first body; a second RCD comprising a second body and a second sealing element within the second body; and a controller configured to:
control a first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to a withdrawn configuration in which the first sealing element is not positioned to seal about a tubular, wherein the first actuator assembly is configured to exert a radially-outward force on the first sealing element to adjust the first sealing element to the withdrawn configuration; and
control a second actuator assembly to maintain the second RCD in a sealing configuration in which the second sealing element is positioned to seal about the tubular while the first RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. 2. The RCD system of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors positioned proximate to respective ends of the first RCD, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect a presence of a joint of the tubular. 3. The RCD system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to:
receive signals from the one or more sensors, and the signals are indicative of the presence of the joint of the tubular proximate to an entrance of the first RCD; and control the first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 4. The RCD system of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to control the second actuator assembly to adjust the second RCD to the sealing configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 5. The RCD system of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to control the first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals and in response to the second RCD reaching the sealing configuration. 6. The RCD system of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors configured to detect that the second RCD is in the sealing configuration, and wherein the controller is configured to:
receive signals from the one or more sensors, wherein the signals are indicative of the second RCD being in the sealing configuration; and control the first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 7. (canceled) 8. The RCD system of claim 1, wherein the first actuator assembly comprises:
a push portion that is configured to contact the first sealing element; and a support rod coupled to the push portion, wherein the support rod extends in an axial direction and is configured to engage and to exert the radially-outward force on a lip of the first sealing element to adjust the first sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 9. The RCD system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to:
control the second actuator assembly to adjust the second RCD to the withdrawn configuration in which the second sealing element is not positioned to seal about the tubular; and control the first actuator assembly to maintain the first RCD in the sealing configuration in which the first sealing element is positioned to seal about the tubular while the second RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. 10-15. (canceled) 16. A method of operating a rotating control device (RCD) system, the method comprising:
receiving, at one or more processors, signals indicative of a presence of a joint of a tubular proximate to an entrance of a first RCD; adjusting, using the one or more processors, the first RCD to a withdrawn configuration in which a first sealing element of the first RCD does not seal about the tubular in response to receipt of the signals by causing an actuator assembly to exert a radially-outward force on the first sealing element; and maintaining, using the one or more processors, a second RCD in a sealing configuration in which a second sealing element of the second RCD seals about the tubular while the first RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising adjusting, using the one or more processors, the second RCD to the sealing configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising adjusting, using the one or more processors, the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration after adjusting the second RCD to the sealing configuration. 19. The method of claim 16, comprising:
receiving, at the one or more processors, additional signals indicative of the second RCD being in the sealing configuration; and adjusting, using the one or more processors, the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals and in response to receipt of additional signals. 20. The method of claim 16, comprising:
receiving, at the one or more processors, additional signals indicative of a presence of the joint of the tubular proximate to a respective entrance of the second RCD; adjusting, using the one or more processors, the second RCD to the withdrawn configuration in which the second sealing element does not seal about the tubular in response to receipt of the additional signals; and maintaining, using the one or more processors, the first RCD in the sealing configuration in which the first sealing element seals about the tubular while the second RCD is in the withdrawn configuration. 21. The RCD system of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors configured to monitor a location of a joint of the tubular relative to the first RCD and the second RCD, wherein the controller is further configured to:
receive from the one or more sensors signals indicative of the location of the joint of the tubular relative to the first RCD and the second RCD; control the first actuator assembly to adjust the first RCD to the withdrawn configuration in response to receipt of the signals; and control the second actuator assembly to maintain the second RCD in the sealing configuration in response to receipt of the signals. 22. An apparatus, comprising:
a rotating control device (RCD) comprising:
a body;
a sealing element within the body, wherein the sealing element is adjustable between:
a withdrawn configuration in which the sealing element is not positioned to seal about a tubular; and
a sealing configuration in which the sealing element is positioned to seal about the tubular; and
an actuator assembly configured to exert a radially-outward force on the sealing element to adjust the sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the actuator assembly comprises:
a push portion that is configured to contact the sealing element; and a support rod coupled to the push portion, wherein the support rod extends in an axial direction and is configured to engage and to exert the radially-outward force on a lip of the sealing element to adjust the sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the actuator assembly comprises:
a cylinder; a piston within the cylinder; one or more rods connecting the piston to the sealing element; and a fluid source fluidly connected with the cylinder, wherein the fluid source is operable to supply a fluid to the cylinder to cause the actuator assembly to exert the radially-outward force on the sealing element to adjust the sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the piston and the one or more rods move in a radially-outward direction to thereby cause the actuator assembly to exert the radially-outward force on the sealing element when the fluid source supplies the fluid to the cylinder. 26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein:
the actuator assembly is an instance of a plurality of actuator assemblies; each of the actuator assemblies is connected to a corresponding portion of the sealing element; and each of the actuator assemblies is operable to exert the radially-outward force on the corresponding portion of the sealing element to adjust the sealing element to the withdrawn configuration. 27. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a controller configured to:
control the actuator assembly to adjust the RCD to the withdrawn configuration; and control the actuator assembly to adjust the RCD to the sealing configuration. | 2,400 |
349,846 | 350,720 | 16,854,554 | 2,484 | The present disclosure relates to solid dosage forms comprising anti-HCV compounds and methods of using such dosage forms to treat or prevent HCV infection. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have a high cure rate, and favorable tolerability in persons infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, shorter courses of therapy can improve adherence, affordability, and increase DAAs accessibility. The addition of an NS3 protease inhibitor to dual NS5A-NS5B (nucleoside) inhibitors enhances antiviral efficacy, and reduces treatment duration to 3 weeks (wks) in individuals with a rapid virologic response (RVR), defined as plasma HCV RNA<500, or <1,000, IU/mL by Day 2 of treatment. | 1. A formulation for treating hepatitis C viral infections comprising:
(i) a) Sofusbuvir at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”; b) Ledipasvir at a dosage of 90-360 mg “every day” or Daclatasvir at a dosage of 60-240 mg “every day”; and c) Simeprevir at a dosage of 150-600 mg “every day” or Asunaprevir at a dosage of 100-400 mg “twice a day”, and (ii) a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or excipient. 2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein two of the three components are present in a first unit dosage form for oral administration and one of the three components is present in a second unit dosage form for oral administration. 3. The formulation of claim 1, comprising a further anti-HCV compound. 4. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the combination of anti-HCV compounds comprises Solvaldi at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”, Ledipasvir at a dosage of 90-360 mg “every day”, and Simeprevir at a dosage of 150-600 mg. 5. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the combination of anti-HCV compounds comprises Sovaldi at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”, Ledipasvir at a dosage of 90-360 mg “every day”, and Asunaprevir at a dosage of 100-400 mg “twice a day”. 6. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the combination of anti-HCV compounds comprises Sovaldi at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”, Daclatasvir at a dosage of 60-240 mg “every day”, and Simeprevir at a dosage of 150-600 mg. 7. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the combination of anti-HCV compounds comprises Sovaldi at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”, Daclatasvir at a dosage of 60-240 mg “every day”, and Asunaprevir at a dosage of 100-400 mg “twice a day”. 8. The formulation of claim 1, further comprising a JAK inhibitor. 9. The formulation of claim 9, wherein the JAK inhibitor is Ruxolitinib Baracitinib, or Tofacitinib. 10. A method for treating hepatitis C viral infections to provide a cure within four weeks of the initiation of treatment for a subset of patients, comprising:
a) administering a formulation, comprising (i) Sofusbuvir at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”; Ledipasvir at a dosage of 90-360 mg “every day” or Daclatasvir at a dosage of 60-240 mg “every day”; Simeprevir at a dosage of 150-600 mg “every day” or Asunaprevir at a dosage of 100-400 mg “twice a day”, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or excipient, 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising screening the HCV positive patient to determine one or both of the patient's HCV base viral load and whether or not the patient has cirrhosis of the liver before initiating treatment. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the HCV is HCV of subtype 1a or 1b. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the HCV is HCV of subtype 1b. | The present disclosure relates to solid dosage forms comprising anti-HCV compounds and methods of using such dosage forms to treat or prevent HCV infection. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have a high cure rate, and favorable tolerability in persons infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, shorter courses of therapy can improve adherence, affordability, and increase DAAs accessibility. The addition of an NS3 protease inhibitor to dual NS5A-NS5B (nucleoside) inhibitors enhances antiviral efficacy, and reduces treatment duration to 3 weeks (wks) in individuals with a rapid virologic response (RVR), defined as plasma HCV RNA<500, or <1,000, IU/mL by Day 2 of treatment.1. A formulation for treating hepatitis C viral infections comprising:
(i) a) Sofusbuvir at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”; b) Ledipasvir at a dosage of 90-360 mg “every day” or Daclatasvir at a dosage of 60-240 mg “every day”; and c) Simeprevir at a dosage of 150-600 mg “every day” or Asunaprevir at a dosage of 100-400 mg “twice a day”, and (ii) a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or excipient. 2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein two of the three components are present in a first unit dosage form for oral administration and one of the three components is present in a second unit dosage form for oral administration. 3. The formulation of claim 1, comprising a further anti-HCV compound. 4. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the combination of anti-HCV compounds comprises Solvaldi at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”, Ledipasvir at a dosage of 90-360 mg “every day”, and Simeprevir at a dosage of 150-600 mg. 5. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the combination of anti-HCV compounds comprises Sovaldi at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”, Ledipasvir at a dosage of 90-360 mg “every day”, and Asunaprevir at a dosage of 100-400 mg “twice a day”. 6. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the combination of anti-HCV compounds comprises Sovaldi at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”, Daclatasvir at a dosage of 60-240 mg “every day”, and Simeprevir at a dosage of 150-600 mg. 7. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the combination of anti-HCV compounds comprises Sovaldi at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”, Daclatasvir at a dosage of 60-240 mg “every day”, and Asunaprevir at a dosage of 100-400 mg “twice a day”. 8. The formulation of claim 1, further comprising a JAK inhibitor. 9. The formulation of claim 9, wherein the JAK inhibitor is Ruxolitinib Baracitinib, or Tofacitinib. 10. A method for treating hepatitis C viral infections to provide a cure within four weeks of the initiation of treatment for a subset of patients, comprising:
a) administering a formulation, comprising (i) Sofusbuvir at a dosage of 400-1600 mg “every day”; Ledipasvir at a dosage of 90-360 mg “every day” or Daclatasvir at a dosage of 60-240 mg “every day”; Simeprevir at a dosage of 150-600 mg “every day” or Asunaprevir at a dosage of 100-400 mg “twice a day”, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or excipient, 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising screening the HCV positive patient to determine one or both of the patient's HCV base viral load and whether or not the patient has cirrhosis of the liver before initiating treatment. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the HCV is HCV of subtype 1a or 1b. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the HCV is HCV of subtype 1b. | 2,400 |
349,847 | 350,721 | 16,854,547 | 2,685 | A driving safety enhancing system and method for making or enabling highly accurate judgment and providing advance early warning essentially include an information collection module for sensing, and thereby obtaining information about, the surroundings of a vehicle to which the system is applied; a processing unit for analysis and judgment; and a positioning and communication module for carrying out sharing and exchange of positioning signals and positioning information, thereby increasing the range within which targets can be sensed, and the number of targets that can be sensed, for analysis and judgment by the processing unit, the objective being to increase the accuracy of judgment and provide necessary warning as early as possible so that the driver of the vehicle will be warned of an imminent emergency in advance and can therefore drive comfortably and safely. | 1. A method for making or enabling highly accurate judgment and providing advance early warning, wherein the method is applied to a driving safety enhancing system, the driving safety enhancing system comprises an information collection module and a processing unit, the information collection module comprises a plurality of on-board sensors for sensing surroundings of a vehicle at issue and thereby obtaining sensing information of the vehicle at issue, and the processing unit is connected to the information collection module and is configured for identifying people or vehicles around the vehicle at issue according to the sensing information and, after analysis and judgment, outputting a control signal if necessary, the method being characterized by comprising the steps of:
providing a positioning and communication module connected to the processing unit; obtaining positioning signals via the positioning and communication module, determining locations of the vehicle at issue and of the people or vehicles around the vehicle at issue according to the positioning signals, and thereby obtaining positioning information of the vehicle at issue; obtaining extended positioning information of other people or vehicles via the positioning and communication module through wireless communication; combining and cross-comparing the positioning information of the vehicle at issue and the extended positioning information in order to identify all people or vehicles within a predetermined range of the vehicle at issue; and analyzing and judging changes in moving states of all the people or vehicles in order to output the control signal if necessary. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning and communication module comprises a wireless communication unit for connecting with a wireless communication network, obtaining location-based service (LBS) positioning signals through the wireless communication network, and transmitting the positioning information of the vehicle at issue and the extended positioning information through the wireless communication network. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the positioning and communication module further comprises a satellite positioning unit for receiving satellite positioning signals. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined range of the vehicle at issue is increased or decreased with a speed of the vehicle at issue. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said analyzing and judging the changes in the moving states of all the people or vehicles comprises performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the predetermined range of the vehicle at issue is increased or decreased with a speed of the vehicle at issue. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said analyzing and judging the changes in the moving states of all the people or vehicles comprises performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined range of the vehicle at issue is increased or decreased with a speed of the vehicle at issue. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said analyzing and judging the changes in the moving states of all the people or vehicles comprises performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 10. A driving safety enhancing system for making or enabling highly accurate judgment and providing advance early warning, comprising an information collection module and a processing unit, wherein the information collection module comprises a plurality of on-board sensors for sensing surroundings of a vehicle at issue and thereby obtaining sensing information of the vehicle at issue, and the processing unit is connected to the information collection module and is configured for identifying people or vehicles around the vehicle at issue according to the sensing information and, after analysis and judgment, outputting a control signal if necessary, the driving safety enhancing system being characterized in that:
the driving safety enhancing system further comprises a positioning and communication module, wherein the positioning and communication module is connected to the processing unit and is configured for obtaining positioning signals and transmitting positioning information; wherein the processing unit is configured for determining locations of the vehicle at issue and of the people or vehicles around the vehicle at issue according to the positioning signals and thereby obtaining positioning information of the vehicle at issue; obtaining extended positioning information of other people or vehicles via the positioning and communication module; combining and cross-comparing the positioning information of the vehicle at issue and the extended positioning information in order to identify all people or vehicles within a predetermined range of the vehicle at issue; and analyzing and judging changes in moving states of all the people or vehicles in order to output the control signal if necessary. 11. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 10, wherein the positioning and communication module comprises a wireless communication unit for connecting with a wireless communication network, obtaining location-based service (LBS) positioning signals through the wireless communication network, and transmitting the positioning information of the vehicle at issue and the extended positioning information through the wireless communication network. 12. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 11, wherein the positioning and communication module further comprises a satellite positioning unit for receiving satellite positioning signals. 13. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 10, wherein the processing unit is an electronic control unit (ECU) and is configured for performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 14. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 13, wherein the on-board sensors are one, or a combination of at least two, of millimeter wave radars, ultrasonic radars, thermal radars, optical radars, and image sensors. 15. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 11, wherein the processing unit is an electronic control unit (ECU) and is configured for performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 16. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 15, wherein the on-board sensors are one, or a combination of at least two, of millimeter wave radars, ultrasonic radars, thermal radars, optical radars, and image sensors. 17. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 12, wherein the processing unit is an electronic control unit (ECU) and is configured for performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 18. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 17, wherein the on-board sensors are one, or a combination of at least two, of millimeter wave radars, ultrasonic radars, thermal radars, optical radars, and image sensors. | A driving safety enhancing system and method for making or enabling highly accurate judgment and providing advance early warning essentially include an information collection module for sensing, and thereby obtaining information about, the surroundings of a vehicle to which the system is applied; a processing unit for analysis and judgment; and a positioning and communication module for carrying out sharing and exchange of positioning signals and positioning information, thereby increasing the range within which targets can be sensed, and the number of targets that can be sensed, for analysis and judgment by the processing unit, the objective being to increase the accuracy of judgment and provide necessary warning as early as possible so that the driver of the vehicle will be warned of an imminent emergency in advance and can therefore drive comfortably and safely.1. A method for making or enabling highly accurate judgment and providing advance early warning, wherein the method is applied to a driving safety enhancing system, the driving safety enhancing system comprises an information collection module and a processing unit, the information collection module comprises a plurality of on-board sensors for sensing surroundings of a vehicle at issue and thereby obtaining sensing information of the vehicle at issue, and the processing unit is connected to the information collection module and is configured for identifying people or vehicles around the vehicle at issue according to the sensing information and, after analysis and judgment, outputting a control signal if necessary, the method being characterized by comprising the steps of:
providing a positioning and communication module connected to the processing unit; obtaining positioning signals via the positioning and communication module, determining locations of the vehicle at issue and of the people or vehicles around the vehicle at issue according to the positioning signals, and thereby obtaining positioning information of the vehicle at issue; obtaining extended positioning information of other people or vehicles via the positioning and communication module through wireless communication; combining and cross-comparing the positioning information of the vehicle at issue and the extended positioning information in order to identify all people or vehicles within a predetermined range of the vehicle at issue; and analyzing and judging changes in moving states of all the people or vehicles in order to output the control signal if necessary. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning and communication module comprises a wireless communication unit for connecting with a wireless communication network, obtaining location-based service (LBS) positioning signals through the wireless communication network, and transmitting the positioning information of the vehicle at issue and the extended positioning information through the wireless communication network. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the positioning and communication module further comprises a satellite positioning unit for receiving satellite positioning signals. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined range of the vehicle at issue is increased or decreased with a speed of the vehicle at issue. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said analyzing and judging the changes in the moving states of all the people or vehicles comprises performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the predetermined range of the vehicle at issue is increased or decreased with a speed of the vehicle at issue. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said analyzing and judging the changes in the moving states of all the people or vehicles comprises performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined range of the vehicle at issue is increased or decreased with a speed of the vehicle at issue. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said analyzing and judging the changes in the moving states of all the people or vehicles comprises performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 10. A driving safety enhancing system for making or enabling highly accurate judgment and providing advance early warning, comprising an information collection module and a processing unit, wherein the information collection module comprises a plurality of on-board sensors for sensing surroundings of a vehicle at issue and thereby obtaining sensing information of the vehicle at issue, and the processing unit is connected to the information collection module and is configured for identifying people or vehicles around the vehicle at issue according to the sensing information and, after analysis and judgment, outputting a control signal if necessary, the driving safety enhancing system being characterized in that:
the driving safety enhancing system further comprises a positioning and communication module, wherein the positioning and communication module is connected to the processing unit and is configured for obtaining positioning signals and transmitting positioning information; wherein the processing unit is configured for determining locations of the vehicle at issue and of the people or vehicles around the vehicle at issue according to the positioning signals and thereby obtaining positioning information of the vehicle at issue; obtaining extended positioning information of other people or vehicles via the positioning and communication module; combining and cross-comparing the positioning information of the vehicle at issue and the extended positioning information in order to identify all people or vehicles within a predetermined range of the vehicle at issue; and analyzing and judging changes in moving states of all the people or vehicles in order to output the control signal if necessary. 11. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 10, wherein the positioning and communication module comprises a wireless communication unit for connecting with a wireless communication network, obtaining location-based service (LBS) positioning signals through the wireless communication network, and transmitting the positioning information of the vehicle at issue and the extended positioning information through the wireless communication network. 12. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 11, wherein the positioning and communication module further comprises a satellite positioning unit for receiving satellite positioning signals. 13. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 10, wherein the processing unit is an electronic control unit (ECU) and is configured for performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 14. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 13, wherein the on-board sensors are one, or a combination of at least two, of millimeter wave radars, ultrasonic radars, thermal radars, optical radars, and image sensors. 15. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 11, wherein the processing unit is an electronic control unit (ECU) and is configured for performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 16. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 15, wherein the on-board sensors are one, or a combination of at least two, of millimeter wave radars, ultrasonic radars, thermal radars, optical radars, and image sensors. 17. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 12, wherein the processing unit is an electronic control unit (ECU) and is configured for performing a time sequence analysis on moving courses and momentum of all the people or vehicles, generating distance-related alert values according to a moving course and momentum of the vehicle at issue, and upon determining that the momentum of a said person or vehicle at a distance from the vehicle at issue is lower than a corresponding one of the alert values, outputting the control signal. 18. The driving safety enhancing system of claim 17, wherein the on-board sensors are one, or a combination of at least two, of millimeter wave radars, ultrasonic radars, thermal radars, optical radars, and image sensors. | 2,600 |
349,848 | 350,722 | 16,854,534 | 2,685 | A method includes depositing a layer of alumina over a silicon substrate, providing a patterned photoresist over the layer of alumina, providing an iron catalyst layer over the patterned photoresist, providing the iron catalyst layer over an exposed portion of the alumina, providing a first iron catalyst site over a first portion of the alumina, providing a second iron catalyst site over a second portion of the alumina, growing a first carbon nanotube on the first iron catalyst site, growing a second carbon nanotube on the second iron catalyst site, infiltrating the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube with carbon, and cooling both the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube. The infiltrating strengthens the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube to not delaminate from the substrate when the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are cooled. | 1. A method, comprising:
depositing a layer of alumina over a top flat surface of a silicon substrate; providing a patterned photoresist over the layer of alumina; providing an iron catalyst layer over a top flat surface of the patterned photoresist; providing the iron catalyst layer over an exposed portion of the alumina not covered by the patterned photoresist; providing a first iron catalyst site over a first portion of the alumina; and providing a second iron catalyst site over a second portion of the alumina, wherein the first iron catalyst site and the second iron catalyst site are created by removing, via a lift off, the iron catalyst layer over the top flat surface of the patterned photoresist, and removing, via the lift off, the patterned photoresist; growing a first carbon nanotube on the first iron catalyst site; and growing a second carbon nanotube on the second iron catalyst site, wherein:
the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are vertically aligned; and
the growing comprises heating the silicon substrate with a first mixture that is flowing, to a first temperature between 600 and 900 degrees Celsius, wherein the first mixture comprises:
ethylene flowing at 150 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm); and
hydrogen flowing at 400 (sccm);
infiltrating the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube with carbon, wherein the infiltrating comprises:
heating both the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube, with a second mixture that is flowing, to a second temperature between about 800 and 950 degrees Celsius, wherein the second mixture comprises:
ethylene flowing at 100 sccm; and
hydrogen flowing between 100 and 1000 sccm; and
cooling both the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube in argon at 250 sccm, wherein the infiltrating strengthens the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube to not delaminate from the silicon substrate when the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are cooled. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the silicon substrate and portions of the alumina via etching, wherein the etching is performed in 300 Watt oxygen plasma at 100 mTorr. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
providing a group of iron catalyst sites over portions of the alumina via the lift off, wherein the group of iron catalyst sites comprise the first iron catalyst site and the second iron catalyst site; and growing a carbon nanotube on each iron catalyst site of the group of iron catalyst sites. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are 1% carbon. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, prior to the infiltrating:
placing the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube in a tube furnace; and sealing the tube furnace to prevent the second flow of mixture from escaping the tube furnace. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein during the cooling:
allowing argon to flow through the tube furnace until a temperature of the tube furnace is decreased to 300 degrees Celsius; and removing the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube from the tube furnace. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising burning out the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube to remove the carbon deposited on the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube during the infiltration. 8. A method comprising:
providing a carbon nanotube structure adhered to a substrate, wherein the carbon nanotube structure is infiltrated with carbon by heating the carbon nanotube structure, to a temperature between about 800 and 950 degrees Celsius, with a mixture of ethylene and hydrogen, wherein:
the infiltration of the carbon increases the adherence between the carbon nanotube structure and the substrate; and
the carbon nanotube structure comprises:
a first carbon nanotube; and
a second carbon nanotube vertically aligned with the first carbon nanotube;
depositing a sacrificial layer over a first top surface of the first carbon nanotube; depositing the sacrificial layer over a second top surface of the second carbon nanotube; and depositing the sacrificial layer over a third top surface of the substrate located between the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube, wherein the sacrificial layer is comprised of a thermal plastic resin powder; removing the substrate to expose a first bottom surface of the first carbon nanotube; removing the substrate to expose a second bottom surface of the second carbon nanotube; and removing the substrate to expose a third bottom surface of the sacrificial layer disposed between the first carbon nanotube and the second nanotube; depositing a thin film along the first bottom surface of the first carbon nanotube; depositing the thin film along the second bottom surface of the second carbon nanotube; depositing the thin film along the third bottom surface of the sacrificial layer disposed between the first carbon nanotube and the second nanotube; and removing the sacrificial layer from the first top surface of the first carbon nanotube; removing the sacrificial layer from the second top surface of the second carbon nanotube; and removing the sacrificial layer from between the first carbon nanotube and the second nanotube, wherein by removing the sacrificial layer, the thin film is suspended between the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the substrate is removed by:
placing the substrate in hydrogen fluoride; and rinsing the substrate with deionized water. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial layer is removed by thermally annealing the sacrificial layer in argon at 400 degrees Celsius. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial layer is removed by immersing the sacrificial layer in a solvent. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial layer is deposited by an ultrasonic sprayer. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are used as a transmission electron microscope (TEM) grid. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
placing a test specimen over the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube; and taking a measurement of the test specimen with the TEM. 15. A carbon nanotube (CNT) grid, comprising:
a first carbon nanotube, comprising:
a first top surface; and
a first bottom surface;
a second carbon nanotube vertically aligned with the first carbon nanotube, the second carbon nanotube comprising:
a second top surface; and
a second bottom surface, wherein the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are infiltrated with carbon by a mixture that is flowing and having a temperature between 800 and 950 degrees Celsius, the mixture comprising:
ethylene; and
hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen is 25-75% of the flow, wherein infiltrating the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube with carbon causes the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube to not delaminate from a substrate during cooling subsequent the infiltrating; and
a thin film extending along the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface, wherein the thin film is suspended between the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube. 16. The CNT grid of claim 15, wherein the thin film comprises a carbon film, a silicon dioxide film, an aluminum oxide film, or a boron carbide film. 17. The CNT grid of claim 15, further comprising a sacrificial layer disposed between the thin film and both the first bottom surface of the first carbon nanotube and the second bottom surface of the second carbon nanotube, wherein the sacrificial layer comprises a thickness of 1-1000 microns. 18. The CNT grid of claim 15, wherein the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are further infiltrated with an additional material other than carbon by chemical vapor deposition. 19. The CNT grid of claim 15, further comprising a yield tensile strength of 110 megapascals (MPa) and a Young's modulus of 6 gigapascals (GPa). 20. The CNT grid of claim 15, wherein the thin film comprises carbon to increase resistance to bending of the TEM grid. | A method includes depositing a layer of alumina over a silicon substrate, providing a patterned photoresist over the layer of alumina, providing an iron catalyst layer over the patterned photoresist, providing the iron catalyst layer over an exposed portion of the alumina, providing a first iron catalyst site over a first portion of the alumina, providing a second iron catalyst site over a second portion of the alumina, growing a first carbon nanotube on the first iron catalyst site, growing a second carbon nanotube on the second iron catalyst site, infiltrating the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube with carbon, and cooling both the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube. The infiltrating strengthens the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube to not delaminate from the substrate when the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are cooled.1. A method, comprising:
depositing a layer of alumina over a top flat surface of a silicon substrate; providing a patterned photoresist over the layer of alumina; providing an iron catalyst layer over a top flat surface of the patterned photoresist; providing the iron catalyst layer over an exposed portion of the alumina not covered by the patterned photoresist; providing a first iron catalyst site over a first portion of the alumina; and providing a second iron catalyst site over a second portion of the alumina, wherein the first iron catalyst site and the second iron catalyst site are created by removing, via a lift off, the iron catalyst layer over the top flat surface of the patterned photoresist, and removing, via the lift off, the patterned photoresist; growing a first carbon nanotube on the first iron catalyst site; and growing a second carbon nanotube on the second iron catalyst site, wherein:
the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are vertically aligned; and
the growing comprises heating the silicon substrate with a first mixture that is flowing, to a first temperature between 600 and 900 degrees Celsius, wherein the first mixture comprises:
ethylene flowing at 150 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm); and
hydrogen flowing at 400 (sccm);
infiltrating the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube with carbon, wherein the infiltrating comprises:
heating both the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube, with a second mixture that is flowing, to a second temperature between about 800 and 950 degrees Celsius, wherein the second mixture comprises:
ethylene flowing at 100 sccm; and
hydrogen flowing between 100 and 1000 sccm; and
cooling both the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube in argon at 250 sccm, wherein the infiltrating strengthens the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube to not delaminate from the silicon substrate when the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are cooled. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the silicon substrate and portions of the alumina via etching, wherein the etching is performed in 300 Watt oxygen plasma at 100 mTorr. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
providing a group of iron catalyst sites over portions of the alumina via the lift off, wherein the group of iron catalyst sites comprise the first iron catalyst site and the second iron catalyst site; and growing a carbon nanotube on each iron catalyst site of the group of iron catalyst sites. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are 1% carbon. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, prior to the infiltrating:
placing the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube in a tube furnace; and sealing the tube furnace to prevent the second flow of mixture from escaping the tube furnace. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein during the cooling:
allowing argon to flow through the tube furnace until a temperature of the tube furnace is decreased to 300 degrees Celsius; and removing the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube from the tube furnace. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising burning out the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube to remove the carbon deposited on the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube during the infiltration. 8. A method comprising:
providing a carbon nanotube structure adhered to a substrate, wherein the carbon nanotube structure is infiltrated with carbon by heating the carbon nanotube structure, to a temperature between about 800 and 950 degrees Celsius, with a mixture of ethylene and hydrogen, wherein:
the infiltration of the carbon increases the adherence between the carbon nanotube structure and the substrate; and
the carbon nanotube structure comprises:
a first carbon nanotube; and
a second carbon nanotube vertically aligned with the first carbon nanotube;
depositing a sacrificial layer over a first top surface of the first carbon nanotube; depositing the sacrificial layer over a second top surface of the second carbon nanotube; and depositing the sacrificial layer over a third top surface of the substrate located between the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube, wherein the sacrificial layer is comprised of a thermal plastic resin powder; removing the substrate to expose a first bottom surface of the first carbon nanotube; removing the substrate to expose a second bottom surface of the second carbon nanotube; and removing the substrate to expose a third bottom surface of the sacrificial layer disposed between the first carbon nanotube and the second nanotube; depositing a thin film along the first bottom surface of the first carbon nanotube; depositing the thin film along the second bottom surface of the second carbon nanotube; depositing the thin film along the third bottom surface of the sacrificial layer disposed between the first carbon nanotube and the second nanotube; and removing the sacrificial layer from the first top surface of the first carbon nanotube; removing the sacrificial layer from the second top surface of the second carbon nanotube; and removing the sacrificial layer from between the first carbon nanotube and the second nanotube, wherein by removing the sacrificial layer, the thin film is suspended between the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the substrate is removed by:
placing the substrate in hydrogen fluoride; and rinsing the substrate with deionized water. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial layer is removed by thermally annealing the sacrificial layer in argon at 400 degrees Celsius. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial layer is removed by immersing the sacrificial layer in a solvent. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the sacrificial layer is deposited by an ultrasonic sprayer. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are used as a transmission electron microscope (TEM) grid. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
placing a test specimen over the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube; and taking a measurement of the test specimen with the TEM. 15. A carbon nanotube (CNT) grid, comprising:
a first carbon nanotube, comprising:
a first top surface; and
a first bottom surface;
a second carbon nanotube vertically aligned with the first carbon nanotube, the second carbon nanotube comprising:
a second top surface; and
a second bottom surface, wherein the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are infiltrated with carbon by a mixture that is flowing and having a temperature between 800 and 950 degrees Celsius, the mixture comprising:
ethylene; and
hydrogen, wherein the hydrogen is 25-75% of the flow, wherein infiltrating the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube with carbon causes the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube to not delaminate from a substrate during cooling subsequent the infiltrating; and
a thin film extending along the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface, wherein the thin film is suspended between the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube. 16. The CNT grid of claim 15, wherein the thin film comprises a carbon film, a silicon dioxide film, an aluminum oxide film, or a boron carbide film. 17. The CNT grid of claim 15, further comprising a sacrificial layer disposed between the thin film and both the first bottom surface of the first carbon nanotube and the second bottom surface of the second carbon nanotube, wherein the sacrificial layer comprises a thickness of 1-1000 microns. 18. The CNT grid of claim 15, wherein the first carbon nanotube and the second carbon nanotube are further infiltrated with an additional material other than carbon by chemical vapor deposition. 19. The CNT grid of claim 15, further comprising a yield tensile strength of 110 megapascals (MPa) and a Young's modulus of 6 gigapascals (GPa). 20. The CNT grid of claim 15, wherein the thin film comprises carbon to increase resistance to bending of the TEM grid. | 2,600 |
349,849 | 350,723 | 16,854,501 | 2,685 | The present technology relates to a data processing device and a data processing method, which are capable of securing excellent communication quality in data transmission using an LDPC code. In group-wise interleave, an LDPC code in which a code length N is 16200 bits and an encoding rate r is 6/15, 8/15, or 10/15 is interleaved in units of bit groups of 360 bits. In group-wise deinterleave, a sequence of the LDPC code that has undergone the group-wise interleave is restored to an original sequence. For example, the present technology can be applied to a technique of performing data transmission using an LDPC code. | 1. A receiving device for receiving digital television signals, the receiving device comprising:
a receiver configured to receive encoded data, each six bits of which mapped to one of 64 signal points of a modulation method; and circuitry configured to:
process the encoded data to produce a group-wise interleaved low density parity check (LDPC) code word;
process the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word in a unit of a bit group of 360 bits to produce an LDPC code word of an LDPC code;
wherein an (i+1)-th bit group from a head of the LDPC code word of the LDPC code is indicated by a bit group i, the LDPC code word of the LDPC code has a sequence of bit groups 0 to 44, and the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word has a following sequence of bit groups,
14, 22, 18, 11, 28, 26, 2, 38, 10, 0, 5, 12, 24, 17, 29, 16, 39, 13, 23, 8, 25, 43, 34, 33, 27, 15, 7, 1, 9, 35, 40, 32, 30, 20, 36, 31, 21, 41, 44, 3, 42, 6, 19, 37, and 4,
decode the LDPC code word of the LDPC code to produce decoded data; and
process the decoded data for presentation;
wherein the LDPC code has a length N of 16200 bits and a coding rate r of 10/15 and corresponds to a parity check matrix initial value table including the following,
352 747 894 1437 1688 1807 1883 2119 2159 3321 3400 3543 3588 3770 3821 4384 4470 4884 5012 5036 5084 5101 5271 5281 5353 505 915 1156 1269 1518 1650 2153 2256 2344 2465 2509 2867 2875 3007 3254 3519 3687 4331 4439 4532 4940 5011 5076 5113 5367 268 346 650 919 1260 4389 4653 4721 4838 5054 5157 5162 5275 5362 220 236 828 1590 1792 3259 3647 4276 4281 4325 4963 4974 5003 5037 381 737 1099 1409 2364 2955 3228 3341 3473 3985 4257 4730 5173 5242 88 771 1640 1737 1803 2408 2575 2974 3167 3464 3780 4501 4901 5047 749 1502 2201 3189 2873 3245 3427 2158 2605 3165 1 3438 3606 3019 5221 371 2901 2923 9 3935 4683 1937 3502 3735 507 3128 4994 3854 4550 1178 4737 5366 2 223 5304 1146 5175 5197 1816 2313 3649 740 1951 3844 1320 3703 4791 1754 2905 4058 7 917 5277 3048 3954 5396 4804 4824 5105 2812 3895 5226 0 5318 5358 1483 2324 4826 2266 4752 5387. 2. The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the LDPC code uses a parity check matrix, which includes an information matrix part and a parity matrix part. 3. The receiving device according to claim 2, wherein
the LDPC code word includes information bits and parity bits; and the information matrix part corresponds to the information bits and the parity matrix part corresponds to the parity bits. 4. The receiving device according to claim 3, wherein
the parity matrix part is a lower bidiagonal matrix, in which elements of “1” are arranged in a step-wise fashion. 5. The receiving device according to claim 3, wherein
the information matrix part is represented by the parity check matrix initial value table, and the parity check matrix initial value table is a table showing in an i-th row, i>0, positions of elements “1” in (1+360×(i−1))-th column of the information matrix part. 6. The receiving device according to claim 5, wherein
if a length of the parity bit of the LDPC code word is represented by M, the z+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix, z>1, is obtained by the cyclic shift of the (z−1)+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix indicating a position of an element “1” in the parity check matrix initial value table downward by q=M/360. 7. The receiving device according to claim 6, wherein
as for each column from the 2+360×(i−1)-th column to a 360×i-th column being the column other than the 1+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix, if an i-th row j-th column value of the parity check matrix initial value table is represented as hi, j and the row number of a j-th element “1” of a w-th column of the parity check matrix is represented as Hw-j, a row number Hw-j of the j-th element “1” of the w-th column being the column other than the 1+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix is represented by the equation Hw-j=mod (hi,j+mod ((w−1), 360)×M/360, M). 8. The receiving device according to claim 2, wherein
the parity check matrix has no cycle-4. 9. The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein
the receiver is a tuner. 10. The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein
the modulation method employs non-uniform constellations (NUCs). 11. A method performed by a receiving device receiving digital television signals, the method comprising:
receiving encoded data, each six bits of which mapped to one of 64 signal points of a modulation method; processing the encoded data to produce a group-wise interleaved low density parity check (LDPC) code word; processing the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word in a unit of a bit group of 360 bits to produce an LDPC code word of an LDPC code; wherein an (i+1)-th bit group from a head of the LDPC code word of the LDPC code is indicated by a bit group i, the LDPC code word of the LDPC code has a sequence of bit groups 0 to 44, and the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word has a following sequence of bit groups, 14, 22, 18, 11, 28, 26, 2, 38, 10, 0, 5, 12, 24, 17, 29, 16, 39, 13, 23, 8, 25, 43, 34, 33, 27, 15, 7, 1, 9, 35, 40, 32, 30, 20, 36, 31, 21, 41, 44, 3, 42, 6, 19, 37, and 4, decoding the LDPC code word of the LDPC code to produce decoded data; and processing the decoded data for presentation; wherein the LDPC code has a length N of 16200 bits and a coding rate r of 10/15 and corresponds to a parity check matrix initial value table including the following, 352 747 894 1437 1688 1807 1883 2119 2159 3321 3400 3543 3588 3770 3821 4384 4470 4884 5012 5036 5084 5101 5271 5281 5353 505 915 1156 1269 1518 1650 2153 2256 2344 2465 2509 2867 2875 3007 3254 3519 3687 4331 4439 4532 4940 5011 5076 5113 5367 268 346 650 919 1260 4389 4653 4721 4838 5054 5157 5162 5275 5362 220 236 828 1590 1792 3259 3647 4276 4281 4325 4963 4974 5003 5037 381 737 1099 1409 2364 2955 3228 3341 3473 3985 4257 4730 5173 5242 88 771 1640 1737 1803 2408 2575 2974 3167 3464 3780 4501 4901 5047 749 1502 2201 3189 2873 3245 3427 2158 2605 3165 1 3438 3606 3019 5221 371 2901 2923 9 3935 4683 1937 3502 3735 507 3128 4994 3854 4550 1178 4737 5366 2 223 5304 1146 5175 5197 1816 2313 3649 740 1951 3844 1320 3703 4791 1754 2905 4058 7 917 5277 3048 3954 5396 4804 4824 5105 2812 3895 5226 0 5318 5358 1483 2324 4826 2266 4752 5387. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the LDPC code uses a parity check matrix, which includes an information matrix part and a parity matrix part. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein
the LDPC code word includes information bits and parity bits; and the information matrix part corresponds to the information bits and the parity matrix part corresponds to the parity bits. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein
the parity matrix part is a lower bidiagonal matrix, in which elements of “1” are arranged in a step-wise fashion. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein
the information matrix part is represented by the parity check matrix initial value table, and the parity check matrix initial value table is a table showing in an i-th row, i>0, positions of elements “1” in (1+360×(i−1))-th column of the information matrix part. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein
if a length of the parity bit of the LDPC code word is represented by M, the z+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix, z>1, is obtained by the cyclic shift of the (z−1)+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix indicating a position of an element “1” in the parity check matrix initial value table downward by q=M/360. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein
as for each column from the 2+360×(i−1)-th column to a 360×i-th column being the column other than the 1+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix, if an i-th row j-th column value of the parity check matrix initial value table is represented as hi, j and the row number of a j-th element “1” of a w-th column of the parity check matrix is represented as Hw-j, a row number Hw-j of the j-th element “1” of the w-th column being the column other than the 1+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix is represented by the equation Hw-j=mod (hi,j+mod ((w−1), 360)×M/360, M). 18. The method according to claim 12, wherein
the parity check matrix has no cycle-4. 19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the modulation method employs non-uniform constellations (NUCs). 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method comprising:
receiving encoded data, each six bits of which mapped to one of 64 signal points of a modulation method; processing the encoded data to produce a group-wise interleaved low density parity check (LDPC) code word; processing the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word in a unit of a bit group of 360 bits to produce an LDPC code word of an LDPC code; wherein an (i+1)-th bit group from a head of the LDPC code word of the LDPC code is indicated by a bit group i, the LDPC code word of the LDPC code has a sequence of bit groups 0 to 44, and the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word has a following sequence of bit groups, 14, 22, 18, 11, 28, 26, 2, 38, 10, 0, 5, 12, 24, 17, 29, 16, 39, 13, 23, 8, 25, 43, 34, 33, 27, 15, 7, 1, 9, 35, 40, 32, 30, 20, 36, 31, 21, 41, 44, 3, 42, 6, 19, 37, and 4,
decoding the LDPC code word of the LDPC code to produce decoded data; and
processing the decoded data for presentation;
wherein the LDPC code has a length N of 16200 bits and a coding rate r of 10/15 and corresponds to a parity check matrix initial value table including the following, 352 747 894 1437 1688 1807 1883 2119 2159 3321 3400 3543 3588 3770 3821 4384 4470 4884 5012 5036 5084 5101 5271 5281 5353 505 915 1156 1269 1518 1650 2153 2256 2344 2465 2509 2867 2875 3007 3254 3519 3687 4331 4439 4532 4940 5011 5076 5113 5367 268 346 650 919 1260 4389 4653 4721 4838 5054 5157 5162 5275 5362 220 236 828 1590 1792 3259 3647 4276 4281 4325 4963 4974 5003 5037 381 737 1099 1409 2364 2955 3228 3341 3473 3985 4257 4730 5173 5242 88 771 1640 1737 1803 2408 2575 2974 3167 3464 3780 4501 4901 5047 749 1502 2201 3189 2873 3245 3427 2158 2605 3165 1 3438 3606 3019 5221 371 2901 2923 9 3935 4683 1937 3502 3735 507 3128 4994 3854 4550 1178 4737 5366 2 223 5304 1146 5175 5197 1816 2313 3649 740 1951 3844 1320 3703 4791 1754 2905 4058 7 917 5277 3048 3954 5396 4804 4824 5105 2812 3895 5226 0 5318 5358 1483 2324 4826 2266 4752 5387. | The present technology relates to a data processing device and a data processing method, which are capable of securing excellent communication quality in data transmission using an LDPC code. In group-wise interleave, an LDPC code in which a code length N is 16200 bits and an encoding rate r is 6/15, 8/15, or 10/15 is interleaved in units of bit groups of 360 bits. In group-wise deinterleave, a sequence of the LDPC code that has undergone the group-wise interleave is restored to an original sequence. For example, the present technology can be applied to a technique of performing data transmission using an LDPC code.1. A receiving device for receiving digital television signals, the receiving device comprising:
a receiver configured to receive encoded data, each six bits of which mapped to one of 64 signal points of a modulation method; and circuitry configured to:
process the encoded data to produce a group-wise interleaved low density parity check (LDPC) code word;
process the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word in a unit of a bit group of 360 bits to produce an LDPC code word of an LDPC code;
wherein an (i+1)-th bit group from a head of the LDPC code word of the LDPC code is indicated by a bit group i, the LDPC code word of the LDPC code has a sequence of bit groups 0 to 44, and the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word has a following sequence of bit groups,
14, 22, 18, 11, 28, 26, 2, 38, 10, 0, 5, 12, 24, 17, 29, 16, 39, 13, 23, 8, 25, 43, 34, 33, 27, 15, 7, 1, 9, 35, 40, 32, 30, 20, 36, 31, 21, 41, 44, 3, 42, 6, 19, 37, and 4,
decode the LDPC code word of the LDPC code to produce decoded data; and
process the decoded data for presentation;
wherein the LDPC code has a length N of 16200 bits and a coding rate r of 10/15 and corresponds to a parity check matrix initial value table including the following,
352 747 894 1437 1688 1807 1883 2119 2159 3321 3400 3543 3588 3770 3821 4384 4470 4884 5012 5036 5084 5101 5271 5281 5353 505 915 1156 1269 1518 1650 2153 2256 2344 2465 2509 2867 2875 3007 3254 3519 3687 4331 4439 4532 4940 5011 5076 5113 5367 268 346 650 919 1260 4389 4653 4721 4838 5054 5157 5162 5275 5362 220 236 828 1590 1792 3259 3647 4276 4281 4325 4963 4974 5003 5037 381 737 1099 1409 2364 2955 3228 3341 3473 3985 4257 4730 5173 5242 88 771 1640 1737 1803 2408 2575 2974 3167 3464 3780 4501 4901 5047 749 1502 2201 3189 2873 3245 3427 2158 2605 3165 1 3438 3606 3019 5221 371 2901 2923 9 3935 4683 1937 3502 3735 507 3128 4994 3854 4550 1178 4737 5366 2 223 5304 1146 5175 5197 1816 2313 3649 740 1951 3844 1320 3703 4791 1754 2905 4058 7 917 5277 3048 3954 5396 4804 4824 5105 2812 3895 5226 0 5318 5358 1483 2324 4826 2266 4752 5387. 2. The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the LDPC code uses a parity check matrix, which includes an information matrix part and a parity matrix part. 3. The receiving device according to claim 2, wherein
the LDPC code word includes information bits and parity bits; and the information matrix part corresponds to the information bits and the parity matrix part corresponds to the parity bits. 4. The receiving device according to claim 3, wherein
the parity matrix part is a lower bidiagonal matrix, in which elements of “1” are arranged in a step-wise fashion. 5. The receiving device according to claim 3, wherein
the information matrix part is represented by the parity check matrix initial value table, and the parity check matrix initial value table is a table showing in an i-th row, i>0, positions of elements “1” in (1+360×(i−1))-th column of the information matrix part. 6. The receiving device according to claim 5, wherein
if a length of the parity bit of the LDPC code word is represented by M, the z+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix, z>1, is obtained by the cyclic shift of the (z−1)+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix indicating a position of an element “1” in the parity check matrix initial value table downward by q=M/360. 7. The receiving device according to claim 6, wherein
as for each column from the 2+360×(i−1)-th column to a 360×i-th column being the column other than the 1+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix, if an i-th row j-th column value of the parity check matrix initial value table is represented as hi, j and the row number of a j-th element “1” of a w-th column of the parity check matrix is represented as Hw-j, a row number Hw-j of the j-th element “1” of the w-th column being the column other than the 1+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix is represented by the equation Hw-j=mod (hi,j+mod ((w−1), 360)×M/360, M). 8. The receiving device according to claim 2, wherein
the parity check matrix has no cycle-4. 9. The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein
the receiver is a tuner. 10. The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein
the modulation method employs non-uniform constellations (NUCs). 11. A method performed by a receiving device receiving digital television signals, the method comprising:
receiving encoded data, each six bits of which mapped to one of 64 signal points of a modulation method; processing the encoded data to produce a group-wise interleaved low density parity check (LDPC) code word; processing the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word in a unit of a bit group of 360 bits to produce an LDPC code word of an LDPC code; wherein an (i+1)-th bit group from a head of the LDPC code word of the LDPC code is indicated by a bit group i, the LDPC code word of the LDPC code has a sequence of bit groups 0 to 44, and the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word has a following sequence of bit groups, 14, 22, 18, 11, 28, 26, 2, 38, 10, 0, 5, 12, 24, 17, 29, 16, 39, 13, 23, 8, 25, 43, 34, 33, 27, 15, 7, 1, 9, 35, 40, 32, 30, 20, 36, 31, 21, 41, 44, 3, 42, 6, 19, 37, and 4, decoding the LDPC code word of the LDPC code to produce decoded data; and processing the decoded data for presentation; wherein the LDPC code has a length N of 16200 bits and a coding rate r of 10/15 and corresponds to a parity check matrix initial value table including the following, 352 747 894 1437 1688 1807 1883 2119 2159 3321 3400 3543 3588 3770 3821 4384 4470 4884 5012 5036 5084 5101 5271 5281 5353 505 915 1156 1269 1518 1650 2153 2256 2344 2465 2509 2867 2875 3007 3254 3519 3687 4331 4439 4532 4940 5011 5076 5113 5367 268 346 650 919 1260 4389 4653 4721 4838 5054 5157 5162 5275 5362 220 236 828 1590 1792 3259 3647 4276 4281 4325 4963 4974 5003 5037 381 737 1099 1409 2364 2955 3228 3341 3473 3985 4257 4730 5173 5242 88 771 1640 1737 1803 2408 2575 2974 3167 3464 3780 4501 4901 5047 749 1502 2201 3189 2873 3245 3427 2158 2605 3165 1 3438 3606 3019 5221 371 2901 2923 9 3935 4683 1937 3502 3735 507 3128 4994 3854 4550 1178 4737 5366 2 223 5304 1146 5175 5197 1816 2313 3649 740 1951 3844 1320 3703 4791 1754 2905 4058 7 917 5277 3048 3954 5396 4804 4824 5105 2812 3895 5226 0 5318 5358 1483 2324 4826 2266 4752 5387. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the LDPC code uses a parity check matrix, which includes an information matrix part and a parity matrix part. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein
the LDPC code word includes information bits and parity bits; and the information matrix part corresponds to the information bits and the parity matrix part corresponds to the parity bits. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein
the parity matrix part is a lower bidiagonal matrix, in which elements of “1” are arranged in a step-wise fashion. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein
the information matrix part is represented by the parity check matrix initial value table, and the parity check matrix initial value table is a table showing in an i-th row, i>0, positions of elements “1” in (1+360×(i−1))-th column of the information matrix part. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein
if a length of the parity bit of the LDPC code word is represented by M, the z+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix, z>1, is obtained by the cyclic shift of the (z−1)+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix indicating a position of an element “1” in the parity check matrix initial value table downward by q=M/360. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein
as for each column from the 2+360×(i−1)-th column to a 360×i-th column being the column other than the 1+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix, if an i-th row j-th column value of the parity check matrix initial value table is represented as hi, j and the row number of a j-th element “1” of a w-th column of the parity check matrix is represented as Hw-j, a row number Hw-j of the j-th element “1” of the w-th column being the column other than the 1+360×(i−1)-th column of the parity check matrix is represented by the equation Hw-j=mod (hi,j+mod ((w−1), 360)×M/360, M). 18. The method according to claim 12, wherein
the parity check matrix has no cycle-4. 19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the modulation method employs non-uniform constellations (NUCs). 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method comprising:
receiving encoded data, each six bits of which mapped to one of 64 signal points of a modulation method; processing the encoded data to produce a group-wise interleaved low density parity check (LDPC) code word; processing the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word in a unit of a bit group of 360 bits to produce an LDPC code word of an LDPC code; wherein an (i+1)-th bit group from a head of the LDPC code word of the LDPC code is indicated by a bit group i, the LDPC code word of the LDPC code has a sequence of bit groups 0 to 44, and the group-wise interleaved LDPC code word has a following sequence of bit groups, 14, 22, 18, 11, 28, 26, 2, 38, 10, 0, 5, 12, 24, 17, 29, 16, 39, 13, 23, 8, 25, 43, 34, 33, 27, 15, 7, 1, 9, 35, 40, 32, 30, 20, 36, 31, 21, 41, 44, 3, 42, 6, 19, 37, and 4,
decoding the LDPC code word of the LDPC code to produce decoded data; and
processing the decoded data for presentation;
wherein the LDPC code has a length N of 16200 bits and a coding rate r of 10/15 and corresponds to a parity check matrix initial value table including the following, 352 747 894 1437 1688 1807 1883 2119 2159 3321 3400 3543 3588 3770 3821 4384 4470 4884 5012 5036 5084 5101 5271 5281 5353 505 915 1156 1269 1518 1650 2153 2256 2344 2465 2509 2867 2875 3007 3254 3519 3687 4331 4439 4532 4940 5011 5076 5113 5367 268 346 650 919 1260 4389 4653 4721 4838 5054 5157 5162 5275 5362 220 236 828 1590 1792 3259 3647 4276 4281 4325 4963 4974 5003 5037 381 737 1099 1409 2364 2955 3228 3341 3473 3985 4257 4730 5173 5242 88 771 1640 1737 1803 2408 2575 2974 3167 3464 3780 4501 4901 5047 749 1502 2201 3189 2873 3245 3427 2158 2605 3165 1 3438 3606 3019 5221 371 2901 2923 9 3935 4683 1937 3502 3735 507 3128 4994 3854 4550 1178 4737 5366 2 223 5304 1146 5175 5197 1816 2313 3649 740 1951 3844 1320 3703 4791 1754 2905 4058 7 917 5277 3048 3954 5396 4804 4824 5105 2812 3895 5226 0 5318 5358 1483 2324 4826 2266 4752 5387. | 2,600 |
349,850 | 350,724 | 16,854,533 | 2,685 | A technique for managing an attachment between first and second portions of a device. The technique includes a retaining component having a first state in which the retaining component maintains the attachment between the first and second portions by virtue of a rigid characteristic and a second state in which the retaining component loses the rigid characteristic and no longer maintains the attachment. The retaining component transitions from the first state to the second state upon exposure to liquid water. | 1. An apparatus, comprising:
a first portion; a second portion; and a retaining component, the retaining component having a first state and a second state, the retaining component configured in the first state to have a rigid characteristic and to hold the first portion to the second portion, the retaining component configured in the second state to lose its rigid characteristic upon exposure to liquid water and to free the first portion from the second portion. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spring disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the spring configured to push the first portion away from the second portion in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the retaining component in the first state has a hole therethrough and is disposed within one of the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a fastener having a head and a shaft, the head abutting the retaining component and the shaft extending through the hole and into the other of the first portion and the second portion, where the shaft is retained therein. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein head of the fastener is configured to pull through the hole in the retaining component in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the retaining component in the first state is disposed within the second portion, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a set of passageways configured to conduct water to the retaining component in the second portion. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus has a vertical orientation, and wherein the passageways are angled downwardly with the apparatus in the vertical orientation to prevent rain water from entering through the passageways while the apparatus falls through air. 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first portion is a parachute module configured to deploy a parachute coupled to the parachute module, and wherein the retaining component is operative to release the parachute module from the second portion in response to the apparatus landing in water. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:
an antenna assembly disposed between the first portion and the second portion with the retaining component in the first state, the antenna assembly including a set of antennas, wherein the spring has a first end coupled to the antenna assembly and a second end coupled to the second portion, and wherein the antenna assembly is configured to extend away from the second portion but remain attached thereto via the spring in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising ballast configured to keep the apparatus vertical in water, and wherein the antenna assembly is configured to extend out of the water with the spring extended. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the spring has a central region, and wherein the apparatus further comprises cabling that extends from the antenna assembly, through the central region of the spring, and into the second portion. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a set of tendons that pass through the central region of the spring, each of the set of tendons connecting to the antenna assembly at one end and to the second portion at another end, the set of tendons configured to reduce lateral flexing of the spring when the spring is extended. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a fastener having a head and a shaft, the shaft passing between the first portion and the second portion and through a hole in the antenna assembly. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a second spring disposed between the first portion and the antenna assembly, the second spring configured to push the first portion away from the antenna assembly in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 14. A method of managing an attachment between a first portion and a second portion of a device, the method comprising:
providing a retaining component having a first state and a second state, the retaining component configured in the first state to have a rigid characteristic and to hold the first portion to the second portion, the retaining component configured in the second state to lose its rigid characteristic upon exposure to liquid water; with the retaining component in the first state, the device becoming at least partially submerged in water; the device allowing water to pass to the retaining component, the retaining component thereupon transitioning from the first state to the second state and freeing the first portion from the second portion. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising actively pushing the first portion away from the second portion in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the retaining component retains the first portion to the second portion by preventing a fastener from pulling through a hole in the retaining component, and wherein the method further comprises the fastener pulling through the hole in the retaining component in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an antenna assembly disposed between the first portion and the second portion, wherein actively pushing the first portion away from the second portion includes pushing the antenna assembly out of the water. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein transitioning from the first state to the second state includes the retaining component or a portion thereof dissolving in water. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising preventing liquid water from contacting the retaining component until the device is at least partially submerged in the water. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the first portion is a parachute module, and wherein the retaining component releases the parachute module from the second portion in response to the apparatus becoming at least partially submerged in the water. | A technique for managing an attachment between first and second portions of a device. The technique includes a retaining component having a first state in which the retaining component maintains the attachment between the first and second portions by virtue of a rigid characteristic and a second state in which the retaining component loses the rigid characteristic and no longer maintains the attachment. The retaining component transitions from the first state to the second state upon exposure to liquid water.1. An apparatus, comprising:
a first portion; a second portion; and a retaining component, the retaining component having a first state and a second state, the retaining component configured in the first state to have a rigid characteristic and to hold the first portion to the second portion, the retaining component configured in the second state to lose its rigid characteristic upon exposure to liquid water and to free the first portion from the second portion. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spring disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the spring configured to push the first portion away from the second portion in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the retaining component in the first state has a hole therethrough and is disposed within one of the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a fastener having a head and a shaft, the head abutting the retaining component and the shaft extending through the hole and into the other of the first portion and the second portion, where the shaft is retained therein. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein head of the fastener is configured to pull through the hole in the retaining component in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the retaining component in the first state is disposed within the second portion, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a set of passageways configured to conduct water to the retaining component in the second portion. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus has a vertical orientation, and wherein the passageways are angled downwardly with the apparatus in the vertical orientation to prevent rain water from entering through the passageways while the apparatus falls through air. 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first portion is a parachute module configured to deploy a parachute coupled to the parachute module, and wherein the retaining component is operative to release the parachute module from the second portion in response to the apparatus landing in water. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:
an antenna assembly disposed between the first portion and the second portion with the retaining component in the first state, the antenna assembly including a set of antennas, wherein the spring has a first end coupled to the antenna assembly and a second end coupled to the second portion, and wherein the antenna assembly is configured to extend away from the second portion but remain attached thereto via the spring in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising ballast configured to keep the apparatus vertical in water, and wherein the antenna assembly is configured to extend out of the water with the spring extended. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the spring has a central region, and wherein the apparatus further comprises cabling that extends from the antenna assembly, through the central region of the spring, and into the second portion. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a set of tendons that pass through the central region of the spring, each of the set of tendons connecting to the antenna assembly at one end and to the second portion at another end, the set of tendons configured to reduce lateral flexing of the spring when the spring is extended. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a fastener having a head and a shaft, the shaft passing between the first portion and the second portion and through a hole in the antenna assembly. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a second spring disposed between the first portion and the antenna assembly, the second spring configured to push the first portion away from the antenna assembly in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 14. A method of managing an attachment between a first portion and a second portion of a device, the method comprising:
providing a retaining component having a first state and a second state, the retaining component configured in the first state to have a rigid characteristic and to hold the first portion to the second portion, the retaining component configured in the second state to lose its rigid characteristic upon exposure to liquid water; with the retaining component in the first state, the device becoming at least partially submerged in water; the device allowing water to pass to the retaining component, the retaining component thereupon transitioning from the first state to the second state and freeing the first portion from the second portion. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising actively pushing the first portion away from the second portion in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the retaining component retains the first portion to the second portion by preventing a fastener from pulling through a hole in the retaining component, and wherein the method further comprises the fastener pulling through the hole in the retaining component in response to the retaining component transitioning from the first state to the second state. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an antenna assembly disposed between the first portion and the second portion, wherein actively pushing the first portion away from the second portion includes pushing the antenna assembly out of the water. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein transitioning from the first state to the second state includes the retaining component or a portion thereof dissolving in water. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising preventing liquid water from contacting the retaining component until the device is at least partially submerged in the water. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the first portion is a parachute module, and wherein the retaining component releases the parachute module from the second portion in response to the apparatus becoming at least partially submerged in the water. | 2,600 |
349,851 | 350,725 | 16,854,564 | 3,694 | Systems and components for use with neural networks. An execution block and a system architecture using that execution block are disclosed. The execution block uses a fully connected stack of layers and one output is a forecast for a time series while another output is a backcast that can be used to determine a residual from the input to the execution block. The execution block uses a waveform generator sub-unit whose parameters can be judiciously selected to thereby constrain the possible set of waveforms generated. By doing so, the execution block specializes its function. The system using the execution block has been shown to be better than the state of the art in providing solutions to the time series problem. | 1. An execution block for use with a neural network system, the execution block comprising:
a stack of fully connected layers of neural network nodes, said stack having an output being received in parallel by a first parallel branch and a second parallel branch; said first parallel branch comprising:
a first fully connected layer of neural network nodes receiving said output and a first waveform generator sub-unit receiving an output of said first fully connected layer;
said second parallel branch comprising:
a second fully connected layer of neural network nodes receiving said output and a second waveform generator sub-unit receiving an output of said second fully connected layer;
wherein an output of said first parallel branch is a synthesis of basis functions of said execution block; an output of said second parallel branch is used to form a residual of an input to said execution block. 2. The execution block according to claim 1, wherein said waveform generator implements a function that maps a set of points in a time domain to a set of points in a forecast value domain. 3. The execution block according to claim 1, wherein said execution block is used to forecast a time series output. 4. The execution block according to claim 3, wherein an input to said execution block is an input signal detailing a history lookback window of values of a time series. 5. The execution block according to claim 2, wherein an output of said waveform generator is based on a set of parameters. 6. The execution block according to claim 3, wherein an output of said second parallel branch is an estimate of said execution block for said input. 7. The execution block according to claim 3, wherein an output of said waveform generator encodes an inductive bias to regularize and constrain a structure of viable solutions for a time series problem. 8. The execution block according to claim 3, wherein an output of said waveform generator is based on a plurality of time varying waveforms. 9. The execution block according to claim 8 wherein said waveforms are selected is based on a set of parameters selected for said waveform generator. 10. The execution block according to claim 2, wherein said execution block is used in a neural network system for time series forecasting. 11. A neural network system for use in time series forecasting, the system comprising:
a plurality of basis stacks, said basis stacks being coupled in sequence with each basis stack comprising at least one execution block, an output of each basis stack being added to a cumulative output for said neural network system; wherein at least one execution block comprises:
a stack of fully connected layers of neural network nodes, said stack having an output being received in parallel by a first parallel branch and a second parallel branch;
said first parallel branch comprising:
a first fully connected layer of neural network nodes receiving said output and a first waveform generator sub-unit receiving an output of said first fully connected layer;
said second parallel branch comprising:
a second fully connected layer of neural network nodes receiving said output and a second waveform generator sub-unit receiving an output of said second fully connected layer;
and wherein
an output of said first parallel branch is a synthesis of basis functions of said execution block;
an output of said second parallel branch is used to form a residual of an input to said execution block. 12. The neural network system according to claim 11, wherein said waveform generator implements a function that maps a set of points in a time domain to a set of points in a forecast value domain. 13. The neural network system according to claim 12, wherein an input to said neural network system is an input signal detailing a history lookback window of values of a time series 14. The neural network system according to claim 12, wherein an output of said waveform generator is based on a set of parameters. 15. The neural network system according to claim 11, wherein an output of said second parallel branch is an estimate of said execution block for said input. 16. The neural network system according to claim 12, wherein an output of said waveform generator encodes an inductive bias to regularize and constrain a structure of viable solutions for a time series problem. 17. The neural network system according to claim 12, wherein an output of said waveform generator is based on a plurality of time varying waveforms. 18. The neural network system according to claim 17, wherein said waveforms are selected based on a set of parameters selected for said waveform generator. | Systems and components for use with neural networks. An execution block and a system architecture using that execution block are disclosed. The execution block uses a fully connected stack of layers and one output is a forecast for a time series while another output is a backcast that can be used to determine a residual from the input to the execution block. The execution block uses a waveform generator sub-unit whose parameters can be judiciously selected to thereby constrain the possible set of waveforms generated. By doing so, the execution block specializes its function. The system using the execution block has been shown to be better than the state of the art in providing solutions to the time series problem.1. An execution block for use with a neural network system, the execution block comprising:
a stack of fully connected layers of neural network nodes, said stack having an output being received in parallel by a first parallel branch and a second parallel branch; said first parallel branch comprising:
a first fully connected layer of neural network nodes receiving said output and a first waveform generator sub-unit receiving an output of said first fully connected layer;
said second parallel branch comprising:
a second fully connected layer of neural network nodes receiving said output and a second waveform generator sub-unit receiving an output of said second fully connected layer;
wherein an output of said first parallel branch is a synthesis of basis functions of said execution block; an output of said second parallel branch is used to form a residual of an input to said execution block. 2. The execution block according to claim 1, wherein said waveform generator implements a function that maps a set of points in a time domain to a set of points in a forecast value domain. 3. The execution block according to claim 1, wherein said execution block is used to forecast a time series output. 4. The execution block according to claim 3, wherein an input to said execution block is an input signal detailing a history lookback window of values of a time series. 5. The execution block according to claim 2, wherein an output of said waveform generator is based on a set of parameters. 6. The execution block according to claim 3, wherein an output of said second parallel branch is an estimate of said execution block for said input. 7. The execution block according to claim 3, wherein an output of said waveform generator encodes an inductive bias to regularize and constrain a structure of viable solutions for a time series problem. 8. The execution block according to claim 3, wherein an output of said waveform generator is based on a plurality of time varying waveforms. 9. The execution block according to claim 8 wherein said waveforms are selected is based on a set of parameters selected for said waveform generator. 10. The execution block according to claim 2, wherein said execution block is used in a neural network system for time series forecasting. 11. A neural network system for use in time series forecasting, the system comprising:
a plurality of basis stacks, said basis stacks being coupled in sequence with each basis stack comprising at least one execution block, an output of each basis stack being added to a cumulative output for said neural network system; wherein at least one execution block comprises:
a stack of fully connected layers of neural network nodes, said stack having an output being received in parallel by a first parallel branch and a second parallel branch;
said first parallel branch comprising:
a first fully connected layer of neural network nodes receiving said output and a first waveform generator sub-unit receiving an output of said first fully connected layer;
said second parallel branch comprising:
a second fully connected layer of neural network nodes receiving said output and a second waveform generator sub-unit receiving an output of said second fully connected layer;
and wherein
an output of said first parallel branch is a synthesis of basis functions of said execution block;
an output of said second parallel branch is used to form a residual of an input to said execution block. 12. The neural network system according to claim 11, wherein said waveform generator implements a function that maps a set of points in a time domain to a set of points in a forecast value domain. 13. The neural network system according to claim 12, wherein an input to said neural network system is an input signal detailing a history lookback window of values of a time series 14. The neural network system according to claim 12, wherein an output of said waveform generator is based on a set of parameters. 15. The neural network system according to claim 11, wherein an output of said second parallel branch is an estimate of said execution block for said input. 16. The neural network system according to claim 12, wherein an output of said waveform generator encodes an inductive bias to regularize and constrain a structure of viable solutions for a time series problem. 17. The neural network system according to claim 12, wherein an output of said waveform generator is based on a plurality of time varying waveforms. 18. The neural network system according to claim 17, wherein said waveforms are selected based on a set of parameters selected for said waveform generator. | 3,600 |
349,852 | 350,726 | 16,854,530 | 3,694 | A connector assembly for a hybrid cable includes: a housing, comprising a base; at least one discrete connector mounted in the base or at least one connector that is at least partially integrated in the base, configured to receive at least one fiber from the hybrid cable; and at least one electrical interface, configured to receive at least one wire from the hybrid cable. | 1. A connector assembly, comprising:
a housing; one or more discrete fiber connectors disposed within the housing, wherein each discrete fiber connector is configured to receive a respective fiber from a hybrid cable, and wherein each discrete fiber connector does not have a fiber stub; one or more electrical connectors disposed within the housing, wherein each electrical connector is configured to interface with a respective wire from the hybrid cable. 2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise two LC connectors. 3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise an SC connector. 4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the respective fiber corresponding to a respective discrete fiber connector comprises a cleaved end flush with an end of the respective discrete fiber connector. 5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more electrical connectors comprise two electrical connectors arranged on opposite lateral sides of the housing, and wherein the housing comprises openings to expose the two electrical connectors. 6. A system, comprising:
a hybrid cable, comprising one or more fibers and one or more wires; and a connector assembly, comprising:
a housing, comprising an opening for receiving the hybrid cable;
one or more discrete fiber connectors disposed within the housing, wherein each discrete fiber connector is configured to receive a respective fiber from the hybrid cable, and wherein each discrete fiber connector does not have a fiber stub;
one or more electrical connectors disposed within the housing, wherein each electrical connector is configured to interface with a respective wire from the hybrid cable. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise two LC connectors. 8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise an SC connector. 9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the respective fiber corresponding to a respective discrete fiber connector comprises a cleaved end flush with an end of the respective discrete fiber connector. 10. The system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more electrical connectors comprise two electrical connectors arranged on opposite lateral sides of the housing, and wherein the housing comprises openings to expose the two electrical connectors. 11. The system according to claim 6, wherein the hybrid cable comprises a first portion for housing the one or more fibers and a second portion for housing the one or more wires. 12. A method for field termination of a connector assembly, comprising:
providing a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly comprises one or more discrete fiber connectors, and each of the one or more discrete fiber connectors does not have a fiber stub; routing one or more fibers through the one or more discrete fiber connectors, wherein each of the one or more fibers is from a hybrid cable; cleaving each of the one or more fibers routed through the one or more discrete fiber connectors; pulling back each of the one or more fibers routed through the one or more discrete fiber connectors such that each respective fiber is flush with an end of a respective discrete fiber connector corresponding to the respective fiber; and attaching each respective fiber to the respective discrete fiber connector corresponding to the respective fiber. 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:
attaching one or more wires of the hybrid cable to one or more electrical connectors of the connector assembly. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:
mating the connector assembly to a corresponding socket. 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise two LC connectors. 16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise an SC connector. 17. The method according to claim 12, wherein attaching each respective fiber to the respective discrete fiber connector corresponding to the respective fiber further comprises:
applying glue to an end of the respective fiber to hold the respective fiber in place relative to the respective discrete fiber connector. | A connector assembly for a hybrid cable includes: a housing, comprising a base; at least one discrete connector mounted in the base or at least one connector that is at least partially integrated in the base, configured to receive at least one fiber from the hybrid cable; and at least one electrical interface, configured to receive at least one wire from the hybrid cable.1. A connector assembly, comprising:
a housing; one or more discrete fiber connectors disposed within the housing, wherein each discrete fiber connector is configured to receive a respective fiber from a hybrid cable, and wherein each discrete fiber connector does not have a fiber stub; one or more electrical connectors disposed within the housing, wherein each electrical connector is configured to interface with a respective wire from the hybrid cable. 2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise two LC connectors. 3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise an SC connector. 4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the respective fiber corresponding to a respective discrete fiber connector comprises a cleaved end flush with an end of the respective discrete fiber connector. 5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more electrical connectors comprise two electrical connectors arranged on opposite lateral sides of the housing, and wherein the housing comprises openings to expose the two electrical connectors. 6. A system, comprising:
a hybrid cable, comprising one or more fibers and one or more wires; and a connector assembly, comprising:
a housing, comprising an opening for receiving the hybrid cable;
one or more discrete fiber connectors disposed within the housing, wherein each discrete fiber connector is configured to receive a respective fiber from the hybrid cable, and wherein each discrete fiber connector does not have a fiber stub;
one or more electrical connectors disposed within the housing, wherein each electrical connector is configured to interface with a respective wire from the hybrid cable. 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise two LC connectors. 8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise an SC connector. 9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the respective fiber corresponding to a respective discrete fiber connector comprises a cleaved end flush with an end of the respective discrete fiber connector. 10. The system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more electrical connectors comprise two electrical connectors arranged on opposite lateral sides of the housing, and wherein the housing comprises openings to expose the two electrical connectors. 11. The system according to claim 6, wherein the hybrid cable comprises a first portion for housing the one or more fibers and a second portion for housing the one or more wires. 12. A method for field termination of a connector assembly, comprising:
providing a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly comprises one or more discrete fiber connectors, and each of the one or more discrete fiber connectors does not have a fiber stub; routing one or more fibers through the one or more discrete fiber connectors, wherein each of the one or more fibers is from a hybrid cable; cleaving each of the one or more fibers routed through the one or more discrete fiber connectors; pulling back each of the one or more fibers routed through the one or more discrete fiber connectors such that each respective fiber is flush with an end of a respective discrete fiber connector corresponding to the respective fiber; and attaching each respective fiber to the respective discrete fiber connector corresponding to the respective fiber. 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:
attaching one or more wires of the hybrid cable to one or more electrical connectors of the connector assembly. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:
mating the connector assembly to a corresponding socket. 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise two LC connectors. 16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the one or more discrete fiber connectors comprise an SC connector. 17. The method according to claim 12, wherein attaching each respective fiber to the respective discrete fiber connector corresponding to the respective fiber further comprises:
applying glue to an end of the respective fiber to hold the respective fiber in place relative to the respective discrete fiber connector. | 3,600 |
349,853 | 350,727 | 16,854,540 | 3,694 | A novel pigment and a method to create the novel pigment are described. A raw material, such as municipal sewage sludge, municipal compost, food waste, agricultural waste, forestry waste, agroforestry waste, biomass, and/or livestock waste, are screened, cleaned, and/or prepared. The raw material is digested by microorganisms to create methane and a biosolid. The biosolid is dried and then carbonized to create a biochar. The biochar is ground into a powder pigment until a predetermined particle size is reached. The powder pigment having the predetermined particle size is applied to a media to create at least one product, such as an ink, a paint, a stain, a colored material, and/or a dye. | 1. A method to create a pigment from a raw material, the method comprising:
screening, cleaning, and/or preparing the raw material; digesting the raw material by microorganisms to create methane and a biosolid; drying the biosolid; carbonizing the biosolid to create a biochar; grinding the biochar into a powder pigment until a predetermined particle size is reached; and applying the powder pigment having the predetermined particle size to a media to create at least one product. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the raw material is selected from the group consisting of: municipal sewage sludge, municipal compost, food waste, agricultural waste, forestry waste, agroforestry waste, biomass, and/or livestock waste. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the microorganisms are methanogens. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
sifting the powder pigment of the predetermined particle size prior to applying the powder pigment to the media. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the biosolid is a processed sewage. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid to create the biochar occurs via pyrolysis or gasification. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one product is selected from the group consisting of: an ink, a paint, a stain, a colored material, and a dye. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one product is the ink, and wherein the media is a gum arabic. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one product is the stain, and wherein the media is a linseed oil. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
applying the ink to a wood product. 11. A method to carbonize a biosolid to create a biochar, the method comprising:
placing the biosolid in a container; closing the container comprising the biosolid; and applying heat to the closed container to carbonize the biosolid to create the biochar. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the container comprises a metal material. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid neutralizes a smell of the biosolid. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid renders the biosolid safe to handle. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the heat comprises light directed at the closed container through a lens. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the lens comprises a fresnel lens. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the light comprises solar radiation. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the heat comprises a fire, and wherein the method further comprises: placing the closed container comprising the biosolid into a fire to carbonize the biosolid to create the biochar. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid to create the biochar occurs via pyrolysis. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid to create the biochar occurs via gasification. | A novel pigment and a method to create the novel pigment are described. A raw material, such as municipal sewage sludge, municipal compost, food waste, agricultural waste, forestry waste, agroforestry waste, biomass, and/or livestock waste, are screened, cleaned, and/or prepared. The raw material is digested by microorganisms to create methane and a biosolid. The biosolid is dried and then carbonized to create a biochar. The biochar is ground into a powder pigment until a predetermined particle size is reached. The powder pigment having the predetermined particle size is applied to a media to create at least one product, such as an ink, a paint, a stain, a colored material, and/or a dye.1. A method to create a pigment from a raw material, the method comprising:
screening, cleaning, and/or preparing the raw material; digesting the raw material by microorganisms to create methane and a biosolid; drying the biosolid; carbonizing the biosolid to create a biochar; grinding the biochar into a powder pigment until a predetermined particle size is reached; and applying the powder pigment having the predetermined particle size to a media to create at least one product. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the raw material is selected from the group consisting of: municipal sewage sludge, municipal compost, food waste, agricultural waste, forestry waste, agroforestry waste, biomass, and/or livestock waste. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the microorganisms are methanogens. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
sifting the powder pigment of the predetermined particle size prior to applying the powder pigment to the media. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the biosolid is a processed sewage. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid to create the biochar occurs via pyrolysis or gasification. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one product is selected from the group consisting of: an ink, a paint, a stain, a colored material, and a dye. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one product is the ink, and wherein the media is a gum arabic. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one product is the stain, and wherein the media is a linseed oil. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
applying the ink to a wood product. 11. A method to carbonize a biosolid to create a biochar, the method comprising:
placing the biosolid in a container; closing the container comprising the biosolid; and applying heat to the closed container to carbonize the biosolid to create the biochar. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the container comprises a metal material. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid neutralizes a smell of the biosolid. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid renders the biosolid safe to handle. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the heat comprises light directed at the closed container through a lens. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the lens comprises a fresnel lens. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the light comprises solar radiation. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the heat comprises a fire, and wherein the method further comprises: placing the closed container comprising the biosolid into a fire to carbonize the biosolid to create the biochar. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid to create the biochar occurs via pyrolysis. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the carbonization of the biosolid to create the biochar occurs via gasification. | 3,600 |
349,854 | 350,728 | 16,854,521 | 3,694 | The disclosure provides a method, a device and a system for controlling partition lighting of a conference room based on a wireless networking technology. The lighting equipment is divided into at least one group according to the area, and each group of lighting equipment has an independent lighting equipment group number. The method includes: presetting at least one working mode and a corresponding lighting equipment group number, generating and storing at the control panel a worksheet, querying the worksheet, and obtaining a lighting equipment group number, broadcasting a wireless control command carrying the lighting equipment group number, and performing a corresponding operation according to the wireless control command. | 1. A method for controlling partition lighting of a conference room based on a wireless networking technology, comprising:
controlling, by a control panel, a working state of lighting equipment in the conference room, wherein: the lighting equipment in the conference room is divided into at least one group according to areas, each group of lighting equipment has an independent lighting equipment group number, the control panel and the lighting equipment are provided with wireless control modules, and a wireless ad hoc network is established between the wireless control modules; presetting, by the control panel, at least one working mode and a corresponding lighting equipment group number, and generating and storing at the control panel a worksheet in which the working mode has a one-to-one correspondence with the lighting equipment group number; querying, by the control panel, the worksheet stored at the control panel according to lighting requirements of a user to determine a lighting equipment that the user requires to be enabled, and obtaining a lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled; and broadcasting, by the control panel, a wireless control command carrying the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled to the lighting equipment through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules, receiving and forwarding, by the lighting equipment, the wireless control command, and performing a corresponding operation according to the wireless control command. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein querying the worksheet comprises:
receiving, by the control panel, a control command triggered by the user, and obtaining a working mode corresponding to a currently controlled lighting equipment, wherein each lighting equipment stores a working mode most recently received; and querying, by the control panel, the worksheet stored at the control panel according to the working mode corresponding to the currently controlled lighting equipment to determine the lighting equipment which the user requires to be enabled, and obtaining the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled. 3. The method according to claim 1, prior to querying the worksheet, further comprising:
determining whether the control panel receives a mode switching command, and if so, obtaining, by the control panel, a switched working mode; and broadcasting, by the control panel, the wireless control command carrying the switched working mode to each lighting equipment and each control panel in the conference room through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules, receiving and forwarding, by each lighting equipment and each control panel, the wireless control command, and updating the working mode locally stored in each lighting equipment and each control panel according to the wireless control command. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein broadcasting the wireless control command comprises:
encoding, by the control panel, the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled according to a set encryption rule to generate a working group number in a specific format; and broadcasting, by the control panel, the wireless control command carrying the working group number in the specific format to each lighting equipment through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
presetting, by the control panel, at least one lighting scene; selecting, by the control panel, a corresponding lighting scene according to a requirement of the user; and transmitting, by the control panel, the wireless control command to the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules to control the lighting state of the lighting equipment, wherein the wireless control command carries the lighting scene selected by the user. 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:
selecting, by the control panel, a lighting equipment with a strongest RSSI intensity among the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number through the wireless ad hoc network, and establishing a connection; obtaining, by the control panel, a target lighting parameter and an actual lighting parameter of the connected lighting equipment; calculating, by the control panel, a correction coefficient of the actual lighting parameter according to the target lighting parameter; and adjusting, by the control panel, a lighting parameter of the connected lighting equipment according to the correction coefficient, and controlling the connected lighting equipment to perform lighting, according to the adjusted lighting parameters. 7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising:
transmitting, by the control panel, the correction coefficient to all lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number; and adjusting lighting parameters of all the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number according to the correction coefficient, and controlling all the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number to perform lighting according to the adjusted lighting parameters. 8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising:
setting, by a timer of the control panel, different timing times for different scene modes; and switching automatically to a next preset scene mode in a case where the timing time of a scene mode is reached. 9. A device for controlling partition lighting of a conference room based on a wireless networking technology, wherein:
the device is applied to a control panel which controls a working state of lighting equipment in the conference room, the lighting equipment in the conference room is divided into at least one group according to area, each group of lighting equipment has an independent lighting equipment group number, the control panel and the lighting equipment are provided with wireless control modules, and a wireless ad hoc network is established between the wireless control modules, and wherein the device comprises: a mode presetting module, configured to preset, by the control panel, at least one working mode and a corresponding lighting equipment group number, and generate and store at the control panel a worksheet in which the working mode has a one-to-one correspondence with the lighting equipment group number; a selection obtaining module, configured to query, by the control panel, the worksheet stored at the control panel according to a lighting requirement of a user to determine a lighting equipment that the user requires to be enabled, and obtain a lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled; and a first wireless control module, configured to broadcast, by the control panel, a wireless control command carrying the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled to the lighting equipment through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules, receive and forward, by the lighting equipment, the wireless control command, and perform a corresponding operation according to the wireless control command. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the selection obtaining module is further configured to:
receive, by the control panel, a control command triggered by a user, and obtain a working mode corresponding to a currently controlled lighting equipment, wherein each lighting equipment stores a working mode most recently received; and query, by the control panel, the worksheet stored at the control panel according to the working mode corresponding to the currently controlled lighting equipment to determine the lighting equipment which the user requires to be enabled, and obtain the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled. 11. The device according to claim 9, further comprising:
a switching determining module, configured to: determine whether the control panel receives a mode switching command, and if so, obtain, by the control panel, a switched working mode; and broadcast, by the control panel, a wireless control command carrying the switched working mode to each lighting equipment and each control panel in the conference room through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules, receive and forward, by each lighting equipment and each control panel, the wireless control command, and update the working mode locally stored in each lighting equipment and each control panel according to the wireless control command. 12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first wireless control module is further configured to:
encode, by the control panel, the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled according to a set encryption rule to generate a working group number in a specific format; and broadcast, by the control panel, a wireless control command carrying the working group number in the specific format to each lighting equipment through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules. 13. The device according to claim 9, further comprising:
a scene presetting module, configured to preset, by the control panel, at least one lighting scene; and a scene selection module, configured to select, by the control panel, a corresponding lighting scene according to a requirement of the user; and wherein the first wireless control module is further configured to transmit, by the control panel, a wireless control command to the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules to control the lighting state of the lighting equipment, wherein the wireless control command carries a lighting scene selected by the user. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein:
the first wireless control module is further configured to:
select, by the control panel, a lighting equipment with a strongest RSSI intensity among the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number through the wireless ad hoc network, and establish a connection; and
obtain, by the control panel, a target lighting parameter and an actual lighting parameter of the connected lighting equipment; and
the device further comprises: a scene detection module that is configured to:
calculate, by the control panel, a correction coefficient of the actual lighting parameter according to the target lighting parameter; and
adjust, by the control panel, a lighting parameter of the connected lighting equipment according to the correction coefficient, and control the connected lighting equipment to perform lighting according to the adjusted lighting parameter. 15. The device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a scene correction module that is configured to:
transmit, by the control panel, the correction coefficient to all lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number; and
adjust lighting parameters of all the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number according to the correction coefficient, and control all the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number to perform lighting according to the adjusted lighting parameters. 16. The device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a scene timing switching module that is configured to:
set, by a timer of the control panel, different timing times for different scene modes; and
switch automatically to a next preset scene mode in a case where the timing time of a scene mode is reached. 17. A device for controlling partition lighting of a conference room based on a wireless networking technology, wherein the device is applied to a lighting equipment which receives and forwards control signals of a control panel, the control panel and the lighting equipment are provided with wireless control modules, and a wireless ad hoc network is established between the wireless control modules, and wherein the device comprises:
a second wireless control module, configured to receive, by the lighting equipment, a wireless control command broadcast by the control panel through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules; a determining module, configured to obtain, by the lighting equipment and according to the wireless control command, a lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled which is carried in the wireless control command; and a response module, configured to determine, by the lighting equipment, whether itself needs to respond to the wireless control command according to the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled, if so, perform and forward by the lighting equipment the wireless control command, and if not, forward by the lighting equipment the wireless control command. 18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the response module is further configured to:
decode, by the lighting equipment, a lighting equipment group number in a specific format corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled according to a set decryption rule to obtain each decoded independent lighting equipment group numbers; and determine, by the lighting equipment, whether itself needs to respond to the wireless control command according to each decoded independent lighting equipment group number. 19. The device according to claim 17, further comprising:
a scene configuration module configured to preset, by the lighting equipment, a lighting parameter matching a lighting scene of the control panel; and wherein the second wireless control module is further configured to receive and forward, by the lighting equipment, a wireless control command transmitted by the control panel, wherein the wireless control command carries a lighting scene selected by the user; and the device further comprises a lighting module configured to perform, by the lighting equipment, lighting according to the lighting parameter corresponding to the lighting scene selected by the user. | The disclosure provides a method, a device and a system for controlling partition lighting of a conference room based on a wireless networking technology. The lighting equipment is divided into at least one group according to the area, and each group of lighting equipment has an independent lighting equipment group number. The method includes: presetting at least one working mode and a corresponding lighting equipment group number, generating and storing at the control panel a worksheet, querying the worksheet, and obtaining a lighting equipment group number, broadcasting a wireless control command carrying the lighting equipment group number, and performing a corresponding operation according to the wireless control command.1. A method for controlling partition lighting of a conference room based on a wireless networking technology, comprising:
controlling, by a control panel, a working state of lighting equipment in the conference room, wherein: the lighting equipment in the conference room is divided into at least one group according to areas, each group of lighting equipment has an independent lighting equipment group number, the control panel and the lighting equipment are provided with wireless control modules, and a wireless ad hoc network is established between the wireless control modules; presetting, by the control panel, at least one working mode and a corresponding lighting equipment group number, and generating and storing at the control panel a worksheet in which the working mode has a one-to-one correspondence with the lighting equipment group number; querying, by the control panel, the worksheet stored at the control panel according to lighting requirements of a user to determine a lighting equipment that the user requires to be enabled, and obtaining a lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled; and broadcasting, by the control panel, a wireless control command carrying the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled to the lighting equipment through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules, receiving and forwarding, by the lighting equipment, the wireless control command, and performing a corresponding operation according to the wireless control command. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein querying the worksheet comprises:
receiving, by the control panel, a control command triggered by the user, and obtaining a working mode corresponding to a currently controlled lighting equipment, wherein each lighting equipment stores a working mode most recently received; and querying, by the control panel, the worksheet stored at the control panel according to the working mode corresponding to the currently controlled lighting equipment to determine the lighting equipment which the user requires to be enabled, and obtaining the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled. 3. The method according to claim 1, prior to querying the worksheet, further comprising:
determining whether the control panel receives a mode switching command, and if so, obtaining, by the control panel, a switched working mode; and broadcasting, by the control panel, the wireless control command carrying the switched working mode to each lighting equipment and each control panel in the conference room through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules, receiving and forwarding, by each lighting equipment and each control panel, the wireless control command, and updating the working mode locally stored in each lighting equipment and each control panel according to the wireless control command. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein broadcasting the wireless control command comprises:
encoding, by the control panel, the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled according to a set encryption rule to generate a working group number in a specific format; and broadcasting, by the control panel, the wireless control command carrying the working group number in the specific format to each lighting equipment through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
presetting, by the control panel, at least one lighting scene; selecting, by the control panel, a corresponding lighting scene according to a requirement of the user; and transmitting, by the control panel, the wireless control command to the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules to control the lighting state of the lighting equipment, wherein the wireless control command carries the lighting scene selected by the user. 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:
selecting, by the control panel, a lighting equipment with a strongest RSSI intensity among the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number through the wireless ad hoc network, and establishing a connection; obtaining, by the control panel, a target lighting parameter and an actual lighting parameter of the connected lighting equipment; calculating, by the control panel, a correction coefficient of the actual lighting parameter according to the target lighting parameter; and adjusting, by the control panel, a lighting parameter of the connected lighting equipment according to the correction coefficient, and controlling the connected lighting equipment to perform lighting, according to the adjusted lighting parameters. 7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising:
transmitting, by the control panel, the correction coefficient to all lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number; and adjusting lighting parameters of all the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number according to the correction coefficient, and controlling all the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number to perform lighting according to the adjusted lighting parameters. 8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising:
setting, by a timer of the control panel, different timing times for different scene modes; and switching automatically to a next preset scene mode in a case where the timing time of a scene mode is reached. 9. A device for controlling partition lighting of a conference room based on a wireless networking technology, wherein:
the device is applied to a control panel which controls a working state of lighting equipment in the conference room, the lighting equipment in the conference room is divided into at least one group according to area, each group of lighting equipment has an independent lighting equipment group number, the control panel and the lighting equipment are provided with wireless control modules, and a wireless ad hoc network is established between the wireless control modules, and wherein the device comprises: a mode presetting module, configured to preset, by the control panel, at least one working mode and a corresponding lighting equipment group number, and generate and store at the control panel a worksheet in which the working mode has a one-to-one correspondence with the lighting equipment group number; a selection obtaining module, configured to query, by the control panel, the worksheet stored at the control panel according to a lighting requirement of a user to determine a lighting equipment that the user requires to be enabled, and obtain a lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled; and a first wireless control module, configured to broadcast, by the control panel, a wireless control command carrying the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled to the lighting equipment through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules, receive and forward, by the lighting equipment, the wireless control command, and perform a corresponding operation according to the wireless control command. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the selection obtaining module is further configured to:
receive, by the control panel, a control command triggered by a user, and obtain a working mode corresponding to a currently controlled lighting equipment, wherein each lighting equipment stores a working mode most recently received; and query, by the control panel, the worksheet stored at the control panel according to the working mode corresponding to the currently controlled lighting equipment to determine the lighting equipment which the user requires to be enabled, and obtain the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled. 11. The device according to claim 9, further comprising:
a switching determining module, configured to: determine whether the control panel receives a mode switching command, and if so, obtain, by the control panel, a switched working mode; and broadcast, by the control panel, a wireless control command carrying the switched working mode to each lighting equipment and each control panel in the conference room through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules, receive and forward, by each lighting equipment and each control panel, the wireless control command, and update the working mode locally stored in each lighting equipment and each control panel according to the wireless control command. 12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first wireless control module is further configured to:
encode, by the control panel, the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled according to a set encryption rule to generate a working group number in a specific format; and broadcast, by the control panel, a wireless control command carrying the working group number in the specific format to each lighting equipment through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules. 13. The device according to claim 9, further comprising:
a scene presetting module, configured to preset, by the control panel, at least one lighting scene; and a scene selection module, configured to select, by the control panel, a corresponding lighting scene according to a requirement of the user; and wherein the first wireless control module is further configured to transmit, by the control panel, a wireless control command to the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules to control the lighting state of the lighting equipment, wherein the wireless control command carries a lighting scene selected by the user. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein:
the first wireless control module is further configured to:
select, by the control panel, a lighting equipment with a strongest RSSI intensity among the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number through the wireless ad hoc network, and establish a connection; and
obtain, by the control panel, a target lighting parameter and an actual lighting parameter of the connected lighting equipment; and
the device further comprises: a scene detection module that is configured to:
calculate, by the control panel, a correction coefficient of the actual lighting parameter according to the target lighting parameter; and
adjust, by the control panel, a lighting parameter of the connected lighting equipment according to the correction coefficient, and control the connected lighting equipment to perform lighting according to the adjusted lighting parameter. 15. The device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a scene correction module that is configured to:
transmit, by the control panel, the correction coefficient to all lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number; and
adjust lighting parameters of all the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number according to the correction coefficient, and control all the lighting equipment corresponding to the current lighting equipment group number to perform lighting according to the adjusted lighting parameters. 16. The device according to claim 14, further comprising:
a scene timing switching module that is configured to:
set, by a timer of the control panel, different timing times for different scene modes; and
switch automatically to a next preset scene mode in a case where the timing time of a scene mode is reached. 17. A device for controlling partition lighting of a conference room based on a wireless networking technology, wherein the device is applied to a lighting equipment which receives and forwards control signals of a control panel, the control panel and the lighting equipment are provided with wireless control modules, and a wireless ad hoc network is established between the wireless control modules, and wherein the device comprises:
a second wireless control module, configured to receive, by the lighting equipment, a wireless control command broadcast by the control panel through the wireless ad hoc network between the wireless control modules; a determining module, configured to obtain, by the lighting equipment and according to the wireless control command, a lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled which is carried in the wireless control command; and a response module, configured to determine, by the lighting equipment, whether itself needs to respond to the wireless control command according to the lighting equipment group number corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled, if so, perform and forward by the lighting equipment the wireless control command, and if not, forward by the lighting equipment the wireless control command. 18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the response module is further configured to:
decode, by the lighting equipment, a lighting equipment group number in a specific format corresponding to the lighting equipment required to be enabled according to a set decryption rule to obtain each decoded independent lighting equipment group numbers; and determine, by the lighting equipment, whether itself needs to respond to the wireless control command according to each decoded independent lighting equipment group number. 19. The device according to claim 17, further comprising:
a scene configuration module configured to preset, by the lighting equipment, a lighting parameter matching a lighting scene of the control panel; and wherein the second wireless control module is further configured to receive and forward, by the lighting equipment, a wireless control command transmitted by the control panel, wherein the wireless control command carries a lighting scene selected by the user; and the device further comprises a lighting module configured to perform, by the lighting equipment, lighting according to the lighting parameter corresponding to the lighting scene selected by the user. | 3,600 |
349,855 | 350,729 | 16,854,520 | 3,694 | Venn diagrams are computed for a given plurality of input sets. The process of computing the Venn diagrams is executed on columnar database systems for efficient execution. The computation of various subsets of the Venn diagrams is performed by determining subsets of various combinations of the input sets and computing set differences of the intersection sets. The process orders the execution of various steps of computing the subsets for the Venn diagram in an order that reduces the number of times an input set is loaded. Information describing various subsets of a Venn diagram is used to render the Venn diagram for display, for example, on a client device. | 1. A data mining method, comprising:
receiving, by a columnar database management system from a client device, a data mining request, wherein the data mining request requests generation of a Venn diagram and indicates input data sets for the Venn diagram, the columnar database management system having a database engine; generating, by the database engine, a truth table based on the input data sets for the Venn diagram, the truth table having multiple entries, where each entry of the multiple entries corresponds to a combination of the input data sets and is associated with a binary value, wherein positions of bits in the binary value correspond to the input data sets, wherein a value of a bit determines whether an input data set, which corresponds to a position of the bit, is included in the combination represented by the binary value; ranking, by a data mining system, combinations of the input data sets based on a number of ones in each binary value associated with each of the combinations of the input data sets; and selecting, by the data mining system utilizing the ranking, a next interaction set to process for the Venn diagram after a particular intersection set is processed to thereby determine intersection sets for the Venn diagram in an order that efficiently utilizes data that has been previously loaded. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
determining the value of the bit, wherein, responsive to the value of the bit being determined as zero, the input data set, which corresponds to the position of the bit, is not included in the combination represented by the binary value. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data mining request is received by the columnar database management system directly from the client device or via a frontend application of the data mining system. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the columnar database management system is part of the data mining system. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data mining request is encapsulated in a text format. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
storing the intersection sets processed by the data mining system for the Venn diagram. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
communicating the intersection sets processed by the data mining system for the Venn diagram to the client device. 8. A data mining system, comprising:
a columnar database management system having:
a processor;
a non-transitory computer-readable medium; and
stored instructions translatable by the processor for:
receiving, from a client device, a data mining request, wherein the data mining request requests generation of a Venn diagram and indicates input data sets for the Venn diagram;
generating a truth table based on the input data sets for the Venn diagram, the truth table having multiple entries, where each entry of the multiple entries corresponds to a combination of the input data sets and is associated with a binary value, wherein positions of bits in the binary value correspond to the input data sets, wherein a value of a bit determines whether an input data set, which corresponds to a position of the bit, is included in the combination represented by the binary value;
ranking combinations of the input data sets based on a number of ones in each binary value associated with each of the combinations of the input data sets; and
selecting, utilizing the ranking, a next interaction set to process for the Venn diagram after a particular intersection set is processed to thereby determine intersection sets for the Venn diagram in an order that efficiently utilizes data that has been previously loaded. 9. The data mining system of claim 8, wherein the stored instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
determining the value of the bit, wherein, responsive to the value of the bit being determined as zero, the input data set, which corresponds to the position of the bit, is not included in the combination represented by the binary value. 10. The data mining system of claim 8, further comprising:
a frontend application, wherein the data mining request is received by the columnar database management system directly from the client device or via the frontend application of the data mining system. 11. The data mining system of claim 8, wherein the data mining request is encapsulated in a text format. 12. The data mining system of claim 8, wherein the stored instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
storing the intersection sets processed by the data mining system for the Venn diagram. 13. The data mining system of claim 8, wherein the stored instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
communicating the intersection sets processed by the data mining system for the Venn diagram to the client device. 14. A computer program product for data mining, the computer program product comprising instructions translatable by a processor of a columnar database management system for:
receiving, from a client device, a data mining request, wherein the data mining request requests generation of a Venn diagram and indicates input data sets for the Venn diagram; generating a truth table based on the input data sets for the Venn diagram, the truth table having multiple entries, where each entry of the multiple entries corresponds to a combination of the input data sets and is associated with a binary value, wherein positions of bits in the binary value correspond to the input data sets, wherein a value of a bit determines whether an input data set, which corresponds to a position of the bit, is included in the combination represented by the binary value; ranking combinations of the input data sets based on a number of ones in each binary value associated with each of the combinations of the input data sets; and selecting, utilizing the ranking, a next interaction set to process for the Venn diagram after a particular intersection set is processed to thereby determine intersection sets for the Venn diagram in an order that efficiently utilizes data that has been previously loaded. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
determining the value of the bit, wherein, responsive to the value of the bit being determined as zero, the input data set, which corresponds to the position of the bit, is not included in the combination represented by the binary value. 16. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the data mining request is received by the columnar database management system directly from the client device or via a frontend application of a data mining system. 17. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the columnar database management system is part of the data mining system. 18. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the data mining request is encapsulated in a text format. 19. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
storing the intersection sets for the Venn diagram. 20. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
communicating the intersection sets for the Venn diagram to the client device. | Venn diagrams are computed for a given plurality of input sets. The process of computing the Venn diagrams is executed on columnar database systems for efficient execution. The computation of various subsets of the Venn diagrams is performed by determining subsets of various combinations of the input sets and computing set differences of the intersection sets. The process orders the execution of various steps of computing the subsets for the Venn diagram in an order that reduces the number of times an input set is loaded. Information describing various subsets of a Venn diagram is used to render the Venn diagram for display, for example, on a client device.1. A data mining method, comprising:
receiving, by a columnar database management system from a client device, a data mining request, wherein the data mining request requests generation of a Venn diagram and indicates input data sets for the Venn diagram, the columnar database management system having a database engine; generating, by the database engine, a truth table based on the input data sets for the Venn diagram, the truth table having multiple entries, where each entry of the multiple entries corresponds to a combination of the input data sets and is associated with a binary value, wherein positions of bits in the binary value correspond to the input data sets, wherein a value of a bit determines whether an input data set, which corresponds to a position of the bit, is included in the combination represented by the binary value; ranking, by a data mining system, combinations of the input data sets based on a number of ones in each binary value associated with each of the combinations of the input data sets; and selecting, by the data mining system utilizing the ranking, a next interaction set to process for the Venn diagram after a particular intersection set is processed to thereby determine intersection sets for the Venn diagram in an order that efficiently utilizes data that has been previously loaded. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
determining the value of the bit, wherein, responsive to the value of the bit being determined as zero, the input data set, which corresponds to the position of the bit, is not included in the combination represented by the binary value. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data mining request is received by the columnar database management system directly from the client device or via a frontend application of the data mining system. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the columnar database management system is part of the data mining system. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data mining request is encapsulated in a text format. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
storing the intersection sets processed by the data mining system for the Venn diagram. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
communicating the intersection sets processed by the data mining system for the Venn diagram to the client device. 8. A data mining system, comprising:
a columnar database management system having:
a processor;
a non-transitory computer-readable medium; and
stored instructions translatable by the processor for:
receiving, from a client device, a data mining request, wherein the data mining request requests generation of a Venn diagram and indicates input data sets for the Venn diagram;
generating a truth table based on the input data sets for the Venn diagram, the truth table having multiple entries, where each entry of the multiple entries corresponds to a combination of the input data sets and is associated with a binary value, wherein positions of bits in the binary value correspond to the input data sets, wherein a value of a bit determines whether an input data set, which corresponds to a position of the bit, is included in the combination represented by the binary value;
ranking combinations of the input data sets based on a number of ones in each binary value associated with each of the combinations of the input data sets; and
selecting, utilizing the ranking, a next interaction set to process for the Venn diagram after a particular intersection set is processed to thereby determine intersection sets for the Venn diagram in an order that efficiently utilizes data that has been previously loaded. 9. The data mining system of claim 8, wherein the stored instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
determining the value of the bit, wherein, responsive to the value of the bit being determined as zero, the input data set, which corresponds to the position of the bit, is not included in the combination represented by the binary value. 10. The data mining system of claim 8, further comprising:
a frontend application, wherein the data mining request is received by the columnar database management system directly from the client device or via the frontend application of the data mining system. 11. The data mining system of claim 8, wherein the data mining request is encapsulated in a text format. 12. The data mining system of claim 8, wherein the stored instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
storing the intersection sets processed by the data mining system for the Venn diagram. 13. The data mining system of claim 8, wherein the stored instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
communicating the intersection sets processed by the data mining system for the Venn diagram to the client device. 14. A computer program product for data mining, the computer program product comprising instructions translatable by a processor of a columnar database management system for:
receiving, from a client device, a data mining request, wherein the data mining request requests generation of a Venn diagram and indicates input data sets for the Venn diagram; generating a truth table based on the input data sets for the Venn diagram, the truth table having multiple entries, where each entry of the multiple entries corresponds to a combination of the input data sets and is associated with a binary value, wherein positions of bits in the binary value correspond to the input data sets, wherein a value of a bit determines whether an input data set, which corresponds to a position of the bit, is included in the combination represented by the binary value; ranking combinations of the input data sets based on a number of ones in each binary value associated with each of the combinations of the input data sets; and selecting, utilizing the ranking, a next interaction set to process for the Venn diagram after a particular intersection set is processed to thereby determine intersection sets for the Venn diagram in an order that efficiently utilizes data that has been previously loaded. 15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
determining the value of the bit, wherein, responsive to the value of the bit being determined as zero, the input data set, which corresponds to the position of the bit, is not included in the combination represented by the binary value. 16. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the data mining request is received by the columnar database management system directly from the client device or via a frontend application of a data mining system. 17. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the columnar database management system is part of the data mining system. 18. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the data mining request is encapsulated in a text format. 19. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
storing the intersection sets for the Venn diagram. 20. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the instructions are further translatable by the processor for:
communicating the intersection sets for the Venn diagram to the client device. | 3,600 |
349,856 | 350,730 | 16,854,514 | 3,694 | An apparatus includes a latch and a travelling nut. The latch couples to a deck of an auto rack car. The latch includes a body coupled to a hinge such that the body may rotate about the hinge from a first position to a second position. The body includes a key. The travelling nut engages a ball screw. The travelling nut includes a slot. The travelling nut rotates with the ball screw when the body is in the first position. The key engages the slot when the body is in the second position. The travelling nut and the latch adjust a height of the deck in the auto rack car when the body is in the second position and when the ball screw is turned. | 1-12. (canceled) 13. An apparatus comprising:
a travelling nut configured to engage a ball screw; a link coupled to the travelling nut; and a pin configured to couple the link to a deck of an auto rack car such that the travelling nut adjusts a height of the deck in the auto rack car when the ball screw is turned. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:
a second link coupled to the travelling nut; and a second pin configured to couple the second link to the deck such that the travelling nut adjusts a height of the deck in the auto rack car when the ball screw is turned. 15. The apparatus of claim 13, the travelling nut configured to engage the ball screw such that the ball screw extends through the travelling nut. 16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second travelling nut configured to engage the ball screw, the travelling nut configured to be positioned above the deck, the second travelling nut configured to be positioned below the deck, the travelling nut and the second travelling nut configured to capture the deck for movement. 17. A method comprising:
aligning a slot in a travelling nut with a key of a body of a latch; rotating the latch such that the key engages the slot; and rotating a ball screw such that the travelling nut and the latch adjust a height of a deck in an auto rack car. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
aligning a second slot in a collar with a second key of a headpiece of the latch, the headpiece coupled to the body; and lowering the collar such that it prevents the key from disengaging the slot. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising uncoupling the deck from the auto rack car before rotating the ball screw. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
lifting the collar above the latch; and rotating the latch such that the key disengages the slot. | An apparatus includes a latch and a travelling nut. The latch couples to a deck of an auto rack car. The latch includes a body coupled to a hinge such that the body may rotate about the hinge from a first position to a second position. The body includes a key. The travelling nut engages a ball screw. The travelling nut includes a slot. The travelling nut rotates with the ball screw when the body is in the first position. The key engages the slot when the body is in the second position. The travelling nut and the latch adjust a height of the deck in the auto rack car when the body is in the second position and when the ball screw is turned.1-12. (canceled) 13. An apparatus comprising:
a travelling nut configured to engage a ball screw; a link coupled to the travelling nut; and a pin configured to couple the link to a deck of an auto rack car such that the travelling nut adjusts a height of the deck in the auto rack car when the ball screw is turned. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:
a second link coupled to the travelling nut; and a second pin configured to couple the second link to the deck such that the travelling nut adjusts a height of the deck in the auto rack car when the ball screw is turned. 15. The apparatus of claim 13, the travelling nut configured to engage the ball screw such that the ball screw extends through the travelling nut. 16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second travelling nut configured to engage the ball screw, the travelling nut configured to be positioned above the deck, the second travelling nut configured to be positioned below the deck, the travelling nut and the second travelling nut configured to capture the deck for movement. 17. A method comprising:
aligning a slot in a travelling nut with a key of a body of a latch; rotating the latch such that the key engages the slot; and rotating a ball screw such that the travelling nut and the latch adjust a height of a deck in an auto rack car. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
aligning a second slot in a collar with a second key of a headpiece of the latch, the headpiece coupled to the body; and lowering the collar such that it prevents the key from disengaging the slot. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising uncoupling the deck from the auto rack car before rotating the ball screw. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
lifting the collar above the latch; and rotating the latch such that the key disengages the slot. | 3,600 |
349,857 | 350,731 | 16,854,522 | 3,694 | A liquid crystal device includes a first substrate (TFT substrate) including a first dielectric substrate, a second substrate (slot substrate) including a second dielectric substrate, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and in all of an effective region and a portion of a non-effective region, a sealing seal portion configured to define the maximum value of the area of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from a normal direction of the first or second dielectric substrate, a cell gap control seal portion configured to define the minimum value of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the effective region, and a buffer portion provided in contact with the liquid crystal layer in the non-effective region and that deforms more easily due to external force than the first and second dielectric substrates in the effective region. The buffer portion includes a sheet and a joining section that joins the sheet and the first or second dielectric substrate. The sheet deforms more easily due to external force than the first and second dielectric substrates in the effective region, and/or at least a portion of the joining section deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion. | 1. A scanning antenna comprising:
a transmission and/or reception region including a plurality of antenna units; a non-transmission and/or reception region other than the transmission and/or reception region; a TFT substrate including a first dielectric substrate and, supported by the first dielectric substrate, a plurality of TFTs, a plurality of gate bus lines, a plurality of source bus lines, and a plurality of patch electrodes; a slot substrate including a second dielectric substrate, and a slot electrode formed on a first main surface of the second dielectric substrate and including a plurality of slots arranged corresponding to the plurality of patch electrodes; a liquid crystal layer provided between the TFT substrate and the slot substrate and in all of the transmission and/or reception region and a portion of the non-transmission and/or reception region; a sealing seal portion surrounding the liquid crystal layer and configured to define a maximum value of area of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from a normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate; a cell gap control seal portion configured to define a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmission and/or reception region; a reflective conductive plate disposed opposing a second main surface of the second dielectric substrate on a side opposite the first main surface via a dielectric layer; and at least one buffer portion provided in contact with the liquid crystal layer in the non-transmission and/or reception region and deforming more easily due to external force than the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate in the transmission and/or reception region, wherein the at least one buffer portion includes a sheet and a joining section configured to join the sheet and the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate, and the sheet deforms more easily due to external force than the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate in the transmission and/or reception region, and/or at least a portion of the joining section deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion. 2. The scanning antenna according to claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of columnar spacers provided in the transmission and/or reception region, wherein the cell gap control seal portion is configured to define a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmission and/or reception region together with the plurality of columnar spacers. 3. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein the sealing seal portion is configured to define a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the non-transmission and/or reception region. 4. The scanning antenna according to claim 3,
wherein a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmission and/or reception region defined by the cell gap control seal portion and a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the non-transmission and/or reception region defined by the sealing seal portion are substantially equal. 5. The scanning antenna according to claim 3,
wherein the sealing seal portion includes the cell gap control seal portion. 6. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the sealing seal portion deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion, and the at least one buffer portion further includes the at least a portion of the sealing seal portion. 7. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein the cell gap control seal portion is disposed in the non-transmission and/or reception region inward of the sealing seal portion and includes a plurality of portions arranged discretely around the transmission and/or reception region and an opening between adjacent portions among the plurality of portions. 8. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein the sheet includes any one of a polymer film, a thin metal film, or a glass sheet. 9. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein in the non-transmission and/or reception region, the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate includes at least one thin portion at which thickness of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate is smaller than a thickness in the transmission and/or reception region, the at least one buffer portion further includes the at least one thin portion, and the sheet overlaps the at least one thin portion when viewed from the normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate. 10. The scanning antenna according to claim 9,
wherein the at least one thin portion entirely overlaps the joining section and the sheet when viewed from the normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate. 11. The scanning antenna according to claim 9,
wherein the second dielectric substrate includes the at least one thin portion, and the second main surface of the second dielectric substrate includes at least one recessed portion defining the at least one thin portion. 12. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate includes at least one through-hole in the non-transmission and/or reception region, and the sheet covers the at least one through-hole. 13. The scanning antenna according to claim 12,
wherein the sheet is disposed further from the liquid crystal layer than the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate formed with the at least one through-hole. 14. The scanning antenna according to claim 13,
wherein the sealing seal portion includes at least a portion of the joining section. 15. The scanning antenna according to claim 13,
wherein the at least a portion of the joining section deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion. 16. The scanning antenna according to claim 12,
wherein the sheet is disposed closer to the liquid crystal layer than the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate formed with the at least one through-hole. 17. The scanning antenna according to claim 16,
wherein a surface of the sheet closer to the liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of protruding portions and/or a plurality of recessed portions in contact with the liquid crystal layer. 18. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein one of the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate includes at least one protrusion that does not overlap the other of the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate when viewed from the normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate, and the sheet is joined to the at least one protrusion and the other of the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate via the joining section. 19. The scanning antenna according to claim 18,
wherein the sealing seal portion includes at least a portion of the joining section. 20. A liquid crystal device comprising:
an effective region and a non-effective region located in a region other than the effective region; a first substrate including a first dielectric substrate; a second substrate including a second dielectric substrate; a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and in all of the effective region and a portion of the non-effective region; a sealing seal portion surrounding the liquid crystal layer and configured to define a maximum value of area of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from a normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate; a cell gap control seal portion configured to define a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the effective region; and at least one buffer portion provided in contact with the liquid crystal layer in the non-effective region and deforming more easily due to external force than the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate in the effective region, wherein the at least one buffer portion includes a sheet and a joining section joining the sheet and the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate, and the sheet deforms more easily due to external force than the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate in the effective region, and/or at least a portion of the joining section deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion. | A liquid crystal device includes a first substrate (TFT substrate) including a first dielectric substrate, a second substrate (slot substrate) including a second dielectric substrate, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and in all of an effective region and a portion of a non-effective region, a sealing seal portion configured to define the maximum value of the area of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from a normal direction of the first or second dielectric substrate, a cell gap control seal portion configured to define the minimum value of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the effective region, and a buffer portion provided in contact with the liquid crystal layer in the non-effective region and that deforms more easily due to external force than the first and second dielectric substrates in the effective region. The buffer portion includes a sheet and a joining section that joins the sheet and the first or second dielectric substrate. The sheet deforms more easily due to external force than the first and second dielectric substrates in the effective region, and/or at least a portion of the joining section deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion.1. A scanning antenna comprising:
a transmission and/or reception region including a plurality of antenna units; a non-transmission and/or reception region other than the transmission and/or reception region; a TFT substrate including a first dielectric substrate and, supported by the first dielectric substrate, a plurality of TFTs, a plurality of gate bus lines, a plurality of source bus lines, and a plurality of patch electrodes; a slot substrate including a second dielectric substrate, and a slot electrode formed on a first main surface of the second dielectric substrate and including a plurality of slots arranged corresponding to the plurality of patch electrodes; a liquid crystal layer provided between the TFT substrate and the slot substrate and in all of the transmission and/or reception region and a portion of the non-transmission and/or reception region; a sealing seal portion surrounding the liquid crystal layer and configured to define a maximum value of area of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from a normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate; a cell gap control seal portion configured to define a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmission and/or reception region; a reflective conductive plate disposed opposing a second main surface of the second dielectric substrate on a side opposite the first main surface via a dielectric layer; and at least one buffer portion provided in contact with the liquid crystal layer in the non-transmission and/or reception region and deforming more easily due to external force than the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate in the transmission and/or reception region, wherein the at least one buffer portion includes a sheet and a joining section configured to join the sheet and the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate, and the sheet deforms more easily due to external force than the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate in the transmission and/or reception region, and/or at least a portion of the joining section deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion. 2. The scanning antenna according to claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of columnar spacers provided in the transmission and/or reception region, wherein the cell gap control seal portion is configured to define a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmission and/or reception region together with the plurality of columnar spacers. 3. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein the sealing seal portion is configured to define a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the non-transmission and/or reception region. 4. The scanning antenna according to claim 3,
wherein a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmission and/or reception region defined by the cell gap control seal portion and a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the non-transmission and/or reception region defined by the sealing seal portion are substantially equal. 5. The scanning antenna according to claim 3,
wherein the sealing seal portion includes the cell gap control seal portion. 6. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein at least a portion of the sealing seal portion deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion, and the at least one buffer portion further includes the at least a portion of the sealing seal portion. 7. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein the cell gap control seal portion is disposed in the non-transmission and/or reception region inward of the sealing seal portion and includes a plurality of portions arranged discretely around the transmission and/or reception region and an opening between adjacent portions among the plurality of portions. 8. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein the sheet includes any one of a polymer film, a thin metal film, or a glass sheet. 9. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein in the non-transmission and/or reception region, the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate includes at least one thin portion at which thickness of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate is smaller than a thickness in the transmission and/or reception region, the at least one buffer portion further includes the at least one thin portion, and the sheet overlaps the at least one thin portion when viewed from the normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate. 10. The scanning antenna according to claim 9,
wherein the at least one thin portion entirely overlaps the joining section and the sheet when viewed from the normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate. 11. The scanning antenna according to claim 9,
wherein the second dielectric substrate includes the at least one thin portion, and the second main surface of the second dielectric substrate includes at least one recessed portion defining the at least one thin portion. 12. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate includes at least one through-hole in the non-transmission and/or reception region, and the sheet covers the at least one through-hole. 13. The scanning antenna according to claim 12,
wherein the sheet is disposed further from the liquid crystal layer than the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate formed with the at least one through-hole. 14. The scanning antenna according to claim 13,
wherein the sealing seal portion includes at least a portion of the joining section. 15. The scanning antenna according to claim 13,
wherein the at least a portion of the joining section deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion. 16. The scanning antenna according to claim 12,
wherein the sheet is disposed closer to the liquid crystal layer than the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate formed with the at least one through-hole. 17. The scanning antenna according to claim 16,
wherein a surface of the sheet closer to the liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of protruding portions and/or a plurality of recessed portions in contact with the liquid crystal layer. 18. The scanning antenna according to claim 1,
wherein one of the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate includes at least one protrusion that does not overlap the other of the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate when viewed from the normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate, and the sheet is joined to the at least one protrusion and the other of the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate via the joining section. 19. The scanning antenna according to claim 18,
wherein the sealing seal portion includes at least a portion of the joining section. 20. A liquid crystal device comprising:
an effective region and a non-effective region located in a region other than the effective region; a first substrate including a first dielectric substrate; a second substrate including a second dielectric substrate; a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and in all of the effective region and a portion of the non-effective region; a sealing seal portion surrounding the liquid crystal layer and configured to define a maximum value of area of the liquid crystal layer when viewed from a normal direction of the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate; a cell gap control seal portion configured to define a minimum value of thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the effective region; and at least one buffer portion provided in contact with the liquid crystal layer in the non-effective region and deforming more easily due to external force than the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate in the effective region, wherein the at least one buffer portion includes a sheet and a joining section joining the sheet and the first dielectric substrate or the second dielectric substrate, and the sheet deforms more easily due to external force than the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate in the effective region, and/or at least a portion of the joining section deforms more easily due to external force than the cell gap control seal portion. | 3,600 |
349,858 | 350,732 | 16,854,500 | 3,694 | Methods and systems for distinguishing an astrocytic human brain tumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of staining tumor tissue from a subject suspected of having a brain tumor with SR101 and visualizing the tissue stained with SR101 with a fluorescence imaging device to confirm an astrocytic or non-astrocytic tumor type. Advantageously, tumor tissue from a subject is stained ex vivo, and the staining and visualizing steps are performed intraoperatively so as to guide the surgeon and thereby minimize or eliminate the need for a subsequent surgery. | 1. A method for differentially imaging an astrocytic human brain tumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor without immunostaining, the method comprising:
staining a brain tumor tissue from a human subject and containing a brain tumor of an unknown type with sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) to form stained brain tumor tissue; imaging said stained brain tumor tissue with a fluorescence imaging device to form an image of said stained brain tumor tissue to confirm either an astrocytic tumor type or a non-astrocytic tumor type, wherein said astrocytic tumor type and said non-astrocytic tumor types are differentially imaged according to cytoplasmic staining for the astrocytic tumor type and a lack of cytoplasmic staining for the non-astrocytic tumor type; and when the astrocytic tumor type is confirmed, visualizing said image to identify a margin between the astrocytic tumor type and the non-astrocytic tumor type 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the staining said brain tumor tissue includes staining said brain tumor tissue ex vivo. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said non-astrocytic human brain tumor is an oligodendroglioma. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said non-astrocytic human brain tumor is a Central Nervous System (CNS) lymphoma. 5. The method according claim 1, wherein said staining, said imaging, and said visualizing are performed intraoperatively, and further comprising guiding an astrocytic tumor resection based on the identified margin. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said imaging includes imaging the stained brain tumor tissue with a multiphoton microscopy system. 7. The method according to claim 1, comprising imaging the margin at a magnification that is higher than a magnification of the imaging said stained brain tumor tissue to delineate infiltrative tumor cells. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said imaging includes exciting a fluorophore at the stained brain tumor tissue with light at a wavelength of 561 nm and collecting emission from said fluorophore within a spectral range from 595 nm to 625 nm. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said imaging further includes imaging an unstained tissue sample adjacent the stained brain tumor tissue by collecting light within said spectral range from said unstained tissue sample. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said imaging includes imaging said stained brain tumor tissue with a confocal microscope 11. A system for differentially imaging an astrocytic human brain tumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor without immunostaining, the system comprising:
a first container with first contents that include sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) therein; a second container with second contents without the SR101 therein a substrate configured to support a biological tissue during staining and imaging thereof; and a fluorescent imaging device. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the first contents include a first cerebrospinal fluid containing said SR101. 13. The system according to claim 11, wherein a concentration of SR 101 in said first contents is 5 μM. 14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the second contents include a second cerebrospinal fluid without SR 101. 15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the fluorescent imaging device includes a multiphoton microscopy system. 16. The system according to claim 11, wherein the fluorescent imaging device includes a confocal microscope. | Methods and systems for distinguishing an astrocytic human brain tumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of staining tumor tissue from a subject suspected of having a brain tumor with SR101 and visualizing the tissue stained with SR101 with a fluorescence imaging device to confirm an astrocytic or non-astrocytic tumor type. Advantageously, tumor tissue from a subject is stained ex vivo, and the staining and visualizing steps are performed intraoperatively so as to guide the surgeon and thereby minimize or eliminate the need for a subsequent surgery.1. A method for differentially imaging an astrocytic human brain tumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor without immunostaining, the method comprising:
staining a brain tumor tissue from a human subject and containing a brain tumor of an unknown type with sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) to form stained brain tumor tissue; imaging said stained brain tumor tissue with a fluorescence imaging device to form an image of said stained brain tumor tissue to confirm either an astrocytic tumor type or a non-astrocytic tumor type, wherein said astrocytic tumor type and said non-astrocytic tumor types are differentially imaged according to cytoplasmic staining for the astrocytic tumor type and a lack of cytoplasmic staining for the non-astrocytic tumor type; and when the astrocytic tumor type is confirmed, visualizing said image to identify a margin between the astrocytic tumor type and the non-astrocytic tumor type 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the staining said brain tumor tissue includes staining said brain tumor tissue ex vivo. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said non-astrocytic human brain tumor is an oligodendroglioma. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said non-astrocytic human brain tumor is a Central Nervous System (CNS) lymphoma. 5. The method according claim 1, wherein said staining, said imaging, and said visualizing are performed intraoperatively, and further comprising guiding an astrocytic tumor resection based on the identified margin. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said imaging includes imaging the stained brain tumor tissue with a multiphoton microscopy system. 7. The method according to claim 1, comprising imaging the margin at a magnification that is higher than a magnification of the imaging said stained brain tumor tissue to delineate infiltrative tumor cells. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said imaging includes exciting a fluorophore at the stained brain tumor tissue with light at a wavelength of 561 nm and collecting emission from said fluorophore within a spectral range from 595 nm to 625 nm. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said imaging further includes imaging an unstained tissue sample adjacent the stained brain tumor tissue by collecting light within said spectral range from said unstained tissue sample. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said imaging includes imaging said stained brain tumor tissue with a confocal microscope 11. A system for differentially imaging an astrocytic human brain tumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor without immunostaining, the system comprising:
a first container with first contents that include sulforhodamine 101 (SR101) therein; a second container with second contents without the SR101 therein a substrate configured to support a biological tissue during staining and imaging thereof; and a fluorescent imaging device. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the first contents include a first cerebrospinal fluid containing said SR101. 13. The system according to claim 11, wherein a concentration of SR 101 in said first contents is 5 μM. 14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the second contents include a second cerebrospinal fluid without SR 101. 15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the fluorescent imaging device includes a multiphoton microscopy system. 16. The system according to claim 11, wherein the fluorescent imaging device includes a confocal microscope. | 3,600 |
349,859 | 350,733 | 16,854,525 | 3,694 | A method performed by a network node for managing transmission of Cell Reference Symbols, CRS, wherein the network node operates one or more cells and the network node is configured to transmit the CRS in a first bandwidth mode. When the network node has identified a cell which is not actively serving any UEs, also referred to as an empty cell, the network node applies a reduced CRS bandwidth mode in the first cell in relation to the first bandwidth mode. By applying a reduced CRS bandwidth mode in the empty cell, the overall interference of the CRS from the empty cell is reduced, thereby enhancing the performance in cells actively serving UEs. | 1. A method performed by a network node for managing transmission of Cell Reference Symbols (CRS), the method comprising:
applying, in a first cell, a first CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a first subframe having a bandwidth; determining that the first cell is not actively serving any user equipments (UEs); and after determining that the first cell is not actively serving any UEs, applying, in the first cell, a second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a second subframe having the same bandwidth as the first subframe, wherein in the second CRS bandwidth mode the number of CRS transmissions is reduced in relation to the first CRS bandwidth mode. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, as a result of determining that the first cell is not actively serving any UEs and before applying the second CRS bandwidth mode on CRS which are transmitted in the first cell, determining whether or not to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a particular subframe, wherein determining whether or not to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to the particular subframe comprises determining: i) whether system information will be transmitted in the first cell during the particular subframe and ii) whether a paging response or random access response will be transmitted in the first cell during the particular subframe. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the network node sends CRS over the entire bandwidth of the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second CRS bandwidth mode is applied on CRS which are sent in any subframe, except in the first OFDM symbol of a subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the network node sends CRS over the entire bandwidth of the first OFDM symbol of the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network node sends CRS only in Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) that are used for transmission in the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the network node sends CRS only in resource elements (REs) which are adjacent to REs which are mapped to a common search space of PDCCH. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the second CRS bandwidth mode is applied on CRS which are sent in any subframe, except in subframes in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes the UE to perform measurements. 9. A network node for performing a method for managing transmission of Cell Reference Symbols (CRS), the network node being configured to:
apply, in a first cell, a first CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a first subframe having a bandwidth; determine that the first cell is not actively serving any user equipments (UEs); and after determining that the first cell is not actively serving any UEs, applying, in the first cell, a second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a second subframe having the same bandwidth as the first subframe, wherein in the second CRS bandwidth mode the number of CRS transmissions is reduced in relation to the first CRS bandwidth mode. 10. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node further is configured such that, as a result of determining that the first cell is not actively serving any UEs and before applying the second CRS bandwidth mode on CRS which are transmitted in the first cell, the network node determines whether or not to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a particular subframe, wherein the network node is configured to determine whether or not to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to the particular subframe by performing a procedure that comprises: i) determining whether system information will be transmitted in the first cell during the particular subframe and ii) determining whether a paging response or random access response will be transmitted in the first cell during the particular subframe. 11. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node further is configured to send CRS over the entire bandwidth of the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 12. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node further is configured to:
apply the second CRS bandwidth mode on CRS which are sent in any subframe, except in the first OFDM symbol of a subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 13. The network node of claim 12, wherein the network node further is configured to:
send CRS over the entire bandwidth in the first OFDM symbol of the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 14. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node further is configured to:
send CRS only in Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) that are used for transmission in the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 15. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node is configured to:
send CRS only in resource elements (REs) which are adjacent to REs which are mapped to a common search space of PDCCH. 16. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node is configured to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode on CRS which are sent in any subframe, except in subframes in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes the UE to perform measurements. | A method performed by a network node for managing transmission of Cell Reference Symbols, CRS, wherein the network node operates one or more cells and the network node is configured to transmit the CRS in a first bandwidth mode. When the network node has identified a cell which is not actively serving any UEs, also referred to as an empty cell, the network node applies a reduced CRS bandwidth mode in the first cell in relation to the first bandwidth mode. By applying a reduced CRS bandwidth mode in the empty cell, the overall interference of the CRS from the empty cell is reduced, thereby enhancing the performance in cells actively serving UEs.1. A method performed by a network node for managing transmission of Cell Reference Symbols (CRS), the method comprising:
applying, in a first cell, a first CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a first subframe having a bandwidth; determining that the first cell is not actively serving any user equipments (UEs); and after determining that the first cell is not actively serving any UEs, applying, in the first cell, a second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a second subframe having the same bandwidth as the first subframe, wherein in the second CRS bandwidth mode the number of CRS transmissions is reduced in relation to the first CRS bandwidth mode. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, as a result of determining that the first cell is not actively serving any UEs and before applying the second CRS bandwidth mode on CRS which are transmitted in the first cell, determining whether or not to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a particular subframe, wherein determining whether or not to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to the particular subframe comprises determining: i) whether system information will be transmitted in the first cell during the particular subframe and ii) whether a paging response or random access response will be transmitted in the first cell during the particular subframe. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the network node sends CRS over the entire bandwidth of the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second CRS bandwidth mode is applied on CRS which are sent in any subframe, except in the first OFDM symbol of a subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the network node sends CRS over the entire bandwidth of the first OFDM symbol of the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network node sends CRS only in Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) that are used for transmission in the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the network node sends CRS only in resource elements (REs) which are adjacent to REs which are mapped to a common search space of PDCCH. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the second CRS bandwidth mode is applied on CRS which are sent in any subframe, except in subframes in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes the UE to perform measurements. 9. A network node for performing a method for managing transmission of Cell Reference Symbols (CRS), the network node being configured to:
apply, in a first cell, a first CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a first subframe having a bandwidth; determine that the first cell is not actively serving any user equipments (UEs); and after determining that the first cell is not actively serving any UEs, applying, in the first cell, a second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a second subframe having the same bandwidth as the first subframe, wherein in the second CRS bandwidth mode the number of CRS transmissions is reduced in relation to the first CRS bandwidth mode. 10. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node further is configured such that, as a result of determining that the first cell is not actively serving any UEs and before applying the second CRS bandwidth mode on CRS which are transmitted in the first cell, the network node determines whether or not to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to a particular subframe, wherein the network node is configured to determine whether or not to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode with respect to the particular subframe by performing a procedure that comprises: i) determining whether system information will be transmitted in the first cell during the particular subframe and ii) determining whether a paging response or random access response will be transmitted in the first cell during the particular subframe. 11. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node further is configured to send CRS over the entire bandwidth of the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 12. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node further is configured to:
apply the second CRS bandwidth mode on CRS which are sent in any subframe, except in the first OFDM symbol of a subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 13. The network node of claim 12, wherein the network node further is configured to:
send CRS over the entire bandwidth in the first OFDM symbol of the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 14. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node further is configured to:
send CRS only in Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) that are used for transmission in the subframe in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes UE to perform measurements. 15. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node is configured to:
send CRS only in resource elements (REs) which are adjacent to REs which are mapped to a common search space of PDCCH. 16. The network node of claim 9, wherein the network node is configured to apply the second CRS bandwidth mode on CRS which are sent in any subframe, except in subframes in which the network node transmits system information, paging or random access response messages or assumes the UE to perform measurements. | 3,600 |
349,860 | 350,734 | 16,854,495 | 3,694 | An example method of operation may include detecting a user touch in a first area based upon sensor data from one or more sensors of a first type, waking up one or more sensors of a second type configured to measure across some or all of the first area in response to the detecting, obtaining additional sensor data from the one or more sensors of the second type, and determining a location associated with the user touch based in part upon the sensor data from the one or more sensors of the second type. | 1. A method of sensing user touch, comprising:
detecting a user touch in a first area based upon sensor data from one or more sensors of a first type, wherein the first area comprises between 6 and 12 temperature sensing diodes; waking up one or more sensors of a second type configured to measure across some or all of the first area in response to the detecting; obtaining additional sensor data from the one or more sensors of the second type; and determining a location associated with the user touch based in part upon the sensor data from the one or more sensors of the second type. 2. (canceled) 3. (canceled) 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second type comprises an ultrasonic sensor. 5. (canceled) 6. (canceled) 7. (canceled) 8. (canceled) 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first area is one of a plurality of areas each of which comprises a corresponding plurality of temperature sensors. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of areas are part of a sensor array which overlays the one or more sensors of a second type. 11. (canceled) 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are arranged in the first area approximately every 10 millimeters (mm) throughout an area of 20 millimeters (mm) by 30 mm. 13. (canceled) 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are located at a higher density in an area adjacent a center of the first area. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are located at a higher density in an area adjacent edges of the first area. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are located equidistant from one another in an area throughout the sensor area. 17. A device comprising:
a fingerprint sensor including:
an ultrasonic sensor; and
a plurality of temperature sensing diodes located at a higher density in an area adjacent a center of the ultrasonic sensor area, at least a portion of which
detect a temperature change from a user touch on a first area of the ultrasonic sensor;
determine a first area location with respect to an area of the ultrasonic sensor; and
perform an ultrasound scan of the first area location without a scan of the entire area of the ultrasonic sensor to identify a fingerprint associated with the user touch. 18. (canceled) 19. (canceled) 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the first area of the ultrasonic sensor is one of a plurality of areas each of which comprises a corresponding plurality of temperature sensors. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the plurality of areas are part of a sensor array which overlays the ultrasonic sensor area. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the plurality of areas in the sensor array includes six areas defined by four temperature sensors. 23. The device of claim 17, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are arranged in the first area approximately every 10 millimeters (mm) throughout an area of 20 millimeters (mm) by 30 mm across the area of the ultrasonic sensor. 24. The device of claim 17, wherein the number of temperature sensing diodes within the ultrasonic sensor area is between 6 and 12. 25. (canceled) 26. (canceled) 27. (canceled) 28. The device of claim 17, wherein the fingerprint sensor further comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display with a touch surface as an exterior surface. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are disposed under the OLED display or in a stand-alone layer outside the OLED display, and wherein a location of the temperature sensing diodes is either closer or further than the ultrasonic sensor to the touch surface. 30. The device of claim 17, wherein temperature data detected from the plurality of temperature sensing diodes is compounded, filtered, and/or select-fitted to optimize finger location detection. 31. The device of claim 17, wherein the temperature data detected from the plurality of temperature diodes is used to perform a background subtraction operation. | An example method of operation may include detecting a user touch in a first area based upon sensor data from one or more sensors of a first type, waking up one or more sensors of a second type configured to measure across some or all of the first area in response to the detecting, obtaining additional sensor data from the one or more sensors of the second type, and determining a location associated with the user touch based in part upon the sensor data from the one or more sensors of the second type.1. A method of sensing user touch, comprising:
detecting a user touch in a first area based upon sensor data from one or more sensors of a first type, wherein the first area comprises between 6 and 12 temperature sensing diodes; waking up one or more sensors of a second type configured to measure across some or all of the first area in response to the detecting; obtaining additional sensor data from the one or more sensors of the second type; and determining a location associated with the user touch based in part upon the sensor data from the one or more sensors of the second type. 2. (canceled) 3. (canceled) 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second type comprises an ultrasonic sensor. 5. (canceled) 6. (canceled) 7. (canceled) 8. (canceled) 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first area is one of a plurality of areas each of which comprises a corresponding plurality of temperature sensors. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of areas are part of a sensor array which overlays the one or more sensors of a second type. 11. (canceled) 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are arranged in the first area approximately every 10 millimeters (mm) throughout an area of 20 millimeters (mm) by 30 mm. 13. (canceled) 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are located at a higher density in an area adjacent a center of the first area. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are located at a higher density in an area adjacent edges of the first area. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are located equidistant from one another in an area throughout the sensor area. 17. A device comprising:
a fingerprint sensor including:
an ultrasonic sensor; and
a plurality of temperature sensing diodes located at a higher density in an area adjacent a center of the ultrasonic sensor area, at least a portion of which
detect a temperature change from a user touch on a first area of the ultrasonic sensor;
determine a first area location with respect to an area of the ultrasonic sensor; and
perform an ultrasound scan of the first area location without a scan of the entire area of the ultrasonic sensor to identify a fingerprint associated with the user touch. 18. (canceled) 19. (canceled) 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the first area of the ultrasonic sensor is one of a plurality of areas each of which comprises a corresponding plurality of temperature sensors. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the plurality of areas are part of a sensor array which overlays the ultrasonic sensor area. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the plurality of areas in the sensor array includes six areas defined by four temperature sensors. 23. The device of claim 17, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are arranged in the first area approximately every 10 millimeters (mm) throughout an area of 20 millimeters (mm) by 30 mm across the area of the ultrasonic sensor. 24. The device of claim 17, wherein the number of temperature sensing diodes within the ultrasonic sensor area is between 6 and 12. 25. (canceled) 26. (canceled) 27. (canceled) 28. The device of claim 17, wherein the fingerprint sensor further comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display with a touch surface as an exterior surface. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the temperature sensing diodes are disposed under the OLED display or in a stand-alone layer outside the OLED display, and wherein a location of the temperature sensing diodes is either closer or further than the ultrasonic sensor to the touch surface. 30. The device of claim 17, wherein temperature data detected from the plurality of temperature sensing diodes is compounded, filtered, and/or select-fitted to optimize finger location detection. 31. The device of claim 17, wherein the temperature data detected from the plurality of temperature diodes is used to perform a background subtraction operation. | 3,600 |
349,861 | 350,735 | 16,854,538 | 3,694 | In one embodiment, a system includes a catheter including an insertion tube and a first position sensor, a pusher including a second position sensor, and an expandable assembly including flexible strips disposed circumferentially around a distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher, the flexible strips bowing radially outward when the pusher is retracted, processing circuitry to receive a respective position signal from the first and second position sensors, compute location and orientation coordinates for the position sensors subject to a constraint that the position sensors are coaxial and have a same orientation, compute a distance between the computed location coordinates of the position sensors, and find position coordinates of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance. | 1. A system comprising:
a catheter configured to be inserted into a body-part of a living subject, and comprising:
an insertion tube including a distal end, and a first coil-based position sensor disposed at the distal end;
a pusher including a second coil-based position sensor disposed thereon and a distal portion, and being configured to be advanced and retracted through the insertion tube; and
an expandable assembly comprising a plurality of flexible strips disposed circumferentially around the distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher, the flexible strips being configured to bow radially outward when the pusher is retracted;
at least one magnetic field radiator configured to transmit alternating magnetic fields into a region where the body-part is located, the first and second position sensors being configured to output respective first and second position signals in response to the transmitted alternating magnetic fields; and processing circuitry configured to:
receive the first and second position signals from the first and second position sensors;
compute location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using a position computation in which the location and orientation coordinates of each of the position sensors are interdependently computed in an iterative manner responsively to the respective received position signals, and subject to a constraint that the first and second position sensors are coaxial;
compute a distance between the computed location coordinates of the first position sensor and the computed location coordinates of the second position sensor; and
estimate respective positions of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance. 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: compute a roll of the expandable assembly responsively to the position signal from at least one of the first or second position sensors; and render to the display a representation of at least a part of the catheter and the body-part responsively to the estimated respective positions of the flexible strips. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: compute the location and orientation coordinates for one sensor of the first and second position sensors using the position computation; and compute the location coordinates for another sensor of the first and second position sensors subject to a constraint that the computed orientation coordinates for the other sensor will be equal to the computed orientation coordinates of the one sensor within a given tolerance. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: compute initial location and initial orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using the position computation; compute an average of the initial orientation coordinates of the first and second position sensors; and compute the location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using the position computation subject to a constraint that the orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors will be equal to the computed average of the initial orientation coordinates with a given tolerance. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to compute the location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors subject to a constraint that the computed orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors will be equal within a given tolerance. 6. A system comprising:
a catheter configured to be inserted into a body-part of a living subject, and comprising:
an insertion tube including a distal end, and a first coil-based position sensor disposed at the distal end;
a pusher including a second coil-based position sensor disposed thereon and a distal portion, and being configured to be advanced and retracted through the insertion tube; and
an expandable assembly comprising a plurality of flexible strips disposed circumferentially around the distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher, the flexible strips being configured to bow radially outward when the pusher is retracted;
at least one magnetic field radiator configured to transmit alternating magnetic fields into a region where the body-part is located, the first and second position sensors being configured to output respective first and second position signals in response to the transmitted alternating magnetic fields; and processing circuitry configured to:
receive the first and second position signals from the first and second position sensors;
compute a distance and a relative orientation angle between the first and second position sensors responsively to the received position signals; and
estimate respective positions of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance and relative orientation angle, while accounting for a distortion of one or more of the flexible strips from a symmetrical disposition when the relative orientation angle has a value greater than zero. 7. The system according to claim 6, further comprising a display, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: compute a roll of the expandable assembly responsively to the position signal from at least one of the first or second position sensors; and render to the display a representation of at least a part of the catheter and the body-part responsively to the estimated respective positions of the flexible strips. 8. A method, comprising:
inserting a catheter into a body-part of a living subject, the catheter comprising an insertion tube, a first coil-based position sensor disposed at a distal end of the insertion tube, a pusher including a second coil-based position sensor disposed thereon, an expandable assembly including flexible strips disposed circumferentially around a distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher; retracting the pusher causing the flexible strips to bow radially outward; transmitting alternating magnetic fields into a region where the body-part is located; outputting by the first and second position sensors respective first and second position signals in response to the transmitted alternating magnetic fields; receiving the first and second position signals from the first and second position sensors; computing location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using a position computation in which the location and orientation coordinates of each of the position sensors are interdependently computed in an iterative manner responsively to the respective received position signals, and subject to a constraint that the first and second position sensors are coaxial; computing a distance between the computed location coordinates of the first position sensor and the computed location coordinates of the second position sensor; and estimating respective positions of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
computing a roll of the expandable assembly responsively to the position signal from at least one of the first or second position sensors; and rendering to a display a representation of at least a part of the catheter and the body-part responsively to the estimated respective positions of the flexible strips. 10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
computing the location and orientation coordinates for one sensor of the first and second position sensors using the position computation; and computing the location coordinates for another sensor of the first and second position sensors subject to a constraint that the computed orientation coordinates for the other sensor will be equal to the computed orientation coordinates of the one sensor within a given tolerance. 11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
computing initial location and initial orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using the position computation; computing an average of the initial orientation coordinates of the first and second position sensors; and computing the location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using the position computation subject to a constraint that the orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors will be equal to the computed average of the initial orientation coordinates with a given tolerance. 12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising computing the location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors subject to a constraint that the computed orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors will be equal within a given tolerance. 13. A method, comprising:
inserting a catheter into a body-part of a living subject, the catheter comprising an insertion tube, a first coil-based position sensor disposed at a distal end of the insertion tube, a pusher including a second coil-based position sensor disposed thereon, an expandable assembly including flexible strips disposed circumferentially around a distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher; retracting the pusher causing the flexible strips to bow radially outward; transmitting alternating magnetic fields into a region where the body-part is located; outputting by the first and second position sensors respective first and second position signals in response to the transmitted alternating magnetic fields; receiving the first and second position signals from the first and second position sensors; computing a distance and a relative orientation angle between the first and second position sensors responsively to the received position signals; and estimating respective positions of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance and relative orientation angle, while accounting for a distortion of one or more of the flexible strips from a symmetrical disposition when the relative orientation angle has a value greater than zero. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:
computing a roll of the expandable assembly responsively to the position signal from at least one of the first or second position sensors; and rendering to the display a representation of at least a part of the catheter and the body-part responsively to the estimated respective positions of the flexible strips. | In one embodiment, a system includes a catheter including an insertion tube and a first position sensor, a pusher including a second position sensor, and an expandable assembly including flexible strips disposed circumferentially around a distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher, the flexible strips bowing radially outward when the pusher is retracted, processing circuitry to receive a respective position signal from the first and second position sensors, compute location and orientation coordinates for the position sensors subject to a constraint that the position sensors are coaxial and have a same orientation, compute a distance between the computed location coordinates of the position sensors, and find position coordinates of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance.1. A system comprising:
a catheter configured to be inserted into a body-part of a living subject, and comprising:
an insertion tube including a distal end, and a first coil-based position sensor disposed at the distal end;
a pusher including a second coil-based position sensor disposed thereon and a distal portion, and being configured to be advanced and retracted through the insertion tube; and
an expandable assembly comprising a plurality of flexible strips disposed circumferentially around the distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher, the flexible strips being configured to bow radially outward when the pusher is retracted;
at least one magnetic field radiator configured to transmit alternating magnetic fields into a region where the body-part is located, the first and second position sensors being configured to output respective first and second position signals in response to the transmitted alternating magnetic fields; and processing circuitry configured to:
receive the first and second position signals from the first and second position sensors;
compute location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using a position computation in which the location and orientation coordinates of each of the position sensors are interdependently computed in an iterative manner responsively to the respective received position signals, and subject to a constraint that the first and second position sensors are coaxial;
compute a distance between the computed location coordinates of the first position sensor and the computed location coordinates of the second position sensor; and
estimate respective positions of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance. 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: compute a roll of the expandable assembly responsively to the position signal from at least one of the first or second position sensors; and render to the display a representation of at least a part of the catheter and the body-part responsively to the estimated respective positions of the flexible strips. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: compute the location and orientation coordinates for one sensor of the first and second position sensors using the position computation; and compute the location coordinates for another sensor of the first and second position sensors subject to a constraint that the computed orientation coordinates for the other sensor will be equal to the computed orientation coordinates of the one sensor within a given tolerance. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: compute initial location and initial orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using the position computation; compute an average of the initial orientation coordinates of the first and second position sensors; and compute the location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using the position computation subject to a constraint that the orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors will be equal to the computed average of the initial orientation coordinates with a given tolerance. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to compute the location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors subject to a constraint that the computed orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors will be equal within a given tolerance. 6. A system comprising:
a catheter configured to be inserted into a body-part of a living subject, and comprising:
an insertion tube including a distal end, and a first coil-based position sensor disposed at the distal end;
a pusher including a second coil-based position sensor disposed thereon and a distal portion, and being configured to be advanced and retracted through the insertion tube; and
an expandable assembly comprising a plurality of flexible strips disposed circumferentially around the distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher, the flexible strips being configured to bow radially outward when the pusher is retracted;
at least one magnetic field radiator configured to transmit alternating magnetic fields into a region where the body-part is located, the first and second position sensors being configured to output respective first and second position signals in response to the transmitted alternating magnetic fields; and processing circuitry configured to:
receive the first and second position signals from the first and second position sensors;
compute a distance and a relative orientation angle between the first and second position sensors responsively to the received position signals; and
estimate respective positions of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance and relative orientation angle, while accounting for a distortion of one or more of the flexible strips from a symmetrical disposition when the relative orientation angle has a value greater than zero. 7. The system according to claim 6, further comprising a display, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: compute a roll of the expandable assembly responsively to the position signal from at least one of the first or second position sensors; and render to the display a representation of at least a part of the catheter and the body-part responsively to the estimated respective positions of the flexible strips. 8. A method, comprising:
inserting a catheter into a body-part of a living subject, the catheter comprising an insertion tube, a first coil-based position sensor disposed at a distal end of the insertion tube, a pusher including a second coil-based position sensor disposed thereon, an expandable assembly including flexible strips disposed circumferentially around a distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher; retracting the pusher causing the flexible strips to bow radially outward; transmitting alternating magnetic fields into a region where the body-part is located; outputting by the first and second position sensors respective first and second position signals in response to the transmitted alternating magnetic fields; receiving the first and second position signals from the first and second position sensors; computing location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using a position computation in which the location and orientation coordinates of each of the position sensors are interdependently computed in an iterative manner responsively to the respective received position signals, and subject to a constraint that the first and second position sensors are coaxial; computing a distance between the computed location coordinates of the first position sensor and the computed location coordinates of the second position sensor; and estimating respective positions of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
computing a roll of the expandable assembly responsively to the position signal from at least one of the first or second position sensors; and rendering to a display a representation of at least a part of the catheter and the body-part responsively to the estimated respective positions of the flexible strips. 10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
computing the location and orientation coordinates for one sensor of the first and second position sensors using the position computation; and computing the location coordinates for another sensor of the first and second position sensors subject to a constraint that the computed orientation coordinates for the other sensor will be equal to the computed orientation coordinates of the one sensor within a given tolerance. 11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
computing initial location and initial orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using the position computation; computing an average of the initial orientation coordinates of the first and second position sensors; and computing the location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors using the position computation subject to a constraint that the orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors will be equal to the computed average of the initial orientation coordinates with a given tolerance. 12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising computing the location and orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors subject to a constraint that the computed orientation coordinates for the first and second position sensors will be equal within a given tolerance. 13. A method, comprising:
inserting a catheter into a body-part of a living subject, the catheter comprising an insertion tube, a first coil-based position sensor disposed at a distal end of the insertion tube, a pusher including a second coil-based position sensor disposed thereon, an expandable assembly including flexible strips disposed circumferentially around a distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips connected to the distal end of the insertion tube and second ends of the strips connected to the distal portion of the pusher; retracting the pusher causing the flexible strips to bow radially outward; transmitting alternating magnetic fields into a region where the body-part is located; outputting by the first and second position sensors respective first and second position signals in response to the transmitted alternating magnetic fields; receiving the first and second position signals from the first and second position sensors; computing a distance and a relative orientation angle between the first and second position sensors responsively to the received position signals; and estimating respective positions of the flexible strips responsively to at least the computed distance and relative orientation angle, while accounting for a distortion of one or more of the flexible strips from a symmetrical disposition when the relative orientation angle has a value greater than zero. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:
computing a roll of the expandable assembly responsively to the position signal from at least one of the first or second position sensors; and rendering to the display a representation of at least a part of the catheter and the body-part responsively to the estimated respective positions of the flexible strips. | 3,600 |
349,862 | 350,736 | 16,854,560 | 3,694 | A multilayer coil component includes a multilayer body formed by stacking a plurality of insulating layers in a length direction and that has a built-in coil, and first and second outer electrodes that are electrically connected to the coil. The coil is formed by a plurality of coil conductors stacked in the length direction being electrically connected to each other. The first and second outer electrodes respectively cover parts of first and second end surfaces and parts of a first main surface. A stacking direction of the multilayer body and an axial direction of the coil are parallel to the first main surface. In a plan view from the stacking direction, a repeating shape of the coil conductors is a non-circular shape, and distances between the first main surface and the parts of the coil conductors that face the first main surface are not constant. | 1. A multilayer coil component comprising:
a multilayer body that is formed by stacking a plurality of insulating layers on top of one another in a length direction and that has a coil built into the inside thereof; and a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode that are electrically connected to the coil; wherein the coil is formed by a plurality of coil conductors stacked in the length direction together with the insulating layers being electrically connected to each other, the multilayer body has a first end surface and a second end surface, which face each other in the length direction, a first main surface and a second main surface, which face each other in a height direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a first side surface and a second side surface, which face each other in a width direction perpendicular to the length direction and the height direction, the first outer electrode extends along and covers a portion of the first end surface and a portion of the first main surface, the second outer electrode extends along and covers a portion of the second end surface and a portion of the first main surface, the first main surface is a mounting surface, a stacking direction of the multilayer body and an axial direction of the coil are parallel to the first main surface, and in a plan view of a repeating shape of the coil conductors from the stacking direction, the repeating shape of the coil conductors is a non-circular shape, and distances between the first main surface and portions of the coil conductors that face the first main surface vary. 2. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
in a plan view of the repeating shape of the coil conductors from the stacking direction, the repeating shape of the coil conductors is a pentagonal shape obtained by bending one side of a rectangular shape toward the outside to make two sides protrude from the original rectangular shape, and the two sides face the first main surface of the multilayer body. 3. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
a number of coil conductors that are stacked in order to define one turn of the coil is two. 4. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
the coil conductors each include a line portion and a land portion arranged at an end of the line portion, and the land portions of coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected to each other through via conductors, and in a plan view from the width direction, the land portions are disposed in an upper half of the multilayer body on the opposite side from the first main surface. 5. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
a number of stacked coil conductors is in a range from 40 to 60. 6. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 7. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
a length of a region in which the coil conductors are arranged in the stacking direction is in a range from 85% to 95% of a length of the multilayer body. 8. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
a number of coil conductors that are stacked in order to define one turn of the coil is two. 9. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
the coil conductors each include a line portion and a land portion arranged at an end of the line portion, and the land portions of coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected to each other through via conductors, and in a plan view from the width direction, the land portions are disposed in an upper half of the multilayer body on the opposite side from the first main surface. 10. The multilayer coil component according to claim 3, wherein
the coil conductors each include a line portion and a land portion arranged at an end of the line portion, and the land portions of coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected to each other through via conductors, and in a plan view from the width direction, the land portions are disposed in an upper half of the multilayer body on the opposite side from the first main surface. 11. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
a number of stacked coil conductors is in a range from 40 to 60. 12. The multilayer coil component according to claim 3, wherein
a number of stacked coil conductors is in a range from 40 to 60. 13. The multilayer coil component according to claim 4, wherein
a number of stacked coil conductors is in a range from 40 to 60. 14. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 15. The multilayer coil component according to claim 3, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 16. The multilayer coil component according to claim 4, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 17. The multilayer coil component according to claim 5, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 18. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
a length of a region in which the coil conductors are arranged in the stacking direction is in a range from 85% to 95% of a length of the multilayer body. 19. The multilayer coil component according to claim 3, wherein
a length of a region in which the coil conductors are arranged in the stacking direction is in a range from 85% to 95% of a length of the multilayer body. 20. The multilayer coil component according to claim 4, wherein
a length of a region in which the coil conductors are arranged in the stacking direction is in a range from 85% to 95% of a length of the multilayer body. | A multilayer coil component includes a multilayer body formed by stacking a plurality of insulating layers in a length direction and that has a built-in coil, and first and second outer electrodes that are electrically connected to the coil. The coil is formed by a plurality of coil conductors stacked in the length direction being electrically connected to each other. The first and second outer electrodes respectively cover parts of first and second end surfaces and parts of a first main surface. A stacking direction of the multilayer body and an axial direction of the coil are parallel to the first main surface. In a plan view from the stacking direction, a repeating shape of the coil conductors is a non-circular shape, and distances between the first main surface and the parts of the coil conductors that face the first main surface are not constant.1. A multilayer coil component comprising:
a multilayer body that is formed by stacking a plurality of insulating layers on top of one another in a length direction and that has a coil built into the inside thereof; and a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode that are electrically connected to the coil; wherein the coil is formed by a plurality of coil conductors stacked in the length direction together with the insulating layers being electrically connected to each other, the multilayer body has a first end surface and a second end surface, which face each other in the length direction, a first main surface and a second main surface, which face each other in a height direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a first side surface and a second side surface, which face each other in a width direction perpendicular to the length direction and the height direction, the first outer electrode extends along and covers a portion of the first end surface and a portion of the first main surface, the second outer electrode extends along and covers a portion of the second end surface and a portion of the first main surface, the first main surface is a mounting surface, a stacking direction of the multilayer body and an axial direction of the coil are parallel to the first main surface, and in a plan view of a repeating shape of the coil conductors from the stacking direction, the repeating shape of the coil conductors is a non-circular shape, and distances between the first main surface and portions of the coil conductors that face the first main surface vary. 2. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
in a plan view of the repeating shape of the coil conductors from the stacking direction, the repeating shape of the coil conductors is a pentagonal shape obtained by bending one side of a rectangular shape toward the outside to make two sides protrude from the original rectangular shape, and the two sides face the first main surface of the multilayer body. 3. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
a number of coil conductors that are stacked in order to define one turn of the coil is two. 4. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
the coil conductors each include a line portion and a land portion arranged at an end of the line portion, and the land portions of coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected to each other through via conductors, and in a plan view from the width direction, the land portions are disposed in an upper half of the multilayer body on the opposite side from the first main surface. 5. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
a number of stacked coil conductors is in a range from 40 to 60. 6. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 7. The multilayer coil component according to claim 1, wherein
a length of a region in which the coil conductors are arranged in the stacking direction is in a range from 85% to 95% of a length of the multilayer body. 8. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
a number of coil conductors that are stacked in order to define one turn of the coil is two. 9. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
the coil conductors each include a line portion and a land portion arranged at an end of the line portion, and the land portions of coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected to each other through via conductors, and in a plan view from the width direction, the land portions are disposed in an upper half of the multilayer body on the opposite side from the first main surface. 10. The multilayer coil component according to claim 3, wherein
the coil conductors each include a line portion and a land portion arranged at an end of the line portion, and the land portions of coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected to each other through via conductors, and in a plan view from the width direction, the land portions are disposed in an upper half of the multilayer body on the opposite side from the first main surface. 11. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
a number of stacked coil conductors is in a range from 40 to 60. 12. The multilayer coil component according to claim 3, wherein
a number of stacked coil conductors is in a range from 40 to 60. 13. The multilayer coil component according to claim 4, wherein
a number of stacked coil conductors is in a range from 40 to 60. 14. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 15. The multilayer coil component according to claim 3, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 16. The multilayer coil component according to claim 4, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 17. The multilayer coil component according to claim 5, wherein
a distance between coil conductors that are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is in a range from 3 μm to 10 μm. 18. The multilayer coil component according to claim 2, wherein
a length of a region in which the coil conductors are arranged in the stacking direction is in a range from 85% to 95% of a length of the multilayer body. 19. The multilayer coil component according to claim 3, wherein
a length of a region in which the coil conductors are arranged in the stacking direction is in a range from 85% to 95% of a length of the multilayer body. 20. The multilayer coil component according to claim 4, wherein
a length of a region in which the coil conductors are arranged in the stacking direction is in a range from 85% to 95% of a length of the multilayer body. | 3,600 |
349,863 | 350,737 | 16,854,570 | 3,694 | The present invention provides a self-adaptive dimming driving system, configured to work with a light-emitting diode (LED) power port, the self-adaptive dimming driving system comprising: a driving circuit, a forward bias voltage detection circuit, and a controller. The driving circuit is connected to the LED power port. The forward bias voltage detection circuit is connected between the LED power port and the driving circuit, Wherein the forward bias voltage detection circuit comprises a test current output module and a voltage feedback module, the test current output module is configured to output a test current to the LED power port, and the voltage feedback module is configured to output a detection signal according to a voltage parameter of the LED power port. The controller receives the detection signal, obtains a barrier potential parameter of an LED lamp according to the detection signal, and switches a power output mode of the driving circuit according to the barrier potential parameter. | 1. A self-adaptive dimming driving system, configured to work with a light-emitting diode (LED) power port, the self-adaptive dimming driving system comprising:
a driving circuit connected to the LED power port; a forward bias voltage detection circuit connected between the LED power port and the driving circuit, wherein the forward bias voltage detection circuit comprises a test current output module and a voltage feedback module, the test current output module is configured to output a test current to the LED power port, and the voltage feedback module is configured to output a detection signal according to a voltage parameter of the LED power port; and a controller for receiving the detection signal, obtaining a barrier potential parameter of an LED lamp according to the detection signal, and switching a power output mode of the driving circuit according to the barrier potential parameter. 2. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein the test current output module includes a test current circuit and a bypass circuit, wherein the bypass circuit includes a switch unit connected to the controller, and the switch unit is turned on or off according to an instruction output from the controller. 3. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 2, wherein the controller's decision to turn on or off the switch unit is based on a voltage parameter received from the voltage feedback module. 4. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein the voltage feedback module includes a subtractor, a comparator array, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) driver, wherein the subtractor is connected to both ends of the LED power port in order to obtain a voltage across the two ends of the LED power port; the comparator array includes a plurality of comparators that are preset with different voltage values respectively, and the comparator array compares the voltage across the two ends of the LED power port with the preset voltage values and outputs a comparison result to the PWM driver; and the PWM driver, in turn, outputs a detection signal to the controller according to the comparison result. 5. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein a signal isolator is provided between the forward bias voltage detection circuit and the controller. 6. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein the forward bias voltage detection circuit is directly connected to the controller. 7. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein an adapter is provided between the driving circuit and the controller to convert an output of the driving circuit into a driving power needed by the controller. 8. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 7, wherein the adapter includes a voltage reduction unit, a rectifier unit provided at a rear end of the voltage reduction unit, and a filter unit provided at a rear end of the rectifier unit. 9. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein the driving circuit includes a rectifier, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter provided at a rear end of the rectifier, and a power modulator connected to an output of the EMI filter, wherein the power modulator is connected to the controller and is configured to change its own power output mode according to an output signal of the controller. 10. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 9, wherein the power modulator includes a PWM module connected to the controller and a field-effect transistor provided at a rear end of the PWM module, wherein the field-effect transistor is connected to the output of the EMI filter and is turned on or off according to an output of the PWM module in order for an output power of the EMI filter to be controlled by a duty cycle of the output of the PWM module. 11. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 9, wherein the driving circuit further includes an isolation transformer module provided at a rear end of the EMI filter, a rectifier unit provided at a rear end of the isolation transformer module, and a filter unit provided at a rear end of the rectifier unit, in order to rectify and filter a voltage to be output to the LED power port. | The present invention provides a self-adaptive dimming driving system, configured to work with a light-emitting diode (LED) power port, the self-adaptive dimming driving system comprising: a driving circuit, a forward bias voltage detection circuit, and a controller. The driving circuit is connected to the LED power port. The forward bias voltage detection circuit is connected between the LED power port and the driving circuit, Wherein the forward bias voltage detection circuit comprises a test current output module and a voltage feedback module, the test current output module is configured to output a test current to the LED power port, and the voltage feedback module is configured to output a detection signal according to a voltage parameter of the LED power port. The controller receives the detection signal, obtains a barrier potential parameter of an LED lamp according to the detection signal, and switches a power output mode of the driving circuit according to the barrier potential parameter.1. A self-adaptive dimming driving system, configured to work with a light-emitting diode (LED) power port, the self-adaptive dimming driving system comprising:
a driving circuit connected to the LED power port; a forward bias voltage detection circuit connected between the LED power port and the driving circuit, wherein the forward bias voltage detection circuit comprises a test current output module and a voltage feedback module, the test current output module is configured to output a test current to the LED power port, and the voltage feedback module is configured to output a detection signal according to a voltage parameter of the LED power port; and a controller for receiving the detection signal, obtaining a barrier potential parameter of an LED lamp according to the detection signal, and switching a power output mode of the driving circuit according to the barrier potential parameter. 2. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein the test current output module includes a test current circuit and a bypass circuit, wherein the bypass circuit includes a switch unit connected to the controller, and the switch unit is turned on or off according to an instruction output from the controller. 3. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 2, wherein the controller's decision to turn on or off the switch unit is based on a voltage parameter received from the voltage feedback module. 4. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein the voltage feedback module includes a subtractor, a comparator array, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) driver, wherein the subtractor is connected to both ends of the LED power port in order to obtain a voltage across the two ends of the LED power port; the comparator array includes a plurality of comparators that are preset with different voltage values respectively, and the comparator array compares the voltage across the two ends of the LED power port with the preset voltage values and outputs a comparison result to the PWM driver; and the PWM driver, in turn, outputs a detection signal to the controller according to the comparison result. 5. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein a signal isolator is provided between the forward bias voltage detection circuit and the controller. 6. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein the forward bias voltage detection circuit is directly connected to the controller. 7. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein an adapter is provided between the driving circuit and the controller to convert an output of the driving circuit into a driving power needed by the controller. 8. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 7, wherein the adapter includes a voltage reduction unit, a rectifier unit provided at a rear end of the voltage reduction unit, and a filter unit provided at a rear end of the rectifier unit. 9. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 1, wherein the driving circuit includes a rectifier, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter provided at a rear end of the rectifier, and a power modulator connected to an output of the EMI filter, wherein the power modulator is connected to the controller and is configured to change its own power output mode according to an output signal of the controller. 10. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 9, wherein the power modulator includes a PWM module connected to the controller and a field-effect transistor provided at a rear end of the PWM module, wherein the field-effect transistor is connected to the output of the EMI filter and is turned on or off according to an output of the PWM module in order for an output power of the EMI filter to be controlled by a duty cycle of the output of the PWM module. 11. The self-adaptive dimming driving system of claim 9, wherein the driving circuit further includes an isolation transformer module provided at a rear end of the EMI filter, a rectifier unit provided at a rear end of the isolation transformer module, and a filter unit provided at a rear end of the rectifier unit, in order to rectify and filter a voltage to be output to the LED power port. | 3,600 |
349,864 | 350,738 | 16,854,561 | 3,694 | In an embodiment, a process to provide data access optimized across access nodes includes receiving a subset of data included in a set of origin data, at least a portion of the subset of data being optimized for access from a respective data access node. The process further includes provide locally-optimized access to the subset of data. | 1. A system comprising:
a plurality of data access nodes, wherein each data access node includes a communication interface; and a processor coupled to the communication interface and configured to:
receive via the communication interface a subset of data included in a set of origin data, at least a portion of the subset of data being optimized for access from a respective data access node; and
provide locally-optimized access to the subset of data. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each data access node is associated with a corresponding set of users. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each data access node provides access to the corresponding set of users associated with that data access node. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein each data access node is in physical or network proximity is to a corresponding set of users. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein each data access node receives a same subset of data. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein each data access node receives a subset of data different from the respective subsets of data associated with one or more other data access nodes of the plurality of data access nodes. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein for each data access node, the subset of data for a data access node is determined to achieve optimization for that data access node. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of data access nodes is remote from an origin database. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the subset of data includes fewer than all tables in the set of origin data including at least one of: a horizontal partition or vertical partition. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein a first one of the plurality of data access nodes receives at least one row or at least one field different from a row or a field received by another one of the plurality of data access nodes. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the process is further configured to transform at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the transformation includes at least one of: creating and changing a compound data structure in which one record is stored within the field of another data structure. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the transformation includes transforming same data differently for different data access nodes of the plurality of data access nodes. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the transformation is based at least in part on different at least one of: high level objectives, optimization goals, or optimization parameters. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the subset of data is associated with a set of queries associated with a respective data access node of the plurality of data access nodes. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the subset of data is based at least in part on at least one of: a static configuration or analysis of a specified set of queries. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the subset of data is based at least in part on observations over time. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the subset of data is based at least in part on machine learning. 19. A method comprising:
receiving via the communication interface a subset of data included in a set of origin data, at least a portion of the subset of data being optimized for access from a respective data access node; and providing locally-optimized access to the subset of data. 20. A computer program product embodied in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:
receiving via the communication interface a subset of data included in a set of origin data, at least a portion of the subset of data being optimized for access from a respective data access node; and providing locally-optimized access to the subset of data. | In an embodiment, a process to provide data access optimized across access nodes includes receiving a subset of data included in a set of origin data, at least a portion of the subset of data being optimized for access from a respective data access node. The process further includes provide locally-optimized access to the subset of data.1. A system comprising:
a plurality of data access nodes, wherein each data access node includes a communication interface; and a processor coupled to the communication interface and configured to:
receive via the communication interface a subset of data included in a set of origin data, at least a portion of the subset of data being optimized for access from a respective data access node; and
provide locally-optimized access to the subset of data. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each data access node is associated with a corresponding set of users. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each data access node provides access to the corresponding set of users associated with that data access node. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein each data access node is in physical or network proximity is to a corresponding set of users. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein each data access node receives a same subset of data. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein each data access node receives a subset of data different from the respective subsets of data associated with one or more other data access nodes of the plurality of data access nodes. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein for each data access node, the subset of data for a data access node is determined to achieve optimization for that data access node. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of data access nodes is remote from an origin database. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the subset of data includes fewer than all tables in the set of origin data including at least one of: a horizontal partition or vertical partition. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein a first one of the plurality of data access nodes receives at least one row or at least one field different from a row or a field received by another one of the plurality of data access nodes. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the process is further configured to transform at least a portion of the subset of data in a manner associated with providing access to at least said portion of the subset of data in a manner that is optimized with respect to one or more parameters. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the transformation includes at least one of: creating and changing a compound data structure in which one record is stored within the field of another data structure. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the transformation includes transforming same data differently for different data access nodes of the plurality of data access nodes. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the transformation is based at least in part on different at least one of: high level objectives, optimization goals, or optimization parameters. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the subset of data is associated with a set of queries associated with a respective data access node of the plurality of data access nodes. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the subset of data is based at least in part on at least one of: a static configuration or analysis of a specified set of queries. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the subset of data is based at least in part on observations over time. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the subset of data is based at least in part on machine learning. 19. A method comprising:
receiving via the communication interface a subset of data included in a set of origin data, at least a portion of the subset of data being optimized for access from a respective data access node; and providing locally-optimized access to the subset of data. 20. A computer program product embodied in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:
receiving via the communication interface a subset of data included in a set of origin data, at least a portion of the subset of data being optimized for access from a respective data access node; and providing locally-optimized access to the subset of data. | 3,600 |
349,865 | 350,739 | 16,854,555 | 3,694 | A touch sensor comprises a first electrode, a second electrode arranged spaced apart from the first electrode, and an insulator arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is energized, and an energy difference exists between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a stressed electrode. When the stressed electrode is not stressed, no electrical signal is generated, and when the stressed electrode is stressed, the stressed electrode deforms at a stressed point and changes the distance between the stressed point and the other electrode to generate a tunneling current, and the touch sensor generates the electrical signal according to whether the tunneling current is generated. Therefore, the invention solves a limitation of the conventional touch sensor in touching and provides good touching sensitivity. | 1. A touch sensor, including:
a first electrode; a second electrode, arranged corresponding to the first electrode without in contact with the first electrode, and an energy transmission distance located between the second electrode and the first electrode, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is energized, and an energy difference is existed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an insulator, arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode; wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a stressed electrode, when the stressed electrode is not stressed, a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is smaller than the energy transmission distance to generate a tunneling current, and the touch sensor continuously generates an electrical signal and the touch sensor is performed as an untouched state; when the stressed electrode is stressed to deform at a stressed point, a distance between the stressed point and the other electrode is changed; when the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is larger than the energy transmission distance to stop a generation of the tunneling current, the electrical signal is changed for the touch sensor to detect that the touch sensor is touched. 2. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulator is a gas or a tangible object. 3. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulator is a gas, the touch sensor comprises a spacer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, and at least one gas hole for accommodating the gas is arranged on the spacer. 4. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the touch sensor comprises a first substrate disposed on a side of the first electrode opposite to the insulator and a second substrate disposed on a side of the second electrode opposite to the insulator. 5. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are respectively provided with a plurality of conductive lines in high density. 6. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first electrode comprises a plurality of first sub-electrodes which share the same first substrate, and the second electrode comprises a plurality of second sub-electrodes which share the same second substrate. 7. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein the first substrate comprises a plurality of first sub-substrates which share the same first electrode, and the second substrate comprises a plurality of second sub-substrates which share the same second electrode. 8. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein the first substrate comprises a plurality of first sub-substrates arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the second substrate comprises a plurality of second sub-substrates arranged in parallel and spaced apart, each of the plurality of first sub-substrates has a first extending direction, and each of the plurality of second sub-substrates has a second extending direction perpendicular to the first extending direction. 9. The touch sensor of claim 4, wherein the first electrode comprises a plurality of first sub-electrodes, the plurality of first sub-electrodes share the same first substrate, and the second electrode comprises a plurality of second sub-electrodes, the plurality of second sub-electrodes share the same second substrate. 10. The touch sensor of claim 4, wherein the first substrate is comprises a plurality of first sub-substrates, the plurality of first sub-substrates share the same first electrode, and the second substrate comprises a plurality of second sub-substrates, and the plurality of second sub-substrates sharing the same second electrode. 11. The touch sensor of claim 4, wherein the first substrate is comprises a plurality of first sub-substrates arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the second substrate comprises of a plurality of second sub-substrates arranged in parallel and spaced apart, each of the plurality of first sub-substrates has a first extending direction, and each of the plurality of second sub-substrates has a second extending direction perpendicular to the first extending direction. | A touch sensor comprises a first electrode, a second electrode arranged spaced apart from the first electrode, and an insulator arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is energized, and an energy difference exists between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a stressed electrode. When the stressed electrode is not stressed, no electrical signal is generated, and when the stressed electrode is stressed, the stressed electrode deforms at a stressed point and changes the distance between the stressed point and the other electrode to generate a tunneling current, and the touch sensor generates the electrical signal according to whether the tunneling current is generated. Therefore, the invention solves a limitation of the conventional touch sensor in touching and provides good touching sensitivity.1. A touch sensor, including:
a first electrode; a second electrode, arranged corresponding to the first electrode without in contact with the first electrode, and an energy transmission distance located between the second electrode and the first electrode, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is energized, and an energy difference is existed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an insulator, arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode; wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a stressed electrode, when the stressed electrode is not stressed, a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is smaller than the energy transmission distance to generate a tunneling current, and the touch sensor continuously generates an electrical signal and the touch sensor is performed as an untouched state; when the stressed electrode is stressed to deform at a stressed point, a distance between the stressed point and the other electrode is changed; when the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is larger than the energy transmission distance to stop a generation of the tunneling current, the electrical signal is changed for the touch sensor to detect that the touch sensor is touched. 2. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulator is a gas or a tangible object. 3. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulator is a gas, the touch sensor comprises a spacer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, and at least one gas hole for accommodating the gas is arranged on the spacer. 4. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the touch sensor comprises a first substrate disposed on a side of the first electrode opposite to the insulator and a second substrate disposed on a side of the second electrode opposite to the insulator. 5. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are respectively provided with a plurality of conductive lines in high density. 6. The touch sensor as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first electrode comprises a plurality of first sub-electrodes which share the same first substrate, and the second electrode comprises a plurality of second sub-electrodes which share the same second substrate. 7. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein the first substrate comprises a plurality of first sub-substrates which share the same first electrode, and the second substrate comprises a plurality of second sub-substrates which share the same second electrode. 8. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein the first substrate comprises a plurality of first sub-substrates arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the second substrate comprises a plurality of second sub-substrates arranged in parallel and spaced apart, each of the plurality of first sub-substrates has a first extending direction, and each of the plurality of second sub-substrates has a second extending direction perpendicular to the first extending direction. 9. The touch sensor of claim 4, wherein the first electrode comprises a plurality of first sub-electrodes, the plurality of first sub-electrodes share the same first substrate, and the second electrode comprises a plurality of second sub-electrodes, the plurality of second sub-electrodes share the same second substrate. 10. The touch sensor of claim 4, wherein the first substrate is comprises a plurality of first sub-substrates, the plurality of first sub-substrates share the same first electrode, and the second substrate comprises a plurality of second sub-substrates, and the plurality of second sub-substrates sharing the same second electrode. 11. The touch sensor of claim 4, wherein the first substrate is comprises a plurality of first sub-substrates arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the second substrate comprises of a plurality of second sub-substrates arranged in parallel and spaced apart, each of the plurality of first sub-substrates has a first extending direction, and each of the plurality of second sub-substrates has a second extending direction perpendicular to the first extending direction. | 3,600 |
349,866 | 350,740 | 16,854,546 | 3,694 | An autonomous driving control apparatus installable in a vehicle includes a path determining section, an obstacle determining section that determines whether an obstacle on the planned driving path is a passage acceptable obstacle or a passage unacceptable obstacle, the passage acceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is allowed to come into contact with while passing, the passage unacceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is not allowed to come into contact with while passing, and a control instructing section that gives an instruction of control to a maneuver controller to perform at least one of controlling a speed of the vehicle and controlling a steering of the vehicle to control a maneuver of the vehicle. If the obstacle is determined to be the passage acceptable obstacle, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to pass over the obstacle. | 1. An autonomous driving control apparatus installable in a vehicle, comprising:
a path determining section that determines a planned driving path of the vehicle; an obstacle determining section that determines whether an obstacle on the planned driving path is a passage acceptable obstacle or a passage unacceptable obstacle, the passage acceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is allowed to come into contact with while passing, the passage unacceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is not allowed to come into contact with while passing; a traffic condition determining section that determines a traffic condition surrounding the vehicle, the traffic condition including:
whether an oncoming vehicle is traveling on an oncoming lane that is opposite to a lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling; and
whether there is enough space for steering the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the lane of the planned driving path; and
a control instruction section that gives an instruction of control to a maneuver controller to perform at least one of controlling a speed of the vehicle and controlling a steering of the vehicle to thereby pass over the obstacle upon: the obstacle on the planned driving path being a passage acceptable obstacle the traffic condition satisfying, as a predetermined condition, both
a first condition that an oncoming vehicle is traveling on the oncoming lane, and
a second condition that is no enough space. 2. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a trajectory determining section that determines a trajectory of a preceding vehicle of the vehicle, wherein
the predetermined condition includes that the determined trajectory is a trajectory that has passed the obstacle on the planned driving path. 3. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that there is enough space, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to steer the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the planned driving path. 4. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that an oncoming vehicle is not travelling on the oncoming lane, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to steer the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the planned driving path 5. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the traffic condition determining section further determines whether a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling, and the predetermined condition includes that a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling. 6. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the traffic condition determining section further determines whether a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling, when it is determined that an oncoming vehicle is travelling on the oncoming lane and a following vehicle is not traveling on the lane of the planned driving path, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to stop the vehicle, after the vehicle is stopped, the traffic condition determining section determines whether an oncoming vehicle is travelling on the oncoming lane and a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path, when it is determined that an oncoming vehicle is not travelling on the oncoming lane, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to steer the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the planned driving path, and the predetermined condition includes that an oncoming vehicle is travelling on the oncoming lane and a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path. 7. An autonomous driving control method for a vehicle, comprising:
determining a planned driving path of the vehicle; determining whether an obstacle on the planned driving path is a passage acceptable obstacle or a passage unacceptable obstacle, the passage acceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is allowed to come into contact with while passing, the passage unacceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is not allowed to come into contact with while passing; determining a traffic condition surrounding the vehicle, the traffic condition including:
whether an oncoming vehicle is traveling on an oncoming lane that is opposite to a lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling; and
whether there is enough space for steering the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the lane of the planned driving path; and
instructing a maneuver control apparatus to perform at least one of controlling a speed of the vehicle and controlling a steering of the vehicle to thereby pass over the obstacle upon:
the obstacle on the planned driving path being a passage acceptable obstacle
the traffic condition satisfying, as a predetermined condition, both
a first condition that an oncoming vehicle is traveling on the oncoming lane, and
a second condition that is no enough space. | An autonomous driving control apparatus installable in a vehicle includes a path determining section, an obstacle determining section that determines whether an obstacle on the planned driving path is a passage acceptable obstacle or a passage unacceptable obstacle, the passage acceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is allowed to come into contact with while passing, the passage unacceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is not allowed to come into contact with while passing, and a control instructing section that gives an instruction of control to a maneuver controller to perform at least one of controlling a speed of the vehicle and controlling a steering of the vehicle to control a maneuver of the vehicle. If the obstacle is determined to be the passage acceptable obstacle, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to pass over the obstacle.1. An autonomous driving control apparatus installable in a vehicle, comprising:
a path determining section that determines a planned driving path of the vehicle; an obstacle determining section that determines whether an obstacle on the planned driving path is a passage acceptable obstacle or a passage unacceptable obstacle, the passage acceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is allowed to come into contact with while passing, the passage unacceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is not allowed to come into contact with while passing; a traffic condition determining section that determines a traffic condition surrounding the vehicle, the traffic condition including:
whether an oncoming vehicle is traveling on an oncoming lane that is opposite to a lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling; and
whether there is enough space for steering the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the lane of the planned driving path; and
a control instruction section that gives an instruction of control to a maneuver controller to perform at least one of controlling a speed of the vehicle and controlling a steering of the vehicle to thereby pass over the obstacle upon: the obstacle on the planned driving path being a passage acceptable obstacle the traffic condition satisfying, as a predetermined condition, both
a first condition that an oncoming vehicle is traveling on the oncoming lane, and
a second condition that is no enough space. 2. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a trajectory determining section that determines a trajectory of a preceding vehicle of the vehicle, wherein
the predetermined condition includes that the determined trajectory is a trajectory that has passed the obstacle on the planned driving path. 3. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that there is enough space, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to steer the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the planned driving path. 4. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that an oncoming vehicle is not travelling on the oncoming lane, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to steer the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the planned driving path 5. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the traffic condition determining section further determines whether a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling, and the predetermined condition includes that a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling. 6. The autonomous driving control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the traffic condition determining section further determines whether a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling, when it is determined that an oncoming vehicle is travelling on the oncoming lane and a following vehicle is not traveling on the lane of the planned driving path, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to stop the vehicle, after the vehicle is stopped, the traffic condition determining section determines whether an oncoming vehicle is travelling on the oncoming lane and a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path, when it is determined that an oncoming vehicle is not travelling on the oncoming lane, the control instructing section gives an instruction of the control to steer the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the planned driving path, and the predetermined condition includes that an oncoming vehicle is travelling on the oncoming lane and a following vehicle is traveling on the lane of the planned driving path. 7. An autonomous driving control method for a vehicle, comprising:
determining a planned driving path of the vehicle; determining whether an obstacle on the planned driving path is a passage acceptable obstacle or a passage unacceptable obstacle, the passage acceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is allowed to come into contact with while passing, the passage unacceptable obstacle being previously set as an obstacle that the vehicle is not allowed to come into contact with while passing; determining a traffic condition surrounding the vehicle, the traffic condition including:
whether an oncoming vehicle is traveling on an oncoming lane that is opposite to a lane of the planned driving path on which the vehicle is traveling; and
whether there is enough space for steering the vehicle to thereby avoid the obstacle on the lane of the planned driving path; and
instructing a maneuver control apparatus to perform at least one of controlling a speed of the vehicle and controlling a steering of the vehicle to thereby pass over the obstacle upon:
the obstacle on the planned driving path being a passage acceptable obstacle
the traffic condition satisfying, as a predetermined condition, both
a first condition that an oncoming vehicle is traveling on the oncoming lane, and
a second condition that is no enough space. | 3,600 |
349,867 | 350,741 | 16,854,583 | 2,612 | An artificial potential field path planning method and an apparatus based on obstacle classification solve the problem of path and motion uncertainty in steering a flexible needle in soft tissue. The apparatus includes an image sensing system, a control module, an execution system and an upper PC. Using the apparatus, the method includes: the image sensing system obtains real-time images of the puncture environment, identifies a target and obstacles from the real-time images, classifies the obstacles, and calculates total potential energy of points in the current environment based on artificial potential field. With a curvature constraint and an optimization index for the flexible needle, the path planning module carries out static path planning to obtain an initial path and the needle entry point, then conducts dynamic path planning to determine the path for steering the flexible needle in the soft tissue accordingly. | 1. An apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue using artificial potential field path planning strategy based on obstacle classification, the apparatus comprising an image sensing system, a control module, an execution system and an upper computer, wherein
the image sensing system includes a sensor and an image processing module, the control module includes a path planning module and a tracking control module, the execution system includes an actuator driver and a plurality of actuators; the sensor is disposed for acquiring in real time a current position of the flexible needle and images of a puncture environment in the soft tissue, and transmitting the current position and the images to the image processing module; the image processing module is disposed for identifying from the images a target point and obstacles in the puncture environment, obtaining classification factors of the obstacles according to a pre-stored classification parameter database, and calculating total potential energy at certain points in the puncture environment; the path planning module is disposed for conducting static path planning and dynamic path planning with a curvature constraint and an optimization index and based on the total potential energy, wherein the static path planning is conducted to obtain a static path, starting from the target point and ending at a needle entry point at an outer boundary of the soft tissue; the dynamic path planning is conducted to determine a dynamic path including a plurality of path points, starting from the needle entry point and ending at the target point, using the images obtained in real time by the image sensing system; the tracking control module is disposed for transmitting a control instruction to the actuator driver at each of the path points determined for the dynamic path; and the actuator driver is disposed for following the control instruction to drive the plurality of actuators to steer the flexible needle in the soft tissue. 2. The apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image processing module obtains the total potential energy of each point in the puncture environment as follows:
for each point at position X, the total potential energy at time t, expressed as U(X,t), is: 3. The apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein for the static path planning conducted by the path planning module the curvature constraint is:
K(s)<K m, where K(s) is a deformation curvature of the flexible needle with respect to path length s, Km is the maximum deformation curvature; and the optimization index (J) is obtained according to:
J=J 1 +J 2 +J 3,
where Km is the maximum deformation curvature, J1 is a curvature optimization index, J2 is a curvature change rate optimization index, and J3 is a path length optimization index. 4. The apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators includes a rotating motor for controlling rotating motion of the flexible needle and a linear feeding motor for controlling linear motion of the flexible needle. 5. The apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein the puncture environment is divided and arranged in a lattice of image nodes based on requirements of puncture accuracy, each of the image nodes corresponding to a point in the puncture environment, and only such a finite number of points are considered for the path planning and total potential energy calculation. 6. An artificial potential field path planning method based on obstacle classification for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue, the method comprising:
providing an apparatus comprising an image sensing system, a control module, an execution system and an upper computer, wherein the image sensing system comprises a sensor and an image processing module, the control module comprises a path planning module and a tracking control module, and the execution system comprises an actuator driver and a plurality of actuators; and performing the following steps with the apparatus: Step 1: the sensor obtaining images of a puncture environment in the soft tissue for the flexible needle; Step 2: the image processing module identifying a target point and obstacles in the puncture environment from the images obtained by the sensor, obtaining classification factors of the obstacles according to a pre-stored classification parameter database, and calculating a total potential energy for each point in the puncture environment; Step 3: the path planning module conducting an inverse static path planning with a curvature constraint and an optimization index and based on the total potential energy of the points, to obtain a static path including a plurality of path points starting from the target point and ending at a needle entry point at an outer boundary of the soft tissue; Step 4: the path planning module conducting a dynamic path planning to determine a dynamic path including a plurality of path points, starting from the needle entry point and ending at the target point, wherein, as the tracking control module steers the flexible needle forward according to the dynamic path, the image sensing system obtains real-time images at each current path point and identifying obstacles from the real-time images for the path planning module to determine the next path point of the dynamic path until the target point is reached; Step 5: the tracking control module transmitting a control instruction to the actuator driver according to the next path point of the dynamic path, and the actuator driver following the control instruction to drive the plurality of actuators to steer the flexible needle to the next path point. 7. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the image processing module obtains the total potential energy of each point in the puncture environment in Step 2 as follows:
for each point at position X, the total potential energy at time t, expressed as U(X,t), is: 8. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 6, wherein for the static path planning conducted by the path planning module in Step 3 the curvature constraint is:
K(s)<K m, where K(s) is a deformation curvature of the flexible needle with respect to path length s, Km is the maximum deformation curvature; and the optimization index J is obtained according to:
J=J 1 +J 2 +J 3,
where J1 is a curvature optimization index, J2 is a curvature change rate optimization index, and J3 is a path length optimization index. 9. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 7, wherein katt(r)=εr, and knp,i(r)=ηr, where ε is a scale factor of gravitational force, η is a scale factor of repulsive force. 10. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inverse static path planning in Step 3 comprises the following steps:
Step 3.1: set the target point as the first path point P(0) of a path, and set index i=0; Step 3.2: find a point X with the lowest total potential energy among all points surrounding P(i) and set the next path point P(i+1) of the path to X, record the total potential energy of P(i+1), then increase the index i by 1 and set n=i; Step 3.3: connect the path points of the path obtained thus far: P(0), P(1) . . . P(n), calculate the path length s and K(s), and if K(s)<Km, go to Step 3.6, otherwise, go to step 3.4; Step 3.4: decrease the index i by 1; Step 3.5: find a point X with a next larger total potential energy among the n points surrounding P(i) and set P(i+1) to X, then increase the index i by 1 and set n=i; go to Step 3.3; Step 3.6: if P(i) reaches an outer boundary of the soft tissue, return P(n) as the needle entry point and return the path obtained thus far as the static path; otherwise, go to step 3.2; Step 3.7: if more than one static path is generated from the steps above, return the path with the smallest value of the optimization index J as the static path. 11. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 6, wherein Step 4 comprises:
(a) initializing the first path point and the current path point of the dynamic path to the needle entry point, and initializing a reference path to the static path obtained in Step 3; (b) the tracking control module steers the flexible needle to the current path point, the sensor obtaining real-time images of the puncture environment; the image processing module identifying obstacles in the puncture environment from the real-time images; (c) identifying a reference obstacle that is closest to the current path point among the obstacles, and determining whether a line section connecting the current path point and the next path point of the reference path has an overlap with any of the obstacles; (d) if any overlap is determined in step (c), then conducting a static path planning starting from the current path point to the target point to yield an updated static path and setting the next path point of the dynamic path to the path point of the static path following the current path point; then updating the current path point and setting the updated static path as the reference path; (e) if no overlap is determined in step (c), then measuring a distance in the y direction, at the same x-coordinate as the next path point of the reference path, by which the reference obstacle has shifted since the reference obstacle was previously identified, and setting the next path point of the dynamic path to a point that is the next path point of the reference path with its y-coordinate adjusted by the distance; then updating the current path point; (f) if the current path point of the dynamic path is not the target point, repeating steps (b) to (e); otherwise ending Step 4. 12. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the puncture environment in is divided and arranged in a lattice of image nodes based on requirements of puncture accuracy, each of the image nodes corresponding to a point in the puncture environment, and only such a finite number of points are considered for the path planning and the total potential energy calculation. | An artificial potential field path planning method and an apparatus based on obstacle classification solve the problem of path and motion uncertainty in steering a flexible needle in soft tissue. The apparatus includes an image sensing system, a control module, an execution system and an upper PC. Using the apparatus, the method includes: the image sensing system obtains real-time images of the puncture environment, identifies a target and obstacles from the real-time images, classifies the obstacles, and calculates total potential energy of points in the current environment based on artificial potential field. With a curvature constraint and an optimization index for the flexible needle, the path planning module carries out static path planning to obtain an initial path and the needle entry point, then conducts dynamic path planning to determine the path for steering the flexible needle in the soft tissue accordingly.1. An apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue using artificial potential field path planning strategy based on obstacle classification, the apparatus comprising an image sensing system, a control module, an execution system and an upper computer, wherein
the image sensing system includes a sensor and an image processing module, the control module includes a path planning module and a tracking control module, the execution system includes an actuator driver and a plurality of actuators; the sensor is disposed for acquiring in real time a current position of the flexible needle and images of a puncture environment in the soft tissue, and transmitting the current position and the images to the image processing module; the image processing module is disposed for identifying from the images a target point and obstacles in the puncture environment, obtaining classification factors of the obstacles according to a pre-stored classification parameter database, and calculating total potential energy at certain points in the puncture environment; the path planning module is disposed for conducting static path planning and dynamic path planning with a curvature constraint and an optimization index and based on the total potential energy, wherein the static path planning is conducted to obtain a static path, starting from the target point and ending at a needle entry point at an outer boundary of the soft tissue; the dynamic path planning is conducted to determine a dynamic path including a plurality of path points, starting from the needle entry point and ending at the target point, using the images obtained in real time by the image sensing system; the tracking control module is disposed for transmitting a control instruction to the actuator driver at each of the path points determined for the dynamic path; and the actuator driver is disposed for following the control instruction to drive the plurality of actuators to steer the flexible needle in the soft tissue. 2. The apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image processing module obtains the total potential energy of each point in the puncture environment as follows:
for each point at position X, the total potential energy at time t, expressed as U(X,t), is: 3. The apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein for the static path planning conducted by the path planning module the curvature constraint is:
K(s)<K m, where K(s) is a deformation curvature of the flexible needle with respect to path length s, Km is the maximum deformation curvature; and the optimization index (J) is obtained according to:
J=J 1 +J 2 +J 3,
where Km is the maximum deformation curvature, J1 is a curvature optimization index, J2 is a curvature change rate optimization index, and J3 is a path length optimization index. 4. The apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators includes a rotating motor for controlling rotating motion of the flexible needle and a linear feeding motor for controlling linear motion of the flexible needle. 5. The apparatus for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue as claimed in claim 1, wherein the puncture environment is divided and arranged in a lattice of image nodes based on requirements of puncture accuracy, each of the image nodes corresponding to a point in the puncture environment, and only such a finite number of points are considered for the path planning and total potential energy calculation. 6. An artificial potential field path planning method based on obstacle classification for steering a flexible needle in soft tissue, the method comprising:
providing an apparatus comprising an image sensing system, a control module, an execution system and an upper computer, wherein the image sensing system comprises a sensor and an image processing module, the control module comprises a path planning module and a tracking control module, and the execution system comprises an actuator driver and a plurality of actuators; and performing the following steps with the apparatus: Step 1: the sensor obtaining images of a puncture environment in the soft tissue for the flexible needle; Step 2: the image processing module identifying a target point and obstacles in the puncture environment from the images obtained by the sensor, obtaining classification factors of the obstacles according to a pre-stored classification parameter database, and calculating a total potential energy for each point in the puncture environment; Step 3: the path planning module conducting an inverse static path planning with a curvature constraint and an optimization index and based on the total potential energy of the points, to obtain a static path including a plurality of path points starting from the target point and ending at a needle entry point at an outer boundary of the soft tissue; Step 4: the path planning module conducting a dynamic path planning to determine a dynamic path including a plurality of path points, starting from the needle entry point and ending at the target point, wherein, as the tracking control module steers the flexible needle forward according to the dynamic path, the image sensing system obtains real-time images at each current path point and identifying obstacles from the real-time images for the path planning module to determine the next path point of the dynamic path until the target point is reached; Step 5: the tracking control module transmitting a control instruction to the actuator driver according to the next path point of the dynamic path, and the actuator driver following the control instruction to drive the plurality of actuators to steer the flexible needle to the next path point. 7. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the image processing module obtains the total potential energy of each point in the puncture environment in Step 2 as follows:
for each point at position X, the total potential energy at time t, expressed as U(X,t), is: 8. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 6, wherein for the static path planning conducted by the path planning module in Step 3 the curvature constraint is:
K(s)<K m, where K(s) is a deformation curvature of the flexible needle with respect to path length s, Km is the maximum deformation curvature; and the optimization index J is obtained according to:
J=J 1 +J 2 +J 3,
where J1 is a curvature optimization index, J2 is a curvature change rate optimization index, and J3 is a path length optimization index. 9. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 7, wherein katt(r)=εr, and knp,i(r)=ηr, where ε is a scale factor of gravitational force, η is a scale factor of repulsive force. 10. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inverse static path planning in Step 3 comprises the following steps:
Step 3.1: set the target point as the first path point P(0) of a path, and set index i=0; Step 3.2: find a point X with the lowest total potential energy among all points surrounding P(i) and set the next path point P(i+1) of the path to X, record the total potential energy of P(i+1), then increase the index i by 1 and set n=i; Step 3.3: connect the path points of the path obtained thus far: P(0), P(1) . . . P(n), calculate the path length s and K(s), and if K(s)<Km, go to Step 3.6, otherwise, go to step 3.4; Step 3.4: decrease the index i by 1; Step 3.5: find a point X with a next larger total potential energy among the n points surrounding P(i) and set P(i+1) to X, then increase the index i by 1 and set n=i; go to Step 3.3; Step 3.6: if P(i) reaches an outer boundary of the soft tissue, return P(n) as the needle entry point and return the path obtained thus far as the static path; otherwise, go to step 3.2; Step 3.7: if more than one static path is generated from the steps above, return the path with the smallest value of the optimization index J as the static path. 11. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 6, wherein Step 4 comprises:
(a) initializing the first path point and the current path point of the dynamic path to the needle entry point, and initializing a reference path to the static path obtained in Step 3; (b) the tracking control module steers the flexible needle to the current path point, the sensor obtaining real-time images of the puncture environment; the image processing module identifying obstacles in the puncture environment from the real-time images; (c) identifying a reference obstacle that is closest to the current path point among the obstacles, and determining whether a line section connecting the current path point and the next path point of the reference path has an overlap with any of the obstacles; (d) if any overlap is determined in step (c), then conducting a static path planning starting from the current path point to the target point to yield an updated static path and setting the next path point of the dynamic path to the path point of the static path following the current path point; then updating the current path point and setting the updated static path as the reference path; (e) if no overlap is determined in step (c), then measuring a distance in the y direction, at the same x-coordinate as the next path point of the reference path, by which the reference obstacle has shifted since the reference obstacle was previously identified, and setting the next path point of the dynamic path to a point that is the next path point of the reference path with its y-coordinate adjusted by the distance; then updating the current path point; (f) if the current path point of the dynamic path is not the target point, repeating steps (b) to (e); otherwise ending Step 4. 12. The artificial potential field path planning method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the puncture environment in is divided and arranged in a lattice of image nodes based on requirements of puncture accuracy, each of the image nodes corresponding to a point in the puncture environment, and only such a finite number of points are considered for the path planning and the total potential energy calculation. | 2,600 |
349,868 | 350,742 | 16,854,527 | 2,612 | Provided herein are small molecules that bind to ASH1L and inhibit ASH1L activity, and methods of use thereof for the treatment of disease, including acute leukemia, solid cancers and other diseases dependent on activity of ASH1L. | 1. A compound comprising the structure of: 2. A compound comprising the structure of: 3. The compound of one of claims 1-2, selected from Compounds 21-150. 4. The compound of one of claims 1-2, wherein R1, R2-5, R6, R7, and X, are selected from the R1, R2-5, R6, R7, and X, groups of compounds 21-85, in any combination. 5. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of any one of the preceding claims and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral administration. 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for injection. 8. A method of inhibiting ASH1 L, comprising contacting ASH1L with an effective amount of a compound of one of claims 1-4 or a pharmaceutical composition of one of claims 5-7. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein ASH1L activity is inhibited by binding of the compound or pharmaceutical composition to ASH1L. 10. A method of treating a disease, comprising administering to a subject pharmaceutical composition of one of claims 5-7 in an amount effective to inhibit the activity of ASH1 L. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the disease is cancer. 12. The methods of claim 11, wherein the disease or condition comprises leukemia. hematologic malignancy, solid tumor cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer or thyroid cancer. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the disease or conditions comprises AML, ALL, Mixed Lineage Leukemia or a leukemia with Partial Tandem Duplication of MLL. 14. A method of treating a disorder mediated by chromosomal rearrangement on chromosome 11q23 in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of any one claims 5-7. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is co-administered with an additional therapeutic. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the subject is a human. 17. Use of a composition of a compound of one of claims 1-4 or a pharmaceutical composition of one of claims 5-7 for the treatment of a disease. | Provided herein are small molecules that bind to ASH1L and inhibit ASH1L activity, and methods of use thereof for the treatment of disease, including acute leukemia, solid cancers and other diseases dependent on activity of ASH1L.1. A compound comprising the structure of: 2. A compound comprising the structure of: 3. The compound of one of claims 1-2, selected from Compounds 21-150. 4. The compound of one of claims 1-2, wherein R1, R2-5, R6, R7, and X, are selected from the R1, R2-5, R6, R7, and X, groups of compounds 21-85, in any combination. 5. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of any one of the preceding claims and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral administration. 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for injection. 8. A method of inhibiting ASH1 L, comprising contacting ASH1L with an effective amount of a compound of one of claims 1-4 or a pharmaceutical composition of one of claims 5-7. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein ASH1L activity is inhibited by binding of the compound or pharmaceutical composition to ASH1L. 10. A method of treating a disease, comprising administering to a subject pharmaceutical composition of one of claims 5-7 in an amount effective to inhibit the activity of ASH1 L. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the disease is cancer. 12. The methods of claim 11, wherein the disease or condition comprises leukemia. hematologic malignancy, solid tumor cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer or thyroid cancer. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the disease or conditions comprises AML, ALL, Mixed Lineage Leukemia or a leukemia with Partial Tandem Duplication of MLL. 14. A method of treating a disorder mediated by chromosomal rearrangement on chromosome 11q23 in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of any one claims 5-7. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is co-administered with an additional therapeutic. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the subject is a human. 17. Use of a composition of a compound of one of claims 1-4 or a pharmaceutical composition of one of claims 5-7 for the treatment of a disease. | 2,600 |
349,869 | 350,743 | 16,854,542 | 2,612 | A vehicular wheel assembly defines an axis of rotation and includes a wheel having an inner hub, an outer rim, and a plurality of hollow spokes. The outer rim defines an outer circumference. Each hollow spoke of the plurality of hollow spokes extends between the inner hub and the outer rim and includes a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber. The outer rim defines a plurality of openings that are each in fluid communication with one of the hollow chambers and each of the openings includes a tuning member. | 1. A vehicular wheel assembly defining an axis of rotation, the wheel comprising:
an inner hub; an outer rim defining an outer circumference and an opening; a tire defining an air cavity with the outer rim; a spoke extending between the inner hub and the outer rim, the spoke comprises a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber that extends to the opening; and a tuning member that obstructs the opening and at least partially defines a through hole that has a smaller cross sectional area than the opening, the hollow chamber of the spoke is in fluid communication with the air cavity via the through hole, wherein the tuning member and the hollow chamber at least partially define a Helmholtz resonator. 2. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the rim comprises an outboard flange including a bead seat, a drop well positioned inboard of the outboard flange, and a wall positioned inboard of the bead seat that extends from the bead seat to the drop well, and wherein the opening of the outer rim is at least partially defined by the wall. 3. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 2, wherein the tuning member includes a body that includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the body defines the through hole, and a portion of the inner surface of the body engages the wall to at least partially form a sealed perimeter around the opening. 4. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 3, wherein the tuning member includes a cylindrical member extending from the inner surface of the body and into the hollow chamber, and the through hole extends through the cylindrical member and the body. 5. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 4, wherein the tuning member includes a base extending inboardly away from the body, the base includes an inner surface, and the inner surface of the body engages the wall and the inner surface of the base engages a portion of the drop well that extends inboardly away from the wall to form the sealed perimeter around the opening. 6. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 5, wherein the outboard flange includes an inner wall that partially defines the hollow chamber, the tuning member comprises a clip including a fixed leg that extends from the inner surface of the body, and a flexible leg that extends from the inner surface of the body and engages one of the walls defining the hollow chamber to bias the fixed wall against the inner wall of the outboard flange. 7. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 6, wherein the outboard flange includes an inner wall that partially defines the hollow chamber, the tuning member includes a body that includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the body defines the through hole, the body includes a locating feature that extends from the inner surface, and the body includes a flexible member extending from the inner surface that engages a wall of the hollow chamber to bias the locating feature against the inner wall of the outboard flange. 8. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the inner hub, the outer rim, and the plurality of hollow spokes are comprised of a metal material as an as-cast one-piece construction, and the outer flange is solid. 9. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer circumference of the outer rim comprises a plurality of openings;
a plurality of spokes, each of said spokes having a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber, wherein the wall of at least two of the plurality of spokes converge so that the hollow chamber of the at least two spokes are in fluid communication near an inner hub of the wheel. 10. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the opening defines a first diameter;
the through hole defines a second diameter; and the ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter is about 1:10 to 1:2. 11. A tuning member for use in a vehicular wheel assembly comprising:
a body having an inner surface, and outer surface, a first edge and a second edge opposite the second edge; a first flange portion extending from the inner surface along the first edge of the body; a second flange portion extending from the second edge at an obtuse angle in relation to the first flange portion; at least one first tab portion extending from the first edge in a direction opposite the first flange portion; at least one second tab portion extending substantially parallel to said first tab portion; and at least one through hole portion in the body, the through hole portion having an axis substantially parallel to said first and second tab portions. 12. The tuning member of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second tab portions have a locking feature protruding from a surface of said tab portion. 13. The tuning member of claim 12, wherein a distance between the first and second tabs defines a first diameter; each of the at least one through hole portions defines a second diameter; and the ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter is about 1:10 to 1:2. 14. The tuning member of claim 11, wherein the through hole comprises a plurality of holes. 15. The tuning member of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first tab portion and the second tab portion comprises a plurality of tabs. 16. The tuning member of claim 11, wherein the first tab portion comprises a plurality of tabs and the second tab portion is a single tab. 17. A vehicular wheel assembly defining an axis of rotation, the vehicular wheel assembly a wheel, the wheel comprising:
an inner hub; an outer rim defining an outer circumference; and a plurality of hollow spokes, each hollow spoke of the plurality of hollow spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim; wherein: each hollow spoke comprises a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber; the outer rim defines a plurality of openings; and each of the inner hub, the outer rim, and the plurality of hollow spokes are comprised of a metal material as a one-piece construction; a plurality of tuning members, each tuning member of the plurality of tuning members comprising:
a body that defines at least one through hole; wherein each tuning member is coupled with the outer rim at one of the openings such that each of the at least one through holes of each tuning member is in fluid communication with one of the hollow chambers by way of one of the openings. 18. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the inner hub, the outer rim, and the plurality of hollow spokes are comprised of a first material and each tuning member is comprised of a second material that is different from the first material. | A vehicular wheel assembly defines an axis of rotation and includes a wheel having an inner hub, an outer rim, and a plurality of hollow spokes. The outer rim defines an outer circumference. Each hollow spoke of the plurality of hollow spokes extends between the inner hub and the outer rim and includes a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber. The outer rim defines a plurality of openings that are each in fluid communication with one of the hollow chambers and each of the openings includes a tuning member.1. A vehicular wheel assembly defining an axis of rotation, the wheel comprising:
an inner hub; an outer rim defining an outer circumference and an opening; a tire defining an air cavity with the outer rim; a spoke extending between the inner hub and the outer rim, the spoke comprises a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber that extends to the opening; and a tuning member that obstructs the opening and at least partially defines a through hole that has a smaller cross sectional area than the opening, the hollow chamber of the spoke is in fluid communication with the air cavity via the through hole, wherein the tuning member and the hollow chamber at least partially define a Helmholtz resonator. 2. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the rim comprises an outboard flange including a bead seat, a drop well positioned inboard of the outboard flange, and a wall positioned inboard of the bead seat that extends from the bead seat to the drop well, and wherein the opening of the outer rim is at least partially defined by the wall. 3. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 2, wherein the tuning member includes a body that includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the body defines the through hole, and a portion of the inner surface of the body engages the wall to at least partially form a sealed perimeter around the opening. 4. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 3, wherein the tuning member includes a cylindrical member extending from the inner surface of the body and into the hollow chamber, and the through hole extends through the cylindrical member and the body. 5. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 4, wherein the tuning member includes a base extending inboardly away from the body, the base includes an inner surface, and the inner surface of the body engages the wall and the inner surface of the base engages a portion of the drop well that extends inboardly away from the wall to form the sealed perimeter around the opening. 6. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 5, wherein the outboard flange includes an inner wall that partially defines the hollow chamber, the tuning member comprises a clip including a fixed leg that extends from the inner surface of the body, and a flexible leg that extends from the inner surface of the body and engages one of the walls defining the hollow chamber to bias the fixed wall against the inner wall of the outboard flange. 7. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 6, wherein the outboard flange includes an inner wall that partially defines the hollow chamber, the tuning member includes a body that includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the body defines the through hole, the body includes a locating feature that extends from the inner surface, and the body includes a flexible member extending from the inner surface that engages a wall of the hollow chamber to bias the locating feature against the inner wall of the outboard flange. 8. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the inner hub, the outer rim, and the plurality of hollow spokes are comprised of a metal material as an as-cast one-piece construction, and the outer flange is solid. 9. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer circumference of the outer rim comprises a plurality of openings;
a plurality of spokes, each of said spokes having a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber, wherein the wall of at least two of the plurality of spokes converge so that the hollow chamber of the at least two spokes are in fluid communication near an inner hub of the wheel. 10. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein the opening defines a first diameter;
the through hole defines a second diameter; and the ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter is about 1:10 to 1:2. 11. A tuning member for use in a vehicular wheel assembly comprising:
a body having an inner surface, and outer surface, a first edge and a second edge opposite the second edge; a first flange portion extending from the inner surface along the first edge of the body; a second flange portion extending from the second edge at an obtuse angle in relation to the first flange portion; at least one first tab portion extending from the first edge in a direction opposite the first flange portion; at least one second tab portion extending substantially parallel to said first tab portion; and at least one through hole portion in the body, the through hole portion having an axis substantially parallel to said first and second tab portions. 12. The tuning member of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second tab portions have a locking feature protruding from a surface of said tab portion. 13. The tuning member of claim 12, wherein a distance between the first and second tabs defines a first diameter; each of the at least one through hole portions defines a second diameter; and the ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter is about 1:10 to 1:2. 14. The tuning member of claim 11, wherein the through hole comprises a plurality of holes. 15. The tuning member of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first tab portion and the second tab portion comprises a plurality of tabs. 16. The tuning member of claim 11, wherein the first tab portion comprises a plurality of tabs and the second tab portion is a single tab. 17. A vehicular wheel assembly defining an axis of rotation, the vehicular wheel assembly a wheel, the wheel comprising:
an inner hub; an outer rim defining an outer circumference; and a plurality of hollow spokes, each hollow spoke of the plurality of hollow spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim; wherein: each hollow spoke comprises a wall that at least partially defines a hollow chamber; the outer rim defines a plurality of openings; and each of the inner hub, the outer rim, and the plurality of hollow spokes are comprised of a metal material as a one-piece construction; a plurality of tuning members, each tuning member of the plurality of tuning members comprising:
a body that defines at least one through hole; wherein each tuning member is coupled with the outer rim at one of the openings such that each of the at least one through holes of each tuning member is in fluid communication with one of the hollow chambers by way of one of the openings. 18. The vehicular wheel assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the inner hub, the outer rim, and the plurality of hollow spokes are comprised of a first material and each tuning member is comprised of a second material that is different from the first material. | 2,600 |
349,870 | 350,744 | 16,854,551 | 2,612 | An engineered payload-delivery system includes a target cell binding unit, covalently bound to a pore forming unit, and a payload portion adapted with a region capable of non-covalently binding to the pore forming unit. The pore forming unit is derived from a particular sub-serotype of Clostridium toxin, while the payload region is derived from a different sub-serotype of Clostridium toxin. The disclosed chimeric protein-based composition is capable of specifically delivering payload to neural cells. | 1. A polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having a sequence at least 90% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 2. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence at least 95% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 3. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence at least 99% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 4. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 5. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence at least 90% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 4. 6. A host cell comprising the polynucleotide of claim 1. 7. The host cell of claim 6, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 8. The host cell of claim 6, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence at least 90% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 4. 9. The host cell of claim 6, wherein host cell is a bacterium or a virus. 10. The host cell of claim 6, wherein the host cell is used to produce the polypeptide encoded by said polynucleotide in vitro. 11. The host cell of claim 8, wherein the host cell is introduced into a subject for delivery of an agent to a target cell. 12. The host cell of claim 11, wherein the agent comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a therapeutic agent, a diagnostic agent, and combinations thereof. 13. The host cell of claim 8, wherein the polypeptide produced by the host cell is introduced into a subject for delivery of an agent to a target cell. 14. The host cell of claim 13, wherein the agent comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a therapeutic agent, a diagnostic agent, and combinations thereof. 15. The host cell of claim 13, wherein the target cell is a neuronal cell. 16. The host cell of claim 15, wherein the target cell is a member selected from the group consisting of a cell of a brain tumor, a cell of a neuroblastoma, and a cell of a retinoblastoma, peripheral neuron; motor neuron, sensory neuron, and combination thereof. 17. A method of delivering an agent to a target cell, comprising administering a composition comprising the polynucleotide of claim 1 to a subject, wherein the subject comprises the target cell. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the target cell is a member selected from the group consisting of a cell of a brain tumor, a cell of a neuroblastoma, and a cell of a retinoblastoma, peripheral neuron; motor neuron, sensory neuron, and combination thereof. 19. A method of delivering an agent to a target cell, comprising administering the host cell of claim 6 to a subject, wherein the subject comprises the target cell. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the target cell is a member selected from the group consisting of a cell of a brain tumor, a cell of a neuroblastoma, and a cell of a retinoblastoma, peripheral neuron; motor neuron, sensory neuron, and combination thereof. | An engineered payload-delivery system includes a target cell binding unit, covalently bound to a pore forming unit, and a payload portion adapted with a region capable of non-covalently binding to the pore forming unit. The pore forming unit is derived from a particular sub-serotype of Clostridium toxin, while the payload region is derived from a different sub-serotype of Clostridium toxin. The disclosed chimeric protein-based composition is capable of specifically delivering payload to neural cells.1. A polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having a sequence at least 90% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 2. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence at least 95% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 3. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence at least 99% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 4. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 5. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence at least 90% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 4. 6. A host cell comprising the polynucleotide of claim 1. 7. The host cell of claim 6, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. 8. The host cell of claim 6, wherein the encoded polypeptide has a sequence at least 90% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 4. 9. The host cell of claim 6, wherein host cell is a bacterium or a virus. 10. The host cell of claim 6, wherein the host cell is used to produce the polypeptide encoded by said polynucleotide in vitro. 11. The host cell of claim 8, wherein the host cell is introduced into a subject for delivery of an agent to a target cell. 12. The host cell of claim 11, wherein the agent comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a therapeutic agent, a diagnostic agent, and combinations thereof. 13. The host cell of claim 8, wherein the polypeptide produced by the host cell is introduced into a subject for delivery of an agent to a target cell. 14. The host cell of claim 13, wherein the agent comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a therapeutic agent, a diagnostic agent, and combinations thereof. 15. The host cell of claim 13, wherein the target cell is a neuronal cell. 16. The host cell of claim 15, wherein the target cell is a member selected from the group consisting of a cell of a brain tumor, a cell of a neuroblastoma, and a cell of a retinoblastoma, peripheral neuron; motor neuron, sensory neuron, and combination thereof. 17. A method of delivering an agent to a target cell, comprising administering a composition comprising the polynucleotide of claim 1 to a subject, wherein the subject comprises the target cell. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the target cell is a member selected from the group consisting of a cell of a brain tumor, a cell of a neuroblastoma, and a cell of a retinoblastoma, peripheral neuron; motor neuron, sensory neuron, and combination thereof. 19. A method of delivering an agent to a target cell, comprising administering the host cell of claim 6 to a subject, wherein the subject comprises the target cell. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the target cell is a member selected from the group consisting of a cell of a brain tumor, a cell of a neuroblastoma, and a cell of a retinoblastoma, peripheral neuron; motor neuron, sensory neuron, and combination thereof. | 2,600 |
349,871 | 350,745 | 16,854,557 | 2,612 | A magnetic particle imaging device is provided. The device includes a magnetic field source configured to produce a magnetic field having a non-saturating magnetic field region, an excitation signal source configured to produce an excitation signal in the non-saturating magnetic field region that produces a detectable signal from magnetic particles in the non-saturating magnetic field region, and a signal processor configured to convert a detected signal into an image of the magnetic particles. Aspects of the present disclosure also include methods of imaging magnetic particles in a sample, and methods of producing an image of magnetic particles in a subject. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of applications, such as medical imaging applications. | 1. A magnetic particle imaging device comprising:
a magnetic field source configured to produce a magnetic field having a non-saturating magnetic field region; an excitation signal source configured to produce an excitation signal in the non-saturating magnetic field region that produces a detectable signal from magnetic particles in the non-saturating magnetic field region; and a signal processor configured to convert the detectable signal into an image of the magnetic particles. 2.-29. (canceled) | A magnetic particle imaging device is provided. The device includes a magnetic field source configured to produce a magnetic field having a non-saturating magnetic field region, an excitation signal source configured to produce an excitation signal in the non-saturating magnetic field region that produces a detectable signal from magnetic particles in the non-saturating magnetic field region, and a signal processor configured to convert a detected signal into an image of the magnetic particles. Aspects of the present disclosure also include methods of imaging magnetic particles in a sample, and methods of producing an image of magnetic particles in a subject. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of applications, such as medical imaging applications.1. A magnetic particle imaging device comprising:
a magnetic field source configured to produce a magnetic field having a non-saturating magnetic field region; an excitation signal source configured to produce an excitation signal in the non-saturating magnetic field region that produces a detectable signal from magnetic particles in the non-saturating magnetic field region; and a signal processor configured to convert the detectable signal into an image of the magnetic particles. 2.-29. (canceled) | 2,600 |
349,872 | 350,746 | 16,854,575 | 2,612 | A curtain rod bracket assembly with a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, and a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations. The first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. The second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. | 1. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation; and wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. 2. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion. 3. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that defines a plurality of openings that are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface. 4. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 3, wherein the generally flat portion comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion. 5. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm. 6. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 5, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion. 7. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass. 8. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall. 9. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling. 10. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location. 11. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 10, wherein the first bracket mounting location is at one end of the bracket arm and second bracket mounting location is adjacent to the one end of the bracket arm. 12. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein an opposite end of the bracket arm carries the curtain rod supporting portion. 13. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second opposed ends, and wherein the first mounting location is proximate the first end of the bracket arm. 14. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 13, wherein the second mounting location is in about the middle of the bracket arm, between its two ends. 15. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 14, wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second spaced curtain rod supporting portions. 16. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein the second mounting location is between the first and second curtain rod supporting portions. 17. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second curtain rod supporting portions are both generally “U”-shaped features in which a curtain rod can be held in a generally horizontal orientation. 18. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein a curtain rod supporting portion comprises a generally “U”-shaped portion that is oriented such that it can hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. 19. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion, wherein the openings are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall; wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling; wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass; wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion; wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location; and wherein the bracket arm comprise first and second opposed ends, wherein the first bracket mounting location is at the first end of the bracket arm and the second bracket mounting location is adjacent to the first end of the bracket arm, and wherein the second end of the bracket arm carries the curtain rod supporting portion. 20. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion, wherein the openings are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall; wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling; wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass; wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion; wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location; wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second spaced curtain rod supporting portions; and wherein the second mounting location is in about the middle of the bracket arm, between its two ends and between the first and second curtain rod supporting portions. | A curtain rod bracket assembly with a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, and a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations. The first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. The second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation.1. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation; and wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. 2. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion. 3. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that defines a plurality of openings that are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface. 4. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 3, wherein the generally flat portion comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion. 5. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm. 6. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 5, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion. 7. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass. 8. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall. 9. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling. 10. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location. 11. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 10, wherein the first bracket mounting location is at one end of the bracket arm and second bracket mounting location is adjacent to the one end of the bracket arm. 12. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein an opposite end of the bracket arm carries the curtain rod supporting portion. 13. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second opposed ends, and wherein the first mounting location is proximate the first end of the bracket arm. 14. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 13, wherein the second mounting location is in about the middle of the bracket arm, between its two ends. 15. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 14, wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second spaced curtain rod supporting portions. 16. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein the second mounting location is between the first and second curtain rod supporting portions. 17. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second curtain rod supporting portions are both generally “U”-shaped features in which a curtain rod can be held in a generally horizontal orientation. 18. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein a curtain rod supporting portion comprises a generally “U”-shaped portion that is oriented such that it can hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. 19. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion, wherein the openings are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall; wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling; wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass; wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion; wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location; and wherein the bracket arm comprise first and second opposed ends, wherein the first bracket mounting location is at the first end of the bracket arm and the second bracket mounting location is adjacent to the first end of the bracket arm, and wherein the second end of the bracket arm carries the curtain rod supporting portion. 20. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion, wherein the openings are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall; wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling; wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass; wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion; wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location; wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second spaced curtain rod supporting portions; and wherein the second mounting location is in about the middle of the bracket arm, between its two ends and between the first and second curtain rod supporting portions. | 2,600 |
349,873 | 350,747 | 16,854,580 | 3,621 | A curtain rod bracket assembly with a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, and a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations. The first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. The second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. | 1. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation; and wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. 2. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion. 3. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that defines a plurality of openings that are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface. 4. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 3, wherein the generally flat portion comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion. 5. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm. 6. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 5, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion. 7. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass. 8. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall. 9. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling. 10. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location. 11. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 10, wherein the first bracket mounting location is at one end of the bracket arm and second bracket mounting location is adjacent to the one end of the bracket arm. 12. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein an opposite end of the bracket arm carries the curtain rod supporting portion. 13. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second opposed ends, and wherein the first mounting location is proximate the first end of the bracket arm. 14. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 13, wherein the second mounting location is in about the middle of the bracket arm, between its two ends. 15. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 14, wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second spaced curtain rod supporting portions. 16. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein the second mounting location is between the first and second curtain rod supporting portions. 17. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second curtain rod supporting portions are both generally “U”-shaped features in which a curtain rod can be held in a generally horizontal orientation. 18. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein a curtain rod supporting portion comprises a generally “U”-shaped portion that is oriented such that it can hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. 19. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion, wherein the openings are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall; wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling; wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass; wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion; wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location; and wherein the bracket arm comprise first and second opposed ends, wherein the first bracket mounting location is at the first end of the bracket arm and the second bracket mounting location is adjacent to the first end of the bracket arm, and wherein the second end of the bracket arm carries the curtain rod supporting portion. 20. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion, wherein the openings are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall; wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling; wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass; wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion; wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location; wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second spaced curtain rod supporting portions; and wherein the second mounting location is in about the middle of the bracket arm, between its two ends and between the first and second curtain rod supporting portions. | A curtain rod bracket assembly with a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, and a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations. The first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. The second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation.1. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation; and wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. 2. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion. 3. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that defines a plurality of openings that are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface. 4. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 3, wherein the generally flat portion comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion. 5. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 2, wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm. 6. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 5, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion. 7. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass. 8. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall. 9. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling. 10. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location. 11. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 10, wherein the first bracket mounting location is at one end of the bracket arm and second bracket mounting location is adjacent to the one end of the bracket arm. 12. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein an opposite end of the bracket arm carries the curtain rod supporting portion. 13. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second opposed ends, and wherein the first mounting location is proximate the first end of the bracket arm. 14. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 13, wherein the second mounting location is in about the middle of the bracket arm, between its two ends. 15. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 14, wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second spaced curtain rod supporting portions. 16. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein the second mounting location is between the first and second curtain rod supporting portions. 17. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second curtain rod supporting portions are both generally “U”-shaped features in which a curtain rod can be held in a generally horizontal orientation. 18. The curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein a curtain rod supporting portion comprises a generally “U”-shaped portion that is oriented such that it can hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation. 19. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion, wherein the openings are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall; wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling; wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass; wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion; wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location; and wherein the bracket arm comprise first and second opposed ends, wherein the first bracket mounting location is at the first end of the bracket arm and the second bracket mounting location is adjacent to the first end of the bracket arm, and wherein the second end of the bracket arm carries the curtain rod supporting portion. 20. A curtain rod bracket assembly, comprising:
a bracket base that is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling, wherein the bracket base comprises a wall/ceiling attachment portion and a bracket arm mounting portion, wherein the wall/ceiling attachment portion comprises a generally flat portion that comprises two spaced openings, one near each opposed end of the generally flat portion, wherein the openings are configured to hold fasteners that allow the wall/ceiling attachment portion to be attached to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface; a bracket arm defining at least one curtain rod supporting portion that is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, and first and second mounting locations; wherein the first mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a wall, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the first mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally vertical orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a wall; wherein the second mounting location is configured to be coupled to the bracket base when the bracket base is mounted to a ceiling, while maintaining a curtain rod supporting portion such that it is configured to hold a curtain rod in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the second mounting location comprises a flat face that is configured to be in a generally horizontal orientation when the bracket base is coupled to a ceiling; wherein the first mounting location includes a first opening through which a fastener can pass and the second mounting location includes a second opening through which the fastener can pass; wherein the bracket arm mounting portion is integral with the generally flat portion and is configured to be coupled to both the first mounting location of the bracket arm and the second mounting location of the bracket arm, wherein the coupling is accomplished using a mounting screw that is received in a tapped hole on a flat end face of the bracket arm mounting portion; wherein the horizontal and vertical orientations are accomplished by orienting the first and second mounting locations at right angles to each other, such that the first mounting location is generally vertical and the second mounting location is generally horizontal, regardless of whether the bracket base portion is coupled to either bracket arm mounting location; wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second spaced curtain rod supporting portions; and wherein the second mounting location is in about the middle of the bracket arm, between its two ends and between the first and second curtain rod supporting portions. | 3,600 |
349,874 | 350,748 | 16,854,582 | 3,621 | Systems and methods for transaction pre-fetching, processing and provisioning through smart vehicle electronic system and back-end cloud infrastructure are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for partitioning a transaction to be performed using a plurality of resources may include (1) a decision engine computer processor receiving a transaction request; (2) the decision engine computer processor identifying a first portion of the transaction request to be performed using a first resource and a second portion of the request required to be performed using a second resource; (3) the decision engine computer processor retrieving capability information for the first resource and the second resource; and (4) the decision engine computer processor allocating a first portion of the transaction request to the first resource, and a second portion of the transaction request to the second resource, based on the first required portion, the second required portion, and the capability information. | 1-16. (canceled) 17. A method for processing a remote cash withdrawal request, comprising:
in a financial institution information processing apparatus comprising at least one computer processor:
receiving from a first computer application executed by a first electronic device associated with a first customer, a remote withdrawal request for a cash amount;
receiving, from the first computer application, a first electronic device location;
identifying at least one second electronic device associated with a second customer within a predetermined distance of the first electronic device;
communicating an instruction to a second computer application executed by the second electronic device to deliver the cash amount to the first customer at the first electronic device location;
receiving confirmation from the first computer application that the cash amount was received;
depositing the cash amount to an account associated with the second customer; and
debiting the cash amount from an account associated with the first customer. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
verifying that the second customer has possession of the cash amount before communicating the instruction to the second computer application. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a GPS location from a GPS sensor in the first electronic device. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a manual entry by the first customer. 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
receiving, from the first electronic device or the second electronic device, a video of the first customer receiving the cash amount from the second customer. 22. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
authenticating the first customer with the second electronic device. 23. A method for processing a remote cash withdrawal request, comprising:
in a financial institution information processing apparatus comprising at least one computer processor:
receiving from a first computer application executed by a first electronic device associated with a first customer, a remote withdrawal request for a cash amount;
receiving, from the first computer application, a first electronic device location;
identifying at least one second electronic device associated with a second customer within a predetermined distance of the first electronic device;
communicating an instruction to a second computer application executed by the second electronic device to deliver the cash amount to the first customer at the first electronic device location;
receiving confirmation from the first computer application that the cash amount was received;
depositing the cash amount to an account associated with the second customer; and
debiting the cash amount from an account associated with the first customer. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the financial institution backend verifies that the second customer has possession of the cash amount before communicating the instruction to the second computer application. 25. The system of claim 23, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a GPS location from a GPS sensor in the first electronic device. 26. The system of claim 23, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a manual entry by the first customer. 27. The system of claim 23, wherein the financial institution backend receives from the first electronic device or the second electronic device, a video of the first customer receiving the cash amount from the second customer. 28. The system of claim 23, wherein the second computer application authenticates the first customer. 29. A system for processing a remote cash withdrawal request, comprising:
a financial institution backend comprising at least one computer processor; a first electronic device associated with a first customer executing a first computer application; and a second electronic device associated with a second customer executing a second computer application;
wherein:
the financial institution backend receives, from the first computer application, a remote withdrawal request for a cash amount;
the financial institution backend receives, from the computer application, a first electronic device location;
the financial institution backend identifies at least one second electronic device associated with a second customer within a predetermined distance of the first electronic device;
the financial institution backend communicates a first instruction to the second computer application to deliver the cash amount to the first customer at a location of the second electronic device or at a neutral location;
the financial institution backend communicates a second instruction to the first computer application to meet the second customer at the location of the second electronic device or at the neutral location;
the financial institution backend receives confirmation from the first customer that the cash amount was received;
the financial institution backend deposits the cash amount to an account associated with the second customer; and
the financial institution backend debits the cash amount from an account associated with the first customer. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:
verifying that the second customer has possession of the cash amount before communicating the first instruction. 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a GPS location from a GPS sensor in the first electronic device. 32. The method of claim 29, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a manual entry by the first customer. 33. The method of claim 29, further comprising:
receiving, from the first electronic device or the second electronic device, a video of the first customer receiving the cash amount from the second customer. 34. The method of claim 29, further comprising:
authenticating the first customer with the second electronic device. | Systems and methods for transaction pre-fetching, processing and provisioning through smart vehicle electronic system and back-end cloud infrastructure are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for partitioning a transaction to be performed using a plurality of resources may include (1) a decision engine computer processor receiving a transaction request; (2) the decision engine computer processor identifying a first portion of the transaction request to be performed using a first resource and a second portion of the request required to be performed using a second resource; (3) the decision engine computer processor retrieving capability information for the first resource and the second resource; and (4) the decision engine computer processor allocating a first portion of the transaction request to the first resource, and a second portion of the transaction request to the second resource, based on the first required portion, the second required portion, and the capability information.1-16. (canceled) 17. A method for processing a remote cash withdrawal request, comprising:
in a financial institution information processing apparatus comprising at least one computer processor:
receiving from a first computer application executed by a first electronic device associated with a first customer, a remote withdrawal request for a cash amount;
receiving, from the first computer application, a first electronic device location;
identifying at least one second electronic device associated with a second customer within a predetermined distance of the first electronic device;
communicating an instruction to a second computer application executed by the second electronic device to deliver the cash amount to the first customer at the first electronic device location;
receiving confirmation from the first computer application that the cash amount was received;
depositing the cash amount to an account associated with the second customer; and
debiting the cash amount from an account associated with the first customer. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
verifying that the second customer has possession of the cash amount before communicating the instruction to the second computer application. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a GPS location from a GPS sensor in the first electronic device. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a manual entry by the first customer. 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
receiving, from the first electronic device or the second electronic device, a video of the first customer receiving the cash amount from the second customer. 22. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
authenticating the first customer with the second electronic device. 23. A method for processing a remote cash withdrawal request, comprising:
in a financial institution information processing apparatus comprising at least one computer processor:
receiving from a first computer application executed by a first electronic device associated with a first customer, a remote withdrawal request for a cash amount;
receiving, from the first computer application, a first electronic device location;
identifying at least one second electronic device associated with a second customer within a predetermined distance of the first electronic device;
communicating an instruction to a second computer application executed by the second electronic device to deliver the cash amount to the first customer at the first electronic device location;
receiving confirmation from the first computer application that the cash amount was received;
depositing the cash amount to an account associated with the second customer; and
debiting the cash amount from an account associated with the first customer. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the financial institution backend verifies that the second customer has possession of the cash amount before communicating the instruction to the second computer application. 25. The system of claim 23, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a GPS location from a GPS sensor in the first electronic device. 26. The system of claim 23, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a manual entry by the first customer. 27. The system of claim 23, wherein the financial institution backend receives from the first electronic device or the second electronic device, a video of the first customer receiving the cash amount from the second customer. 28. The system of claim 23, wherein the second computer application authenticates the first customer. 29. A system for processing a remote cash withdrawal request, comprising:
a financial institution backend comprising at least one computer processor; a first electronic device associated with a first customer executing a first computer application; and a second electronic device associated with a second customer executing a second computer application;
wherein:
the financial institution backend receives, from the first computer application, a remote withdrawal request for a cash amount;
the financial institution backend receives, from the computer application, a first electronic device location;
the financial institution backend identifies at least one second electronic device associated with a second customer within a predetermined distance of the first electronic device;
the financial institution backend communicates a first instruction to the second computer application to deliver the cash amount to the first customer at a location of the second electronic device or at a neutral location;
the financial institution backend communicates a second instruction to the first computer application to meet the second customer at the location of the second electronic device or at the neutral location;
the financial institution backend receives confirmation from the first customer that the cash amount was received;
the financial institution backend deposits the cash amount to an account associated with the second customer; and
the financial institution backend debits the cash amount from an account associated with the first customer. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:
verifying that the second customer has possession of the cash amount before communicating the first instruction. 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a GPS location from a GPS sensor in the first electronic device. 32. The method of claim 29, wherein the first electronic device location is received as a manual entry by the first customer. 33. The method of claim 29, further comprising:
receiving, from the first electronic device or the second electronic device, a video of the first customer receiving the cash amount from the second customer. 34. The method of claim 29, further comprising:
authenticating the first customer with the second electronic device. | 3,600 |
349,875 | 350,749 | 16,854,528 | 3,621 | A freeform varifocal optical assembly includes at least three optical modules including a first plurality of optical elements including Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lenses, polarization sensitive hologram (PSH) lenses, metamaterials, or combinations thereof. The plurality of optical elements of each optical module include a property associated with a Zernike polynomial. Each of the first and the three optical modules are configurable between a plurality of optical powers. The freeform varifocal optical assembly is configurable to output a predetermined wavefront in response to an input wavefront. | 1. A freeform varifocal lens comprising:
at least three optical modules, each optical module comprising a corresponding plurality of polarization sensitive optical elements, wherein each optical module is associated with a corresponding Zernike polynomial, wherein for each optical module, the corresponding plurality of polarization-selective optical elements comprises a corresponding property associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial, and wherein the corresponding Zernike polynomial associated with each optical module is different. 2. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein the corresponding plurality of polarization sensitive optical elements comprise Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lenses, polarization sensitive hologram (PSH) lenses, metamaterials, or combinations thereof. 3. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein each optical module comprises one or more optical stages, each optical stage comprising at least one optical element, and wherein at least some of the optical elements within each optical module have different optical powers. 4. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 2, wherein one or more optical stages in each optical module comprises a switchable optical retarder and an optical element comprising a PBP lens or a PSH lens, wherein:
the switchable optical retarder is configurable to be in an “off” state or an “on” state, wherein:
in the “off” state, the switchable optical retarder is configured to convert light of a first or a second polarization into light of the second polarization or light of the first polarization, respectively; and
in the “on” state, the switchable optical retarder transmits light without changing its polarization;
the optical element comprising the PBP lens or the PSH lens is configured to receive light transmitted through the switchable optical retarder and has an optical power that is dependent on whether the light transmitted through the switchable optical retarder has the first polarization or the second polarization. 5. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein each optical module is configured to provide a wavefront adjustment associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial to an incident wavefront. 6. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein the at least three optical modules are configured to output a variable wavefront based on different combinations of respective wavefront adjustments. 7. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein each optical element of the corresponding plurality of optical elements comprises a PBP lens and wherein the property comprises a liquid crystal director pattern. 8. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a circular polarizer or a linear polarizer. 9. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a first optical module is associated with tilt in a first direction, the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a second optical module is associated with tilt in a second direction, the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a third optical module is associated with focus, the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a fourth optical module is associated with oblique astigmatism, and the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a fifth optical module is associated with vertical astigmatism. 10. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein at least one optical module is associated with trefoil, coma, quadrafoil, or secondary astigmatism. 11. A display comprising:
a light source configured to emit image light; and a freeform varifocal optical assembly configured to guide the image light to an eyebox of the optical device, the freeform varifocal optical assembly comprising:
at least three optical modules, each optical module comprising a corresponding plurality of polarization sensitive optical elements, wherein each optical module is associated with a corresponding Zernike polynomial, wherein, for each optical module, the corresponding plurality of optical elements comprises a corresponding property associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial, and wherein the corresponding Zernike polynomial associated with each optical module is different. 12. The display of claim 11, wherein the corresponding plurality of polarization-sensitive optical elements comprise Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lenses, polarization sensitive hologram (PSH) lenses, metamaterials, or combinations thereof. 13. The display of claim 11, wherein each optical module comprises one or more optical stages, each optical stage comprising at least one optical element, and wherein at least some of the optical elements within each optical module have different optical powers. 14. The display of claim 12, wherein one or more optical stages in each optical module comprises a switchable retarder and an optical element comprising a PBP lens or a PSH lens, wherein:
the switchable retarder is configurable to be in an “off” state or an “on” state, wherein:
in the “off” state, the switchable optical retarder is configured to convert light of a first or a second polarization into light of the second polarization or light of the first polarization, respectively; and
in the “on” state, the switchable optical retarder transmits incident light without changing its polarization;
the optical element comprising the PBP lens or the PSH lens is configured to receive light transmitted through the switchable retarder and has an optical power that is dependent on whether the light transmitted through switchable retarder has the first polarization or the second polarization. 15. The display of claim 11, wherein each optical module is configured to provide a wavefront adjustment associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial to an incident wavefront. 16. The display of claim 11, wherein the at least three optical modules are configured to output a variable wavefront based on different combinations of respective wavefront adjustments. 17. The display of claim 11, wherein the freeform optical assembly is configured to steer an exit pupil of the head mounted display, and wherein the freeform optical assembly is further configured to compensate for aberrations of the exit pupil of the head mounted display. 18. The display of claim 11, wherein the display comprises a head mounted display. 19. A method comprising:
transmitting light through at least three optical modules, each optical module comprising a plurality of polarization sensitive optical elements, wherein each optical module is associated with a corresponding Zernike polynomial, wherein for each optical module, the corresponding plurality of optical elements comprises a corresponding property associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial, wherein the corresponding Zernike polynomial associated with each optical module is different; and adjusting the focal power of one or more of the at least three optical modules by changing respective states of one or more optical elements of the plurality of optical elements in the one or more of the at least three optical modules. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the corresponding plurality of polarization-sensitive optical elements comprise Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lenses, polarization sensitive hologram (PSH) lenses, metamaterials, or combinations thereof. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein one or more optical elements in each of the at least three modules comprises a switchable retarder and an optical element comprising a PBP lens or a PSH lens, wherein:
the switchable retarder is configurable to be in an “off” state or an “on” state, wherein
in the “off” state, the switchable optical retarder is configured to convert light of a first or a second polarization into light of the second polarization or light of the first polarization, respectively; and
in the “on” state, the switchable optical retarder transmits incident light without changing its polarization;
the optical element comprising the PBP lens or the PSH lens is configured to receive light transmitted through the switchable retarder and has an optical power that is dependent on whether the light transmitted through the optical element of the first type has the first polarization or the second polarization; and adjusting the respective focal power comprises controlling the state of the switchable optical retarders. | A freeform varifocal optical assembly includes at least three optical modules including a first plurality of optical elements including Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lenses, polarization sensitive hologram (PSH) lenses, metamaterials, or combinations thereof. The plurality of optical elements of each optical module include a property associated with a Zernike polynomial. Each of the first and the three optical modules are configurable between a plurality of optical powers. The freeform varifocal optical assembly is configurable to output a predetermined wavefront in response to an input wavefront.1. A freeform varifocal lens comprising:
at least three optical modules, each optical module comprising a corresponding plurality of polarization sensitive optical elements, wherein each optical module is associated with a corresponding Zernike polynomial, wherein for each optical module, the corresponding plurality of polarization-selective optical elements comprises a corresponding property associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial, and wherein the corresponding Zernike polynomial associated with each optical module is different. 2. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein the corresponding plurality of polarization sensitive optical elements comprise Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lenses, polarization sensitive hologram (PSH) lenses, metamaterials, or combinations thereof. 3. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein each optical module comprises one or more optical stages, each optical stage comprising at least one optical element, and wherein at least some of the optical elements within each optical module have different optical powers. 4. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 2, wherein one or more optical stages in each optical module comprises a switchable optical retarder and an optical element comprising a PBP lens or a PSH lens, wherein:
the switchable optical retarder is configurable to be in an “off” state or an “on” state, wherein:
in the “off” state, the switchable optical retarder is configured to convert light of a first or a second polarization into light of the second polarization or light of the first polarization, respectively; and
in the “on” state, the switchable optical retarder transmits light without changing its polarization;
the optical element comprising the PBP lens or the PSH lens is configured to receive light transmitted through the switchable optical retarder and has an optical power that is dependent on whether the light transmitted through the switchable optical retarder has the first polarization or the second polarization. 5. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein each optical module is configured to provide a wavefront adjustment associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial to an incident wavefront. 6. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein the at least three optical modules are configured to output a variable wavefront based on different combinations of respective wavefront adjustments. 7. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein each optical element of the corresponding plurality of optical elements comprises a PBP lens and wherein the property comprises a liquid crystal director pattern. 8. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a circular polarizer or a linear polarizer. 9. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a first optical module is associated with tilt in a first direction, the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a second optical module is associated with tilt in a second direction, the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a third optical module is associated with focus, the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a fourth optical module is associated with oblique astigmatism, and the corresponding Zernike polynomial of a fifth optical module is associated with vertical astigmatism. 10. The freeform varifocal lens of claim 1, wherein at least one optical module is associated with trefoil, coma, quadrafoil, or secondary astigmatism. 11. A display comprising:
a light source configured to emit image light; and a freeform varifocal optical assembly configured to guide the image light to an eyebox of the optical device, the freeform varifocal optical assembly comprising:
at least three optical modules, each optical module comprising a corresponding plurality of polarization sensitive optical elements, wherein each optical module is associated with a corresponding Zernike polynomial, wherein, for each optical module, the corresponding plurality of optical elements comprises a corresponding property associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial, and wherein the corresponding Zernike polynomial associated with each optical module is different. 12. The display of claim 11, wherein the corresponding plurality of polarization-sensitive optical elements comprise Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lenses, polarization sensitive hologram (PSH) lenses, metamaterials, or combinations thereof. 13. The display of claim 11, wherein each optical module comprises one or more optical stages, each optical stage comprising at least one optical element, and wherein at least some of the optical elements within each optical module have different optical powers. 14. The display of claim 12, wherein one or more optical stages in each optical module comprises a switchable retarder and an optical element comprising a PBP lens or a PSH lens, wherein:
the switchable retarder is configurable to be in an “off” state or an “on” state, wherein:
in the “off” state, the switchable optical retarder is configured to convert light of a first or a second polarization into light of the second polarization or light of the first polarization, respectively; and
in the “on” state, the switchable optical retarder transmits incident light without changing its polarization;
the optical element comprising the PBP lens or the PSH lens is configured to receive light transmitted through the switchable retarder and has an optical power that is dependent on whether the light transmitted through switchable retarder has the first polarization or the second polarization. 15. The display of claim 11, wherein each optical module is configured to provide a wavefront adjustment associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial to an incident wavefront. 16. The display of claim 11, wherein the at least three optical modules are configured to output a variable wavefront based on different combinations of respective wavefront adjustments. 17. The display of claim 11, wherein the freeform optical assembly is configured to steer an exit pupil of the head mounted display, and wherein the freeform optical assembly is further configured to compensate for aberrations of the exit pupil of the head mounted display. 18. The display of claim 11, wherein the display comprises a head mounted display. 19. A method comprising:
transmitting light through at least three optical modules, each optical module comprising a plurality of polarization sensitive optical elements, wherein each optical module is associated with a corresponding Zernike polynomial, wherein for each optical module, the corresponding plurality of optical elements comprises a corresponding property associated with the corresponding Zernike polynomial, wherein the corresponding Zernike polynomial associated with each optical module is different; and adjusting the focal power of one or more of the at least three optical modules by changing respective states of one or more optical elements of the plurality of optical elements in the one or more of the at least three optical modules. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the corresponding plurality of polarization-sensitive optical elements comprise Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lenses, polarization sensitive hologram (PSH) lenses, metamaterials, or combinations thereof. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein one or more optical elements in each of the at least three modules comprises a switchable retarder and an optical element comprising a PBP lens or a PSH lens, wherein:
the switchable retarder is configurable to be in an “off” state or an “on” state, wherein
in the “off” state, the switchable optical retarder is configured to convert light of a first or a second polarization into light of the second polarization or light of the first polarization, respectively; and
in the “on” state, the switchable optical retarder transmits incident light without changing its polarization;
the optical element comprising the PBP lens or the PSH lens is configured to receive light transmitted through the switchable retarder and has an optical power that is dependent on whether the light transmitted through the optical element of the first type has the first polarization or the second polarization; and adjusting the respective focal power comprises controlling the state of the switchable optical retarders. | 3,600 |
349,876 | 350,750 | 16,854,568 | 3,621 | One variation of a method for testing contact quality of electrical-biosignal electrodes includes: outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; reading a set of sense signals from a set of sense electrodes at a first time; calculating a first combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a combination of the first combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time; and at a second time succeeding the first time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value. | 1. A method for testing contact quality of electrical-biosignal electrodes coupled to an electroencephalography headset, the method comprising:
outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; reading a set of sense signals from a set of sense electrodes at a first time; calculating a first combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a combination of the first combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time; and at a second time succeeding the first time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value. 2. The method of claim 1:
wherein outputting the drive signal through the driven electrode comprises outputting the drive signal through the driven electrode integrated into an electroencephalography headset worn by a user; and wherein reading a sense signal from a sense electrode at the first time for each sense electrode in the set of sense electrodes comprises scanning the set of sense electrodes integrated into the electroencephalography headset. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, for each sense electrode in the set of sense electrodes, confirming proper contact between a user's skin and the sense electrode at the first time in response to a sense signal read from the sense electrode at the first time comprising a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising confirming proper contact between the user's skin and the driven electrode at the first time in response to the first combination comprising a second signal component oscillating at the reference frequency. 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
for each sense electrode in a first subset of sense electrodes in the set of sense electrodes:
reading a second sense signal from the sense electrode at the second time; and
determining proper contact between the user's skin and the sense electrode at the second time in response to the second sense signal comprising the first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency;
for each sense electrode in a second subset of sense electrodes, distinct from the first subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes:
reading a third sense signal from the sense electrode at the second time; and
determining improper contact between the user's skin and the sense electrode at the second time in response to the third sense signal excluding the first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency;
calculating a second combination of the first subset of sense signals; calculating a second direct-current value comprising a combination of the second combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the second time; and at a third time succeeding the second time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the second direct-current value. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
in response to determining improper contact between the user's skin and sense electrodes in the second subset of sense electrodes, generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust sense electrodes in the second subset of sense electrodes; and transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 7. The method of claim 6: further comprising, in response to confirmation by the biosignal test administrator of adjustment of sense electrodes in the second subset of sense electrodes:
reading a third set of sense signals from the set of sense electrodes at a fourth time succeeding the third time; calculating a third combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a third direct-current value comprising a combination of the third combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the fourth time; and at a fifth time succeeding the fourth time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the third direct-current value. 8. The method of claim 1:
further comprising accessing a reference signal at the first time; wherein calculating the first combination of the set of sense signals comprises:
for each sense signal in the set of sense signals, calculating a composite sense signal, in a set of composite sense signals, comprising the reference signal subtracted from the sense signal at the first time; and
calculating the first combination by combining the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time and a second combination of the set of composite sense signals at the first time. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein accessing the reference signal at the first time comprises:
reading a second set of sense signals from a cluster of sense electrodes at approximately the first time, the cluster of electrodes offset and discrete from the set of electrodes; calculating a second combination of the second set of sense signals; and storing the second combination as the reference signal at the first time. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
receiving an electroencephalography test type specifying a set of channels of interest; selecting the set of sense electrodes corresponding to the set of channels of interest; selecting the cluster of sense electrodes excluding sense electrodes in the set of sense electrodes; and storing the set of composite sense signals in a digital electroencephalography test result file. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the cluster of sense electrodes comprises populating the cluster of sense electrodes with sense electrodes integrated into an electroencephalography headset at locations correlated with limited muscle activity. 12. The method of claim 8:
wherein accessing the reference signal at the first time comprises reading the reference signal from a dedicated reference electrode; and further comprising in response to the reference signal excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency and excluding a second signal component oscillating at an ambient frequency, determining that the reference electrode is in improper contact with a user's skin. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to the reference signal comprising the first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency and comprising a second signal component oscillating at the ambient frequency, determining that the driven electrode is in proper contact with a user's skin. | One variation of a method for testing contact quality of electrical-biosignal electrodes includes: outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; reading a set of sense signals from a set of sense electrodes at a first time; calculating a first combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a combination of the first combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time; and at a second time succeeding the first time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value.1. A method for testing contact quality of electrical-biosignal electrodes coupled to an electroencephalography headset, the method comprising:
outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; reading a set of sense signals from a set of sense electrodes at a first time; calculating a first combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a combination of the first combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time; and at a second time succeeding the first time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value. 2. The method of claim 1:
wherein outputting the drive signal through the driven electrode comprises outputting the drive signal through the driven electrode integrated into an electroencephalography headset worn by a user; and wherein reading a sense signal from a sense electrode at the first time for each sense electrode in the set of sense electrodes comprises scanning the set of sense electrodes integrated into the electroencephalography headset. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, for each sense electrode in the set of sense electrodes, confirming proper contact between a user's skin and the sense electrode at the first time in response to a sense signal read from the sense electrode at the first time comprising a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising confirming proper contact between the user's skin and the driven electrode at the first time in response to the first combination comprising a second signal component oscillating at the reference frequency. 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
for each sense electrode in a first subset of sense electrodes in the set of sense electrodes:
reading a second sense signal from the sense electrode at the second time; and
determining proper contact between the user's skin and the sense electrode at the second time in response to the second sense signal comprising the first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency;
for each sense electrode in a second subset of sense electrodes, distinct from the first subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes:
reading a third sense signal from the sense electrode at the second time; and
determining improper contact between the user's skin and the sense electrode at the second time in response to the third sense signal excluding the first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency;
calculating a second combination of the first subset of sense signals; calculating a second direct-current value comprising a combination of the second combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the second time; and at a third time succeeding the second time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the second direct-current value. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
in response to determining improper contact between the user's skin and sense electrodes in the second subset of sense electrodes, generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust sense electrodes in the second subset of sense electrodes; and transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 7. The method of claim 6: further comprising, in response to confirmation by the biosignal test administrator of adjustment of sense electrodes in the second subset of sense electrodes:
reading a third set of sense signals from the set of sense electrodes at a fourth time succeeding the third time; calculating a third combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a third direct-current value comprising a combination of the third combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the fourth time; and at a fifth time succeeding the fourth time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the third direct-current value. 8. The method of claim 1:
further comprising accessing a reference signal at the first time; wherein calculating the first combination of the set of sense signals comprises:
for each sense signal in the set of sense signals, calculating a composite sense signal, in a set of composite sense signals, comprising the reference signal subtracted from the sense signal at the first time; and
calculating the first combination by combining the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time and a second combination of the set of composite sense signals at the first time. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein accessing the reference signal at the first time comprises:
reading a second set of sense signals from a cluster of sense electrodes at approximately the first time, the cluster of electrodes offset and discrete from the set of electrodes; calculating a second combination of the second set of sense signals; and storing the second combination as the reference signal at the first time. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
receiving an electroencephalography test type specifying a set of channels of interest; selecting the set of sense electrodes corresponding to the set of channels of interest; selecting the cluster of sense electrodes excluding sense electrodes in the set of sense electrodes; and storing the set of composite sense signals in a digital electroencephalography test result file. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the cluster of sense electrodes comprises populating the cluster of sense electrodes with sense electrodes integrated into an electroencephalography headset at locations correlated with limited muscle activity. 12. The method of claim 8:
wherein accessing the reference signal at the first time comprises reading the reference signal from a dedicated reference electrode; and further comprising in response to the reference signal excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency and excluding a second signal component oscillating at an ambient frequency, determining that the reference electrode is in improper contact with a user's skin. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response to the reference signal comprising the first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency and comprising a second signal component oscillating at the ambient frequency, determining that the driven electrode is in proper contact with a user's skin. | 3,600 |
349,877 | 350,751 | 16,854,567 | 3,621 | A fuel module for pumping and filtration of a fuel in a fuel system includes a flow housing, and each of an electrically powered pump, a first cartridge filter, and a second cartridge filter in sealed, direct engagement with the flow housing. The fuel module is applied in a low pressure fuel circuit feeding fuel to a high pressure fuel circuit for pressurization to an injection pressure. Electronic closed loop control techniques for the pump are also disclosed. | 1. A fuel system for an engine comprising:
a high pressure fuel circuit including a high pressure pump having a pump drive gear for engagement with a gear train on the engine; a low pressure fuel circuit including a low pressure pump having a pump electric drive motor and being structured to feed fuel to the high pressure fuel circuit for pressurization to an injection pressure; the low pressure fuel circuit further including fuel module having a first cartridge filter, a second cartridge filter, and a flow housing; the flow housing forming a fuel inlet for receiving fuel to be pumped and filtered in the fuel module, a fuel outlet to the high pressure fuel circuit, and a plurality of internal fuel conduits; and the low pressure pump, the first cartridge filter, and the second cartridge filter are each in sealed, direct engagement with the flow housing and, together with the plurality of internal fuel conduits, fluidly connect the fuel inlet to the fuel outlet; the flow housing further forming an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port, a first cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the fuel inlet and the outgoing pump port, and a second cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the incoming pump port and the fuel outlet; the first cartridge filter being installed in the first cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the fuel inlet to the outgoing pump port; the second cartridge filter installed in the second cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the incoming pump port to the fuel outlet; and the low pressure pump being attached to the flow housing such that the pump is fluidly connected to the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port. 2. The fuel system of claim 1 wherein:
the first cartridge filter is arranged upstream of the low pressure pump to filter an incoming flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the low pressure pump; and
the second cartridge filter is arranged downstream of the low pressure pump to filter an outgoing flow of fuel from the low pressure pump to the fuel outlet. 3. The fuel system of claim 2 wherein the flow housing forms a first filter receptacle, a second filter receptacle, and a sensor port fluidly connected to the first filter receptacle, the second filter receptacle, or one of the plurality of internal fuel conduits, and the fuel system further includes a sensor installed in the sensor port. 4. The fuel system of claim 3 wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor structured to produce a pump outlet pressure signal, and the fuel system further includes a proportional controller coupled with the electric drive motor and structured to vary a speed of the low pressure pump based on the pump outlet pressure signal. 5. The fuel system of claim 3 wherein:
the sensor port is arranged fluidly between the second cartridge filter and the fuel outlet;
the flow housing forms a second sensor port arranged fluidly between the low pressure pump and the second cartridge filter; and
the fuel system includes a second sensor installed in the second sensor port. 6. The fuel system of claim 3 wherein the fuel system further includes a filter ID sensor assembly installed in the flow housing and having a first sensor leg and a second sensor leg extending toward the first filter receptacle and the second filter receptacle, respectively. 7. The fuel system of claim 1 wherein the flow housing forms an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port, and the low pressure pump is mounted upon the flow housing and fluidly connected to each of the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port. 8. The fuel system of claim 7 wherein the flow housing further includes a pump side having a plurality of threaded bolting holes formed therein and receiving bolts clamping the low pressure pump to the pump side, and a filter side opposite to the pump side and having a first threaded cartridge receptacle and a second threaded cartridge receptacle formed therein and receiving the first cartridge filter and the second cartridge filter, respectively. 9. A fuel module for pumping and filtration of a fuel in a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprising:
a flow housing forming a fuel inlet for receiving fuel to be pumped and filtered in the fuel module, and a fuel outlet; the flow housing further forming an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port, a first cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the fuel inlet and the outgoing pump port, and a second cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the incoming pump port and the fuel outlet; a first cartridge filter installed in the first cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the fuel inlet to the outgoing pump port; a second cartridge filter installed in the second cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the incoming pump port to the fuel outlet; and a pump having a pump electric drive motor and attached to the flow housing such that the pump is fluidly connected to the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port. 10. The fuel module of claim 9 wherein the flow housing includes a pump side having a planar pump mounting surface, and a filter side having the first filter receptacle and the second filter receptacle formed therein. 11. The fuel module of claim 10 further comprising a first seal and a second seal clamped between the flow housing and the pump and fluidly sealing around the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port, respectively. 12. The fuel module of claim 11 wherein a plurality of threaded bolting holes are formed in the pump side, and further comprising bolts received in the plurality of threaded bolting holes and clamping the pump to the pump side. 13. The fuel module of claim 10 wherein each of the first filter receptacle and the second filter receptacle is threaded. 14. The fuel module of claim 9 further comprising a filter ID sensor assembly installed in the flow housing and having a first sensor leg and a second sensor leg extending toward the first filter receptacle and the second filter receptacle, respectively. 15. The fuel module of claim 9 wherein the flow housing forms a first sensor port and a second sensor port each arranged fluidly between the low pressure pump and the fuel outlet. 16. The fuel module of claim 15 further comprising a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor installed in the first sensor port and the second sensor port, respectively. 17. A fuel module for pumping and filtration of a fuel in a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprising:
a flow housing forming a fuel inlet for receiving fuel to be pumped and filtered in the fuel module, and a fuel outlet; the flow housing further forming an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port, a first cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the fuel inlet and the outgoing pump port, and a second cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the incoming pump port and the fuel outlet; a first cartridge filter installed in the first cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the fuel inlet to the outgoing pump port; a second cartridge filter installed in the second cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the incoming pump port to the fuel outlet; and a pump having a pump electric drive motor and attached to the flow housing such that the pump is fluidly connected to the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port, wherein the flow housing includes: a flow housing body including a pump side having a pump-housing interface structured for lineless installation of a pump, and including a planar pump mounting surface, an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port each surrounded by the planar pump mounting surface, and a plurality of bolting holes formed in the flow housing body for bolting the pump to the flow housing body; the flow housing body further including a filter side opposite to the pump side and having formed therein each of a first filter receptacle structured to receive a first cartridge filter and a second filter receptacle structured to receive a second cartridge filter; the flow housing body further forming a fuel inlet to receive a fuel to be pumped and filtered in the pumping and filtration fuel module, a fuel outlet, and a plurality of internal fuel conduits; and the plurality of internal fuel conduits forming a disjunctive fuel flow path extending between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet and interrupted at the pump-housing interface, the first filter receptacle, and the second filter receptacle, such that upon installation of the pump, the first cartridge filter, and the second cartridge filter, the fuel flow path is made continuous. 18. The flow housing of claim 17 wherein the flow housing body forms a sensor port fluidly connected to the fuel flow path at a location that is fluidly between the incoming pump port and the fuel outlet. 19. The flow housing of claim 18 wherein the flow housing body further forms a second sensor port that is fluidly connected to the fuel flow path at a location that is fluidly between the incoming pump port and the first sensor port. 20. The flow housing of claim 17 wherein the flow housing body further includes a sensor mounting interface including a sensor mounting surface, a first sensor leg tube extending from the sensor mounting surface toward the first filter receptacle, and a second sensor leg tube extending from the sensor mounting surface toward the second filter receptacle. | A fuel module for pumping and filtration of a fuel in a fuel system includes a flow housing, and each of an electrically powered pump, a first cartridge filter, and a second cartridge filter in sealed, direct engagement with the flow housing. The fuel module is applied in a low pressure fuel circuit feeding fuel to a high pressure fuel circuit for pressurization to an injection pressure. Electronic closed loop control techniques for the pump are also disclosed.1. A fuel system for an engine comprising:
a high pressure fuel circuit including a high pressure pump having a pump drive gear for engagement with a gear train on the engine; a low pressure fuel circuit including a low pressure pump having a pump electric drive motor and being structured to feed fuel to the high pressure fuel circuit for pressurization to an injection pressure; the low pressure fuel circuit further including fuel module having a first cartridge filter, a second cartridge filter, and a flow housing; the flow housing forming a fuel inlet for receiving fuel to be pumped and filtered in the fuel module, a fuel outlet to the high pressure fuel circuit, and a plurality of internal fuel conduits; and the low pressure pump, the first cartridge filter, and the second cartridge filter are each in sealed, direct engagement with the flow housing and, together with the plurality of internal fuel conduits, fluidly connect the fuel inlet to the fuel outlet; the flow housing further forming an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port, a first cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the fuel inlet and the outgoing pump port, and a second cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the incoming pump port and the fuel outlet; the first cartridge filter being installed in the first cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the fuel inlet to the outgoing pump port; the second cartridge filter installed in the second cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the incoming pump port to the fuel outlet; and the low pressure pump being attached to the flow housing such that the pump is fluidly connected to the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port. 2. The fuel system of claim 1 wherein:
the first cartridge filter is arranged upstream of the low pressure pump to filter an incoming flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the low pressure pump; and
the second cartridge filter is arranged downstream of the low pressure pump to filter an outgoing flow of fuel from the low pressure pump to the fuel outlet. 3. The fuel system of claim 2 wherein the flow housing forms a first filter receptacle, a second filter receptacle, and a sensor port fluidly connected to the first filter receptacle, the second filter receptacle, or one of the plurality of internal fuel conduits, and the fuel system further includes a sensor installed in the sensor port. 4. The fuel system of claim 3 wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor structured to produce a pump outlet pressure signal, and the fuel system further includes a proportional controller coupled with the electric drive motor and structured to vary a speed of the low pressure pump based on the pump outlet pressure signal. 5. The fuel system of claim 3 wherein:
the sensor port is arranged fluidly between the second cartridge filter and the fuel outlet;
the flow housing forms a second sensor port arranged fluidly between the low pressure pump and the second cartridge filter; and
the fuel system includes a second sensor installed in the second sensor port. 6. The fuel system of claim 3 wherein the fuel system further includes a filter ID sensor assembly installed in the flow housing and having a first sensor leg and a second sensor leg extending toward the first filter receptacle and the second filter receptacle, respectively. 7. The fuel system of claim 1 wherein the flow housing forms an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port, and the low pressure pump is mounted upon the flow housing and fluidly connected to each of the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port. 8. The fuel system of claim 7 wherein the flow housing further includes a pump side having a plurality of threaded bolting holes formed therein and receiving bolts clamping the low pressure pump to the pump side, and a filter side opposite to the pump side and having a first threaded cartridge receptacle and a second threaded cartridge receptacle formed therein and receiving the first cartridge filter and the second cartridge filter, respectively. 9. A fuel module for pumping and filtration of a fuel in a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprising:
a flow housing forming a fuel inlet for receiving fuel to be pumped and filtered in the fuel module, and a fuel outlet; the flow housing further forming an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port, a first cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the fuel inlet and the outgoing pump port, and a second cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the incoming pump port and the fuel outlet; a first cartridge filter installed in the first cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the fuel inlet to the outgoing pump port; a second cartridge filter installed in the second cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the incoming pump port to the fuel outlet; and a pump having a pump electric drive motor and attached to the flow housing such that the pump is fluidly connected to the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port. 10. The fuel module of claim 9 wherein the flow housing includes a pump side having a planar pump mounting surface, and a filter side having the first filter receptacle and the second filter receptacle formed therein. 11. The fuel module of claim 10 further comprising a first seal and a second seal clamped between the flow housing and the pump and fluidly sealing around the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port, respectively. 12. The fuel module of claim 11 wherein a plurality of threaded bolting holes are formed in the pump side, and further comprising bolts received in the plurality of threaded bolting holes and clamping the pump to the pump side. 13. The fuel module of claim 10 wherein each of the first filter receptacle and the second filter receptacle is threaded. 14. The fuel module of claim 9 further comprising a filter ID sensor assembly installed in the flow housing and having a first sensor leg and a second sensor leg extending toward the first filter receptacle and the second filter receptacle, respectively. 15. The fuel module of claim 9 wherein the flow housing forms a first sensor port and a second sensor port each arranged fluidly between the low pressure pump and the fuel outlet. 16. The fuel module of claim 15 further comprising a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor installed in the first sensor port and the second sensor port, respectively. 17. A fuel module for pumping and filtration of a fuel in a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprising:
a flow housing forming a fuel inlet for receiving fuel to be pumped and filtered in the fuel module, and a fuel outlet; the flow housing further forming an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port, a first cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the fuel inlet and the outgoing pump port, and a second cartridge receptacle positioned fluidly between the incoming pump port and the fuel outlet; a first cartridge filter installed in the first cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the fuel inlet to the outgoing pump port; a second cartridge filter installed in the second cartridge receptacle and fluidly connecting the incoming pump port to the fuel outlet; and a pump having a pump electric drive motor and attached to the flow housing such that the pump is fluidly connected to the outgoing pump port and the incoming pump port, wherein the flow housing includes: a flow housing body including a pump side having a pump-housing interface structured for lineless installation of a pump, and including a planar pump mounting surface, an outgoing pump port and an incoming pump port each surrounded by the planar pump mounting surface, and a plurality of bolting holes formed in the flow housing body for bolting the pump to the flow housing body; the flow housing body further including a filter side opposite to the pump side and having formed therein each of a first filter receptacle structured to receive a first cartridge filter and a second filter receptacle structured to receive a second cartridge filter; the flow housing body further forming a fuel inlet to receive a fuel to be pumped and filtered in the pumping and filtration fuel module, a fuel outlet, and a plurality of internal fuel conduits; and the plurality of internal fuel conduits forming a disjunctive fuel flow path extending between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet and interrupted at the pump-housing interface, the first filter receptacle, and the second filter receptacle, such that upon installation of the pump, the first cartridge filter, and the second cartridge filter, the fuel flow path is made continuous. 18. The flow housing of claim 17 wherein the flow housing body forms a sensor port fluidly connected to the fuel flow path at a location that is fluidly between the incoming pump port and the fuel outlet. 19. The flow housing of claim 18 wherein the flow housing body further forms a second sensor port that is fluidly connected to the fuel flow path at a location that is fluidly between the incoming pump port and the first sensor port. 20. The flow housing of claim 17 wherein the flow housing body further includes a sensor mounting interface including a sensor mounting surface, a first sensor leg tube extending from the sensor mounting surface toward the first filter receptacle, and a second sensor leg tube extending from the sensor mounting surface toward the second filter receptacle. | 3,600 |
349,878 | 350,752 | 16,854,565 | 3,621 | The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device, a solid-state image pickup element, an image pickup device, and an electronic apparatus that are enabled to reduce restrictions on materials and restrictions on device configuration. A CSP imager and a mounting substrate are connected together with a connection portion other than a solder ball. With such a configuration, restrictions on materials and restrictions on device configuration are reduced, which has conventionally occurred because it is limited to a configuration in which solder balls are used for connection. The present disclosure can be applied to image pickup devices. | 1. An image pickup device, comprising:
a solid-state image pickup element that captures an image; and a mounting substrate on which the solid-state image pickup element is mounted, wherein the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with a connection portion having a configuration that does not use a solder ball, and wherein part of the mounting substrate is a transparent substrate. 2. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion is a wire bonding junction. 3. The image pickup device according to claim 2, wherein in a state in which a light receiving surface of the solid-state image pickup element is in contact with the transparent substrate, the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with the connection portion including the wire bonding junction. 4. The image pickup device according to claim 2, wherein a surface facing a light receiving direction of the mounting substrate and a light receiving surface of the solid-state image pickup element are flat, and the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with the connection portion including the wire bonding junction. 5. The image pickup device according to claim 2, wherein a wire bonding material in the wire bonding junction is a single metal material of any of Au, Al, Cu, and Ag, or an alloy of the Au, Al, Cu, or Ag. 6. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the solid-state image pickup element is a CSP imager. 7. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion includes a first plurality of conductive pads on a bonding surface of the image pick-up element and a second plurality of conductive pads on a bonding surface of the mounting substrate, and wherein each conductive pad in the first plurality of conductive pads is directly bonded to a corresponding conductive pad in the second plurality of conductive pads. 8. The image pickup device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive pads are heated and melted and then cooled to bond the solid-state image pickup element and the mounting substrate together. 9. The image pickup device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive pads include a single material film of any of Sn, Ag, Au, Sb, Cu, and Pb formed in a plurality of layers, or one in which an alloy of at least two of the Sn, Ag, Au, Sb, Cu, and Pb is used. 10. The image pickup device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive pads are formed by a sputtering method, a vapor deposition method, or a plating method. 11. The image pickup device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive pads dissipate heat generated from the solid-state image pickup element and the mounting substrate depending on a bonding area of the bonding surfaces. 12. An image pickup device, comprising:
a solid-state image pickup element that captures an image; and a mounting substrate on which the solid-state image pickup element is mounted, wherein the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with a connection portion having a configuration that does not use a solder ball, wherein the connection portion is a junction of an anisotropic conductive member including a conductive particle and an adhesive, and wherein the conductive particle is a metal core including Ni simple substance and gold-plated Ni, or a gold-plated resin core including styrene, acrylic, and titanium oxide, and the adhesive is a synthetic rubber, a thermoreversible resin, or a thermosetting resin including an epoxy resin. 13. The image pickup device according to claim 12, wherein the anisotropic conductive member is crimped in a state of being provided on one or both of a bonding surface of the solid-state image pickup element to be bonded with the mounting substrate and a bonding surface of the mounting substrate to be bonded with the solid-state image pickup element, to bond the solid-state image pickup element and the mounting substrate together. 14. The image pickup device according to claim 12, wherein the anisotropic conductive member is an anisotropic conductive film, or an anisotropic conductive paste. 15. The image pickup device according to claim 12, wherein a mixture of the conductive particle and the adhesive is responsible for conductivity and fixing. 16. The image pickup device according to claim 12, wherein the anisotropic conductive member is provided on one or both of a bonding surface of the solid-state image pickup element to be bonded with the mounting substrate and a bonding surface of the mounting substrate to be bonded with the solid-state image pickup element 17. An image pickup device, comprising:
a solid-state image pickup element that captures an image; and a mounting substrate on which the solid-state image pickup element is mounted, wherein the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with a connection portion having a configuration that does not use a solder ball, wherein the connection portion is a junction of a conductive resin, and wherein the conductive resin is a mixture of a metal responsible for conductivity and a resin responsible for fixing. 18. The image pickup device according to claim 17, wherein the conductive resin is provided on one or both of a bonding surface of the solid-state image pickup element to be bonded with the mounting substrate and a bonding surface of the mounting substrate to be bonded with the solid-state image pickup element. 19. The image pickup device according to claim 17, wherein the metal responsible for conductivity is Ag, and the resin responsible for fixing is an epoxy resin. 20. The image pickup device according to claim 17, wherein the conductive resin is crimped in a state of being provided on one or both of a bonding surface of the solid-state image pickup element to be bonded with the mounting substrate and a bonding surface of the mounting substrate to be bonded with the solid-state image pickup element, to bond the solid-state image pickup element and the mounting substrate together. | The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device, a solid-state image pickup element, an image pickup device, and an electronic apparatus that are enabled to reduce restrictions on materials and restrictions on device configuration. A CSP imager and a mounting substrate are connected together with a connection portion other than a solder ball. With such a configuration, restrictions on materials and restrictions on device configuration are reduced, which has conventionally occurred because it is limited to a configuration in which solder balls are used for connection. The present disclosure can be applied to image pickup devices.1. An image pickup device, comprising:
a solid-state image pickup element that captures an image; and a mounting substrate on which the solid-state image pickup element is mounted, wherein the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with a connection portion having a configuration that does not use a solder ball, and wherein part of the mounting substrate is a transparent substrate. 2. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion is a wire bonding junction. 3. The image pickup device according to claim 2, wherein in a state in which a light receiving surface of the solid-state image pickup element is in contact with the transparent substrate, the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with the connection portion including the wire bonding junction. 4. The image pickup device according to claim 2, wherein a surface facing a light receiving direction of the mounting substrate and a light receiving surface of the solid-state image pickup element are flat, and the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with the connection portion including the wire bonding junction. 5. The image pickup device according to claim 2, wherein a wire bonding material in the wire bonding junction is a single metal material of any of Au, Al, Cu, and Ag, or an alloy of the Au, Al, Cu, or Ag. 6. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the solid-state image pickup element is a CSP imager. 7. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion includes a first plurality of conductive pads on a bonding surface of the image pick-up element and a second plurality of conductive pads on a bonding surface of the mounting substrate, and wherein each conductive pad in the first plurality of conductive pads is directly bonded to a corresponding conductive pad in the second plurality of conductive pads. 8. The image pickup device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive pads are heated and melted and then cooled to bond the solid-state image pickup element and the mounting substrate together. 9. The image pickup device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive pads include a single material film of any of Sn, Ag, Au, Sb, Cu, and Pb formed in a plurality of layers, or one in which an alloy of at least two of the Sn, Ag, Au, Sb, Cu, and Pb is used. 10. The image pickup device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive pads are formed by a sputtering method, a vapor deposition method, or a plating method. 11. The image pickup device according to claim 7, wherein the conductive pads dissipate heat generated from the solid-state image pickup element and the mounting substrate depending on a bonding area of the bonding surfaces. 12. An image pickup device, comprising:
a solid-state image pickup element that captures an image; and a mounting substrate on which the solid-state image pickup element is mounted, wherein the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with a connection portion having a configuration that does not use a solder ball, wherein the connection portion is a junction of an anisotropic conductive member including a conductive particle and an adhesive, and wherein the conductive particle is a metal core including Ni simple substance and gold-plated Ni, or a gold-plated resin core including styrene, acrylic, and titanium oxide, and the adhesive is a synthetic rubber, a thermoreversible resin, or a thermosetting resin including an epoxy resin. 13. The image pickup device according to claim 12, wherein the anisotropic conductive member is crimped in a state of being provided on one or both of a bonding surface of the solid-state image pickup element to be bonded with the mounting substrate and a bonding surface of the mounting substrate to be bonded with the solid-state image pickup element, to bond the solid-state image pickup element and the mounting substrate together. 14. The image pickup device according to claim 12, wherein the anisotropic conductive member is an anisotropic conductive film, or an anisotropic conductive paste. 15. The image pickup device according to claim 12, wherein a mixture of the conductive particle and the adhesive is responsible for conductivity and fixing. 16. The image pickup device according to claim 12, wherein the anisotropic conductive member is provided on one or both of a bonding surface of the solid-state image pickup element to be bonded with the mounting substrate and a bonding surface of the mounting substrate to be bonded with the solid-state image pickup element 17. An image pickup device, comprising:
a solid-state image pickup element that captures an image; and a mounting substrate on which the solid-state image pickup element is mounted, wherein the solid-state image pickup element is mounted on the mounting substrate with a connection portion having a configuration that does not use a solder ball, wherein the connection portion is a junction of a conductive resin, and wherein the conductive resin is a mixture of a metal responsible for conductivity and a resin responsible for fixing. 18. The image pickup device according to claim 17, wherein the conductive resin is provided on one or both of a bonding surface of the solid-state image pickup element to be bonded with the mounting substrate and a bonding surface of the mounting substrate to be bonded with the solid-state image pickup element. 19. The image pickup device according to claim 17, wherein the metal responsible for conductivity is Ag, and the resin responsible for fixing is an epoxy resin. 20. The image pickup device according to claim 17, wherein the conductive resin is crimped in a state of being provided on one or both of a bonding surface of the solid-state image pickup element to be bonded with the mounting substrate and a bonding surface of the mounting substrate to be bonded with the solid-state image pickup element, to bond the solid-state image pickup element and the mounting substrate together. | 3,600 |
349,879 | 350,753 | 16,854,548 | 3,621 | An embodiment generates, responsive to receiving a declarative replication specification, a logical map comprising a plurality of paths to completing a data replication process identified by the replication specification. The embodiment determines, responsive to generating the logical map, an optimal path to completing the data replication process by searching the plurality of paths of the logical map using a cost-directed search algorithm to find the optimal path from among the plurality of paths. The embodiment also performs, responsive to finding the optimal path, a series of data replication operations for replicating source data on a target database. The embodiment also detects, during a runtime of the data replication process, a predetermined change to a runtime environment of the data replication process. The embodiment also determines, responsive to detecting the predetermined change, a revised optimal path for performing the data replication process in the changed runtime environment. | 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
generating, responsive to receiving a declarative replication specification, a logical map comprising a plurality of paths to completing a data replication process identified by the replication specification; determining, responsive to generating the logical map, an optimal path to completing the data replication process by searching the plurality of paths of the logical map using a cost-directed search algorithm to find the optimal path from among the plurality of paths; performing, responsive to finding the optimal path, a series of data replication operations for replicating source data on a target database; detecting, during a runtime of the data replication process, a predetermined change to a runtime environment of the data replication process; and determining, responsive to detecting the predetermined change, a revised optimal path for performing the data replication process in the changed runtime environment. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
parsing the replication specification to retrieve a connection asset, wherein the generating of the logical map includes using the connection asset as a constraint for identifying paths. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option for routing data from the source database to the target database. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a time cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a monetary cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the cost-directed search algorithm comprises an A-star search algorithm. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the declarative replication specification includes an indication that the source database is a first type of database and the target database is a second type of database different from the first type of database. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option of converting data from a first data type supported by the source database to a second data type supported by the target database. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option of transforming data as part of the replication process to conform to a difference in a structure of the target database compared to the source database. 10. A computer usable program product for data replication, the computer program product comprising one or more computer readable storage media, and program instructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
generating, responsive to receiving a declarative replication specification, a logical map comprising a plurality of paths to completing a data replication process identified by the replication specification; determining, responsive to generating the logical map, an optimal path to completing the data replication process by searching the plurality of paths of the logical map using a cost-directed search algorithm to find the optimal path from among the plurality of paths; performing, responsive to finding the optimal path, a series of data replication operations for replicating source data on a target database; detecting, during a runtime of the data replication process, a predetermined change to a runtime environment of the data replication process; and determining, responsive to detecting the predetermined change, a revised optimal path for performing the data replication process in the changed runtime environment. 11. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the stored program instructions are stored in a computer readable storage device in a data processing system, and wherein the stored program instructions are transferred over a network from a remote data processing system. 12. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the stored program instructions are stored in a computer readable storage device in a server data processing system, and wherein the stored program instructions are downloaded over a network to a remote data processing system for use in a computer readable storage device associated with the remote data processing system, further comprising:
program instructions to meter use of the computer usable code associated with the request; and program instructions to generate an invoice based on the metered use. 13. The computer usable program product of claim 10, further comprising:
parsing the replication specification to retrieve a connection asset, wherein the generating of the logical map includes using the connection asset as a constraint for identifying paths. 14. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option for routing data from the source database to the target database. 15. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a time cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. 16. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a monetary cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. 17. A computer system comprising a processor and one or more computer readable storage media, and program instructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media, the program instructions executable by the processor to cause the processor to perform process comprising:
generating, responsive to receiving a declarative replication specification, a logical map comprising a plurality of paths to completing a data replication process identified by the replication specification; determining, responsive to generating the logical map, an optimal path to completing the data replication process by searching the plurality of paths of the logical map using a cost-directed search algorithm to find the optimal path from among the plurality of paths; performing, responsive to finding the optimal path, a series of data replication operations for replicating source data on a target database; detecting, during a runtime of the data replication process, a predetermined change to a runtime environment of the data replication process; and determining, responsive to detecting the predetermined change, a revised optimal path for performing the data replication process in the changed runtime environment. 18. The computer system of claim 17, further comprising:
parsing the replication specification to retrieve a connection asset, wherein the generating of the logical map includes using the connection asset as a constraint for identifying paths. 19. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option for routing data from the source database to the target database. 20. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a time cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. | An embodiment generates, responsive to receiving a declarative replication specification, a logical map comprising a plurality of paths to completing a data replication process identified by the replication specification. The embodiment determines, responsive to generating the logical map, an optimal path to completing the data replication process by searching the plurality of paths of the logical map using a cost-directed search algorithm to find the optimal path from among the plurality of paths. The embodiment also performs, responsive to finding the optimal path, a series of data replication operations for replicating source data on a target database. The embodiment also detects, during a runtime of the data replication process, a predetermined change to a runtime environment of the data replication process. The embodiment also determines, responsive to detecting the predetermined change, a revised optimal path for performing the data replication process in the changed runtime environment.1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
generating, responsive to receiving a declarative replication specification, a logical map comprising a plurality of paths to completing a data replication process identified by the replication specification; determining, responsive to generating the logical map, an optimal path to completing the data replication process by searching the plurality of paths of the logical map using a cost-directed search algorithm to find the optimal path from among the plurality of paths; performing, responsive to finding the optimal path, a series of data replication operations for replicating source data on a target database; detecting, during a runtime of the data replication process, a predetermined change to a runtime environment of the data replication process; and determining, responsive to detecting the predetermined change, a revised optimal path for performing the data replication process in the changed runtime environment. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
parsing the replication specification to retrieve a connection asset, wherein the generating of the logical map includes using the connection asset as a constraint for identifying paths. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option for routing data from the source database to the target database. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a time cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a monetary cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the cost-directed search algorithm comprises an A-star search algorithm. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the declarative replication specification includes an indication that the source database is a first type of database and the target database is a second type of database different from the first type of database. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option of converting data from a first data type supported by the source database to a second data type supported by the target database. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option of transforming data as part of the replication process to conform to a difference in a structure of the target database compared to the source database. 10. A computer usable program product for data replication, the computer program product comprising one or more computer readable storage media, and program instructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
generating, responsive to receiving a declarative replication specification, a logical map comprising a plurality of paths to completing a data replication process identified by the replication specification; determining, responsive to generating the logical map, an optimal path to completing the data replication process by searching the plurality of paths of the logical map using a cost-directed search algorithm to find the optimal path from among the plurality of paths; performing, responsive to finding the optimal path, a series of data replication operations for replicating source data on a target database; detecting, during a runtime of the data replication process, a predetermined change to a runtime environment of the data replication process; and determining, responsive to detecting the predetermined change, a revised optimal path for performing the data replication process in the changed runtime environment. 11. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the stored program instructions are stored in a computer readable storage device in a data processing system, and wherein the stored program instructions are transferred over a network from a remote data processing system. 12. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the stored program instructions are stored in a computer readable storage device in a server data processing system, and wherein the stored program instructions are downloaded over a network to a remote data processing system for use in a computer readable storage device associated with the remote data processing system, further comprising:
program instructions to meter use of the computer usable code associated with the request; and program instructions to generate an invoice based on the metered use. 13. The computer usable program product of claim 10, further comprising:
parsing the replication specification to retrieve a connection asset, wherein the generating of the logical map includes using the connection asset as a constraint for identifying paths. 14. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option for routing data from the source database to the target database. 15. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a time cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. 16. The computer usable program product of claim 10, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a monetary cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. 17. A computer system comprising a processor and one or more computer readable storage media, and program instructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media, the program instructions executable by the processor to cause the processor to perform process comprising:
generating, responsive to receiving a declarative replication specification, a logical map comprising a plurality of paths to completing a data replication process identified by the replication specification; determining, responsive to generating the logical map, an optimal path to completing the data replication process by searching the plurality of paths of the logical map using a cost-directed search algorithm to find the optimal path from among the plurality of paths; performing, responsive to finding the optimal path, a series of data replication operations for replicating source data on a target database; detecting, during a runtime of the data replication process, a predetermined change to a runtime environment of the data replication process; and determining, responsive to detecting the predetermined change, a revised optimal path for performing the data replication process in the changed runtime environment. 18. The computer system of claim 17, further comprising:
parsing the replication specification to retrieve a connection asset, wherein the generating of the logical map includes using the connection asset as a constraint for identifying paths. 19. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the generating of the logical map includes generating a path that represents an option for routing data from the source database to the target database. 20. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the determining of the optimal path comprises using a time cost as a cost metric for the cost-directed search algorithm. | 3,600 |
349,880 | 350,754 | 16,854,566 | 3,621 | The present application discloses a semiconductor device with a protection structure for suppressing electromagnetic interference and air gaps reducing parasitic capacitance and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a connection structure including a connecting dielectric layer, a first protection structure positioned in the connecting dielectric layer and positioned adjacent to a perimeter of the connecting dielectric layer, and a plurality of air gaps positioned on sides of the first protection structure. The first protection structure is formed of copper, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, cobalt, the like, or a combination thereof. | 1. A semiconductor device, comprising:
a connection structure comprising a connecting dielectric layer; a first protection structure positioned in the connecting dielectric layer and extended along and adjacent to a horizontal perimeter of the connecting dielectric layer, wherein the connecting dielectric layer includes an inner area entirely surrounded by the first protection structure; and a plurality of air gaps positioned on sides of the first protection structure, each of the plurality of air gaps entirely surrounds the inner area of the connecting dielectric layer; wherein the first protection structure is formed of copper, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, cobalt, the like, or a combination thereof. 2. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the first protection structure and a top surface of the connecting dielectric layer are coplanar and a bottom surface of the first protection structure and a bottom surface of the connecting dielectric layer are coplanar. 3. The semiconductor device of claim 2, further comprising a capping layer positioned on the connecting dielectric layer and on the first protection structure, wherein the capping layer seals the plurality of air gaps. 4. The semiconductor device of claim 2, further comprising a first semiconductor die and a second semiconductor die, wherein the first semiconductor die is positioned below the connecting dielectric layer, the second semiconductor die is positioned on the connecting dielectric layer and on the first protection structure, and the second semiconductor die seals the plurality of air gaps. 5. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the first protection structure and a top surface of the connecting dielectric layer are substantially coplanar and a thickness of the first protection structure is less than a thickness of the connecting dielectric layer. 6. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the first protection structure is less than a thickness of the connecting dielectric layer. 7. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a second protection structure positioned in the connecting dielectric layer and positioned adjacent to the first protection structure. 8. The semiconductor device of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of dummy pads positioned in the second semiconductor die and positioned on the top surface of the first protection structure. 9. The semiconductor device of claim 8, wherein a width of the plurality of dummy pads is greater than a width of the first protection structure. 10. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ferromagnetic spacers positioned between the first protection structure and the plurality of air gaps, wherein the plurality of ferromagnetic spacers are formed of manganese-zinc ferrite, nickel-zinc ferrite, cobalt ferrite, strontium ferrite, barium ferrite, lithium ferrite, lithium-zinc ferrite, single crystal yttrium iron garnet, or gallium substituted single crystal yttrium iron garnet. 11. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of porous spacers positioned between the first protection structure and the plurality of air gaps, wherein a porosity of the plurality of porous spacers is between about 20% and about 60%. 12. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first protection structure comprises a plurality of pad portions vertically arranged in the connecting dielectric layer and the plurality of pad portions are separate from each other. 13. The semiconductor device of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of via portions positioned between adjacent pairs of the plurality of pad portions. 14. A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, comprising:
providing a first semiconductor die; forming a connecting dielectric layer above the first semiconductor die; forming a first trench in the connecting dielectric layer; forming a plurality of sacrificial spacers on sides of the first trench; forming a first protection structure in the first trench; and performing an energy treatment to turn the plurality of sacrificial spacers into a plurality of air gaps; wherein the plurality of sacrificial spacers are formed of an energy-removable material and the first protection structure is formed of copper, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, cobalt, the like, or a combination thereof. 15. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 14, wherein the energy-removable material is a thermal decomposable material, a photonic decomposable material, an e-beam decomposable material, or a combination thereof. 16. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 14, wherein an energy source of the energy treatment is heat, light, or a combination thereof. 17. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 16, further comprising a step of forming a capping layer to seal the plurality of air gaps, wherein the capping layer is formed of silicon oxide, fluorine-doped silicon oxide, or organic spin-on glass. 18. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 16, further comprising a step of forming a second semiconductor die on the connecting dielectric layer and on the first protection structure through a bonding process, wherein a temperature of the bonding process is between about 300° C. and about 450° C. 19. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 16, further comprising a step of forming a plurality of ferromagnetic spacers on sides of the plurality of sacrificial spacers. 20. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 19, wherein the plurality of ferromagnetic spacers are formed of manganese-zinc ferrite, nickel-zinc ferrite, cobalt ferrite, strontium ferrite, barium ferrite, lithium ferrite, lithium-zinc ferrite, single crystal yttrium iron garnet, or gallium substituted single crystal yttrium iron garnet. | The present application discloses a semiconductor device with a protection structure for suppressing electromagnetic interference and air gaps reducing parasitic capacitance and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a connection structure including a connecting dielectric layer, a first protection structure positioned in the connecting dielectric layer and positioned adjacent to a perimeter of the connecting dielectric layer, and a plurality of air gaps positioned on sides of the first protection structure. The first protection structure is formed of copper, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, cobalt, the like, or a combination thereof.1. A semiconductor device, comprising:
a connection structure comprising a connecting dielectric layer; a first protection structure positioned in the connecting dielectric layer and extended along and adjacent to a horizontal perimeter of the connecting dielectric layer, wherein the connecting dielectric layer includes an inner area entirely surrounded by the first protection structure; and a plurality of air gaps positioned on sides of the first protection structure, each of the plurality of air gaps entirely surrounds the inner area of the connecting dielectric layer; wherein the first protection structure is formed of copper, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, cobalt, the like, or a combination thereof. 2. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the first protection structure and a top surface of the connecting dielectric layer are coplanar and a bottom surface of the first protection structure and a bottom surface of the connecting dielectric layer are coplanar. 3. The semiconductor device of claim 2, further comprising a capping layer positioned on the connecting dielectric layer and on the first protection structure, wherein the capping layer seals the plurality of air gaps. 4. The semiconductor device of claim 2, further comprising a first semiconductor die and a second semiconductor die, wherein the first semiconductor die is positioned below the connecting dielectric layer, the second semiconductor die is positioned on the connecting dielectric layer and on the first protection structure, and the second semiconductor die seals the plurality of air gaps. 5. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the first protection structure and a top surface of the connecting dielectric layer are substantially coplanar and a thickness of the first protection structure is less than a thickness of the connecting dielectric layer. 6. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the first protection structure is less than a thickness of the connecting dielectric layer. 7. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a second protection structure positioned in the connecting dielectric layer and positioned adjacent to the first protection structure. 8. The semiconductor device of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of dummy pads positioned in the second semiconductor die and positioned on the top surface of the first protection structure. 9. The semiconductor device of claim 8, wherein a width of the plurality of dummy pads is greater than a width of the first protection structure. 10. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ferromagnetic spacers positioned between the first protection structure and the plurality of air gaps, wherein the plurality of ferromagnetic spacers are formed of manganese-zinc ferrite, nickel-zinc ferrite, cobalt ferrite, strontium ferrite, barium ferrite, lithium ferrite, lithium-zinc ferrite, single crystal yttrium iron garnet, or gallium substituted single crystal yttrium iron garnet. 11. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of porous spacers positioned between the first protection structure and the plurality of air gaps, wherein a porosity of the plurality of porous spacers is between about 20% and about 60%. 12. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first protection structure comprises a plurality of pad portions vertically arranged in the connecting dielectric layer and the plurality of pad portions are separate from each other. 13. The semiconductor device of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of via portions positioned between adjacent pairs of the plurality of pad portions. 14. A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, comprising:
providing a first semiconductor die; forming a connecting dielectric layer above the first semiconductor die; forming a first trench in the connecting dielectric layer; forming a plurality of sacrificial spacers on sides of the first trench; forming a first protection structure in the first trench; and performing an energy treatment to turn the plurality of sacrificial spacers into a plurality of air gaps; wherein the plurality of sacrificial spacers are formed of an energy-removable material and the first protection structure is formed of copper, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, cobalt, the like, or a combination thereof. 15. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 14, wherein the energy-removable material is a thermal decomposable material, a photonic decomposable material, an e-beam decomposable material, or a combination thereof. 16. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 14, wherein an energy source of the energy treatment is heat, light, or a combination thereof. 17. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 16, further comprising a step of forming a capping layer to seal the plurality of air gaps, wherein the capping layer is formed of silicon oxide, fluorine-doped silicon oxide, or organic spin-on glass. 18. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 16, further comprising a step of forming a second semiconductor die on the connecting dielectric layer and on the first protection structure through a bonding process, wherein a temperature of the bonding process is between about 300° C. and about 450° C. 19. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 16, further comprising a step of forming a plurality of ferromagnetic spacers on sides of the plurality of sacrificial spacers. 20. The method for fabricating the semiconductor device of claim 19, wherein the plurality of ferromagnetic spacers are formed of manganese-zinc ferrite, nickel-zinc ferrite, cobalt ferrite, strontium ferrite, barium ferrite, lithium ferrite, lithium-zinc ferrite, single crystal yttrium iron garnet, or gallium substituted single crystal yttrium iron garnet. | 3,600 |
349,881 | 350,755 | 16,854,572 | 3,621 | Disclosed herein are robotic devices which traverse a pre-defined coverage area in order to capture and eradicate ticks in the area. A vacuum mechanism provides a suction force for pulling ticks into the device through a frontal opening, after which the ticks are captured in a receptacle and crushed by at least one rotating arm. In certain embodiments, the devices include heat strips near the frontal opening of the device that mimic the human body temperature. Additionally, the device can include carbon dioxide emitters that pass carbon dioxide to the receptacle or through the frontal opening to increase attraction of ticks. | 1. A robotic device for eradicating ticks comprising:
a motor powered by a battery; at least one pair of wheels driven by the motor to move the device in a direction of travel; a housing having a housing opening on a front surface of the housing, wherein the housing opening extends transverse from a bottom surface of the housing from which the one or more wheels extend and extends an entire width of the front surface of the housing, and wherein the front surface of the housing faces the direction of travel of the device; a receptacle disposed within the housing; a shaft disposed longitudinally within the receptacle and operatively coupled to the at least one pair of wheels via a transmission mechanism; at least one rotatable arm coupled to the shaft within the receptacle; a vacuum mechanism disposed within the housing and arranged to generate a suction force through the opening to the receptacle when activated by the battery; and wherein the at least one rotatable arm includes a flexible portion disposed at an end of the rotatable arm which abuts an inner surface of the receptacle and wherein the rotatable arm causes the flexible portion of the rotatable arm to sweep along the circumference of the inner surface of the receptacle by rotating up to 360 degrees, and wherein the driving of the at least one pair of wheels causes a rotation of the at least one rotatable arm via the transmission mechanism. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least two rotatable arms. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises 4 rotatable arms, wherein each of the 4 rotatable arms are separated by 90 degrees of the inner circumference of the receptacle. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible portion of the at least one rotatable arm that abuts the inner surface of the receptacle is comprised of rubber or vinyl. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotatable arm rotates up to 360 around the inner surface of the receptacle. 6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a passageway coupling the housing opening and the receptacle. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the receptacle includes one or more openings at an interface of the passageway and the receptacle is sized and shaped to pass ticks through. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the receptacle surface includes a permeable air filter sized and shaped to pass the suction force and not to pass ticks. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the air filer comprises dimensions of 1 mm by 1 mm. 10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a wire mesh disposed on the front surface of the housing that covers the housing opening, wherein each opening of wire mesh sized between 10 mm by 10 mm to 13 mm by 13 mm. 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the device is adjustable. 12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a carbon dioxide emitter that dispenses carbon dioxide through the housing opening. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the carbon dioxide emitter is disposed within the receptacle. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein rotation of the at least one rotatable arm directs carbon dioxide through the housing opening. 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein a height of the housing opening is 1-3 inches and wherein the housing opening is located on the front surface of the housing at a height of 2-4 inches from the ground. 16. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent window located on a top portion of the housing above the receptacle, and a viewing window in an outer surface of the receptacle, wherein contents of the receptacle can be viewed from the outside of the housing through transparent window and the viewing window. 17. The device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more heat strips disposed at the housing opening, wherein the one or more heat strips provide heat between 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. 18. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a rain sensor, a bumper sensor, or a theft deterrent. 19. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible film which covers the housing opening when the vacuum mechanism is not generating the suction force, and which flexes to reveal the housing opening when the vacuum mechanism generates the suction force. 20. A robotic device for eradicating ticks, the robotic device including at least one battery and at least one motor, the robotic device comprising:
at least one pair of wheels configured for rotation to drive the device in a direction of travel; a housing having a housing opening on a front surface of the housing, wherein the housing opening extends transverse from a bottom surface of the housing from which the one or more wheels extend and extends an entire width of the front surface of the housing, and wherein the front surface of the housing faces the direction of travel of the device; a receptacle disposed within the housing; at least one rotatable arm disposed within the receptacle and configured for rotation; a vacuum mechanism disposed within the housing and arranged to generate a suction force through the opening to the receptacle; and wherein the at least one rotatable arm includes a flexible portion disposed at an end of the rotatable arm which abuts an inner surface of the receptacle and wherein upon a rotation of the rotatable arm, the rotatable arm causes the flexible portion of the rotatable arm to sweep along the circumference of the inner surface of the receptacle by rotating up to 360 degrees. | Disclosed herein are robotic devices which traverse a pre-defined coverage area in order to capture and eradicate ticks in the area. A vacuum mechanism provides a suction force for pulling ticks into the device through a frontal opening, after which the ticks are captured in a receptacle and crushed by at least one rotating arm. In certain embodiments, the devices include heat strips near the frontal opening of the device that mimic the human body temperature. Additionally, the device can include carbon dioxide emitters that pass carbon dioxide to the receptacle or through the frontal opening to increase attraction of ticks.1. A robotic device for eradicating ticks comprising:
a motor powered by a battery; at least one pair of wheels driven by the motor to move the device in a direction of travel; a housing having a housing opening on a front surface of the housing, wherein the housing opening extends transverse from a bottom surface of the housing from which the one or more wheels extend and extends an entire width of the front surface of the housing, and wherein the front surface of the housing faces the direction of travel of the device; a receptacle disposed within the housing; a shaft disposed longitudinally within the receptacle and operatively coupled to the at least one pair of wheels via a transmission mechanism; at least one rotatable arm coupled to the shaft within the receptacle; a vacuum mechanism disposed within the housing and arranged to generate a suction force through the opening to the receptacle when activated by the battery; and wherein the at least one rotatable arm includes a flexible portion disposed at an end of the rotatable arm which abuts an inner surface of the receptacle and wherein the rotatable arm causes the flexible portion of the rotatable arm to sweep along the circumference of the inner surface of the receptacle by rotating up to 360 degrees, and wherein the driving of the at least one pair of wheels causes a rotation of the at least one rotatable arm via the transmission mechanism. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least two rotatable arms. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises 4 rotatable arms, wherein each of the 4 rotatable arms are separated by 90 degrees of the inner circumference of the receptacle. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible portion of the at least one rotatable arm that abuts the inner surface of the receptacle is comprised of rubber or vinyl. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotatable arm rotates up to 360 around the inner surface of the receptacle. 6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a passageway coupling the housing opening and the receptacle. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the receptacle includes one or more openings at an interface of the passageway and the receptacle is sized and shaped to pass ticks through. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the receptacle surface includes a permeable air filter sized and shaped to pass the suction force and not to pass ticks. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the air filer comprises dimensions of 1 mm by 1 mm. 10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a wire mesh disposed on the front surface of the housing that covers the housing opening, wherein each opening of wire mesh sized between 10 mm by 10 mm to 13 mm by 13 mm. 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the device is adjustable. 12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a carbon dioxide emitter that dispenses carbon dioxide through the housing opening. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the carbon dioxide emitter is disposed within the receptacle. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein rotation of the at least one rotatable arm directs carbon dioxide through the housing opening. 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein a height of the housing opening is 1-3 inches and wherein the housing opening is located on the front surface of the housing at a height of 2-4 inches from the ground. 16. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent window located on a top portion of the housing above the receptacle, and a viewing window in an outer surface of the receptacle, wherein contents of the receptacle can be viewed from the outside of the housing through transparent window and the viewing window. 17. The device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more heat strips disposed at the housing opening, wherein the one or more heat strips provide heat between 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. 18. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a rain sensor, a bumper sensor, or a theft deterrent. 19. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible film which covers the housing opening when the vacuum mechanism is not generating the suction force, and which flexes to reveal the housing opening when the vacuum mechanism generates the suction force. 20. A robotic device for eradicating ticks, the robotic device including at least one battery and at least one motor, the robotic device comprising:
at least one pair of wheels configured for rotation to drive the device in a direction of travel; a housing having a housing opening on a front surface of the housing, wherein the housing opening extends transverse from a bottom surface of the housing from which the one or more wheels extend and extends an entire width of the front surface of the housing, and wherein the front surface of the housing faces the direction of travel of the device; a receptacle disposed within the housing; at least one rotatable arm disposed within the receptacle and configured for rotation; a vacuum mechanism disposed within the housing and arranged to generate a suction force through the opening to the receptacle; and wherein the at least one rotatable arm includes a flexible portion disposed at an end of the rotatable arm which abuts an inner surface of the receptacle and wherein upon a rotation of the rotatable arm, the rotatable arm causes the flexible portion of the rotatable arm to sweep along the circumference of the inner surface of the receptacle by rotating up to 360 degrees. | 3,600 |
349,882 | 350,756 | 16,854,543 | 3,621 | Disclosed herein are robotic devices which traverse a pre-defined coverage area in order to capture and eradicate ticks in the area. A vacuum mechanism provides a suction force for pulling ticks into the device through a frontal opening, after which the ticks are captured in a receptacle and crushed by at least one rotating arm. In certain embodiments, the devices include heat strips near the frontal opening of the device that mimic the human body temperature. Additionally, the device can include carbon dioxide emitters that pass carbon dioxide to the receptacle or through the frontal opening to increase attraction of ticks. | 1. A robotic device for eradicating ticks comprising:
a motor powered by a battery; at least one pair of wheels driven by the motor to move the device in a direction of travel; a housing having a housing opening on a front surface of the housing, wherein the housing opening extends transverse from a bottom surface of the housing from which the one or more wheels extend and extends an entire width of the front surface of the housing, and wherein the front surface of the housing faces the direction of travel of the device; a receptacle disposed within the housing; a shaft disposed longitudinally within the receptacle and operatively coupled to the at least one pair of wheels via a transmission mechanism; at least one rotatable arm coupled to the shaft within the receptacle; a vacuum mechanism disposed within the housing and arranged to generate a suction force through the opening to the receptacle when activated by the battery; and wherein the at least one rotatable arm includes a flexible portion disposed at an end of the rotatable arm which abuts an inner surface of the receptacle and wherein the rotatable arm causes the flexible portion of the rotatable arm to sweep along the circumference of the inner surface of the receptacle by rotating up to 360 degrees, and wherein the driving of the at least one pair of wheels causes a rotation of the at least one rotatable arm via the transmission mechanism. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least two rotatable arms. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises 4 rotatable arms, wherein each of the 4 rotatable arms are separated by 90 degrees of the inner circumference of the receptacle. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible portion of the at least one rotatable arm that abuts the inner surface of the receptacle is comprised of rubber or vinyl. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotatable arm rotates up to 360 around the inner surface of the receptacle. 6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a passageway coupling the housing opening and the receptacle. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the receptacle includes one or more openings at an interface of the passageway and the receptacle is sized and shaped to pass ticks through. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the receptacle surface includes a permeable air filter sized and shaped to pass the suction force and not to pass ticks. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the air filer comprises dimensions of 1 mm by 1 mm. 10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a wire mesh disposed on the front surface of the housing that covers the housing opening, wherein each opening of wire mesh sized between 10 mm by 10 mm to 13 mm by 13 mm. 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the device is adjustable. 12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a carbon dioxide emitter that dispenses carbon dioxide through the housing opening. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the carbon dioxide emitter is disposed within the receptacle. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein rotation of the at least one rotatable arm directs carbon dioxide through the housing opening. 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein a height of the housing opening is 1-3 inches and wherein the housing opening is located on the front surface of the housing at a height of 2-4 inches from the ground. 16. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent window located on a top portion of the housing above the receptacle, and a viewing window in an outer surface of the receptacle, wherein contents of the receptacle can be viewed from the outside of the housing through transparent window and the viewing window. 17. The device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more heat strips disposed at the housing opening, wherein the one or more heat strips provide heat between 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. 18. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a rain sensor, a bumper sensor, or a theft deterrent. 19. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible film which covers the housing opening when the vacuum mechanism is not generating the suction force, and which flexes to reveal the housing opening when the vacuum mechanism generates the suction force. 20. A robotic device for eradicating ticks, the robotic device including at least one battery and at least one motor, the robotic device comprising:
at least one pair of wheels configured for rotation to drive the device in a direction of travel; a housing having a housing opening on a front surface of the housing, wherein the housing opening extends transverse from a bottom surface of the housing from which the one or more wheels extend and extends an entire width of the front surface of the housing, and wherein the front surface of the housing faces the direction of travel of the device; a receptacle disposed within the housing; at least one rotatable arm disposed within the receptacle and configured for rotation; a vacuum mechanism disposed within the housing and arranged to generate a suction force through the opening to the receptacle; and wherein the at least one rotatable arm includes a flexible portion disposed at an end of the rotatable arm which abuts an inner surface of the receptacle and wherein upon a rotation of the rotatable arm, the rotatable arm causes the flexible portion of the rotatable arm to sweep along the circumference of the inner surface of the receptacle by rotating up to 360 degrees. | Disclosed herein are robotic devices which traverse a pre-defined coverage area in order to capture and eradicate ticks in the area. A vacuum mechanism provides a suction force for pulling ticks into the device through a frontal opening, after which the ticks are captured in a receptacle and crushed by at least one rotating arm. In certain embodiments, the devices include heat strips near the frontal opening of the device that mimic the human body temperature. Additionally, the device can include carbon dioxide emitters that pass carbon dioxide to the receptacle or through the frontal opening to increase attraction of ticks.1. A robotic device for eradicating ticks comprising:
a motor powered by a battery; at least one pair of wheels driven by the motor to move the device in a direction of travel; a housing having a housing opening on a front surface of the housing, wherein the housing opening extends transverse from a bottom surface of the housing from which the one or more wheels extend and extends an entire width of the front surface of the housing, and wherein the front surface of the housing faces the direction of travel of the device; a receptacle disposed within the housing; a shaft disposed longitudinally within the receptacle and operatively coupled to the at least one pair of wheels via a transmission mechanism; at least one rotatable arm coupled to the shaft within the receptacle; a vacuum mechanism disposed within the housing and arranged to generate a suction force through the opening to the receptacle when activated by the battery; and wherein the at least one rotatable arm includes a flexible portion disposed at an end of the rotatable arm which abuts an inner surface of the receptacle and wherein the rotatable arm causes the flexible portion of the rotatable arm to sweep along the circumference of the inner surface of the receptacle by rotating up to 360 degrees, and wherein the driving of the at least one pair of wheels causes a rotation of the at least one rotatable arm via the transmission mechanism. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least two rotatable arms. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises 4 rotatable arms, wherein each of the 4 rotatable arms are separated by 90 degrees of the inner circumference of the receptacle. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible portion of the at least one rotatable arm that abuts the inner surface of the receptacle is comprised of rubber or vinyl. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rotatable arm rotates up to 360 around the inner surface of the receptacle. 6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a passageway coupling the housing opening and the receptacle. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the receptacle includes one or more openings at an interface of the passageway and the receptacle is sized and shaped to pass ticks through. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the receptacle surface includes a permeable air filter sized and shaped to pass the suction force and not to pass ticks. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the air filer comprises dimensions of 1 mm by 1 mm. 10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a wire mesh disposed on the front surface of the housing that covers the housing opening, wherein each opening of wire mesh sized between 10 mm by 10 mm to 13 mm by 13 mm. 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the device is adjustable. 12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a carbon dioxide emitter that dispenses carbon dioxide through the housing opening. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the carbon dioxide emitter is disposed within the receptacle. 14. The device according to claim 13, wherein rotation of the at least one rotatable arm directs carbon dioxide through the housing opening. 15. The device according to claim 1, wherein a height of the housing opening is 1-3 inches and wherein the housing opening is located on the front surface of the housing at a height of 2-4 inches from the ground. 16. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent window located on a top portion of the housing above the receptacle, and a viewing window in an outer surface of the receptacle, wherein contents of the receptacle can be viewed from the outside of the housing through transparent window and the viewing window. 17. The device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more heat strips disposed at the housing opening, wherein the one or more heat strips provide heat between 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. 18. The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a rain sensor, a bumper sensor, or a theft deterrent. 19. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible film which covers the housing opening when the vacuum mechanism is not generating the suction force, and which flexes to reveal the housing opening when the vacuum mechanism generates the suction force. 20. A robotic device for eradicating ticks, the robotic device including at least one battery and at least one motor, the robotic device comprising:
at least one pair of wheels configured for rotation to drive the device in a direction of travel; a housing having a housing opening on a front surface of the housing, wherein the housing opening extends transverse from a bottom surface of the housing from which the one or more wheels extend and extends an entire width of the front surface of the housing, and wherein the front surface of the housing faces the direction of travel of the device; a receptacle disposed within the housing; at least one rotatable arm disposed within the receptacle and configured for rotation; a vacuum mechanism disposed within the housing and arranged to generate a suction force through the opening to the receptacle; and wherein the at least one rotatable arm includes a flexible portion disposed at an end of the rotatable arm which abuts an inner surface of the receptacle and wherein upon a rotation of the rotatable arm, the rotatable arm causes the flexible portion of the rotatable arm to sweep along the circumference of the inner surface of the receptacle by rotating up to 360 degrees. | 3,600 |
349,883 | 350,757 | 16,854,563 | 3,621 | A method for improving clearance and creepage in a male high voltage connector assembly using a male terminal position assurance (TPA) device. The male high voltage connector assembly is highly suitable for high voltage electrical terminals, which are larger terminals. The method includes a step of allowing a clearance and creepage or electrical path to extend from at least a high voltage electrical terminal to a male outer housing of the high voltage connector assembly. When the TPA device is inserted and locked within a male inner housing of the high voltage connector assembly, the clearance and creepage or electrical path extends from the high voltage electrical terminal along at least a surface of the TPA device and to the male outer housing of the high voltage connector assembly. The male TPA device includes wing-like shape members with intermediate members that extend substantially and respectively downward from the wing-like shape members. | 1. A method for improving clearance and creepage in a high voltage connector assembly using a male terminal position assurance (TPA) device, comprising the steps of:
inserting at least a terminal inside a male inner housing of said high voltage connector assembly; locking said terminal inside said male inner housing of said high voltage connector assembly; providing said high voltage connector assembly with a male outer housing, said male inner housing being accommodated within said male outer housing; allowing a clearance or electrical path to extend from said at least terminal to said main outer housing. 2. The method for improving clearance and creepage in said high voltage connector assembly using said male TPA device in accordance to claim 1, wherein said step of allowing said clearance or electrical path to extend substantially vertically from at least said terminal to said main outer housing. 3. The method for improving clearance and creepage in said high voltage connector assembly using said male TPA device in accordance to claim 1, further comprising a step of inserting said male TPA device through an opening of said male inner housing and locking said male TPA device into said male inner housing, wherein said step of allowing said clearance or electrical path comprises a step of extending said clearance or electrical path from at least said terminal along a surface of said TPA device to said main outer housing. 4. The method for improving clearance and creepage in said high voltage connector assembly using said male TPA device in accordance to claim 1, further comprising a step of inserting said male TPA device through an opening of said male inner housing and locking said male TPA device into said male inner housing, wherein said step of allowing said clearance or electrical path comprises a step of extending said clearance or electrical path from at least said terminal along a surface of at least a substantially wing-like shape side member of said TPA device to said main outer housing. 5. The method for improving clearance and creepage in said high voltage connector assembly using said male terminal position assurance (TPA) device in accordance to claim 1, further comprising a step of inserting said male TPA device through an opening of said male inner housing and locking said male TPA device into said male inner housing, wherein said step of allowing said clearance or electrical path comprises a step of extending said clearance or electrical path from at least said terminal along a surface of at least an intermediate member of said at least said substantially wing-like shape side member of said TPA device and further along said at least said substantially wing-like shape side member of said TPA device to said main outer housing. | A method for improving clearance and creepage in a male high voltage connector assembly using a male terminal position assurance (TPA) device. The male high voltage connector assembly is highly suitable for high voltage electrical terminals, which are larger terminals. The method includes a step of allowing a clearance and creepage or electrical path to extend from at least a high voltage electrical terminal to a male outer housing of the high voltage connector assembly. When the TPA device is inserted and locked within a male inner housing of the high voltage connector assembly, the clearance and creepage or electrical path extends from the high voltage electrical terminal along at least a surface of the TPA device and to the male outer housing of the high voltage connector assembly. The male TPA device includes wing-like shape members with intermediate members that extend substantially and respectively downward from the wing-like shape members.1. A method for improving clearance and creepage in a high voltage connector assembly using a male terminal position assurance (TPA) device, comprising the steps of:
inserting at least a terminal inside a male inner housing of said high voltage connector assembly; locking said terminal inside said male inner housing of said high voltage connector assembly; providing said high voltage connector assembly with a male outer housing, said male inner housing being accommodated within said male outer housing; allowing a clearance or electrical path to extend from said at least terminal to said main outer housing. 2. The method for improving clearance and creepage in said high voltage connector assembly using said male TPA device in accordance to claim 1, wherein said step of allowing said clearance or electrical path to extend substantially vertically from at least said terminal to said main outer housing. 3. The method for improving clearance and creepage in said high voltage connector assembly using said male TPA device in accordance to claim 1, further comprising a step of inserting said male TPA device through an opening of said male inner housing and locking said male TPA device into said male inner housing, wherein said step of allowing said clearance or electrical path comprises a step of extending said clearance or electrical path from at least said terminal along a surface of said TPA device to said main outer housing. 4. The method for improving clearance and creepage in said high voltage connector assembly using said male TPA device in accordance to claim 1, further comprising a step of inserting said male TPA device through an opening of said male inner housing and locking said male TPA device into said male inner housing, wherein said step of allowing said clearance or electrical path comprises a step of extending said clearance or electrical path from at least said terminal along a surface of at least a substantially wing-like shape side member of said TPA device to said main outer housing. 5. The method for improving clearance and creepage in said high voltage connector assembly using said male terminal position assurance (TPA) device in accordance to claim 1, further comprising a step of inserting said male TPA device through an opening of said male inner housing and locking said male TPA device into said male inner housing, wherein said step of allowing said clearance or electrical path comprises a step of extending said clearance or electrical path from at least said terminal along a surface of at least an intermediate member of said at least said substantially wing-like shape side member of said TPA device and further along said at least said substantially wing-like shape side member of said TPA device to said main outer housing. | 3,600 |
349,884 | 350,758 | 16,854,552 | 3,621 | A device including an SOI substrate and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in a trench that extends through a buried insulation layer and into a semiconductor bulk substrate of the SOI substrate is disclosed. The isolation structure includes a first dielectric layer positioned in a lower portion of the trench, a first material layer positioned above the first dielectric layer, the first material layer having a material different from a material of the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer positioned above the first material layer, the second dielectric layer having a material different from the material of the first material layer. | 1. A device, comprising:
an SOI substrate comprising a semiconductor bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer positioned on said semiconductor bulk substrate and a semiconductor layer positioned on said buried insulation layer; a trench formed in said SOI substrate, said trench extending through said buried insulation layer and into said semiconductor bulk substrate; and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in said trench, said isolation structure comprising:
a first dielectric layer positioned in a portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate;
a first material layer positioned above said first dielectric layer, said first material layer being made of a material that is different from a material of said first dielectric layer; and
a second dielectric layer positioned above said first material layer, said second dielectric layer being made of a material that is different from said material of said first material layer. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first dielectric layer comprises silicon dioxide, said first material layer comprises silicon nitride and said second dielectric layer comprises silicon nitride. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said bulk semiconductor substrate. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said buried insulation layer comprises an upper surface and said first material layer comprises an upper surface, and wherein said upper surface of said first material layer is positioned at a level that is below a level of said upper surface of said buried insulation layer. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said second dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said semiconductor layer. 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate, wherein said first dielectric layer is positioned within said liner layer. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said first material layer covers an entire upper surface of said first dielectric layer and said second dielectric layer covers an entire upper surface of said first material layer. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said first material layer is a spacer that comprises an opening that exposes a portion of an upper surface of said first dielectric layer. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein a portion of said second dielectric layer is positioned in said opening in said first material layer and said second dielectric layer contacts said upper surface of said first dielectric layer. 10. The device of claim 8, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said trench on said bulk semiconductor substrate and on said buried insulation layer, wherein said first material layer is positioned within said liner layer. 11. A device, comprising:
an SOI substrate comprising a semiconductor bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer positioned on said semiconductor bulk substrate and a semiconductor layer positioned on said buried insulation layer; a trench formed in said SOI substrate, said trench extending through said buried insulation layer and into said semiconductor bulk substrate; and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in said trench, said isolation structure comprising:
a first dielectric layer positioned in a portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate, said first dielectric layer comprising a first upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said bulk semiconductor substrate;
a first material layer positioned above said first dielectric layer, said first material layer being made of a material that is different from a material of said first dielectric layer, said first material layer comprising an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said first material layer is positioned at a level that is below a level of an upper surface of said buried insulation layer; and
a second dielectric layer positioned above said first material layer, said second dielectric layer being made of a material that is different from said material of said first material layer. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said second dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said semiconductor layer. 13. The device of claim 11, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate, wherein said first dielectric layer is positioned within said liner layer. 14. The device of claim 11, wherein said first material layer covers an entire upper surface of said first dielectric layer and said second dielectric layer covers an entire upper surface of said first material layer. 15. The device of claim 11, wherein said first material layer is a spacer that comprises an opening that exposes a portion of an upper surface of said first dielectric layer and wherein a portion of said second dielectric layer is positioned in said opening in said first material layer and said second dielectric layer contacts said upper surface of said first dielectric layer. 16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said trench on said bulk semiconductor substrate and on said buried insulation layer, wherein said first material layer is positioned within said liner layer. 17. A device, comprising:
an SOI substrate comprising a semiconductor bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer positioned on said semiconductor bulk substrate and a semiconductor layer positioned on said buried insulation layer; a trench formed in said SOI substrate, said trench extending through said buried insulation layer and into said semiconductor bulk substrate; and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in said trench, said isolation structure comprising:
a first dielectric layer positioned in a portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate;
a spacer positioned above said first dielectric layer, said spacer being made of a material that is different from a material of said first dielectric layer, said spacer comprising an opening that exposes a portion of an upper surface of said first dielectric layer; and
a second dielectric layer positioned above said first material layer, said second dielectric layer being made of a material that is different from said material of said spacer, wherein a portion of said second dielectric layer is positioned in said opening in said first material layer and said second dielectric layer contacts said upper surface of said first dielectric layer. 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said trench on said bulk semiconductor substrate and on said buried insulation layer, wherein said spacer is positioned within said liner layer. 19. The device of claim 17, wherein said first dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said bulk semiconductor substrate. 20. The device of claim 17, wherein said second dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said semiconductor layer. | A device including an SOI substrate and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in a trench that extends through a buried insulation layer and into a semiconductor bulk substrate of the SOI substrate is disclosed. The isolation structure includes a first dielectric layer positioned in a lower portion of the trench, a first material layer positioned above the first dielectric layer, the first material layer having a material different from a material of the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer positioned above the first material layer, the second dielectric layer having a material different from the material of the first material layer.1. A device, comprising:
an SOI substrate comprising a semiconductor bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer positioned on said semiconductor bulk substrate and a semiconductor layer positioned on said buried insulation layer; a trench formed in said SOI substrate, said trench extending through said buried insulation layer and into said semiconductor bulk substrate; and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in said trench, said isolation structure comprising:
a first dielectric layer positioned in a portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate;
a first material layer positioned above said first dielectric layer, said first material layer being made of a material that is different from a material of said first dielectric layer; and
a second dielectric layer positioned above said first material layer, said second dielectric layer being made of a material that is different from said material of said first material layer. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first dielectric layer comprises silicon dioxide, said first material layer comprises silicon nitride and said second dielectric layer comprises silicon nitride. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said bulk semiconductor substrate. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said buried insulation layer comprises an upper surface and said first material layer comprises an upper surface, and wherein said upper surface of said first material layer is positioned at a level that is below a level of said upper surface of said buried insulation layer. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said second dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said semiconductor layer. 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate, wherein said first dielectric layer is positioned within said liner layer. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said first material layer covers an entire upper surface of said first dielectric layer and said second dielectric layer covers an entire upper surface of said first material layer. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said first material layer is a spacer that comprises an opening that exposes a portion of an upper surface of said first dielectric layer. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein a portion of said second dielectric layer is positioned in said opening in said first material layer and said second dielectric layer contacts said upper surface of said first dielectric layer. 10. The device of claim 8, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said trench on said bulk semiconductor substrate and on said buried insulation layer, wherein said first material layer is positioned within said liner layer. 11. A device, comprising:
an SOI substrate comprising a semiconductor bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer positioned on said semiconductor bulk substrate and a semiconductor layer positioned on said buried insulation layer; a trench formed in said SOI substrate, said trench extending through said buried insulation layer and into said semiconductor bulk substrate; and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in said trench, said isolation structure comprising:
a first dielectric layer positioned in a portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate, said first dielectric layer comprising a first upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said bulk semiconductor substrate;
a first material layer positioned above said first dielectric layer, said first material layer being made of a material that is different from a material of said first dielectric layer, said first material layer comprising an upper surface, wherein said upper surface of said first material layer is positioned at a level that is below a level of an upper surface of said buried insulation layer; and
a second dielectric layer positioned above said first material layer, said second dielectric layer being made of a material that is different from said material of said first material layer. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said second dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said semiconductor layer. 13. The device of claim 11, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate, wherein said first dielectric layer is positioned within said liner layer. 14. The device of claim 11, wherein said first material layer covers an entire upper surface of said first dielectric layer and said second dielectric layer covers an entire upper surface of said first material layer. 15. The device of claim 11, wherein said first material layer is a spacer that comprises an opening that exposes a portion of an upper surface of said first dielectric layer and wherein a portion of said second dielectric layer is positioned in said opening in said first material layer and said second dielectric layer contacts said upper surface of said first dielectric layer. 16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said trench on said bulk semiconductor substrate and on said buried insulation layer, wherein said first material layer is positioned within said liner layer. 17. A device, comprising:
an SOI substrate comprising a semiconductor bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer positioned on said semiconductor bulk substrate and a semiconductor layer positioned on said buried insulation layer; a trench formed in said SOI substrate, said trench extending through said buried insulation layer and into said semiconductor bulk substrate; and an isolation structure positioned at least partially in said trench, said isolation structure comprising:
a first dielectric layer positioned in a portion of said trench that extends into said bulk semiconductor substrate;
a spacer positioned above said first dielectric layer, said spacer being made of a material that is different from a material of said first dielectric layer, said spacer comprising an opening that exposes a portion of an upper surface of said first dielectric layer; and
a second dielectric layer positioned above said first material layer, said second dielectric layer being made of a material that is different from said material of said spacer, wherein a portion of said second dielectric layer is positioned in said opening in said first material layer and said second dielectric layer contacts said upper surface of said first dielectric layer. 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a liner layer positioned in said trench on said bulk semiconductor substrate and on said buried insulation layer, wherein said spacer is positioned within said liner layer. 19. The device of claim 17, wherein said first dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said bulk semiconductor substrate. 20. The device of claim 17, wherein said second dielectric layer comprises an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of said semiconductor layer. | 3,600 |
349,885 | 350,759 | 16,854,585 | 2,865 | One variation of a method for testing contact quality of electrical-biosignal electrodes includes: outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; reading a set of sense signals from a set of sense electrodes at a first time; calculating a first combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a combination of the first combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time; and at a second time succeeding the first time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving selection of a set of channels of interest; selecting a first subset of sense electrodes, in a set of sense electrodes integrated into an electroencephalography headset, corresponding to the set of channels of interest; selecting a second subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes, differing from the first subset of sense electrodes; during a test period, outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode integrated into the electroencephalography headset, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; over a first duration of a test period:
reading a first set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes;
reading a second set of sense signals from the second subset of sense electrodes;
adjusting the direct-current component of the drive signal to follow a first linear combination of the first subset of sense signals;
calculating a virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals; and
recording differences between the first set of sense signals and the virtual reference signal. 2. The method of claim 1:
wherein receiving selection of the set of channels of interest comprises receiving selection of an electroencephalography test specifying the set of channels of interest; and wherein selecting the second subset of sense electrodes comprises selecting the second subset of sense electrodes distinct from and remotely located from the first subset of electrodes on the electroencephalography headset. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, over a second duration of the test period succeeding the first duration:
reading a third set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes; detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes in response to a third sense signal in the third set of sense signals excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency; and in response to detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and the first sense electrode:
adjusting the direct-current component of the drive signal to follow a second linear combination of the third subset of sense signals less the third sense signal; and
generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the first sense electrode. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, over a second duration of the test period succeeding the first duration:
reading a fourth set of sense signals from the second subset of sense electrodes; detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and a second sense electrode in the second subset of sense electrodes in response to a fourth sense signal in the second set of sense signals excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency; and in response to detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and the second sense electrode:
deactivating the second sense electrode; and
calculating a second virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals less the fourth sense signal; and
recording differences between the first set of sense signals and the second virtual reference signal. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, in response to detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and a proportion of sense electrodes, in the second subset of sense electrode, exceeding a threshold proportion:
generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the sense electrodes in the second subset of sense electrodes; and transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 6. A method comprising:
receiving selection of a set of channels of interest; selecting a first subset of sense electrodes, in a set of sense electrodes integrated into an electroencephalography headset, corresponding to the set of channels of interest; selecting a second subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes, differing from the first subset of sense electrodes; during a test period beginning at a first time:
outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode integrated into the electroencephalography headset worn by a user, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component;
reading a first set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes;
reading a second set of sense signals from the second subset of sense electrodes;
in response to a second sense signal read from a second sense electrode in the second subset of sense electrodes excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency at a second time succeeding the first time, detecting that the second electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin; and
in response to detecting that the second electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin, deactivating the second electrode. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
from the first time to the second time, calculating a first virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals read from the second subset of sense electrodes; following the second time, calculating a second virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals read from the second subset of sense electrodes less the second sense electrode; and during the test period, calculating a first composite sense signal by subtracting the reference signal from a first sense signal read by a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrode; and storing the first composite sense signal in a digital electroencephalography test result file. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
following the third time, calculating a third virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals read from the second subset of sense electrodes less the second sense electrode; in response to the second reference signal excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency and comprising a second signal component oscillating at an ambient frequency:
detecting that the driven electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin;
generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the first sense electrode; and
transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
in response to a first sense signal read from a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency at a third time succeeding the second time, detecting that the first electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin; in response to detecting that the first electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin:
generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the first sense electrode; and
transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein generating the electronic notification comprises generating the electronic notification comprising the prompt to adjust the first sense electrode and the sense electrode. 11. The method of claim 6, further comprising, at a third time succeeding the second time by a check duration:
reactivating the second sense electrode; reading a third sense signal from the second sense electrode; in response to the third sense signal comprising the first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency, detecting that the second electrode is in proper contact with the user's skin at the third time; and in response to detecting that the second electrode is in proper contact with the user's skin, maintaining the second electrode in an active state following the third time. 12. The method of claim 6:
wherein receiving selection of the set of channels of interest comprises receiving selection of the set of channels of interest for a first electroencephalography test of a first duration; further comprising receiving selection of a second set of channels of interest for a second electroencephalography test of a second duration, the second set of channels of interest different from the first set of channels of interest; selecting a third subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes, corresponding to the second set of channels of interest; selecting a fourth subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes, differing from the third subset of sense electrodes; over the first duration within the test period, writing the first set of sense signals to a first digital electroencephalography test result file corresponding to the first electroencephalography test; in response to conclusion of the first duration within the test period, transitioning to reading a third set of sense signals from the third subset of sense electrodes; and over the second duration within the test period succeeding the first duration, writing the third set of sense signals to a digital electroencephalography test result file corresponding to the second electroencephalography test. 13. The method of claim 6, further comprising, at approximately the first time:
calculating a first linear combination of the first set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a sum of the first linear combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal; and shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value. 14. The method of claim 13:
wherein calculating the first linear combination comprises calculating the first linear combination of the first set of sense signals and the second set of sense signals at approximately the first time; further comprising, at approximately the second time:
calculating a second linear combination of the first set of sense signals and the second set of sense signals less the second sense signal;
calculating a second direct-current value comprising a sum of the sense linear combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal; and
shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the second direct-current value. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
in response to a first sense signal read from a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency at a third time succeeding the second time, detecting that the first electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin; at approximately the third time:
calculating a third linear combination of the first set of sense signals less the first sense signal;
calculating a third direct-current value comprising a sum of the third linear combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal; and
shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the third direct-current value. 16. The method of claim 6:
wherein receiving the selection of the set of channels of interest comprises receiving manual selection of the set of channels of interest, in a set of channels supported by the electroencephalography headset, during the test period; and further comprising, in response to receipt of manual selection of the set of channels of interest, activating each sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes. 17. A method comprising:
receiving selection of a set of channels of interest; selecting a first subset of sense electrodes, in a set of sense electrodes integrated into an electroencephalography headset, corresponding to the set of channels of interest; during a test period, outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode integrated into the electroencephalography headset worn by a user, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; over a first duration within the test period:
reading a first set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes;
calculating a first linear combination of the first set of sense signals; and
adjusting the direct-current component of the drive signal to follow the first linear combination;
over a second duration within the test period:
reading a second set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes;
in response to a second sense signal read from a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency, detecting that the first electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin;
calculating a second linear combination of the second set of sense signals less the second sense signal; and
adjusting the direct-current component of the drive signal to follow the second linear combination. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
in response to detecting of abnormal contact between the user's skin and the first sense electrode, generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the first sense electrode; and transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 19. The method of claim 17:
wherein selecting the first subset of sense electrodes comprises activating each sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes; and further comprising, in response to detecting of abnormal contact between the user's skin and the first sense electrode, deactivating the first sense electrode. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
reading a reference signal from a second sense electrode in the set of sense electrodes; over the first duration within the test period, recording differences between the first set of sense signals and the reference signal to a digital electroencephalography test result file; and over the second duration within the test period, recording differences between the second set of sense signals, less the second sense signal, and the reference signal to the digital electroencephalography test result file. | One variation of a method for testing contact quality of electrical-biosignal electrodes includes: outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; reading a set of sense signals from a set of sense electrodes at a first time; calculating a first combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a combination of the first combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time; and at a second time succeeding the first time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value.1. A method comprising:
receiving selection of a set of channels of interest; selecting a first subset of sense electrodes, in a set of sense electrodes integrated into an electroencephalography headset, corresponding to the set of channels of interest; selecting a second subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes, differing from the first subset of sense electrodes; during a test period, outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode integrated into the electroencephalography headset, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; over a first duration of a test period:
reading a first set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes;
reading a second set of sense signals from the second subset of sense electrodes;
adjusting the direct-current component of the drive signal to follow a first linear combination of the first subset of sense signals;
calculating a virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals; and
recording differences between the first set of sense signals and the virtual reference signal. 2. The method of claim 1:
wherein receiving selection of the set of channels of interest comprises receiving selection of an electroencephalography test specifying the set of channels of interest; and wherein selecting the second subset of sense electrodes comprises selecting the second subset of sense electrodes distinct from and remotely located from the first subset of electrodes on the electroencephalography headset. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, over a second duration of the test period succeeding the first duration:
reading a third set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes; detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes in response to a third sense signal in the third set of sense signals excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency; and in response to detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and the first sense electrode:
adjusting the direct-current component of the drive signal to follow a second linear combination of the third subset of sense signals less the third sense signal; and
generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the first sense electrode. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, over a second duration of the test period succeeding the first duration:
reading a fourth set of sense signals from the second subset of sense electrodes; detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and a second sense electrode in the second subset of sense electrodes in response to a fourth sense signal in the second set of sense signals excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency; and in response to detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and the second sense electrode:
deactivating the second sense electrode; and
calculating a second virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals less the fourth sense signal; and
recording differences between the first set of sense signals and the second virtual reference signal. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, in response to detecting abnormal contact between the user's skin and a proportion of sense electrodes, in the second subset of sense electrode, exceeding a threshold proportion:
generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the sense electrodes in the second subset of sense electrodes; and transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 6. A method comprising:
receiving selection of a set of channels of interest; selecting a first subset of sense electrodes, in a set of sense electrodes integrated into an electroencephalography headset, corresponding to the set of channels of interest; selecting a second subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes, differing from the first subset of sense electrodes; during a test period beginning at a first time:
outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode integrated into the electroencephalography headset worn by a user, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component;
reading a first set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes;
reading a second set of sense signals from the second subset of sense electrodes;
in response to a second sense signal read from a second sense electrode in the second subset of sense electrodes excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency at a second time succeeding the first time, detecting that the second electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin; and
in response to detecting that the second electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin, deactivating the second electrode. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
from the first time to the second time, calculating a first virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals read from the second subset of sense electrodes; following the second time, calculating a second virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals read from the second subset of sense electrodes less the second sense electrode; and during the test period, calculating a first composite sense signal by subtracting the reference signal from a first sense signal read by a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrode; and storing the first composite sense signal in a digital electroencephalography test result file. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
following the third time, calculating a third virtual reference signal as a function of the second set of sense signals read from the second subset of sense electrodes less the second sense electrode; in response to the second reference signal excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency and comprising a second signal component oscillating at an ambient frequency:
detecting that the driven electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin;
generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the first sense electrode; and
transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 9. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
in response to a first sense signal read from a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency at a third time succeeding the second time, detecting that the first electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin; in response to detecting that the first electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin:
generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the first sense electrode; and
transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein generating the electronic notification comprises generating the electronic notification comprising the prompt to adjust the first sense electrode and the sense electrode. 11. The method of claim 6, further comprising, at a third time succeeding the second time by a check duration:
reactivating the second sense electrode; reading a third sense signal from the second sense electrode; in response to the third sense signal comprising the first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency, detecting that the second electrode is in proper contact with the user's skin at the third time; and in response to detecting that the second electrode is in proper contact with the user's skin, maintaining the second electrode in an active state following the third time. 12. The method of claim 6:
wherein receiving selection of the set of channels of interest comprises receiving selection of the set of channels of interest for a first electroencephalography test of a first duration; further comprising receiving selection of a second set of channels of interest for a second electroencephalography test of a second duration, the second set of channels of interest different from the first set of channels of interest; selecting a third subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes, corresponding to the second set of channels of interest; selecting a fourth subset of sense electrodes, in the set of sense electrodes, differing from the third subset of sense electrodes; over the first duration within the test period, writing the first set of sense signals to a first digital electroencephalography test result file corresponding to the first electroencephalography test; in response to conclusion of the first duration within the test period, transitioning to reading a third set of sense signals from the third subset of sense electrodes; and over the second duration within the test period succeeding the first duration, writing the third set of sense signals to a digital electroencephalography test result file corresponding to the second electroencephalography test. 13. The method of claim 6, further comprising, at approximately the first time:
calculating a first linear combination of the first set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a sum of the first linear combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal; and shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value. 14. The method of claim 13:
wherein calculating the first linear combination comprises calculating the first linear combination of the first set of sense signals and the second set of sense signals at approximately the first time; further comprising, at approximately the second time:
calculating a second linear combination of the first set of sense signals and the second set of sense signals less the second sense signal;
calculating a second direct-current value comprising a sum of the sense linear combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal; and
shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the second direct-current value. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
in response to a first sense signal read from a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency at a third time succeeding the second time, detecting that the first electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin; at approximately the third time:
calculating a third linear combination of the first set of sense signals less the first sense signal;
calculating a third direct-current value comprising a sum of the third linear combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal; and
shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the third direct-current value. 16. The method of claim 6:
wherein receiving the selection of the set of channels of interest comprises receiving manual selection of the set of channels of interest, in a set of channels supported by the electroencephalography headset, during the test period; and further comprising, in response to receipt of manual selection of the set of channels of interest, activating each sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes. 17. A method comprising:
receiving selection of a set of channels of interest; selecting a first subset of sense electrodes, in a set of sense electrodes integrated into an electroencephalography headset, corresponding to the set of channels of interest; during a test period, outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode integrated into the electroencephalography headset worn by a user, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; over a first duration within the test period:
reading a first set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes;
calculating a first linear combination of the first set of sense signals; and
adjusting the direct-current component of the drive signal to follow the first linear combination;
over a second duration within the test period:
reading a second set of sense signals from the first subset of sense electrodes;
in response to a second sense signal read from a first sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes excluding a first signal component oscillating at the reference frequency, detecting that the first electrode is in abnormal contact with the user's skin;
calculating a second linear combination of the second set of sense signals less the second sense signal; and
adjusting the direct-current component of the drive signal to follow the second linear combination. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
in response to detecting of abnormal contact between the user's skin and the first sense electrode, generating an electronic notification comprising a prompt to adjust the first sense electrode; and transmitting the electronic notification to an external computing device accessible by a biosignal test administrator. 19. The method of claim 17:
wherein selecting the first subset of sense electrodes comprises activating each sense electrode in the first subset of sense electrodes; and further comprising, in response to detecting of abnormal contact between the user's skin and the first sense electrode, deactivating the first sense electrode. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
reading a reference signal from a second sense electrode in the set of sense electrodes; over the first duration within the test period, recording differences between the first set of sense signals and the reference signal to a digital electroencephalography test result file; and over the second duration within the test period, recording differences between the second set of sense signals, less the second sense signal, and the reference signal to the digital electroencephalography test result file. | 2,800 |
349,886 | 350,760 | 16,854,600 | 1,792 | A method for producing a multi-slice bacon shingle is provided, comprising introducing a bulk meat product, such as a pork belly or other non-pork meat product, into a slicer; setting the slicer to control predetermined slicing parameters, namely blade speed, extent of overlap between adjacent bacon slices, and separation between successive bacon shingles; slicing the bulk meat product into bacon slices in accordance with the slicing parameters to produce a plurality of bacon shingles, wherein the adjacent bacon slices of each bacon shingle form a predetermined overlap between the adjacent bacon slices; and cooking the bacon shingles to a predetermined cook condition, wherein the adjacent bacon slices are caused to adhere to one another at the predetermined overlap. | 1. A method for producing a multi-slice bacon shingle, comprising:
(a) introducing a bulk meat product into a slicer; (b) setting the slicer to control predetermined slicing parameters, namely blade speed, extent of overlap between adjacent bacon slices, and separation between successive bacon shingles; (c) slicing the bulk meat product into bacon slices in accordance with the slicing parameters to produce a plurality of bacon shingles, wherein the adjacent bacon slices of each bacon shingle form a predetermined overlap between the adjacent bacon slices; and (d) cooking the bacon shingles to a predetermined cook condition, wherein the adjacent bacon slices are caused to adhere to one another at the predetermined overlap. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined slicing parameters are: (i) blade speed, (ii) number of actual slices in each bacon shingle, and (iii) number of denial slices for separation between the bacon shingles. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein:
(a) the blade speed is 450 to 550 rpm; (b) the number of actual slices is three; and (c) the number of denial slices is four. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the bulk meat product is pork belly. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the bulk meat product is a non-pork meat product. 6. The method of claim 4, prior to introducing the pork belly into the slicer, further comprising the steps of:
(a) cutting the pork belly longitudinally to create separate pork belly portions; and (b) introducing the pork belly portions into the slicer in a side-by-side configuration, such that the slicer is able to cut the bacon slices from the pork belly portions in a single blade slice. 7. The method of claim 4, prior to introducing the pork belly into the slicer, further comprising the step of chilling the pork belly to an internal temperature between 24 F and 28 F. 8. The method of claim 1, prior to introducing the bulk meat product into the slicer, further comprising the step of smoking and curing the bulk meat product. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
(a) placing the cooked bacon shingles onto packaging sheets; (b) layering a plurality of packaging sheets containing the bacon shingles into a sealable container; and (c) purging the container of air to an oxygen content of two percent or less. | A method for producing a multi-slice bacon shingle is provided, comprising introducing a bulk meat product, such as a pork belly or other non-pork meat product, into a slicer; setting the slicer to control predetermined slicing parameters, namely blade speed, extent of overlap between adjacent bacon slices, and separation between successive bacon shingles; slicing the bulk meat product into bacon slices in accordance with the slicing parameters to produce a plurality of bacon shingles, wherein the adjacent bacon slices of each bacon shingle form a predetermined overlap between the adjacent bacon slices; and cooking the bacon shingles to a predetermined cook condition, wherein the adjacent bacon slices are caused to adhere to one another at the predetermined overlap.1. A method for producing a multi-slice bacon shingle, comprising:
(a) introducing a bulk meat product into a slicer; (b) setting the slicer to control predetermined slicing parameters, namely blade speed, extent of overlap between adjacent bacon slices, and separation between successive bacon shingles; (c) slicing the bulk meat product into bacon slices in accordance with the slicing parameters to produce a plurality of bacon shingles, wherein the adjacent bacon slices of each bacon shingle form a predetermined overlap between the adjacent bacon slices; and (d) cooking the bacon shingles to a predetermined cook condition, wherein the adjacent bacon slices are caused to adhere to one another at the predetermined overlap. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined slicing parameters are: (i) blade speed, (ii) number of actual slices in each bacon shingle, and (iii) number of denial slices for separation between the bacon shingles. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein:
(a) the blade speed is 450 to 550 rpm; (b) the number of actual slices is three; and (c) the number of denial slices is four. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the bulk meat product is pork belly. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the bulk meat product is a non-pork meat product. 6. The method of claim 4, prior to introducing the pork belly into the slicer, further comprising the steps of:
(a) cutting the pork belly longitudinally to create separate pork belly portions; and (b) introducing the pork belly portions into the slicer in a side-by-side configuration, such that the slicer is able to cut the bacon slices from the pork belly portions in a single blade slice. 7. The method of claim 4, prior to introducing the pork belly into the slicer, further comprising the step of chilling the pork belly to an internal temperature between 24 F and 28 F. 8. The method of claim 1, prior to introducing the bulk meat product into the slicer, further comprising the step of smoking and curing the bulk meat product. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
(a) placing the cooked bacon shingles onto packaging sheets; (b) layering a plurality of packaging sheets containing the bacon shingles into a sealable container; and (c) purging the container of air to an oxygen content of two percent or less. | 1,700 |
349,887 | 350,761 | 16,854,591 | 1,792 | Fluid treatment systems and components are provided for a removal of solid matter from water or other fluids in which a chemical or chemicals may be introduced into the fluid under pressure to coagulate and/or conglomerate the solid materials and cause them to be dropped out of the treatment system and be removed. The fluid treatment system can include: an equalization chamber receiving a wastewater; a clarification chamber receiving a partially separated water from the equalization chamber; a mixing tube having an inlet end and an outlet end; and a sludge detector. | 1. A fluid treatment system comprising:
an equalization chamber receiving a wastewater; a clarification chamber receiving a partially separated water from the equalization chamber; a mixing tube having an inlet and an outlet; and a sludge detector. 2. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the equalization chamber comprises a cylindrical top and a conical base. 3. The fluid treatment system according to claim 2, wherein the conical base comprises a solids discharge. 4. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein a first fluid transfer conduit discharges into the equalization chamber above the conical base. 5. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the mixing tube comprises a mixing area between the equalization chamber and the clarification chamber. 6. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the mixing tube comprises a venturi injector for injecting at least one treatment chemical into the wastewater within the mixing tube. 7. The fluid treatment system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one treatment chemical comprises a floc-forming chemical. 8. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein a first stage fluid transfer conduit comprises an internal fighting. 9. The fluid treatment system according to claim 8, further comprises a second fluid transfer conduit between the equalization chamber and the clarification chamber. 10. The fluid treatment system according to claim 9, wherein the second fluid transfer conduit is fluidly connected to the cylindrical top of the equalization chamber. 11. The fluid treatment system according to claim 10, wherein the second fluid transfer conduit is longer than the first fluid transfer conduit. 12. The fluid treatment system according to claim 11, wherein the second fluid transfer conduit extends in a downward spiral around the clarification chamber. 13. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the clarification chamber comprises a cylindrical top and a conical base. 14. A mixing tube for use in a fluid treatment system, the mixing tube comprising:
an inlet; an outlet; an interior bore between the inlet and the outlet; an injection inlet from the interior bore to an exterior of the mixing tube; a plurality of fins that extend along the interior bore and located proximate to the inlet; and a spiral that extends along the interior bore and located proximate to the outlet. 15. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein at least one of: the inlet and the outlet comprise a taper. 16. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of fins extends from the inlet to the injection inlet. 17. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein the spiral extends along the interior bore from the injection inlet to the outlet. 18. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein the interior bore comprises a smaller diameter than a fluid transfer conduit of the fluid treatment system. 19. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein the injection inlet is angled toward the inlet. 20. A sludge detector for use in a water treatment system, the sludge detector comprising:
a cross-tee comprises a first intersecting bore and a second intersecting bore; a reinforced transparent tube placed within the first intersecting bore extending from an inlet to an outlet; a sensor board placed within a first orifice of the second intersecting bore; and an illumination board placed within a second orifice of the second intersecting bore. 21. The sludge detector according to claim 20, further comprising a van stone flange maintaining the reinforced transparent tube within the first intersecting bore. 22. The sludge detector according to claim 20, wherein the illumination board comprises an illumination source that emits light over a range of wavelengths selected from at least one of: a visible light, an infrared light, and an ultraviolet light. 23. The sludge detector according to claim 20, wherein the sensor board comprises at least one photoreceptive sensor sensitive to at least one range of wavelengths of light. | Fluid treatment systems and components are provided for a removal of solid matter from water or other fluids in which a chemical or chemicals may be introduced into the fluid under pressure to coagulate and/or conglomerate the solid materials and cause them to be dropped out of the treatment system and be removed. The fluid treatment system can include: an equalization chamber receiving a wastewater; a clarification chamber receiving a partially separated water from the equalization chamber; a mixing tube having an inlet end and an outlet end; and a sludge detector.1. A fluid treatment system comprising:
an equalization chamber receiving a wastewater; a clarification chamber receiving a partially separated water from the equalization chamber; a mixing tube having an inlet and an outlet; and a sludge detector. 2. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the equalization chamber comprises a cylindrical top and a conical base. 3. The fluid treatment system according to claim 2, wherein the conical base comprises a solids discharge. 4. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein a first fluid transfer conduit discharges into the equalization chamber above the conical base. 5. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the mixing tube comprises a mixing area between the equalization chamber and the clarification chamber. 6. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the mixing tube comprises a venturi injector for injecting at least one treatment chemical into the wastewater within the mixing tube. 7. The fluid treatment system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one treatment chemical comprises a floc-forming chemical. 8. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein a first stage fluid transfer conduit comprises an internal fighting. 9. The fluid treatment system according to claim 8, further comprises a second fluid transfer conduit between the equalization chamber and the clarification chamber. 10. The fluid treatment system according to claim 9, wherein the second fluid transfer conduit is fluidly connected to the cylindrical top of the equalization chamber. 11. The fluid treatment system according to claim 10, wherein the second fluid transfer conduit is longer than the first fluid transfer conduit. 12. The fluid treatment system according to claim 11, wherein the second fluid transfer conduit extends in a downward spiral around the clarification chamber. 13. The fluid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the clarification chamber comprises a cylindrical top and a conical base. 14. A mixing tube for use in a fluid treatment system, the mixing tube comprising:
an inlet; an outlet; an interior bore between the inlet and the outlet; an injection inlet from the interior bore to an exterior of the mixing tube; a plurality of fins that extend along the interior bore and located proximate to the inlet; and a spiral that extends along the interior bore and located proximate to the outlet. 15. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein at least one of: the inlet and the outlet comprise a taper. 16. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of fins extends from the inlet to the injection inlet. 17. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein the spiral extends along the interior bore from the injection inlet to the outlet. 18. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein the interior bore comprises a smaller diameter than a fluid transfer conduit of the fluid treatment system. 19. The mixing tube according to claim 14, wherein the injection inlet is angled toward the inlet. 20. A sludge detector for use in a water treatment system, the sludge detector comprising:
a cross-tee comprises a first intersecting bore and a second intersecting bore; a reinforced transparent tube placed within the first intersecting bore extending from an inlet to an outlet; a sensor board placed within a first orifice of the second intersecting bore; and an illumination board placed within a second orifice of the second intersecting bore. 21. The sludge detector according to claim 20, further comprising a van stone flange maintaining the reinforced transparent tube within the first intersecting bore. 22. The sludge detector according to claim 20, wherein the illumination board comprises an illumination source that emits light over a range of wavelengths selected from at least one of: a visible light, an infrared light, and an ultraviolet light. 23. The sludge detector according to claim 20, wherein the sensor board comprises at least one photoreceptive sensor sensitive to at least one range of wavelengths of light. | 1,700 |
349,888 | 350,762 | 16,854,602 | 1,792 | An ultra high temperature mineral-insulated shielded cabled is provided as a non-sintered compacted powder, where central conductors and/or a sheath are made of a conducting material selected from tantalum, tungsten, rhodium, rhenium, carbon, and a mixture of at least two of such materials. The mineral insulator is made of an insulating material selected from boron nitride, yttrium oxide, silicon nitride, aluminium nitride, and a mixture of such materials. The conductor is tantalum and the insulator is selected from hafnia, boron nitride, silicon nitride, and a mixture of such materials, in particular for a use at a temperature lower than 1 630° C. or 1 600° C.; or aluminium nitride, in particular at a temperature lower than 1 530° C. or 1 500° C. A device including this cable used below 1800° C., particularly under 1 600° C., in particular under vacuum, as a heating element or transmission cable. | 1. A mineral-insulated shielded cable, comprising: one or more so-called central conductors, surrounded by at least one mineral insulator layer as a compacted powder, the assembly being enclosed into a ductile sheath of a sealed material;
wherein said central conductors and said sheath are each made with at least 80%, in particular at least 90% and in particular at least 99%, of a material selected from tantalum, tungsten, rhodium, rhenium, carbon, and a mixture of at least two of these materials; and wherein said mineral insulator is made, with at least 80%, in particular at least 90% and in particular at least 99%, of a material selected from boron nitride, yttrium oxide, silicon nitride, aluminium nitride, and a mixture of at least two of these materials. 2. The cable of claim 1, wherein one or more of the central conductors and the sheath are made of metal obtained by melting, in particular vacuum melting. 3. The cable of claim 2, wherein one or more of the central conductors and the sheath are made of at least 99.95% pure metal. 4. The cable of claim 1, wherein the mineral insulator comprises at least 90%, in particular at least 99% and more particularly at least 99.9% by mass of boron nitride,
and wherein the central conductors and the sheath of the cable each comprise at least 90%, in particular at least 99% and more particularly at least 99.9%, of a material selected from:
tantalum,
rhodium,
tungsten,
rhenium,
carbon, and
a mixture of at least two of these materials. 5. The cable of claim 1, wherein the mineral insulator comprises at least 90%, in particular at least 99% and more particularly at least 99.9% by mass of silicon nitride,
and wherein the central conductors and the sheath of the cable each comprise at least 90%, in particular at least 99% and more particularly at least 99.9%, of a material selected from:
tantalum,
rhodium,
tungsten,
rhenium,
carbon, and
a mixture of at least two of these materials. 6. The cable of 1, wherein the central conductor of said cable comprises only one wire, in particular with a diameter higher than 0.1 mm, in particular higher than 0.5 mm, and with a diameter lower than 5 mm, in particular lower than 3 mm, and more particularly lower than 1 mm,
and wherein the external diameter of the cable is lower than 5 mm, in particular lower than 3 mm and more particularly lower than 2.4 mm, and is higher than 0.5 mm, in particular higher than 1 mm and more particularly higher than 2 mm. 7. The cable of 1, characterised in that the central conductor comprises several wires, parallel to each other or coiled around a longitudinal axis of said cable. 8. A device comprising the cable of claim 1, wherein it is arranged to operate under conditions where said cable is brought to a so-called operational temperature which is higher than 1 200° C. and in particular higher than 1 300° C., and/or which is lower than 1 830° C., in particular lower than 1 800°, in particular lower than 1 630° C. and in particular lower than 1 600° C. 9. A device comprising the cable of claim 4, wherein said device is arranged to operate under conditions where the cable is brought to a so-called operational temperature which is higher than 1 470° C., and in particular higher than 1 500° C. and/or which is lower than 1630° C. and in particular lower than 1 600° C. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said device is arranged to operate under conditions where the cable is likely to undergo a plurality of temperature variation cycles, between at least the operational temperature and at least a so-called standby temperature which is lower than 500° C. and more particularly lower than 250° C.,
during a so-called operational life service of said cable, defined by a number of cycles following which said cable has to remain operational, said life service being higher than 50 cycles, and in particular higher than 100 cycles, and for example higher than or equal to 180 cycles. 11. A device comprising the cable of claim 5, wherein said device is arranged to operate under conditions where the cable is brought to a so-called operational temperature which is lower than 1 530° C. and in particular lower than 1 500° C. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said device is arranged to operate under conditions where the cable is likely to undergo a plurality of temperature variation cycles, between at least the operational temperature and at least a so-called standby temperature which is lower than 500° C. and more particularly lower than 250° C.,
during a so-called operational life service of said cable, defined by a number of cycles following which said cable has to remain operational to the minimum, said life service being higher than 200 cycles, and in particular higher than 300 cycles, and can also be higher than 400 cycles or even 450 cycles, and for example higher than or equal to 500 cycles. 13. The device of claim 8, wherein said device is arranged to operate under a vacuum being a pressure lower than 10−2 Pa, in particular lower than 10−3 Pa, and more particularly lower than 2.10−4 Pa. 14. The device of claim 8, wherein said device is arranged to make a heating element operated by flowing an electric intensity within the central element(s) of the cable. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein said device is arranged to produce a contact heating of an ionisation electrode within an electric type spatial or aeronautic thruster. 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the cable is wound around a hollow cathode and in that the device is arranged to preheat said cathode so as to allow gas ionisation, for example during the ignition of a self-heating spatial ion thruster. 17. The device of claim 8, wherein it is arranged to carry an electric or electromagnetic signal in a high temperature environment. 18. A method for manufacturing the mineral-insulated shielded cable of claim 1,
wherein said method comprises the following steps of: preparing a blank having an initial external diameter, and comprising:
the central conductor(s) as metal wires or pipes,
the mineral insulator layer(s) as a powder surrounding said central conductors, and
the sheath;
one or more reduction passes by hammering or wire drawing, arranged to reduce the external diameter of said cable down to a final diameter lower than the initial diameter, and produce compacting of powders included in said cable. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising at least one vacuum annealing step. 20. The of claim 18, further comprising at least one prior step of calcinating the powder material(s) making the mineral insulator, at a temperature higher than 500° C., in particular higher than 890° C., and for example at 900° C., during a time duration higher than 10 min and in particular between 15 min and 90 min. | An ultra high temperature mineral-insulated shielded cabled is provided as a non-sintered compacted powder, where central conductors and/or a sheath are made of a conducting material selected from tantalum, tungsten, rhodium, rhenium, carbon, and a mixture of at least two of such materials. The mineral insulator is made of an insulating material selected from boron nitride, yttrium oxide, silicon nitride, aluminium nitride, and a mixture of such materials. The conductor is tantalum and the insulator is selected from hafnia, boron nitride, silicon nitride, and a mixture of such materials, in particular for a use at a temperature lower than 1 630° C. or 1 600° C.; or aluminium nitride, in particular at a temperature lower than 1 530° C. or 1 500° C. A device including this cable used below 1800° C., particularly under 1 600° C., in particular under vacuum, as a heating element or transmission cable.1. A mineral-insulated shielded cable, comprising: one or more so-called central conductors, surrounded by at least one mineral insulator layer as a compacted powder, the assembly being enclosed into a ductile sheath of a sealed material;
wherein said central conductors and said sheath are each made with at least 80%, in particular at least 90% and in particular at least 99%, of a material selected from tantalum, tungsten, rhodium, rhenium, carbon, and a mixture of at least two of these materials; and wherein said mineral insulator is made, with at least 80%, in particular at least 90% and in particular at least 99%, of a material selected from boron nitride, yttrium oxide, silicon nitride, aluminium nitride, and a mixture of at least two of these materials. 2. The cable of claim 1, wherein one or more of the central conductors and the sheath are made of metal obtained by melting, in particular vacuum melting. 3. The cable of claim 2, wherein one or more of the central conductors and the sheath are made of at least 99.95% pure metal. 4. The cable of claim 1, wherein the mineral insulator comprises at least 90%, in particular at least 99% and more particularly at least 99.9% by mass of boron nitride,
and wherein the central conductors and the sheath of the cable each comprise at least 90%, in particular at least 99% and more particularly at least 99.9%, of a material selected from:
tantalum,
rhodium,
tungsten,
rhenium,
carbon, and
a mixture of at least two of these materials. 5. The cable of claim 1, wherein the mineral insulator comprises at least 90%, in particular at least 99% and more particularly at least 99.9% by mass of silicon nitride,
and wherein the central conductors and the sheath of the cable each comprise at least 90%, in particular at least 99% and more particularly at least 99.9%, of a material selected from:
tantalum,
rhodium,
tungsten,
rhenium,
carbon, and
a mixture of at least two of these materials. 6. The cable of 1, wherein the central conductor of said cable comprises only one wire, in particular with a diameter higher than 0.1 mm, in particular higher than 0.5 mm, and with a diameter lower than 5 mm, in particular lower than 3 mm, and more particularly lower than 1 mm,
and wherein the external diameter of the cable is lower than 5 mm, in particular lower than 3 mm and more particularly lower than 2.4 mm, and is higher than 0.5 mm, in particular higher than 1 mm and more particularly higher than 2 mm. 7. The cable of 1, characterised in that the central conductor comprises several wires, parallel to each other or coiled around a longitudinal axis of said cable. 8. A device comprising the cable of claim 1, wherein it is arranged to operate under conditions where said cable is brought to a so-called operational temperature which is higher than 1 200° C. and in particular higher than 1 300° C., and/or which is lower than 1 830° C., in particular lower than 1 800°, in particular lower than 1 630° C. and in particular lower than 1 600° C. 9. A device comprising the cable of claim 4, wherein said device is arranged to operate under conditions where the cable is brought to a so-called operational temperature which is higher than 1 470° C., and in particular higher than 1 500° C. and/or which is lower than 1630° C. and in particular lower than 1 600° C. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein said device is arranged to operate under conditions where the cable is likely to undergo a plurality of temperature variation cycles, between at least the operational temperature and at least a so-called standby temperature which is lower than 500° C. and more particularly lower than 250° C.,
during a so-called operational life service of said cable, defined by a number of cycles following which said cable has to remain operational, said life service being higher than 50 cycles, and in particular higher than 100 cycles, and for example higher than or equal to 180 cycles. 11. A device comprising the cable of claim 5, wherein said device is arranged to operate under conditions where the cable is brought to a so-called operational temperature which is lower than 1 530° C. and in particular lower than 1 500° C. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said device is arranged to operate under conditions where the cable is likely to undergo a plurality of temperature variation cycles, between at least the operational temperature and at least a so-called standby temperature which is lower than 500° C. and more particularly lower than 250° C.,
during a so-called operational life service of said cable, defined by a number of cycles following which said cable has to remain operational to the minimum, said life service being higher than 200 cycles, and in particular higher than 300 cycles, and can also be higher than 400 cycles or even 450 cycles, and for example higher than or equal to 500 cycles. 13. The device of claim 8, wherein said device is arranged to operate under a vacuum being a pressure lower than 10−2 Pa, in particular lower than 10−3 Pa, and more particularly lower than 2.10−4 Pa. 14. The device of claim 8, wherein said device is arranged to make a heating element operated by flowing an electric intensity within the central element(s) of the cable. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein said device is arranged to produce a contact heating of an ionisation electrode within an electric type spatial or aeronautic thruster. 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the cable is wound around a hollow cathode and in that the device is arranged to preheat said cathode so as to allow gas ionisation, for example during the ignition of a self-heating spatial ion thruster. 17. The device of claim 8, wherein it is arranged to carry an electric or electromagnetic signal in a high temperature environment. 18. A method for manufacturing the mineral-insulated shielded cable of claim 1,
wherein said method comprises the following steps of: preparing a blank having an initial external diameter, and comprising:
the central conductor(s) as metal wires or pipes,
the mineral insulator layer(s) as a powder surrounding said central conductors, and
the sheath;
one or more reduction passes by hammering or wire drawing, arranged to reduce the external diameter of said cable down to a final diameter lower than the initial diameter, and produce compacting of powders included in said cable. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising at least one vacuum annealing step. 20. The of claim 18, further comprising at least one prior step of calcinating the powder material(s) making the mineral insulator, at a temperature higher than 500° C., in particular higher than 890° C., and for example at 900° C., during a time duration higher than 10 min and in particular between 15 min and 90 min. | 1,700 |
349,889 | 350,763 | 16,854,597 | 1,792 | The present disclosure provides for radio frequency identification in self-checkout via a first product pathway; a single Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) antenna, having a first scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway; wherein the first product pathway is configured to: position a first set of objects within the first scanning zone at a first position relative to the single RFID antenna at a first time; and position the first set of object within the first scanning zone at a second position relative to the single RFID, different than the first position, at a second time; and wherein the single RFID antenna is configured to: receive, at the first time, a first set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and receive, at the second time, a second set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects. | 1. A system, comprising:
a first product pathway; a single Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) antenna, having a first scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway; wherein the first product pathway is configured to:
position a first set of objects within the first scanning zone at a first position relative to the single RFID antenna at a first time; and
position the first set of object within the first scanning zone at a second position relative to the single RFID, different than the first position, at a second time; and
wherein the single RFID antenna is configured to:
receive, at the first time, a first set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and
receive, at the second time, a second set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the single RFID antenna is further configured to:
identify objects from the first set of objects identified in at least one of the first set of identifier signals and in the second set of identifier signals via unique identifiers. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
a second RFID antenna, having a second scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway; wherein the second RFID antenna is configured to:
receive, at the first time, a third set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and
receive, at the second time, a fourth set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and coordinate with the single RFID antenna to identify objects from the first set of objects identified in at least one of the first set, second set, third set, and fourth set of identifier signals via unique identifiers associated with each object in the first set of objects. 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
a second RFID antenna, having a second scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway, wherein the second scanning zone is different from the first scanning zone; wherein the second RFID antenna is configured to:
receive, at the first time, a third set of identifier signals associated with at least some of a second set of objects; and
receive, at the second time, a fourth set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the second set of objects; and
coordinate with the single RFID antenna to identify objects from the first set of objects identified in at least one of the first set and second set of identifier signals that are also identified in at least one of the third set and fourth set of identifier signals and remove objects belonging to the second set of objects from the first set of objects. via unique identifiers associated with each object in the first set of objects. 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
radio frequency shielding disposed in a first plane perpendicular to a second plane of travel of the first product pathway. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first product pathway includes at least one of:
a motorized carousel track; a motorized linear track; a chock-assisted linear track; a gravity-assisted linear track; and a gravity-assisted curved track. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first scanning zone of the single RFID antenna is included within a signaling range of the single RFID antenna with a greater area than the first scanning zone, wherein objects identified in the signaling range are not identified as being part of the first set of objects unless having also been identified within the first scanning zone. 8. A kiosk, comprising:
a single RFID antenna, configured to project and receive signals relative to a first scanning zone; and a first motor, configured to move objects along a first product pathway relative to the single RFID antenna from a first position in the first scanning zone to a second position in the first scanning zone. 9. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first motor is configured to move the objects at a known speed. 10. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first product pathway is a carousel track driven by the first motor. 11. The kiosk of claim 10, further comprising a separator bar disposed in the first product pathway, configured to prevent a given object from completing a circular path around the carousel track. 12. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first product pathway is a linear belt driven by the first motor. 13. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first product pathway includes a chocked track, wherein the first motor drives chocks within the chocked track. 14. The kiosk of claim 8, further comprising:
a second RFID antenna, configured to project and receive signals relative to a second scanning zone; and a second motor, configured to move the objects along a second product pathway relative to the second RFID antenna from a third position in the second scanning zone to a fourth position in the second scanning zone; wherein the first product pathway is a linear track driven by the first motor; and wherein the second product pathway is a carousel track driven by the second motor. 15. The kiosk of claim 14, wherein the second product pathway is configured to deliver items placed thereon to the first product pathway when driven by the second motor. 16. The kiosk of claim 14, wherein the second product pathway is configured to receive items from the first product pathway when the first product pathway is driven by the first motor. 17. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first motor activated in response to the single RFID antenna detecting object in the first scanning zone. 18. A method, comprising:
transmitting, via a single RFID antenna, a first energization signal; receiving, by the single RFID antenna at a first time, a first set of identifier signals in response to the first energization signal; transmitting, via the single RFID antenna, a second energization signal; receiving, by the single RFID antenna at a second time, a second set of identifier signals in response to the second energization signal; and identifying objects associated with at least one of the first set of identifier signals and the second set of identifier signals and that moved relative to the single RFID antenna between the first time and the second time. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
in response to identifying at the first time that that objects are present at a first position in a scanning zone of the single RFID antenna, activating a motor to move the objects from the first position to a second position within the scanning zone at the second time. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
ignoring identifier signals associated with items outside of a scanning zone of the single RFID antenna. | The present disclosure provides for radio frequency identification in self-checkout via a first product pathway; a single Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) antenna, having a first scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway; wherein the first product pathway is configured to: position a first set of objects within the first scanning zone at a first position relative to the single RFID antenna at a first time; and position the first set of object within the first scanning zone at a second position relative to the single RFID, different than the first position, at a second time; and wherein the single RFID antenna is configured to: receive, at the first time, a first set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and receive, at the second time, a second set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects.1. A system, comprising:
a first product pathway; a single Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) antenna, having a first scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway; wherein the first product pathway is configured to:
position a first set of objects within the first scanning zone at a first position relative to the single RFID antenna at a first time; and
position the first set of object within the first scanning zone at a second position relative to the single RFID, different than the first position, at a second time; and
wherein the single RFID antenna is configured to:
receive, at the first time, a first set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and
receive, at the second time, a second set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the single RFID antenna is further configured to:
identify objects from the first set of objects identified in at least one of the first set of identifier signals and in the second set of identifier signals via unique identifiers. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
a second RFID antenna, having a second scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway; wherein the second RFID antenna is configured to:
receive, at the first time, a third set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and
receive, at the second time, a fourth set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the first set of objects; and coordinate with the single RFID antenna to identify objects from the first set of objects identified in at least one of the first set, second set, third set, and fourth set of identifier signals via unique identifiers associated with each object in the first set of objects. 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
a second RFID antenna, having a second scanning zone aligned with the first product pathway, wherein the second scanning zone is different from the first scanning zone; wherein the second RFID antenna is configured to:
receive, at the first time, a third set of identifier signals associated with at least some of a second set of objects; and
receive, at the second time, a fourth set of identifier signals associated with at least some of the second set of objects; and
coordinate with the single RFID antenna to identify objects from the first set of objects identified in at least one of the first set and second set of identifier signals that are also identified in at least one of the third set and fourth set of identifier signals and remove objects belonging to the second set of objects from the first set of objects. via unique identifiers associated with each object in the first set of objects. 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
radio frequency shielding disposed in a first plane perpendicular to a second plane of travel of the first product pathway. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first product pathway includes at least one of:
a motorized carousel track; a motorized linear track; a chock-assisted linear track; a gravity-assisted linear track; and a gravity-assisted curved track. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first scanning zone of the single RFID antenna is included within a signaling range of the single RFID antenna with a greater area than the first scanning zone, wherein objects identified in the signaling range are not identified as being part of the first set of objects unless having also been identified within the first scanning zone. 8. A kiosk, comprising:
a single RFID antenna, configured to project and receive signals relative to a first scanning zone; and a first motor, configured to move objects along a first product pathway relative to the single RFID antenna from a first position in the first scanning zone to a second position in the first scanning zone. 9. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first motor is configured to move the objects at a known speed. 10. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first product pathway is a carousel track driven by the first motor. 11. The kiosk of claim 10, further comprising a separator bar disposed in the first product pathway, configured to prevent a given object from completing a circular path around the carousel track. 12. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first product pathway is a linear belt driven by the first motor. 13. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first product pathway includes a chocked track, wherein the first motor drives chocks within the chocked track. 14. The kiosk of claim 8, further comprising:
a second RFID antenna, configured to project and receive signals relative to a second scanning zone; and a second motor, configured to move the objects along a second product pathway relative to the second RFID antenna from a third position in the second scanning zone to a fourth position in the second scanning zone; wherein the first product pathway is a linear track driven by the first motor; and wherein the second product pathway is a carousel track driven by the second motor. 15. The kiosk of claim 14, wherein the second product pathway is configured to deliver items placed thereon to the first product pathway when driven by the second motor. 16. The kiosk of claim 14, wherein the second product pathway is configured to receive items from the first product pathway when the first product pathway is driven by the first motor. 17. The kiosk of claim 8, wherein the first motor activated in response to the single RFID antenna detecting object in the first scanning zone. 18. A method, comprising:
transmitting, via a single RFID antenna, a first energization signal; receiving, by the single RFID antenna at a first time, a first set of identifier signals in response to the first energization signal; transmitting, via the single RFID antenna, a second energization signal; receiving, by the single RFID antenna at a second time, a second set of identifier signals in response to the second energization signal; and identifying objects associated with at least one of the first set of identifier signals and the second set of identifier signals and that moved relative to the single RFID antenna between the first time and the second time. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
in response to identifying at the first time that that objects are present at a first position in a scanning zone of the single RFID antenna, activating a motor to move the objects from the first position to a second position within the scanning zone at the second time. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
ignoring identifier signals associated with items outside of a scanning zone of the single RFID antenna. | 1,700 |
349,890 | 350,764 | 16,854,678 | 2,696 | A system comprises a first display driver interface circuit configured to receive a plurality of software control instructions regarding a display device, and a second display driver interface circuit configured to deliver a first control signal to a display device in response to a first of the plurality of software control instructions, and to deliver a second control signal to the display device in response to a second of the plurality of software control instructions. The first control signal directs at least a portion of the display device into a light emitting mode when pixel data to be displayed by that portion of the display device is variable over a determined number of consecutive frames, and the second control signal directs at least a portion of the display device into an electronic paper mode when pixel data to be displayed by that portion of the display device is fixed over the determined number of consecutive frames. | 1. A system comprising:
a first display driver interface circuit configured to receive a plurality of software control instructions regarding a display device; and a second display driver interface circuit configured to deliver a first control signal to a display device in response to a first of the plurality of software control instructions, and to deliver a second control signal to the display device in response to a second of the plurality of software control instructions, wherein the first control signal directs at least a portion of the display device into a light emitting mode when pixel data to be displayed by that portion of the display device is variable over a determined number of consecutive frames, and the second control signal directs at least a portion of the display device into an electronic paper mode when pixel data to be displayed by that portion of the display device is fixed over the determined number of consecutive frames. | A system comprises a first display driver interface circuit configured to receive a plurality of software control instructions regarding a display device, and a second display driver interface circuit configured to deliver a first control signal to a display device in response to a first of the plurality of software control instructions, and to deliver a second control signal to the display device in response to a second of the plurality of software control instructions. The first control signal directs at least a portion of the display device into a light emitting mode when pixel data to be displayed by that portion of the display device is variable over a determined number of consecutive frames, and the second control signal directs at least a portion of the display device into an electronic paper mode when pixel data to be displayed by that portion of the display device is fixed over the determined number of consecutive frames.1. A system comprising:
a first display driver interface circuit configured to receive a plurality of software control instructions regarding a display device; and a second display driver interface circuit configured to deliver a first control signal to a display device in response to a first of the plurality of software control instructions, and to deliver a second control signal to the display device in response to a second of the plurality of software control instructions, wherein the first control signal directs at least a portion of the display device into a light emitting mode when pixel data to be displayed by that portion of the display device is variable over a determined number of consecutive frames, and the second control signal directs at least a portion of the display device into an electronic paper mode when pixel data to be displayed by that portion of the display device is fixed over the determined number of consecutive frames. | 2,600 |
349,891 | 350,765 | 16,854,640 | 2,696 | The purpose of the present invention is to inhibit an increase in the amount of A/N resources, without changing the timing at which the error detection result of an SCell is notified when UL-DL configurations to be configured for each of the unit bands are different, from the timing at which the error detection result is notified when just a single unit band is configured. A control unit transmits, using a first unit band, a response signal including error detection results about data received with both the first unit band and a second unit band. In a first composition pattern set for the first unit band, an uplink communication subframe is set to be the same timing as at least an uplink communication subframe of a second composition pattern set for the second unit band. | 1. A communication apparatus comprising:
a transmitter, which, in operation, transmits a higher layer signaling that indicates a reference configuration pattern that is a reference uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration, which is one of a plurality of configuration patterns, each configuration pattern defining allocation of one or more uplink subframe(s) and one or more downlink subframe(s) within a frame and, in operation, transmits a downlink signaling for determining a configuration pattern for a component carrier, wherein if the transmitted downlink signaling is received by a terminal apparatus, the configuration pattern for the component carrier is determined at the terminal apparatus according to the received downlink signaling, and wherein when the determined configuration pattern is different from the reference UL/DL configuration, the reference UL/DL configuration defines the allocation of the one or more uplink subframe(s) that are inclusive of one or more second uplink subframe(s) defined by the determined configuration pattern, and the reference UL/DL configuration defines at least one more uplink subframe than defined by the determined configuration pattern; and a receiver, which, in operation, receives an uplink signal on an uplink subframe of the component carrier, the uplink subframe being one of the one or more second uplink subframe(s) defined by the determined configuration pattern. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the transmitted downlink signaling is not received by the terminal apparatus, the reference UL/DL configuration is determined as the configuration pattern for the component carrier at the terminal apparatus. 3. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determined configuration pattern is the same as the reference UL/DL configuration. 4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a downlink subframe where a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS) measurement is allowed at the terminal apparatus is a portion of one or more second downlink subframe(s) that are defined by the determined configuration pattern. 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter, in operation, transmits downlink data on the component carrier and the receiver, in operation, receives a response signal that indicates error detection results of the transmitted downlink data on an uplink subframe defined by the reference UL/DL configuration. 6. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the configuration pattern for the component carrier is determined according to the transmitted downlink signaling at the terminal apparatus when the terminal apparatus is a user terminal that supports LTE Release 11, and the reference UL/DL configuration is determined as the configuration pattern for the component carrier at the terminal apparatus when the terminal apparatus is a legacy user terminal that does not support the LTE Release 11. 7. A communication method comprising:
transmitting a higher layer signaling that indicates a reference configuration pattern that is a reference uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration, which is one of a plurality of configuration patterns, each configuration pattern defining allocation of one or more uplink subframe(s) and one or more downlink subframe(s) within a frame and transmitting a downlink signaling for determining a configuration pattern for a component carrier, wherein if the transmitted downlink signaling is received by a terminal apparatus, the configuration pattern for the component carrier is determined at the terminal apparatus according to the received downlink signaling, and wherein when the determined configuration pattern is different from the reference UL/DL configuration, the reference UL/DL configuration defines the allocation of the one or more uplink subframe(s) that are inclusive of one or more second uplink subframe(s) defined by the determined configuration pattern, and the reference UL/DL configuration defines at least one more uplink subframe than defined by the determined configuration pattern; and receiving an uplink signal on an uplink subframe of the component carrier, the uplink subframe being one of the one or more second uplink subframe(s) defined by the determined configuration pattern. 8. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein if the transmitted downlink signaling is not received by the terminal apparatus, the reference UL/DL configuration is determined as the configuration pattern for the component carrier at the terminal apparatus. 9. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein the determined configuration pattern is the same as the reference UL/DL configuration. 10. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein a downlink subframe where a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS) measurement is allowed at the terminal apparatus is a portion of the one or more second downlink subframe(s) that are defined by the determined configuration pattern. 11. The communication method according to claim 7, comprising:
transmitting downlink data on the component carrier; and receiving a response signal that indicates error detection results of the transmitted downlink data on an uplink subframe defined by the reference UL/DL configuration. 12. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein
the configuration pattern for the component carrier is determined according to the transmitted downlink signaling at the terminal apparatus when the terminal apparatus is a user terminal that supports LTE Release 11; and the reference UL/DL configuration is determined as the configuration pattern for the component carrier at the terminal apparatus when the terminal apparatus is a legacy user terminal that does not support the LTE Release 11. | The purpose of the present invention is to inhibit an increase in the amount of A/N resources, without changing the timing at which the error detection result of an SCell is notified when UL-DL configurations to be configured for each of the unit bands are different, from the timing at which the error detection result is notified when just a single unit band is configured. A control unit transmits, using a first unit band, a response signal including error detection results about data received with both the first unit band and a second unit band. In a first composition pattern set for the first unit band, an uplink communication subframe is set to be the same timing as at least an uplink communication subframe of a second composition pattern set for the second unit band.1. A communication apparatus comprising:
a transmitter, which, in operation, transmits a higher layer signaling that indicates a reference configuration pattern that is a reference uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration, which is one of a plurality of configuration patterns, each configuration pattern defining allocation of one or more uplink subframe(s) and one or more downlink subframe(s) within a frame and, in operation, transmits a downlink signaling for determining a configuration pattern for a component carrier, wherein if the transmitted downlink signaling is received by a terminal apparatus, the configuration pattern for the component carrier is determined at the terminal apparatus according to the received downlink signaling, and wherein when the determined configuration pattern is different from the reference UL/DL configuration, the reference UL/DL configuration defines the allocation of the one or more uplink subframe(s) that are inclusive of one or more second uplink subframe(s) defined by the determined configuration pattern, and the reference UL/DL configuration defines at least one more uplink subframe than defined by the determined configuration pattern; and a receiver, which, in operation, receives an uplink signal on an uplink subframe of the component carrier, the uplink subframe being one of the one or more second uplink subframe(s) defined by the determined configuration pattern. 2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the transmitted downlink signaling is not received by the terminal apparatus, the reference UL/DL configuration is determined as the configuration pattern for the component carrier at the terminal apparatus. 3. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determined configuration pattern is the same as the reference UL/DL configuration. 4. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a downlink subframe where a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS) measurement is allowed at the terminal apparatus is a portion of one or more second downlink subframe(s) that are defined by the determined configuration pattern. 5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter, in operation, transmits downlink data on the component carrier and the receiver, in operation, receives a response signal that indicates error detection results of the transmitted downlink data on an uplink subframe defined by the reference UL/DL configuration. 6. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the configuration pattern for the component carrier is determined according to the transmitted downlink signaling at the terminal apparatus when the terminal apparatus is a user terminal that supports LTE Release 11, and the reference UL/DL configuration is determined as the configuration pattern for the component carrier at the terminal apparatus when the terminal apparatus is a legacy user terminal that does not support the LTE Release 11. 7. A communication method comprising:
transmitting a higher layer signaling that indicates a reference configuration pattern that is a reference uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configuration, which is one of a plurality of configuration patterns, each configuration pattern defining allocation of one or more uplink subframe(s) and one or more downlink subframe(s) within a frame and transmitting a downlink signaling for determining a configuration pattern for a component carrier, wherein if the transmitted downlink signaling is received by a terminal apparatus, the configuration pattern for the component carrier is determined at the terminal apparatus according to the received downlink signaling, and wherein when the determined configuration pattern is different from the reference UL/DL configuration, the reference UL/DL configuration defines the allocation of the one or more uplink subframe(s) that are inclusive of one or more second uplink subframe(s) defined by the determined configuration pattern, and the reference UL/DL configuration defines at least one more uplink subframe than defined by the determined configuration pattern; and receiving an uplink signal on an uplink subframe of the component carrier, the uplink subframe being one of the one or more second uplink subframe(s) defined by the determined configuration pattern. 8. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein if the transmitted downlink signaling is not received by the terminal apparatus, the reference UL/DL configuration is determined as the configuration pattern for the component carrier at the terminal apparatus. 9. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein the determined configuration pattern is the same as the reference UL/DL configuration. 10. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein a downlink subframe where a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS) measurement is allowed at the terminal apparatus is a portion of the one or more second downlink subframe(s) that are defined by the determined configuration pattern. 11. The communication method according to claim 7, comprising:
transmitting downlink data on the component carrier; and receiving a response signal that indicates error detection results of the transmitted downlink data on an uplink subframe defined by the reference UL/DL configuration. 12. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein
the configuration pattern for the component carrier is determined according to the transmitted downlink signaling at the terminal apparatus when the terminal apparatus is a user terminal that supports LTE Release 11; and the reference UL/DL configuration is determined as the configuration pattern for the component carrier at the terminal apparatus when the terminal apparatus is a legacy user terminal that does not support the LTE Release 11. | 2,600 |
349,892 | 350,766 | 16,854,661 | 2,696 | A modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet comprising a first heat exchanger manifold surrounding said hot air inlet and a second heat exchanger manifold surrounding said hot air outlet; an array of shaped inlets and shaped outlets, each of said shaped inlets and shaped outlets being configured to align vertices with thermal load directions responsive to a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air inlet and hot air outlet and respective first heat exchanger manifold and second heat exchanger manifold. | 1. A modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet comprising:
a first heat exchanger manifold surrounding said hot air inlet and a second heat exchanger manifold surrounding said hot air outlet; and a shaped array of a shaped inlet and a shaped outlet, each of said shaped inlet and shaped outlet being configured to align vertices with thermal load directions responsive to a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air inlet and hot air outlet and respective first heat exchanger manifold and second heat exchanger manifold. 2. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, wherein said first heat exchanger manifold and second heat exchanger manifold constrain said thermal expansion of said hot air inlet and hot air outlet respectfully. 3. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first hot side transition region between said hot air inlet and heat transfer channels, said first hot side transition region configured as a smooth gradual cross sectional area transition to said heat transfer channels; and a second hot side transition region between said hot air outlet and said heat transfer channels, said second hot side transition region configured as a smooth gradual cross sectional area transition to said heat transfer channels. 4. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 3, wherein said heat transfer channels have a rectangular cross sectional flow area. 5. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, wherein said shaped hot air inlet comprises a star shaped hot air inlet and said shaped hot air outlet comprises a star shaped hot air outlet; said star shaped hot air inlet and said star shaped hot air outlet are configured to align secondary vertices with the thermal load directions in a corner of the heat exchanger. 6. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, wherein said shaped hot air inlet comprises a star shaped hot air inlet and said shaped hot air outlet comprises a star shaped hot air outlet; said star shaped hot air inlet and star shaped hot air outlet are configured to align primary vertices with the thermal load directions in a corner of the heat exchanger. 7. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, wherein said shaped hot air inlet comprises:
a star shaped hot air inlet; and a diamond shaped hot air inlet situated proximate to the star shaped hot air inlet; and said shaped hot air outlet comprises: a star shaped hot air outlet; and a diamond shaped hot air outlet situated proximate to the star shaped hot air outlet. 8. A modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet comprising:
a hot side of said heat exchanger configured to flow hot air from a hot air inlet through heat transfer channels to a hot air outlet; a first manifold surrounding said hot air inlet forming a first cavity and a second manifold surrounding said hot air outlet forming a second cavity; a cold side of said heat exchanger including cold side heat transfer passageways thermally coupled to said heat transfer channels, said cold side heat transfer passageways configured to flow cold air over said heat transfer channels; and a shaped inlet at said hot air inlet and a shaped outlet at said hot air outlet, said shaped inlet and said shaped outlet being configured to align vertices with thermal load directions responsive to a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air inlet and the first manifold and hot air outlet and the second manifold. 9. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 8, further comprising:
a first hot side transition region between said hot air inlet and heat transfer channels; and a second hot side transition region between said hot air outlet and said heat transfer channels. 10. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 8, wherein said shaped hot air inlet comprises at least one of a star shaped and diamond shaped hot air inlet and said shaped hot air outlet comprises at least one of a star shaped and a diamond shaped hot air outlet. 11. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 10, wherein said star shape is configured to align secondary vertices with the thermal load direction in a corner of the heat exchanger; and wherein said star shape is configured to align primary vertices with the thermal load direction at a center of the first manifold wall and with the thermal load direction at a center of the second manifold wall. 12. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 10, further comprising:
a diamond shaped inlet situated proximate the star shaped inlet, and a diamond shaped outlet situated proximate the star shaped outlet. 13. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 8, wherein a star shaped inlet at said hot air inlet and a star shaped outlet at said hot air outlet, are configured to align flexible vertices, including primary vertices and secondary vertices, with the thermal load directions thereby enabling the first cavity and second cavity to distort, changing the shape of the first cavity and the second cavity. 14. A process for creating a flexible heat exchanger inlet and outlet comprising:
surrounding a hot air inlet with a first manifold; surrounding a hot air outlet with a second manifold; forming an array of shaped inlets at said hot air inlet; forming an array of shaped outlets at said hot air outlet; and aligning a vertices direction of said shaped inlets and said shaped outlets with a thermal load direction, said thermal load being responsive to a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air inlet and the first manifold and a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air outlet and the second manifold. 15. The process of claim 14, wherein the array of shaped inlets at said hot air inlet comprises at least one of a star shaped and diamond shaped hot air inlet; and said array of shaped outlets at said hot air outlet comprises at least one of a star shaped and a diamond shaped hot air outlet. 16. The process of claim 14, further comprising:
coupling a first hot side transition region between said hot air inlet and heat transfer channels; and coupling a second hot side transition region between said hot air outlet and said heat transfer channels. 17. The process of claim 14, further comprising:
aligning secondary vertices with the thermal load directions in a corner of the heat exchanger. 18. The process of claim 14, further comprising:
forming at least one star shaped inlet within the array of shaped inlets; forming at least one star shaped outlet within the array of shaped outlets; forming at least one diamond shaped inlet proximate the at least one star shaped inlet; and forming at least one diamond shaped outlet proximate the at least one star shaped outlet. 19. The process of claim 14, further comprising:
aligning primary vertices with the thermal load directions. 20. The process of claim 19, further comprising:
changing the shape of a first cavity formed by the first manifold surrounding said hot air inlet by allowing the first cavity to distort while said vertices align with said thermal load directions; and changing the shape of a second cavity formed by the second manifold surrounding said hot air outlet by allowing the second cavity to distort while said vertices align with said thermal load directions. | A modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet comprising a first heat exchanger manifold surrounding said hot air inlet and a second heat exchanger manifold surrounding said hot air outlet; an array of shaped inlets and shaped outlets, each of said shaped inlets and shaped outlets being configured to align vertices with thermal load directions responsive to a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air inlet and hot air outlet and respective first heat exchanger manifold and second heat exchanger manifold.1. A modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet comprising:
a first heat exchanger manifold surrounding said hot air inlet and a second heat exchanger manifold surrounding said hot air outlet; and a shaped array of a shaped inlet and a shaped outlet, each of said shaped inlet and shaped outlet being configured to align vertices with thermal load directions responsive to a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air inlet and hot air outlet and respective first heat exchanger manifold and second heat exchanger manifold. 2. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, wherein said first heat exchanger manifold and second heat exchanger manifold constrain said thermal expansion of said hot air inlet and hot air outlet respectfully. 3. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first hot side transition region between said hot air inlet and heat transfer channels, said first hot side transition region configured as a smooth gradual cross sectional area transition to said heat transfer channels; and a second hot side transition region between said hot air outlet and said heat transfer channels, said second hot side transition region configured as a smooth gradual cross sectional area transition to said heat transfer channels. 4. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 3, wherein said heat transfer channels have a rectangular cross sectional flow area. 5. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, wherein said shaped hot air inlet comprises a star shaped hot air inlet and said shaped hot air outlet comprises a star shaped hot air outlet; said star shaped hot air inlet and said star shaped hot air outlet are configured to align secondary vertices with the thermal load directions in a corner of the heat exchanger. 6. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, wherein said shaped hot air inlet comprises a star shaped hot air inlet and said shaped hot air outlet comprises a star shaped hot air outlet; said star shaped hot air inlet and star shaped hot air outlet are configured to align primary vertices with the thermal load directions in a corner of the heat exchanger. 7. The modified shaped heat exchanger hot air inlet and hot air outlet according to claim 1, wherein said shaped hot air inlet comprises:
a star shaped hot air inlet; and a diamond shaped hot air inlet situated proximate to the star shaped hot air inlet; and said shaped hot air outlet comprises: a star shaped hot air outlet; and a diamond shaped hot air outlet situated proximate to the star shaped hot air outlet. 8. A modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet comprising:
a hot side of said heat exchanger configured to flow hot air from a hot air inlet through heat transfer channels to a hot air outlet; a first manifold surrounding said hot air inlet forming a first cavity and a second manifold surrounding said hot air outlet forming a second cavity; a cold side of said heat exchanger including cold side heat transfer passageways thermally coupled to said heat transfer channels, said cold side heat transfer passageways configured to flow cold air over said heat transfer channels; and a shaped inlet at said hot air inlet and a shaped outlet at said hot air outlet, said shaped inlet and said shaped outlet being configured to align vertices with thermal load directions responsive to a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air inlet and the first manifold and hot air outlet and the second manifold. 9. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 8, further comprising:
a first hot side transition region between said hot air inlet and heat transfer channels; and a second hot side transition region between said hot air outlet and said heat transfer channels. 10. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 8, wherein said shaped hot air inlet comprises at least one of a star shaped and diamond shaped hot air inlet and said shaped hot air outlet comprises at least one of a star shaped and a diamond shaped hot air outlet. 11. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 10, wherein said star shape is configured to align secondary vertices with the thermal load direction in a corner of the heat exchanger; and wherein said star shape is configured to align primary vertices with the thermal load direction at a center of the first manifold wall and with the thermal load direction at a center of the second manifold wall. 12. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 10, further comprising:
a diamond shaped inlet situated proximate the star shaped inlet, and a diamond shaped outlet situated proximate the star shaped outlet. 13. The modified shaped heat exchanger inlet and outlet according to claim 8, wherein a star shaped inlet at said hot air inlet and a star shaped outlet at said hot air outlet, are configured to align flexible vertices, including primary vertices and secondary vertices, with the thermal load directions thereby enabling the first cavity and second cavity to distort, changing the shape of the first cavity and the second cavity. 14. A process for creating a flexible heat exchanger inlet and outlet comprising:
surrounding a hot air inlet with a first manifold; surrounding a hot air outlet with a second manifold; forming an array of shaped inlets at said hot air inlet; forming an array of shaped outlets at said hot air outlet; and aligning a vertices direction of said shaped inlets and said shaped outlets with a thermal load direction, said thermal load being responsive to a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air inlet and the first manifold and a thermal expansion mismatch between the hot air outlet and the second manifold. 15. The process of claim 14, wherein the array of shaped inlets at said hot air inlet comprises at least one of a star shaped and diamond shaped hot air inlet; and said array of shaped outlets at said hot air outlet comprises at least one of a star shaped and a diamond shaped hot air outlet. 16. The process of claim 14, further comprising:
coupling a first hot side transition region between said hot air inlet and heat transfer channels; and coupling a second hot side transition region between said hot air outlet and said heat transfer channels. 17. The process of claim 14, further comprising:
aligning secondary vertices with the thermal load directions in a corner of the heat exchanger. 18. The process of claim 14, further comprising:
forming at least one star shaped inlet within the array of shaped inlets; forming at least one star shaped outlet within the array of shaped outlets; forming at least one diamond shaped inlet proximate the at least one star shaped inlet; and forming at least one diamond shaped outlet proximate the at least one star shaped outlet. 19. The process of claim 14, further comprising:
aligning primary vertices with the thermal load directions. 20. The process of claim 19, further comprising:
changing the shape of a first cavity formed by the first manifold surrounding said hot air inlet by allowing the first cavity to distort while said vertices align with said thermal load directions; and changing the shape of a second cavity formed by the second manifold surrounding said hot air outlet by allowing the second cavity to distort while said vertices align with said thermal load directions. | 2,600 |
349,893 | 350,767 | 16,854,658 | 2,696 | An autonomous vehicle navigates using a digital map stored in memory. In one approach, the vehicle plans a navigation route that includes a geographic location (e.g., a location on a road to be traveled by the vehicle). An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) collects sensor data at the geographic location (e.g., in advance of travel on the road). The collected sensor data is processed to generate map data for objects or other features at the geographic location. The digital map is updated using the generated map data. | 1. A method comprising:
storing, in memory, a digital map used by an autonomous vehicle to plan a navigation route that includes a first geographic location; receiving, in real-time by the vehicle from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), sensor data collected by a sensor of the UAV at the first geographic location; processing, by at least one processing device, the received sensor data to generate map data for the first geographic location; and updating, using the generated map data, the digital map. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor data is first sensor data, the method further comprising:
collecting, by the vehicle, second sensor data regarding an object located at the first geographic location; determining, by the vehicle, a mismatch between the second sensor data and data regarding the object in the digital map; in response to determining the mismatch, sending a request to the UAV for updated data regarding the object, wherein the UAV responds in real-time to the request while the vehicle is navigating towards the first geographic location, and wherein the first sensor data is received by the vehicle from the UAV in response to the request; and determining, based on the received first sensor data, the navigation route. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the received sensor data is processed using a machine-learning model. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein an output of the machine-learning model provides a classification for an object associated with the sensor data, and updating the digital map comprises adding the object and the classification to the digital map. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting, to the autonomous vehicle, the updated digital map. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a request to the UAV, wherein the sensor data is collected by the UAV in response to the request. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising receiving a request from the autonomous vehicle, wherein the request to the UAV is sent in response to receiving the request from the autonomous vehicle. 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
detecting a new object; and determining whether the stored digital map includes data associated with the new object; wherein the request to the UAV is sent in response to determining that the stored digital map does not include data associated with the new object. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the new object is detected by at least one of the autonomous vehicle or the UAV. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the received sensor data is first sensor data, the generated map data is first map data, the digital map is updated to include an object detected at the first geographic location, and the autonomous vehicle is a first autonomous vehicle, the method further comprising:
receiving second sensor data collected by a sensor of a second autonomous vehicle at the first geographic location; determining that the second sensor data is associated with the object; processing the second sensor data to generate second map data; and updating the digital map using the second map data. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, a radar sensor, or a camera. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the stored digital map includes respective data for each of a plurality of geographic regions, the method further comprising determining a geographic size for each geographic region based at least in part on respective sensor data collected by the UAV for each geographic region. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining, using the received sensor data, at least one marking on a road at the first geographic location; wherein the generated map data includes the at least one marking. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling a steering system of the autonomous vehicle using the updated digital map. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor data is received by the autonomous vehicle directly from the UAV without being communicated through an intervening electronic device. 16. A system comprising:
at least one memory device configured to store a digital map used by an autonomous vehicle to plan a navigation route that includes a geographic location; at least one processing device; and memory containing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processing device to:
receive sensor data collected by a sensor of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the geographic location, wherein the sensor data is received by the autonomous vehicle directly from the UAV without being communicated through an intervening electronic device;
process the received sensor data to generate map data for the geographic location; and
update, using the generated map data, the stored digital map. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein:
processing the received sensor data comprises providing the sensor data as an input to a machine-learning model that provides an output used to identify an object at the geographic location; and updating the stored digital map comprises adding the identified object to the digital map. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the instructions are further configured to instruct the at least one processing device to:
determine whether the identified object exists in the stored digital map; wherein updating the stored digital map is performed in response to determining that the identified object does not exist in the digital map. 19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed on a computing device of an autonomous vehicle, cause the computing device to at least:
store, in memory, a digital map used by the autonomous vehicle to plan a navigation route that includes a geographic location; receive new data collected by a sensor of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the geographic location, wherein the sensor data is received by the autonomous vehicle directly from the UAV without being communicated through an intervening electronic device; process the new data to generate map data for the geographic location; and update, using the generated map data, the digital map. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the computing device to:
collect data from at least one sensor of the autonomous vehicle that identifies an object at the geographic location; determine that existing data stored in the digital map for the object does not correspond to the collected data; and in response to determining that the data stored in the digital map for the object does not correspond to the collected data, send a request to a server for the new data; wherein the new data is received by the autonomous vehicle from the server in response to the request for the new data. | An autonomous vehicle navigates using a digital map stored in memory. In one approach, the vehicle plans a navigation route that includes a geographic location (e.g., a location on a road to be traveled by the vehicle). An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) collects sensor data at the geographic location (e.g., in advance of travel on the road). The collected sensor data is processed to generate map data for objects or other features at the geographic location. The digital map is updated using the generated map data.1. A method comprising:
storing, in memory, a digital map used by an autonomous vehicle to plan a navigation route that includes a first geographic location; receiving, in real-time by the vehicle from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), sensor data collected by a sensor of the UAV at the first geographic location; processing, by at least one processing device, the received sensor data to generate map data for the first geographic location; and updating, using the generated map data, the digital map. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor data is first sensor data, the method further comprising:
collecting, by the vehicle, second sensor data regarding an object located at the first geographic location; determining, by the vehicle, a mismatch between the second sensor data and data regarding the object in the digital map; in response to determining the mismatch, sending a request to the UAV for updated data regarding the object, wherein the UAV responds in real-time to the request while the vehicle is navigating towards the first geographic location, and wherein the first sensor data is received by the vehicle from the UAV in response to the request; and determining, based on the received first sensor data, the navigation route. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the received sensor data is processed using a machine-learning model. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein an output of the machine-learning model provides a classification for an object associated with the sensor data, and updating the digital map comprises adding the object and the classification to the digital map. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting, to the autonomous vehicle, the updated digital map. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a request to the UAV, wherein the sensor data is collected by the UAV in response to the request. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising receiving a request from the autonomous vehicle, wherein the request to the UAV is sent in response to receiving the request from the autonomous vehicle. 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
detecting a new object; and determining whether the stored digital map includes data associated with the new object; wherein the request to the UAV is sent in response to determining that the stored digital map does not include data associated with the new object. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the new object is detected by at least one of the autonomous vehicle or the UAV. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the received sensor data is first sensor data, the generated map data is first map data, the digital map is updated to include an object detected at the first geographic location, and the autonomous vehicle is a first autonomous vehicle, the method further comprising:
receiving second sensor data collected by a sensor of a second autonomous vehicle at the first geographic location; determining that the second sensor data is associated with the object; processing the second sensor data to generate second map data; and updating the digital map using the second map data. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, a radar sensor, or a camera. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the stored digital map includes respective data for each of a plurality of geographic regions, the method further comprising determining a geographic size for each geographic region based at least in part on respective sensor data collected by the UAV for each geographic region. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining, using the received sensor data, at least one marking on a road at the first geographic location; wherein the generated map data includes the at least one marking. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling a steering system of the autonomous vehicle using the updated digital map. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor data is received by the autonomous vehicle directly from the UAV without being communicated through an intervening electronic device. 16. A system comprising:
at least one memory device configured to store a digital map used by an autonomous vehicle to plan a navigation route that includes a geographic location; at least one processing device; and memory containing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processing device to:
receive sensor data collected by a sensor of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the geographic location, wherein the sensor data is received by the autonomous vehicle directly from the UAV without being communicated through an intervening electronic device;
process the received sensor data to generate map data for the geographic location; and
update, using the generated map data, the stored digital map. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein:
processing the received sensor data comprises providing the sensor data as an input to a machine-learning model that provides an output used to identify an object at the geographic location; and updating the stored digital map comprises adding the identified object to the digital map. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the instructions are further configured to instruct the at least one processing device to:
determine whether the identified object exists in the stored digital map; wherein updating the stored digital map is performed in response to determining that the identified object does not exist in the digital map. 19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed on a computing device of an autonomous vehicle, cause the computing device to at least:
store, in memory, a digital map used by the autonomous vehicle to plan a navigation route that includes a geographic location; receive new data collected by a sensor of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the geographic location, wherein the sensor data is received by the autonomous vehicle directly from the UAV without being communicated through an intervening electronic device; process the new data to generate map data for the geographic location; and update, using the generated map data, the digital map. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the computing device to:
collect data from at least one sensor of the autonomous vehicle that identifies an object at the geographic location; determine that existing data stored in the digital map for the object does not correspond to the collected data; and in response to determining that the data stored in the digital map for the object does not correspond to the collected data, send a request to a server for the new data; wherein the new data is received by the autonomous vehicle from the server in response to the request for the new data. | 2,600 |
349,894 | 350,768 | 16,854,637 | 2,696 | Methods and systems are provided for facilitating shopping for products that have been liked to a social media network. A product can be seen on a merchant's website, for example. The product can be liked by user to the social media website. When the same or a different user subsequently sees the liked product on the social media website, the same or different user can purchase the product from the social media website. Thus, the user is not required to visit the merchant's website to perform the purchase transaction. Upon completion of the purchase, the user can be allowed to leave feedback to rate the item according to a predefined scale, which can be visible to all those who view the item, as exhibited by a vendor on the social media platform | 1. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a computer system, an electronic communication indicating that a first person has selected a particular user interface element on a first website, wherein the particular user interface element is usable to indicate a reaction to an item displayed on the first web site; based on a second person on a second website having a defined relationship with the first person, causing a display of the item to the second person on the second website, where the display includes a visual display element indicative of the first person having indicated a reaction to the item;
receiving, at the computer system, a second electronic communication indicating that the second person has selected a second particular user interface element of the second website that is associated with the display of the item on the second website, wherein the second electronic communication indicates an interest by the second person in the item;
in response to the second electronic communication, the computer system initiating an electronic purchase process for the item, wherein the electronic purchase process is completed on the second website by the second person without the second person having to visit any other website. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual indication includes a number indicating a total number of people, including the first user, who have reacted to the item. 3. The method of claim 1, the method of claim 1, wherein the particular user interface element is a like button indicating a positive reaction, wherein the like button is configured to cause information to be transmitted to the second website upon the like button being activated by the first person. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the defined relationship comprises being connected via a social media service. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the defined relationship is initiated on the second website by either one of the first person or the second person and is confirmed on the second website by the other of the first person or the second person. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the electronic purchase process includes transmitting purchase information to a seller computer system associated with a seller of the item and transmitting payment information to a payment processor computer system, wherein the transmitted payment information uniquely identifies an electronic payment account of the second person. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
transmitting, to the second user via the second website, a confirmation that the electronic purchase process has completed successfully. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
the computer system authenticating login credentials of the first person that correspond to an account of the first person on the second website prior to receiving the electronic communication indicating that the first person has selected the particular user interface element of the first website. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
the computer system determining a location of a user device of the second person, and only permitting the electronic purchase process to occur if the location is within a defined boundary, wherein the user device was used to select the second particular user interface element of the second website. 10. A computer system, comprising:
a processor; a memory; a network interface device; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that are executable by the computer system to cause the computer system to perform operations comprising: receiving an electronic communication indicating that a first person has selected a particular user interface element of a first website to indicate a reaction to an item displayed on the first web site; based on a second person having a defined relationship on a second website with the first person, causing a display of the item to the second person on the second website, where the display includes a visual display element indicative of the first person having indicated a reaction to the item;
receiving a second electronic communication indicating that the second person has selected a second particular user interface element of the second website that is associated with the display of the item on the second website, wherein the second electronic communication indicates a selection by the second person to make a purchase of the item;
based on the second electronic communication:
transmitting purchase information to a seller computer system associated with a seller of the item, wherein the purchase information includes identifying information for the second person and a destination address for the purchase of the item; and
transmitting payment information for a purchase of the item to a payment processor computer system of a payment processor, wherein the transmitted payment information uniquely identifies an electronic payment account of the second person;
wherein a software application used by the second person for selecting the second particular user interface element is not required to display any website corresponding to the seller in order to complete the electronic purchase process. 11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise:
displaying to the second person, via the second website, a plurality of funding sources associated with the second person; and receiving, via the second website, a selection by the second person of the electronic payment account from the plurality of funding sources. 12. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the software application used by the second person is not required to display any content from any website corresponding to the payment processor in order to complete the electronic purchase process. 13. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the payment information includes an identifier of a particular funding source corresponding to an account of the second person. 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the identifier is included in a payment token. 15. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the software application used by the second person is not required to display any content residing on any website corresponding to the seller in order to complete the electronic purchase process. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that are executable by a computer system to cause the computer system to perform operations comprising:
receiving an electronic communication indicating that a first person has selected a particular user interface element to indicate a reaction to an item displayed to the first person via a first electronic content source associated with a seller of the item, wherein the display of the item is made via a first software application running on a first electronic device of the first person, and wherein the reaction is one of a plurality of reactions available within an online social media service; based on a second person having a defined relationship to the first person within the online social media service, causing a display of the item to the second person via a second electronic content source that is used to provide the online social media service, where the display is made via a second electronic device of the second person and includes a visual display element showing the first person has indicated a reaction to the item;
receiving a second electronic communication that was initiated from within a second software application running on the second electronic device, the second electronic communication indicating that the second person has selected a second particular user interface element that is associated with the display of the item via the second electronic content source, wherein the second electronic communication indicates the second person has initiated a purchase of the item;
in response to the second electronic communication, initiating an electronic purchase process for the item, wherein the electronic purchase process, once initiated, is completable within the online social media service as displayed within the second software application and does not require loading content from another electronic content source associated with the seller into the second software application. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the first electronic content source is a website of the seller. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the second software application is a mobile phone application published by the online social media service, and wherein the second electronic device is a mobile phone device. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein initiating the electronic purchase process includes transmitting purchase information to a seller computer system associated with the seller and transmitting payment information to a payment processor computer system, wherein the transmitted payment information uniquely identifies an electronic funding source corresponding to the second person. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the operations further comprise:
displaying to the second person, via the second software application, a plurality of funding sources associated with the second person, wherein displaying the plurality of funding sources is done via the online social media service; and
responsive to displaying the plurality of funding sources, receiving a selection by the second person of a particular funding source from the plurality of funding sources for completion of the electronic purchase process. | Methods and systems are provided for facilitating shopping for products that have been liked to a social media network. A product can be seen on a merchant's website, for example. The product can be liked by user to the social media website. When the same or a different user subsequently sees the liked product on the social media website, the same or different user can purchase the product from the social media website. Thus, the user is not required to visit the merchant's website to perform the purchase transaction. Upon completion of the purchase, the user can be allowed to leave feedback to rate the item according to a predefined scale, which can be visible to all those who view the item, as exhibited by a vendor on the social media platform1. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a computer system, an electronic communication indicating that a first person has selected a particular user interface element on a first website, wherein the particular user interface element is usable to indicate a reaction to an item displayed on the first web site; based on a second person on a second website having a defined relationship with the first person, causing a display of the item to the second person on the second website, where the display includes a visual display element indicative of the first person having indicated a reaction to the item;
receiving, at the computer system, a second electronic communication indicating that the second person has selected a second particular user interface element of the second website that is associated with the display of the item on the second website, wherein the second electronic communication indicates an interest by the second person in the item;
in response to the second electronic communication, the computer system initiating an electronic purchase process for the item, wherein the electronic purchase process is completed on the second website by the second person without the second person having to visit any other website. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual indication includes a number indicating a total number of people, including the first user, who have reacted to the item. 3. The method of claim 1, the method of claim 1, wherein the particular user interface element is a like button indicating a positive reaction, wherein the like button is configured to cause information to be transmitted to the second website upon the like button being activated by the first person. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the defined relationship comprises being connected via a social media service. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the defined relationship is initiated on the second website by either one of the first person or the second person and is confirmed on the second website by the other of the first person or the second person. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the electronic purchase process includes transmitting purchase information to a seller computer system associated with a seller of the item and transmitting payment information to a payment processor computer system, wherein the transmitted payment information uniquely identifies an electronic payment account of the second person. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
transmitting, to the second user via the second website, a confirmation that the electronic purchase process has completed successfully. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
the computer system authenticating login credentials of the first person that correspond to an account of the first person on the second website prior to receiving the electronic communication indicating that the first person has selected the particular user interface element of the first website. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
the computer system determining a location of a user device of the second person, and only permitting the electronic purchase process to occur if the location is within a defined boundary, wherein the user device was used to select the second particular user interface element of the second website. 10. A computer system, comprising:
a processor; a memory; a network interface device; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that are executable by the computer system to cause the computer system to perform operations comprising: receiving an electronic communication indicating that a first person has selected a particular user interface element of a first website to indicate a reaction to an item displayed on the first web site; based on a second person having a defined relationship on a second website with the first person, causing a display of the item to the second person on the second website, where the display includes a visual display element indicative of the first person having indicated a reaction to the item;
receiving a second electronic communication indicating that the second person has selected a second particular user interface element of the second website that is associated with the display of the item on the second website, wherein the second electronic communication indicates a selection by the second person to make a purchase of the item;
based on the second electronic communication:
transmitting purchase information to a seller computer system associated with a seller of the item, wherein the purchase information includes identifying information for the second person and a destination address for the purchase of the item; and
transmitting payment information for a purchase of the item to a payment processor computer system of a payment processor, wherein the transmitted payment information uniquely identifies an electronic payment account of the second person;
wherein a software application used by the second person for selecting the second particular user interface element is not required to display any website corresponding to the seller in order to complete the electronic purchase process. 11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise:
displaying to the second person, via the second website, a plurality of funding sources associated with the second person; and receiving, via the second website, a selection by the second person of the electronic payment account from the plurality of funding sources. 12. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the software application used by the second person is not required to display any content from any website corresponding to the payment processor in order to complete the electronic purchase process. 13. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the payment information includes an identifier of a particular funding source corresponding to an account of the second person. 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the identifier is included in a payment token. 15. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the software application used by the second person is not required to display any content residing on any website corresponding to the seller in order to complete the electronic purchase process. 16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that are executable by a computer system to cause the computer system to perform operations comprising:
receiving an electronic communication indicating that a first person has selected a particular user interface element to indicate a reaction to an item displayed to the first person via a first electronic content source associated with a seller of the item, wherein the display of the item is made via a first software application running on a first electronic device of the first person, and wherein the reaction is one of a plurality of reactions available within an online social media service; based on a second person having a defined relationship to the first person within the online social media service, causing a display of the item to the second person via a second electronic content source that is used to provide the online social media service, where the display is made via a second electronic device of the second person and includes a visual display element showing the first person has indicated a reaction to the item;
receiving a second electronic communication that was initiated from within a second software application running on the second electronic device, the second electronic communication indicating that the second person has selected a second particular user interface element that is associated with the display of the item via the second electronic content source, wherein the second electronic communication indicates the second person has initiated a purchase of the item;
in response to the second electronic communication, initiating an electronic purchase process for the item, wherein the electronic purchase process, once initiated, is completable within the online social media service as displayed within the second software application and does not require loading content from another electronic content source associated with the seller into the second software application. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the first electronic content source is a website of the seller. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the second software application is a mobile phone application published by the online social media service, and wherein the second electronic device is a mobile phone device. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein initiating the electronic purchase process includes transmitting purchase information to a seller computer system associated with the seller and transmitting payment information to a payment processor computer system, wherein the transmitted payment information uniquely identifies an electronic funding source corresponding to the second person. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the operations further comprise:
displaying to the second person, via the second software application, a plurality of funding sources associated with the second person, wherein displaying the plurality of funding sources is done via the online social media service; and
responsive to displaying the plurality of funding sources, receiving a selection by the second person of a particular funding source from the plurality of funding sources for completion of the electronic purchase process. | 2,600 |
349,895 | 350,769 | 16,854,642 | 2,696 | A coated cutting tool comprising a substrate and a coating layer formed on a surface of the substrate, the coating layer including at least one α-type aluminum oxide layer, wherein, in the α-type aluminum oxide layer, a texture coefficient TC (2,1,10) of a (2,1,10) plane is 1.4 or more. | 1. A coated cutting tool comprising a substrate and a coating layer formed on a surface of the substrate, the coating layer including at least one α-type aluminum oxide layer, wherein, in the α-type aluminum oxide layer, a texture coefficient TC (2,1,10) of a (2,1,10) plane represented by formula (1) below is 1.4 or more. 2. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, in the α-type aluminum oxide layer, the texture coefficient TC (2,1,10) is from 2.0 or more to 6.9 or less. 3. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein a residual stress value in a (1,1,6) plane of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is, in at least part thereof, from −300 MPa or higher to 300 MPa or lower. 4. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein an average thickness of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is from 1.0 μm or more to 15.0 μm or less. 5. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiCN layer between the substrate and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, and an average particle size of the TiCN layer is from 0.3 μm or more to 1.5 μm or less. 6. The coated cutting tool according to claim 5, wherein the coating layer comprises, between the TiCN layer and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, an intermediate layer comprised of a compound of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a Ti carbonate, a Ti oxynitride and a Ti carboxynitride. 7. The coated cutting tool according to claim 5, wherein an average thickness of the TiCN layer is from 2.0 μm or more to 20.0 μm or less. 8. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein an average thickness of the coating layer is from 3.0 μm or more to 30.0 μm or less. 9. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiN layer as an outermost layer on a side opposite to the substrate. 10. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is comprised of any of a cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics and a sintered body containing cubic boron nitride. 11. The coated cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein a residual stress value in a (1,1,6) plane of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is, in at least part thereof, from −300 MPa or higher to 300 MPa or lower. 12. The coated cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein an average thickness of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is from 1.0 μm or more to 15.0 μm or less. 13. The coated cutting tool according to claim 3, wherein an average thickness of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is from 1.0 μm or more to 15.0 μm or less. 14. The coated cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiCN layer between the substrate and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, and an average particle size of the TiCN layer is from 0.3 μm or more to 1.5 μm or less. 15. The coated cutting tool according to claim 3, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiCN layer between the substrate and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, and an average particle size of the TiCN layer is from 0.3 μm or more to 1.5 μm or less. 16. The coated cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiCN layer between the substrate and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, and an average particle size of the TiCN layer is from 0.3 μm or more to 1.5 μm or less. 17. The coated cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein an average thickness of the TiCN layer is from 2.0 μm or more to 20.0 μm or less. 18. The coated cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein an average thickness of the coating layer is from 3.0 μm or more to 30.0 μm or less. 19. The coated cutting tool according to claim 3, wherein an average thickness of the coating layer is from 3.0 μm or more to 30.0 μm or less. 20. The coated cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein an average thickness of the coating layer is from 3.0 μm or more to 30.0 μm or less. | A coated cutting tool comprising a substrate and a coating layer formed on a surface of the substrate, the coating layer including at least one α-type aluminum oxide layer, wherein, in the α-type aluminum oxide layer, a texture coefficient TC (2,1,10) of a (2,1,10) plane is 1.4 or more.1. A coated cutting tool comprising a substrate and a coating layer formed on a surface of the substrate, the coating layer including at least one α-type aluminum oxide layer, wherein, in the α-type aluminum oxide layer, a texture coefficient TC (2,1,10) of a (2,1,10) plane represented by formula (1) below is 1.4 or more. 2. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein, in the α-type aluminum oxide layer, the texture coefficient TC (2,1,10) is from 2.0 or more to 6.9 or less. 3. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein a residual stress value in a (1,1,6) plane of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is, in at least part thereof, from −300 MPa or higher to 300 MPa or lower. 4. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein an average thickness of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is from 1.0 μm or more to 15.0 μm or less. 5. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiCN layer between the substrate and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, and an average particle size of the TiCN layer is from 0.3 μm or more to 1.5 μm or less. 6. The coated cutting tool according to claim 5, wherein the coating layer comprises, between the TiCN layer and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, an intermediate layer comprised of a compound of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a Ti carbonate, a Ti oxynitride and a Ti carboxynitride. 7. The coated cutting tool according to claim 5, wherein an average thickness of the TiCN layer is from 2.0 μm or more to 20.0 μm or less. 8. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein an average thickness of the coating layer is from 3.0 μm or more to 30.0 μm or less. 9. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiN layer as an outermost layer on a side opposite to the substrate. 10. The coated cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is comprised of any of a cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics and a sintered body containing cubic boron nitride. 11. The coated cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein a residual stress value in a (1,1,6) plane of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is, in at least part thereof, from −300 MPa or higher to 300 MPa or lower. 12. The coated cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein an average thickness of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is from 1.0 μm or more to 15.0 μm or less. 13. The coated cutting tool according to claim 3, wherein an average thickness of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is from 1.0 μm or more to 15.0 μm or less. 14. The coated cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiCN layer between the substrate and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, and an average particle size of the TiCN layer is from 0.3 μm or more to 1.5 μm or less. 15. The coated cutting tool according to claim 3, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiCN layer between the substrate and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, and an average particle size of the TiCN layer is from 0.3 μm or more to 1.5 μm or less. 16. The coated cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein the coating layer comprises a TiCN layer between the substrate and the α-type aluminum oxide layer, and an average particle size of the TiCN layer is from 0.3 μm or more to 1.5 μm or less. 17. The coated cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein an average thickness of the TiCN layer is from 2.0 μm or more to 20.0 μm or less. 18. The coated cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein an average thickness of the coating layer is from 3.0 μm or more to 30.0 μm or less. 19. The coated cutting tool according to claim 3, wherein an average thickness of the coating layer is from 3.0 μm or more to 30.0 μm or less. 20. The coated cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein an average thickness of the coating layer is from 3.0 μm or more to 30.0 μm or less. | 2,600 |
349,896 | 350,770 | 16,854,650 | 2,696 | Provided is an image forming method, including: transferring and fixing a toner onto a recording medium, and forming an image including a plurality of layers, in which an attachment amount of the toner on the recording medium is greater than or equal to 8 g/m2 and less than or equal to 40 g/m2, a toner forming a layer in contact with a fixing member contains at least a first mold release agent containing ester wax and a second mold release agent containing microcrystalline wax, and a special color toner is contained in any layer of the plurality of layers. | 1. An image forming method, comprising:
transferring and fixing a toner onto a recording medium, and forming an image including a plurality of layers, wherein an attachment amount of the toner on the recording medium is greater than or equal to 8 g/m2 and less than or equal to 40 g/m2, a toner forming a layer in contact with a fixing member contains at least a first mold release agent containing ester wax and a second mold release agent containing microcrystalline wax, and a special color toner is contained in any layer of the plurality of layers. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein in the toner forming the layer in contact with the fixing member, a total content of the first mold release agent and the second mold release agent is greater than or equal to 5 mass % and less than or equal to 30 mass %, in a toner. 3. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein in the toner forming the layer in contact with the fixing member, a content of the microcrystalline wax is greater than or equal to 2 mass % and less than or equal to 30 mass %, in a mold release agent. 4. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein in the toner forming the layer in contact with the fixing member, a peak top temperature at a temperature decrease, as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), is higher than or equal to 55° C. and lower than or equal to 80° C. 5. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein an attachment amount of the toner forming the layer in contact with the fixing member is greater than or equal to 10 mass % and less than or equal to 90 mass %, with respect to a total attachment amount of the toner on the recording medium. 6. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein the special color toner contains titanium oxide in an amount of greater than or equal to 2 mass % and less than or equal to 50 mass %, as a coloring agent. | Provided is an image forming method, including: transferring and fixing a toner onto a recording medium, and forming an image including a plurality of layers, in which an attachment amount of the toner on the recording medium is greater than or equal to 8 g/m2 and less than or equal to 40 g/m2, a toner forming a layer in contact with a fixing member contains at least a first mold release agent containing ester wax and a second mold release agent containing microcrystalline wax, and a special color toner is contained in any layer of the plurality of layers.1. An image forming method, comprising:
transferring and fixing a toner onto a recording medium, and forming an image including a plurality of layers, wherein an attachment amount of the toner on the recording medium is greater than or equal to 8 g/m2 and less than or equal to 40 g/m2, a toner forming a layer in contact with a fixing member contains at least a first mold release agent containing ester wax and a second mold release agent containing microcrystalline wax, and a special color toner is contained in any layer of the plurality of layers. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein in the toner forming the layer in contact with the fixing member, a total content of the first mold release agent and the second mold release agent is greater than or equal to 5 mass % and less than or equal to 30 mass %, in a toner. 3. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein in the toner forming the layer in contact with the fixing member, a content of the microcrystalline wax is greater than or equal to 2 mass % and less than or equal to 30 mass %, in a mold release agent. 4. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein in the toner forming the layer in contact with the fixing member, a peak top temperature at a temperature decrease, as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), is higher than or equal to 55° C. and lower than or equal to 80° C. 5. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein an attachment amount of the toner forming the layer in contact with the fixing member is greater than or equal to 10 mass % and less than or equal to 90 mass %, with respect to a total attachment amount of the toner on the recording medium. 6. The image forming method according to claim 1,
wherein the special color toner contains titanium oxide in an amount of greater than or equal to 2 mass % and less than or equal to 50 mass %, as a coloring agent. | 2,600 |
349,897 | 350,771 | 16,854,655 | 2,696 | The present disclosure describes a formulation including a nanoparticle including a polymer-associated triazole compound with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte, and a dispersant or a wetting agent. The disclosure describes various formulations and formulating agents that can be included in the formulations. Additionally, the disclosure describes application to various plants and fungi as well as advantages of the disclosed formulations. | 1. A formulation comprising:
a nanoparticle comprising a polymer-associated triazole compound with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte; and a dispersant and/or a wetting agent. 2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle has a diameter of between about 1 nm and about 100 nm. 3. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle has a diameter of between about 1 nm and about 20 nm. 4. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 3, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in an aggregate and the aggregate has a diameter of between about 10 nm and about 5000 nm. 5. The formulation of any one of claims 1 - 3, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in an aggregate and the aggregate has a diameter of between about 100 nm and about 2500 nm. 6. The formulation of any one of claims 1 - 3, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in an aggregate and the aggregate has a diameter of between about 100 nm and about 1000 nm. 7. The formulation of any one of claims 1 - 3, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in an aggregate and the aggregate has a diameter of between about 100 nm and about 300 nm. 8. The formulation of any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is between about 10:1 and about 1:10. 9. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is between about 5:1 and about 1:5. 10. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is between about 2:1 and about 1:2. 11. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 1:3. 12. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 3:2. 13. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 4:1. 14. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 2:1. 15. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 1:1. 16. The formulation of any of claims 1-15, wherein the triazole compound is difenoconazole. 17. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(methacrylic acid co-ethyl acrylate); poly(methacrylic acid-co-styrene);
poly(methacrylic acid-co-butylmethacrylate); poly[acrylic acid-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate]; poly(n-butylmethacrylcate-co-methacrylic acid) and poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene). 18. The formulation of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the polymer is a homopolymer. 19. The formulation of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the polymer is a copolymer. 20. The formulation of claim 18, wherein the polymer is a random copolymer. 21. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispersant and/or wetting agent is selected from the group consisting of lignosulfonates, organosilicones, methylated or ethylated seed oils, ethoxylates, sulfonates, sulfates and combinations thereof. 22. The formulation of claim 21, wherein the dispersant and/or wetting agent is sodium lignosulfonate. 23. The formulation of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the dispersant and/or wetting agent is a tristyrylphenol ethoxylate. 24. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wetting agent and the dispersant are the same compound. 25. The formulation of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the wetting agent and the dispersant are different compounds. 26. The formulation of any one of claims 1-21, excluding any wetting agent. 27. The formulation of any one of claims 1-21, excluding any dispersant. 28. The formulation of any one of claim 1 -25 or 27, wherein the wetting agent is less than about 30 weight % of the formulation. 29. The formulation of claim 28, wherein the wetting agent is less than about 5 weight % of the formulation. 30. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 26, wherein the dispersant is less than about 30 weight % of the formulation. 31. The formulation of claim 30, wherein the dispersant is less than about 5 weight % of the formulation. 32. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation is in the form of a high solids liquid suspension or a suspension concentrate. 33. The formulation of claim 32, further comprising between about 0.05 weight % and about 5 weight % of a thickener. 34. The formulation of claim 32, wherein the thickener is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 35. The formulation of claim 32, wherein the thickener is less than about 0.5 weight % of the formulation. 36. The formulation of claim 32, wherein the thickener is less than about 0.1 weight % of the formulation. 37. The formulation of claim 32, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of guar gum; locust bean gum; xanthan gum; carrageenan; alginates; methyl cellulose; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; hydroxyethyl cellulose; modified starches; polysaccharides and other modified polysaccharides; polyvinyl alcohol; glycerol alkyd, fumed silica and combinations thereof. 38. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 0.01 weight % and about 0.2 weight % of a preservative. 39. The formulation of claim 38, wherein the preservative is less than about 0.1 weight % of the formulation. 40. The formulation of claim 38, wherein the preservative is less than about 0.05 weight % of the formulation. 41. The formulation of claim 38, wherein the preservative is selected from the group consisting of tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate, propyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propionic acid and its sodium salt; sorbic acid and its sodium or potassium salts; benzoic acid and its sodium salt; p-hydroxy benzoic acid sodium salt; methyl p-hydroxy benzoate; 1,2-benzisothiazalin-3-one, and combinations thereof. 42. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 0.05 weight % and about 10 weight % of an anti-freezing agent. 43. The formulation of claim 42, wherein the anti-freezing agent is less than about 5 weight % of the formulation. 44. The formulation of claim 42, wherein the anti-freezing agent is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 45. The formulation of claim 42, wherein the anti-freezing agent is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol; propylene glycol; urea and combinations thereof. 46. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanoparticles of polymer- associated triazole comprise less than about 80 weight % of the formulation. 47. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanoparticles of polymer- associated triazole comprise between about 20 weight % and about 80 weight % of the formulation. 48. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanoparticles of polymer- associated triazole comprise about 20 weight % and about 50 weight % of the formulation. 49. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer-associated triazole compound is between about 5 weight % and about 40 weight % of the formulation. 50. The formulation of any of claims 1-15, wherein the triazole compound is selected from the groups consisting of difenoconazole, fenbuconazole, myclobutanil, propiconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triticonazole and epiconazole. 51. The formulation of any one of claims 1-31, further comprising an inert filler. 52. The formulation of claim 51, wherein the inert filler makes up less than about 90 weight % of the formulation. 53. The formulation of claim 51, wherein the inert filler makes up less than about 40 weight % of the formulation. 54. The formulation of claim 51, wherein the inert filler makes up less than about 5 weight % of the formulation. 55. The formulation of claim 51, wherein the inert filler is selected from the group consisting of saccharides, celluloses, starches, carbohydrates, vegetable oils, protein inert fillers, polymers and combinations thereof. 56. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 1 weight % and about 20 weight % of a disintegrant. 57. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 0.05 weight % and about 3 weight % of an anti-caking agent. 58. The formulation of claim 57, wherein the anti-caking agent is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 59. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 0.05 weight % and about 5 weight % of an anti-foaming agent. 60. The formulation of claim 59, wherein the anti-foaming agent is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 61. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 1 weight % and about 20 weight % of a non-ionic surfactant. 62. The formulation of claim 61, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 63. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, diluted so that the concentration of the polymer-associated triazole compound is between about 0.1 to about 1000 ppm. 64. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, diluted so that the concentration of the polymer-associated triazole compound is between about 10 to about 500 ppm. 65. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further contains a strobilurin fungicide. 66. A method of using the formulation of any one of the preceding claims comprising the steps of:
applying the formulation to a plant. 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the formulation is applied to one part of a plant and the triazole translocates to an unapplied part of the plant. 68. The method of claim 67, wherein the unapplied part of the plant comprises new plant growth since the application. 69. A method of inoculating a plant with a triazole against fungi by applying the formulation of any one claims 1-65, to the plant. 70. A method of treating a fungal infection of a plant with a triazole by applying the formulation of any one claims 1-65, to the plant. 71. A method of increasing a plant's fungus resistance by applying the formulation any one claims 1 - 65, to the plant. 72. The method of any of claims 66-70, wherein the plant is selected from the classes fabaceaae, brassicaceae, rosaceae, solanaceae, convolvulaceae, poaceae, amaranthaceae, laminaceae and apiaceae. 73. The method of claim 72, wherein the plant is selected from oil crops, cereals, pasture, turf, ornamentals, fruit, legume vegetables, bulb vegetables, cole crops, tobacco, soybeans, cotton, sweet corn, field corn, potatoes and greenhouse crops. 74. The method of any of claims 69-73, wherein the fungi is selected from the classes ascomycota, basidiomycota, deuteromycota, blastocladiomycota, chytridiomycota, glomeromycota and combinations thereof. 75. A formulation comprising:
a nanoparticle comprising a polymer-associated triazole compound with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte; a taurate dispersant; a polycarboxylate salt wetting agent; an anti-foaming agent; a preservative; and water. 76. The formulation of claim 75 wherein the triazole compound comprises between about 5 and about 30 percent by weight of the formulation. 77. The formulation of claim 75 the ratio of the weight percent of the triazole compound to the weight percent of the nanoparticles is between about 1:1 to 6:1. 78. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising a thickener. 79. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising an anti-freeze agent. 80. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising an olefin sulfonate salt surfactant. 81. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising a block copolymer surfactant. 82. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising an additional pesticidal compound. 83. The formulation of claim 81 wherein the additional pesticidal compound is a fungicide. 84. The formulation of claim 83 wherein the fungicide is a strobilurin. 85. The formulation of claim 75, where the polyelectrolyte polymer is a poly(methacrylic acid- co-styrene) polymer. 86. The formulation of any of claims 75-85 wherein the taurate dispersant comprises between about 0.5 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the formulation. 87. The formulation of any of claims 75-86 wherein the polycarboxylate salt wetting agent comprises between about 0.5 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the formulation. 88. The formulation of any of claims 75-87 wherein the anti-foaming agent comprises between about 0.1 weight percent and about 1 weight percent of the formulation. 89. The formulation of any of claims 75-88 wherein the preservative comprises between about 0.01 weight percent and about 0.1 weight percent of the formulation. 90. The formulation of claim 78 wherein the thickener comprises between about 0.05 weight percent and about 2 weight percent of the formulation. 91. The formulation of claim 79 wherein the anti-freeze agent comprises between about 1 weight percent and about 10 weight percent of the formulation. 92. The formulation of claim 80 wherein the olefin sulfonate salt surfactant comprises between about 0.5 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the formulation. 93. The formulation of claim 81 wherein the block copolymer surfactant comprises between about 0.5 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the formulation. 94. The formulation of claim 81 wherein the additional pesticide comprises between about 5 weight percent and about 30 weight percent of the formulation. | The present disclosure describes a formulation including a nanoparticle including a polymer-associated triazole compound with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte, and a dispersant or a wetting agent. The disclosure describes various formulations and formulating agents that can be included in the formulations. Additionally, the disclosure describes application to various plants and fungi as well as advantages of the disclosed formulations.1. A formulation comprising:
a nanoparticle comprising a polymer-associated triazole compound with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte; and a dispersant and/or a wetting agent. 2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle has a diameter of between about 1 nm and about 100 nm. 3. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle has a diameter of between about 1 nm and about 20 nm. 4. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 3, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in an aggregate and the aggregate has a diameter of between about 10 nm and about 5000 nm. 5. The formulation of any one of claims 1 - 3, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in an aggregate and the aggregate has a diameter of between about 100 nm and about 2500 nm. 6. The formulation of any one of claims 1 - 3, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in an aggregate and the aggregate has a diameter of between about 100 nm and about 1000 nm. 7. The formulation of any one of claims 1 - 3, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in an aggregate and the aggregate has a diameter of between about 100 nm and about 300 nm. 8. The formulation of any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is between about 10:1 and about 1:10. 9. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is between about 5:1 and about 1:5. 10. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is between about 2:1 and about 1:2. 11. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 1:3. 12. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 3:2. 13. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 4:1. 14. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 2:1. 15. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 7, wherein the ratio of triazole compound to polymer within the nanoparticles is about 1:1. 16. The formulation of any of claims 1-15, wherein the triazole compound is difenoconazole. 17. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(methacrylic acid co-ethyl acrylate); poly(methacrylic acid-co-styrene);
poly(methacrylic acid-co-butylmethacrylate); poly[acrylic acid-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate]; poly(n-butylmethacrylcate-co-methacrylic acid) and poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene). 18. The formulation of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the polymer is a homopolymer. 19. The formulation of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the polymer is a copolymer. 20. The formulation of claim 18, wherein the polymer is a random copolymer. 21. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispersant and/or wetting agent is selected from the group consisting of lignosulfonates, organosilicones, methylated or ethylated seed oils, ethoxylates, sulfonates, sulfates and combinations thereof. 22. The formulation of claim 21, wherein the dispersant and/or wetting agent is sodium lignosulfonate. 23. The formulation of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the dispersant and/or wetting agent is a tristyrylphenol ethoxylate. 24. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wetting agent and the dispersant are the same compound. 25. The formulation of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the wetting agent and the dispersant are different compounds. 26. The formulation of any one of claims 1-21, excluding any wetting agent. 27. The formulation of any one of claims 1-21, excluding any dispersant. 28. The formulation of any one of claim 1 -25 or 27, wherein the wetting agent is less than about 30 weight % of the formulation. 29. The formulation of claim 28, wherein the wetting agent is less than about 5 weight % of the formulation. 30. The formulation of any one of claims 1- 26, wherein the dispersant is less than about 30 weight % of the formulation. 31. The formulation of claim 30, wherein the dispersant is less than about 5 weight % of the formulation. 32. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation is in the form of a high solids liquid suspension or a suspension concentrate. 33. The formulation of claim 32, further comprising between about 0.05 weight % and about 5 weight % of a thickener. 34. The formulation of claim 32, wherein the thickener is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 35. The formulation of claim 32, wherein the thickener is less than about 0.5 weight % of the formulation. 36. The formulation of claim 32, wherein the thickener is less than about 0.1 weight % of the formulation. 37. The formulation of claim 32, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of guar gum; locust bean gum; xanthan gum; carrageenan; alginates; methyl cellulose; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; hydroxyethyl cellulose; modified starches; polysaccharides and other modified polysaccharides; polyvinyl alcohol; glycerol alkyd, fumed silica and combinations thereof. 38. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 0.01 weight % and about 0.2 weight % of a preservative. 39. The formulation of claim 38, wherein the preservative is less than about 0.1 weight % of the formulation. 40. The formulation of claim 38, wherein the preservative is less than about 0.05 weight % of the formulation. 41. The formulation of claim 38, wherein the preservative is selected from the group consisting of tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate, propyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propionic acid and its sodium salt; sorbic acid and its sodium or potassium salts; benzoic acid and its sodium salt; p-hydroxy benzoic acid sodium salt; methyl p-hydroxy benzoate; 1,2-benzisothiazalin-3-one, and combinations thereof. 42. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 0.05 weight % and about 10 weight % of an anti-freezing agent. 43. The formulation of claim 42, wherein the anti-freezing agent is less than about 5 weight % of the formulation. 44. The formulation of claim 42, wherein the anti-freezing agent is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 45. The formulation of claim 42, wherein the anti-freezing agent is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol; propylene glycol; urea and combinations thereof. 46. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanoparticles of polymer- associated triazole comprise less than about 80 weight % of the formulation. 47. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanoparticles of polymer- associated triazole comprise between about 20 weight % and about 80 weight % of the formulation. 48. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanoparticles of polymer- associated triazole comprise about 20 weight % and about 50 weight % of the formulation. 49. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer-associated triazole compound is between about 5 weight % and about 40 weight % of the formulation. 50. The formulation of any of claims 1-15, wherein the triazole compound is selected from the groups consisting of difenoconazole, fenbuconazole, myclobutanil, propiconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triticonazole and epiconazole. 51. The formulation of any one of claims 1-31, further comprising an inert filler. 52. The formulation of claim 51, wherein the inert filler makes up less than about 90 weight % of the formulation. 53. The formulation of claim 51, wherein the inert filler makes up less than about 40 weight % of the formulation. 54. The formulation of claim 51, wherein the inert filler makes up less than about 5 weight % of the formulation. 55. The formulation of claim 51, wherein the inert filler is selected from the group consisting of saccharides, celluloses, starches, carbohydrates, vegetable oils, protein inert fillers, polymers and combinations thereof. 56. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 1 weight % and about 20 weight % of a disintegrant. 57. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 0.05 weight % and about 3 weight % of an anti-caking agent. 58. The formulation of claim 57, wherein the anti-caking agent is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 59. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 0.05 weight % and about 5 weight % of an anti-foaming agent. 60. The formulation of claim 59, wherein the anti-foaming agent is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 61. The formulation of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising between about 1 weight % and about 20 weight % of a non-ionic surfactant. 62. The formulation of claim 61, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is less than about 1 weight % of the formulation. 63. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, diluted so that the concentration of the polymer-associated triazole compound is between about 0.1 to about 1000 ppm. 64. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, diluted so that the concentration of the polymer-associated triazole compound is between about 10 to about 500 ppm. 65. The formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further contains a strobilurin fungicide. 66. A method of using the formulation of any one of the preceding claims comprising the steps of:
applying the formulation to a plant. 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the formulation is applied to one part of a plant and the triazole translocates to an unapplied part of the plant. 68. The method of claim 67, wherein the unapplied part of the plant comprises new plant growth since the application. 69. A method of inoculating a plant with a triazole against fungi by applying the formulation of any one claims 1-65, to the plant. 70. A method of treating a fungal infection of a plant with a triazole by applying the formulation of any one claims 1-65, to the plant. 71. A method of increasing a plant's fungus resistance by applying the formulation any one claims 1 - 65, to the plant. 72. The method of any of claims 66-70, wherein the plant is selected from the classes fabaceaae, brassicaceae, rosaceae, solanaceae, convolvulaceae, poaceae, amaranthaceae, laminaceae and apiaceae. 73. The method of claim 72, wherein the plant is selected from oil crops, cereals, pasture, turf, ornamentals, fruit, legume vegetables, bulb vegetables, cole crops, tobacco, soybeans, cotton, sweet corn, field corn, potatoes and greenhouse crops. 74. The method of any of claims 69-73, wherein the fungi is selected from the classes ascomycota, basidiomycota, deuteromycota, blastocladiomycota, chytridiomycota, glomeromycota and combinations thereof. 75. A formulation comprising:
a nanoparticle comprising a polymer-associated triazole compound with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte; a taurate dispersant; a polycarboxylate salt wetting agent; an anti-foaming agent; a preservative; and water. 76. The formulation of claim 75 wherein the triazole compound comprises between about 5 and about 30 percent by weight of the formulation. 77. The formulation of claim 75 the ratio of the weight percent of the triazole compound to the weight percent of the nanoparticles is between about 1:1 to 6:1. 78. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising a thickener. 79. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising an anti-freeze agent. 80. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising an olefin sulfonate salt surfactant. 81. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising a block copolymer surfactant. 82. The formulation of claim 75 further comprising an additional pesticidal compound. 83. The formulation of claim 81 wherein the additional pesticidal compound is a fungicide. 84. The formulation of claim 83 wherein the fungicide is a strobilurin. 85. The formulation of claim 75, where the polyelectrolyte polymer is a poly(methacrylic acid- co-styrene) polymer. 86. The formulation of any of claims 75-85 wherein the taurate dispersant comprises between about 0.5 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the formulation. 87. The formulation of any of claims 75-86 wherein the polycarboxylate salt wetting agent comprises between about 0.5 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the formulation. 88. The formulation of any of claims 75-87 wherein the anti-foaming agent comprises between about 0.1 weight percent and about 1 weight percent of the formulation. 89. The formulation of any of claims 75-88 wherein the preservative comprises between about 0.01 weight percent and about 0.1 weight percent of the formulation. 90. The formulation of claim 78 wherein the thickener comprises between about 0.05 weight percent and about 2 weight percent of the formulation. 91. The formulation of claim 79 wherein the anti-freeze agent comprises between about 1 weight percent and about 10 weight percent of the formulation. 92. The formulation of claim 80 wherein the olefin sulfonate salt surfactant comprises between about 0.5 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the formulation. 93. The formulation of claim 81 wherein the block copolymer surfactant comprises between about 0.5 weight percent and about 5 weight percent of the formulation. 94. The formulation of claim 81 wherein the additional pesticide comprises between about 5 weight percent and about 30 weight percent of the formulation. | 2,600 |
349,898 | 350,772 | 16,854,654 | 2,696 | Disclosed herein are methods and reagents for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting treatment. The detection of these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug. | 1. An assay comprising:
(a) adding primers specific for at least one of the following nucleotide variances in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, where the nucleotide variance is selected from:
i) a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of cysteine for glycine at position 719 (G719C) or in a substitution of serine for glycine at position 719 (G719S) or in a substitution of an alanine for glycine at position 719 (G719A) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
ii) an in-frame deletion in exon 19 that results in a deletion of at least amino acids leucine, arginine, glutamic acid and alanine at codons 747, 748, 749, and 750 of SEQ ID NO: 512;
iii) a mutation in exon 20 that results in a insertion of amino acids asparagine, proline and glycine between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insNPG), or in an insertion of amino acids serine, valine and aspartic acid between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insSVD), or in an insertion of amino acid valine between position 772 and 773 (P772_H773insV), or in a substitution at position 790 of SEQ ID NO: 512; and
iv) a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of arginine for leucine at position 858 (L858R) or of glutamine for leucine at position 861 (L861Q) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
to a biological sample obtained from the blood of a human patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer; (b) performing an amplification step by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) wherein the PCR is allele-specific amplification for at least one of the nucleotide variances; and (c) detecting whether at least one of the above-described variances is present. 2. The assay of claim 1, wherein the allele-specific amplification is performed using at least one primer pair designed to anneal to an EGFR nucleic acid, wherein one primer of the pair comprises a sequence that selectively hybridizes to the nucleotide variance under high stringency conditions and amplifies the nucleotide variance sequence but does not amplify a corresponding wild type EGFR sequence. 3. The assay of claim 1, wherein the blood is further processed to produce plasma. 4. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of cysteine for glycine at position 719 (G719C). 5. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of serine for glycine at position 719 (G719S) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 6. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of alanine for glycine at position 719 (G719A) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 7. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is an in-frame deletion in exon 19 that results in a deletion of at least amino acids leucine, arginine, glutamic acid and alanine at codons 747, 748, 749, and 750 of SEQ ID NO: 512. 8. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a substitution in exon 20 that results in an amino acid change at position 790 of SEQ ID NO: 512. 9. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 20 that results in a insertion of amino acids asparagine, proline and glycine between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insNPG) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 10. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is mutation in exon 20 that results in an insertion of amino acids serine, valine and aspartic acid between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insSVD) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 11. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 20 that results in an insertion of amino acid valine between position 772 and 773 (P772_H773insV) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 12. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of arginine for leucine at position 858 (L858R). 13. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of glutamine for leucine at position 861 (L861Q) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 14. An assay comprising:
(a) adding primers specific for at least one of the following nucleotide variances in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, where the nucleotide variance is selected from:
i) a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of cysteine for glycine at position 719 (G719C) or in a substitution of serine for glycine at position 719 (G719S) or a substitution of an alanine for glycine at position 719 (G719A) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
ii) an in-frame deletion in exon 19 that results in a deletion of at least amino acids leucine, arginine, glutamic acid and alanine at codons 747, 748, 749, and 750 of SEQ ID NO: 512;
iii) a mutation in exon 20 that results in a insertion of amino acids asparagine, proline and glycine between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insNPG), or in an insertion of amino acids serine, valine and aspartic acid between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insSVD), or in an insertion of amino acid valine between position 772 and 773 (P772_H773insV), or in a substitution at position 790 of SEQ ID NO: 512; and
iv) a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of arginine for leucine at position 858 (L858R) or of glutamine for leucine at position 861 (L861Q) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
to a biological sample obtained from the blood of a human patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer;
(b) performing an amplification step by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify part of exon 18, 19, 20, or 21 of the EGFR gene; and (c) detecting whether at least one of the above-described nucleotide variances is present by hybridizing at least one allele-specific nucleic acid probe specific for the nucleotide variance to the EGFR gene. 15. The assay of claim 14, wherein the nucleic acid probe comprises a label. 16. An assay comprising:
(a) adding primers specific for at least one of the following nucleotide variances in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, where the nucleotide variance is selected from:
i) a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of cysteine for glycine at position 719 (G719C) or in a substitution of serine for glycine at position 719 (G719S) or a substitution of an alanine for glycine at position 719 (G719A) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
ii) an in-frame deletion in exon 19 that results in a deletion of at least amino acids leucine, arginine, glutamic acid and alanine at codons 747, 748, 749, and 750 of SEQ ID NO: 512;
iii) a substitution in exon 20 that results in an amino acid change at position 790 of SEQ ID NO: 512; and
iv) a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of arginine for leucine at position 858 (L858R) or of glutamine for leucine at position 861 (L861Q) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
to a biological sample obtained from the blood of a human patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer; (b) performing an amplification step by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify part of exon 18, 19, 20, or 21 of the EGFR gene; and (c) detecting whether at least one of the above-described nucleotide variances is present by sequencing the region where the nucleotide variance is found. | Disclosed herein are methods and reagents for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting treatment. The detection of these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.1. An assay comprising:
(a) adding primers specific for at least one of the following nucleotide variances in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, where the nucleotide variance is selected from:
i) a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of cysteine for glycine at position 719 (G719C) or in a substitution of serine for glycine at position 719 (G719S) or in a substitution of an alanine for glycine at position 719 (G719A) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
ii) an in-frame deletion in exon 19 that results in a deletion of at least amino acids leucine, arginine, glutamic acid and alanine at codons 747, 748, 749, and 750 of SEQ ID NO: 512;
iii) a mutation in exon 20 that results in a insertion of amino acids asparagine, proline and glycine between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insNPG), or in an insertion of amino acids serine, valine and aspartic acid between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insSVD), or in an insertion of amino acid valine between position 772 and 773 (P772_H773insV), or in a substitution at position 790 of SEQ ID NO: 512; and
iv) a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of arginine for leucine at position 858 (L858R) or of glutamine for leucine at position 861 (L861Q) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
to a biological sample obtained from the blood of a human patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer; (b) performing an amplification step by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) wherein the PCR is allele-specific amplification for at least one of the nucleotide variances; and (c) detecting whether at least one of the above-described variances is present. 2. The assay of claim 1, wherein the allele-specific amplification is performed using at least one primer pair designed to anneal to an EGFR nucleic acid, wherein one primer of the pair comprises a sequence that selectively hybridizes to the nucleotide variance under high stringency conditions and amplifies the nucleotide variance sequence but does not amplify a corresponding wild type EGFR sequence. 3. The assay of claim 1, wherein the blood is further processed to produce plasma. 4. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of cysteine for glycine at position 719 (G719C). 5. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of serine for glycine at position 719 (G719S) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 6. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of alanine for glycine at position 719 (G719A) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 7. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is an in-frame deletion in exon 19 that results in a deletion of at least amino acids leucine, arginine, glutamic acid and alanine at codons 747, 748, 749, and 750 of SEQ ID NO: 512. 8. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a substitution in exon 20 that results in an amino acid change at position 790 of SEQ ID NO: 512. 9. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 20 that results in a insertion of amino acids asparagine, proline and glycine between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insNPG) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 10. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is mutation in exon 20 that results in an insertion of amino acids serine, valine and aspartic acid between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insSVD) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 11. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 20 that results in an insertion of amino acid valine between position 772 and 773 (P772_H773insV) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 12. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of arginine for leucine at position 858 (L858R). 13. The assay of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide variance is a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of glutamine for leucine at position 861 (L861Q) of SEQ ID NO: 512. 14. An assay comprising:
(a) adding primers specific for at least one of the following nucleotide variances in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, where the nucleotide variance is selected from:
i) a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of cysteine for glycine at position 719 (G719C) or in a substitution of serine for glycine at position 719 (G719S) or a substitution of an alanine for glycine at position 719 (G719A) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
ii) an in-frame deletion in exon 19 that results in a deletion of at least amino acids leucine, arginine, glutamic acid and alanine at codons 747, 748, 749, and 750 of SEQ ID NO: 512;
iii) a mutation in exon 20 that results in a insertion of amino acids asparagine, proline and glycine between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insNPG), or in an insertion of amino acids serine, valine and aspartic acid between position 770 and 771 (D770_N771insSVD), or in an insertion of amino acid valine between position 772 and 773 (P772_H773insV), or in a substitution at position 790 of SEQ ID NO: 512; and
iv) a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of arginine for leucine at position 858 (L858R) or of glutamine for leucine at position 861 (L861Q) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
to a biological sample obtained from the blood of a human patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer;
(b) performing an amplification step by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify part of exon 18, 19, 20, or 21 of the EGFR gene; and (c) detecting whether at least one of the above-described nucleotide variances is present by hybridizing at least one allele-specific nucleic acid probe specific for the nucleotide variance to the EGFR gene. 15. The assay of claim 14, wherein the nucleic acid probe comprises a label. 16. An assay comprising:
(a) adding primers specific for at least one of the following nucleotide variances in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, where the nucleotide variance is selected from:
i) a mutation in exon 18 that results in a substitution of cysteine for glycine at position 719 (G719C) or in a substitution of serine for glycine at position 719 (G719S) or a substitution of an alanine for glycine at position 719 (G719A) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
ii) an in-frame deletion in exon 19 that results in a deletion of at least amino acids leucine, arginine, glutamic acid and alanine at codons 747, 748, 749, and 750 of SEQ ID NO: 512;
iii) a substitution in exon 20 that results in an amino acid change at position 790 of SEQ ID NO: 512; and
iv) a mutation in exon 21 that results in an amino acid substitution of arginine for leucine at position 858 (L858R) or of glutamine for leucine at position 861 (L861Q) of SEQ ID NO: 512;
to a biological sample obtained from the blood of a human patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer; (b) performing an amplification step by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify part of exon 18, 19, 20, or 21 of the EGFR gene; and (c) detecting whether at least one of the above-described nucleotide variances is present by sequencing the region where the nucleotide variance is found. | 2,600 |
349,899 | 350,773 | 16,854,653 | 1,612 | The present disclosure provides compositions of microparticles and uses thereof for removing toxic or undesirable molecules from an environment, e.g. the blood of a subject. The microparticles can be liposomes. In one embodiment, the aqueous phase of the liposomes contains (i) a system of generating NAD+ from NADH, and (ii) one or more enzymes that are involved in one or more NAD+-dependent reactions that remove the toxic or undesirable molecules from the environment. In one embodiment, the liposomes contain NADH oxidase, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to remove ethanol from the blood of a subject. | 1. A method for removing a toxic or undesirable molecule from an environment comprising administering to the environment a composition of microparticles, said microparticles comprising an aqueous phase, wherein said aqueous phase comprises (i) a system for generating NAD+ from NADH comprising NADH oxidase (NOX), and (ii) one or more enzymes that are involved in one or more NAD+-dependent reactions that remove said toxic or undesirable molecules from said environment. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the microparticles comprise a polymeric or lipid membrane. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the microparticles are liposomes. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the system of generating NAD+ from NADH consists of NADH oxidase (NOX). 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the environment is a water supply system, a food packaging, a bioreactor, a chemical reactor, a body cavity or a subject's blood. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the subject is a human or animal. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the toxic or undesirable molecule is ethanol. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said enzymes that are involved in the NAD+-dependent reactions comprise alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the ADH, ALDH and NOX are present in a ratio of about 1:44:2. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the composition of microparticles is administered to the subject intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, or by inhalation. 11. A composition of microparticles for removing toxic or undesirable molecules from an environment, said microparticles comprising an aqueous phase, wherein said aqueous phase comprises (i) a system of generating NAD+ from NADH comprising NADH oxidase (NOX), and (ii) one or more enzymes that are involved in one or more NAD+-dependent reactions that remove said toxic or undesirable molecules from said environment. 12. The composition of claim 11 wherein the microparticles comprise a polymeric or lipid membrane. 13. The composition of claim 11 wherein the microparticles are liposomes. 14. The composition of claim 11, wherein the system of generating NAD+ from NADH consists of NADH oxidase (NOX). 15. The composition of claim 11, wherein the toxic or undesirable molecule is ethanol. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein said enzymes that are involved in the NAD+-dependent reactions comprise alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the ADH, ALDH and NOX are present in a ratio of about 1:44:2. 18. A composition of microparticles for removing toxic or undesirable molecules from an environment, said microparticle comprises an aqueous phase, wherein said aqueous phase comprises (i) a system of generating NADP+ from NADPH comprising NADPH oxidase, and (ii) one or more enzymes that are involved in one or more NADP+-dependent reactions that remove said toxic or undesirable molecules from said environment. 19. A method for removing a toxic or undesirable molecule from an environment, comprising the step of administering to the environment the composition of claim 18. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the microparticle is liposome. | The present disclosure provides compositions of microparticles and uses thereof for removing toxic or undesirable molecules from an environment, e.g. the blood of a subject. The microparticles can be liposomes. In one embodiment, the aqueous phase of the liposomes contains (i) a system of generating NAD+ from NADH, and (ii) one or more enzymes that are involved in one or more NAD+-dependent reactions that remove the toxic or undesirable molecules from the environment. In one embodiment, the liposomes contain NADH oxidase, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to remove ethanol from the blood of a subject.1. A method for removing a toxic or undesirable molecule from an environment comprising administering to the environment a composition of microparticles, said microparticles comprising an aqueous phase, wherein said aqueous phase comprises (i) a system for generating NAD+ from NADH comprising NADH oxidase (NOX), and (ii) one or more enzymes that are involved in one or more NAD+-dependent reactions that remove said toxic or undesirable molecules from said environment. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the microparticles comprise a polymeric or lipid membrane. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the microparticles are liposomes. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the system of generating NAD+ from NADH consists of NADH oxidase (NOX). 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the environment is a water supply system, a food packaging, a bioreactor, a chemical reactor, a body cavity or a subject's blood. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the subject is a human or animal. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the toxic or undesirable molecule is ethanol. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said enzymes that are involved in the NAD+-dependent reactions comprise alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the ADH, ALDH and NOX are present in a ratio of about 1:44:2. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the composition of microparticles is administered to the subject intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, or by inhalation. 11. A composition of microparticles for removing toxic or undesirable molecules from an environment, said microparticles comprising an aqueous phase, wherein said aqueous phase comprises (i) a system of generating NAD+ from NADH comprising NADH oxidase (NOX), and (ii) one or more enzymes that are involved in one or more NAD+-dependent reactions that remove said toxic or undesirable molecules from said environment. 12. The composition of claim 11 wherein the microparticles comprise a polymeric or lipid membrane. 13. The composition of claim 11 wherein the microparticles are liposomes. 14. The composition of claim 11, wherein the system of generating NAD+ from NADH consists of NADH oxidase (NOX). 15. The composition of claim 11, wherein the toxic or undesirable molecule is ethanol. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein said enzymes that are involved in the NAD+-dependent reactions comprise alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the ADH, ALDH and NOX are present in a ratio of about 1:44:2. 18. A composition of microparticles for removing toxic or undesirable molecules from an environment, said microparticle comprises an aqueous phase, wherein said aqueous phase comprises (i) a system of generating NADP+ from NADPH comprising NADPH oxidase, and (ii) one or more enzymes that are involved in one or more NADP+-dependent reactions that remove said toxic or undesirable molecules from said environment. 19. A method for removing a toxic or undesirable molecule from an environment, comprising the step of administering to the environment the composition of claim 18. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the microparticle is liposome. | 1,600 |
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