Positive electrode active material particles for lithium ion secondary batteries include: a core particle including a first olivine-structured, lithium-containing phosphate compound which includes Fe and/or Mn and Li; and a shell layer attached to the surface of the core particle. The shell layer includes a second olivine-structured, lithium-containing phosphate compound which includes Fe and/or Mn and Li. At least the core particle includes a phosphorous compound represented by the formula (1): MemPnOp, where Me is Fe and/or Mn, 0

A composite material tape and a lithium secondary battery using the same are provided. The composite material tape includes an organic base and at least one inorganic element dispersed within the organic base. The composite material tapes of the present invention exhibit improved Insulative and heat-resistant characteristics.

Provided is a method for shutting down an indirect internal reforming SOFC, in which a hydrocarbon-based fuel is reliably reformed, and the oxidative degradation of the anode can be prevented by a reformed gas. A method for shutting down an indirect internal reforming SOFC including a reformer; an SOFC; a combustion region for combusting the anode off-gas of the SOFC; and an enclosure for housing the reformer, the SOFC, and the combustion region, wherein the method includes causing the flow rate of a fuel supplied to the reformer to become FE from FS; and stopping the supply of the fuel to the reformer when an anode temperature becomes lower than the oxidative degradation temperature, where FE represents a flow rate of the fuel supplied to the reformer in a state in which the anode temperature is steady and lower than the oxidative degradation temperature, in which in the reformer the fuel is reformed and a reformed gas with a composition suitable to be supplied to an anode is produced, and in which an amount of the reformed gas produced is equal to or more than the requisite minimum flow rate for preventing the oxidative degradation of the anode when the anode temperature is a temperature equal to or higher than the oxidative degradation temperature, and FS represents a flow rate of the fuel supplied to the reformer at the start of the shutdown method. Also provided is an indirect internal reforming SOFC appropriate for this method.

There is provided a flexible circuit board capable of preventing corrosion and elution of a conductor layer constituting a current collector even under high-temperature and high-voltage working conditions while achieving sufficient electric connection with an MEA. A flexible circuit board having a current collector of a fuel cell provided thereon includes an insulating flexible base material 1, a plurality of openings 5 that supply fuel or air, the openings 5 being provided in a specified region so as to penetrate through the flexible base material 1 in a thickness direction, a plating film 6 that constitutes the current collector, the plating film 6 being formed on front and back surfaces of the flexible base material 1 in the specified region and on inner walls of the openings 5, a surface treatment film 9 formed on the plating film 6 and having corrosion resistance higher than that of the plating film.

The present invention provides non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery, comprising an ester-based compound having a branched-chain alkyl group and an ester-based compound having a straight-chain alkyl group; and a lithium secondary battery using the same.

An assembly for mailing an article requiring delivery by a special service and a method for mailing same are provided. The assembly includes a return postcard and anchor portions removably attached to the return postcard. The anchor portions include adhesive that allows the anchor portions to be attached to a mailpiece. The return postcard includes a special services designator section indicative of the special service required for delivery of the mailpiece. The return postcard is integrally formed, but removably attached, such that the return postcard remains attached to the envelope until received by the addressee, at which time the return postcard may be removed. The assembly is designed to incorporate a form into the return postcard to simplify preparation of the mailpiece for delivery by the special service. Alternatively, the postcard may contain a machine readable code that aids in the delivery and tracking of the mailpiece.

A server-based video game system maintains a number of video game characters having computer-simulated genetic (“digenetic”) structures that prescribe a number of physical and cognitive performance traits and characteristics for the video game characters. The system allows end users to establish remote online access to the game characters (via, e.g., the Internet). The results of competitions and training activities are based upon the game characters' digenetics, the conditions of the game environment, and the game characters' current levels of physical and cognitive development. The game characters' performance capabilities and cognition are updated continuously in response to the results of competitions and training activities. Competition and training results can be processed by the game servers and transmitted to the end user presentation devices for graphics rendering. In this manner, the video game system need not be burdened by network latency and other delays. The game system also supports game character breeding; game character evolution based upon the digenetics; and game character buying, trading, selling, and collecting.

A hard laminate sheet for security booklets and method of making the same. The laminate sheet comprises at least two hard core layers (e.g. of polycarbonate) and a flexible component (e.g. nylon) there between and extending beyond an outer edge of the core layers to form a flexible band. The flexible component may be provided as an intermediate layer also comprising a hard component (e.g. of polycarbonate) juxtaposed with the flexible component and laminated to the adjacent core layers. The flexible component comprises a plurality of apertures within which material of the adjacent core layers is laminated together and affixes the flexible component to the laminate sheet. Additional hard core layers may be laminated to the core layers which sandwich the intermediate layer. Optionally, the laminate sheet may be used for a travel document (such as a passport) and may be laser engraved. Also, optionally, the laminate sheet may comprise a hard core inlay layer configured for containing a contactless integrated circuit chip and antenna or other electronic hardware.

An assembly for mailing an article requiring special services and a method for mailing same are provided. The assembly includes a return postcard, two anchor portions disposed on either side of the postcard, printer track strips having a plurality of holes for engaging a printer, such as a dot matrix printer, and a hole capable of being sensed by another type of printer, such as a thermal printer. The indicia printed upon the mailing assembly including the designator indicating the special service required, are printed using a single color thereby simplifying the printing process. The return postcard is removably attached to anchor portions such that the return postcard remains attached to the envelope until received by the addressee, at which time the return postcard may be removed from the anchor portions. The assembly is designed to incorporate a form into the return postcard to simplify preparation of the mailpiece for delivery by the special service.

A method is disclosed in a gaming and media system for quickly and easily creating and sending mail communications including pre-populated, or preformed, messages. Upon receipt of a communication, a recipient may also quickly and easily download a game discussed in the message.

In contrast to slot-type gaming machines with their preset paylines designating predetermined array positions, the paylines of this novel wagering game are unknown until the indicia in the array have been selected. The indicia are selected from a variety of indicium types, each having a different number of members for identifying adjacent indicia. The randomly selected indicia determine the paylines, if any, in the array. Conditions may be imposed that limit the size and geometry of the paylines in this wagering game.

Various methods and apparatus related to gaming are described. Some embodiments relate to a multi-tiered game involving multiple participants. Some embodiments relate to players establishing gaming elements based on desired criteria. Other embodiments are described.

A slider includes a substrate having a trailing edge, a leading edge opposite the trailing edge, and an air bearing surface connecting the trailing edge with the leading edge; a read/write transducer formed at the trailing edge; and a coat layer attached on the trailing edge and covering on the read/write transducer. The slider further includes a protection layer for shielding the read/write transducer thereby preventing the read/write transducer from damaging during a laser soldering process. The present invention can prevent the read/write transducer from damaging during the laser bonding process and, in turn improve the reading and writing performance of the slider. The invention also discloses an HGA and a disk drive unit.

A suspension includes a positive write trace and a negative write trace. The positive write trace is separated into at least two positive write trace sections located at two different layers respectively, and the negative write trace is separated into at least two negative write trace sections located at two different layers respectively. Each positive write trace section and each negative write trace section are alternately arranged along a longitudinal direction on two different layers, and the positive write trace sections at different layers are connected together via conductive crossovers, and the negative write trace sections are connected together via conductive crossovers. The present invention can obtain balanced propagation time in the stacked trace structure to reduce signal distortion, and obtain widened frequency bandwidth.

There is provided a spindle motor including: a shaft connected directly or indirectly to a base member and having a depression groove formed in a central portion of an outer peripheral surface thereof; a sleeve rotatably installed on the shaft and having a communication hole formed so as to be connected to the depression groove; and a rotor hub fixedly installed on the sleeve to thereby rotate together therewith, wherein the communication hole is inclined so that lubricating fluid may be easily injected into the depression groove, and the sleeve has a fluid storage part formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the fluid storage part being connected to the communication hole and temporarily storing the lubricating fluid therein.

A cage for a roller bearing includes a first annular portion and a second annular portion opposite the first annular portion and a plurality of pillars interconnecting the first annular portion and the second annular portion. Adjacent pairs of the pillars each define a pocket for holding rollers. Each of the pockets is configured to receive at least one roller. One or more radially outward facing concave roller support surface is formed in one or more of the pillars at a position proximate a radially outer edge of the pillar. The concave roller support surface is configured to radially outwardly support a portion of one of the rollers.

There are provided a hydrodynamic bearing assembly and a motor including the same. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a sleeve rotatably supporting a shaft and including a first circulation hole formed therein, the first circulation hole penetrating between an inner peripheral surface thereof and an outer peripheral surface thereof; a sleeve housing into which the sleeve is inserted; and a second circulation hole formed between the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve and an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve housing to be in communication with the first circulation hole, wherein an upper portion of the second circulation hole has a larger diameter than a lower portion thereof in an axial direction.

A component instance manager of a database system generates an instance of the application function. The component instance manager then generates an executor for the application function, and requests an instance of a component class of the application function from a package manager of the database system. A void pointer associated with the instance of the component class and a wrapper function address associated with the application function are accessed by the component instance manager, where the void pointer and wrapper function address comprise runtime parameters of the application function. The application function is thereafter executed by the executor according to the runtime parameters.

Communication facilitated between frames of a browser window. Whenever a particular frame receives a message destined for a target frame from a source frame, the particular frame determines if the particular is indeed the target frame. If so, the particular frame processes the message, but if not, the particular frame determines whether the target frame has registered with the particular frame. If the target frame has registered with the particular frame, the particular frame uses a handle communicated as part of the registration to dispatch the message further towards the target frame. In some cases, this handle may be directly that of the target frame itself, in which case the particular frame communicates the message directly with the target frame. This manner of inter-frame communication may be facilitated by a unique registration process when frames come into existence.

A dispatcher framework to provide non-blocking inter-application communication is disclosed. In various embodiments, a call to a service that is blocking with respect to the service is received from a calling process. The service is called on behalf of the calling process in a manner that does not require the calling process to remain blocked during at least a portion of a time during which the call to the service is performed.

Provided are a supported metallocene catalyst, a method for preparing the same and a method for preparing polyolefin using the same. The supported metallocene catalyst prepared by incorporating a metallocene compound having a ligand substituted with alkoxide or aryloxide into a conventional supported metallocene catalyst and incorporating a borate compound as a second co-catalyst exhibits considerably superior catalyst activity and easily controls molecular weight distribution, as compared to the conventional metallocene-supported catalyst.

There is stably provided a hydrophilic cured product, such as a single-layer film, in which anionic hydrophilic groups are concentrated at a surface that is in contact with the air and which is excellent in transparency and adhesion to a substrate and tends to be rarely cracked. The hydrophilic cured product or single-layer film comprising a resin composition is produced by applying a mixture containing a polyvalent monomer (II) having two or more (meth) acryloyl groups and a compound (IV) having a specific group and a sulfonic acid group to a substrate or the like, drying the mixture if necessary, and then performing polymerization.

Provided are a solid catalyst for propylene polymerization and a method for preparing the same, specifically a solid catalyst for propylene polymerization which does not contain any environmentally harmful material and can produce a polypropylene having excellent stereoregularity with a high production yield, and a method for preparing the catalyst.

A polymer reactor-blend comprising at least a first component having a polydispersity index of greater than about 20 and is present in an amount of from about 1 wt. % to about 99 wt. % based on the total weight of the polymer and a second component having a polydispersity index of less than about 20 and is present in an amount of from about 1 wt. % to about 99 wt. % based on the total weight of the polymer wherein a molecular weight distribution of the second component lies within a molecular weight distribution of the first component.

The present invention relates to a production method for efficiently obtaining an acrylic acid-based polymer having a narrow molecular mass distribution and a low molecular mass, without using a large amount of chain transfer agent. A method for continuously producing an acrylic acid-based polymer obtained by continuously polymerizing a monomer having acrylic acid as an essential component, characterized in that a liquid feed pump applies a mechanical load of 0.5 to 2.5 kJ/L to the liquid discharged from the outlet of a reactor. An acrylic acid-based polymer having fewer high-molecular-mass components, excellent dispersion and other properties, and a low molecular mass is thereby obtained.

Provided is a fluorine- and epoxy group-containing copolymer with excellent workability at room temperature, high water-repellency, and excellent characteristics as a water vapor barrier. Also provided is an efficient method for producing said copolymer. The fluorine and epoxy group-containing copolymer is characterized by containing at least a monomer unit represented by general formula (1): {Therein, R1-R10 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1-3 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, R11 is a hydrogen atom, methyl group, or phenyl group, and R5 or R6 can be linked with R7 or R8 to form a ring.} and a monomer unit represented by general formula (2): {Therein, R12 and R13 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; R14 represents a hydrogen atom, fluorine atom, methyl group or trifluoromethyl group, and R15 represents a flourine atom or perfluoro group having at most 12 carbon atoms}.

A system and method are provided for coupling a manhole cover to an underground utility box to support the manhole cover substantially flush with a ground surface such as a roadway. A holder couples to an underground utility box and includes upper and lower ends and a channel extending therebetween, and a support structure extending into the channel and defining an upwardly facing support surface. An adjustment member for coupling to a manhole cover is inserted within the channel, and includes upper and lower ends, and a passageway extending therebetween and communicating with the channel. The adjustment member is movably receivable within the channel to be seated on the support surface, and to define an adjustment space between the adjustment member and the holder. The adjustment member may thus be adjusted for accommodating a slope and elevation of a ground surface, and sealed with the holder after adjustment.

The present invention relates to a thermochromic color-memory toner containing: a microcapsule pigment encapsulating a thermochromic color-memory composition; and a binder resin, in which the microcapsule pigment shows a hysteresis characteristic that, in a temperature-rise process, decoloration starts when the temperature reaches t3 and the pigment completely reaches a decolored state in a temperature region of t4 or higher, and in a temperature-drop process, coloration starts when the temperature reaches t2 and the pigment completely reaches a colored state in a temperature region of ti or lower, and ti is in a range of from −50 to 0° C. and t4 is in a range of from 50 to 150° C.

A display device is disclosed. The display device comprising: a display unit; a sensor unit; a storage unit; and a processor configured to: provide feedback for indicating a security on state of selected first information when selection input for selecting the first information in the security on state is detected, when a security off input for clearing security is detected in response to the feedback, obtain the fingerprint using the display unit, and convert the first information in the security on state into a security off state when the obtained fingerprint is matched with a pre-stored fingerprint, when a security maintenance input for maintaining security is detected in response to the feedback, maintain the security on state of the first information.

Methods, systems, and devices are described for communicating physical layer wireless parameters over an application programming interface. A wireless modem of a wireless device may measure at least one physical layer wireless parameter. The wireless modem may report the at least one physical layer wireless parameter to an application running on the wireless device over an application programming interface between the wireless modem and the application. A behavior of the application may be adapted to control wireless communications between the application and a network based on the at least one physical layer wireless parameter reported by the wireless modem. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

This application relates to ventilation systems, more particularly to roof ventilation systems that help to protect buildings against fires. The roof vent has an ember impedance structure that impedes the entry of flames and embers or other floating burning materials while still permitting sufficient air flow to adequately ventilate a building. Several configurations of vents employing baffle members and fire-resistant mesh material are described, which can substantially prevent the ingress of floating embers and flames.

In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus includes an air gap between a sub-assembly and a waveguide attached thereto at a plurality of discrete attachment points, as well as a bare-die light-emitting diode encapsulated by the waveguide.

A decorative ornament capable of being completely illuminated about its surface including a hollow shell comprising a water-proof battery capsule is described. When the ornament is on display, the battery capsule is stored in a hollow shell of the ornament, in a manner such that only the removable lid of the battery capsule is visibly exposed. A battery pack, comprising one or more batteries, provides the power to illuminate the ornament and is enclosed within the battery capsule. The ornament surface is made using a water-resistant material. The battery capsule is made of a similar water-proof material and is sealed so as to prevent the battery pack from malfunctioning during various weather conditions. The battery pack's configuration enables the ornament to comprise a plurality of lighting modes, including full-on, blinking-on, and timer. The ornament can be displayed indoors or outdoors, and may be used year after year.

A backlight assembly includes a first light source unit including n light emitting members; and a light guide plate including a first side adjacent to the first light source unit, and a first groove adjacent to a first end of the first side.

There is provided an inclination sensor device. The inclination sensor device includes: a substrate which mounts an inclination sensor configured to calculate an inclination angle of a vehicle; a case which accommodates the substrate; a first positioning mechanism which positions the substrate relative to the case in a first direction that is substantially parallel to a first main surface of the substrate; and a second positioning mechanism which positions the substrate relative to the case in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first main surface of the substrate.

Braid-balls suitable for aneurysm occlusion and/or parent vessel occlusion/sacrifice (e.g., in treating neurovascular defects) are disclosed. Especially for aneurysm treatment, but also for either one of the aforementioned treatments, the form of the ball is very important. In particular, the density of the device is paramount in applications where braid itself is intended to moderate or stop blood flow—allowing thrombosis within a volume formed by the ball.

An optical film of high planarity that even in the use of an optical film material containing a non-resinous additive in an amount of 5 mass % or more, would exhibit inexpensive satisfactory roll cleaning effects, and that would find application in, especially, various functional films such as a retardation film and a protective film for polarization plate for use in a liquid crystal display apparatus, etc.; and a process for producing the optical film. There is disclosed a process for producing an optical film according to a melting casting film forming method, including extruding a melt of resin blend containing a resin and 5 mass % or more of non-resinous additive through a casting die into a film form, wherein a first roller (5) for cooling has a temperature of the melting point of the additive to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin blend. Preferably, the first roller (5) for cooling has a peripheral speed (S1) exhibiting a ratio between the same and the peripheral speed (S3) of a third roller (7) for cooling, S3/S1, of 1.001 to 1.05. Preferably, a filmlike molten blend is pressed against the first roller (5) for cooling at a linear pressure of 0.5 to 50 N/mm by means of a second roller (6) for pressure application.

The method includes the steps of: obtaining lateral magnification of an optical scanning system; obtaining the maximum value of thickness in the optical axis direction of an scanner lens; obtaining allowance b on one side and beam diameter a in the vertical scanning direction in the lens; and obtaining width h in the vertical scanning direction of the lens by the following expression h=a+2b. The allowance b is a product of the maximum value of thickness in the optical axis direction of the lens and a coefficient, and the coefficient is determined according to the lateral magnification of the system in such a way that the maximum value of movement of the focal point of the lens due to moisture absorption is made smaller than or equal to a predetermined value.

A spray-drying apparatus includes a drying chamber that has a first end, a second end, and at least one side wall extending between the first and second ends to define an interior of the drying chamber having a center axis. A nozzle can be positioned at the first end of the drying chamber and be configured to atomize liquid and spray the atomized liquid into the interior of the drying chamber at a maximum spray pattern angle relative to the center axis. A ratio of the length between the first end and second end to a maximum width between opposing internal surfaces of the interior of the drying chamber can be at least 5 to 1.

An electronic device may determine to present a video frame still image sequence version of a video instead of the video. The electronic device may derive a plurality of still images from the video. The electronic device may generate the video frame still image sequence by associating the plurality of still images. The electronic device may present the video frame still image sequence. The video frame still image sequence may be displayed according to timing information to resemble play of the video. In some cases, audio may also be derived from the video. In such cases, display of the video frame still image sequence may be performed along with play of the audio.

A method for automatically detecting, eliminating and replacing flash frames in digital video utilizes the detected flash frames to categorize and tag the surrounding frames as a relevant area of the digital video. The flash frame is detected when acquiring digital video during capture, the flash frame is replaced with a newly-constructed frame that is interpolated based upon surrounding frames and then, using the detected flash as the timestamp, the frame is tagged.

In an embodiment, the playing of an advertisement may be detected by identifying the persons associated with the faces in the advertisement portion of the media content and determining that the identified persons are not actors listed for the media content. In an embodiment, the advertisement may be enhanced with additional content pertaining to the product or service being advertised. In an embodiment, the advertisement may be automatically fast-forwarded, muted, or replaced with an alternate advertisement. In an embodiment, only a non-advertisement portion of the media content may be recorded by skipping over the detected advertisement portion of the media content.

A video processing apparatus that can be connected to a video playback apparatus includes an input unit configured to input video data from the video playback apparatus, an interpolation unit configured to generate interpolated frame image data of input video data, and an output unit configured to output the interpolated frame image data as interpolated video data, wherein the interpolation unit generates different interpolated frame image data according to a playback mode of the video playback apparatus.

A method for play synchronization and a device using the same are provided. A first device stores time-based content play information. The first device plays content according to the time-based content play information. The first device transmits the time-based content play information to a second device so that the second device plays the content according to the time-based content play information. Accordingly, the content played by one device can be played by another device concurrently.

A targeting jig apparatus for targeting interlocking holes of an intramedullary nail. The targeting jig includes a support-arm extending substantially parallel to the intramedullary nail. A targeting mechanism including a pair of targeting mechanism drill-guide orifices is adjustably disposed on the support arm for aligning the targeting mechanism drill-guide orifice with the interlocking holes of the intramedullary nail. The targeting mechanism includes a saddle having a U-shape including a base and parallel legs that are slidable along the support-arm. A connection mechanism includes a horizontal slot on the support-arm aligned with a vertical slot on the targeting mechanism and a pivot screw extending through the slots for facilitating adjustment of the targeting mechanism relative to the support arm.

A rotary cutting tool includes a first end defined by a cutting profile and structured to perform cutting operations on a workpiece. The cutting tool also includes an opposite second end structured to be mounted in a machine tool, a central longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, and a generally cylindrical body disposed about the central longitudinal axis between the first end and the opposite second end. The cutting profile includes a first portion adjacent the central longitudinal axis and disposed generally at a first angle relative to the central longitudinal axis; a second portion adjacent the first portion and disposed generally at a second angle relative to the central longitudinal axis; and a third portion adjacent the second portion and disposed generally at a third angle relative to the central longitudinal axis. The second angle is greater than both the first and third angles.

Low profile reamers and methods of use are provided which can, in general, allow a hole to be drilled in bone. In one embodiment, a low profile retractable bone reamer is provided having an elongate shaft with a cutting element disposed on a distal end of the elongate shaft that can be configured to drill a hole in bone. The elongate shaft and cutting element can have first and second longitudinally separated portions that are movably coupled to each other. The reamer can be configured to move between a retracted configuration, in which a the reamer has a reduced, low profile configuration, and a non-retracted configuration, in which both longitudinally separated portions of the cutting element can be positioned adjacent to one another to form a single cutting element.

A material removal having a plurality of cartridges mounted on an active portion where a plurality of seating members mounted in each of the plurality of cartridges pivots about an axis between a retracted position and an extended position is disclosed. Alternative embodiments have a single pivotable seating member. The pivotable extending seating members operate to extend and retract in a scissors-like motion and enable compact and efficient machining operation, particularly for crank shaft bearing supports.

A chip thermistor has a thermistor portion including a ceramic material containing respective metal oxides of Mn, Ni, and Co as major ingredients; a pair of composite portions including a composite material of Ag—Pd, and respective metal oxides of Mn, Ni, and Co and arranged on both sides of the thermistor portion so as to sandwich in the thermistor portion between the composite portions; and external electrodes connected to the pair of composite portions, respectively. In this manner, the pair of composite portions are used as bulk electrodes and, for this reason, the resistance of the chip thermistor can be adjusted mainly with consideration to the resistance in the thermistor portion without need for much consideration to the distance between the external electrodes and other factors.

A wiring substrate includes a substrate main body having a first main face and a second main face opposite the first main face; a resistor formed on the first main face; a plurality of first-main-face-side wiring layers which are each formed on the resistor and which each include a grounding metal layer formed of a metal having a resistance lower than that of the resistor and a conductor layer formed on the grounding metal layer; a second-main-face-side wiring layer formed on the second main face; and a via which is formed in the substrate main body and which establishes electrical connectivity between the first-main-face-side wiring layers and the second-main-face-side wiring layer. The wiring substrate further includes a conductive covering layer which covers an upper surface and substantially covers the side surfaces of each of the first-main-face-side wiring layers.