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BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a method and an optical measuring device. It finds applications in particular in microscopy, for example in the field of biology and the acquisition of biological information from optical observation. A microscope is an optical instrument generally used to view, analyze or measure objects too small for the naked eye. We use the term biological to describe any biological entity in life sciences, regardless of its origin, human, animal or vegetal and of the purpose of the observation, be it for research, diagnostic or therapeutic application. This term includes the medical uses of the method described. Microscopy is used in the field of biology, for example, to observe, study and measure biological entities (objects) and their dynamics. The usual definitions are used for: optical diffraction limit, Rayleigh criterion, Airy disk and its radius and diameter. We use in the context of the invention, the terms of superresolution, superresolved, superresolution imaging and superresolution microscopy to describe optical data acquisition, optical imaging and microscopy at a resolution higher than the optical diffraction limit. The usual definitions are used for fluorescence and for fluorophores. Referring now toFIG. 1, which shows an illustration of the paradigm of Microscopy,100, in the field of Biology. Microscopy comprises the illumination, by a light source, not shown, using a microscope,10, of a biological sample,11, and the time-dependent measurement, using either visual observation or a detection module12, of the light emitted by the sample. The sample in Biology comprises a single—or a plurality—of different biological entities,13and14, positioned at different positions. Examples of such objects are, among others, a cell, a virus, a protein and a DNA fragment. Fluorescence microscopy is one of the variants of microscopy, it has replaced in many biological applications, the other microscopy techniques. A fluorescence microscope is an optical microscope used to study properties of organic or inorganic substances using the phenomena of fluorescence instead of, or in addition to other modalities such as reflection and absorption. We refer again toFIG. 1, describing a fluorescence microscope; in fluorescence microscopy fluorophores, tiny point sources,15to18, based on the physical phenomenon of one photon fluorescence, are fixed at specific positions of predetermined biological objects,13and14; the light emitted by the fluorophores is observed instead of observing the light emitted by the biological objects,13and14, themselves. The sample is illuminated by light of wavelength, or specific wavelengths, which is absorbed by the fluorophore, thereby inducing the emission of light at different, higher, wavelengths. The illumination light is separated from the emitted fluorescence, which is lower, by the use of a spectral emission filter. Fluorophores have become an important tool for the visualization of biological objects. The activity and the biological information including details above the limit of resolution of 200 nm are systematically viewed and measured using fluorescence microscopy. This resolution limit is derived from the Rayleigh criterion, which in the best case, reaches 200 nm in systems designed specifically. For a long time, until the emergence of superresolution techniques described below, it was assumed that optical techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, are unable to visualize details smaller than the Rayleigh criterion, which is about 200 nm. However, other fundamental biological activities also occur at scales smaller than 200 nm in biological samples. At this level of spatial resolution, important phenomena can be observed: the biological processes at the scale of intracellular, cell information transfer, the folding and unfolding of the proteins and changes in the DNA and RNA. For example, the measurement of this intracellular information open new avenues for understanding the biological activity, and lead to progress in understanding and monitoring of research and medical diagnostics. The main implementations of fluorescence microscopy, as described in detail in the literature, are the confocal microscope, often used in a scanning configuration or spinning disc microscope, and the wide-field imaging microscope. Referring now toFIG. 2which is a simplified representation of a confocal fluorescence microscope of the prior art 200. A confocal fluorescence microscope,FIG. 2is an optical instrument. Its main hardware components are shown inFIG. 2. They include: a light source,20, an optomechanical frame not shown, a cube filter,21, a microscope objective22, a detector assembly,23, and a processing unit, not shown. The light source20, which may be an arc lamp or a laser, creates light energy necessary for fluorescence. The Optomechanical frame, not shown, is the support of all the optical components and auxiliary optics and includes alignment capacities. It also includes optical elements, not shown, capable of shaping the beam to allow its focus point of a minimum size by means of the microscope objective. It can also comprise, in a confocal scanning fluorescence, a spatial or angular scanning mechanism, not shown, to change the position of the point source with respect to the object to be measured. The scanning mechanism can alternativelymechanically translate the object, for example by using a translation plate,optically scan the beam on the object, for example using a set of galvanometric mirrors or acousto-optical translators, oruse any combination of these translation means, mechanical or optical. In a confocal scanning fluorescence, the information is collected point by point, using the scanning mechanism. It can also comprise, in a rotating disk type confocal fluorescence, a rotating disc having a plurality of pinholes, allowing the simultaneous projection of a plurality of points. In a confocal fluorescence rotating disk, a set of points, corresponding to the pinhole is acquired at any time and the rotation of the disk allows to scan the entire surface of the sample for a given longitudinal position. The cube of filters,21, channels the different optical signals and avoids contamination of the fluorescence signal by the emission. The cube is composed of filters: excitation filter,210dichroic mirror,211, and emission filter212. The filters and the dichroic mirror are selected according to the wavelength of excitation and emission spectral characteristics of the fluorophore. The microscope objective22focuses the light created by the source in the focal plane of the lens24, a light distribution pattern of small size, the optimum light distribution consisting of the Airy disk. The microscope objective22, also collects back fluorescent light emitted by the fluorophores. For a confocal scanning fluorescence the system can be descanned, that is to say, the return light can pass through the scanning mechanism to compensate for the translation due to scanning. A detector lens,25, creates, in the image plane of the detector26, a magnified image of the focal plane of the lens24. A confocal hole,28, is theoretically placed in the image plane of the detector26. In most practical systems, the confocal hole,28, is placed in an intermediate imaging plane, not shown, and reimaged onto the image plane of the detector26. The assembly of the detector,23, detects the fluorescent intensity in the overall illuminated volume, and converts it into digital signal. For a confocal scanning microscope, the detector assembly comprises a detector of a single element, such as a PMT or SPAD. For a confocal microscope using a rotary disc, the detector assembly is comprised of a matrix of detector elements, such as a CCD, a EMCCD, a CMOS or a matrix of SPAD. All components mounted from the light source to the dichroic filter is the illumination path,201. The detection channel,202, represents all the components mounted from the dichroic filter to the assembly of the detector. The elementary optical process of a confocal microscope can be segmented into six steps: Projecting light on the volume analyzedFluorescent light emission by fluorophoresImaging of the fluorophores in the focal planeLimitation in the focal plane of light analyzed by confocal holeIntegration of light analyzed by a photoelectric detector Display of the measured intensity as a pixel value in an image Fluorescence microscopes are available from several manufacturers, such as Nikon, Zeiss, Leica and Olympus.Fluorescence microscopes can be either standard microscopes suitable for fluorescence or microscopes optimized specifically for fluorescence. Modern microscopes are versatile instruments capable of operating in many different modalities, including, but not limited to, fluorescence modalities, using the same platform and most optomechanical components. Most fluorescence microscopes are developed as an open platform, capable of performing several additional features with minimal modifications. Other fluorescence microscopes are instruments dedicated, adapted for a specific task, such as medical diagnosis or pharmaceuticals. New optical methods, methods for superresolution are capable of discriminating fluorophores, below the Rayleigh criterion. These methods are being developed by several companies, laboratories and researchers and some of the instruments using these methods, the superresolution microscopes, are commercially available. Several comparative analysis of superresolution methods have recently been published in the literature, as the article written by Ricardo Henriques and Mr Musa Mhlanga, entitled “PALM and STORM: What hides beyond the Rayleigh limit?”, or Article written by Kelly Rae Chi called “Super resolution microscopy: breaking the limits.” New optical methods, methods for superresolution are capable of discriminating fluorophores, below the Rayleigh criterion. These methods are being developed by several companies, laboratories and researchers and some of the instruments using these methods, the superresolution microscopes, are commercially available. Several comparative analysis of superresolution methods have recently been published in the literature, such as the article written by Ricardo Henriques and Mr. Musa Mhlanga (“PALM and STORM: What hides beyond the Rayleigh limit?”,Biotechnology Journal,4, 846-857 (2009)), or the article written by Kelly Rae Chi (“Super resolution microscopy: breaking the limits”, Nature Methods, 6, 15-18 (2008)). An updated bibliography on the superresolution is on the website of the company Zeiss Co. (“Zeiss Microscopy and image analysis”, (2011), retrieved at http://www.zeiss.eom/4125681C00466C26/7Qpen) and on the website of the company Nikon Co. (“MicroscopyU: the source for Microscopy Education” (2011) retrieved at http://www.microscopvu.com/) (hereinafter, “Nikon (2011)”. New superresolution techniques allow to obtain information beyond the resolution limit. The main problem of all existing superresolution techniques is that the envelope of performance, expressed in terms of lateral resolution of longitudinal resolution, speed, light intensity necessary for phototoxicity in the biological object, of ability to measure different objects, is very limited. In addition, most of the methods and instruments can provide superresolution either a good lateral resolution or a good longitudinal resolution, but rarely both. In addition, all these instruments are complex and require a highly skilled operator. In addition, these instruments can generally observe a small part of biological specimens due to strong operational limitations, such as, for some of them, a shallow depth of field or a requirement of very high light intensities, harmful to cells. Another problem with the methods and instruments of super resolution, is that most of them are able to recover in the illuminated volume, the attributes of a single fluorophore, but fail to recognize the presence of simultaneously several fluorophores and measuring their attributes. An additional problem with the methods and instruments of superresolution is that these methods and instruments are presented to users and perceived by them as a general tool, able to replace the standard or confocal microscopes. However, the methods and instruments superresolution lack the simplicity, robustness, ease of use and competitive prices of standard microscopes which hinders their use as research tools or as general diagnostic tools. Another problem with existing superresolution methods and tools is that most of these methods and tools are designed as stand-alone instruments designed to replace standard microscopes. Such an approach requires the replacement of existing instruments and the renewal of all systems and devices all the knowledge and know-how related to microscopy platforms and developed over many years. Another problem with most methods and instruments fluorescence microscopy and superresolution is that these methods and tools are designed on a paradigm of image acquisition, the entity for which basic information is—or more images, or—or more—ROI regions—Region Of Interest bi- or three-dimensional. Algorithmic, systemic and superresolution methods described later in the context of the invention will, by their inherent flexibility, the development of new strategies of acquisition. These acquisition procedures, dynamic and selective, will be defined by an optimized sequence acquisition and interactive and deferred processing. They allow a more sophisticated optimization of the useful information, as defined by criteria based on the shape, geometry and dynamics of one or more fluorescent objects, separately or relative one to the other. So there is still an urgent need to provide superresolution methods and tools and algorithms methods capable of measuring with high accuracy the attributes of a fluorophore. It is also necessary to provide methods and tools to detect and quantify the presence of multiple fluorophores placed in the same volume illuminated. SUMMARY A goal of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique for superresolution fluorescence microscopy in Biology and more generally to life sciences, and additionally to pharmacology, medicine and diagnostics, that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices. One of the goals of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique for superresolution fluorescence microscopy in biology to achieve an optical system that is capable of measuring with high accuracy the attributes of a fluorophore and recognizing and measuring the attributes of multiple fluorophores located in the same illuminated volume. Another goal of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a technique for superresolution fluorescence microscopy in biology to measure with high precision the attributes of a fluorophore. Another goal of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a technique for superresolution fluorescence microscopy in biology that acquires and measure with great precision, the attributes of multiple fluorophores present in the same illuminated volume. To this end, a first aspect of the invention provides a method of optical measurement to determine the spatial position of at least one light nanoemitter on a sample, the method comprising: projecting a sequence of at least two light distributions of different topological families on the sample, detecting of the light reemitted by said at least one light nanoemitter from the sample; generating at least one optical image for each light distribution, from the detected light, and analyzing algorithmically the optical images to obtain a location information of said at least one light nanoemitter. The detection may comprise the detection of the reflected light at a mean wavelength λ. The reflected light can be collected by a high numerical aperture objective. Both distributions can be compact. The plurality of distributions may be generated sequentially in time, or created simultaneously. According to an embodiment the two compact light distributions are collocated on the sample. According to one embodiment said at least two compact light distributions of different topological families are created by interference between a regular wave and a singular wave, or between two singular waves, and spatial differentiation between said at least two distributions is created by varying at least one of the following parameters:a) at least one of the parameters of the regular wave;b) at least one parameter of at least one singular wave andc) a phase difference between the regular wave and the singular wave or between two singular waves. The various parameters may include amplitude, phase, polarization, coherence, for example. According to one embodiment of the process included the creation from an incident light wave, two light collocated waves one regular and one singular. According to one embodiment the method further includes the separation of an incident regular wave, into two regular waves following separate geometric paths; transforming, at least one of the regular optical waves in a singular optical wave and fusion of the two created emerging optical waves. According to one embodiment the method further includes at least one of the following steps:control of the relative amplitude of the regular- and/or singular waves;control, following a predetermined sequence, of the polarization and/or the phase state of the input or output light wave from a crystalline sub-module creating regular and singular waves; the control of the shape of singular or regular waves, andaligning the central position of the light distribution of a wave in relation to the other. According to one embodiment, the process further included formatting, statically or dynamically, the emerging polarization of the said superimposed light distributions, able to mitigate vector effects, on the shape and size of said compact light distributions, effects created by a high numerical aperture lens used for generating optical images, by shaping the emerging polarization by providing a static, rotationally symmetrical, polarization state such that a circular polarization, radial or azimuthal and/or a dynamic polarization state. According to one embodiment said at least two light distributions are created by controlling the intensity of the different modes of a multimode laser. According to one embodiment, a region of a size substantially less than a mean wavelength λ of the reflected light exists in the sample, wherein the value of a specific mathematical combination of the intensities of said at least compact two light distributions of different topological families is positive for lateral positions of said light distribution portion included in said region, and wherein said specific combination mathematical approaches zero in all other parts of the light distribution beyond said region. According to one embodiment at least one nanoemitter is a fluorophore with a sequence of fluorescence light intensities which depends of the incident intensity of the sequence of compact light distributions of different topological families on said fluorophore thus characterizing the spatial position of said fluorophore. According to another embodiment at least two of the nanoemitters are fluorophores, located at different spatial positions, each fluorophore emitting light with an intensity depending on the incident intensity of the sequence of compact light distributions of different topological families on the said at least two fluorophores thereby characterizing the spatial position of at least two fluorophores. According to one embodiment a region whose size is substantially smaller than the wavelength λ of the reflected light, exists on the sample, wherein a comparison of a plurality of mathematical combinations of the said sequence of compact light distributions of different topological families, can differentiate between at least one of the following:a) a single light nanoemitter;b) a plurality of collocated light nanoemitters, andc) a plurality of light nanoemitters located at a distance from each other, thereby determining the distance between the light nanoemitters. According to one embodiment the method further comprises varying the sequence of said at least two light distributions and/or the position of the sequence of said at least two light distributions as a function of measured data or external information. According to one embodiment, the projection of light distributions of different topologies is created by the conical diffraction and modified by a variation of the polarization states of input and output of at least one crystal creating the conical diffraction effect. According to one embodiment, the spatial position of at least one measured light nanoemitter is the lateral position of said at least one light nanoemitter. A second aspect of the invention provides a method of optical measurement to determine the spatial position of a plurality of light point-sources the method comprising detecting light emitted by the plurality of light point-sources; and the separation of the light emitted on a plurality of sensors for simultaneous or sequential detection; and the proportion of the light emitted by a light point-source, channeled to a specific detector, being dependent on the spatial position of said light point-source; and the generation of the optical images from the detected light; and the algorithmic analysis of optical images to obtain a location information of the plurality of light point-sources. According to one embodiment, each light point-source corresponds to one or more of the several nanoemitters and the method includes a preliminary step comprising the illumination by incident light of the nanoemitters of the sample for detecting the light remitted by nanoemitters for locating the nanoemitters. According to an embodiment the spatial position measured is the longitudinal position of each light point-source or light nanoemitter. According to one embodiment, the emitted light is separated according to the longitudinal position of each light point-source or nanoemitter or according to the wavelength emitted by each light point-source or nanoemitter. According to an embodiment the separation of the emitted light is performed so as to separate, to a plurality of detection channels, the collimated emitted light, emerging from the light sources positioned at the focal plane of the lens, from the non-collimated emitted light emerging from point-sources lying above or beyond the focal plane. According to one embodiment the method further comprises the parameter variation of the detection channels based on measured data or external information. According to one embodiment the method further comprises at least one of the following steps:generating, from each light point-source, a beam of quasi parallel light, the light beam differing from the parallel light by an angle of convergence or divergence, the value of the angle being a function of the longitudinal position of each light point-source;generating, from an incident light wave, two collocated light waves, of orthogonal polarizations and different geometries, one regular and one singular, the ratio of energy between the regular and singular waves being a function of the angle of convergence or divergence of the light beam and through it of the longitudinal position of the point source, the change of polarization or geometry suitable for separating waves regular and singular based on a polarization state thereof, or a geometric shape thereof. According to one embodiment the method further comprises the separation of the light intensities of the plurality of re-emitted light sources into a plurality of independent channels with orthogonal polarizations, by using a polarization beam splitter, and merging the light intensities emerging from each channel, so that the length of the longitudinal position of the polarization or the pipe geometry of the light intensity in the light is maintained by the merger. According to one embodiment the method further comprises focusing the light point sources positioned at a given longitudinal position, and the defocusing of the light sources positioned before and after said longitudinal position, the light distribution different from the focus in dependence on the longitudinal position of each point source. According to one embodiment the method further comprises generating, from the incident light wave, two light waves of different polarizations, the ratio of energy between the waves of different polarizations being a function of the spatial distribution at the point of focusing and through it of the longitudinal position of the light point-source, and the separation of the regular and singular waves on the basis of its state of polarization or of its geometric shape. According to one embodiment the detection of the light emitted or re-emitted is limited in the focal plane of the microscope objective. according to one embodiment, said at least optical image is generated by using the optical microscope, as for example a confocal microscope A third aspect of the invention provides an optical measuring device for determining the spatial position of at least one light nanoemitter positioned on a sample, the device comprising:projection means adapted to project a sequence of at least two compact light distribution different topological families on the sample;detecting means adapted to detect the reflected light by said at least one nanoemitter light of the sample,generating means adapted to generate at least one image for each optical light distribution, from the detected light, andanalysis means capable of performing a computational analysis of the optical images to obtain a location information of said at least one light nanoemitter. According to an embodiment of the means of projections are configured to colocate both compact light distributions on the sample. According to one embodiment, the projecting means is adapted to create said at least two light distributions by interference between a regular wave and a singular wave or between two singular waves, and to create a spatial differentiation between said at least two distributions by varying at least one of the following parameters:a) at least one of the parameters of the regular wave;b) at least one parameter of at least one singular wave andc) a phase difference between the regular wave and the singular wave or between two singular waves. According to one embodiment, the device comprises a crystalline sub-module to create from an incident light wave, two collocated light waves one regular and one singular said sub-module lens comprising a thin biaxial crystal and/or a uniaxial crystal. According to one embodiment the device comprises an optical sub-module adapted to separate a regular incident wave, in two regular waves along separate geometric paths, the sub module being configured to transform at least one of the regular optical waves in an singular optical wave, using processing means comprising at least: a subwavelength grating, the grating step being smaller than the mean wavelength of the reflected light, and a thin biaxial or uniaxial crystal, and wherein the optical module is designed as to combine the two created emerging optical waves. According to one embodiment the device comprises a polarizer part adapted to control the relative amplitude of regular and singular waves and optionally translating the central position of the light distribution of a wave in relation to the other. According to one embodiment the device comprises an optical control sub-module of amplitude polarization or phase, comprising at least one controllable or adjustable optical element capable of controlling, in a predetermined sequence, the state of polarization and/or phase of the light input or output wave of the sub-module lens. According to one embodiment the device comprises a control sub-module, consisting of at least one adjustable optical element capable of controlling the shape of regular or singular waves. According to one embodiment, the device comprises a polarization analyzer and/or a, static or dynamic, sub-module shaping the emerging polarization of said light distributions, able to mitigate the vector effects on the shape and size of each compact light distribution, effects created by a high numerical aperture of the lens used for generating optical images, shaping the emerging polarization by providing a static polarization state, rotationally symmetrical, such that the circular, radial or azimuthal polarizations and/or a dynamic state of polarization. In another embodiment, the device comprises a multimode laser, in which the intensity of the laser modes are controllable and at least two compact light distributions of different topological families are created by controlling the intensity of the different modes of laser. According to one embodiment, a region of a size substantially smaller than the mean wavelength λ of the reflected light exists in the sample, wherein the value of a specific mathematical combination of the intensities of at least two compact light distributions of different topological families created by the illumination means is positive for lateral positions included in said region, and wherein said specific combination mathematical approaches zero in all other parts of the light distribution beyond said region. According to one embodiment at least one is a nanoemitter is a fluorophore with a sequence of fluorescence light intensities which depends on the sequence of incident compact light distributions of different topological families on said fluorophore thus characterizing the spatial position of said fluorophore. According to one embodiment at least two of the nanoemitters are fluorophores, located at different spatial positions, each one of the fluorophore with a sequence of light fluorescence intensities which depends on the sequence of incident compact light distributions of different topological families on the at least two fluorophores thereby characterizing the spatial position of the at least two fluorophores. According to one embodiment a region whose size is substantially smaller than the wavelength λ of the emitted light, exists in the sample, and further comprising a comparator for comparing a plurality of mathematical combinations of said sequence of compact light distributions of different topological families, for differentiating between at least one of the following:a) a single light nanoemitter,b) a plurality of collocated light nanoemitters, andc) a plurality of nano-tagging light-located at a distance from each other, thereby determining the distance between the nano-tagging light. According to one embodiment, the projecting means is configured to vary the sequence of said at least two light distribution and/or the position of the sequence of said at least two light distributions as a function of measured data or external information. According to one embodiment, the projecting means comprises at least one conical crystal to perform conical diffraction, and means for varying the polarization states of input and output of said at least one conical crystal. According to an embodiment configured to measure the lateral position of said at least one light nanoemitter. According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides an optical measuring device for determining the spatial position of a plurality of light point-sources, the device comprising:detecting means adapted to detect the light emitted by the plurality of light point-sources, andseparation means adapted to separate the reflected light on a plurality of sensors for simultaneous or sequential detection and the proportion of the reemitted light by a light nanoemitter, channeled to a specific detector, being dependent on the spatial position of said light nanoemitter, andmeans for generating image suitable for generating optical images from the detected light, andanalysis means capable of performing a computational analysis of the optical images to obtain a location information of the plurality of light point-sources of light. According to one embodiment the device is configured to measure the longitudinal position of each light point-source. According to one embodiment a point-source comprises one or more nanoemitters of the sample and the device comprises illumination means adapted to illuminate the nanoemitters of the sample by incident light, and detecting means adapted to detect the light remitted by nanoemitters for locating the nanoemitters. For example, a fluorophore can be a nanoemitter. In one embodiment the separating means are configured to separate the reflected light as a function of the longitudinal position of each light point-source or as a function of the wavelength emitted by each light point-source. In one embodiment the separating means are configured for separating into a plurality of detection channels, the reflected light collimated emerging from the light point-sources, positioned at the focal plane of the lens, from the remitted non-collimated light emerging from the light point-sources located before or beyond the focal plane. According to one embodiment the device further comprises variation means to vary the parameters of the detection channels based on measured data or on external information. According to one embodiment the device further comprises channeling means able to channel the light intensities from the plurality of point sources of light emitted, placed in a small light volume on separate detectors, and/or at separate geometric positions on the same detector, depending on the longitudinal position of each point source. According to one embodiment the device further comprises a sub-module that interfaces to a microscope objective and to a sub-detection unit and one to the other by auxiliary optics. According to one embodiment the device comprises optical means adapted to create, from each point source of the light emitted, a beam of quasi parallel light, the light beam differing from the parallel light by an angle of convergence or divergence, and the value of the angle being a function of the longitudinal position of each light point-source. According to one embodiment the device comprises a crystalline sub-module, or a cascade of crystalline sub-modules, each sub-crystalline module consisting of a biaxial crystal and/or a uniaxial crystal, and auxiliary optics, the aforesaid sub-crystalline module being adapted to create from the incident collocated light wave two light waves of orthogonal polarizations and different geometries, one regular and one singular, the ratio of energy between the regular and singular waves being function of the angle of convergence or divergence of the beam and through him the longitudinal position of the point source emitter. According to one embodiment the device comprises means for changing the polarization or geometry suitable for separating the regular and singular waves based on a polarization state thereof, or a geometric shape thereof. According to one embodiment, the device includesa beam splitter for separating the polarization of light intensities of a plurality of point sources of the emitted light, being part of a longitudinal module of superresolution allowing [lisibility correction] to separate into two independent channels with orthogonal polarizations, andmeans for merging the intensities emerging from each channel of the longitudinal module of superresolution, so that the dependence of the longitudinal position of the light intensity of the polarization or the geometry channels is maintained by the merger. According to one embodiment the device comprises optical means able to focus light point sources of remitted light, positioned at a given longitudinal position, and, to slightly defocus the light sources of the reemitted light, positioned before and after said longitudinal position, the light distribution differing from the focusing in dependence of the longitudinal position of each point source. According to one embodiment the device comprises means for spatially varying polarization and having at least a uniaxial crystal of variable thickness, a subwavelength grating with step below the mean wavelength of the reflected light and/or a phase waveplate, creating from the incident light wave two light waves of different polarizations, the ratio between the energy of the waves of different polarizations being a function of the spatial distribution at the focusing point and through it of the longitudinal position of the point source emitter. According to one embodiment, the device comprises polarization or geometry means capable of separating the regular and singular waves on the basis of their polarization states or on their geometric shapes. In a fifth aspect, the invention provides an optical measurement to determine the spatial position of at least one light nanoemitter on a sample comprising a microscope, for example, a confocal microscope, a measuring device according to one embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, and/or a measuring device according to one embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention. According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of optical measurement to determine the spatial position of at least one light nanoemitter on a sample comprising a measuring method according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention to determine the lateral position of at least one nanoemitter in a sample, and a measuring method according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention for determining the position of at least one longitudinal nanoemitter on a sample. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of optical measurement consisting of a sequential projection of at least two compact light distributions of topological families on a sample. In another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for performing optical measurements with a projector for sequential projecting at least two compact light distributions of different topological families on a sample. In another aspect, the invention provides an optical system configured to create in sequence, on a sample, at least two light distributions spatially separated from each other, each of said distributions having a diameter less than 1, 5 time the mean wavelength of the reemitted light from the sample, such as combinations of intensities of said distributions creating localized characteristics of a size less than 0.5 said mean wavelength. In another aspect, the invention provides an optical system including an optical apparatus and a illuminated measurement region, the optical apparatus being configured to sequentially create at least two light distribution spatially separated from each other, and defining a set of points in the measurement region comprising all the points of zero intensity one one or another of the distributions, a point located in the region close to a measurement point of said assembly being less than or equal to 0, 5 of the radius of the measuring region. In another aspect, the invention provides an optical system comprising an optical device and a measurement region to be illuminated, the optical device being configured to sequentially create at least two light distributions spatially differentiated from each other and defining a set of points in the illuminated measurement region, comprising all points of zero intensity and local intensity maximum in one or other of the distributions, a point located near a point of said assembly being less than or equal to ⅙ of the diameter of the measuring region. In another aspect, the invention provides an optical apparatus, and a compact measuring region having a line passing through the center of the measurement region, the optical apparatus being configured to create a light distribution spatially differentiated, the ratio energy between the intensity along the line passing through a maximum, a minimum and another maximum. In another aspect, the invention provides a lateral superresolution module comprising an optical device adapted to sequentially create at least two light spots spatially differentiated with a diameter less than 15 times the emitted average wavelength λ, such as combinations of the intensities of said spots create localized details of a size less than 40% of the wavelength λ An object of at least one embodiment is to provide a new device, a module for lateral superresolution, comprising an optical device adapted to create at least two light spots spatially differentiated from a diameter less than 1, 5 times the wavelength, λ, such as localized features of combinations of the intensity of said spots are smaller than 40% of the wavelength λ Another goal is to provide a vision system, referenced as a module superresolution longitudinal configured to change at least one of geometry, geometry and polarization or the polarization of a light beam emerging from a point source depending on the longitudinal position of a point source. Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a superresolution system for fluorescence microscopy comprising the lateral superresolution module incorporated in the illumination path of the microscope, projecting on a sample consisting of a plurality of fluorophores, positioned at different lateral positions in the compact light distribution, a sequence of light spots, of spatially differentiated size of the order of a half wavelength, each of the fluorophores fluorescing with a sequence of fluorescent light intensities depending linearly or non-linearly of the light incident on the fluorophore and characterizing a lateral position of the fluorophore. Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a superresolution system for fluorescence microscopy comprising the longitudinal superresolution module incorporated in the detection path of the microscope, wherein the light intensity emerging from a plurality of point sources, placed in a small illuminated volume, are separated either on separate detectors or either on distinct geometric positions on the same detector or on a combination of both. Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a superresolution system for fluorescence microscopy, the system comprising either a lateral superresolution module incorporated in the illumination path of the microscope, and/or a longitudinal superresolution module incorporated in the detection path of the microscope in a detection circuit for said superresolution fluorescence microscope. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a new technique based on two optical superresolution modules, new and complementary, referenced herein as the lateral module of superresolution and. The lateral module of superresolution provides mainly additional lateral resolution and the longitudinal module of superresolution module provides mainly additional longitudinal resolution. Embodiments using a single module can also be implemented. Both optical modules are complemented by suitable algorithms and an improved detection module. The modules can be integrated into existing fluorescent microscopes. Alternatively, fluorescence microscopes dedicated and optimized can be developed around the three dimensional superresolution system. The methods and devices for superresolution, according to embodiments of the present invention differs significantly from conventional techniques and designs of the prior art, and in so doing, provide a device developed in order to achieve the techniques and devices of a superresolution system capable of measuring with high accuracy the descriptors of a fluorophore and recognize and measure the descriptors of several fluorophores placed in the same illuminated volume. The present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader, and it is considered that these objects and advantages are part of the present invention.

11431954

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to Taiwan Application Serial Number 109117533, filed May 26, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND Field of Disclosure The present disclosure relates to a display method. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a display method of picture compensation. Description of Related Art In the prior art, when the rendering time of the image data to be displayed is too long, it causes the output screen tearing and lagging. Although this phenomenon can be overcome by adjusting the screen refresh rate of the display according to the output frame rate of the graphics card, adjusting the screen frame rate through blanking also affect the brightness of the screen. SUMMARY In order to solve the above problem, the present disclosure provides a display method including the following steps. A plurality of first image data are analyzed based on an artificial intelligence model by a processor. A plurality of second image data are transmitted to the display by the processor. A plurality of second image data comprises the plurality of first image data, at least one compensation image data between adjacent two of the plurality of first image data, or combinations thereof. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are by examples, and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.

11409835

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for launching content of a content management system for publication. 2. Description of the Related Art A content management system (CMS) is useful for enabling organizations to create and edit digital content in a structured manner A given organization's content can be broken down into modular reusable components, enabling deployment of content in a variety of combinations to suit different presentation contexts. Further, the appearance of content can be adjusted to suit the presentation context at the time it is retrieved and presented to the consuming end user. However, while such content components provide many advantages in terms of content editing and management, there can be an exceedingly large number of content components, and publication of a given project can entail processing of thousands of content components at a time, which can be cumbersome to execute, both from a user standpoint, and from the standpoint of the CMS serving the content components. Batch processing of content publication can be automated. However, this can lead to undesirable effects if some content is successfully published while other content in the batch fails to publish for some reason. A webpage might be only partially updated or could be missing content as the result of a partially successful batch publication process. It is in this context that implementations of the disclosure arise. SUMMARY Implementations of the present disclosure include methods and systems relating to launching content of a CMS for publication. In one embodiment, a method for launching content for publication using a content management system (CMS) is provided. The method includes enabling editing of entities using an editor application associated with the CMS, the editing includes authoring fields for each entity. The method includes receiving selection of a group of entities, via a launch interface of the CMS. The selection is for publishing the group of entities. The method includes generating, responsive to the selection, an API call to the CMS. The API call is defined to trigger initiation of a validation process to validate each entity in the group of entities. The validation process is executed in a draft entity store of the CMS that is created for said validation without requiring separate API calls for validating each entity in the group of entities. In some implementations, responsive to the API call to the CMS, each entity in the group of entities is fetched to the draft entity store to enable said validation. A loop of said validation process is used to validate each entity in the group of entities. In some implementations, the CMS provides the launch interface for said selection of the group of entities for publishing, and said selection is received from a user device having access to the CMS. In some implementations, after each entity in the group of entities is validated during the validation process, a validation indicator is associated with the respective entity in the group of entities. In some implementations, following completion of the validation process, a validation indicator that identifies a failure of an entity to pass validation causes a non-publication of the group of entities in entirety. In some implementations, the validation indicator that identifies the failure further triggers identification of the entity that failed to pass validation in the launch interface of the CMS, and an option to access an editing interface of the editor application to edit one or more fields of the entity that failed to enable passing of said validation. In some implementations, the validation process, once initiated, proceeds automatically without requiring said separate API calls and input from a user device to separately initiate publication of each of the entities in the group of entities. In some implementations, following completion of the validation process. Successful validation of the group of entities triggers or causes setting each entity in the group of entities to a published status. In some implementations, the setting of each entity in the group of entities to the published status enables retrieval of each entity from the CMS through a content delivery API of the CMS. In some implementations, the successful validation of the group of entities further triggers notifications to caching systems of the CMS. In some implementations, an asynchronous process triggers the initiation of the validation process, the asynchronous process configured to limit a rate of access to entities of the CMS. In some implementations, the launch interface enables scheduling of the group of entities for publication at a predefined date and time, and wherein generating the API call is further responsive to reaching the predefined date and time. In some implementations, the launch interface further enables a calendar view of groups of entities that are scheduled for publication. In some implementations, the calendar view is configured to provide a calendar configured to indicate days having publication events scheduled thereon. In some implementations, the calendar view provides a chronological listing of the groups of entities that are scheduled for publication. In some implementations, the launch interface further enables setting of user-defined workflow status tags to the entities. In another embodiment, a method is provided for enabling efficient launching of content associated with entities in a CMS. The method includes providing access to the content management system (CMS) over the Internet to a user device having an account with the CMS. The CMS provides a launch interface for publishing content via the CMS. The method includes enabling editing of entities defined content managed via the CMS. The editing is enabled using an editor application associated with the CMS. The editing includes defining one or more fields for each entity. The method includes receiving selection of a group of entities, via the launch interface of the CMS. The selection is for publishing the group of entities. The method includes generating, responsive to the selection, an API call to the CMS. The API call causes initiation of a validation process by the CMS to validate each entity in the group of entities. The validation process, once initiated, proceeds automatically without requiring additional API calls and input from the user device to separately initiate publication of each of the entities in the group of entities. In another embodiment, a system for launching content for publication using a content management system (CMS) is provided. The system includes a server of a plurality of servers that is configured for enabling editing of entities using an editor application associated with the CMS. The editing includes authoring fields for each entity. The system includes a server of the plurality of servers that is configured for receiving selection of a group of entities, via a launch interface of the CMS. The selection is for publishing the group of entities. The system includes a server of the plurality of servers that is configured for generating, responsive to the selection, an API call to the CMS. The API call is defined to trigger initiation of a validation process to validate each entity in the group of entities. The validation process is executed in a draft entity store of the CMS that is created for said validation without requiring separate API calls for validating each entity in the group of entities. In another embodiment a system is provided. The system includes a server of a plurality of servers that is configured to provide access to a content management system (CMS) over the Internet to a user device having an account with the CMS. The CMS provides a launch interface for publishing content via the CMS. The system includes a server of the plurality of servers that is configured for enabling editing of entities defined content managed via the CMS. The editing is enabled using an editor application associated with the CMS. The editing includes defining one or more fields for each entity. The system includes a server of the plurality of servers that is configured for receiving selection of a group of entities, via the launch interface of the CMS. The selection is for publishing the group of entities. The system includes generating, responsive to the selection, an API call to the CMS. The API call causes initiation of a validation process by the CMS to validate each entity in the group of entities. The validation process, once initiated, proceeds automatically without requiring additional API calls and input from the user device to separately initiate publication of each of the entities in the group of entities. Other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the disclosure.

11352265

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to potassium titanate powders, methods for producing potassium titanate powders, friction modifiers, resin compositions, friction materials, and friction members. BACKGROUND ART Friction members for various types of vehicles, industrial machines, and so on, such as a brake lining and a disc pad each constituting a part of a braking device, and a clutch facing, are required to have a high and stable coefficient of friction, excellent fade resistance, excellent wear resistance, and low aggressiveness toward a rotor. To meet these properties, a friction member has heretofore been used which includes a friction material made of a resin composition containing asbestos, an inorganic filler, an organic filler, and a thermosetting resin (binder), such as phenolic resin, for binding the above other materials. However, asbestos has been confirmed to have carcinogenicity and easily turns into dust, for which reason its use is restricted in view of environmental health problems caused by inhalation during work. Therefore, a friction material is proposed and used in which, in substitution for asbestos, fibrous particles of potassium titanate non-carcinogenic, not damaging the rotor unlike metallic fibers, and having excellent frictional properties are used as base material fibers or a friction modifier. Particularly, potassium hexatitanate fibers represented by a general formula K2Ti6O13have a tunnel crystal structure and therefore have features of a high melting point, good chemical stability, and less elution of potassium ions. Therefore, a friction material made of a resin composition containing potassium hexatitanate fibers is excellent in thermal resistance, wear resistance, reinforceability, and so on. As a method for producing potassium hexatitanate fibers, there are known, for example, a firing method of mixing a compound forming titanium dioxide by application of heat (hereinafter, referred to as a titanium source) and a compound forming potassium oxide by application of heat (hereinafter, referred to as a potassium source) to give a TiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 6 to prepare a starting material and firing the starting material to produce potassium hexatitanate fibers by solid-phase reaction, and a melting method of mixing a titanium source and a potassium source to give a TiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 2 to prepare a starting material, melting the starting material by application of heat, solidifying the melt in a single direction to obtain as primary-phase fibers a fiber mass in which potassium dititanate agglomerates in a bundle, washing the fiber mass with water and then an acid to elute potassium ions and deagglomerate the bundle of the fibers, drying hydrated potassium titanate fibers recovered after the washing treatment, and firing them to produce potassium hexatitanate fibers. However, many types of potassium titanate fibers have an average fiber diameter of 0.1 μm to 0.5 μm and an average fiber length of 10 μm to 20 μm and therefore include WHO fibers (fibrous particles having a length of 5 μm or more, a breadth of 3 μm or less, and an aspect ratio of 3 or more) defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hence, there is demand for potassium hexatitanate particles that can achieve properties required as a friction material while avoiding safety and health concerns. As a response to the demand, Patent Literature 1 proposes that potassium hexatitanate particles having an aspect ratio of 3 or less can be produced by mixing a titanium source and a potassium source to give a TiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 2, firing the mixture to obtain potassium dititanate particles, mixing the obtained potassium dititanate particles and a titanium source to give a TiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 6, and firing the mixture. Patent Literature 2 proposes that platy potassium hexatitanate can be produced by subjecting platy magnesium potassium titanate or lithium potassium titanate to acid treatment to obtain platy titanic acid, immersing the platy titanic acid into a potassium hydroxide solution, and then firing it. Patent Literature 3 proposes that irregular potassium hexatitanate particles can be produced by mixing a titanium source and a potassium source to give a TiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 2 while mechanochemically grinding them, firing the obtained ground mixture to obtain irregular potassium dititanate particles, subjecting the irregular potassium dititanate particles to acid treatment to elute potassium ions, followed by firing. Patent Literature 4 proposes that potassium hexatitanate particles having an average breadth of 3 μm to 10 μm and an average aspect ratio of 1.5 to 10 can be produced by mixing a titanium source formed of agglomerates or granulated matters having an average particle diameter of 0.1 mm to 10 mm and a potassium source to give a TiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 6, increasing the temperature to a range of 1000° C. to 1300° C. at a rate of 0.5° C./min to 2° C./min, and then firing the mixture. Patent Literature 5 proposes that particles with an average particle diameter of 20 μm to 100 μm, each formed of an agglomerate of potassium hexatitanate particles having an average thickness (average minor diameter) of 2 μm to 6 μm and an average length (average major diameter) of 3 μm to 10 μm, can be produced by mixing a titanium source and a potassium source to give a TiO2/K2O molar ratio of about 6, heating and firing the mixture by increasing the temperature, during temperature increase to the maximum firing temperature over 1000° C., so that the rate of temperature increase from 1000° C. to the maximum firing temperature is 15° C./min or below, then cooling the fired product by decreasing the temperature so that the rate of temperature decrease from the maximum firing temperature to 500° C. is 100° C./min or above, and grinding the obtained cooled product. Meanwhile, a resin composition for use in a friction member contains, in addition to potassium titanate, copper fibers or copper powder for the purpose of increasing the wear resistance. Thus, it is considered that, during friction between a friction material and a rotor (the other member), the ductility of copper causes formation of an adhesive film on the surface of the rotor and this adhesive film acts as a protective film to enable the resin composition to keep a high coefficient of friction at high temperatures. However, the friction member containing copper involves abrasion powder being produced during braking and it is suggested that the abrasion powder can be a cause of pollution of rivers, lakes, and the sea. Therefore, the copper usage is restricted in North America. Hence, there is demand for potassium titanate particles that can achieve properties required as a friction material even while having a composition free of copper component or containing a small amount of copper. CITATION LIST Patent Literature Patent Literature 1: JP-A-H11-228300Patent Literature 2: JP-A-2001-253712Patent Literature 3: WO 2008/123046Patent Literature 4: JP-A-2008-266131Patent Literature 5: WO 2014/148374 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem However, in the methods disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 to 4, particles cannot be grown to a large size, which does not provide sufficient reinforceability and makes the frictional properties insufficient. Furthermore, in the methods disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 4 having an object of producing bar-like or fibrous particles, the particles may include WHO fibers exceeding the environmental standard. In the method disclosed in Patent Literature 5, the particles have a large shape, but does not meet the aspect ratio and cannot therefore be expected to provide sufficient reinforceability. In addition, the particle diameter is adjusted by grinding agglomerates of microscopic bar-like particles, which may produce fibrous particles. An object of the present invention is to provide a potassium titanate powder that can avoid safety and health concerns and concurrently, during use in a friction material, can give excellent frictional properties, a method for producing the potassium titanate powder, and a friction modifier, a resin composition, a friction material, and a friction member in each of which the potassium titanate powder is used. Solution to Problem The present invention provides the following potassium titanate powder, the following friction modifier, the following resin composition, the following friction material, the following friction member, and the following method for producing the potassium titanate powder. Aspect 1: A potassium titanate powder formed of bar-like potassium titanate particles having an average length of 30 μm or more, an average breadth of 10 μm or more, and an average aspect ratio of 1.5 or more, the bar-like potassium titanate particles being represented by a composition formula K2TinO2n+1(where n=5.5 to 6.5). Aspect 2: The potassium titanate powder according to aspect 1, wherein a content of particles having a length of 30 μm or more and a breadth of 10 μm or more is 50% by volume or more. Aspect 3: The potassium titanate powder according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein a content of fibrous particles is 0.3% by volume or less. Aspect 4: The potassium titanate powder according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, having a specific surface area of 0.3 m2/g to 3 m2/g. Aspect 5: A friction modifier made of the potassium titanate powder according to any one of aspects 1 to 4. Aspect 6: A resin composition containing the potassium titanate powder according to any one of aspects 1 to 4 and a thermosetting resin. Aspect 7: The resin composition according to aspect 6, wherein a content of a copper component is 0.5% by mass or less in terms of copper element in a total amount of the resin composition of 100% by mass. Aspect 8: The resin composition according to aspect 6 or 7 for use as a friction material. Aspect 9: A friction material being a formed body of the resin composition according to any one of aspects 6 to 8. Aspect 10: A friction member including the friction material according to aspect 9. Aspect 11: A method for producing a potassium titanate powder, the method including the steps of: (A) mixing, with mechanical grinding, a compound forming titanium dioxide by application of heat or titanium dioxide and potassium carbonate to prepare a ground mixture; (B) heating and firing the ground mixture in an atmosphere with a carbon dioxide concentration of 1% by volume to 60% by volume to prepare potassium dititanate; and (C) eluting potassium from the prepared potassium dititanate, followed by heating and firing. Aspect 12: The method for producing a potassium titanate powder according to aspect 11, wherein a firing temperature in the step (B) is within a range of 800° C. to 1000° C. Aspect 13: The method for producing a potassium titanate powder according to aspect 11 or 12, wherein the elution of potassium in the step (C) is performed by mixing an acid into an aqueous slurry of the potassium dititanate to adjust a pH of the aqueous slurry to 11.5 to 12.5. Aspect 14: The method for producing a potassium titanate powder according to any one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein a firing temperature in the step (C) is within a range of 600° C. to 1300° C. Advantageous Effects of Invention The potassium titanate powder according to the present invention can avoid safety and health concerns and concurrently, during use in a friction material, can give excellent wear resistance. In addition, the coefficient of friction of the potassium titanate powder is high and stable, which can give the friction material excellent fade resistance.

11495929

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery pack adapter and, more particularly, to a battery pack adapter that allows different sized and shaped battery packs to be converted for use with multiple power tools. 2. Description of the Related Art Several designs for a battery pack adapter have been designed in the past. None of them, however, include a battery pack adapter system including a device that allows different sized and shaped battery packs to be converted for use with multiple power tools from different brands. In one embodiment, a drill battery and drill are joined together through means of the battery pack adapter device. This allows the drill battery to power the drill even though the battery and drill have different configurations. The battery pack adapter device includes metal electrical connectors that extend from a top end of the device towards a bottom end of the device. The metal electrical connectors transfer the electrical energy from the battery to the power tool through by means of the adapter. It is known that there are a variety of twelve to twenty volt power tools available in the market today. These power tools often do not have matching battery attachments which leads to constant recharging of a battery and frustration from a user. Therefore, there is a need for a battery adapter to allow for the interchangeable use of batteries with several power tools Applicant believes that a related reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 9,871,370 issued for a battery pack adapter for use with power tools that is used to attach a power source such as battery pack to a power tool. Applicant believes that another related reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,511 issued for an adapter for a power tool battery that allows a batter with a slide connection to be used on a power tool with a tower style connection. However, the cited references differ from the present invention because they fail to disclose a universal battery adapter comprising a device that allows different sized and shaped battery packs to be converted for use with multiple power tools from different brands. Other documents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a battery pack adapter system which gives peace of mind and convenience to a user when operating power tools by allowing different types of batteries to be used with multiple types of power tools. It is another object of this invention to provide a battery pack adapter system which eliminates the need to continuously recharge battery packs for power tools when not in use. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a battery pack adapter system which provides a user with multiple choices of batteries for various twelve to twenty-volt tools. It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to implement and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

11344741

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to a system and method for providing a therapeutic magnetic field at a frequency of about 5 Hz-50 kHz. 2. Discussion of Related Art It is now well established that application of weak non-thermal electromagnetic fields (“EMF”) can result in physiologically meaningful in vivo and in vitro bioeffects. Time-varying electromagnetic fields, comprising rectangular waveforms such as pulsing electromagnetic fields (“PEMF”), and sinusoidal waveforms such as pulsed radio frequency fields (“PRF”) ranging from several Hertz, are clinically beneficial when used as an adjunctive therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Wade, Brett, “A Review of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Mechanisms at a Cellular Level: A Rationale for Clinical Use”, American Journal of Health Research. Vol. 1, No. 3, 2013, pp. 51-55. doi: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20130103.13, also discusses various PEMF studies. Significant tissue healing effects, particularly with the modality PEMF, are likely the result of increased activity in non-excitable cells. Electromagnetic modalities include any modality which uses electricity and therefore generates both an electric field and a magnetic field. In physiotherapy practice, these electromagnetic modalities are generally used to expedite recovery of soft tissue injuries or alleviate pain. The movement of the electrons will cause ions to move towards the electrodes and thereby, ostensibly, affecting the physiology of the cell. Ions such as calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), chlorine (Cl−), etc. Ions have numerous roles in the cellular physiology of cells. The movement of ions through ion channels in the plasma membrane and organelles have important roles in excitable and non-excitable cells such as nerve cell signal propagation, muscle contractions, energy production, etc. Electrotherapy education has traditionally attributed the positive effects of electrotherapy to the effects of an electric current causing a depolarization of excitable cells by the forced movement of ions (Na+and K+) across the plasma membrane. As previously described, negatively anions such as Cl−will, in theory, be attracted to the positive charge of the externally applied electrode and positively charged ions such as Na+and K+ will be attracted to the negative electrode. If the current used is a simple direct current (electrons flowing only in one direction), there would be build-up of same-charge ions concentrating in one area. This would have a significant effect on local pH due to increased concentrations of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide leading to cause pain and cellular damage. Therefore, electrotherapy is usually the use of a direct current that is both pulsed and bi-directional to prevent excessive build-up of ions under an electrode. A paper published by Panagopoulos et al. (3) suggested a hypothesis whereby the externally applied electromagnetic field causes the ions to vibrate and when this vibration reaches a critical point, this gives a false signal to the voltage gated channels present in the membranes of eukaryotic cells. Once the channel receives a false signal, the gate may be forced to either open or perhaps close but theoretically affecting the physiology of the cell. Panagopoulos et al. further describe how both the oscillating electric and magnetic fields can have similar effects on the free ions and consequently the voltage gated channels. It has long been argued that low frequency; non-ionizing radiation has no significant bioactive effects on cells. This, in fact, has been the argument for why wireless technology and the use of cellular telephones should have no negative effects to human health. The theory presented by Panagopoulos et al. suggests that, because of the inverse relationship between amplitude of the “ion's forced vibration” and frequency, lower frequency electromagnetic fields have the potential to be more bioactive. The authors provide a mathematical model which also explains how pulsed fields (on for a period and off for a period) are more bioactive than static fields of the same parameters, and their calculations demonstrate how either pulsed electromagnetic fields or the time of onset or removal of an external field will be twice as active as non-pulsatile fields. The calculations support other observations which have found bioactive effects with pulsed fields of extremely low frequency. While any of the electromagnetic modalities can theoretically attribute their effects to both the electric and magnetic field, only PEMF is designed specifically to direct magnetic fields through the tissues to facilitate healing. The purported mechanism of action of magnetic fields on cells is has been suggested by Panagopoulos et al. Another paper by Ganesan et al. (4) reviewed the literature for PEMF in the treatment of arthritis. In addition to the effects suggested by Panagopoulos et al., Ganesan et al., suggest that Ca2+may be modulated by the externally applied magnetic field which in turn could affect many important voltage gated aspects of cell physiology including gene activation, signal transduction, cAMP production, immune function, etc. Looking specifically at the effects of a pulsed magnetic field related to arthritis, Ganesan et al., review research which has found increased chondrocyte production in joints exposed to PEMF. The authors also review research which demonstrates a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6. In vitro studies have also demonstrated that PEMF has significant effects on both excitable and non-excitable cells leading to osteogenesis (5) and chondrocyte proliferation (6). The research into positive effects with PEMF and multiple sclerosis (MS) has found beneficial effects from PEMF using much weaker intensities (7). Sandyk has shown positive results with MS in the picotesla intensities (8). If the electric field is created by a movement of electrons, the resultant magnetic field is also capable of inducing electric currents in a surrounding medium. The magnetic field created by the moving electrons is essentially a field of virtual photons creating force lines. This magnetic field is capable of causing movement of particles with an electric charge such as ions. This force is known as a Lorentz force. Since PEMF is not using an electric field per se, there is no electron flow with frequency and pulse width suitable for stimulating sensory or motor nerves. What the electric field and the magnetic field have in common is the forced movement of ions. If an externally applied electromagnetic field can cause the forced movement of ions across a plasma membrane and we know that these movements can affect cellular physiology, are there “windows” of frequency and intensity which may be more effective? The parameters which have shown to be the most effective with PEMF in treating pathologies such as: bone healing, wound healing, ligament healing, and cartilage-healing range from 15-75 Hz and use intensities in the militesla range. Markov (9) has suggested “three amplitude windows” with PEMF: 50-100 μT, 15-20 mT, and 45-50 mT. Summarized below are some of the effects on non-excitable cells exposed to PEMF. CellsMechanism, PEMF parameters, ReferencesChondrocytesIncreased number of chondrocytes 75 Hz, 2.3 mT(Murray 1985)OsteoblastsIncreased proliferation of osteoblasts 15 Hz, 0.1 mT(Marino 1970)OsteoclastsDecreased production of osteoclasts 7.5 Hz, 300 μs,NeutrophilsSaturates adenosine receptors leading to decreasedinflammatory cytokine cascade 75 Hz, 0.2 mT-3.5 mT(Doillon 1987)MononuclearSignificant increased IL-Iβ & TNF-α (Pro inf. cytokines)50 Hz, 2.25 mT (Doillon 1986)FibroblastsRed. cAMP leads to increased proliferation of collagencells 15 Hz, 4.8 ms pulse (Basset 1981)EndothelialIncreased proliferation of endothelial cells leading toangiogenesis. 50 Hz, 1 mT (Brighton 1981) In general, the PEMF mats use frequencies that range from 5-300 Hz which is generally classified in a range of electromagnetic frequencies known as extremely low frequency (ELF). The magnetic field intensities used by these machines are usually in the micro and millitesla range. The research to date has shown that the mechanisms by which PEMF works are complicated and likely involve many pathways. It is clear that certain windows of frequency and intensity are capable of increasing mitosis in cells such as chondrocytes, osteoblasts, fibrocytes and endothelial cells. These effects will lead to improved healing time of soft tissues and bone. In addition to increasing cell metabolism, perhaps PEMF's greatest power is in its ability to ameliorate the effects of inflammation by decreasing inflammatory cytokines. This effect should give the practitioner cause to consider PEMF in the treatment of numerous inflammatory conditions including, perhaps, autoimmune diseases such as MS. It is also conceivable, as suggested by Gordon (2007), that another important effect of PEMF is the ability of the magnetic fields to restore “equilibrium in ROS (free radical)/antioxidant chemistry. Gordon (2007) explains that since both reactive oxygen species (ROS) free radicals such as superoxide anion (O.) and hydroxyl anion (OH.) are paramagnetic, they will be affected by a magnetic field. This forced vibration (similar to the effect on ions such as K+, Na+, Cl−, Ca2+) is thought to enhance the homeostasis between ROS and antioxidants. It is unequivocal that all chronic diseases result from a lack of homeostasis between free radicals and antioxidants. While both free radicals and antioxidants are normal and vital for processes such as cellular respiration and immunity, an imbalance could lead to cell and tissue death, DNA damage, and protein and fat degradation. U.S. 20110112352 discloses an apparatus and method for electromagnetic treatment, in which electromagnetic treatment devices are provided for treatment of tissue. These are intended to apply energy within a specific bandpass of frequencies of a target biological pathway, such as the binding of Calcium to Calmodulin, and thereby regulate the pathway. The device provides for example, a field having an amplitude of between about 1 μV/cm to about 100 mV/cm at the target tissue and a peak induced magnetic field between about 1 μT and about 20 μT. The control circuit generates a burst of waveforms having a burst duration of greater than 0.5 msec and a burst period of between about 0.1 to about 10 seconds to produce a signal that is above background electrical activity. The use of most low frequency EMF has been in conjunction with applications of bone repair and healing. As such, EMF waveforms and current orthopedic clinical use of EMF waveforms comprise relatively low frequency components and are of low power, inducing maximum electrical fields in a millivolts per centimeter (mV/cm) range at frequencies under five KHz. A linear physicochemical approach employing an electrochemical model of cell membranes to predict a range of EMF waveform patterns for which bioeffects might be expected is based upon an assumption that cell membranes, and specifically ion binding at structures in or on cell membranes, are a likely EMF target. Time-varying electromagnetic fields, comprising rectangular waveforms such as pulsing electromagnetic fields, and sinusoidal waveforms such as pulsed radio frequency fields ranging from several Hertz to an about 15 to an about 40 MHz range, may be clinically beneficial when used as an adjunctive therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. U.S. Pat. No. 9,278,231 discloses a system for inducing cellular regeneration and/or degeneration processes and methods of treatment based on such processes through generating and applying a sequentially programmed magnetic field (SPMF) to the area to be treated. In the case of regeneration and degeneration of cells, the pulsing frequencies are in the range of about 0.1 to about 2000 Hz based on the indication of the disease type. A magnetic field generating device is provided comprising: a magnetically conductive hollow cylindrical base body; a funnel at one end of said magnetically conductive hollow cylindrical base body which increases in diameter as it extends from the cylindrical base body to a terminal rim-like portion; a magnetically conductive rod-like structure extending along a central axis through said hollow cylindrical base body into an interior of said funnel; and an electrical coil wound circumferentially around the magnetic field generating device from the other end of the hollow cylindrical base body to the rim-like portion of the funnel. U.S. Pat. No. 9,278,231 notes that electromagnetic fields of certain frequency ranges and intensities are indigenous to living tissues and it has been found that inciting the inherent resonance by exogenous treatment using electromagnetic fields [EMF], electric fields, and magnetic fields can induce cellular regeneration and degeneration processes. EMF in a range from 0.1-150 Hz have been reported to stimulate bone cells. It has also been reported that bone resorption that normally parallels disuse can be prevented or even reversed by the exogenous induction of electric fields. Electromagnetic fields below 10 μV/cm, when induced at frequencies between 50 and 150 Hz for 1 h/day, are sufficient to maintain bone mass even in the absence of function. Reducing the frequency to 15 Hz makes the field extremely osteogenic. This frequency-specific sinusoidal field initiated more new bone formation than a more complex pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), though inducing only 0.1% of the electrical energy of the PEMF. U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,172 discloses a cell excitation terminal and a therapeutic system using customized electromagnetic (EM) waves varying dynamically with time for excitation include one or more EM wave generators, each of the EM wave generators is connected to a central processing unit (CPU), and the CPU controls, according to a signal detected by a human body status detection device, the EM wave generator to send EM waves corresponding to a detected subject. The therapeutic system can perform remote management. A remote server optimizes and updates therapeutic waveforms of a patient constantly according to a therapeutic effect of the patient, thereby improving the therapeutic effect constantly. U.S. Pat. No. 8,911,342 relates to an apparatus and a method for stimulating brain tissue with pulsed electromagnetic fields weaker than the limit for elicitation of the action potentials of the cells of the tissue to be stimulated, the apparatus comprising: at least one electrically conducting coil positioned at a bitemporal position such that hippocampus is stimulated by at least one magnetic field upon supplying a pulse to said coil as well as a coil positioned at a occipital and parietal position; and a pulse generation means operationally connected to said at least one coil for supplying a series of current pulses for conduction, allowing generation of pulsed electromagnetic fields sufficiently strong to cause protein activation, and weaker than the limit for elicitation of the action potentials of the cells of the tissue to be stimulated. U.S. Pat. No. 9,427,598 relates to methods of treating neurological injury and conditions, in particular, traumatic brain injury and physiological responses arising from injury or conditions. These treatment methods can include the steps of generating a pulsed electromagnetic field from a pulsed electromagnetic field source and applying the pulsed electromagnetic field 1 in proximity to a target region affected by the neurological injury or condition to reduce a physiological response to the neurological injury or condition. U.S. Pat. No. 9,421,357 discloses systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing non-transcranial electrical stimuli to a biological subject may employ a support structure, at least one waveform generator, and at least a first electrode and a second electrode. The system can be sized and dimensioned to be worn on a head of the biological subject and operable to deliver non-transcranial electrical stimuli to at least one of the temporomandibular joints of the biological subject. The use of electrical energy to produce modifications in living tissue is well known. Electro-magnetic devices have been used to promote healing of broken bones. Barker (1981). Additionally, use of pulsed electro-magnetic fields (PEMF) to promote healing of bone tissue is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,503 to Ryaby, et al. and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,953 to Kraus, et al. Use of electro-magnetic energy to arrest arthritic pain has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,502 to Liss, et al. There is little agreement so far amongst researchers in the field as to the most effective pulse wave form, frequency, and voltage level for treatment of tissue disorders. Wound repair involves cellular events such as cell migration, replication, synthesis and deposition of new connective tissue, remodeling and epidermal cell migration over dermal repair tissue. Many studies suggest that these events may be influenced by endogenous and exogenous electric or magnetic fields in both soft and hard tissue. Electrical stimulation using direct electrical currents or induced voltages and currents has been shown to affect wound healing. Typical methods for the use of electric current in the promotion of healing are those methods employing low intensity direct current (LIDC) and, more recently, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF). Electric current was initially employed to promote the healing bone fractures, especially those fractures demonstrating non-union. Several patents have issued for methods and devices for the use of PEMF's to promote bone healing. U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,151 issued to Kraus describes a magnetic coil device for the induction of electric current by the application of a magnetic field to injured bones and related soft tissues. U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,965 issued to Fairbanks describes a similar method and device using PEMF's to induce an electric current for the healing of bone and connective tissue, improved to achieve a deeper penetration of electrical current, especially for the treatment of arthritis. U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,051, issued to Maurer describes a device and method for promoting the healing of fractured bones and related connective tissue through the simultaneous application of PEMF's and pulsed electric current in a fixed phase relationship to produce a net current in the region of the fractured bone generally perpendicular to the plane of the fracture. U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,482 issued to Waltonen, et al describes a method and device for the promotion of vasoconstriction through the application of PEMF's. The inventor describes the device as an “electric icepack.” A biasing circuit is described that prevents the occurrence of a reverse polarity pulse upon the fall of the magnetic flux induced by the fall of the generated pulse, thereby diminishing high frequency ringing at the beginning of a treatment signal and improving the promotion of vasoconstriction. U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,300 issued to Christiensen describes a method and device employing cathodic LIDC to promote the healing of fractures and injuries to bones and related soft tissues. A specifically designed cathodic electrode implant assembly with a particular method of implantation at the fracture or bone defect site is disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,462 issued to Manning, which describes a method and device employing an undulating electrical signal having a wave form whose rise time differs from its fall time, in turn producing a voltage at the tissue level that is bipolar with the amplitude and frequency components of one polarity differing from those of the opposite polarity, effecting the bioelectrical signals at the cellular or tissue level, thereby artificially stimulating the healing of the cells and/or tissue. With respect to PEMF's, Bassett (1984), discloses that when a dynamic, magnetic field passes through a static conductor, such as wound tissue, an electric field is induced in the conductor, with voltages of 1.0 to 1.5 millivolts per centimeter. Bassett states that the current induced varies with time. Bassett (1984) suggests that PEMF's promote collagen growth. Goodman (1983), describes the stimulation of messenger RNA specific activity by PEMF's of 0.1 G per micro second. Murray (1985) describes the increase in collagen production in cell cultures produced by low frequency PEMF's. The field was generated by a generator-driven pair of Helmholtz-aiding air cored coils. Leaper (1985), on the other hand, disclosed that a 400 Gauss magnetic field was found not to promote wound healing. McLeod (1987), describes the use of AC electric fields of 0.1-1000 Hz frequency to promote proline incorporation into fibroblast populated collagen matrices. Pawluk (2015) provides a review of PEMF for pain, and notes that static EMFs have been used for centuries to control pain and other biologic problems. After thousands of patient-years of use globally, very little risk has been found to be associated with MF therapies (Markov, 2004). Standards and guidelines for safety have been promulgated and published (ICNIRP, 2010). The primary precautions or contraindications relate to implanted electrical devices, pregnancy (because of lack of data), and seizures with certain kinds of frequency patterns in seizure-prone individuals. MFs affect pain perception in many different ways. These actions are both direct and indirect. Direct effects of MFs are on neuron firing, calcium ion movement, membrane potentials, endorphin levels, nitric oxide, dopamine levels, acupuncture actions, and nerve regeneration. Indirect benefits of MFs from physiologic function enhancement are on circulation, muscle, edema, tissue oxygen, inflammation, healing, prostaglandins, cellular metabolism, and cell energy levels (Jerabek and Pawluk, 1996). Pain relief mechanisms vary by the type of stimulus used (Takeshige and Sato, 1996). For example, needling to the pain-producing muscle, application of a static MF or external qigong, or needling to an acupuncture point all reduce pain by different mechanisms. In guinea pigs, pain could be induced by reduction of circulation in the muscle (ischemia) and reduced by recovery of circulation. Muscle pain relief is induced by recovery of circulation due to the enhanced release of acetylcholine as a result of activation of the cholinergic vasodilator nerve endings innervated to the muscle artery (Takeshige and Sato, 1996). Several authors have reviewed the experience with PEMFs in Eastern Europe (Jerabek and Pawluk, 1996) and elsewhere (Trock, 2000) and provided a synthesis of the typical physiologic findings of practical use to clinicians, resulting from magnetic therapies. These include, at a minimum, reduction in edema and muscle spasm/contraction, improved circulation, enhanced tissue repair, and natural antinociception. These are the fundamentals of the repair of cell injury. PEMFs have been used extensively in many conditions and medical disciplines, being most effective in treating rheumatic or musculoskeletal disorders. PEMFs produced significant reduction of pain, improvement of spinal functions, and reduction of paravertebral spasms. In clinical practice, PEMFs have been found to be an aid in the therapy of orthopedic and trauma problems (Borg et al., 1996). The ability of PEMFs to affect pain is at least in part dependent on the ability of PEMFs to positively affect human physiologic or anatomic systems. The human nervous system is strongly affected by therapeutic PEMFs (Prato et al., 2001). Animals exposed to static and extremely low-frequency (ELF) MFs are also affected by the presence of light, which strengthens the effects of PEMFs (Prato et al., 1999). One of the most reproducible results of weak ELF MF exposure is an effect upon neurologic pain signal processing (Thomas and Prato, 2002). This evidence suggests that PEMFs would also be an effective complement for treating patients suffering from both chronic and acute pain. The placebo response may explain as much as 40% of an analgesia response from any pain treatment (Colloca et al., 2013), and needs to be accounted for in research design to assure adequate sample sizes. However, aside from this aspect of accounting for the placebo effect, the central nervous system mechanisms responsible for the placebo response, that is, central cognitive and behavioral processes, can be addressed directly in managing pain and include medications, hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, and psychotherapy. In addition, these placebo response-related central processes appear to be an appropriate target with magnetic therapies for managing pain. Amplifying MF manipulation of cognitive and behavioral processes has been evaluated in animal behavior studies and in humans, affecting at the very least opiate receptors (Del Seppia et al., 2007). Therefore, amplifying the placebo response with centrally focused MFs would generally be expected to be additive to pain management using MF therapies elsewhere on the body. Cell injury itself involves multiple processes (Kumar, 2007), which, if mitigated, can be expected to reduce the perception of pain and limit the results of the cell injury. Therefore, this is the goal of clinical management. If the cause of pain cannot be reduced or eliminated, then the goals of pain management shift to reducing the perception of pain or blocking the pain signal traffic otherwise. Research on the use of PEMFs for pain management focuses on the multiple mechanisms of the production of pain. The primary mechanisms of the production of pain in local tissue in response to cell injury include, to varying degrees, edema, apoptosis or necrosis, diminished vascular supply, reduced cellular energy production, and impaired repair processes. PEMF therapies address many of these different aspects of cell injury (Jerabek and Pawluk, 1996). Magnetic therapy increases the threshold of pain sensitivity (Thomas and Prato, 2002) and activates the anticoagulation system (Khamaganova et al., 1993), which increases circulation to tissue. PEMF treatment stimulates production of opioid peptides, activates mast cells and increases electric capacity of muscular fibers, helps with edema and pain before or after a surgical operation (Pilla, 2013), increases amino acid uptake (De Loecker et al., 1990), and induces changes in transmembrane energy transport enzymes, allowing energy coupling and increased biologic chemical transport work. Healthy humans normally have reduced pain perception and decreased pain-related brain signals (Prato et al., 2001). Biochemical changes in the blood of treated patients are found that support the pain reduction benefit. PEMFs cause a significant improvement in normal standing balance in adult humans (Thomas et al., 2001). PEMFs couple with muscular processing or upper-body nervous tissue functions, which indicate CNS sensitivity that likely improves central pain processing. Various kinds of PEMFs have been found to reduce pain. For example, various MFs applied to the head or to an extremity, for 1-60 min, with intervals between exposures from several minutes to several hours, randomly sequenced with sham exposures allowed the study of brain reactions by various objective measures (Kholodov, 1998). EEGs showed increased low-frequency rhythms. Low-frequency EEG rhythms may explain the common perception of relaxation and sleepiness with ELF EMFs. Even weak AC MFs affect pain perception and pain-related EEG changes in humans (Sartucci et al., 1997). A 2 h exposure to 0.02-0.07 mT ELF MFs caused a significant positive change in pain-related EEG patterns. The benefits of PEMF use may last considerably longer than the time of use. This is a common clinical observation. In rats, a single exposure produces pain reduction both immediately after treatment and even at 24 h after treatment (Cieslar et al., 1994). The analgesic effect is still observed at the 7th and 14th day of repeated treatment and even up to 14 days after the last treatment. Repeated presentation of painful stimuli in rats can significantly elevate the threshold of response to painful stimuli. One group (Fleming et al., 1994) investigated the ability of magnetic pulse stimuli to produce increases in pain thresholds, simulating thalamic pain syndrome. Exposure to the PEMFs increased the pain threshold progressively over 3 days. Pain suppression was maintained on the second and third days relative to other treatments. The pain threshold following the third MF exposure was significantly greater than those associated with morphine and other treatments. Brain-injured and normal rats both showed a 63% increase in mean pain threshold. The mechanism may involve endorphins, having important implications for clinical practice and the potential for a reduction in reliance on habit-forming medications. PEMFs promote healing of soft tissue injuries by reducing edema and increasing resorption of hematomas (Markov and Pilla, 1995), thereby reducing pain. Low-frequency PEMFs reduce edema primarily during treatment sessions. PEMFs at very high frequencies applied for 20-30 min cause decreases in edema lasting several hours following an exposure session. PEMF signals induce maximum electric fields in the mV/cm range at frequencies below 5 kHz. Chronic pain often occurs from aberrant small neural networks with self-perpetuated neurogenic inflammation. It is thought that high-intensity pulsed magnetic stimulation (HIPMS) noninvasively depolarizes neurons and can facilitate recovery following injury (Ellis, 1993). HIPMS, intensity up to 1.17 T, was used to study recovery after injury in patients with posttraumatic/postoperative low-back pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), neuropathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, and endometriosis. The outcome VAS difference was 0.4-5.2 with sham treatments versus 0-0.5 for active treatments. The author proposed that the pain reduction was likely due to induced eddy currents. Effects on the tissues of the body and the symptoms of pain have been found across a wide spectrum of electromagnetic frequencies, including high-frequency PEMFs. For example, significant reductions in pain were found in individuals with acute whiplash injuries using 27.12 MHz PEMF stimulation (Foley-Nolan et al., 1992). The same group (Foley-Nolan et al., 1990) had previously found that individuals with persistent neck pain lasting greater than 8 weeks had statistically significantly greater improvement in their pain compared to controls. The controls were then crossed over onto PEMF treatment and had similar results. For more detailed discussion of the potential mechanisms of action of MFs to treat pain, see Markov (2004). The author discusses some of the parameters that may be necessary to properly choose a therapeutic MF with respect to the target tissue to be stimulated. The research literature on magnetic therapies for pain management is very variable in describing the particular parameters of the magnetic therapy apparatus being studied. This leaves the clinician at a significant disadvantage in determining which MFs produce the best results for the given condition being treated. Further, the author states, “during the past 25 years more than 2 million patients have been treated worldwide for a large variety of injuries, pathologies and diseases. This large number of patients exhibited a success rate of approximately 80%, with virtually no reported complications.” The author goes on to describe a number of mechanisms of cellular action of EMFs that may be deemed responsible for the therapeutic benefit in improving pain. In another study, Shupak et al. (2004) looked at possible mechanisms or influencing factors for the effects of PEMFs on pain, especially on sensory and pain perception thresholds. It appears that MF exposure does not affect temperature perception but can increase pain thresholds, indicating an analgesic effect. Based on the review by Del Seppia et al. (2007), it appears that at least one of the mechanisms involved in PEMF effects on pain and nociception is the opiate receptor. Another study in rats (Fleming et al., 1994) found that there was an analgesic effect comparable to more noxious tactile stimulation, that is, stress-induced analgesia. There was an approximately 50% increase in the pain threshold in response to electrical current stimulation. In a study to gain a better understanding of pain perception (Robertson et al., 2010), a functional magnetic resonance imaging study was done to assess how the neuromodulation effect of MFs influences the processing of acute thermal pain in normal volunteers. ELF MFs (from DC to 300 Hz) have been shown to affect pain sensitivity in snails, rodents, and humans. Because of this research, it is unlikely that a pure placebo response is involved. This neuroimaging study found changes in specific areas of the brain with pain stimuli that are definitely modified by low-intensity PEMF exposure. Chronic pain is often accompanied with or results from decreased circulation or perfusion to the affected tissues, for example, cardiac angina or intermittent claudication. PEMFs have been shown to improve circulation (Guseo, 1992). Pain syndromes due to muscle tension and neuralgias improve. Peripheral neuropathy can be an extremely painful condition that is very challenging to manage. Two randomized controlled studies failed to show significant results in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (Wróbel et al., 2008; Weintraub et al., 2009). Another two studies showed significant improvements in DPN (Cieslar et al., 1995; Graak et al., 2009). There were significant methodological differences among the studies. A large study (Weintraub et al., 2009) was conducted to determine whether repetitive and cumulative exposure to low-frequency PEMF to the feet can reduce neuropathic pain (NP) and influence nerve regeneration. Two-hundred and twenty-five patients with DPN stage II or III were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study, across 16 academic and clinical sites in 13 states to PEMF or sham (placebo) devices. They applied their treatments 2 h per day to their feet for 3 months. Pain reduction scores were measured using a VAS, the neuropathy pain scale (NPS), and the patient's global impression of change (PGIC). A subset of subjects underwent serial 3 mm punch skin biopsies from three standard lower-limb sites for epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD) quantification. There was a significant dropout rate of 13.8%. The PEMF versus sham group had reductions in DPN symptoms on the PGIC (44% versus 31%; p=0.04). There were no significant differences in the NP intensity on NPS or VAS. Of the 27 patients who completed serial biopsies, 29% of the PEMF group had an increase in the distal leg ENFD of at least 0.5 SDs, while none did in the sham group (p=0.04). Those with increases in distal thigh ENFD had significant decreases in pain scores. The conclusion was that PEMF at this dose was not effective specifically in reducing NP. However, neurobiological effects on ENFD, PGIC, and reduced itching scores were hopeful and suggest that future studies should be attempted with higher PEMF intensities 3000-5000 G, longer duration of exposure, and a larger biopsy cohort. Since most of the therapeutic approaches to DPN have poor success rates, relying mostly on the suppression of pain with medications, this study is encouraging in actually demonstrating potential nerve regeneration improvements. Another randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (Wróbel et al., 2008) was conducted to assess an ELF PEMF effect on pain intensity, quality of life and sleep, and glycemic control in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy. Sixty-one patients were randomized into a study group of 32 patients exposed to a low-frequency, low-intensity MF or a sham control group of 29 patients. Pain durations were greater than 2 years in both groups. Treatments were for 3 weeks, 20 min a day, 5 days a week. Questionnaires, completed at the beginning, after 1-3 and 5 weeks, included SFMPQVAS (pain evaluation), EuroQol EQ-5D, and MOS Sleep Scale. Significant reductions in pain intensity were seen in both the study group, VAS 73 mm at baseline versus 33 mm after 3 weeks, and controls, VAS 69 mm at baseline versus 41 mm after 3 weeks. The extent of pain reduction did not differ significantly between the groups at any time. The conclusion was that this low-intensity ELF PEMF, used for only 3 weeks, had no advantage over sham exposure in reducing pain intensity. In the Weintraub study, patients were treated for 3 months, providing a longer opportunity to produce sustainable changes in the tissues. Since neuropathy is a very stubborn problem to treat, it is likely that both of these neuropathy studies were too short for the severity of neuropathy present, treatment protocols, measures, and equipment used. In another study (Graak et al., 2009) on NP, using low-power, low-frequency PEMF of 600 and 800 Hz, 30 patients, 40-68 years of age with DPN stages N1a, N1b, N2a, were randomly allocated to three groups of 10 in each. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with low-power 600 and 800 Hz PEMF, respectively, for 30 min for 12 consecutive days. Group 3 served as control on usual medical treatment. Pain and motor nerve conduction parameters (distal latency, amplitude, nerve conduction velocity) were assessed before and after treatment. They found significant reduction in pain and statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in distal latency and nerve conduction velocity in experimental Groups 1 and 2. Using this particular protocol, low-frequency PEMF was seen to reduce NP as well as for retarding the progression of neuropathy even when applied for only a short span of time. What could happen with longer-term treatment remains to be determined. Thirty-one patients with diabetes mellitus (type I and II), with intense symptoms of neuropathy, were treated (Cieslar et al., 1995). They had 20 exposures to variable sinusoidal PEMF, 40 Hz, 15 mT, every day for 12 min. Reduction of pain and paresthesias, vibration sensation, and improved muscle strength was seen in 85% of patients, all significantly better than sham controls. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another form of neuropathy, affecting the median nerve at the wrist. There are many different approaches to the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, including surgery, with varying success. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (Weintraub and Cole, 2008), a commonly commercially available combination of simultaneous static and dynamic, rotating time-varying dynamic MFS was used to treat the wrist. There was a significant reduction of deep pain. Ten months of active PEMF resulted in improvement in nerve conduction and subjective improvement on examination (40%), pain scores (50%), and a global symptom scale (70%). The neuropathy of postherpetic neuralgia, a very common and painful condition, often medically resistant, responded to PEMF (Kusaka et al., 1995). A combination static and pulsed MF device was placed on the pain/paresthesia areas or over the spinal column or limbs. Treatments continued until symptoms improved or adverse side effects occurred. Therapy was effective in 80%. This treatment approach shows that treatment for pain problems may either be localized to the area of pain or over the spinal column or limbs, away from the pain. Treatment over the appropriate related spinal segment offers the opportunity to interrupt the afferent pain signal traffic to the brain. This approach has been frequently used with success in Eastern European studies (Jerabek and Pawluk, 1996). Another author reported a more general clinical series in postherpetic pain in which better results happened in patients simultaneously suffering from neck and low-back pain (Di Massa et al., 1989). Posttraumatic, late-stage RSD, or now called regional complex pain syndrome (CRPS), a form of neuropathy, is very painful and largely untreatable by standard medical approaches. In one report, ten 30 min PEMF sessions of 50 Hz followed by a further 10 sessions at 100 Hz plus physiotherapy and medication reduced edema and pain at 10 days (Saveriano and Ricci, 1989). There was no further improvement at 20 days. The author had a personal case treated with a 27.12 MHz PEMF signal, in a nurse who was almost completely disabled in her left upper extremity. She used her device for about an hour a day. Within about 1 month, she had about 70% recovery, and within 2 months, she had essentially normal function with no further sensitivity to touch, changes in temperature, etc. She maintained her recovery with continued treatments in the home setting. Musculoskeletal conditions, especially with related pain, are most frequently treated with MF therapies. Among these, one of the most common conditions is lumbar arthritis, as a cause of back pain. Chronic low-back pain affects approximately 15% of the US population during their lifetime (Preszler, 2000). Given the current treatment options available through conventional medical therapy, with their attendant risks, there is a large unmet need for safe and effective alternative therapies (Institute of Medicine, 2005). PEMFs of 35-40 mT give relief or elimination of pain about 90%-95% of the time for lumbar OA, improve results from other rehabilitation therapies, and secondarily, additionally improve related neurologic symptoms (Mitbreit et al., 1986). Even PEMFs of 0.5-1.5 mT used at the site of pain and related trigger points also help (Rauscher and Van Bise, 2001). Some patients remained pain free 6 months after treatment. In a series of 240 patients treated in an orthopedic practice with PEMFs, patients had decreased pain (Schroter, 1976) from rheumatic illnesses, delayed healing process in bones, and pseudoarthritis, including those with infections, fractures, aseptic necrosis, venous and arterial circulation, RSD (all stages), osteochondritis dissecans, osteomyelitis, and sprains and strains and bruises. The clinically determined success rate approached 80%. About 60% of loosened hip prostheses have subjective relief of pain and walk better, without a cane. Even so, x-ray evidence of improvement was seen periodically, as evidenced by cartilage/bone reformation, including the joint margin. If the goal in pain management is to heal the underlying tissue, not just manage symptoms, evidence, typically from imaging studies, can drive the duration of treatment to obtain the most long-lasting and more permanent results. The use of PEMFs is rapidly increasing and extending to soft tissue from its first applications to hard tissue (Pilla, 2013). EMF in current orthopedic clinical practice is frequently used to treat delayed and nonunion fractures, rotator cuff tendinitis, spinal fusions, and avascular necrosis, all of which can be very painful. Clinically relevant response to the PEMF is generally not always immediate, requiring daily treatment for upward of a year in the case of nonunion fractures. PRF applications appear to be best for the reduction of pain and edema. The acute tissue inflammation that accompanies the majority of traumatic and chronic injuries is essential to the healing process; however, the body often over-responds in the chronic lesion situation, and the resulting edema causes delayed healing and chronic pain. Edema reduction is an important target for PRF and PEMF applications. Even chronic musculoskeletal pain treated with MFs for only 3 days, once per day, can eliminate and/or maintain chronic musculoskeletal pain (Stewart and Stewart, 1989). Small, battery-operated PEMF devices with very weak field strengths have been found to benefit musculoskeletal disorders (Fischer, 2002). Because of the low strength used, treatment at the site of pain may need to last between 11 and 132 days, between two times per week, 4 h each, and, if needed, continuous use. Use at night could be near the head, for example, beneath the pillow, to facilitate sleep. Pain scale scores are significantly better in the majority of cases. Conditions that can be considered for treatment are arthritis, lupus erythematosus, chronic neck pain, epicondylitis, patellofemoral degeneration, fracture of the lower leg, and RSD/CRPS. Back pain or whiplash syndrome treated with a very low-intensity (up to 30 μT) PEMF twice a day for 2 weeks along with usual pain medications relieves pain in 8 days in the PEMF group versus 12 days in the controls (Thuile and Walzl, 2002). Headache is halved in the PEMF group, and neck and shoulder/arm pain improved by one-third versus medications alone. PEMFs have been found (Kjellman et al., 1999) to have more benefit in the treatment of neck pain in some research, compared to physical therapy, for both pain and mobility. A blinded randomized study was conducted to compare European spa therapy (ST) with PEMF therapy in chronic neck pain (Forestier et al., 2007a). There was significantly greater improvement in the PEMF group than the ST group (p=0.02). As part of the earlier study, the authors also did a cost-benefit analysis (Forestier et al., 2007b). One group evaluated pain and swelling after distal radius fractures after an immobilization period of 6 weeks (Cheing et al., 2005). Eighty-three patients were randomly allocated to receive 30 min of either ice plus PEMF (group A), ice plus sham PEMF (group B), PEMF alone (group C), or sham PEMF for 5 consecutive days (group D). All had a standard home exercise program. Outcome measures included a VAS for recording pain, volume displacement for measuring the swelling of the forearm, and a handheld goniometer for measuring the range of wrist motions. They were assessed, before treatment, and on days 1, 3, and 5 during treatment. At day 5, a significantly greater cumulative reduction in VAS as well as improved ulnar deviation ROM was found in group A than the other three groups. For volumetric measurement and pronation, participants in group A performed better than subjects in group D but not those in group B. The end result was that the addition of PEMF to ice therapy produces better overall treatment outcomes than ice alone, or PEMF alone, in pain reduction and ulnar ROM. This study points out the cumulative benefit of using both PEMFs and standard therapy, at least in radial fractures. Many therapeutic approaches for treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) have been used, including local steroid injection and surgery. PEMFs have been found as a useful and safe candidate therapy. One group tested the efficacy of PEMF compared to sham PEMF and local steroid injection (Uzunca et al., 2007). Sixty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomly and equally distributed into three groups as follows: group I received PEMF, group II sham PEMF, and group III a corticosteroid+anesthetic agent injection. Pain levels during rest, activity, nighttime, resisted wrist dorsiflexion, and forearm supination were investigated with VAS and algometer. All patients were evaluated before treatment, at the third week, and the third month. VAS values during activity and pain levels during resisted wrist dorsiflexion were significantly lower in group III than group I at the third week. Group I patients had lower pain during rest, activity, and nighttime than group III at the third month. PEMF appears to reduce lateral epicondylitis pain better than sham PEMF. Corticosteroid and anesthetic agent injections can be used in patients for rapid return to activities, along with PEMFs to produce a longer-standing benefit. Another randomized sham-controlled study (Devereaux et al., 1985) on lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) involved 30 patients with both clinical and thermographic evidence of tennis elbow. PEMF treatment, consisted of 15 Hz, delivering 13.5 mV and using a figure of eight coil with the loops over each epicondyle for 8 h a day in one or two sessions, for a minimum period of 8 weeks. They were significant improvements in grip strength at 6 weeks, with a slight decrease in difference at 8 weeks. There was little difference in the first 4 weeks. Since there were only 15 subjects in each treatment group, this study was probably underpowered for most of the other measurement indices used. Osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 40 million people in the United States. OA of the knee is a leading cause of disability in the elderly. Medical management is often ineffective and creates additional side-effect risks. Many patients with OA of the knee/s undergo many soft tissue and intra-articular injections, physical therapy, and many, eventually, arthroscopies or joint replacements. An ELF sawtooth wave, 50 μT, whole-body and pillow applicator system has been in use for about 20 years in Europe. In one study using the system, applied 8 min twice a day for 6 weeks, it was shown to improve knee function and walking ability significantly (Pawluk et al., 2002). Pain, general condition, and well-being also improved. Medication use decreased. Plasma fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (a sign of inflammation), and the sedimentation rate all decreased by 14%, 35%, and 19% respectively. Sleep disturbances often contribute to increased pain perception. It was found to improve sleep, with 68% reporting good/very good results. Even after 1 year follow-up, 85% claim a continuing benefit in pain reduction. Medication consumption decreases from 39% at 8 weeks to 88% after 8 weeks. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study (Ay and Evcik, 2009), PEMF of 50 Hz, 105 μT, applied for 30 min, was used in 55 patients with grade 3 OA for only 3 weeks for pain relief and enhancing functional capacity of patients with knee OA. Pain improved significantly in both groups relatively equally (p<0.000). However, there was significant improvement in morning stiffness and activities of daily living (ADL) compared to the control group. They did not find a beneficial symptomatic effect of PEMF in the treatment of knee OA in all patients. In a rheumatology clinic study of knee OA (Pipitone and Scott, 2001), 75 patients received active PEMF treatment by a unipolar magnetic device or placebo for 6 weeks. The 9 V battery-operated device was <0.05 mT with a low-frequency coil of 2 kHz plus harmonics up to 50 kHz modulated on a 3, 7.8, or 20 Hz base frequency and an ultrahigh frequency coil with a 250 MHz modulated frequency plus harmonics of the same modulation as the LF coil. Patients were instructed to use the magnetic devices three times a day. The 7.8 Hz modulation frequency was prescribed for the morning and afternoon treatments, while the 3 Hz modulation frequency was prescribed for the evening. Baseline assessments showed that the treatment groups were equally matched. Analysis at follow-up showed greater between group improvements in global scores of health status. Paired analysis showed significant improvements in the actively treated group in objective function, pain, disability, and quality of life at study end compared to baseline. These differences were not seen in the placebo-treated group. In another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of knee OA in Denmark (Thamsborg et al., 2005), 83 patients had two 2 h of daily treatment, 5 days per week for 6 weeks. They were reevaluated at 2 and 6 weeks after treatment. Again, objective standardized measures were used. There was a significant improvement in ADL, stiffness, and pain in the PEMF-treated group. In the control group, there was no effect on ADL after 2 weeks and a weak change in ADL after 6 and 12 weeks. Even the control group had significant reductions in pain at all evaluations and in stiffness after 6 and 12 weeks. There were no between-group differences in pain over time. ADL score improvements for the PEMF-treated group appeared to be less with increasing age. When groups were compared, those <65 years of age had significant reduction in stiffness. While this tended to be a negative study, when looking at between-group comparisons, there were indications of improvement in ADLs and stiffness, especially in individuals younger than 65. Twenty-seven OA patients treated with PEMF in a tube-like coil device for 18 half-hour exposures over 1 month had an average improvement of 23%-61% compared to 2%-18% in the placebo group (Trock et al., 1993). They were evaluated at baseline, midpoint of therapy, end of treatment, and 1 month later. The active treatment group had decreased pain and improved functional performance. Another study reported by the same group (Trock et al., 1994), including 86 patients with OA of the knee and cervical spine, showed significant changes from baseline for the treated patients at the end of treatment and at 1-month follow-up. Placebo patients also showed improvement but with less statistical significance at the end of treatment and had lost significance for most variables at 1-month follow-up. The study patients showed improvements in pain, pain on motion, patient overall assessment, and physician global assessment. One study (Sutbeyaz et al., 2006) looked at the effect of PEMFs on pain, ROM, and functional status in patients with cervical osteoarthritis (COA). Thirty-four patients were included in a randomized double-blind study. PEMF was administrated to the whole body using a 1.8×0.6 m size whole body mat. They were on the mat for 30 min per session, twice a day for 3 weeks. Pain levels in the PEMF treatment group decreased significantly after therapy (p<0.001), with no change in the sham group. Active ROM, neck muscle spasm, and disability (NPDS) scores also improved significantly after PEMF therapy (p<0.001). No change was seen in the sham group. This study shows that PEMFs can give significant pain reduction in neck arthritis and can be used alone or with other therapies to give even greater benefits. A 50 Hz pulsed sinusoidal MF, 35 mT field PEMF for 15 min, 15 treatment sessions, improves hip arthritis pain in 86% of patients. Average mobility without pain improved markedly (Rehacek et al., 1982). Forty-seven patients with periarthritis of the shoulder who were receiving outpatient physical therapy were randomized using a controlled triple-blind study design to conventional physical therapy or conventional physical therapy with pulsed MF therapy (Leclaire and Bourgouin, 1991). They received treatments three times a week for a maximum of 3 months. PEMF therapy was applied 30 min at a time at three different frequencies 10/15/30 Hz with matched intensities of 3/4/6 mT over the course of the therapy program. This study showed no statistically significant benefit from magnetotherapy in the pain score, ROM, or improvement of functional status in patients with periarthritis of the shoulder. There appeared to be a trend toward slightly worse baseline function of the magnetic therapy group. This would therefore suggest that treatment was not carried out for a sufficient time. An improvement in the design of the study would have been to follow the individuals until they had achieved either goal recovery or full recovery, as would happen in clinical practice. Another possibility for the lack of benefit for the pulsed magnetic therapy group is that the frequencies and intensities used are not optimized for this particular condition, given the length and the frequency of treatments per week. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex syndrome, primarily affecting women. PEMFs can frequently be very helpful. In one study (Sutbeyaz et al., 2009), 56 women with FM, aged 18-60 years, were randomly assigned to either PEMF or sham therapy, 30 min per session, twice a day for 3 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed after treatment and at 4 weeks, showing significant improvements in test scores at the end of therapy and at 4-week follow-up. The sham group also showed improvement at this time on all outcome measures except the specific FM questionnaire. So, low-frequency PEMF therapy can improve at least some general FM symptoms. A low-intensity PEMF (400 μT) in a portable device fitted to their head was found to help FM. In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial (Thomas et al., 2007), patients with either chronic generalized pain from FM (n=17) or chronic localized musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain (n=15) were exposed in treatments twice daily for 40 min over 7 days. A VAS scale was used. There was a positive difference with PEMF over sham treatment with FM, although not quite reaching statistical significance (p=0.06). The same level of benefit was not seen in those without FM. In patients with other causes of chronic, nonmalignant pain, either longer periods of exposure are necessary or other approaches need to be considered. The effect of specific PEMF exposure on pain and anxiety ratings was investigated in two patient populations (Shupak et al., 2006). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel design was used on the effects of an acute 30 min MF exposure (less than or equal to 400 μT; less than 3 kHz) on VAS-assessed pain and anxiety ratings in female RA and FM patients who received either the PEMF or sham exposure treatment. A significant pre-post effect was present for the FM patients, p<0.01. There was no significant reduction in VAS anxiety ratings pre-to-post-exposure. An in vivo study of PEMFs (Shafford H L, et al. 2002) was done in dogs postoperatively after ablation of ovaries and uterus to see how pain is affected and interacts with postoperative morphine analgesia. Sixteen healthy dogs were examined within 6 h postoperatiion at eight different time points. There were four groups: (1) control group (NaCl administration), (2) postoperative PEMF exposure (NaCl administration), (3) postoperative morphine application, and (4) postoperative morphine application plus PEMF exposure. The PEMF was 0.5 Hz, exposure intermittent, 20 min field on/20 min field off for 6 h, whole-body exposure. At 30 min, the total pain score for group 4 was significantly less than for the control group, but not significantly different from group 2 or 3. The results suggest that PEMF may augment morphine analgesia or be used separately postoperatively after invasive abdominal procedures. After breast augmentation surgery, patients (Hedén and Pilla, 2008) applied a portable and disposable noninvasive, high-frequency and low-intensity PEMF device in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Healthy females undergoing breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons were separated into three cohorts: (n=14) receiving bilateral PEMF treatment, (n=14) receiving bilateral sham devices, and (n=14) an active device to one breast and a sham device to the other breast. Pain levels were measured twice daily through the seventh day after surgery (POD 7), and postoperative analgesic use was also tracked. VAS scores decreased in the active cohort by almost three times the sham cohort by POD 3 (p<0.001) and persisted at this level to POD 7. Postoperative pain medication use decreased nearly three times faster in the active versus the sham cohorts by POD 3 (p<0.001). These results can be extended to include the use of this form of PEMF for the control of almost any situation of postoperative pain, especially involving surgery on superficial physical structures. In another surgical study, this time post breast reduction for symptomatic macromastia, PEMFs were studied, not only on their results on postoperative pain, but also on potential mechanisms, including changes to cytokines and angiogenic factors in the wound bed (Rodhe et al., 2010). Twenty-four patients were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized fashion to a sham control or a low-intensity 27.12 Hz PEMF configured to modulate the calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide signaling pathway. Pain levels were measured by VAS, and narcotic use was recorded. The PEMF used produced a 57% decrease in mean pain scores at 1 h (p<0.01) and a 300% decrease at 5 h (p<0.001), persisting to 48 h postoperatively in the active versus the control group, along with a concomitant 2.2-fold reduction in narcotic use in active patients (p=0.002). Mean IL-1β in wound exudates was 275% lower (p<0.001), suggesting fairly rapid reductions in acute posttraumatic inflammation. On the other hand, some research has found a lack of benefit of PEMFs postoperatively. Pain after elective inguinal hernia repair was evaluated in a double-blind randomized, non-PEMF controlled trial using a high-frequency low-intensity portable PEMF device (Reed et al., 1987). The device had an output rate of 320 Hz, pulse width of 60 (is, and maximum power output of 1 W. Treatment was 15 min twice a day, over and under the thigh. VAS at 24 and 48 h postoperatively showed no difference between treated and untreated groups. This study most likely used treatment times that were too short for the intensities used, and the electrodes were placed remote to the actual wound, not over the surgical site. Severe joint inflammation following trauma, arthroscopic surgery, or infection can damage articular cartilage; thus, every effort should be made to protect cartilage from the catabolic effects of proinflammatory cytokines and stimulate cartilage anabolic activities. A pilot, randomized, prospective, and double-blind study (Zorzi et al., 2007) was done to evaluate the effects of PEMFs (75 Hz, rectangular) after arthroscopic treatment of knee cartilage. Patients with knee pain were recruited and treated by arthroscopy with chondroabrasion and/or perforations and/or radio frequencies. There were two groups: lower-intensity control (MF at 0.05 mT) and active (MF of 1.5 mT). PEMFs were used for 90 days, 6 h per day. Objective measures were used before arthroscopy, and after 45 and 90 days, the use of anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) was recorded. Three-year follow-up interviews were also used (n=31). Knee score values at 45 and 90 days were higher in the active group at 90 days (p<0.05). NSAID use was 26% in the active group and 75% in the control group (p=0.015). At 3-year follow-up, the percent completely recovered was higher in the active group (p<0.05). Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, now a common surgical procedure, is usually performed by a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach. Even so, arthroscopy may elicit an inflammatory joint reaction detrimental to articular cartilage. PEMFs would be expected to mitigate some of these inflammation reactions. To study this possibility, a prospective, randomized, and double-blind study was done on 69 patients with a 75 Hz, 1.5 mT device, 4 h per day for 60 days versus sham device (Benazzo et al., 2008). At follow-up, active treatment patients showed a statistically significant faster recovery (p<0.05). The use of anti-inflammatories was less frequent (p<0.05). Joint swelling and return to normal ROM occurred faster (p<0.05). The 2-year follow-up did not show statistically significant difference between the two groups. In addition, a subset analysis of 29 patients (15 in the active group; 14 in the placebo group) who concurrently had meniscectomy, function scores between the two groups were even larger than observed in the whole study. So, this particular PEMF signal is expected to shorten postoperative recovery time and limit joint inflammation. Noninflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) can be quite disabling in both men and women, frequently with no adequate treatment options. A study (Leippold et al., 2005) was designed to prospectively evaluate sacral magnetic stimulation as a treatment option for patients with noninflammatory CPPS (CPPS, category IIIB). Fourteen men were treated with sacral magnetic stimulation, 10 treatment sessions once a week for 30 min at a frequency of 50 Hz. Twelve of fourteen men reported improvement but only during the time of stimulation. Inventory scores before and after treatment did not change. There was no sustained effect beyond the time of stimulation on the mean scores for pain, micturition complaints, or quality of life. Sacral magnetic stimulation in patients with CPPS IIIB reduces pain only during stimulation. The fact the pain relief is obtained during treatment is notable and valuable. Because this level of frequency of treatments is less likely to induce healing in the tissues causing the pain syndrome, it may be reasonable to expect only a reduction in pain during the treatment course and not a more enduring benefit. While this treatment approach does not appear to be useful, it remains to be seen whether a change in the protocol may produce more enduring results. Gynecologic pelvic pain may also benefit from PEMFs. A high-voltage, high intensity, pulsed stimulation (1-30 pulses/second) system (Jorgensen et al., 1994) was used in the setting of ruptured ovarian cysts, postoperative pelvic hematomas, chronic urinary tract infection, uterine fibrosis, dyspareunia, endometriosis, and dysmenorrhea. Ninety percent of patients experienced marked rapid relief from pain, with pain subsiding within 1-3 days after PEMF treatment, eliminating supplementary analgesics. In dentistry, periodontal disease may cause bone resorption severe enough to require bone grafting. Grafting is followed by moderate pain peaking several hours afterward. Repeated PEMF exposure for 2 weeks eliminates pain within a week. Even single PEMF exposure to the face for 30 min of a 5 mT field and related conservative treatment produce much lower pain scores versus controls (Tesic et al., 1999). Results of PRF PEMF in a case series either eliminates or improves, even at 2 weeks following therapy, pain in 80% of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease, 89% with back pain, 40% with endometriosis, 80% with postoperative pain, and 83% with lower abdominal pain of unknown cause (Punnonen et al., 1980). PEMFs have been found to be helpful in headaches. For migraine headaches, high-frequency (5361 gHz) PEMFs applied to specific acupuncture points on the inner thighs for at least 2 weeks are effective short-term therapy (Sherman et al., 1999). Longer exposures lead to greater reduction of headache activity. One month after a treatment course, 73% of patients report decreased headache activity versus 50% of placebo treatment. Another 2 weeks of treatment after the 1-month follow-up gives an additional 88% decrease in headache activity. Patients with headache treated with a PEMF for 15 days after failing acupuncture and medications get effective relief of migraine, tension, and cervical headaches at about 1 month after treatment (Prusinski et al., 1987). They have at least a 50% reduction in frequency or intensity of the headaches and reduction in analgesic drug use. Cluster and posttraumatic headaches do not respond as well. PEMFs of various kinds, strengths, and frequencies included have been found to have good results in a wide array of painful conditions. There is little risk when compared to the potential invasiveness of other therapies and the risk of toxicity, addiction, and complications from medications. 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20030018368; 20030023283; 20030028072; 20030050527; 20030083537; 20030093028; 20030095022; 20030099979; 20030125661; 20030125769; 20030130709; 20030158583; 20030158585; 20030163168; 20030171640; 20030176895; 20030181791; 20030195594; 20030211084; 20040005297; 20040006373; 20040054379; 20040073260; 20040073269; 20040077923; 20040106843; 20040122281; 20040138709; 20040138722; 20040176803; 20040176805; 20040176806; 20040210254; 20040230224; 20040241311; 20040267333; 20047744524; 20050005120; 20050049640; 20050059153; 20050065394; 20050084962; 20050124847; 20050134265; 20050148807; 20050154426; 20050165460; 20050177203; 20050182287; 20050187423; 20050197522; 20050198812; 20050215842; 20050222625; 20050228209; 20050251229; 20050259373; 20050267355; 20050288744; 20057740574; 20057758490; 20060009825; 20060024822; 20060030896; 20060030906; 20060051328; 20060057693; 20060085049; 20060094112; 20060094924; 20060129022; 20060161226; 20060190043; 20060205993; 20060206174; 20060212077; 20060235473; 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20090326602; 20100004500; 20100005571; 20100010288; 20100049262; 20100057655; 20100075211; 20100082079; 20100121407; 20100160712; 20100160999; 20100168501; 20100179373; 20100185041; 20100197993; 20100204538; 20100210893; 20100221346; 20100222629; 20100222631; 20100239544; 20100262052; 20100298624; 20110004261; 20110021863; 20110065976; 20110065977; 20110105959; 20110112352; 20110112522; 20110118852; 20110124717; 20110130618; 20110152598; 20110160811; 20110184223; 20110190849; 20110207989; 20110213195; 20110217775; 20110224480; 20110282412; 20110288611; 20110295339; 20120016442; 20120038441; 20120059287; 20120078328; 20120089201; 20120101327; 20120101544; 20120116149; 20120135390; 20120135392; 20120143285; 20120149968; 20120172653; 20120184800; 20120215281; 20120245403; 20120253101; 20120265048; 20120302821; 20120316482; 20120330090; 20130013339; 20130035539; 20130072746; 20130085317; 20130158456; 20130158634; 20130165829; 20130171094; 20130178425; 20130218235; 20130238061; 20130238062; 20130245358; 20130261374; 20130267003; 20130267020; 20130274540; 20130288260; 20130289416; 20130293327; 20130296940; 20130317282; 20130344559; 20140023983; 20140024882; 20140046115; 20140046117; 20140046232; 20140046423; 20140066837; 20140081070; 20140114382; 20140148870; 20140155799; 20140163304; 20140207018; 20140207040; 20140207041; 20140213843; 20140213844; 20140221726; 20140228620; 20140249354; 20140249355; 20140303425; 20140322292; 20140342300; 20140342428; 20140343642; 20140350649; 20150005672; 20150010499; 20150025299; 20150094521; 20150099804; 20150107774; 20150141736; 20150151136; 20150174166; 20150196771; 20150202454; 20150217107; 20150217125; 20150217126; 20150258346; 20150273221; 20150297910; 20150306412; 20150315539; 20150320697; 20150328033; 20150328034; 20150328476; 20150342661; 20160000870; 20160008024; 20160015432; 20160015545; 20160022989; 20160038753; 20160051827; 20160067103; 20160067515; 20160067517; 20160074670; 20160074671; 20160121135; 20160129273; 20160129274; 20160129284; 20160145571; 20160151416; 20160151646; 20160193466; 20160206876; 20160228721; 20160228723; 20160235983; 20160246944; 20160306042; 20160313159; 20160317828; 20160331990; 20160339261; 20160346016; 20160346561; 20160354446; 20160372362; 20170000536; 20170001025; 20170001201; 20170027858; 20170028184; 20170030188; 20170039404; 20170043177; 20170050019; 20170056644; 20170071977; 20170072210; 20170080245; 20170087367; 20170113059; 20170113060; 20170128538; 20170151442; 20170152500; 20170157318; 20170165496; 20170173076; 20170173295; 20170173347; 20170202509; 20170209717; 20170225005; 20170226463; 20170246481; 20170252574; 20170266443; 20170266458; 20170266459; 20170291039; 20170295778; 20170298340; 20170298341; 20170304642; 20170319250; EP1216076; WO0115774; WO0209811; WO2004108208; WO2005051306; WO2008070001; WO2009155516; WO2010067336; WO2010149164; WO2011053607; WO8301742; WO9527533; WO9611723; WO9632158; SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A system and method is provided for applying a low strength, low frequency magnetic field therapy to biological tissues. A low frequency oscillating current is passed through a coil configured to induce a magnetic field strength of about 0.01-5 mTesla at a distance of 1 cm from the coil (or a cover over the coil), at a pulse frequency within the range 0.5-1,000 Hz, and more generally 5-1,000 Hz, for example at 100 Hz. The coil is e.g., 5-200 turns, having a diameter of 2-20 mm, of 0.2 mm copper wire, with a hollow core. With each rising and falling edge of a pulse (e.g., square wave), the inductor coil establishes a magnetic field that oscillates with a frequency spectrum that is dependent on the risetime and falltime of the pulse. A pulse occurs with each transition (edge of the square wave), of alternating polarity. The circuit acts as a filter, and with a quality audio amplifier with sufficient headroom driving the circuit, the pulses will contain strong frequency components at 10-24 kHz. Thus, the signal emitted from the coil will typically be a low frequency square wave magnetic field at the pulse edge rate, i.e., double the 0.5-1,000 Hz pulse rate, and a high frequency emission that may be an underdamped oscillation, overdamped oscillation, or critically damped oscillation within the decay period that accompanies each edge transition, dependent on the amplifier and circuit components. Due to the power storage in the inductive coil and capacitor during excitation with the square wave, the peak power of the damped oscillation is not directly related to the power output capacity of the audio amplifier that drives the circuit, though the average power will generally be so limited. Typically, the sharper the edge of the pulse, the greater the high frequency components in the electrical signal. With a quality audio amplifier driven by a digital to analog converter designed for digital audio sources, the frequency range may be flat (e.g., <3 dB rolloff) to >20 kHz, with a digital sampling rate of −44.1 kHz (or in some cases, 196 kHz). However, in such audio circuits, the digital source typically exceeds the bandwidth of the analog signal, and the typical audio range extends to about 20 kHz, so the amplifier may have a low pass filter (smoothing filter) which reduces “digital noise” above 20 kHz. The current is preferably controlled by a smartphone or other programmable device, and may be provided through an audio jack or other mechanical electronics connector. Alternately, a digital interface and/or wireless interface may control the current. An app on the smartphone may be used to control the frequency, amplitude/envelope modulation, waveform, duration, etc. of the oscillation. The coil may be in mineral or plastic housing with a simple filter, and TRRS-type audio jack. A circuit may be provided which resonates, e.g., at a frequency below 100 kHz, and in particular which causes a ringing upon abrupt change in a voltage applied to the circuit. Thus, a pulse train (symmetric or asymmetric) may be received by the device comprising the circuit and the coil, which is excited by the pulses, and resonates with a decay upon each transition. Typically, the circuit is passive, but in some embodiments, it contains diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, or the like. For example, some audio amplifiers may seek to damp the ringing within the circuit, and therefore it may be advantageous to include active or passive edge sharpening electronics within the device, which can be achieved through use of semiconductors, e.g., a digital control or analog devices that have nonlinear transfer functions and those that act as “triggers”. There is an emerging trend to eliminate an audio amplifier within a smartphone, which is replaced with a wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth) or a wired interface. Therefore, while a passive device is currently preferred for use with smartphones or other programmable devices that have their own analog audio interface, the technology may also be used with active circuits that internally generate the excitation for the coil. However, while the device can autonomously generate the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, it is preferred that the controlling device be connected to an on-line communications network for upload of feedback, user input, and sensor data, and download of therapy plans and excitation parameters. Therefore, one aspect of the technology is to provide a PEMF device that is part of the “Internet of Things”. However, because of the possibility of interference between the communications of the device and the therapy to be administered, in a preferred embodiment, communications are not concurrent with therapy. This, however, may be dependent on a number of factors, and is not a required attribute in all cases. The smartphone may control the device to apply a therapy according to various theories. The device is not limited to any particular set of excitation parameters, and indeed a particular advantage is that a therapist can design different regimens using the same system. Likewise, while this is not required, the smartphone provides a convenient means for patient feedback, and may thus permit an adaptive therapy. In the case of acute pain relief, the smartphone may employ a genetic algorithm to explore various treatment parameters, seeking for a particular patient the optimum, which may vary over time. A remote server may receive feedback (which may be anonymized in some cases), allowing the various states of the genetic algorithm to be tested over a large population, which can therefore reveal patient subpopulations and groups, and expand the testing space to a degree larger than possible with a single patient. It is preferred that, if the smartphone is in close proximity to the patient at the time of therapy, that the therapy be applied with the smartphone in “airplane mode”, that is, with radio frequency communications from the phone deactivated. This will avoid exposing the patient to potentially harmful high frequency waves during the therapy. Therefore, required remote communications are buffered for transmission after the therapy is concluded. Likewise, any required parameter downloads must be complete prior to initiation of therapy. The coil is advantageously disposed within a spherical housing, which may have a bored cylindrical hole for the coil, and an electrical connector extending therefrom. Based on current technologies, a 3.5 mm phono jack or TRRS jack is available on many smartphones. However, some devices do not have this interface available. Therefore, another available interface may be used, such as a wired digital interface, such as USB (2, 3, 3.1, etc.), Thunderbolt, etc., and wireless interfaces, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, Zwave, etc. The device does not need a smartphone or other standard intelligent/programmable consumer device, and for example, may be driven by an internal microcontroller, AM or FM radio receiver, analog or digital circuitry, etc. However, a smartphone is advantageous because it permits relatively easy programming, and remote communications as may be appropriate. Note that as technologies advance, the form factor and suite of functionality in a “smartphone” may evolve. Since the PEMF therapy is not dependent on the phone per se, any device that suitably generates excitation for the coil, and accepts and responds to control parameters for generating the PEMF, may be used. According to present availability and ubiquity of smartphones and tablets, e.g., Android, Apple, Windows (e.g., mobile), Linux, Chrome, Blackberry OS, etc., this type of platform is convenient, capable and preferred. It is therefore an object to provide a magnetic field therapy device, comprising: a conductive coil fed with a current, to supply a therapy to a tissue, the therapy comprising a magnetic field strength below 50 mT, preferably below 25 mT, more preferably below 10 mT, and most preferably below 5 mT, and may have a strength as low as 0.01 mT max. Preferably, the field penetrates into the tissue at least 1 cm. The coil may be, for example, a single layer of between 5 and 200 turns, e.g., 0.2 mm copper wire, having an external diameter of between about 2 mm and 20 mm. The excitation received by the circuit which excites the coil, may be an oscillating electrical signal having a frequency range from about 5 Hz to about 100 kHz. The circuit may present an impedance of at least 8 Ohms at 100 Hz to a driver circuit. The signal which drives the circuit may have a slew rate of −10 kHz, e.g., 1 V/100 μS=105V/sec, and the circuit may have a nominal load impedance of 33 S2 for signals having that slew rate. The coil (and optionally circuit) may be contained within a housing, such as a spherical magnetically impermeable material, such as a mineral (natural or synthetic), polymer, or non-magnetic metal. The housing is configured to contact the skin, and thus permit a therapy of the tissues underneath the skin. A filter may be provided, optionally within the housing, having at least one pole within a range of 5 Hz to 50,000 Hz, configured to filter the oscillating electrical signal supplied to the conductive coil. The filter may resonate upon transient changes in voltage. The filter may have a pole at about 3 kHz. The conductive coil may have a diameter of about 5-10 or 10-12 mm, and preferably about 6-8 mm. The conductive coil may have a diameter of less than about 15 or 12 mm. The size and shape of the coil are governed by the laws of physics with respect to the magnetic field shape and strength. Thus, a deeper field typically requires a larger coil, which will require a higher current. If the coil is to be driven from an audio earphone jack amplifier, the maximum power available will be <200 mW, and typically <100 mW, corresponding to 1 V max into >8 Ohms. For example, with a 33 Ohm load resistor in the circuit, and a 1 V peak driven signal, the available average power will be about 30 mW. The presented impedance may be at least 30 Ohms. The oscillating electrical signal may have a frequency range comprising 50 Hz. That is, the signal may assume a 50 Hz frequency, or be a broadband signal encompassing 50 Hz. The cover may have a spherical surface having a diameter of about 15-30 mm preferably 20-25 mm, and most preferably 20 mm. The cover may be formed of a magnetically impermeable mineral, such as quartz. The input may comprise an analog phono jack, such as a 3.5 mm TRRS phono jack. The input may also comprise a digital audio connector. The filter may comprise a circuit board having at least one resistor and at least one capacitor. The input may comprise a radio frequency receiver, the magnetic field therapy device further comprising a self-contained battery power source to power the radio frequency receiver and the conductive coil. The input may be adapted to receive a signal from a smartphone. The smartphone may be configured to generate the oscillating electrical signal based on a downloadable app which executes under a smartphone operating system. The smartphone may be configured to execute the downloadable app in airplane mode, substantially without emission of radio frequency signals in excess of 25 MHz. It is also an object to provide a magnetic field therapy method, comprising: providing a conductive coil, an input configured to receive an oscillating electrical signal and to supply a current to the conductive coil, to thereby generate an oscillating magnetic field surrounding the conductive coil, and a cover, surrounding the conductive coil and the filter, adapted to contact human or animal skin and pass the oscillating magnetic field substantially without distortion or attenuation; generating the oscillating electrical signal in a first state with a smartphone under control of a smartphone app; and emitting the generated oscillating magnetic field surrounding the conductive coil into the human or animal skin adjacent to the cover, at a magnetic field strength of at least 0.01 mTesla at a distance of 1 cm from the cover. The method may further comprise receiving a user input to the smartphone; and generating the oscillating electrical signal in a second state with the smartphone under control of the smartphone app, the second state comprising a different distribution of frequencies of the oscillating electrical signal than the first state. Under excitation by the oscillating electrical signal at a voltage of 1 V peak-to-peak, a magnetic field of between 0.01 mTesla and 5 mTesla may be obtained within a human or animal tissue under the human or animal skin contacting a surface of the cover at a depth of 1 cm from the surface of the cover, aligned with an axis of the conductive coil. An electrical filter may be provided within the cover. The electrical filter may comprise a circuit board having at least one resistor and at least one capacitor. The filter may have a pole at about 3 kHz. The conductive coil may have an inner diameter of about 8 mm. The presented impedance at the input may be at least 30 Ohms, e.g., having a 33 S2 resistor in series with the coil. This value is dependent on typical smartphone audio amplifier designs, and a 33 S2 load impedance at 10 kHz is typically acceptable for such amplifiers in common devices. Of course, with a particular device, the value of the load impedance (and thus the amount of power that is available for the PEMF) can vary. The oscillating electrical signal may have a frequency range comprising 50 Hz. The cover may comprise a spherical section having a diameter of about 2 cm. The cover may be formed of a magnetically impermeable mineral. The method may further comprise generating, on a display of the smartphone, an indication of at least a direction in which the cover should be moved over the human or animal skin. The magnetic field excited for a 100 Hz oscillating electrical signal at a voltage of 1 V peak-to-peak may be at least 0.05 mTesla at a depth of 1 cm in the human or animal tissue beneath the human or animal skin contacting the surface of the cover. The input may comprise an analog phono jack or a digital audio connector. The input may comprise a radio receiver, and the magnetic field therapy device may further comprise a self-contained battery power source to power the radio receiver and the current to the conductive coil. The smartphone may execute the downloadable app in airplane mode, substantially without emission of radio frequency signals in excess of 25 MHz. The oscillating electrical signal may be a square wave signal. The circuit within the device may, for example, have a non-linear transfer function semiconductor device which conducts or triggers in a voltage dependent manner, and therefore generates high frequency signal components from a signal transition. For example, a diode “turns on” at 0.3-0.6 V in forward conduction (depending on junction composition). A pair of back-to-back diodes thus would be operative for “edge sharpening” for both rising and falling pulses. Similarly, a bipolar transistor/JFET/FET circuit may provide greater control over the conduction threshold and frequency characteristics. Other types of semiconductor devices may also be used in a passive circuit. The circuit may also contain an active semiconductor device. For example, the power in the audio signal may be harvested with a rectifier circuit (preferably germanium or Schottky diodes or FETs, due to the low operating voltages) and stored on a capacitor, which is then used to run the active circuit. A voltage multiplier or step-up circuit may be employed as appropriate. A separate power source may also be provided, independent of the audio signal. Note that the pulse signal is typically a square wave, but in practice, this need not have a symmetric duty cycle. Preferably, the spacing between upswing and downswing of the pulses is greater than the settling time of the coil and capacitor circuit, though in some cases, it may be shorter, allowing a relatively continuous excitation of the magnetic field therapy. All characteristics of the excitation signal may be controlled within the digital parameters of the control circuit and the analog characteristics of the amplifier and other circuit components, under control of the software in the smartphone or other control device. It is also an object to provide a method of treating a human or animal, comprising: providing a smartphone having a magnetically actuated acoustic speaker; placing the speaker proximate to skin; generating an acoustic emission from the acoustic speaker and an accompanying magnetic emission, within a frequency range of 10 Hz-1000 Hz, controlled with a downloadable application for the smartphone; receiving user feedback into the smartphone downloadable application representing a subjective therapeutic effect; and modifying the acoustic emission based on the feedback. It is a further object to provide a method of treating a human or animal, comprising: providing a smartphone having an electromagnetic vibration motor; placing the electromagnetic vibration motor proximate to skin; generating a vibration from the electromagnetic vibration motor and an accompanying magnetic emission, controlled with a downloadable application for the smartphone; receiving user feedback into the smartphone downloadable application representing a subjective therapeutic effect; and modifying the vibration based on the feedback. It is another object to provide a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy device, comprising: an interface configured to receive an oscillating electrical signal from a programmable device; a coiled conductor, having at least 5 turns, and an inner diameter of between about 4-15 mm; a magnetically impermeable cover, having an outer surface configured for contact with human or animal skin; and a circuit within the magnetically impermeable cover, configured to excite the coiled conductor with a current corresponding to the oscillating electrical signal, to generate a magnetic field of between about 10 μTesla and 5 mTesla at a distance of 1 cm from the cover at a position axially aligned with the coiled conductor. The interface may comprise an analog audio interface, presenting an impedance of between about 8-100 Ohms. The coiled conductor may comprise copper wire. The circuit may comprise a resistor and a capacitor. The magnetically permeable cover may comprise a natural or synthetic mineral. The pulsed electromagnetic field therapy device may further comprise a light emitting diode configured to illuminate in an emission pattern corresponding to an amplitude of the oscillating electric signal. The interface may comprise a Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, Zwave, or Near Field Communication protocol receiver. The interface may comprise a 3.5 mm headphone jack analog audio interface, presenting an impedance of between about 8-100 Ohms. The interface may comprise a microphone. The circuit may comprise a capacitor in series with the coiled conductor. It is another object to provide a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy method, comprising: receiving a pulse train from a programmable device, having a pulse frequency of between 5-1,000 Hz; passing a current corresponding to the pulse train through a coiled conductor having an inner diameter of between about 4-15 mm, within a cover configured to contact an exposed surface of a subject; emitting a pulse electromagnetic field from the coiled conductor corresponding to the current, having a maximum field strength of between about 10 μTesla and 5 mTesla at a distance of 1 cm from the cover at a position axially aligned with the coil coiled conductor, to thereby apply a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to the subject. The programmable device may comprise a mobile telecommunication device having an application program downloaded through a telecommunication port, the application program controlling an audio interface of the mobile telecommunication device to generate the pulse train, and controlling a user interface of the mobile telecommunication device to receive user input to at least initiate generation of the pulse train. The method may further comprise receiving feedback from the subject relating to an effect of the pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The method may further comprise communicating a signal corresponding to the feedback from the mobile telecommunication device to a remote server through a communication network. The method may further comprise receiving from the remote server a set of parameters for controlling generation of the pulse train. The set of parameters may comprise a pulse train frequency, and a pulse train duration. The electromagnetic field therapy may comprise a resonant discharge of stored energy from the coiled conductor. The passing a current corresponding to the pulse train through a coiled conductor may comprise passing the current through a capacitor and the coiled conductor. The cover may have a spherical surface. The spherical surface may have a diameter of between 15 and 25 mm, e.g., about 20 mm. The power for emission of the pulsed electromagnetic field therapy may be derived from the received pulse train or from a self-contained power source distinct from the pulse train. The method may further comprise producing an optical signal when the pulsed electromagnetic therapy is in progress. The power for generating the optical signal may be derived from the received pulse train or a self-contained power source distinct from the pulse train. The pulse train may be received wirelessly. The pulse train may be received through a Bluetooth, WiFi, or NFC receiver, or an analog headphone jack, presenting a load of at least 30 Ohms, for example. The pulse train may also be received as an acoustic communication through a microphone. The programmable device may generate an analog output having a plurality of different programmable sampling rates, further comprising selecting a sampling rate to alter the pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The plurality of different programmable sampling rates comprise 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz. The pulse train may be a square wave pulse train. The pulse train may have a symmetric or asymmetric duty cycle. It is a further object to provide a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy method, comprising: receiving a pulse signal from a programmable device, having a pulse repetition rate of between 5-1,000 pulses per second; passing a current corresponding to the pulse train through a coiled conductor having an inner diameter of between about 4-15 mm, within a cover configured to contact an exposed surface of a subject, the current having an asymmetric rise and fall; and emitting a pulse electromagnetic field from the coiled conductor corresponding to the current, having a maximum field strength of between about 10 μTesla and 5 mTesla at a distance of 1 cm from the cover at a position axially aligned with the coil coiled conductor, to thereby apply a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to the subject. It is another object to provide a magnetic field therapy device, comprising: a conductive coil having a diameter of between about 8 mm and 15 mm and having between 5-1000 turns; an analog input configured to receive an electrical signal from an analog audio interface device, a high pass filter; and a non-magnetic cover, surrounding the conductive coil and the filter, adapted separate the conductive coil from contact with an adjacent human or animal tissue substantially without disrupting a magnetic field emitted from the conductive coil, wherein under excitation by the electrical signal comprising square wave pulses at a frequency of 100 Hz and a voltage of 1 V peak-to-peak, a magnetic field of between 0.01 mTesla and 5 mTesla maximum is obtained at a distance of 1 cm from the cover. The filter may comprise a resistor having a resistance of between about 10 Ohms and 100 Ohms, and a ceramic capacitor having a capacitance of about 1-50 μFarads, and the coiled conductor has between 5 and 200 turns.

11407213

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a decorative high pressure laminate (HPL) panel, comprising an outermost décor layer and a core layer, wherein said panel further comprises at least one photovoltaic element for converting the energy of light into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, said at least one photovoltaic element is located between said outermost décor layer and said core layer Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for dividing such a decorative HPL panel into individual HPL panel segments comprising one or more photovoltaic elements and possibly into individual HPL panel segments without any photovoltaic elements. Decorative high-pressure compact laminates (HPL) manufactured by the present applicant are known for outdoor applications. Such laminates consist of layers of wood-based fibres (paper and/or wood) impregnated with thermosetting resins and surface layer(s) on one or both sides, having decorative colours or designs. A transparent topcoat is added to the surface layer(s) and cured to enhance weather and light protecting properties. These components are bonded together with simultaneous application of heat and high specific pressure to obtain a homogeneous non-porous material with increased density and integral decorative surface. These panels have been disclosed in, inter alia, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,801,495, 4,789,604, US Patent application 2013/0078437. In the manufacture of HPL panels, the package, comprising the core layer and surface layer or layers, and the paper layers possibly located between them as well, is thermopressed to make a decorative panel; the thermosetting resins are cured in this process. The temperature is in the range from 120 DEG to 210 DEG C., the pressure is in the range from 10 to 100 bar, and the reaction time is from 1 to 75 minutes. However, if the core layer comprises a wood, plastic, or metal panel, then the temperature and pressure can usually be reduced as far as 80 DEG C. and 5 bar, respectively. Such panels are non-intelligent panels. This means that the function of these panels is for construction and for aesthetic purposes only. But, interactive panels are known in the art, for example panels provided with light sources. Functionalized panels are known in the art. For example German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2012 019 421 relates to an illuminated facade panel with an integrated light source, particularly in the form of a row-shaped light emitting diode array. In addition, US patent application publication No. 2011/261288 relates to a resin-type light guide plate composition, a backlight unit including the light guide plate formed using the composition, and a liquid crystal display including the backlight unit. German Offenlegungsschrift DE 198 11 076 relates to an illuminated laminar panel hot-pressed from resin prepregs and to a method for manufacturing such a panel. Panel-like photovoltaic solar modules, used especially as a facade or roof element and having outer connection leads for electrical connection to further solar modules are known from EP 0 867 946. U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,839 teaches a solar panel comprising: at least one solar cell; a rigid transparent sheet overlying the cell; and a sheet of hardened aluminium foil beneath the cell and bonded to the cell and to the transparent sheet, wherein the panel includes upper and lower surfaces and the foil sheet provides a hermetic seal along a portion of the lower surface. German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2013 000 135 relates to a self-supporting façade or roof element, with a front panel and a heat exchanger element in installation orientation, the heat exchanger element is arranged on the inner side of the front panel so that a heat transfer between the front panel and the heat exchanger element is ensured, and connections for the supply and discharge of a heat transfer medium to the heat exchanger element. The front plate is a cement-bonded plate, a fibre cement board, or a natural stone slab or a HPL panel. Photovoltaically active elements can be attached to the outer surface of the front panel, in which case the electrical connection lines can be integrated into the facade element for this purpose. European patent application EP 2 645 013 relates to a system of solar energy conversion panels configured for application to a vertical surface, the system essentially comprises one or more support brackets, applied vertically and parallel to each other onto the vertical support surface whereto the system is installed, one or more rows of arrays of photovoltaic panels, applied onto respective array support frames, one or more rows of frames, acting as supports for diffusing elements or panels applied onto said frames, one or more first upper coupling systems of the hinge type, adapted to couple the top side of the arrays of photovoltaic panels to the vertical support, one or more hinging systems, adapted to couple the bottom side of the arrays of photovoltaic panels to the top side of the diffusing elements, one or more carriages or sliding systems, adapted to slideably couple the bottom side of the diffusing elements to the support bracket. The diffusing panels may be manufactured by using machined, perforated, coloured metal sheets, e.g. made of aluminum, copper, metal mesh, stretched mesh, etc. The diffusing panels may be manufactured as self-supporting high-pressure laminates. Today photovoltaic elements have the characteristic looks of striped, dark and glass reflecting panels. Such panels are available in limited shapes and sizes which are determined by the specific photovoltaic manufacturing processes. These constraints bind architects to strict design rules, do they want to include solar harvesters in façades. On global level, the decrease of CO2footprint is a driving force to decrease energy losses for buildings. One approach is to increase the insulation which decreases the losses when heating and cooling houses and buildings. However, new regulations require more than optimized insulation. The new regulation advices that (newly constructed) buildings should generate 50% of its energy needs by renewable energy sources (RES). The RES should be part of the building. For higher apartment blocks, for example, it will not be sufficient to only cover the roof with high efficiency photovoltaic elements, other RES on for example the facades are required to reach the targets of the regulation. BRIEF SUMMARY An object of the present invention is to provide a decorative HPL panel that is provided with a photovoltaic function where the photovoltaic function is seamlessly integrated into the HPL panel and cannot be seen from the outside. Another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative HPL panel that is provided with a photovoltaic function wherein the photovoltaic function cannot be easily removed from the HPL panel including the photovoltaic function. Another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative HPL panel that is provided with a photovoltaic function wherein the mechanical properties of the decorative HPL panel including the photovoltaic function are maintained over a long period of time. Another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative HPL panel that is provided with a photovoltaic function wherein the flatness of the decorative HPL panel including the photovoltaic function is secured. The present invention thus relates to a decorative high pressure laminate (HPL) panel, comprising an outermost décor layer and a core layer, wherein said panel further comprises at least one photovoltaic element for converting the energy of light into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, said at least one photovoltaic element is located between said outermost décor layer and said core layer, characterized in that said outermost décor layer comprises a resin impregnated paper, said outermost décor layer being transparent for the wavelength of the incident light that powers said at least one photovoltaic element. The present inventors found that with such a panel one or more of the aforementioned objects have been achieved. In more detail, by pressing photovoltaic elements in between a core layer, for example a thermoset resin impregnated paper or wood fibres and an outermost décor layer a HPL panel is obtained where the solar energy harvester, that is the photovoltaic elements, is included, functional and non-visible. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the outer appearance of said décor layer covering said at least one photovoltaic element is such that said at least one photovoltaic element located between said outermost décor layer and said core layer is invisible. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the resin impregnated paper comprises pigments. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the resin of the resin impregnated paper is chosen from the group of thermoset resins, preferably based on resin from the group consisting of phenol resin, melamine resin, urea resin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyisocyanate resin, melamine acrylate, polyurethane acrylate or combinations thereof. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel an adhesive layer is located between said at least one photovoltaic element and said core layer. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the adhesive layer is chosen from the group of thermoset resins, preferably based on resin from the group consisting of phenol resin, melamine resin, urea resin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyisocyanate resin, melamine acrylate, polyurethane acrylate or combinations thereof. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the HPL panel comprises several photovoltaic elements of different dimensions. The present decorative HPL panel is not limited by the number and/or dimensions of photovoltaic elements incorporated in the decorative HPL panel. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the photovoltaic elements are chosen from the group of organic and inorganic photovoltaic sources, especially of the type thin film photovoltaics. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the core further comprises another décor layer positioned on the side facing away from said at least one photovoltaic element. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the decorative HPL panel further comprises at least one electricity consuming source, said electricity consuming source chosen from the group of light source, such as LED, sensor for measuring the temperature and sensor for measuring the air, and combinations thereof, said electricity consuming source being electrically connectable to said at least one photovoltaic element. In an embodiment the decorative HPL panel further comprises at least one intermediate layer, said at least one intermediate layer being positioned adjacent to said at least one photovoltaic element. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the at least one intermediate layer is positioned between said at least one photovoltaic element and said core layer. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the at least one intermediate layer comprises thermal conductive materials. These thermal conductive materials, for example metals, will function as heat dissipating means thereby preventing an unwanted increase of the temperature in the HPL panel. In addition, the occurrence of heat will degrade the efficiency of the photovoltaic element(s). An example of such an intermediate layer is a thermoplastic polymer matrix provided with metallic parts, or graphite. Another example of such intermediate layer is a resin impregnated paper provided with metallic parts, or graphite. The generation of heat may also occur resistances in the electric circuitry. By transporting this heat away from the photovoltaic element(s), the degradation effects are suppressed. This can be obtained by placing a transparent or semi-transparent heat conductive film between the photovoltaic element(s) and décor, or directly below the photovoltaic element(s). Such film can be, but is not limited to, a polyester composite film including compounds chosen from the group of graphene, graphite, iron micro-sized flakes, metal fibres, particles and flakes, or any combination thereof. Such films are for example manufactured by GNext, i.e. graphene polyester films (PET, PP, PLA; thickness 12 or 100 micrometre). In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the at least one intermediate layer comprises a resin impregnated paper having an inhomogeneous resin distribution, wherein the resin concentration in said resin impregnated paper at an area corresponding to the position of said at least photovoltaic element is higher than another area of said resin impregnated paper. The resin content is between 20-300% of the paper weight, preferably between 20-70% in the low resin content regions and between 60-250% in the high resin content regions, preferable 100-250%. This inhomogeneous resin distribution will have the effect that at the position of the photovoltaic element(s) a higher amount of resin is present, resulting in a thicker and/or denser cured network thereby strongly embedding the photovoltaic element(s) in the core layer. In addition the higher concentration of resin at that specific position will penetrate into the surrounding areas thereby creating a stronger network after curing the resin. There are several methods known in this field of the art for applying curable resins to kraft or overlay papers. Besides the dip and squeeze method, where the paper is fully inserted into a resin bath followed by drying, other impregnation methods are also possible. For example, to apply a resin directly to the paper by rotary screen printing, roller coating, engraving, spray coating, curtain coating, flexographic printing, vacuum coating or ink jet coating and the like. It is also possible to use two or several methods simultaneously. Making use of an additive coating process that also applies the resin in a pattern, in transversal and/or longitudinal direction, the amount of resin can be altered locally on a scale of millimetres to meters, or preferably millimetres to centimetres. The local excess of resin is patterned in the intermediate layer to correspond to the recesses in the core layer, for example a thermoformable sheet or prepreg, resin impregnated papers. The excess resin, which starts to flow during the heat-and-press cycle during production of the final decorative HPL panel or laminate, is used to fill up the cavities around the photovoltaic element(s) in the recess. In this way the relief is levelled out and the surface is flattened. In an embodiment of the present decorative HPL panel the at least one intermediate layer comprises a resin impregnated kraft paper, wherein the resin is selected from the group consisting of phenol resin, melamine resin, urea resin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, polyisocyanate resin, melamine acrylate, polyurethane acrylate or combinations thereof. Preferably, the paper has a weight of 15-200 g/m2, in particular 70-100 g/m2. In another embodiment, impregnation power and workability may be formed by overlay papers, nonwoven substrates, glass web or combinations thereof, in which connection especially overlay papers have a weight of 10-50 g/m2, preferably 15-35 g/m2. Especially the location of the at least one photovoltaic element enables the provision of a HPL panel from which the photovoltaic element cannot be taken away without destructing the HPL panel. In addition, according to the present invention the photovoltaic element(s) is/are seamlessly integrated into the HPL panel during the manufacturing process of the panel. Therefore, no additional post-processing actions such as gluing, laminating, cavity making to fit PV elements in the panel need to be taken. Furthermore, the complete integration of the photovoltaic element in the panel has resulted in a panel having a joint free surface. In addition, the original aesthetics of the HPL panel provided with such photovoltaic element(s) will be maintained. The same applies for the mechanical properties of the present HPL panel provided with such photovoltaic element(s). The term “within the decorative HPL panel” as used herein means that the at least one photovoltaic element cannot been seen or touched from the outside of the decorative HPL panel without destructing the decorative HPL panel. This term means also that the at least one photovoltaic element is not positioned at the outermost surface of the decorative panel, i.e. in a visible position, but in a position below the outermost surface of the decorative HPL panel, i.e. in an invisible position. The term “said outermost décor layer being layer being transparent for the wavelength of the incident light that powers said at least one photovoltaic element” covers also a décor layer that is semi-transparent. It is clear that any additional layer(s) between the photovoltaic element(s) and the outermost surface of the panel must show a certain transparency for the wavelength of the incident light that powers said at least one photovoltaic element. In the following description the term “transparent” covers “semi-transparent” as well. The photovoltaic element that is incorporated in the present HPL panel can be deposited on a paper or another type of a carrier or support material, for example a flexible foil made of plastic or textile, or can consist of rigid or flexible support material. The photovoltaic element(s) incorporated in the present HPL panel require(s) cables, connectors and other electrical equipment that are well known in this field. In an embodiment these electrical elements are (partly) integrated in the HPL panel as such. According to an embodiment a storage device for the generated electricity is integrated in the present panel. As discussed above, the mechanical properties of the decorative panel need to be maintained over a long time period. Any deterioration of the mechanical properties needs to be prevented. The present inventors found that the presence of photovoltaic element(s) in the present decorative HPL panel may lead to a local increase of the temperature in the HPL panel, especially during midday in the summer period. Such a local hot spot may have an adverse influence on the performance and life time of the photovoltaic element(s). In addition, the mechanical properties of the decorative HPL panel, especially in the area surrounding the photovoltaic element(s), may be affected. In addition, the flat surface of the decorative HPL panel is an important aspect of the HPL panel. Thus, any irregularity in the surface, e.g. surface relief, of the HPL panel should be prevented. And the incorporation of photovoltaic element(s) in the decorative panel may need additional measurements for maintaining the flatness of the decorative HPL panel. In addition, the inventors found that during the step of pressing the panel at elevated temperatures and pressures the resin present in the resin impregnated paper layers may lead to the formation of yellowish coloured cured compounds. These yellowish coloured cured compounds may have a negative influence on the transparency of these layers. These yellowish coloured cured compounds will lower the energy received by the photovoltaic element(s). In the present decorative panel the core layer preferably comprises a thermo pressed stack of resin impregnated papers, for example phenol resin impregnated papers. According to another embodiment prepregs, non-wovens and wovens of wood fibres, glass fibres, textile fibres, synthetic fibres, metallic fibres, ceramic fibres, carbon fibres, or a mixture thereof, can be used to partly or completely replace the paper in the resin impregnated stack. In yet another embodiment the resin impregnated paper can be replaced by a prepreg. Such a prepreg can be considered as a consolidated core of a fibre containing material comprised of wood or cellulose fibres which are coated with a thermosetting synthetic resin. The thickness of prepregs may be considerable larger than a typical paper, and may include thicknesses >1 cm, or even greater. A method for manufacturing prepregs has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,503,115 and 6,387,489 in the name of the present applicant. For example according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,489 after drying the fibres are stored or passed directly to spreader equipment. The resin-treated fibres may be further processed without or with pigments. The mixture made from resin-treated fibres and pigments is introduced to spreader equipment which deposits the fibres and the pigments continuously and uniformly with random orientation, producing, distributed across the entire width of a horizontal conveyor belt, a web-like mat, which is press-molded either individually or together with other web-like mats of this type, to form the core layer. After continuous shaping of the mat on the conveyor belt, using scrapers, brushes, belts or rollers, the prepreg is given a preliminary press-moulding and compacted, with thickness reduction, in calendering equipment. In another embodiment it is also possible to locate the photovoltaic element(s) within the thermo pressed stack of resin impregnated papers. In order to prevent the formation of an uneven outer surface of the present panel the present inventors found that is possible to provide the stack of resin impregnated papers with one or more recesses. Those recesses can be used to position the photovoltaic element(s) in the respective recesses. In such an embodiment it is preferred that the recesses provided with the photovoltaic element(s) are covered with at least one thermo pressed resin impregnated paper. The formation of one or more recesses is valid for each type of core layer as mentioned above. The recesses can also be used for placement of the battery, i.e. a device for storage of electricity, for cables, connectors and other electrical equipment. The present construction of the HPL panel and the photovoltaic element(s) is such that the photovoltaic element(s) cannot be removed without destructing the HPL panel. During the step of bonding together the individual components, i.e. the core layer, the photovoltaic element(s) and the décor layer, with simultaneous application of heat, for example ≥120° C., and high specific pressure (>7 MPa) a homogeneous non-porous HPL panel with increased density and integral decorative surface is obtained. The photovoltaic element(s), optionally the cables, connectors and other electrical equipment as well, are thus fully embedded in the present HPL panel and all these devices are invisible from the outside. Methods for manufacturing decorative HPL panels have been disclosed in, inter alia, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,801,495, 4,789,604, US Patent application 2013/0078437. The relevant parts disclosed in these publications regarding the process conditions for manufacturing these HPL panels should be incorporated here by reference. The present invention is also suitable for the production of CPL (continuous press laminates) and LPL (low pressure laminates). Low pressure laminates comprises materials used to coat surfaces, formed by two or three papers impregnated with melamine thermosetting resins to which plasticisers are added. The papers are joined strongly together by hot pressing at low pressures. The physical and technical properties of these materials are inferior to those of high pressure laminates, but are more than adequate for coating furniture components that will not undergo much stress and, in particular, are suitable for producing edges. A HPL (High Pressure Laminate) is manufactured via a high pressure/high temperature lamination process, while a CPL (Continuous Pressure Laminate) is laminated under low pressure. This results in variations in performance particularly in terms of strength and ease of installation. The present invention also covers the Double Belt Press (DBP) for the production of Continuous Pressed Laminate (CPL). CPL is decorative paper impregnated with resins and fused under heat and high pressure with resin impregnated backer(s). Laminate properties are similar to standard HPL and typical thickness range is 0.4 mm to 1 mm. Flexible CPL is decorative paper impregnated with flexible thermosetting resins and fused under heat and high pressure with resin-impregnated backer(s). The present inventors found that instead of pressing the photovoltaic element(s) in-between the papers with thermo curable resins, photovoltaic element(s) can be placed in cavities made in a thermo formable sheet of material. The dimensions of the cavity are preferably such that after placing the photovoltaic element(s) in the cavity of the sheet, the surface of the sheet will be completely flat. The sheet with photovoltaic element(s) is placed within a stack of décor and papers with thermo curable resin, just below the décor, or with at least one paper with thermo curable resin between the sheet and the décor. In a specific embodiment the side of the sheet where the photovoltaic element(s) is placed is, is closest to the décor. According to another embodiment the décor is laminated onto the sheet with photovoltaic element(s) the sheet acting as the core material. The adhesion can be stimulated by applying an adhesive on the sheet, the décor or both, before lamination. In an embodiment the substrate layer of the décor layer is chosen from the group of resin impregnated papers, non-wovens and wovens made of wood fibres, glass fibres, textile fibres, synthetic fibres, metallic fibres, ceramic fibres and carbon fibres, or a combination of these fibres. In a specific embodiment resin impregnated papers can be combined with non-wovens and/or wovens. In another embodiment the substrate layer of the décor layer can also be chosen from the group of polymeric foils, metallic foils and ceramic foils, or a combination of anyone of these foils. In a specific embodiment resin impregnated papers can be combined with non-wovens and/or wovens and/or foils as mentioned here. The thermo formable sheet may include one or more thermoplastic polymers, wherein the thermoplastic polymers will plastically deform upon applying thermal pressure. The thermoplastic sheet may include fillers, as minerals, reinforcement fibres of e.g. glass, synthetic, carbon, or other types. The purpose of the fillers is to modify the physical properties of the thermo formable sheet, as e.g. reinforce it. The present invention also relates to a decorative HPL panel wherein the core comprises at least one thermo formable sheet. In such an embodiment the core may further comprise a stack of resin impregnated papers, wherein the at least one thermo formable sheet is positioned between the décor layer and the stack of resin impregnated papers. In another embodiment a thermo curable layer is preferably positioned between the décor and the thermo formable sheet, a thermo curable layer, preferably resin impregnated paper. The at least one thermo formable sheet is preferably provided with one or more recesses, in which one or more recesses the photovoltaic element(s) is/are placed. Such a recess may also contain other devices, such as a battery, i.e. a device for storage of electricity, cables, connectors and other electrical equipment. The integrated photovoltaic element(s) is/are encapsulated by the HPL panel, which protects the integrated photovoltaic element(s) to the environment. Such environmental protection can include but is not limited to wind, weather, sun, chemicals, scratches, temperature, moisture and humidity. The encapsulation also prevents unintentional removal (theft) of the photovoltaic element(s) and other devices when incorporated in the panel as well. The present decorative HPL panel can be used in outside environmental areas, such as exterior walls, ceilings and facades. The advantages of the present HPL panel can thus be identified as follows: non-visible, seamless integration, flatness of outer surface, encapsulation, i.e. protection against environment, whereas the physical properties of panel remain unaltered compared to a panel without the present photovoltaic element(s). The present invention furthermore relates to a method for dividing a decorative HPL panel as discussed above into one or more individual HPL panel segments, said HPL panel segments thus obtained may comprise HPL panel segments having one or more photovoltaic elements and HPL panel segments without any photovoltaic elements, said method comprising the following steps: i) providing a decorative HPL panel, comprising an outermost décor layer and a core layer, said HPL panel further comprising several photovoltaic elements for converting the energy of light into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, said several photovoltaic elements are located between said outermost décor layer and said core layer, wherein said several photovoltaic elements are positioned in the same plane of said HPL panel, said outermost décor layer being transparent for the incident light that powers said several photovoltaic elements, said outermost décor layer making said several photovoltaic elements invisible; ii) determining a size of one or more segments in the decorative HPL panel of i); iii) cutting the decorative HPL panel of i) in accordance with the size determined according to step ii) into HPL panel segments having one or more photovoltaic elements and possibly HPL panel segments without any photovoltaic elements. In accordance with the method it is now possible to manufacture in one step a HPL panel having several photovoltaic elements, wherein the HPL panel thus obtained can be further processed into one or more individual HPL panel segments. The HPL panel segments thus obtained may comprise HPL panel segments having one or more photovoltaic elements, wherein said photovoltaic elements may have different sizes, dimensions and performance qualities. In addition, the HPL panel segments thus obtained may comprise HPL panel segments without any photovoltaic elements. As an example, the starting HPL panel may have 10 individual photovoltaic elements. After step iii) there are 5 separate HPL panels, 3 of them having only one photovoltaic element and 1 of them having 5 photovoltaic elements and one of them 2 photovoltaic elements. The size of these 5 HPL panels may be the same or different in size. The same applies for the photovoltaic elements. The present method thus provides a very flexible process for obtaining decorative HPL panels. In an embodiment the outer cladding of a building consists of at least one decorative HPL panel as discussed above. In another embodiment the outer cladding of a building consists of individual HPL panel segments having one or more photovoltaic elements obtained according to the method discussed above. In an embodiment the outer cladding of a building may further consist of individual HPL panel segments without any photovoltaic elements obtained according to the method discussed above. The present invention furthermore relates to interior furniture consisting of at least one decorative HPL panel according and/or consisting of individual HPL panel segments comprising one or more photovoltaic elements obtained according to the method discussed above. On basis of the availability of HPL panel segments having one or more photovoltaic elements and HPL panel segments without any photovoltaic elements, wherein these HPL panel segments originate from the same HPL panel the present inventors also propose a method for providing an outer cladding of a building with HPL panel segments having one or more photovoltaic elements and HPL panel segments without any photovoltaic elements. An advantage is that these HPL panels have the same outer appearance since they originate from the same HPL panel. Such a method comprises the following steps: a) determining the amount of sunlight incident on the outer cladding of a building; b) positioning individual HPL panel segments comprising one or more photovoltaic elements on the outer cladding in an area having a high amount of incident sun light, and possibly c) positioning individual HPL panel segments without any photovoltaic elements on the outer cladding in an area having a low amount of incident sun light. Such a method will take advantage of the availability of the two types of HPL panel segments. The ones without the photovoltaic elements will be positioned in an area in which the amount of incident sun light is low, and the ones with the photovoltaic elements will be positioned in an area in which the amount of incident sun light is high. Thus, there is an optimum us of the capacity of the photovoltaic elements. Façade elements with invisible solar energy harvesters is allowing the architects to design energy efficient buildings without restrictions in aesthetics. Additionally, including the photovoltaic elements in High Pressure Laminates (HPL) allows the architects to design the façade without constraints in size of the PV units. The HPL panels can be significantly larger than the available sizes of solar harvesters. A bonus is that the PV elements are fully integrated into the HPL panel, and also protected to the environment and weather conditions. Not only are the PV elements invisible, but can also not be removed without destroying the panel. These features limits the threats of thefts of these costly harvesters. The present inventors assume that the present decorative high pressure laminate (HPL) panel including photovoltaic elements are less efficient than the ‘virgin’ PV elements, this due to the covering decorative surface. Remembering that the façade surface generally is larger than the roof surface of large constructions, the electricity generated by the present decorative high pressure laminate (HPL) panel including photovoltaic elements can still be a significant contribution for the façade. In addition, in the cradle of the internet of things (IoT) era all ‘things’ are connected wirelessly with each other. ‘Things’ with sensing capabilities can communicate its information to other ‘things’; e.g. a thermometer at the outside of a building communicates the temperature to the central heating system of the building, which is reacting by e.g. increasing the heating, or starting the air-conditioning. Thus, the need for autonomous ‘things’ (e.g. sensors with wireless access) will increase. Currently, sensors with wireless access are designed to operate at (ultra) low power, in the micro-watt range. The present invisible solar harvester HPL panels can potentially power such sensor with wireless access, making such smart panels self-sufficient in energy. In the present invention thin-film solar cells may be used as PV elements. In thin-film solar cells the energy converting material is a thin layer and deposited supporting substrates. The substrate can be rigid, as e.g. glass, or flexible as e.g. plastic foils or metal foils. The type of energy converting, photovoltaic, material distinguish the type of thin film solar cell. Examples on thin film photovoltaic materials are amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIS/CIGS), and organic photovoltaic cells (OPC). The manufacturing methods of thin film solar cells is generally easier to upscale to mass production, and thus cheaper to manufacture, compared to the traditional mono- and polycrystalline solar cells. On the other hand, the thin-film solar cells are in general less efficient. Mass-production is simple. This makes them and potentially cheaper to manufacture than crystalline-based solar cells.

11477517

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0154884, filed on Nov. 18, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to a display device and an extended display identification data (EDID) information changing method thereof, and more particularly, to a display device for changing EDID information so that the compatibility of EDID information between a source device and a display device is consistent, and an EDID information changing method thereof. Display devices that output video signals and audio signals, such as TVs and monitors, may be used in connection with various source devices such as set-top boxes, smart phones, PCs, notebook computers, and game consoles. When a display device and a source device are connected to each other, the source device provides a video signal and an audio signal to the display device, and the video signal and the audio signal are finally output through the display device. Meanwhile, when the display device and the source device are connected to each other, the video signal and the audio signal are provided from the source device to the display device according to various technical standards. In addition, as technology standards have recently evolved to HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1, display devices have to provide information about more functions and resolutions to source devices through EDID. However, due to various HDMI versions, a user has to directly check an HDMI version supported by a source device and manually set the HDMI version on a display device. However, a user has to manually set an HDMI version supported by a source device in a display device. SUMMARY The present disclosure provides a display device capable of providing EDID information corresponding to an HDMI version supported by a source device, even when a user does not manually set the HDMI version in the display device, and an EDID information changing method thereof. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device includes an external input interface connected to a source device, a memory configured to store first EDID (extended display identification data) information to be provided to the source device and store a plurality of second EDID information supportable by the display device, and a processor configured to determine the presence or absence of a video signal or an audio signal input from the source device, and when there is no video signal or audio signal input from the source device, change the first EDID information to be provided to the source device to second EDID information of a version different from that of the first EDID information among the plurality of second EDID information. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an EDID information changing method includes connecting to the source device through an external input interface, determining the presence or absence of a video signal or an audio signal input from the source device, and when there is no video signal or audio signal input from the source device, changing the first EDID information to be provided to the source device to second EDID information of a version different from that of the first EDID information. The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

11277523

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2017/069384, filed Aug. 1, 2017, designating the United States, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to methods for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network, control plane nodes for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network, user plane nodes for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network, corresponding computer programs, and corresponding computer program products. BACKGROUND The requirements on the Envelop Reporting in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), technical specification (TS) 32.299 are presented hereafter. 6.5.6 Envelope Reporting The online charging function (OCF) may determine the need for additional detailed reports identifying start time and end times of specific activity in addition to the standard quota management provided in request for change (RFC) 4006 [402]. The OCF controls this by sending a credit control answer (CCA) with Envelope-Report attribute-value pair (AVP) with appropriate values. The charging trigger function (CTF), on receiving the command, monitors for traffic for a period of time controlled by the Quota-Consumption-Time AVP and report each period as a single envelope for each Quota-Consumption-Time expiry where there was traffic. The OCF may request envelope reports for just time, time and volume, time and number of events, or time and volume and number of events. 6.5.7 Combinational Quota The Quota-Consumption-Time mechanism, described in clause 6.5.4, may be extended (and replaced) when granting time based quota to provide potentially more efficient use of the online charging interface, i.e. reduced traffic and the algorithms in the OCF are potentially simpler. The alternative handling mechanisms that are defined in this clause are: 1. Continuous Time Period (CTP) 2. Discrete Time Period (DTP) Both DTP and CTP define time-envelopes in their own manner. The method of forming a time-envelope is controlled by the Time-Quota-Mechanism AVP, which selects the algorithm and the length of the base time interval. The base time interval, specified by the Base-Time-Interval AVP, is a basic unit for consuming quota. Quota is deemed to be consumed at the start of each base time interval. The CTF shall allow traffic to pass for the duration of the base time interval. For DTP, the base time interval defines the length of the discrete time period. A time envelope corresponds to exactly one DTP (and therefore to one base time interval). Quota consumption resumes only on the first traffic following the expiry of the DTP (or the closure of the envelope). For CTP, the mechanism constructs a time-envelope out of consecutive base time intervals in which traffic has occurred up to and including the first base time interval which contains no traffic. Therefore quota consumption continues within the time envelope, if there was traffic in the previous base time interval. After an envelope has closed, then the quota consumption resumes only on the first traffic following the closure of the envelope. The envelope for CTP includes the last base time interval, i.e. the one which contained no traffic. The end of an envelope can only be determined looking back. If the CTF receives a Multiple-Services-Credit-Control AVP with both the Quota-Consumption-Time AVP and Time-Quota-Mechanism AVP, then the Time-Quota-Mechanism AVP takes precedence and the CTF shall behave accordingly. If the server requires details of when the DTPs and CTPs occurred then it shall request the reporting of the corresponding time envelopes, by including the Envelope-Reporting AVP when granting quota in the CCA (INITIAL) to indicate whether the client shall report the start and end of each time envelope, in those cases in which quota is consumed in envelopes. The CTF generates envelopes according to the rules described above and carry each envelope in a separate instance of the Envelope AVP in the credit control request (CCR). Assuming that this is addressed in the following way: For a control plane (CP) function, it is required to add Time-Quota-Measurement (TQM) and Envelope-reporting provisioning towards the user plane (UP) function: a TQM, to provide CTP or DTP to the UP function:For CTP, the time measurement starts from the time that traffic has occurred up to the first time interval which contains no traffic. The time measurement should include the last base time interval, i.e. the one which contained no traffic. The time measurement resumes by the UP function when subsequent traffic is received.For DTP, the time measurement shall be resumed on the first traffic following the expiry of the DTP.an Envelope Reporting, to request the UP function to monitor for traffic for a period of time controlled by the Inactivity Detection Time or by the Base Time Interval included in the TQM. The CP function may indicate the UP function to report for just time, time and volume, time and events, or time and volume and number of events. The CP function may request the UP function to report envelops with the following criteria:If Inactivity Detection Time is included, the UP function should each period of Inactivity Detection Time report a single envelop for each Inactivity Detection Time expiry where there was traffic.For CTP a time envelope includes consecutive base time intervals in which traffic has occurred up to and including the first based time interval which contains no traffic.For DTP, the time envelop corresponds to exactly one base time interval. Some details are also specified for information elements (IEs) that are used between CP function and UP function, for provisioning and reporting: 8.2.x2 Envelope Reporting The Envelope Reporting shall be encoded as shown in Figure 8.2.x2-1, which is used to indicate to the UP function what needs to be reported in the envelope by the UP function. Figure 8.2.x2-1: Envelope Reporting BitsOctets876543211 to 2Type = bb (decimal)3 to 4Length = n5SpareEnvelope reporting value6 to (n + 4)These octet(s) is/are present only if explicitlyspecified The octet 5 shall be encoded as follows:Bits1to4indicate which quota should be reported, as specified in Table 8.2.x2-2.Bits5to8—Spare, for future use and set to zero. TABLE 8.2.X2-2Envelope reporting valueValueQuota Type to be reported(Decimal)Do not report envelopes0Report envelopes1Report envelopes with volume2Report envelopes with events3Report envelopes with volume and events4Spare, for future use.5 to 15 8.2.x3 Time Quota Mechanism The TQM type shall be encoded as shown in Figure 8.2.x3-1. Figure 8.2.x3-1: Time Quota Mechanism Base Time Interval TypeValue (Decimal)CTP0DTP1Spare, for future use.2 to 3 The Base Time Interval, shall be encoded as Unsigned32 as specified in subclause 7.2.29 of 3GPP TS32.299. Architecture references from 3GPP TS 23.214 is from 4.2.1 Non-roaming and roaming architectures. This clause defines the complementary aspects of the architecture reference models specified in TS 23.401 clause 4.2 and TS 23.402 clauses 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 for General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) tunnelling protocol (GTP)-based interfaces when serving gateway (SGW), packet gateway (PGW) and traffic detection function (TDF) CP functions and UP functions are separated. For S2a, S2b, S5 and S8 reference points, this architecture reference model is only supported with GTP-based interfaces. Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIP)-based interfaces and S2c interface are not supported. FIG. 1shows the architecture reference model in the case of separation between CP and UP. This architecture reference model covers non-roaming as well as home routed and local breakout roaming scenarios. The -C or -U suffix appended to S2a, S2b, S5 and S8 existing reference points only indicate the CP and UP components of those interfaces. The architecture inFIG. 1only depicts the case when the CP and UP functions of all SGW, PGW and TDF nodes are split. However, the other cases when the CP and UP function of only one of these nodes is split while the CP and UP function of the other interfacing node is not split, e.g. PGW's control plane and user plane is split while SGW's control plane and user plane is not split, are also supported. The split architecture of a node does not put any architectural requirements on the peer nodes with which it interfaces. TDF is an optional functional entity. For a roaming architecture with local breakout, the Gx interface is defined between the PGW-C and Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) in the visited network. An architecture reference, from 3GPP TS 23.21 is 4.2.2 Combined SGW/PGW architecture. The usage of a combined SGW/PGW documented in TS 23.401 remains possible in a deployment with separated CP and UP. This is enabled by supporting an Sx interface with a common parameter structure for non-combined and combined cases.FIG. 2shows the architecture reference model for a combined SGW/PGW in the case of separation between CP and UP. As an example, a PGW-U may be required to perform counting packets and applying quality of service (QoS) enforcement per Service Data Flow (SDF), per bearer (aggregation of all SDF associated with a bearer) and/or per Session (aggregation of all SDF associated with a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection). SUMMARY An object of the invention is to provide an efficient mechanism supporting envelope reporting with a user plane (UP) function separate from a control plane (CP) function, keeping the UP function 3GPP agnostic. According to a first aspect, there is presented a method for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network having a CP function separated from a UP function. The method is performed in a CP node of the radio communication network and comprises setting a time quota mechanism (TQM) in a usage reporting rule (URR), to which its corresponding service data flows (SDFs) are applicable for envelope reporting, setting at least one reporting trigger in the URR, to instruct the UP function to generate a usage report upon closure of an envelope, setting a measurement method in the URR, to instruct the UP function to collect usage of volume, time and/or event, sending the set URR to the UP function, receiving one or more usage reports from the UP function, in response to the sent URR, wherein the received usage report(s) comprises at least a usage report trigger set to envelope closure, determining a starting time and/or an ending time for each envelope, based on the received usage report(s), and storing each envelope, with the determined starting time and/or ending time, for online or offline charging. By containing complicated envelope mechanisms to the CP function, it is possible to avoid sending unnecessary information regarding envelope mechanisms to the UP, thereby keeping it 3GPP agnostic. The TQM may comprise a base time interval (BTI) and a BTI type being either continuous time period (CTP) or discrete time period (DTP). The method may further comprise setting an inactivity detection timer, IDT, in the URR, to a quota consumption time (QCT) received from an online charging system (OCS). The at least one reporting trigger may be set to envelope closure for CTP and/or DTP. The determining of the envelope starting time may be based on a time of the first packet in each usage report after a received usage report with the usage report trigger being set to envelope closure. The determining of the envelope ending time may be based on a time when a received usage report with the user report trigger set to envelope closure has been generated. According to a second aspect, there is presented a method for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network having a CP function separated from a UP function. The method is performed in a UP node of the radio communication network and comprises receiving a usage reporting rule, URR, from the CP function, the URR comprising a TQM and at least one reporting trigger set to envelope closure, and sending a usage report to the CP function, indicating the closure of an envelope. The TQM may comprise a BTI, and a BTI type being either CTP or DTP. The received URR may comprise a measurement method and an IDT and the BTI type being CTP, and wherein the usage report comprises measurement of time, volume and/or event as instructed in the received measurement method, for a period of time containing consecutive BTIs until the IDT has expired or when detecting no usage for a BTI. The received URR may comprise a measurement method and the BTI type being DTP, and wherein the usage report comprises measurement of time, volume and/or event as instructed by the received measurement method, for each BTI. The usage report may comprise a usage report trigger set to envelope closure. According to a third aspect, there is presented a CP node for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network having a CP function separated from a UP function. The CP node comprises a processor, and a computer program product storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the CP node to set a TQM in a URR, to which its corresponding SDFs are applicable for envelope reporting, set at least one reporting trigger in the URR, to instruct the UP function to generate a usage report upon closure of an envelope, set a measurement method in the URR, to instruct the UP function to collect usage of volume, time and/or event, send the set URR to the UP function, receive one or more usage reports from the UP function, in response to the sent URR, wherein the received usage report(s) comprises at least a usage report trigger set to envelope closure, determine a starting time and/or an ending time for each envelope, based on the received usage report(s), and to store each envelope, with the determined starting time and/or ending time, for online or offline charging. The TQM may comprise a BTI and a BTI type being either CTP or DTP. The CP node may further be caused to set an inactivity detection timer, IDT, in the URR, to a QCT received from an OCS. The at least one reporting trigger may be set to envelope closure for CTP and/or DTP. The determining of the envelope starting time may be based on a time of the first packet in each usage report after a received usage report with the usage report trigger being set to envelope closure. The determining of the envelope ending time may be based on a time when a received usage report with the user report trigger set to envelope closure has been generated. According to a fourth aspect, there is presented a UP node for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network having a CP function separated from a UP function. The UP node comprises a processor, and a computer program product storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the UP node to receive a URR from the CP function, the URR comprising a TQM and at least one reporting trigger set to envelope closure, and to send a usage report to the CP function, indicating the closure of an envelope. The TQM may comprise a BTI and a BTI type being either CTP or DTP. The received URR may comprise a measurement method and an IDT and the BTI type being CTP, and wherein the usage report comprises measurement of time, volume and/or event as instructed in the received measurement method, for a period of time containing consecutive BTIs until the IDT has expired or when detecting no usage for a BTI. The received URR may comprise a measurement method and the BTI type being DTP, and wherein the usage report comprises measurement of time, volume and/or event as instructed by the received measurement method, for each BTI. The usage report may comprise a usage report trigger set to envelope closure. According to a fifth aspect, there is presented a CP node for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network having a CP function separated from a UP function. The CP node comprises a communication manager for setting a TQM in a URR, to which its corresponding SDFs are applicable for envelope reporting, setting at least one reporting trigger in the URR, to instruct the UP function to generate a usage report upon closure of an envelope, setting a measurement method in the URR, to instruct the UP function to collect usage of volume, time and/or event, sending the set URR to the UP function, for receiving one or more usage reports from the UP function, in response to the sent URR, wherein the received usage report(s) comprises at least a usage report trigger set to envelope closure, and for storing (S140) each envelope, with the determined starting time and/or ending time, for online or offline charging, and a determination manager for determining a starting time and/or an ending time for each envelope, based on the received usage report(s). According to a sixth aspect, there is presented a UP node for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network having a CP function separated from a UP function. The UP node comprises a communication manager for receiving a URR from the CP function, the URR comprising a TQM and at least one reporting trigger set to envelope closure, and for sending a usage report to the CP function, indicating the closure of an envelope. According to a seventh aspect, there is presented a computer program for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network having a CP function separated from a UP function. The computer program comprises computer program code which, when run on a CP node, causes the CP node to set a TQM in a URR to which its corresponding SDFs are applicable for envelope reporting, set at least one reporting trigger in the URR, to instruct the UP function to generate a usage report upon closure of an envelope, set a measurement method in the URR, to instruct the UP function to collect usage of volume, time and/or event, send the set URR to the UP function, receive one or more usage reports from the UP function, in response to the sent URR, wherein the received usage report(s) comprises at least a usage report trigger set to envelope closure, determine a starting time and/or an ending time for each envelope, based on the received usage report(s), and store) each envelope, with the determined starting time and/or ending time, for online or offline charging. According to an eighth aspect, there is presented a computer program for supporting envelope reporting in a radio communication network having a CP function separated from a UP function. The computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on a UP node, causes the UP node to receive a URR from the CP function, the URR comprising a TQM and at least one reporting trigger set to envelope closure, and send a usage report to the CP function, indicating the closure of an envelope. A computer program product comprising a computer program and a computer readable storage means on which the computer program is stored, is also presented. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc.” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

11445977

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to catheterized medical procedures, and more particularly to automated control of catheter contact-force with a target tissue. Description of the Related Art The use of catheters as a medical intervention tool continues to grow in popularity. For example, many cardiac and vascular surgical procedures benefit from catheterization, as surgical procedures can involve large incisions including cutting of bone and surrounding soft tissue. Recovery time for patients can often be reduced by replacing an invasive surgical procedure with a catheter procedure. Percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is an example of a catheter based procedure that is becoming the standard of care for a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac interventionalists introduce ablation catheters into the heart and manipulate them until the distal tip contacts the targeted myocardium. Once reached, RF power is delivered to form ablation lesions that interrupt the electrical pathways responsible for the arrhythmia. For successful treatment it is important that these lesions are transmural, as superficial lesions leave areas of healthy myocardium that may result in conduction recurrence and ablation failure. For successful treatment the contact force of the catheter tip onto the tissue needs to be held within a desired range of contact force. Due to motion of the target tissue, the myocardial wall, interventionalists that manually control the catheter—typically, by observing real time contact force data provided by a catheter type sensor—are incapable of maintaining the desired contact force range for a necessary time period. Manual operation of a catheter presents risk associated with insufficient contact force or excessive contact force compared to the desired range. Insufficient contact force presents a risk of an ineffective ablation lesion with patients requiring repeat treatments. A procedure delivered with excessive contact force presents a risk of deep tissue overheating, which may result in “steam pop”, perforation and injury outside the heart, including esophageal, pulmonary and phrenic nerve damage. These potential risks of injury associated with excessive contact force often inhibit interventionalists and cause them to deliver the ablation lesion tentatively, erring towards a lower level contact force. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for automated control of catheter contact-force with a target tissue. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an aspect there is provided a hand-held catheter force control device comprising: a linear actuator; a clamp for connecting a catheter to the linear actuator; the linear actuator controlling contact-force between the catheter and a target tissue. In another aspect there is provided a hand-held catheter force control device comprising: an elongate base sized to be hand-held, the base defining a longitudinal axis between first and second opposing longitudinal ends; a linear actuator mounted to the base to provide linear motion substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base; a sheath clamp coupled to the base, the sheath clamp sized to fixedly capture a sheath handle; a catheter clamp coupled to the linear actuator, the catheter clamp sized to fixedly capture a catheter; and the catheter clamp aligned to be substantially co-axial with the sheath clamp. In further aspects, systems and methods incorporating the catheter contact-force control device are provided.

11218113

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to electronic communications. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a voltage controlled oscillator for wireline and wireless communication systems. BACKGROUND Increasing data rate requirements, in both wireline and wireless communication systems, pose design challenges for clocking circuits. For example, wireless and wireline communication systems can include multiple clock generators (e.g., on a single chip). Clock generators for these systems are designed to reduce power consumption, while maintaining accuracy.

11255216

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This specification is based upon and claims benefit of priority from United Kingdom patent application number GB 1900378.9 filed on Jan. 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to electric machines. BACKGROUND With reference toFIG. 1, a prior art three-shaft turbofan engine is generally indicated at101, having a principal and rotational axis A-A. The engine101comprises, in axial flow series, an air intake102, a propulsive fan103, an intermediate pressure compressor104, a high-pressure compressor105, a combustor106, a high-pressure turbine107, an intermediate pressure turbine108, a low-pressure turbine109and an exhaust nozzle110. A nacelle111generally surrounds the engine101and defines both the intake102and the exhaust nozzle110. The engine101works in a conventional manner so that air entering the intake102is accelerated by the fan103to produce two air flows: a first air flow which passes through a bypass duct22to provide propulsive thrust, and a second air flow into the intermediate pressure compressor104. The intermediate pressure compressor104compresses the air flow directed into it before delivering that air to the high-pressure compressor105where further compression takes place. The compressed air exhausted from the high-pressure compressor105is directed into the combustor106where it is mixed with fuel and the mixture combusted. The resultant hot combustion products then expand through, and thereby drive the high-pressure, intermediate-pressure, and low-turbines107,108,109before being exhausted through the nozzle20to provide additional propulsive thrust. The high—107, intermediate—108and low—109pressure turbines drive, respectively, the high-pressure compressor105, intermediate-pressure compressor104and fan103, each by suitable interconnecting shaft. In order to start the engine101, the high-pressure spool is typically put into rotation by an external power source. Such a power source may be an electric machine operated as an electric motor, or an air turbine starter. Once sufficient mass flow is generated by the high-pressure compressor105, fuel may be injected and ignited and combustion started in a process known as light-off. The exhaust from the combustor106then drives the turbines107,108,109, and the external power source can be switched off. Typically, the function of a gas turbine engine is not only to provide an aircraft with thrust, but also to provide the aircraft with electrical power. To this end an electrical generator is often coupled to the gas turbine engine. The generator converts a fraction of the mechanical power generated by the gas turbine engine into electricity for use by the aircraft. Such starter-generators are not usually situated within the engine core of the gas turbine engine. Rather, the starter-generator typically forms part of the accessory gearbox which is connected to the engine via a radial driveshaft. Such an arrangement introduces additional weight and length to the engine design. United States Patent Publication No 2009/0115295 describes an electricity generator comprising permanent magnets fastened to the end of blades a fan of a gas turbine engine, and a stator located within the fan casing. Such a generator is stated as being not suitable for use as an electric motor for starting the gas turbine engine. U.S. Pat. No. 7,514,810 describes a gas turbine engine including an aft turbine downstream of the low-pressure turbine. A generator is disposed aft of the aft turbine. U.S. Pat. No. 7,603,864 describes an electromagnetic machine having rotor poles on the tips of fan blades and stator elements placed circumferentially around the fan. The electric machine has a transverse flux configuration, in which the stator elements each comprise a generally C-shaped core. The C-shaped cores are located around the fan blade tips such that when a core is adjacent a blade tip a magnetic flux path passes through the C-shaped core, across an air gap between the core and the bad tip, and transversely through the rotor pole located on the blade tip, so forming a closed loop. SUMMARY According to a first aspect there is provided an electric machine comprising: a turbomachine rotor having a hub and an axis of rotation about which the turbomachine rotor is arranged to rotate; a plurality of blades, each blade having a root attached to the hub, a tip remote from the hub, a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a pressure side and a suction side; a plurality of rotor elements, each rotor element located at the tip of one of the plurality of blades; and a stator located circumferentially around the turbomachine rotor; wherein each rotor element comprises a permanent magnet having a first pole and a second pole, the first pole being located adjacent the pressure side of the blade and the second pole being located adjacent the suction side of the blade such that a magnetic flux path extends perpendicularly through the blade tip. The first pole may be a north pole and the second pole may be a south pole, such that the magnetic flux path extends perpendicularly through the blade tip from the suction side of the blade to the pressure side. Each blade may be of aerofoil cross section and thus for each radial position thereof define a chord line. As used herein, the term “chord line” means the straight line connecting leading and trailing edges of a blade Each rotor element may be located at its respective blade tip such that the magnetic flux lines due to the permanent magnet are perpendicular to the chord line at the tip of the blade. As used herein, the term “stagger angle” means the angle between the chord line and the axial direction defined by the axis of rotation. Thus the stagger angle of a rotor element may be substantially the same as the stagger angle of the blade tip in which that rotor element is located. The stator may comprise a plurality of stator windings. Each of the stator windings may be aligned such that they are substantially parallel to the chord line. Alternatively, each of the stator windings may be located at an angle to the chord line, for example within ±5 degrees of the chord line, ±10 degrees, ±20 degrees or ±30 degrees of the chord line. The stator windings may be wound around a non-magnetic former. The electric machine may further comprise a casing. The stator may be located within the casing. The electric machine may further comprise a magnetic ring located circumferentially around the stator. Each rotor element may be embedded within its respective blade such that the rotor element does not disrupt the aerodynamic shape of the blade. Each blade may comprise a rotor element. The turbomachine rotor may be a fan in a turbofan gas turbine engine, a hybrid turbofan gas turbine engine or an electric ducted fan. The electric machine may be operable to drive the fan. Alternatively, or additionally, the electric machine may be operable to generate electricity from the turbomachine rotor. According to a second aspect there is provided a propulsor for producing thrust to propel an aircraft, the propulsor comprising an electric machine according to the first aspect. The propulsor may be a turbofan engine, and the turbomachine rotor within the electric machine may form the fan of the turbofan engine. The propulsor may be an electric ducted fan, and the turbomachine rotor within the electric machine may form the fan thereof.

11324802

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The ASCII copy, created on Aug. 27, 2020 is named 51245-017007_Sequence_Listing_8_27_20_ST25 and is 21,899 bytes in size. BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury is damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal and often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury. A patient's ability to control their limbs after spinal cord injury depends on two factors: the place of the injury along the spinal cord and the severity of injury to the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries of any kind may result in one or more of the following signs and symptoms: loss of movement, loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold and touch, loss of bowel or bladder control, exaggerated reflex activities or spasms, changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity and fertility, pain or an intense stinging sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibers in the spinal cord, and difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing secretions the lungs. Currently there is no approved treatment that reverses damage to the spinal cord. ADP-ribosyl transferase C3 fusion proteins are being developed as therapy for spinal cord injury and other CNS trauma. SUMMARY The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the effective treatment of spinal cord injury and other CNS trauma and/or for facilitating axon growth or other tissue repair based on an ADP-ribosyl transferase C3 fusion protein. Among other things, the invention provides improved processes for producing and purifying a composition comprising a C3 fusion protein, which is particularly robust, reproducible and results in increased yield, increased protein purity, and/or increased drug substance concentration. Thus, improved processes described herein allow more efficient manufacturing of a drug product based on an ADP-ribosyl transferase C3 fusion protein. Furthermore, the present invention provides an improved method of using a C3 fusion protein as a therapeutics for treating spinal cord injury and other CNS trauma. In particular, the present invention encompasses the surprising observation that combining a C3 fusion protein first with a fibrinogen composition without thrombin eliminates proteinase cleavage, providing a safer and more efficacious therapeutic composition for neurite outgrowth. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a population of polypeptides, each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the first amino acid of each polypeptide is not a methionine and wherein the population of the polypeptides constitutes greater than 85% (e.g., greater than 88%, 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%) of the total amount of polypeptides in the composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a population of polypeptides, each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the amino acid sequence is not SEQ ID NO:2 and wherein the population of the polypeptides constitutes greater than 85% (e.g., greater than 88%, 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%) of the total amount of polypeptides in the composition. In some embodiments, the population of the polypeptides constitutes greater than 90% of the total amount of polypeptides in the composition. In some embodiments, the population of the polypeptides constitutes greater than 95% of the total amount of polypeptides in the composition. In some embodiments, the population of the polypeptides constitutes greater than 98% of the total amount of polypeptides in the composition. In some embodiments, the population of the polypeptides constitutes greater than 99% of the total amount of polypeptides in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free of other polypeptides. In some embodiments, the amount of the polypeptides in the composition is determined scanning densitometry or image analysis. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence is identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, each polypeptide has 213-231 amino acids in total. In some embodiments, each polypeptide has 231 amino acids in total. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide, wherein the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1 but does not contain a methionine at the N-terminus, the second polypeptide is otherwise identical to the first polypeptide but contains a methionine at the N-terminus, and the weight ratio of the first polypeptide to the second polypeptide is at least 6:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the first polypeptide to the second polypeptide is at least 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 12:1, 15:1, 20:1, 50:1, or 100:1. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence is at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence is identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the polypeptide does not contain a methionine at the N-terminus, and wherein the polypeptide is present at a concentration ranging from 1.0 mg/mL-40 mg/mL, as determined by UV spectrometry at 280 nm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the polypeptide is in a range of about 5.0 mg/mL-40 mg/mL, as determined by UV spectrometry at 280 nm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the polypeptide is in a range of about 8.0 mg/mL-20 mg/mL, as determined by UV spectrometry at 280 nm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the polypeptide is in a range of about 10 mg/mL-15 mg/mL, as determined by UV spectrometry at 280 nm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the polypeptide is in a range of about 9.0 mg/mL-11 mg/mL, as determined by UV spectrometry at 280 nm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the polypeptide is in a range of about 27.0 mg/mL-33 mg/mL, as determined by UV spectrometry at 280 nm. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the polypeptide does not contain a methionine at the N-terminus, and wherein the composition contains less than 100 ng/mg host cell protein (HCP). In some embodiments, the composition contains less than 90 ng/mg, less than 80 ng/mg, less than 70 ng/mg, less than 60 ng/mg, less than 50 ng/mg, less than 40 ng/mg, less than 30 ng/mg, less than 20 ng/mg, less than 10 ng/mg, or less than 10 ng/mg, or below the limit of detection of host cell protein (HCP). In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the polypeptide does not contain a methionine at the N-terminus, and wherein the composition contains less than 2.9×10−4EU/mg Endotoxin. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the polypeptide does not contain a methionine at the N-terminus, and wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a buffer and has a pH ranging from 5.5-7.5 at 25° C. In some embodiments, the buffer is a citrate buffer. In various embodiments, a composition described herein has a purity of equal to or greater than 80% measured by main peak of IE-HPLC. In various embodiments, the purity is equal to or greater than 83% measured by the main peak of IE-HPLC. In various embodiments, the purity is equal to or greater than 85% measured by the main peak of IE-HPLC. In various embodiments, the purity is equal to or greater than 90% measured by the main peak of IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, a composition described herein contains less than or equal to 15% total acidic peaks measured by IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, a composition described herein contains less than or equal to 10% total acidic peaks measured by IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, a composition described herein contains less than or equal to 5% total basic peaks measured by IE-HPLC. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein has a purity of equal to or greater than 80% measured by main peak of IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the purity is equal to or greater than 83% measured by the main peak of IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the purity is equal to or greater than 85% measured by the main peak of IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the purity is equal to or greater than 90% measured by the main peak of IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the composition contains less than or equal to 10% total acidic peaks measured by IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the composition contains less than or equal to 15% total acidic peaks measured by IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the composition contains less than or equal to 5% total basic peaks measured by IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein does not have a methionine at the N-terminus. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is substantially free of polypeptides comprising methionine as the first amino acid. In some embodiments, a composition described herein further comprises fibrinogen and does not contain thrombin. In some embodiments, a composition described herein further comprises albumin, one or more blood coagulation factors, globulin, and/or one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors. In some embodiments, the one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors comprise aprotinin. In some embodiments, a composition described herein further comprises thrombin. In some embodiments, a composition further comprises a tissue adhesive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing recombinant ADP-ribosyl transferase C3 (C3 fusion protein), comprising: cultivating host cells comprising a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 in a large scale vessel under conditions that promote expression of the C3 fusion protein at a titer concentration of or greater than 1 g/L (e.g., of or greater than 1.5 g/L, 2 g/L, 2.5 g/L, 3 g/L, 3.5 g/L, 4 g/L, 4.5 g/L, or 5 g/L). In some embodiments, the conditions for cultivating cells involve a fermentation process. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing recombinant ADP-ribosyl transferase C3 (C3 fusion protein), comprising: cultivating host cells comprising a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 in a large scale vessel under conditions that involve a fermentation process to promote expression of the C3 fusion protein. In some embodiments, the fermentation process is a fed batch culturing process. In some embodiments, the fed batch culturing process includes a batch mode, a first stage of exponential feeding, and a second stage of constant feeding. In some embodiments, the carbon source is selected from glycerol, glucose, sucrose, lactose, arabinose, maltotriose, sorbitol, xylose, rhamnose, and/or mannose. In some embodiments, the batch mode lasts for at least about 7-8 hours, the first stage of exponential feeding lasts for about 7-13 hours, the second stage of constant feeding lasts for about 1-9 hours. In some embodiments, the batch mode lasts for at least about 7 hours, the first stage of exponential feeding lasts for about 7-8 hours and the second stage of constant feeding lasts for about 8 hours. In some embodiments, the second stage of constant feeding is at a feed rate at the end of the exponential feeding stage. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a third stage of constant feeding. In some embodiments, the feed rate at the third stage of constant feeding is the same as the second stage. In some embodiments, the third stage of constant feeding lasts for at least about 4 hours. In some embodiments, the first exponential feeding stage is maintained at a temperature between 34° C. to 40° C., and the second and/or third constant feeding stage is maintained at a temperature between 24° C. to 32° C. In some embodiments, the first exponential feeding stage is maintained at 37±2° C. In some embodiments, the second and/or third constant feeding stage is maintained at 28±2° C. In some embodiments, the method comprises a step of adding an inducing agent to trigger expression of the C3 fusion protein. In some embodiments, the inducing agent is Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). In some embodiments, the IPTG is added at a concentration range of 0.1 mM-10 mM. In some embodiments, wherein the IPTG is added at a concentration of 5 mM. In some embodiments, the carbon source at the first stage is a first sugar and the carbon source at the second stage is a second sugar. In certain embodiments, the first sugar and second sugar are different sugars. In some embodiments, the first sugar is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glucose, sucrose, and any combination thereof and the second sugar is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glucose, sucrose, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first sugar and second sugar are identical sugars. In some embodiments, the identical sugars comprise glycerol. In some embodiments, the large scale vessel is a bioreactor. In some embodiments, the host cells are bacterial cells. In some embodiments the bacterial cells areE. coli. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of recovering the expressed C3 fusion protein from the host cells. In some embodiments, the method further comprises purifying the expressed recombinant C3 fusion protein. In some embodiments, the at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein recovered from the host cells do not contain a methionine at the N-terminus. In some embodiments, purifying recombinant ADP-ribosyl transferase C3 (C3 fusion protein), comprises providing a biological sample comprising a recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and subjecting the biological sample to a series of chromatography steps comprising at least one cation exchange chromatography step and at least one hydrophobic interaction chromatography step. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of purifying recombinant ADP-ribosyl transferase C3 (C3 fusion protein), comprising providing a biological sample comprising a recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and subjecting the biological sample to a series of chromatography steps comprising at least one cation exchange chromatography step and at least one hydrophobic interaction chromatography step. In some embodiments, the at least one cation exchange chromatography step includes two or more cation exchange chromatography steps. In some embodiments, the at least one cation exchange chromatography step includes a first cation exchange chromatography step and a second cation exchange chromatography step. In some embodiments, the at least one hydrophobic interaction chromatography step follows the at least cation exchange chromatography step. In some embodiments, the series of chromatography steps comprise a first cation exchange chromatography step, a second cation exchange chromatography step and a hydrophobic interaction chromatography step, in that order. In some embodiments, the at least one cation exchange chromatography step uses a column comprising SP Sepharose. In some embodiments, the at least one cation exchange chromatography step uses a column with a bed height of 5 cm-30 cm (e.g., a bed height of 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, or 30 cm). In some embodiments, the at least one cation exchange chromatography step uses a column with a loading velocity of 100 cm/hr-200 cm/hr. In some embodiments, the at least one cation exchange chromatography step uses a column with a load conductivity of 7 mS/cm-8 mS/cm. In some embodiments, the first and second cation exchange chromatography steps use identical columns. In some embodiments, the first and second cation exchange chromatography steps use different columns. In some embodiments, the at least one hydrophobic interaction chromatography step uses a column comprising Butyl 650M resin. In some embodiments, the at least one hydrophobic interaction chromatography step uses a column with a bed height of 5 cm-30 cm (e.g., a bed height of 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, or 30 cm). In some embodiments, the method further comprises one or more steps of Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration I (UF/DF I) and membrane adsorption before, between or after the chromatography steps. In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step of concentrating the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein to a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL-40 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the biological sample comprises homogenate of cells expressing the recombinant C3 fusion protein. In some embodiments, the cells are bacterial cells. In some embodiments, the cells comprise a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 5%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein do not contain a methionine at the N-terminus. In some embodiments, substantially all purified recombinant C3 fusion protein do not contain a methionine at the N-terminus. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein has a purity of equal to or greater than 85% measured by main peak of IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the purity is equal to or greater than 90% measured by the main peak of IE-HPLC. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein has a protein concentration of about 31-37 mg/mL. In one aspect, the present invention provides a C3 recombinant ADP-ribosyl transferase protein composition purified according to a method described herein. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing a therapeutic composition, comprising mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic protein with a fibrinogen composition that does not contain a thrombin to generate a therapeutic polypeptide-fibrinogen composition, wherein the therapeutic protein comprises a transport domain covalently linked to a therapeutic active domain, and wherein the transport domain is selected from a Tat peptide, an antennapedia peptide, a fragment or subdomain thereof, or a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence having at least 80% sequence identity thereto; and combining the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen composition with a thrombin composition to generate a therapeutic composition. In some embodiments, the transport domain comprises an amino acid sequence of EFVMNPANAQGRHTPGTRL (SEQ ID NO: 10). In some embodiments, the therapeutic active domain comprises an ADP-ribosyl transferase C3 protein. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration or neuroprotection, or to treat spinal cord injury or facilitate axon growth, comprising: mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1 with a fibrinogen composition that does not contain a thrombin to generate a therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution; and combining the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution with a thrombin composition to generate a therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition is first added to a solution comprising one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors before mixing with the fibrinogen composition. In some embodiments, the fibrinogen composition comprises fibrinogen and, albumin, one or more blood coagulation factors, and/or globulin. In some embodiments, the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution and the thrombin composition is combined using a Duploject Syringe. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection is a tissue adhesive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating spinal cord injury in a subject in need thereof, comprising: mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1 with a fibrinogen composition that does not contain a thrombin to generate a therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution; combining the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution with a thrombin composition to generate a therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection; and administering the therapeutic composition to the subject in need of treatment of spinal cord injury. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of facilitating axon growth in a subject in need thereof, comprising: mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1 with a fibrinogen composition that does not contain a thrombin to generate a therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution; combining the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution with a thrombin composition to generate a therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection; and administering the therapeutic composition to the subject in need of axon growth treatment. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of repairing tissue, comprising: mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1 with a fibrinogen composition that does not contain a thrombin to generate a therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution; combining the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution with a thrombin composition to generate a therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection; and administering the therapeutic composition to the subject in need of tissue repairing. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is first added to a solution comprising one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors before mixing with the fibrinogen composition. In some embodiments, the one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors comprises aprotinin. In some embodiments, the thrombin composition comprises thrombin and calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the therapeutic active-fibrinogen solution and the thrombin composition are combined and administered using a Duploject Syringe to the subject in need thereof. In one aspect, the present invention provides a kit to promote neuroregeneration or neuroprotection, treating spinal cord injury, or facilitating axon growth comprising: a first container containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1; a second container containing a fibrinogen composition; and a third container containing a thrombin composition. In some embodiments, the fibrinogen composition in the kit comprises fibrinogen and, albumin, one or more blood coagulation factors, and/or globulin. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises an additional container containing a solution comprising one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors. In some embodiments, the one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors comprises aprotinin. In some embodiments, wherein the kit further comprises a solution comprising calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a syringe. In some embodiments, the syringe is a Duploject Syringe. In one aspect, the present invention provides a kit to promote neuroregeneration or neuroprotection, treating spinal cord injury, or facilitating axon growth, comprising: a first chamber containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 85% (e.g., at least 90%, 92%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%%) identical to SEQ ID NO:1 and a fibrinogen composition; and a second chamber containing a thrombin composition. In some embodiments, the first chamber further contains one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors. In some embodiments, the one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors comprises aprotinin. In some embodiments, the thrombin composition comprises thrombin and calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the method or the kit comprises a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the method or the kit comprises a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the method or the kit comprises a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the first amino acid of the polypeptide is not a methionine. In some embodiments, the method or the kit comprises a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the method or the kit comprises a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the method or the kit comprises a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO: 9. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration or neuroprotection, or to treat spinal cord injury or facilitate axon growth, comprising: mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein has a purity of equal to or greater than 80% measured by main peak of IE-HPLC, with a fibrinogen composition that does not contain a thrombin to generate a therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution; and combining the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution with a thrombin composition to generate a therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition is first added to a solution comprising one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors before mixing with the fibrinogen composition. In some embodiments, the fibrinogen composition comprises fibrinogen and, albumin, one or more blood coagulation factors, and/or globulin. In some embodiments, the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution and the thrombin composition is combined using a Duploject Syringe. In some embodiments, the therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection is a tissue adhesive. In one aspect, the present invention provides, a method of treating spinal cord injury, facilitating axon growth, or repairing tissue, in a subject in need thereof, comprising: mixing a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein has a purity of equal to or greater than 80% measured by main peak of IE-HPLC, with a fibrinogen composition that does not contain a thrombin to generate a therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution; combining the therapeutic protein-fibrinogen solution with a thrombin composition to generate a therapeutic composition to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection; and administering the therapeutic composition to the subject in need of treatment of spinal cord injury. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is first added to a solution comprising one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors before mixing with the fibrinogen composition. In some embodiments, the one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors comprises aprotinin. In some embodiments, the thrombin composition comprises thrombin and calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the therapeutic active-fibrinogen solution and the thrombin composition are combined and administered using a Duploject Syringe to the subject in need thereof. In one aspect, the present invention provides a kit to promote neuroregeneration or neuroprotection, treating spinal cord injury, or facilitating axon growth comprising: (A) a first container containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein has a purity of equal to or greater than 80% measured by main peak of IE-HPLC; a second container containing a fibrinogen composition; and a third container containing a thrombin composition; or (B) a first chamber containing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purified recombinant C3 fusion protein having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the purified recombinant C3 fusion protein has a purity of equal to or greater than 80% measured by main peak of IE-HPLC; and a second chamber containing a thrombin composition. In some embodiments, the fibrinogen composition comprises fibrinogen and, albumin, one or more blood coagulation factors, and/or globulin. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises an additional container containing a solution comprising one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors. In some embodiments, the one or more plasminogen-activator inhibitors or plasmin inhibitors comprises aprotinin. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a solution comprising calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a syringe. In some embodiments, the syringe is a Duploject Syringe. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical composition comprises the purified recombinant C3 protein having an amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 protein having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 protein having an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 protein has 213-231 amino acids in total. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 protein has 213-231 amino acids in total. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 protein has 213 the purified recombinant C3 protein having an amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 protein having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 protein having an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 protein has 213-231 amino acids in total. In some embodiments, the purified recombinant C3 has 231 amino acids in total. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention are apparent in the detailed description, drawings and claims that follow. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description, the drawings, and the claims, while indicating embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only, not limitation. Various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

11358996

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure is related to compositions and methods for reducing egg breakage and/or by improving the eggshells of eggs laid by laying hens. BACKGROUND It has been estimated that the income loss to U.S. producers from broken eggs is $266 million/year based on 240 million laying chickens. An additional loss of $211 million occurs due to uncollectable eggs at processing plants. Today, the U.S. has 338 million laying chickens, and egg loss due to breakage or uncollectable eggs could account for $375 million and $297 million/year, respectively. Global hen numbers are 6.6 billion and could account for losses due to breakage or uncollectable eggs of $7.3 billion and $5.8 billion respectively. With as much as 20% of the eggs lost from a given hen (300 egg/year), a total of $3.50 of an individual hen's production is lost due to egg breakage. The egg specific gravity, percent shell, and force to break the shell (grams of force) are negatively correlated with egg breakage in commercial egg production and packing facilities, with specific gravity and percent shell having a correlation coefficient of ≥0.85 (C. F. Strong, 1989, Poultry Science 68:1730-1733). A strategy that would reduce egg loss due to breakage would be of considerable value to egg producers. There are no products that are currently marketed that consistently increase egg specific gravity, eggshell amount and force to break eggs (measures of “eggshell strength”) and thereby reduce egg breakage. For example, while calcium and vitamin D are two critical nutrients for assuring proper calcification of eggs, these nutrients are currently fed at levels that maximize eggshell strength. Sodium bicarbonate can restore shell strength caused by a depletion of blood bicarbonate when environmental temperatures are high such as in the summer, however, sodium bicarbonate does not actually increase shell strength per se. What is needed are compositions and methods for reducing breakage and increasing eggshell strength in eggs laid by laying hens. BRIEF SUMMARY In an aspect, an FGF-23 epitope peptide has the sequence SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7. SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, or SEQ ID NO: 20. In an aspect, the FGF-23 epitope peptide is conjugated to a carrier protein. In another aspect, a pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and an FGF-23 epitope peptide, wherein the FGF-23 epitope peptide has the sequence SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7. SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, or SEQ ID NO: 20. In an aspect, a method of improving resistance to eggshell breakage and/or improving eggshell strength comprises administering to a laying hen an effective amount of an FGF-23 epitope peptide to improve resistance to eggshell breakage and/or improve the eggshell strength of eggs laid by the hen, wherein the FGF-23 epitope peptide consists of a sequence that is not identical to a sequence in human FGF-23. In another aspect, a method of producing antibodies in a laying hen comprises administering to the laying hen an effective amount of an FGF-23 epitope peptide, wherein the FGF-23 epitope peptide has the sequence SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7. SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, or SEQ ID NO: 20.

11213844

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to fluid dispenser systems and more particularly to pumps with self-adjusting volumes. fluid dispensers, and refill units having the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Liquid dispenser systems, such as liquid soap and sanitizer dispensers, provide a user with an amount of liquid upon actuation of the dispenser. In some circumstances, users desire dispensers to dispense less than a full dose of fluid. In many cases, the dispensers are modified so that the dispenser dispenses less then a full dose of fluid by reducing the length of stroke of the actuator, which “short strokes” the pump. Unfortunately, short stroking the pump often results in the pump failing to prime and/or inconsistencies in the volume of pump output. Attempts have been made to overcome the priming issues by altering the volume of the liquid chamber, see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 9,062,667 titled Variable Volume Bore Piston Pump, or causing “lost motion” in the return stroke, see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 8,955,718 titled Foam Pumps with Lost Motion and Adjustable Output Foam Pumps. These systems may suffer from disadvantages such as, for example, inconsistencies in volumes of air to liquid and/or noise and/or additional wear to parts. In some prior art systems, pump valving is made more complex and expensive due to added parts or features. Further some of these prior art systems waste energy with every activation due to lost motion needed to reset the pump to its at rest position. SUMMARY Exemplary embodiments of pumps, refill units and dispenser systems are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit for a soap, sanitizer or lotion includes a container for holding a fluid and a pump secured to the container. The pump includes a housing, a liquid piston, a liquid pump chamber, an air piston, an air pump chamber; and a piston holder. The liquid piston is connected to the air piston. The piston holder is connected to one of the liquid piston and the air piston. The connection comprises one or more projections and one or more grooves. The volume of the liquid pump chamber and the air pump chamber both change as a function of the engagement of the one or more projections with the one or more grooves. Another exemplary refill unit for a soap, sanitizer or lotion includes a container for holding a fluid and a pump secured to the container. The pump has a housing, a liquid piston, a liquid pump chamber, an air piston, an air pump chamber, and a piston holder. The liquid piston is connected to the air piston. One or more projections on one of the piston holder and the liquid piston or air piston and one or more grooves on one of the piston holder and the liquid piston or air piston are also included. The volume of the air pump chamber and the volume of the liquid pump chamber are determined by the position of the one or more projections with respect to the one or more grooves. An exemplary dispenser system includes a dispenser. The dispenser has an actuator that has an actuator drive stroke length. The drive stroke length may be set at one or more drive stroke lengths to dispense one or more different volumes of fluid. A refill unit for a soap, sanitizer or lotion is also included. The refill unit includes a container for holding a fluid and a pump secured to the container. The pump has a housing, a liquid piston, a liquid pump chamber, an air piston, an air pump chamber, and a piston holder. The liquid piston is connected to the air piston. One or more projections are on one of the piston holder and the liquid piston or air piston. One or more grooves are on one of the piston holder and the liquid piston or air piston. The volume of the air pump chamber and the volume of the liquid pump chamber are determined by the position of the one or more projections with respect to the one or more grooves which is determined by the one or more drive stroke lengths of the dispenser. An exemplary pump includes a housing, a liquid piston, a liquid pump chamber, an air piston, an air pump chamber and a piston holder. The liquid piston is connected to the air piston. The piston holder is movably connected to one of the liquid piston and the air piston. The movable connection comprises one or more first members and one or more second members. The one or more first members engage with the one or more second members in at least two positions. The volume of the liquid pump chamber and the air pump chamber in a first position are less than the respective volumes of the liquid pump chamber and the air pump chamber in a second position.

11246234

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0003230, filed on Jan. 10, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND Field Exemplary embodiment/implementation of the invention relate to a display device and a method of manufacturing a display device. Discussion of the Background A display device is a device capable of displaying an image and has been applied to various products based on a smart phone. Recently, as the functions of the display device are diversified, the display device includes optical sensors such as an iris recognition sensor and a proximity sensor as well as a photographing device for photographing pictures and moving images. For example, the display device may recognize the iris of a user using an optical sensor and compare the recognized iris with a stored value to determine whether to activate the display device. Further, the display device may detect a change in light quality around the display device using the optical sensor, thereby adjusting brightness of a display screen or inactivating the display device. Meanwhile, the display device has a hole formed in a decorative print pattern of a window and an infrared ink layer arranged to overlap the hole so as to easily transmit and receive an optical signal of the optical sensor. The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding of the background of the inventive concepts, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. SUMMARY Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a display device in which an infrared ink layer is not viewed from the outside of the display device without interfering with transmission/reception of an optical signal. Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts. An embodiment of a display device includes a window; a decorative print pattern disposed on the window; a shielding layer disposed on the decorative print pattern; a transparent printing layer disposed on the shielding layer; and an infrared printing layer disposed on the transparent printing layer and not in contact with the decorative print pattern, the decorative print pattern and the shielding layer include a first opening exposing the window and the transparent printing layer and the infrared printing layer overlap the first opening. The transparent printing layer may cover an inner side wall of the decorative print pattern and an inner side wall of the shielding layer. A side surface of the transparent printing layer may be disposed on the shielding layer. The infrared printing layer may be in contact with the shielding layer. The infrared printing layer may not be in contact with the shielding layer. A side surface of the infrared printing layer may be disposed on the shielding layer. The decorative print pattern may include a first decorative printing layer and a second decorative printing layer which may be sequentially stacked on the window, and the transparent printing layer may cover an inner side wall of the first decorative printing layer, an inner side wall of the second decorative printing layer, and the inner side wall of the shielding layer. A side surface of the infrared printing layer may be disposed outside the inner side wall of the first decorative printing layer based on the first opening, from a cross sectional view. The side surface of the infrared printing layer may be disposed between the inner side wall of the first decorative printing layer and the inner side wall of the shielding layer, from a cross sectional view. The decorative print pattern and the shielding layer may further include a second opening and a third opening that expose the window and are spaced apart from each other, and the transparent printing layer and the infrared printing layer may overlap the second opening and the third opening. The transparent printing layer may include a first region overlapping the second opening and a second region overlapping the third opening, and the first region and the second region may be continuously connected to each other. The infrared printing layer may include a third region overlapping the second opening and a fourth region overlapping the third opening, and the third region and the fourth region may be continuously connected to each other. An embodiment of a display device includes a window; a decorative print pattern disposed on the window; a transparent printing layer disposed on the decorative print pattern; a shielding layer disposed on the transparent printing layer; and an infrared printing layer disposed on the shielding layer and not in contact with the decorative print pattern, wherein the decorative print pattern includes a first opening exposing the window, the shielding layer includes a second opening overlapping the first opening, and the transparent printing layer and the infrared printing layer overlap the first opening and the second opening. The transparent printing layer may cover an inner side wall and one surface of the decorative print pattern. A side surface of the infrared printing layer may be disposed on the shielding layer. The decorative print pattern may include a first decorative printing layer and a second decorative printing layer which are sequentially stacked from the window, and the transparent printing layer may cover an inner side wall of the first decorative printing layer, an inner side wall of the second decorative printing layer, and one surface of the second decorative printing layer. A side surface of the infrared printing layer may be disposed outside the inner side wall of the first decorative printing layer based on the first opening. The side surface of the infrared printing layer may be disposed between the inner side wall of the first decorative printing layer and the inner side wall of the shielding layer. An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device includes printing a decorative print pattern on a window and pre-drying the decorative print pattern; forming a shielding layer on the decorative print pattern and pre-drying the shielding layer; printing a transparent printing layer on the shielding layer and pre-drying the transparent printing layer; printing an infrared printing layer on the transparent printing layer and pre-drying the infrared printing layer; and drying the decorative print pattern, the shielding layer, the transparent printing layer, and the infrared printing layer. A drying time of the drying may be longer than a time of the pre-drying. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

11481581

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to monitoring electrical power distribution and transmission systems, and more particularly to electrical power monitoring system that uses machine learning algorithms to adjusts estimates of a number and location of customers affected by reported power system incidents. BACKGROUND Electric power transmission and distribution systems used to provide electrical power to customers distributed over a geographic area include many components that are interconnected by electrical conductors to form an electrical power distribution network. The components within the electrical distribution network in many cases include devices that monitor the operation of the network and report detected incidents or problems to a central monitoring system. In some examples, components within an electrical distribution network include Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment to monitor component operations. In some examples, electric utility customers have smart meters that are able to send status messages back to a central monitoring system to indicate a loss or restoration of electrical power to the customer's facility. Various incidents that can occur with regards to the electrical distribution network, such as a failure of a component in an electrical distribution network, can cause a number of customers to lose electrical power. Many such incidents require a service team to be dispatched to remedy the incident, such as make necessary repairs to equipment that was damaged. In many electrical distribution networks, a number of incidents may occur within a relatively short time period. When a number of incidents occur that is greater than the number that can be serviced by the available repair crews, the incidents are generally prioritized to determine an order of locations to which repair crews are to be dispatched. In general, prioritization of incidents to which repair crews are dispatched is based on the number of customers that are affected by the particular incident. In general, incidents are prioritized in the order of the number of customers to have lost electrical service due to the incident, and thus the number of customers who will have power restored by repairing the cause of the incident. The incident that causes the largest number of customers to lose electrical service are prioritized for dispatching of repair crews over incidents that have fewer number of affected customers. It is often a challenge to determine the locations of and the actual number of customers who are affected by a particular incident or reported problem. Although many electric power utilities have installed smart power usage meters (smart meters) that are part of an Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI), the AMI has not been able to reliably estimate the number of customers who have lost electrical power. In an example, smart meters communicate via a wireless network with a central monitoring station. However, the wireless communication network is very limited in bandwidth and messaging throughput. On occasion, communications from smart meters over a grid powered wireless mesh network fail to be received by the central monitoring station. Therefore, not all smart meters in a commercial power distribution network (especially in a wide area power distribution system serving large numbers of customers) can be monitored by a central monitoring station in real time to obtain a complete and contemporaneous system status. The central monitoring station operates with a level of uncertainty regarding which specific customer locations are currently experiencing power outage conditions and which specific customer locations have not lost power or have their power restored following a power outage. Inaccuracies in the number of customers affected by an incident in an electrical power distribution network can result from the inability to accurately determine which customers have lost electrical power. Such inaccuracies are able to result in improperly prioritizing the dispatching repair crews to address incidents that impact fewer customers than other incidents that are given lower priority and are thus scheduled to be repaired later. These inaccuracies further challenge an ability to accurately notify customers of outages or other effects of an incident.

11398347

BACKGROUND Embodiments of the present invention relate in general to complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, and more specifically, inductors in CMOS devices. CMOS technology is used to construct integrated circuits such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, static random access memory (RAM) and other digital logic circuits. A basic component of CMOS designs is metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). An inductor is a passive two-terminal electrical device that stores electrical energy in a magnetic field when electric current is flowing through it. An inductor can include an electric conductor, such as a wire, that is wound into a coil. When the current flowing through an inductor changes, the time-varying magnetic field induces a voltage in the electric conductor. The direction of induced electromotive force (e.m.f) opposes the change in current that created it, and, as a result, inductors oppose any changes in current through them. The inductance of an inductor device is the ratio of the voltage to the rate of change of current. Along with capacitors and resistors, inductors are one of the three passive linear circuit elements that make up electronic circuits. Inductors are used in alternating current (AC) electronic equipment, such as in radio equipment. Generally, inductors are made during back-end-of-line (BEOL) processing. SUMMARY According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a method of making an inductor device includes forming a first metal layer on a substrate, and depositing an interlevel dielectric (ILD) on the first metal layer. A trench is patterned in the ILD, and a magnetic material is deposited in the trench. The trench in the ILD is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first metal layer. Another layer of ILD is deposited on the trench filled with the magnetic material, and a via is patterned adjacent to the trench filled with magnetic material, with the via extending from the first metal layer to a top surface of the layer of ILD. Trenches are patterned in the layer of ILD. The trenches include two portions, a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is arranged over, adjacent to and substantially parallel the first metal layer. The second portion arranged substantially perpendicular to the first portion and extends from an end of the first portion to the via, such that the first metal layer and the trenches are connected to one another through the via. A metal is deposited in the via, and a metal is deposited in the trenches in the layer of ILD to form a second metal layer, the second metal layer connected to the first metal layer through the via. According to other embodiments, s method of making an inductor device includes forming a plurality of first metal layers on a substrate, and depositing an interlevel dielectric (ILD) on the plurality of first metal layers. A plurality of trenches is patterned in the ILD, and a magnetic material is deposited in the plurality of trenches. The plurality of trenches in the ILD are arranged substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first metal layers. Another layer of ILD is deposited on the plurality of trenches filled with the magnetic material, and a plurality of vias is patterned adjacent to the trenches filled with the magnetic material. The plurality of vias extend from the plurality of first metal layers to a top surface of the another layer of ILD. Trenches are patterned in the layer of ILD. The trenches include two portions, first portions and second portions. The first portions are arranged over and adjacent to and substantially parallel the plurality of first metal layers, and the second portions are arranged substantially perpendicular to the first portions, extend from both ends of the first portions, and are oriented in opposite directions such that the second portions are continuous with the plurality of vias. A metal is deposited in the plurality of vias and the trenches in the another layer of ILD to form a plurality of second metal layers, wherein the plurality of second metal layers is connected to the plurality of first metal layers through the via. Yet, according to other embodiments, an inductor device includes a substrate, and a plurality of first trenches including a first metal arranged on the substrate. The plurality of first trenches form first metal layers, with the first metal layers being arranged substantially parallel to the substrate. The device further includes a plurality of second trenches including a second metal arranged over the first metal layers. The plurality of second trenches includes two portions, first portions and second portions. The first portions are arranged substantially parallel to and interdigitate the first metal layers. The second portions are arranged substantially perpendicular to the first portions, extend from both ends of the first portions, and are oriented in opposite directions such that the second portions extend over ends of adjacent first metal layers. A plurality of vias connects the first metal layers to the second metal layers, and a plurality of magnetic trenches is arranged on the substrate. The plurality of magnetic trenches is arranged over the first metal layers, under the second metal layers, and substantially parallel to the second portions of the plurality of second trenches.

11398758

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an armature coil and an armature. BACKGROUND ART In general, a large-sized coil used in a stator of a large-sized rotary electric machine such as a turbine electric generator is configured such that the coil is divided into a plurality of strand groups and the strand groups are short-circuited at both ends in the axial direction of the stator. In this case, if a difference in interlinkage magnetic fluxes occurs among the strands forming the strand group, an induced voltage difference due to the interlinkage magnetic flux difference occurs among the strands, and circulation current bypassing through short-circuit parts at the axial-direction ends flows. In order to suppress this circulation current, a method called Roebel transposition in which the radial-direction positions of the strands are changed by twisting the strand group is adopted (hereinafter, abbreviated as transposition). In a general transposition configuration of a unit coil, transposition is made in a slot of a stator core in which the strand group is stored, and no transposition is made at coil end portions on the outer sides from both ends in the axial direction of the core. However, the strand group is influenced by a magnetic flux even at the coil end portions, and therefore an induced voltage difference occurs among the strands at the coil end portions. In order to reduce this induced voltage difference, disclosed is a stator winding bar as an armature coil in which transposition of strands is made at each of the inside and the outside of the slot and also a section where transposition is not made is partially formed in the slot, as follows. In this stator winding bar, at an active part, individual conductor strands occupy respective positions in the slot (=360° transposition), whereas at end clips, 90° transposition is made. There is a void (=non-transposition section) in the middle of the active part (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, it is known that circulation current loss can be reduced by forming transposed strands so as to make not only 360° transposition in the slot in which all strand positions are experienced in the slot as described above, but also 540° transposition in the slot in which the strand end positions are set to be different from each other by 180° at both ends in the axial direction of the slot. However, even in the case of using 540° transposition in the slot, it is impossible to completely eliminate the induced voltage difference among the strands at the coil end portions. Thus, disclosed is an armature coil in which, while 540° transposition in the slot is made, a section where the transposition angle is set to be milder than a theoretical transposition angle determined by the axial-direction dimension of the slot is formed in the slot, thereby reducing circulation current loss, as follows. That is, 180° transposition is made in each of active parts A, B, C, whereby 540° transposition is made. In sections22b,23b,24b, the strand transposition pitch is set to be longer (see, for example, Patent Document 2). CITATION LIST Patent Document Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-182339 (paragraphs [0013] to [0014], FIG. 2, FIG. 3) Patent Document 2: US Patent Publication No. US2007/0222321A1 (paragraphs [0006] to [0023], FIG. 2, FIG. 3) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the armature coil shown in Patent Document 1, 360° transposition is made in the slot, 90° transposition is made at each coil end portion of both ends in the axial direction, and further, a section where transposition is not made is partially formed in the slot. Thus, the induced voltage difference at the coil end portions is reduced, whereby circulation current loss is reduced. However, this is not a configuration adaptable to 540° transposition in the slot, which exhibits a higher circulation current reducing effect. In the armature coil shown in Patent Document 2, 540° transposition is made in the slot, there is no transposition at the coil end portions, and further, a section where the transposition angle is set to be mild is partially formed in the slot, thereby reducing circulation current loss. However, in this configuration, the induced voltage difference among the strands occurring at the coil end portions sometimes cannot be effectively reduced, so that circulation current loss cannot be reduced. The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an armature coil that can effectively reduce circulation current loss by minimizing the induced voltage difference among the strands in the armature coil, and an armature including the armature coil. Solution to the Problems An armature coil according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of unit coils to be stored in slots of an armature. Each unit coil includes a plurality of strands each of which is transposed, and the strands extend out from the slot at both ends in an axial direction of the slot and are electrically connected to form coil end portions. Each of the strands forming each unit coil is configured such that transposition by transposition angle 540 degrees is made between both ends in the axial direction in the slot, and where the strand is divided into a first section having a first width in the axial direction, a second section having a second width in the axial direction, and a third section having a third width in the axial direction, continuously in the axial direction from one end side to another end side in the axial direction in the slot, transposition by transposition angle 180 degrees is made in each of the first section, the second section, and the third section, and transposition by a first transposition angle θ is made at the coil end portions. Each strand has, in each section in the slot, a change portion in which a change rate of transposition of the strand is changed. An axial-direction middle point of the change portion in each section of a first strand which is at least one of the strands of each unit coil is located between a position at transposition angle 90 degrees and a position obtained by adding the first transposition angle θ of the first strand to the transposition angle 90 degrees, in each section. An armature according to the present disclosure includes: a core having the slots; and the armature coil configured as described above, and the armature is formed by providing the armature coil in the slots of the core. Effect of the Invention The armature coil according to the present disclosure makes it possible to provide an armature coil that can effectively reduce circulation current loss by minimizing the induced voltage difference among the strands. The armature according to the present disclosure includes the armature coil that can effectively reduce circulation current loss, thus making it possible to provide an armature with high performance.

11398431

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor devices, and particularly to through-silicon vias (TSVs). BACKGROUND Various techniques are known in the art for interconnecting multiple devices assembled together in a 3D package. One example technique uses through-silicon vias (TSVs). The description above is presented as a general overview of related art in this field and should not be construed as an admission that any of the information it contains constitutes prior art against the present patent application. SUMMARY An embodiment that is described herein provides a device, including a semiconductor substrate having first and second surfaces facing one another, and multiple through-silicon vias (TSVs). The TSVs are formed through the substrate between the first and second surfaces, at least a first TSV of the TSVs includes: (i) an electrically conductive interconnect, which is formed within the first TSV and is configured to conduct an electrical signal between the first and second surfaces, and (ii) an attenuation layer, which is formed within the first TSV, between the substrate and the electrically conductive interconnect, the attenuation layer configured to attenuate interference between electrical signals carried by two or more of the TSVs. In some embodiments, the attenuation layer includes a dielectric layer having a dielectric constant smaller than 2.9. In other embodiments, the attenuation layer includes a dielectric layer having a thickness greater than 50 nm. In yet other embodiments, the multiple TSVs include: (i) one or more first TSVs having the attenuation layer, the one or more first TSVs being configured to conduct first signals, and (ii) one or more second TSVs, which are separate from the first TSVs, and have a barrier layer configured to prevent diffusion between the substrate and the electrically conductive interconnect, the one or more second TSVs being configured to conduct second signals, different from the first signals. In an embodiment, at least one of the first TSVs is positioned between two or more of the second TSVs. In another embodiment, the attenuation layer and the barrier layer differ in thickness from one another. In yet another embodiments, the attenuation layer and the barrier layer differ in dielectric constant from one another. In some embodiments, the attenuation layer and the barrier layer differ in material composition from one another. In other embodiments, at least one of the first TSVs and at least one of the second TSVs differ in diameter from one another. In yet other embodiments, the first TSVs are larger in diameter than the second TSVs. In an embodiment, the first TSVs are configured to carry data signals, and at least some of the second TSVs are configured to carry direct current (DC) signals. In another embodiment, the interference includes electrical-signal coupling between the electrical signals carried by two or more of the TSVs. There is additionally provided, in accordance with an embodiment, a method for producing a device, the method including forming, through a substrate having first and second surfaces facing one another, multiple through-silicon vias (TSVs). An electrically conductive interconnect and an attenuation layer are formed within at least a first TSV of the TSVs. The electrically conductive interconnect is for conducting an electrical signal between the first and second surfaces, and the attenuation layer, which is formed between the substrate and the electrically conductive interconnect, is for attenuating interference between electrical signals carried by two or more of the TSVs. The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings in which:

11438589

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image and a recording medium storing a bitstream. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image efficiently signaling block partition information and a recording medium storing a bitstream generated by an image encoding method/apparatus of the present invention. BACKGROUND ART Recently, demands for high-resolution and high-quality images such as high definition (HD) images and ultra high definition (UHD) images, have increased in various application fields. However, higher resolution and quality image data has increasing amounts of data in comparison with conventional image data. Therefore, when transmitting image data by using a medium such as conventional wired and wireless broadband networks, or when storing image data by using a conventional storage medium, costs of transmitting and storing increase. In order to solve these problems occurring with an increase in resolution and quality of image data, high-efficiency image encoding/decoding techniques are required for higher-resolution and higher-quality images. Image compression technology includes various techniques, including: an inter-prediction technique of predicting a pixel value included in a current picture from a previous or subsequent picture of the current picture; an intra-prediction technique of predicting a pixel value included in a current picture by using pixel information in the current picture; a transform and quantization technique for compressing energy of a residual signal; an entropy encoding technique of assigning a short code to a value with a high appearance frequency and assigning a long code to a value with a low appearance frequency; etc. Image data may be effectively compressed by using such image compression technology, and may be transmitted or stored. DISCLOSURE Technical Problem An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image to enhance compression efficiency. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image efficiently encoding/decoding partition information of a block. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image efficiently signaling relevant information when partition information of a first block is derivable from partition information of a second block. Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium storing a bitstream generated by an image encoding method or apparatus of the present invention. Technical Solution An image decoding method performed by an image decoding apparatus according to the present invention may comprise decoding an indicator indicating whether or not partition information of a current block is derived from partition information of a corresponding block of the current block, obtaining the partition information of the current block based on the decoded indicator, and partitioning the current block based on the obtained partition information. In the image decoding method of the present invention, the indicator may be signaled in a CTU level or a picture level. In the image decoding method of the present invention, when the indicator has a first value, the partition information of the current block may be obtained from the partition information of the corresponding block, and when the indicator has a second value, the partition information of the current block may be obtained by decoding information signaled through a bitstream. In the image decoding method of the present invention, when the partitioning of the current block includes first partitioning and second partitioning, the decoding of the indicator and the obtaining of the partition information may be respectively performed for the first partitioning and the second partitioning. In the image decoding method of the present invention, when the partitioning of the current block includes first partitioning and second partitioning, the partition information of the current block for the first partitioning may be obtained from the partition information of the corresponding block, and the partition information of the current block for the second partitioning may be obtained by decoding an indicator for the second partitioning. In the image decoding method of the present invention, when the partitioning of the current block includes first partitioning and second partitioning, the indicator may indicate whether or not the partition information of the current block is obtained from the partition information of the corresponding block for both the first partitioning and the second partitioning, when the indicator has a first value, the partition information of the current block may be obtained from the partition information of the corresponding block for both the first partitioning and the second partitioning, and when the indicator has a second value, the partition information of the current block may be obtained by decoding information signaled through a bitstream for both the first partitioning and the second partitioning. In the image decoding method of the present invention, the method may further comprise comparing a size of the current block with a predetermined threshold value, and only when the size of the current block is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the decoding of the indicator may performed, and when the size of the current block is not greater than the predetermined threshold value, the partition information of the current block may be obtained by decoding information signaled through a bitstream. In the image decoding method of the present invention, when the partitioning of the current block includes first partitioning and second partitioning, the indicator for the first partitioning and the indicator for the second partitioning may be signaled in levels different from each other. In the image decoding method of the present invention, the partition information of the current block may include information about whether or not partitioning is performed, and information of a partition form, and when the indicator indicates that the partition information of the current block is derived from the partition information of the corresponding block, one of the information about whether or not partitioning is performed and the information of the partition form may be derived from the partition information of the corresponding block, and the remaining one may be obtained by decoding information signaled through a bitstream. In the image decoding method of the present invention, a partition method of the current block may be determined based on at least one of a coding parameter, picture information, slice information, tile information, coding mode information, a quantization parameter (QP), a coding block flag (CBF), a block size, a block depth, a block form, an entropy encoding method, partition information of a neighbor block, and a temporal layer level. In the image decoding method of the present invention, the current block may be a chroma block, and the corresponding block may be a luma block corresponding to the chroma block. An image encoding method performed by an image encoding apparatus according to the present invention may comprises determining an indicator indicating whether or not partition information of a current block is derived from partition information of a corresponding block of the current block, obtaining the partition information of the current block based on the determined indicator, partitioning the current block based on the obtained partition information, and encoding at least one of the indicator and the partition information of the current block. In the image encoding method of the present invention, when the indicator has a first value, the partition information of the current block may not be encoded, and the indicator having the first value may be encoded, and when the indicator has a second value, the indicator having the second value and the partition information of the current block may be encoded. In the image encoding method of the present invention, when the partitioning of the current block includes first partitioning and second partitioning, the determining of the indicator, the obtaining of the partition information, and the encoding of at least one of the indicator and the partition information of the current block may be respectively performed for the first partitioning and the second partitioning. In the image encoding method of the present invention, when the partitioning of the current block includes first partitioning and second partitioning, the partition information of the current block for the first partitioning may be obtained from the partition information of the corresponding block, and both the indicator for the first partitioning and the partition information of the current block may not be encoded, and the partition information of the current block for the second partitioning may be obtained based on the indicator for the second partitioning, and the indicator having the first value may be encoded, or both the indicator having the second value and the partition information of the current block may be encoded. In the image encoding method of the present invention, when the partitioning of the current block includes first partitioning and second partitioning, the indicator may indicate whether or not the partition information of the current block for both the first partitioning and the second partitioning is derived from the partition information of the corresponding block, when the indicator has a first value, the partition information of the current block may not be encoded and the indicator having the first value may be encoded for both the first partitioning and the second partitioning, and when the indicator has a second value, the indicator having the second value and the partition information of the current block may be encoded for both the first partitioning and the second partitioning. In the image encoding method of the present invention, the method may further comprise comparing a size of the current block with a predetermined threshold value, and only when the size of the current block is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the determining of the indicator and the encoding of the indicator may be performed, and when the size of the current block is not greater than the predetermined threshold value, the partition information of the current block may be encoded. A recording medium according to the present invention may store a bitstream generated by an image encoding method. Advantageous Effects According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image to enhance compression efficiency may be provided. According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image efficiently encoding/decoding partition information of a block may be provided. According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for encoding/decoding an image efficiently signaling relevant information when partition information of a first block is derivable from partition information of a second block may be provided. According to the present invention, a recording medium storing a bitstream generated by an image encoding method or apparatus of the present invention may be provided.

11455732

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to the field of automatic image segmentation and more specifically to the field of medical image automatic segmentation configured for medical applications. BACKGROUND When medical imaging is necessary to observe an internal organ or a set of internal organs, there are several systems that may be utilized: X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MM), computed tomography (CT), and others. When CT or MM imagery, for example, is used, a series of two-dimensional images are taken from a three-dimensional volume. Here, each two-dimensional image is an image of a cross-sectional “slice” of the three-dimensional volume. The resulting collection of two-dimensional cross-sectional slices can be combined to create a three dimensional image or reconstruction of the patient's anatomy. This resulting three-dimensional image or three-dimensional reconstruction will contain the desired internal organ. This portion of the three-dimensional image or reconstruction that contains the structure of interest may be referred to as a volume of interest. Note that when it is desired to observe multiple internal organs, there will then be a plurality of structures of interest as well. These one or more structures of interest may be viewed in several ways. A first and simplest way to view the structure(s) of interest would be to merely view the original CT or MRI image slices for the patient, with each slice containing a view of the structure(s) of interest. A second, and more complicated method to view the structure(s) of interest would be to combine the series of two-dimensional cross-sectional slices into a single three-dimensional representation where the structure(s) of interest may be represented as solid, opaque, or translucent, etc., objects that may then be manipulated (e.g., rotated) to allow viewing from multiple angles. One purpose of the three-dimensional reconstruction of the structure(s) of interest containing diseased or abnormal tissues or organs is the preparation of a three-dimensional radiation therapy treatment plan. Radiation therapy treatment plans are used during medical procedures that selectively expose precise areas of the body, such as cancerous tumors, to specific doses of radiation to destroy the undesirable tissues. To develop a patient-specific radiation therapy treatment plan, information is extracted from the three-dimensional model to determine parameters such as organ shape, organ volume, tumor shape, tumor location in the organ, and the position or orientation of several other structures of interest as they relate to the affected organ and any tumor. The two-dimensional slices may be individually viewed on a computer screen and with the use of conventional graphics programs, the contours of organs or structures of interest can be traced out by hand. Contours are connected line segments that define the outline of a structure of interest, which may be an organ, a portion of an organ, a tumor, diseased tissue, or a whole patient outline. Alternatively, these structures of interest in specific organs such as the brain or prostate, for example, may be identified with various structure-specific automatic contouring and/or automatic segmentation software programs (subdividing an image into discrete regions) that outline or fill the shape of the structure of interest on each two-dimensional slice of a set of slices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This present invention provides a solution to the challenges inherent in medical image automatic segmentation. In a method according to one embodiment, a series of steps provide knowledge-based medical image automatic segmentation. After receiving a medical image, a knowledge-base is searched for representative matches. A plurality of reference image sets are selected to form a base set. A portion of the reference image sets in the base set are deformed to generate mappings from the reference images to the medical image. A weighted average segmentation for each organ of interest is calculated. In one embodiment, the weighted average segmentation for each organ of interest is used as a seed for an automated structure-specific segmentation algorithm. In another embodiment, after the automatic segmentation algorithms are complete, reviewed and corrected as necessary, the medical image and its associated meta-data, sparse landmark signatures and structures of interest are added to the knowledge-base.

11230774

FIELD The present disclosure relates to homogeneously dispersed multimetal catalysts. Exemplary embodiments include oxygen-evolving and CO2reduction catalysts for the production of chemically stored energy from electricity. Embodiments include multimetal oxy-hydroxides. Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of production of the catalysts. BACKGROUND Efficient, cost-effective and long-lived electrolysers are a crucial missing piece along the path to practical energy storage. Energy storage is important in a number of application areas including the storage of energy obtained from renewable sources, including electricity (1, 2). One limiting factor in improving water-splitting technologies is the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The most efficient available catalysts require a substantial overpotential to reach the desired current densities ˜10 mA cm−2(2, 3) even in favorable electrolyte pH (typically pH˜13-14). To date, the best OER catalysts in alkaline media are NiFe oxy-hydroxide materials which typically require an overpotential of over 280 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Materials based on earth-abundant first-row (3d) transition metals, including 3d metal oxy-hydroxides (4, 5), oxide perovskites (6), cobalt phosphate composites (7), nickel borate composites (8), and molecular complexes (9, 10), are of interest in overcoming these limitations and improving catalysts. A drawback to current OER electrode compositions is the lack of fine control over the adsorption energetics of the various OER intermediates (O, OH, and OOH) with respect to the adsorption energetics optimal for maximum efficiency OER. Intercalation of additional elements, so called modulators, into the active catalyst matrix can be used to modulate the activity of the nearby active catalytic atomic sites. However, the choice of modulator is limited to elements of similar atomic size to that of the host matrix, whereas significantly larger or smaller elements tend to phase segregate due to lattice mismatch and strain accumulation, thus limiting the effect of modulators to the few nearest sites in the host matrix (11-13). SUMMARY The present disclosure provides a substantially homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst comprising at least two metals, at least one metal being a transition metal, and at least a second metal which is structurally dissimilar to the at least one metal, such that the multimetal oxy-hydroxide is characterized by being substantially homogeneously dispersed on sub-10 nm scale and generally not crystalline. In an embodiment, a multimetal catalyst can be produced from this multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst by exposing the later to a reducing environment. An exemplary reducing environment is provided by electrochemically reducing the homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst. The present disclosure provides a substantially homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst comprising at least two metals, at least one of the metals being from a first class of metals which includes Ni, Fe and Co, and at least one metal or non-metal which are structurally dissimilar to the metal in the first class, the at least one metal being from a second class of metals which are structurally dissimilar to the metals in the first class and includes W, Mo, Mn, Mg, Cr, Ba, Sb, Bi, Sn, Ce, Pb, Ir and Re, and the non-metal being one of B and P. The present disclosure provides a homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst made using multimetals with at least one of them being structurally dissimilar to the other metals, comprising: a homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst coated on said conductive substrate, said homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide comprising a first metal being iron (Fe),a second metal being one or both of cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni), andwhen the second metal is cobalt, including at least a third element M3 which is any one or combination of tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), tin (Sn), and chromium (Cr);when the second metal is nickel, including a third element M3 which is any one of any one of antimony (Sb), rhenium (Re), iridium (Ir), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), boron (B) and phosphorus (P); andwhen the second metal is both cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni), including an additional element which is at least one of boron (B) and phosphorus (P). In this embodiment, when the second metal is cobalt, a ratio of the Fe:Co:M3 being 1:X:Y, wherein X ranges from about 0.1 to about 10, and Y ranges from about 0.001 to about 10. When the second metal is cobalt, a ratio of the Fe:Co:M3 being 1:X:Y, wherein X ranges from about 0.5 to about 1.5, Y ranges from about 0.5 to about 1.5. When the second metal is nickel, a ratio of the Fe:Ni:M3 being 1:X:Y, wherein X ranges from about 0.1 to about 10, and Y ranges from about 0.001 to about 10. When the second metal is nickel, a ratio of the Fe:Ni:M3 being 1:X:Y, wherein X ranges from about 5 to about 10, Y ranges from about 0.5 to about 1.5. When the second metal is cobalt and the third element is tungsten (W), including a fourth element which is molybdenum (Mo) and a ratio of the Fe:Co:W:Mo being about 1:X:Y:Z, wherein X ranges from about 0.1 to about 10, Y ranges from about 0.001 to about 10, and Z ranges from about 0.001 to about 10. A preferred ratio 1:X:Y:Z is about 1:1:0.5:0.5. When the second metal is both cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni), the third element is phosphorus (P) and a broad ratio of the FeCoNiP is 1:0.1-10:1-100:0.001-10. A more preferred ratio of the FeCoNiP is 1:1:9:0.1. These homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalysts have shown excellent efficacy as oxygen evolution electrodes. The present disclosure provides a method for producing a homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst for oxygen evolution, comprising: a) dissolving metal salt precursors for at least three different metals in a first polar organic solvent to produce a first solution containing metal ions of the at least three different metals, a first metal being iron (Fe),and a second metal being one of cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni); andwhen the second metal is cobalt, including any one of tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), tin (Sn) and chromium (Cr);and when the second metal is nickel, including any one of antimony (Sb), rhenium (Re), iridium (Ir), cobalt (Co), Magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn);and when the second and third metal are Co and Ni, the fourth element is any one of B and P b) chilling the first solution; c) mixing trace amounts of water in the first polar organic solvent to produce a second solution; d) chilling the second solution; e) mixing the chilled first solution together with the chilled second solution and optionally with an agent selected to control a rate of hydrolysis of all the metals and letting the mixture react over a preselected period of time to form a gel; f) soaking the gel in a second polar organic solvent to remove unreacted precursors and any unreacted agent from the gel; and g) drying the gel in the absence of annealing to produce an uncrystallised powder aerogel, wherein the uncrystallised powder aerogel is characterized by being a homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst material. In an embodiment there is provided a method for producing a homogeneously dispersed multimetal catalyst for CO2reduction, comprising:a) dissolving metal salt precursors for at least two different metals in a first polar organic solvent to produce a first solution containing metal ions of the two different metals, a first metal being copper (Cu), and the second metal is any one of Cerium (Ce), Bismuth (Bi), Tin (Sn) and Lead (Pb). All the above metal elements can also be prepared as single metal oxyhydroxides via the same method as claimed below.b) chilling the first solution;c) mixing trace amounts of water in the first polar organic solvent to produce a second solution;d) chilling the second solution;e) mixing the chilled first solution together with the chilled second solution and optionally with an agent selected to control a rate of hydrolysis of all the metals and letting the mixture react over a preselected period of time to form a gel;f) soaking the gel in a second polar organic solvent to remove unreacted precursors and any unreacted agent from the gel;g) drying the gel in the absence of annealing to produce an uncrystallised powder aerogel, wherein the uncrystallised powder aerogel is characterized by being a homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide catalyst material; andh) exposing the obtained gel to reducing conditions. Thus, the present disclosure provides CO2reduction reaction catalysts prepared starting from the homogeneously dispersed multimetal oxy-hydroxide and electrochemically reducing it. The present disclosure provides a CO2reduction reaction catalyst, comprising: a homogeneous mixture of Cu with a second metal M, including one of Cerium (Ce), Bismuth (Bi), Tin (Sn) and Lead (Pb). A broad ratio of the Cu:M being 1:X, where X ranges from about 0.01 to about 10. A preferred narrower range in the particular example of the Cu:Ce is 1:X, where X ranges from about 0.1 to about 1. A further understanding of the functional and advantageous aspects of the disclosure can be realized by reference to the following detailed description and drawings.

11294760

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY Temporal derivation between data from a plurality of sensors lends to a loss of accuracy when performing object detection by convoluted neural networks. In worse case scenarios it can lead to loss of object detection functionality. This invention solves this problem by providing a solution that generates time stamps with the data output from multi modal sensors which are used to align the data and detect temporally misaligned conditions that could lead to a fault or safety violation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a method and apparatus for synchronizing sensor data received by a digital signal processor (DSP) from a plurality of sensors generating independent sensor data. A temporal synchronization circuit may be configured to operate in conjunction with other integrated circuits to align data received from a plurality of sensors. The temporal synchronization circuit generates time stamps for generated data that are used to correct for any temporal deviation in the data received from the sensors to mitigate fault conditions that may be generated by misaligned data. The temporal synchronization circuit may also generate a power management scheme based on the particular characteristics of a SRAM to adjust power requirements according to any temporal deviation in the received sensor data.

11259859

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to renal denervation, and more particularly to catheter apparatus and methods for renal denervation of human patients. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART High blood pressure is often difficult to control. Resistant hypertension is defined as a blood pressure that remains above goal despite the concomitant use of full doses of three or more antihypertensive drugs from different classes. One approach to treat patients with resistant hypertension is renal denervation for blocking sympathetic nerve around the renal artery of the patients. Recently, it has been reported that renal denervation for blocking sympathetic nerve around the renal artery using a percutaneous catheter can be effective for lowering blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. Besides, this renal denervation strategy has gained attention for the usefulness in the treatment of patients with arrhythmia and cardiac failure. However, in the existing approaches for performing renal denervation, it is difficult to effectively destruct renal nerves since most of the renal nerves are distributed far away from the intima of renal artery and the conventional percutaneous catheters are designed to destruct the renal nerves from the inner side of the renal artery. Also, the conventional percutaneous catheters may severely damage the intima of the renal artery as well as the adventitia of the renal artery and, in some cases, may cause angiostenosis. Therefore, there is a need for new catheters that can help the physicians effectively destruct the renal nerves and methods for performing renal denervation without damaging the renal artery and nearby organs/tissues. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure provides catheter apparatus and methods for renal denervation that effectively and completely destruct a circumferential tissue of renal artery such as renal nerves. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, catheter apparatus for renal denervation includes: a shaft having a distal end; and a loop disposed near the distal end and configured to curl around a tissue and receive, via the shaft, energy to denervate at least a portion of the tissue. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for renal denervation using a catheter having a loop includes positioning the loop near a tissue, the loop includes an electrode; curling the loop around the tissue; delivering energy to the electrode, thereby causing the electrode to convert the energy into heat energy; and denervating at least a portion of the tissue using the heat energy.

11472264

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus or a device for adjusting environmental conditions in a container or housing. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for adjusting humidity and/or temperature inside a container configured to accommodate an electronic component that is sensitive to humidity and/or temperature. For example, the electronic component can be a display component positioned in a dashboard container of a vehicle. BACKGROUND Some components or devices are sensitive to environmental conditions and can be operated normally only in a controlled environment. For example, an electronic component can only be operated under certain humidity. When the humidity is too high, a short circuit may occur and then cause damages to the electronic component. Traditionally, a coating can be applied to the electronic component so as to protect it from outside moisture. However, the coating can be expensive and difficult to maintain (e.g., leakage may occur from time to time). Another traditional way is to use an absorbent to absorb excessive moisture around the electronic component. This method, however, requires periodical replacement of the absorbent, which can be inconvenient. In addition, sometime the moisture absorbent itself can become a source of moisture, if it not properly replaced or maintained. Therefore, it is advantageous to have an improved apparatus, system, and method to address the foregoing problem.

11260768

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-073640 filed on Apr. 6, 2018 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND Field The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a method of charging the vehicle, and more particularly to a technique for charging a power storage device mounted in a vehicle with electric power supplied through a charging cable from a charging facility external to the vehicle. Description of the Background Art In recent years, there has been advancement of developing an electrically powered vehicle configured to allow “plug-in charging” for charging a power storage device mounted in a vehicle with electric power supplied through a charging cable from a charging facility (a charging stand and the like) external to the vehicle. Plug-in charging generally causes heat loss in a charging facility, a charging cable, and a charging inlet of a vehicle. Accordingly, the technique for protecting these components from excessive temperature rise has been proposed. For example, a power supply device of a vehicle disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-233366 is configured to receive, from outside the vehicle, the information as to whether or not the temperature of the charging cable or the charging facility (the power feeding device in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-233366) external to the vehicle may exceed the heatproof temperature. Then, when there is a possibility that the temperature of the power feeding device or the charging cable may exceed the heatproof temperature, the power supply device limits the charging power of the charger mounted in the vehicle. SUMMARY Plug-in charging causes heat loss (Joule heat) in a portion of contact between the connector provided at the end of the charging cable and the inlet on the vehicle side (hereinafter abbreviated as a “contact portion”), which leads to a particular concern that the temperature at the contact portion may excessively rise. On the other hand, it is also desired to shorten the charging time for improving the user's convenience. The charging time is shortened by increasing the charging power. However, when the charging power (more specifically, the current supplied from a charging facility) is increased, the heat loss occurring in the contact portion is also increased accordingly, which leads to a further concern that the contact portion may be overheated. Thus, it is required to shorten the charging time as much as possible while appropriately protecting the charging cable and the inlet. From the above-described point of view, it is conceivable to provide a cooling mechanism in the charging facility and the charging cable (which will be collectively also referred to as a “charging facility”) when the charging facility and the charging cable are integrally formed. More specifically, by a cooling mechanism in which a coolant circulates between the charging facility and the connector of the charging cable (the so-called water-cooled cooling mechanism), the connector of the charging cable and the inlet can be cooled. As a result, overheating of the contact portion can be suppressed, so that the charging cable and the inlet can be appropriately protected. The present inventor has focused attention on the possibility that the following problems may occur when the cooling mechanism is disposed as described above. A charging facility provided with a cooling mechanism and a charging facility not provided with a cooling mechanism are to be mixedly distributed in the market. Assuming that the same charging mode is set for the power storage device irrespective of whether the charging facility is provided with a cooling mechanism or not, and when the charging mode is set based on the charging facility not provided with a cooling mechanism, the charging power from the charging facility provided with a cooling mechanism is small, which may prevent the charging time from being sufficiently shortened. On the other hand, when the charging mode is set based on the charging facility provided with a cooling mechanism, the charging power from the charging facility not provided with a cooling mechanism is excessively increased, which may prevent sufficient protection of the charging facility. Accordingly, it is desirable to change the charging mode for the power storage device depending on whether the charging facility is provided with a cooling mechanism or not. The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present disclosure is to perform plug-in charging in a charging time shortened as much as possible while appropriately protecting a charging cable and an inlet. (1) A vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure is configured to perform plug-in charging for charging a power storage device mounted in the vehicle with electric power supplied through a charging cable from a charging facility external to the vehicle. The vehicle includes: an inlet to which a connector of the charging cable is connectable; and a controller configured to control a supply current from the charging facility such that the supply current does not exceed a maximum allowable current. The controller is configured to obtain information related to whether or not the charging facility is provided with a cooling mechanism for cooling the connector and the inlet (which will be hereinafter also referred to as “specific information”). The controller is configured to set the maximum allowable current to be higher when the charging facility is provided with the cooling mechanism than when the charging facility is not provided with the cooling mechanism. (2) The specific information contains: information for specifying the charging facility; and information as to whether or not the charging facility specified is provided with the cooling mechanism, which are associated with each other. According to the configuration in the above-described (1) and (2), the maximum allowable current is set to be higher when the charging facility is provided with the cooling mechanism than when the charging facility is not provided with the cooling mechanism. Thereby, in the charging facility provided with a cooling mechanism, a relatively high maximum allowable current is set, so that the charging time can be shortened. On the other hand, in the charging facility not provided with a cooling mechanism in a charging stand, the maximum allowable current is limited to a relatively small value, so that the charging cable and the inlet can be reliably protected. Accordingly, the charging time can be shortened as much as possible while appropriately protecting the charging cable and the inlet. (3) The vehicle further includes a memory in which the specific information is stored. The controller is configured to refer to the memory to obtain the specific information. According to the configuration in the above-described (3), the specific information can be obtained by referring to the memory. Thus, for example, the communication with the outside of the vehicle for obtaining the specific information can be eliminated. (4) The vehicle further includes a communication device configured to communicate with at least one of another vehicle and a server that is provided outside the vehicle. The controller is configured to obtain the specific information through communication using the communication device. According to the configuration in the above-described (4), even when the specific information stored in the memory does not include the information about the charging facility, the specific information can be obtained from another vehicle or a server that are external to the vehicle. (5) The vehicle further includes a positional information obtaining device configured to obtain positional information about the vehicle. The controller is configured to specify the charging facility by obtaining the positional information about the vehicle that is connected to the charging facility through the charging cable. (6) The controller is configured to specify the charging facility by obtaining at least one of identification information about the charging facility and information showing a type of the charging facility through communication with the charging facility via the charging cable. According to the configuration in the above-described (5), in the state where the vehicle and the charging facility are connected to each other through the charging cable, the position of the vehicle and the positional information about the charging facility are approximately the same. Thus, the charging facility can be specified by the positional information about the vehicle. Alternatively, as in the configuration in the above-described (6), the charging facility can also be specified by at least one of the identification information about the charging facility and the information showing the type of the charging facility. (7) A method of charging a vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure is to perform plug-in charging for a power storage device mounted in the vehicle with electric power supplied through a charging cable from a charging facility external to the vehicle. The vehicle includes an inlet to which a connector of the charging cable is connectable. The method of charging a vehicle includes the first, second and third steps. The first step is for obtaining information related to whether or not the charging facility is provided with a cooling mechanism configured to cool the connector and the inlet (specific information). The second step is for determining based on the specific information whether the charging facility is provided with the cooling mechanism or not. The third step is for setting a maximum allowable value of a current supplied from the charging facility through the charging cable to be higher when the charging facility is provided with the cooling mechanism than when the charging facility is not provided with the cooling mechanism. According to the method in the above-described (7), the charging time can be shortened as much as possible while appropriately protecting the charging cable and the inlet as in the configuration in the above-described (1). The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

11488756

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of Chinese patent application CN201910172996.7 filed on Mar. 7, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an optical member supporting device used in electronic apparatus such as smartphone and the like, an optical member driving device, a camera device, and an electronic apparatus. BACKGROUND The camera devices mounted on electronic apparatus such as smartphones and the like include those having optical hand shake correction function. There is a patent document of Korea patent laid-open No. 10-2016-0021158 (hereinafter referred to as “Patent Document 1” disclosing a technique related to this type of camera device. The camera module of PATENT DOCUMENT 1 has a configuration including: a first hand shake correction part, wherein a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame with a lens-barrel are accommodated in a nested structure, and the second frame and the third frame are moved within the first frame along a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and a second hand shake correction part, wherein the third frame is moved within the first frame along a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction. However, in the case of the technology in PATENT DOCUMENT 1, a three-layer structure has to be used. In this three-layer structure, straight-advancing mechanism toward the first direction, guide intermediary body, and straight-advancing mechanism toward the second direction are laminated in the Z direction, and each of the layers is connected by a guiding structure using spherical bodies. Thus, a problem that the bulkiness in the Z direction becomes larger is resulted. The present disclosure has been made in view of such problem, and an object thereof is to provide an optical member supporting device, an optical member driving device, a camera device, and an electronic apparatus that enables movement in the XY plane and rotation around the Z axis with small friction and that can be mounted on a thin electronic device such as a smartphone. SUMMARY In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an optical member supporting device that includes, in an XYZ rectangular coordinate system: spherical bodies; a first holding portion and a second holding portion for holding an optical member on one of the first holding portion and the second holding portion, each extending in an X-Y direction and opposed in a Z direction with the spherical body interposed therebetween; first yokes protruding from regions of the first holding portion facing the second holding portion toward the second holding portion side; second yokes protruding from regions of the second holding portion facing the first holding portion toward the first holding portion side and opposed to the first yokes in a predetermined direction in the X-Y direction; the second holding portion includes a second magnet, and the first yokes and the second yokes are opposed to the second magnet in the Z direction. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an optical member driving device including the optical member supporting device described above and a coil, the coil is connected to the first holding portion and is opposed to the second magnet. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a camera device including the above-mentioned optical member supporting device. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic apparatus including the camera device described above.

11535204

BACKGROUND Vehicles are often subjected to environmental elements such as rain, snow, dirt, etc. Such environmental elements may cause a buildup of debris and contaminants on components of the vehicles, such as on sensors of the vehicle. The vehicle sensors may each include a cover to protect the internal sensor components from the debris and contaminants, but the cover itself may become dirty over time. As such, the functions of the internal sensor components may be impeded as signals transmitted and received by the internal sensor components may be blocked by the debris and contaminants. SUMMARY Embodiments within the disclosure relate generally to a system for clearing a sensor cover. One aspect includes a wiper comprising a wiper support and a wiper blade. The sensor cover may be configured to house one or more sensors and a sensor motor may be used for rotating the sensor cover. The wiper blade may clear the sensor cover of debris. In some embodiments, a first edge of the wiper blade attached to the wiper support and a second edge of the wiper blade configured to be in contact with the sensor cover. In some embodiments, the wiper blade may extend in a corkscrew shape around the wiper support. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a wiper motor configured to rotate the wiper in a first direction and the sensor motor may be configured to rotate the sensor cover in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the wiper motor is configured to rotate the wiper at a first speed and the sensor motor is configured to rotate the sensor cover at the first speed. In some embodiments, the wiper blade is configured to clear the sensor cover by wiping the sensor cover in the second direction. In some embodiments, the wiper may be configured to be positioned during operation such that the wiper blade is both in contact with the cover of the sensor and outside of a field of operation of the one or more sensors. In some embodiments, when the wiper is not being used, the wiper may be configured to retract away from the sensor cover. In some embodiments, the wiper may be configured to retract away from the sensor cover by receding into the interior of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a jet configured to project a liquid onto the sensor cover. In some embodiments, the wiper blade may be configured to conform to irregular sensor cover shapes. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a monitoring sensor, wherein the monitoring sensor may be configured to detect the drag caused by the second end of the wiper blade contacting the sensor cover. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a monitoring sensor, wherein the monitoring sensor may be configured to adjust the speed of the sensor motor to compensate for the drag caused by the second end of the wiper blade contacting the sensor cover. In some embodiments, the wiper blade comprises more than one wiper blades. In some embodiments, the more than one wiper blades may be vertical wiper blades and each vertical wiper blade may be attached to the wiper support. In some embodiments, the wiper support may include one or more rollers and a track. In some embodiments, the wiper blade may comprise one or more wiper blades configured on the exterior of the track. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a wiper motor configured to rotate the track around the one or more rollers. In some embodiments, the one or more wiper blades may be configured to clear the sensor cover by wiping the sensor cover in a direction towards the ground. In some embodiments, the wiper support may be supported by a bearing and is configured to cause rotation of the wiper at a first speed by friction when placed in contact with the surface of the sensor cover at the first speed.

11242764

BACKGROUND This disclosure relates to sealing for adjacent components of a gas turbine engine. A gas turbine engine typically includes at least a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. The compressor section pressurizes air into the combustion section where the air is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate an exhaust gas flow. The exhaust gas flow expands through the turbine section to drive the compressor section and, if the engine is designed for propulsion, a fan section. The turbine section may include multiple stages of rotatable blades and static vanes. An annular shroud or blade outer air seal may be provided around the blades in close radial proximity to the tips of the blades to reduce the amount of gas flow that escapes around the blades. The shroud typically includes a plurality of arc segments that are circumferentially arranged in an array. The arc segments are exposed to relatively hot gases in the gas flow path and may be configured to receive cooling airflow to cool portions of the shrouds. SUMMARY A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes a seal that has an elongated seal body having a seal face that bounds a gas path and an opposed impingement face. The seal body defines an internal cavity extending in a circumferential direction between opposed mate faces and extending in a radial direction between walls of the seal body defining the seal and impingement faces. A baffle divides the internal cavity into at least a first region and a second region. The first region has a first section extending transversely from a second section. The first section has a component in the radial direction, and the second section has a component in an axial direction such that the second region is defined between the baffle and the walls of the seal body defining the seal face. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first region defines a first volume. The second region defines a second volume, and the first volume is less than half of the second volume. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first section interconnects the second section and one or more inlet flow apertures defined by the seal body. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the second section interconnects the first section and one or more outlet flow apertures defined by the seal body. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the baffle is substantially free of any impingement holes such that the first region is fluidly isolated from the second region between the one or more inlet flow apertures and the one or more outlet flow apertures. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first region includes a third section that extends transversely from the first section such that the third section has a component in the axial direction to interconnect the first section and the one or more inlet flow apertures, with the third section extending along walls of the seal body that define the impingement face such that the first region at least partially surrounds the second region. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, a width of the first region varies at locations along the baffle in at least one of the circumferential direction and the axial direction. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first section extends along walls of a leading edge region of the seal body that defines the internal cavity. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, a pair of mounting blocks are insertable into respective openings along the mate faces to secure the seal to an engine static structure. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first region includes outlet flow apertures along the mate faces. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the seal is made of a first material including a ceramic material, and the seal has a unitary construction. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the seal is a blade outer air seal (BOAS). A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes an engine case extending along an engine axis, an array of blades rotatable about the engine axis, and an array of blade outer air seal assemblies distributed about the array of blades to bound a core flow path. Each of the seal assemblies includes a seal that has a seal body having a seal face that bounds the core flow path and an opposed impingement face. The seal body defines an internal cavity extending in a circumferential direction between opposed mate faces. The seal body defines at least one inlet flow aperture to the internal cavity. A baffle divides the internal cavity into at least a first region and a second region. The first region is defined between the baffle and walls of the seal body defining the seal face, and the at least one inlet flow aperture is defined along the first region. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first region includes a first section extending from a second section. The first section has a component in a radial direction with respect to the engine axis, and the second section has a component in an axial direction with respect to the engine axis such that the second section is defined between the baffle and the walls of the seal body defining the seal face. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the engine case defines a plurality of cooling passages that communicate with a cooling source. Each of the plurality of cooling passages defines a passage axis that is oriented such that a projection of the passage axis intersects the impingement face of the seal body, and the at least one inlet flow aperture is defined along the impingement face. A method of sealing of a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes securing a seal assembly to an engine static structure. The seal assembly has a seal and a baffle. The seal includes an elongated seal body having a seal face that bounds a gas path and an opposed impingement face. The seal body defines an internal cavity that extends in a circumferential direction between opposed mate faces. The baffle divides the internal cavity into at least a first region and a second region. The first region includes a first section extending transversely from a second section. The first section has a component in a radial direction, and the second section has a component in an axial direction such that the first region is defined between the baffle and walls of the seal body defining the seal face. The method includes communicating cooling flow from at least one inlet flow aperture to the first section, and then to the second section. At least one inlet flow aperture defined along the impingement face, and ejects the cooling flow from the second section into the gas path. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the first region includes a third section that extends transversely from the first section such that the third section has a component in the axial direction to interconnect the first section and the at least one inlet flow aperture. The third section extends along walls of the seal body that define the impingement face such that the first region at least partially surrounds the second region. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, an end of the baffle abuts against the walls of the seal body defining the impingement face. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the step of ejecting the cooling flow includes ejecting the cooling flow from outlet flow apertures of the first region along the mate faces. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the engine static structure is an engine case that defines a plurality of cooling passages, and each of the plurality of cooling passages defines a passage axis that is oriented such that a projection of the passage axis intersects the impingement face. The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of an embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of an embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

11513947

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010220619.9 filed on Mar. 25, 2020. Chinese Patent Application No. 202010220619.9 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of data processing, and in particular to methods for establishing and verifying an index file, devices and computer program products. BACKGROUND Due to the rapid development of computer technologies, the number of computer applications has increased quickly. With the increase of computer applications, the amount of data processed has also increased quickly. Generally, the processed data or the generated new data needs to be stored or protected by a data storage system. The data storage system usually protects users' data. When the users need the data, their data can be retrieved via the data storage system. Service providers now provide a large number of storage devices to store data. At this time, servers of the service providers receive data from clients and other servers, and perform various processing on new data when storing the new data. For example, a backup file system running on the servers is used to manage the received data. However, there are still many issues that need to be addressed during the processing of data by the servers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for establishing and verifying an index file, devices and computer program products. According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for establishing an index file is provided. This method includes: in response to receiving a data block to be stored, determining first verification information for verifying the data block and a first storage address for storing the data block. This method further includes: based on the first verification information, determining an index entry for the data block and a second storage address for storing the index entry, wherein the index entry includes the first verification information and the first storage address, and the index entry will be included in the index file. This method further includes: based on the index entry and the second storage address, determining second verification information. This method further includes: based on the second verification information and historical verification information for the index file, determining third verification information for verifying the index file. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for verifying an index file is provided. This method includes: in response to receiving a request for verifying the index file, based on first verification information for at least one index entry in the index file, determining a second storage address for storing the at least one index entry, wherein the first verification information is used for a data block corresponding to the at least one index entry. This method further includes: based on the at least one index entry and the second storage address, determining second verification information. This method further includes: based on the second verification information and third verification information for verifying the index file, determining the correctness of the index file. According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a processor; and a memory storing computer program instructions, wherein the processor executes the computer program instructions in the memory to control the electronic device to execute actions including: in response to receiving a data block to be stored, determining first verification information for verifying the data block and a first storage address for storing the data block; based on the first verification information, determining an index entry for the data block and a second storage address for storing the index entry, wherein the index entry includes the first verification information and the first storage address, and the index entry will be included in the index file; based on the index entry and the second storage address, determining second verification information; and based on the second verification information and historical verification information for the index file, determining third verification information for verifying the index file. According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. This electronic device includes: a processor; and a memory storing computer program instructions, wherein the processor executes the computer program instructions in the memory to control the electronic device to execute actions including: in response to receiving a request for verifying the index file, based on first verification information in at least one index entry in the index file, determining a second storage address for storing the at least one index entry, wherein the first verification information is used for verifying a data block corresponding to the at least one index entry; based on the at least one index entry and the second storage address, determining second verification information; and based on the second verification information and third verification information for verifying the index file, determining the correctness of the index file. According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product being tangibly stored on a non-volatile computer-readable medium and including machine-executable instructions which, when executed, cause a machine to implement the steps of the method in the first aspect of the present disclosure. According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product being tangibly stored on a non-volatile computer-readable medium and including machine-executable instructions which, when executed, cause a machine to implement the steps of the method in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

11373330

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to image data processing, and more particularly to image-based guidance for navigating tubular networks. BACKGROUND Lung cancer is a frequent and deadly disease. Early, precise, fast and cost-effective diagnosis and treatment of lung lesions are important to enhance survival rates for patients. To perform diagnosis and therapy, clinicians typically use bronchoscopy to visualize the inside of airways. Bronchoscopy involves the use of a bronchoscope to examine the airways of a patient for abnormalities (e.g., bleeding, tumors, lesions, foreign bodies, inflammation). The bronchoscope is usually inserted into a patient's airway through the patient's nose or mouth and can extend into the lungs of the patient. Bronchoscopes, however, are limited in how far they may be advanced through the airway due to their size before becoming wedged in the airway of the patient. Where the bronchoscope is too large to reach a target location deep in the lungs (e.g., beyond third-fourth generation of branching of airways), a clinician may utilize certain real-time imaging modalities to initially determine the location of a target tissue and to confirm the location of the target tissue. If the clinician is unable to reach the target tissue for any reason, the clinician may insert a navigated percutaneous catheter to the confirmed location of the target tissue. Traditional navigation techniques, however, have downfalls, such as outdated imaging data, deformation of the airway that is not accounted for and difficulty of use even for advanced users. Reliable and accurate guidance is important for success in biopsy and treatment procedures in bronchoscopy. SUMMARY Described herein are systems and methods for image-based guidance for facilitating navigation of tubular networks. A region of interest in three-dimensional image data may first be segmented. An endoscopic instrument may be detected in two-dimensional intraoperative image data of the region of interest. A centerline of the detected endoscopic instrument may then be determined. The endoscopic instrument and the centerline may be backprojected to generate a three-dimensional backprojected volume. A device path of the endoscopic instrument may be generated based at least in part on the three-dimensional backprojected volume and the three-dimensional image data.

11395711

BACKGROUND A surgical device such as a robot often receives a tool or instrument for use during a surgical procedure. The tool may be a cutting accessory, such as a bur or drill, having a head with sharp features configured to resect tissue such as bone. Suboptimal packaging and handling of the tool may result in surgical site infection, injury, and other undesirable consequences. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the most commonly identified types of healthcare associated infections. The SSIs relevant to the present disclosure result from contamination of the tool with infectious material during handling and mounting of the tool on the surgical device. Known methods may include a user, such as an operating room technician, removing the tool from packaging and placing it on a table until it is necessary to mount the tool on the surgical device. The tool may be placed in intermediate packaging such as a poly bag, after which the user removes the tool from the poly bag for mounting on the surgical device. The known methods require the tool be physically handled by the user after removal from the packaging or intermediate packaging. For an elongate tool having a shaft coupled to the head, the shaft is mounted on the surgical device and requires the user to handle the tool proximate the head and its sharp features. It is well documented that hand hygiene is not always correctly performed, and proper hand hygiene may not always remove all pathogenic organisms. The inadvertent transference of pathogenic organisms from the user to the tool increases the risk of SSIs. Known packaging also may not adequately prevent contact between the sharp features of the cutting accessory and the packaging during handling and removal of the tool. The user may, for example, pluck the shaft of the tool from the packaging. Should the head of the cutting accessory contact the packaging body during handling or removal, the sharp features may shave or otherwise remove small bits of the packaging. The bits may be imperceptible and remain on the head of the cutting accessory after being mounted on the surgical device. The bits may be introduced to the patient during the surgical procedure and increase the risk of SSIs from the body's response to the foreign material. Often with surgical devices comprising a robot, the tool is mounted to the robot in advance of its use during the surgical procedure. In the interim, the head of the tool and its sharp features remain exposed in an unprotected manner for some time up to the point of use. The unprotected tool is associated with risk of contamination and/or injury, particularly as a surgical team moves about the operating room. For example, the operating room technician may inadvertently bump into the tool causing contamination of the tool, injury to the technician, and/or damage to the surgical device. Furthermore, providing suitable packaging for surgical tools may require one or more components with intricate features that are costly to manufacture. The complexity and costs of the manufacturing and assembly processes may be further influenced by regulatory requirements and industry standards. The issues above are complicated further by situations in which the tool that is mounted to the surgical device must be rotated by the technician in order to be properly installed in the surgical device. For example, the tool and surgical device may have corresponding alignment parts. When the technician applies force to install the tool, the corresponding alignment features cause the tool to rotate and align to the surgical device. If the tool is coupled to the packaging in a rotationally fixed (non-moveable) manner, then rotation of the tool during alignment will require rotation of the entire packaging. This creates ergonomic issues for the technician thereby making the installation process sub-optimal. Furthermore, in such situations, the technician may be inclined to remove the packaging, thereby destroying the purpose of the packaging by reintroducing potential contamination of the tool or injury to the technician. Packaging systems and methods designed to overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages are desired. SUMMARY This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter and does not necessarily identify each and every key or essential feature of the claimed subject matter. In one example, a packaging system is for a tool including a working portion and a shank. The packaging system includes a casing that includes a distal section defining a cavity configured to receive the working portion of the tool. The packaging system also includes a proximal section removably coupled to the distal section and configured to receive the shank of the tool. The packaging system also includes a sleeve retained by the distal section and disposed within the cavity of the distal section with the sleeve defining a lumen adapted to receive the working portion. The sleeve is configured to rotate within the distal section. In one example, a kit is for a surgical procedure. The kit includes a tool comprising a working portion and a shank. The kit also includes a packaging system which includes a casing including a distal section defining a cavity configured to receive the working portion, a proximal section removably coupled to the distal section and being configured to receive the shank of the tool, and a sleeve retained by the distal section and disposed within the cavity of the distal section. The working portion is disposed within a lumen of the sleeve and engages the sleeve. The working portion and the sleeve are configured to rotate together relative to the distal section. In one example, a method is for mounting a tool on a surgical device using a packaging system. The tool includes a working portion and a shank. The surgical device is configured to receive the shank. The shank and the surgical device include corresponding alignment features. The packaging system includes a casing including a distal section defining a cavity configured to receive the working portion, a proximal section coupled to the distal section and being configured to receive the shank of the tool, and a sleeve retained by the distal section and disposed within the cavity of the distal section. The working portion is disposed within a lumen of the sleeve. The working portion and the sleeve are configured to rotate together relative to the distal section. The method includes inserting the shank of the tool into the surgical device by grasping the distal section. The method also includes aligning the tool to the surgical device by engaging the corresponding alignment features of the shank and the surgical device. Aligning the tool causes rotation of the tool and the sleeve relative to the distal section. The method also includes removing the distal section and sleeve from the working portion after the tool is aligned to the surgical device.

11442531

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to memory sub-systems, and more specifically, relate to performing power reducing operations to protect devices of a memory sub-system from thermal stress. BACKGROUND A memory sub-system can include one or more memory devices that store data. The memory devices can be, for example, non-volatile memory devices and volatile memory devices. In general, a host system can utilize a memory sub-system to store data at the memory devices and to retrieve data from the memory devices.

11466332

The invention relates to a process for injecting particulate material into a liquid metal bath by means of a lance, the lance comprising an axial solids injection pipe, wherein the liquid metal bath contains species to be oxidized, wherein the particulate material is carried to the liquid bath by means of a first gas stream and wherein the first gas stream with the particulate material penetrates into the liquid bath. In stainless steel making the molten metal is subjected to an oxygen refining step which typically comprises decarburization and de-siliconization. The oxygen flow required for this refining step can be estimated with reference to the mass of carbon and silicon to be removed and an assumption of constant oxygen consumption for the duration of the refining step. The oxidative refining reactions of carbon and silicon will generate heat and the temperature of the liquid metal bath could increase. From a metallurgical perspective it is desirable to minimise the metal bath temperature increase or to maintain the temperature within a certain range. Thus, it is known to add scrap to the metal bath in order to moderate the temperature. On the other hand, large quantities of dusts and particulates are generated during steel-making. They are unwelcome by-products of the production of stainless steel and ferro-alloys. These materials represent a loss of yield and since they are often classified as hazardous wastes, substantial costs can be associated with their disposal, storage or re-processing. If the materials could be recycled to the steelmaking converter these costs could be avoided and environmental impact could be reduced. WO 03/091460 A1 discloses a metallurgical lance for injecting particulate material into a liquid metal bath. The lance comprises a main gas tube defining an axial main gas passage terminating in a first Laval nozzle. Carrier gas containing particulate material is passed into the accelerating main gas jet and the particulate material is thus carried out of the Laval nozzle at supersonic velocity. The main gas jet is shrouded by an annular supersonic flow of burning hydrocarbon gas. The lance described in WO 03/091460 A1 has been designed to increase the penetration depth of the particulate material into the liquid metal. However, if the penetration becomes too much there is a risk of damage to the refractories in the base or bottom of the furnace or converter. The addition of solids to the central main gas jet makes the jet even more penetrative. Further, injection of particulates to a converter changes the physics and chemistry of the process. In terms of the physics it is important that the stream of particulates penetrates the liquid bath to sufficient depth to ensure a good recovery of the injected materials. It is also important to ensure that the liquid metal cavitation is not so severe that it results in erosion of the bottom of the converter or excessive splash due to break up of the liquid surface at the jet impingement zone. In terms of the process chemistry, injection of cold particulates into a converter will change the heat and mass balance and the injection rate should be selected to ensure that the temperature of the liquid be controlled within acceptable limits. It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for injecting particulate material into a liquid metal bath which ensures that the above mentioned physical and chemical requirements are met. It is in particular an object to propose a process for injecting particulate material into a liquid metal bath which allows to penetrate the particulate material deep enough into the liquid metal bath to ensure a good recovery of the injected material but which avoids too deep penetration which could damage the bottom of the converter or excessive splashing of the liquid content. These risks of damage could, in principle, be overcome by reducing the injection rate but this would limit the metallurgical or cost benefits. It is also possible to reduce the oxygen flow rate but this would increase the oxygen blow times and reduce the productivity. Further, one could increase the lance height, i.e. the distance between the lance outlet and the surface of the metal bath. But if the height becomes significantly more than the potential core length of the supersonic main gas jet, the oxygen efficiency will be reduced due to entrainment and divergence. These objects are at least partly solved by a process for injecting particulate material into a liquid metal bath by means of a lance, the lance comprising an axial solids injection pipe, wherein the liquid metal bath contains species to be oxidized, wherein the particulate material is carried to the liquid bath by means of a first gas stream and wherein the first gas stream with the particulate material penetrates into the liquid bath, and which is characterized in that the solids injection rate is controlled such that the liquid bath temperature is maintained within a first pre-defined temperature range and/or the evolution of the liquid bath temperature is maintained within a second pre-defined range, wherein the solids injection rate is defined as the mass of particulate material introduced into the liquid bath per time unit, in that the penetration depth of the first gas stream into the liquid bath is controlled by adjusting the flow of the first gas stream, in that at least two second gas streams are injected into the liquid at a diverging angle from the first gas stream, in that the first and the second gas streams are an oxidizing gas, in particular oxygen, and in that the sum of the gas flows of the second gas streams is controlled such that the liquid bath temperature is maintained within the first pre-defined temperature range and/or the evolution of the liquid bath temperature is maintained within the second pre-defined range. The invention relates to the injection of particulate material into a liquid metal bath. The liquid metal bath is preferably a melt of a ferroalloy which contains for example at least 10% per weight iron or at least 25% per weight iron. The invention is preferably used in the field of stainless steel and ferroalloy production and processing. But the invention could also be used to inject particulate material in non-ferrous base metal baths such as copper, Pb, Zn or Sn. The term “particulate material” shall preferably mean solid particles, in particular small solid particles with a mean particle size of less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 3 mm or less than 1 mm. The liquid metal bath contains species which shall be oxidized. Such species are, for example, carbon and/or silicon and/or carbon or silicon containing compounds. Another advantageous feature of the inventive process can be that when the particulate material contains oxides of valuable species such as Cr or Ni or Mo these species are reduced by reaction with the oxidisable species and are recovered as metals. In that respect, a degree of direct smelting is incorporated into what was previously purely an oxidative refining process. In order to oxidize these species an oxidizing gas is introduced into the liquid metal bath. In the metal bath the oxidizing gas reacts with the species in an exothermic reaction which without any corrective action causes a temperature increase of the metal bath. From a metallurgical perspective it is desirable to control the solid injection rate so as to maintain a constant or essentially constant bath temperature or to control the temperature evolution associated with the refining reactions. Thus, the invention proposes to inject particulate material into the metal bath. The introduction of the particulate material has a coolant effect that helps to limit or control the metal bath temperature and/or the increase of the metal bath temperature. However, if too much particulate is injected into the liquid metal bath there is a risk of too deep penetration into the bath which might damage the refractories in the base or bottom of the furnace or converter. Thus, the invention proposes to adjust the flow of the first gas stream in such a way that the particulate jet stream, that is the first gas flow together with the particulate material to be injected, does not penetrate too deep into the liquid metal bath. By reducing the gas flow the momentum of the particulate jet stream and thus the penetration depth is reduced. The solids injection rate and the total flow of first and second gas streams are interdependent. For example, oxides injected into the metal bath can react with species in the metal bath in an endothermic reaction. In that case the injected solid material acts as a heat sink reducing the temperature of the metal bath. On the other hand, when ferrosilicon particulates are injected into the bath, they will exothermically react with the first and second gas streams to oxides and thereby increase the temperature of the metal bath. Therefore, the invention further proposes to inject second oxidizing gas streams into the bath such that the temperature of the bath is maintained within a first pre-defined temperature range and/or that the evolution, i.e. increase or decrease, of the liquid bath temperature is maintained within a pre-defined second range. According to the invention the second gas streams are injected into the bath at a diverging angle relative to the first gas stream and preferably divergent relative to each other. Thus, the first gas stream and the second gas streams will enter the liquid metal bath at different points, distant to each other. Therefore, the second gas streams do not contribute to the penetration of the particulate material into the liquid bath. Further, since the total momentum is distributed to a multiplicity of first and second gas streams, it is more uniformly distributed over the surface of the liquid metal bath and the risk of splashing is considerably reduced. The invention introduces an additional degree of freedom for controlling the process. By distributing the oxidizing gas to several nozzles the flow of the first gas stream will only have a certain percentage of the total gas flow. Since the gas flow is a fundamental variable determining cavitation, penetration depth and splashing these effects will be considerably reduced by the inventive method. Thus, compared to an injection lance with only one common impingement point for all gas streams, it will be possible to inject more solids before the penetration becomes excessive. The temperature of the liquid metal bath is related to the chemical reactions taking place in the liquid metal bath. The heat release associated with oxidative refining reactions can be calculated using a thermodynamic process model or it can be estimated from the knowledge of the input and output metal compositions, the blowing time and the heats of reaction for the relevant refining reactions (e.g. C+½ O2→CO and Si+O2→SiO2). Once the heat release (MJ/min) is known it is possible to define an injection rate to balance this with a matched thermal load. This is essentially the sum of the heat required to heat the material to the process temperature plus the heat of any reactions that may occur (e.g. reduction of oxides to the metallic state as well as heat required for any change of state such as melting) during the blowing time. The net heat input will be the difference between the sum of the exothermic reaction heats and the sum of the endothermic heat requirements. This heat balance will define the net energy input available to heat (or cool) the converter contents. Consequently the solids injection rate required to result in a desired final product temperature can be calculated. According to the invention the solids injection rate is controlled in such a way that the temperature of the metal bath is maintained within a pre-defined temperature range. For example, the temperature of the liquid metal bath shall be kept within a first pre-defined temperature range from 1000° C. to 2000° C., preferably from 1450° C. to 1850° C., preferably from 1500° C. to 1650° C. for the time period when the species in the metal bath is oxidized (blowing time). According to another embodiment of the invention, the solids injection rate is controlled in such a way that the evolution of the liquid bath temperature is maintained within a pre-defined temperature. That means the temperature increase or decrease per time unit shall be maintained with a certain range. For example, the temperature increase per minute shall be less than 20° C./min or less than 15° C./min or less than 10° C./min. In another embodiment the solids injection rate is controlled such that both requirements are fulfilled, namely that the liquid bath temperature is maintained in a certain range and the evolution of the liquid bath temperature is also maintained within certain limits. The particulate material is introduced into the liquid bath by means of the first gas stream. Penetration of coaxial jets of gas and solids into liquids has been studied by Sohn and co-workers (Sohn et al., Metallurgical and Material Transactions B, Vol 41 B, February 2010, pp 51-62). They have developed empirical expressions to calculate the depth of cavitation. The key equation defines a relationship between lance height, penetration depth, momentum of the gas and solid jet and a lance constant. Too deep penetration of the gas and solid jet into the liquid bath could cause excessive splashing and a risk of damage to the bottom of the vessel. Thus, the invention proposes to control the penetration depth of the first gas stream into the liquid bath by adjusting the flow of the first gas stream. The term “flow of the gas stream” shall mean the mass of gas per time unit. The solids loading of the central jet is, for example, controlled by adjusting the gas flow for a given particle injection rate (as defined by the heat balance). The total required flow of oxidizing gas depends on the type of the species to be oxidized, on its mass and on the desired time for oxidizing the mass of the species. According to the invention the required oxidizing gas is supplied by means of the first gas stream and two or more second gas streams. The flow of the first gas stream is determined based on the desired penetration depth and the flow of the second gas streams is determined such that the total flow of oxidizing gas is sufficient to oxidize the species and that the temperature of the metal bath is maintained within a pre-defined range and/or the evolution of the temperature is maintained within a pre-defined range. The total gas flow required for oxidizing the species is split into the first gas stream and the second gas streams. According to a preferred embodiment, the invention is used in a process wherein the lance is provided vertical to the surface of the liquid bath. In particular, the solids injection pipe is vertical and the particulate material is introduced perpendicular to the liquid bath. In this case there is a considerable risk of too deep penetration and related damage to the bottom of the vessel with the liquid bath and the invention is in particular advantageous. The lance is provided at a lance height above the liquid bath wherein the lance height being defined as the distance in axial direction between the outlet of the solids injection pipe and the surface of the liquid bath. Preferred lance heights are in the range 0.75 m to 2.5 m, for example 1.00 m, 1.50 m, 1.75 m or 2.00 m. According to one embodiment, the penetration depth of the first gas stream is also controlled by adjusting the lance height and/or the velocity of the first gas stream. According to another embodiment the flow and/or the velocity of the first gas stream and the flow and/or the velocity of the second gas streams can be adjusted independently. This allows to optimize the penetration depth as well as the refining/oxidation of the species. In case the total flow of first and second gas streams is maintained constant it is also possible to adjust the first and second gas stream synergistically in order to optimize the penetration of the first gas stream into the liquid bath. According to another embodiment of the invention the first gas stream is provided at a velocity between 340 m/s and 1100 m/s, preferably between 500 m/s and 900 m/s. It has been found that this velocity range ensures that the particulate material penetrates deep enough into the liquid bath to be captured by the liquid without causing excessive cavitation and splashing. According to another embodiment of the invention the second gas streams are provided at a velocity between 340 m/s and 1100 m/s, preferably between 500 m/s and 900 m/s. The second gas streams do not need to have the same mass flow as the first gas stream as they do not carry any particulate material into the liquid bath. The velocity of the second gas streams is preferably determined such that the injected oxidizing gas gets into close contact with the species to be oxidized in order to ensure good oxygen efficiency. According to another embodiment of the invention the penetration depth is less than 75% of the depth of the liquid bath, preferably less than 50% of the depth of the liquid bath, more preferred less than 25% of the depth of the liquid bath. It has been found that these ranges of penetration depths are a good compromise between the conflicting requirements of deep penetration so that the particulate material is captured by the liquid and a low penetration to avoid damage or erosion of the bottom of the vessel accommodating the liquid bath. According to another embodiment of the invention the first gas stream and/or the second gas streams comprise at least 80% by volume oxygen, preferred at least 90% by volume oxygen, more preferred technical pure oxygen. These oxygen concentrations allow to reduce the total blowing time for oxidizing the species to a minimum. According to another embodiment of the invention more than 20 kg/min particulate material, preferably more than 50 kg/min particulate material, is injected into the liquid bath. According to another embodiment of the invention the particulate material contains a metallurgical reagent. The term “metallurgical reagent” shall mean a chemical ingredient, a compound or a mixture, which is introduced into the liquid bath to cause a desired reaction with the liquid metal or substances present in the liquid metal bath. Such metallurgical reagents could be iron, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, manganese and/or alloys of these metals. Other metallurgical reagents could be lime or dolime (CaO or CaO.MgO). Typical waste material which is recycled by injecting as particulate material into the liquid bath could be scales, slags, dusts, powders, or granules. The waste material could be condensed fumes from process off-gases (e.g. EAF dusts), scales from rolling mills, undersized materials from granulation operations or crushed oxides. According to another embodiment of the invention the particulate material is injected into a metallurgical converter, such as a BOS (Basic Oxygen Steel-Making) converter, an AOD (Argon-Oxygen-Decarburization) converter or a CLU (superheated steam) converter. The main purpose of the second gas streams is to supply sufficient oxidizing gas to oxidize the species. Further, the second gas streams shall not increase the core length of the first gas stream so that the combined stream of first gas and particulate material becomes more penetrative. Thus, the second gas streams do not interact with the first gas stream, for example, the second gas streams shall not be entrained into the first gas stream. Therefore, the second gas streams are divergent from the first gas stream. The angle of divergence between the first gas stream and each of the second gas streams is preferably between 5 and 20°. According to a preferred embodiment the second gas streams also diverge from each other and the angle of divergence between each pair of second gas streams is preferably between 5° and 20°. According to another embodiment of the invention there are provided between 2 and 8 second gas streams, preferably between 3 and 6 second gas streams, preferably 3 or 4 second gas streams. Preferably, the second gas streams are evenly distributed on a circle around the central first gas stream. For example, the nozzles of a lance with three second gas streams are arranged at angles of 120° between each other, the nozzles of a lance with four second gas streams are arranged at angles of 90° relative to each other. According to another embodiment of the invention the species to be oxidized is carbon and/or silicon. The species could also be manganese, phosphorous, or sulphur According to another preferred embodiment, the invention is employed in a metallurgical refining process, in particular in the manufacture of stainless steel and/or other ferroalloys or base metals such as copper, lead, zinc or tin.

11505704

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to an aerosol primer composition for priming a surface of a substrate to be painted or stained. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol primer composition including cellulosic particles that can be used to provide a patterned surface that can be painted or stained. BACKGROUND The use of an aerosol spray to apply a coating product, such as a primer, paint, or wood stain, has several advantages compared to the traditional liquid formulations of these types of products. Aerosol sprays allow the product to be applied as a mist without the use of brushes or other applicators, which can be costly and time consuming to clean and maintain. In addition, it can often be easier to apply the product in areas with restricted access or complicated geometries using an aerosol mist compared to other applicators, such as brushes or rollers. Further, aerosol sprays can often be easier for non-experts to use to apply a uniform coating to a surface compared to a liquid product. Aerosol sprays are generally prepared by combining a desired coating composition, such as a paint, for example, with a propellant in a container that is sealed under high pressure (greater than ambient). The propellant can be a liquefied gas or a compressed gas. The container typically includes a valve that is fluidly coupled with the contents of the container and a spray outlet for dispensing the paint as an aerosol spray. When the valve is actuated, the propellant exerts pressure on the paint and forces the paint out through the spray outlet. When the propellant is a liquefied gas, as the paint and propellant are dispensed as a single liquid phase, the turbulence created in the channels of the actuator causes the atomization of the paint. It can be challenging to formulate compositions for dispensing as an aerosol. In some cases, combining a coating composition with a propellant under high pressure can result in phase separation and/or coagulation of the components. Phase separation and coagulation can result in incomplete atomization of the coating composition during dispensing, which may produce an inconsistent aerosol spray and/or the formation of large droplets which can negatively affect the uniformity of the applied coating composition. In addition, aggregation can result in clogging of the components of the dispensing system (e.g., valve, dip tube, spray outlet), which may result in inconsistent dispensing or a complete inhibition of dispensing due to clogging of the dispensing system. As such, there is a need to address challenges relating to formulating a primer composition as an aerosol for priming a surface of a substrate to be painted or stained. SUMMARY According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol primer composition includes a film forming component and a propellant component. The film forming component includes (by weight of the composition): (a) at least one of a polyurethane and alkyd from about 10% to about 20%, (b) cellulosic particles from about 2% to about 5%, and (c) an aqueous solvent system from about 20% to about 40%. The propellant component includes dimethyl ether. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of priming a substrate to be painted or stained includes dispensing a primer composition onto a surface of the substrate from a pressurized container. The primer composition includes a film forming component and a propellant component. The film forming component includes (by weight of the composition): (a) at least one of a polyurethane and alkyd from about 10% to about 20%, (b) cellulosic particles from about 2% to about 5%, and (c) an aqueous solvent system from about 20% to about 40%. The propellant component includes dimethyl ether. The dispensing is conducted such that the propellant evaporates as the primer composition is dispensed from the pressurized container and the film forming component defines a coating on the surface of the substrate. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a spray assembly for an aerosol primer composition includes a container defining a chamber configured to hold the primer composition at a pressure above ambient pressure and a dispensing spray outlet fluidly coupled with the chamber for dispensing the primer composition from the chamber. The primer composition includes a film forming component and a propellant component. The film forming component includes (by weight of the composition): (a) at least one of a polyurethane and alkyd from about 10% to about 20%, (b) cellulosic particles from about 2% to about 5%, and (c) an aqueous solvent system from about 20% to about 40%. The propellant component includes dimethyl ether. The propellant component comprises a propellant selected to pressurize the film forming component within the chamber. Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description as well as the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims.

11247890

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2018 132 635.1, filed on Dec. 18, 2018. FIELD The invention relates to a container holder for a filling device for filling containers with a filling product, for example for the open jet filling of containers with a beverage in a beverage filling plant. The invention additionally relates to a filling device which is provided with such container holders. BACKGROUND In open jet filling the container to be filled is positioned below a filling member which then introduces the liquid filling product substantially vertically downward into the container mouth. In this case, the container mouth does not abut sealingly against the filling member but is spaced from it by a certain vertical distance so that the air displaced by the filling product is able to escape into the surrounding area. If open jet filling is carried out in a rotary machine where the container and the associated filling member move along a circular trajectory during the filling process, the filling jet is deflected to a greater or lesser extent in dependence on the centrifugal force acting thereon. The transport speed of the containers cannot be arbitrarily increased for this reason, for, from a certain speed, the deflection of the filling jet is so great that said filling jet no longer contacts the container mouth reliably. In other words, the output performance of a rotary machine is not just restricted by the rate of flow of the filling members but also, or even predominantly, by the centrifugal forces acting on the filling jet. A possible solution to the problem consists in increasing the output performance of the rotary machine as a result of designing the same overall in a larger manner, i.e. provided with a larger pitch circle and additional filling members. However, this results in higher costs both in the procurement and during the operation of the facility. Maintenance expenditure is increased as is the required adjustment or installation space. DE 10 2011 016 760 A1 proposes moving the filling member and the container to be filled relatively to one another for compensation of the deflection of the filling jet such that the filling jet enters the container through the container opening in a substantially central manner. A disadvantage of compensating for the deflection of the filling jet as a result of a relative adjustment of the container carrier and of the filling member consists in that either the container carriers or the filling members of the facility have to be redesigned in a not inconsiderable manner in order to be displaceable or tiltable relative to one another without impairing their functionality. If the compensation is performed as a result of adjusting the filling members, it must be ensured that the filling behaviour is not modified as a result. If, on the other hand, the compensation is performed by repositioning the container carriers, it must be ensured that the containers can continue to be securely gripped, held and transferred to subsequent stations. Retrofitting existing rotary machines is consequently not easily possible. SUMMARY A container holder for a device for filling containers with a product. The container holder comprising a holding portion configured to receive and hold a container and a main carrier attachable to a filling device for filling the container with a filling product. The container holder further comprises a compensation carrier attached to the holding portion, the compensation carrier adjustable in a compensation direction (K) relative to the main carrier. Further advantages and features of the present invention can be seen from the following description of embodiments. The features described there can be implemented on their own or in combination with one or multiple of the above-described features, insofar as the features do not contradict one another. The following description of embodiments is effected, in this case, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11533116

TECHNICAL FIELD The present technology relates to consumer goods and, more particularly, to methods, systems, products, features, services, and other elements directed to state detection of individuals using transmitted wireless signal strength or some aspect thereof. BACKGROUND Options for accessing and listening to digital audio in an out-loud setting were limited until in 2003, when SONOS, Inc. filed for one of its first patent applications, entitled “Method for Synchronizing Audio Playback between Multiple Networked Devices,” and began offering a media playback system for sale in 2005. The SONOS Wireless HiFi System enables people to experience music from many sources via one or more networked playback devices. Through a software control application installed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, one can play what he or she wants in any room that has a networked playback device. Additionally, using a controller, for example, different songs can be streamed to each room that has a playback device, rooms can be grouped together for synchronous playback, or the same song can be heard in all rooms synchronously. Given the ever-growing interest in digital media, there continues to be a need to develop consumer-accessible technologies to further enhance the listening experience. SUMMARY Systems and methods for localizing individuals in a region using wireless signals in accordance with embodiments are illustrated. One embodiment includes a playback device comprising a wireless network interface configured to connect to at least one data network, one or more processors, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, and program instructions stored on the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The program instructions are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to receive wireless signal strength data for signals transmitted along signal paths between several wireless playback devices transmitting on a wireless channel during synchronous playback of media content by the several wireless playback devices and determine a first signal strength for each of several portions of the wireless channel. The program instructions are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to calculate, for each signal path between each of the several wireless playback devices, a difference in the determined first signal strength from a second signal strength for each of the several subcarriers, and determine, based on the calculated differences, a state for a set of one or more individuals in the region. In a further embodiment, the wireless signal strength data includes signal strengths for the several subcarriers of the wireless channel. In still another embodiment, the signals transmitted along the signal paths includes at least one of audio data packets, synchronization packets, or null packets. In a still further embodiment, the width of the wireless channel is greater than 13 megahertz (MHz) and a width of each subcarrier is less than one MHz. In yet another embodiment, the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine the first signal strength includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine a first directional signal strength in a first direction along a signal path between two wireless playback devices of the several playback devices, determine a second directional signal strength in a second direction along the signal path between the two wireless playback devices, and calculate a normalized signal strength based on the first and second directional signal strengths. In a yet further embodiment, the several subcarriers include subcarriers at frequencies that are attenuated by water at a rate exceeding a given threshold. In another additional embodiment, the method further includes steps for program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to apply a set of one or more denoising filters to the determined first signal strengths for the several subcarriers, wherein determining the state of the individual is based on the filtered first signal strengths. In a further additional embodiment, the set of denoising filters includes at least one of a linear Kalman filter, an extended Kalman filter, or a moving horizon estimator. In another embodiment again, the second signal strength is a baseline signal strength measured prior to the determined first signal strength. In a further embodiment again, the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine the state of the set of individuals includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine a number of individuals in the region. In still yet another embodiment, the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine the state of the set of individuals includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine a location of an individual in the region. In a still yet further embodiment, the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine the location includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine that the individual is in the line-of-sight path between two of the several wireless playback devices. In still another additional embodiment, the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine the state of the set of individuals includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine the state of the set of individuals using a model, wherein the model includes at least one of a convolutional neural network, a recurrent neural network, a decision tree, or a logistic regression. In a still further additional embodiment, the method further includes steps for program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to receive state information that describes the region, wherein the state information includes at least one of the group consisting of room characteristics and locations of each of the playback devices, and determine a likelihood of background noise for each of the several subcarriers, wherein determining the state of the set of individuals is based on the determined likelihood of background noise. In still another embodiment again, the method further includes steps for program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to modify the wireless playback system based on the determined state of the set of individuals. In a still further embodiment again, the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to modify the wireless playback system includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to adjust audio playback settings of at least one of the several wireless playback devices. In yet another additional embodiment, the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine the state of the set of individuals includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine a number of individuals in the region, and the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to modify the wireless playback system includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to return the audio playback settings of the several wireless playback devices to a default setting when the number of individuals exceeds a threshold. In a yet further additional embodiment, the method further includes steps for program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to detect unusual activity based on the determined state, and upon detecting unusual activity, initiate a safety measure, wherein the safety measure includes at least one of the group consisting of sending an alert to a mobile device, triggering an alarm, and initiating a recording of the region. In yet another embodiment again, the program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to receive the wireless signal strength data includes program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to receive wireless signal strength data from a subset of the several wireless playback devices. In a yet further embodiment again, the portions of the wireless channel are at least one of subcarriers or subchannels. One embodiment includes a method for managing a playback system based on individuals within a region. The method includes steps for receiving wireless signal strength data for signals transmitted along signal paths between several wireless playback devices transmitting on a wireless channel during synchronous playback of media content by the several wireless playback devices and determining a first signal strength for each of several portions of the wireless channel. The method includes steps for calculating, for each signal path between each of the several wireless playback devices, a difference in the determined first signal strength from a second signal strength for each of the several subcarriers, and determining, based on the calculated differences, a state for a set of one or more individuals in the region. One embodiment includes a non-transitory machine readable medium containing processor instructions, where execution of the instructions by at least one processor causes the at least one processor to perform a process. The process includes steps for receiving wireless signal strength data for signals transmitted along signal paths between several wireless playback devices transmitting on a wireless channel and determining a first signal strength for each of several subcarriers of the wireless channel. The process includes steps for calculating, for each signal path between each of the several wireless playback devices, a difference in the determined first signal strength from a second signal strength for each of the several subcarriers, and determining, based on the calculated differences, a state for a set of one or more individuals in the region. One embodiment includes a playback device comprising a wireless network interface configured to connect to at least one data network, one or more processors, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, and program instructions stored on the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The program instructions are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to receive wireless signal data for first and second signals transmitted along each of a set of signal paths between several wireless playback devices transmitting on a wireless channel during synchronous playback of media content by the several wireless playback devices. The program instructions are further executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to, for each signal path of the set of signal paths, determine signal strengths based on the received wireless signal data for each of a set of portions of the wireless channel for each of the first and second signals, wherein a width of each portion of the set of portions is less than half of a width of the wireless channel, and calculate a difference, between the first and second signals, in the determined signal strengths for each portion of the set of portions. The program instructions are further executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to determine, based on the calculated differences for the set of portions for the set of signal paths, a state for a set of individuals in a region between the several playback devices, and modify a state variable of a wireless playback device of the several wireless playback devices to modify the synchronous playback based on the determined state. One embodiment includes a playback device comprising a wireless network interface configured to connect to at least one data network, one or more processors, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, and program instructions stored on the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. The program instructions are executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to receive wireless signal strength data for signals transmitted along signal paths between several wireless playback devices transmitting on a wireless channel during synchronous playback of media content by the several wireless playback devices, and determine a first signal strength for each of a plurality of portions of the wireless channel. The program instructions are further executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to, for each signal path between each of the plurality of wireless playback devices, calculate a difference in the determined first signal strength from a second signal strength for each of the plurality of subcarriers. The program instructions are further executable by the one or more processors such that the playback device is configured to detect, based on the calculated differences, at least one gesture performed by a set of one or more individuals in the region. Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the technology described herein. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the technology described herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

11304994

SEQUENCE LISTING The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The file named “SHR-2003US_ST25.txt” was created on Sep. 27, 2018 and is 45,044 bytes in size. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the production of recombinant proteins which can be used as a substitute for current uses of human IVIG preparations (an acronym for intravenous immunoglobulins). The present invention further relates to methods of use of such compositions for the treatment of immunologic and other disorders and diseases. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Clinical applications of immunoglobulin as a therapeutic agent dates back over one hundred years ago, when Emil Behring and colleague found immune serum can ameliorate toxin-mediated disease (1). Sixty two years passed before Ogden Bruton intravenously infused human immunoglobulins for immunoglobulin substitution in agammaglobulinemia patients (2). Until then, only limited doses of immunoglobulins could be administered intramuscularly, since the preparations contained aggregates of purified immunoglobulins, the administration of which led to painful local irritation and adverse systemic reactions due to activation of an immune response through the complement cascade (3, 4). The development of new purification processes in the 1960s and 1970s allowed the removal of aggregates, making it possible to prepare compositions that were suitable for intravenous administration in a much larger dose (3-7). The acronym “IVIG” remains the commonly used term for such preparations, even though such preparations can also be administered through other modes, such as subcutaneous administration. The major indications for IVIG preparations remained primarily substitution therapy in patients with immunodeficiency (8-10). In 1981, while treating a child with secondary immunodeficiency due to extensive immunosuppressive treatment, who also suffered with refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), Paul Imbach found that the patient's platelet counts unexpected increased after the patient was treated with IVIG (11). The effect of IVIG treatment for increasing platelet counts was reproduced in ITP patients without immunodeficiency, and paved the path for IVIG usage for its immunomodulatory effects (12-15). Currently, IVIG is a treatment option for many different diseases and is recommended as first line use as an immunomodulatory agent for a number of autoimmune disorders. In fact, while use of IVIGs as a substitute immunoglobulin in immune deficiency syndromes remains as an important indication, IVIGs are increasingly being used for treatment of autoimmune disorders. Although IVIG preparations have been effective in clinical treatment, there are a number of issues associated with the current practice that may have a drastic impact to its sustainability. First, adverse effects are often observed following IVIG administration, including anaphylaxis, renal conditions, thrombotic complications, and diabetic conditions. Efforts taken to address these issues have included pre-screening of patients for IgA deficiency, as well as close monitoring of concentrations of IgA, factor XI, glucose, and sodium. However, each of these steps can have the effect of limiting the supplying capacity, and increasing the costs of goods, as well as costs of administration. Moreover, in spite of these efforts, IVIG usage continues to be disadvantaged by the adverse effects, which have not been completely ameliorated. In addition, in contrast to most biologics, IVIG is normally administered at very high doses, generally ranging from about 0.5 g to 4 g per kg body weight. Judging from the dosage required for efficacy, it appears that the therapeutically active component(s) of IVIG account for only a very small portion of the preparation. With the significant challenges presented by the escalating costs of goods and the needs in improving the quality IVIG preparation, there is a significant need for improved alternative compositions and/or methods that will address one or more of these issues: The issues presented by IVIG treatment stem in part from the fact that IVIG's mechanism of action has not been clearly determined, and its effects are likely to vary from indication to indication. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As described above, there is a significant need for improved treatment with IVIGs, including alternative(s) that can eliminate or reduce the adverse effects, and that can be produced with more consistent quality, allow for lower dosage while maintaining efficacy, and/or reduce the costs of goods. The inventors hypothesized that recombinant engineering of immunoglobulins would allow for the production of a better-defined molecule that can be produced with consistent quality, allow lower dosage while maintaining efficacy, and reduce costs of the good. While the mechanism of action of IVIG is not completely clear, the present inventors hypothesized that it is possible to correlate at least some indications with the antibody structural elements that are required for IVIG's therapeutic efficacy in those indications. For example, in the treatment of immunodeficiency, IVIG replenishes levels of serum Ig and provides life-saving protection from infectious agents and/or their toxins. Hence, it is conceivable that the great diversity of the antigen-specificities contained within the variable regions of the pooled immunoglobulins are responsible for the therapeutic efficacy for these indications. In contrast, studies support the notion that it is the immunoglobulin Fc region that is responsible for IVIG's immunomodulatory effects in treatment of acute and chronic autoimmune disorders. The observation was made that the intact IVIG and its Fc fragment have equivalent anti-inflammatory activity in treatment of ITP and in animal models (16). This would support the role of the Fc region in anti-inflammatory functions. In addition, it was observed that the immunomodulatory effects of IVIG are mediated through the Fc receptors and rely upon dendritic cell (DC)-macrophage cross-talk, and that the FcγRIIIa is critical for the activation phase and the FcγRIIb, for the effector phase in mouse ITP model (17). Lastly, the observation was made that in a mouse ITP model the treatment with IVIG containing a high content of Ig dimers reverses the platelet depletion much more effectively than that with normal monomeric immunoglobulin (18). Hence, the inventors theorized that the dendritic DC surface FcγRIIIa and FcγRIIb, which normally have low affinity binding for the Fc region, can productively interact with the small quantities of oligomeric antibodies present in IVIG preparations through the avidity (multiple interactions) binding that is provided by oligomeric Fc, which could be further utilized in order to improve upon the immunomodulatory effects of IVIG preparations. The present invention provides methods and materials that fully or partially address the above concerns. Thus, in its broad aspect, the present invention comprises recombinant intravenous immunoglobulin (rIVIG) polypeptides comprising (a) a single chain Fc peptide comprising two or more Fc peptide domains; and (b) an oligomerization peptide domain. In a particular aspect of the present invention, the oligomerization peptide domain is a trimerization peptide domain. In particular embodiments, the rIVIG polypeptides of the present invention (also referred to as Pan Receptor Interacting Molecules, or “PRIM”) comprise (a) a single-chain Fc peptide comprising two Fc peptide domains and (b) an oligomerization peptide domain, in particular, a trimerization peptide domain. The individual Fc peptide domains in the rIVIG polypeptides of the present invention may be joined via a flexible linker. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the flexible linker comprises five repeats of the amino acid sequence G-G-G-G-S(SEQUENCE ID NO: 9); i.e., G-G-G-G-S-G-G-G-G-S-G-G-G-G-S-G-G-G-G-S-G-G-G-G-S(SEQUENCE ID NO: 10). In other particular embodiments of the present invention, the oligomerization peptide domain comprises amino acid nos. 712 to 768 of SEQUENCE ID NO: 4, or amino acid nos. 1 to 79 of SEQUENCE ID NO: 6. In certain embodiments, the rIVIG polypeptide of the present invention comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQUENCE ID NO: 2, SEQUENCE ID NO: 3, SEQUENCE ID NO: 4, SEQUENCE ID NO: 5, SEQUENCE ID NO: 6, SEQUENCE ID NO: 7, and SEQUENCE ID NO: 8. In other embodiments, the present invention comprises nucleotide molecules that encode recombinant intravenous immunoglobulin (rIVIG) polypeptides comprising (a) a single chain Fc peptide comprising two or more Fc peptide domains; and (b) an oligomerization peptide domain. In a particular aspect of the present invention, the nucleotide molecule encodes a trimerization peptide domain. In particular embodiments, the nucleotide molecule of the present invention encodes a rIVIG polypeptide comprising (a) two Fc peptide domains and (b) a trimerization domain. In particular embodiments, the present invention comprises a nucleotide molecule encoding a rIVIG polypeptide, which rIVIG polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQUENCE ID NO: 2, SEQUENCE ID NO: 3, SEQUENCE ID NO: 4, SEQUENCE ID NO: 5, SEQUENCE ID NO: 6, SEQUENCE ID NO: 7, and SEQUENCE ID NO: 8. In another aspect, the present invention provides compositions for treatment of immune disorders, said compositions comprising recombinant immunoglobulin (rIVIG) proteins, wherein said rIVIG proteins comprise an oligomerization peptide domain that provides a scaffold for bringing together three single chain Fc domains (scFc). In particular embodiments, the oligomerization peptide domain is comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group comprising amino acids 1 to 79 of SEQUENCE ID NO: 6 and 712 to 768 of SEQUENCE ID NO: 4. In a particular aspect of the present invention, the composition comprises predominantly a single protein species comprising three single chain Fc peptides. The individual Fc domains of said single chain Fc peptides may interact intramolecularly to form functional single chain Fc peptides. In particular embodiments, the present invention provides compositions predominantly comprising a rIVIG protein, which rIVIG protein comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQUENCE ID NO: 2, SEQUENCE ID NO: 3, SEQUENCE ID NO: 4, SEQUENCE ID NO: 5, SEQUENCE ID NO: 6, SEQUENCE ID NO: 7, and SEQUENCE ID NO: 8. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a patient suffering from an autoimmune disorder, said method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of a composition predominantly comprising recombinant immunoglobulin (rIVIG) protein, wherein said rIVIG protein comprises an oligomerization peptide domain that provides a scaffold for the formation of trimers of a single chain Fc peptide. In a particular embodiment, the patient suffers from an immune disorder selected from refractory immune thrombocytopenia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), multiple sclerosis (MS), system lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus), Graves Disease, Kawasaki disease, dermatomyositis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (IMHA), pernicious anemia, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), Addison disease, Hashimoto's disease (chronic thyroiditis), Hashimoto's encephalopathy, autoimmune neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, rheumatoid arthritis and reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Sjögren syndrome, CREST syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ankylosing spondylitis, Behcet's disease, vasculitis, Lyme disease (chronic or late stage) and type I diabetes. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of reducing the immune rejection response of a patient who has received an organ transplant, bone marrow transplantation; blood transfusion, or stem cell transplantation, said method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of a composition comprising recombinant immunoglobulin (rIVIG) protein, wherein said rIVIG protein comprises an oligomerization peptide domain that provides for a composition comprising predominantly trimers of single chain Fc peptides. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a non-human mammal suffering from an autoimmune disorder, said method comprising administering to said non-human mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising recombinant intravenous immunoglobulin (rIVIG) protein, wherein said rIVIG protein comprises an oligomerization peptide domain that provides for a composition comprising predominantly trimers of single chain Fc peptides, and wherein said rIVIG protein comprises an amino acid sequence that has been derived from a non-human mammal of the same species. In particular embodiments, the non-human mammal suffers from an autoimmune disorder selected from the group consisting of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), or rheumatoid arthritis. For example, a dog suffering from AIHA may be treated with a composition comprising predominantly trimeric rIVIG protein comprising an amino acid sequence of canine origin, such as the amino acid sequences of SEQUENCE ID NO: 7 and SEQUENCE ID NO: 8.

11365774

This application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 National Stage Application of PCT/EP2019/062107, filed on May 11, 2019, which claims the benefit of priority to Serial No. DE 10 2018 211 246.0, filed on Jul. 7, 2018 in Germany, and which claims the benefit of priority to Serial No. DE 10 2018 219 605.2, filed on Nov. 15, 2018 in Germany, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. BACKGROUND The disclosure relates to a brake system damping device having a first chamber, to which hydraulic pressure is to be applied, and a second chamber, in which a compressible medium is situated, and a first separating element for separating the first chamber from the second chamber. Brake systems, in particular hydraulic brake systems, serve for decelerating a driving speed of vehicles, such as for instance passenger cars and trucks. During operation of such brake systems there occur various dynamic effects, inter alia pressure fluctuations in lines and chambers present therein that lead to oscillations or pulsations and as a result to undesired noises and vibrations. In order to minimize such oscillations or to achieve a damping action for these oscillations, brake system damping devices, also referred to as dampers hereinbelow, are installed at one or more installation sites in the brake system. These dampers comprise a first chamber, in which a hydraulic pressure is to be applied. The chamber is in principle a type of container. The pressure is in principle the result of a force acting on a surface. A force is transmitted hydraulically in the dampers, that is to say by way of a pressurized liquid. There are known dampers having a separating element, which separates the chamber into a first chamber, in which a liquid or a fluid is situated, and into a second chamber, in which a compressible medium, as a rule in the form of a gas, is situated. The volume of a chamber of a deformable container in which a gas is situated decreases as is known when an increased pressure is exerted on this container from outside. Equally, the volume of the second chamber also decreases by means of the separating element when a hydraulic pressure prevails at the first chamber. If this pressure reduces again, the volume of the gas and hence of the second chamber correspondingly increases again. The second chamber thus acts like a pneumatic spring, also referred to as gas spring. How soft or hard this gas spring damps is dependent on the gas volume of the second chamber. The larger the gas volume, the softer the damping. During a braking operation, a vehicle driver depresses a brake pedal which thereby covers a distance known as pedal travel. This pedal travel is in direct relationship to the gas volume of the second chamber relevant here. The larger the gas volume, the longer is also the pedal travel. The positive effect of soft damping is thus contrasted by the negative effect of a large pedal travel length. The object on which the disclosure is based is to provide a device for damping oscillations in a brake system with improved damping properties. SUMMARY According to the disclosure, a brake system damping device is created having a first chamber, to which hydraulic pressure is to be applied, and a second chamber, in which a compressible medium is situated, and a first separating element for separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The object is achieved according to the disclosure in that the brake system damping device has a third chamber, in which the compressible medium is likewise situated, and a second separating element for separating the second chamber from the third chamber. Here, the second chamber is connected to the third chamber in a medium-conducting manner by means of a passage configured in the second separating element. Moreover, a closure element is to be moved together with the first separating element and by means of which the passage is to be closed or is closed as soon as the hydraulic pressure has reached a predefined pressure value in the first chamber. The third chamber, like the second chamber, thus contains the compressible medium which is preferably formed by a gas and particularly preferably by air. The second separating element separates the third chamber from the second chamber, although the two chambers initially remain connected by means of the medium-conducting passage. The passage or the connection is preferably configured by a simple bore and can be closed by means of the closure element of the first separating element. The closure element is preferably simply a surface region on the surface of the first separating element. This closure element closes the passage only when a sufficient hydraulic pressure for this purpose prevails in the first chamber. Specifically, the first separating element is deformed in particular starting from the predefined pressure value to such an extent that it then bears against the second separating element. The second separating element thus preferably forms a stop for the closure element. On account of the closed passage, the third chamber is then decoupled from the second chamber and is thus no longer available for the remainder of the damper. For the further damping action above the predefined pressure value, there remains only the volume of the medium in the second chamber. This is now relatively small owing to the first separating element being deformed in the direction of the second separating element. The damper according to the disclosure thus has only a smaller elasticity and damping action, since the second chamber can barely still take up volume. However, the advantageous effect here is that now a pedal travel or the travel of a brake pedal of the brake system is no longer substantially lengthened during an actuation by means of a vehicle driver. Particularly advantageously, the first separating element bears, upon closure of the passage, even completely against the inner wall of the second chamber, including the side of the second separating element that faces the second chamber, with the result that the second chamber completely disappears or has no more volume. The pedal travel then no longer lengthens at all starting from the predefined pressure value. The thus likewise ceasing damping action is acceptable, since the relevant pressure range for the damping lies below the predefined pressure value. The pressure value is thus preferably selected or predefined in such a way that it represents the upper limit value of a relevant pressure range for the damping. The respective volumes of the second and third chamber are preferably tailored here to the relevant pressure range and the desired elasticity or damping action of the damper. In this advantageous way, the damper combines the high elasticity of the large medium volume in the relevant pressure range for the damping with a limitation of the volume which can be taken up by the first chamber above this pressure range. In other words, there is no longer any direct dependency between the displaced volume of braking medium and the medium volume used for the damping. The damper thus offers excellent damping properties for a short pedal travel. A further advantage of the disclosure is that the pressure in the closed-off third chamber is considerably lower than would be the pressure in the second chamber without a passage to a further chamber, that is to say in the prior art. Undesired effects are reduced as a result. On the one hand, the permeation through the first separating element is reduced at lower pressure and, on the other hand, the temperature of the medium at lower pressure is not so high, with the result that material aging of the first separating element is delayed. It is possible by means of the specified technical advantages to considerably increase customer acceptance and market opportunities of vehicles which are equipped with the brake system damping device according to the disclosure. In one advantageous development of the disclosure, the first separating element is formed in one piece with the closure element. In one piece means that two elements, here the first separating element and the closure element, are formed integrally or as one part. This has the advantage of simple assembly and inexpensive production. In a second advantageous development of the disclosure, the first separating element is configured with a diaphragm, preferably with a rolling diaphragm. Diaphragms are to be understood here in principle as meaning sealing elements which, as elastic, movable separating walls or separating elements, hermetically separate two chambers from one another. Especially rolling diaphragms are provided here only for one-sided pressure loading in the direction of a loop inner side or diaphragm head depression. In response to changes in volume, rolling diaphragms offer only a negligibly small intrinsic stiffness or a small resistance to elastic deformation. By virtue of their design, rolling diaphragms are thus particularly well-suited as a separating element for the brake system damping device according to the disclosure. In a third advantageous development of the disclosure, the first separating element is produced from an elastomer, preferably from ethylene-propylene-diene rubber. Elastomers are dimensionally stable, but elastically deformable plastics. These plastics can therefore deform under tensile and compressive loading, but then return to their original, nondeformed shape. Elastomers are thus particularly well-suited materials for separating elements within the meaning of this disclosure, such as for example for the above-described rolling diaphragm. The elastomer has to maintain its elasticity and must neither swell nor shrink too much. It is therefore necessary for a suitable elastomer to be used for the medium to be sealed. Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, also abbreviated to EPDM, is an elastomer resistant to braking medium and therefore particularly suitable for use in the brake system damping device according to the disclosure. It is additionally advantageous according to the disclosure for the predefined pressure value to be predefined with a value between 0 and 30 bar, preferably between a range of 3 and 10 bar, and particularly preferably at 5 bar. If a brake system applies a pressure of approximately 60 bar to an associated wheel of a vehicle, this has the effect of securely blocking the wheel. However, for damping oscillations or pulsations in brake systems, only a considerably smaller, limited pressure range is relevant. When a pressure value of approximately 5 bar has been reached, the disturbing oscillation or pulsation is already sufficiently damped. The pressure value can therefore be particularly advantageously set to this value. Furthermore, the passage is preferably formed by an open-pore material. A material is open-pore if it contains pores which prevent the ingress of liquids but allows the escape or penetration of gases. This can also be referred to as a breathable material. After application of the first separating element, the pores would be closed just like differently configured passages, such as for example bores. However, the advantage of the open-pore material lies in the fact that no liquid can enter the third chamber. The brake system would thus have additional protection against brake fluid escaping from the brake system, for example if the first separating element is damaged or nontight. Moreover, a plurality of passages are preferably provided in the second separating element. During the braking operation, these passages ensure quicker redistribution of the medium from the second chamber into the third chamber. As a result, the elasticity of the entire medium volume can be better exploited. In a further advantageous embodiment, the third chamber is subdivided into a plurality of subchambers which are each connected to the second chamber in a medium-conducting manner by means of a passage. The plurality of subchambers allow greater flexibility than when using only a single third chamber. The passages to the individual subchambers are thus preferably closed in succession by means of the first separating element, with the result that the damping action is reduced stepwise, and not completely and suddenly at the one predefined pressure value. In addition, closing passages and making them available again makes it possible for a variable number of subchambers and thus a variable medium volume to be used. This facilitates the tailoring of the damper to the relevant pressure range and the desired elasticity. It is advantageous according to the disclosure for the third chamber to be formed by means of the second separating element and a cover. The cover is provided as a closure for a brake system having the brake system damping device according to the disclosure, and allows flexible access to the brake system. This makes it possible for the second separating element to be exchanged in a simple manner. Moreover, brake system damping devices which previously used only one chamber between the cover and an elastic separating element for damping can be retrofitted with the second separating element. Building thereon, the second separating element is completely enclosed by the cover and the first separating element. As a result, the second and third chamber with the contained medium volume are additionally sealed. A complete enclosure of the second separating element additionally means that the combination of these three components does not outwardly differ from a combination only of cover and first separating element. As a result, the configuration of the second separating element is independent of the further brake system. Even a removal of the second separating element from the damper is thus possible, preferably if a larger medium volume is required. Also advantageous are further embodiments which make the brake system damping device more efficient still or supplement it with alternative embodiments. For instance, the compressible medium which is contained in the second and third chamber is preferably formed as a gas, and particularly preferably as air. Air is easily available, can be used and compressed without costs, and is thus extremely suitable for use in the brake system damping device according to the disclosure. The medium volume or the second and third chamber are alternatively and additionally produced or created by means of a combination of a plurality of turned, cold-formed or deep-drawn parts. Turned parts are components having a circular cross section, cold-formed parts are closure components, and deep-drawn parts are body components of vehicles. All these components are thus easy to create in the automotive industry and are given a new usage purpose by means of the disclosure. Moreover, the brake system damping device is preferably provided for use in driving dynamics regulating systems and/or power-assisted brake systems. A driving dynamics regulating system or electronic stability program, also referred to as ESP, is an electronically controlled driver assistance system for a motor vehicle, which counteracts skidding of the motor vehicle through targeted braking of individual wheels. A power-assisted brake system or a power-assisted brake installation is operated by means of externally generated force. For example, an electrohydraulically actuated brake is a power-assisted brake in which the actuation energy originates from a hydraulic pressure accumulator which is charged by a pump. In one advantageous embodiment, the brake system damping device has a rib structure, in particular with a structure end side and at least one structure rib, which supports the second separating element and traverses the third chamber. Here, the rib structure is preferably arranged on the second separating element on the side facing away from the first separating element or the side having the separating element outer wall in order to support the second separating element against a pressure acting on the separating element inner wall. The separating element outer wall thus forms a first end side of the rib structure. The opposite or second end side of the rib structure is formed by the structure end side which is preferably of planar configuration. The structure rib is a load-bearing element of the supporting rib structure and extends from the separating element outer wall up to the structure end side. By virtue of the supporting function of the rib structure, the brake system damping device is intrinsically more stable. Moreover, the material of the second separating element is less stressed, which has a positive effect on its service life. The rib structure is preferably configured with two or more structure ribs in order to give the rib structure further stability. In addition, the rib structure is advantageously formed with a perpendicular circular hollow cylinder which starts centrally on the separating element outer wall and extends departing therefrom up to the second end of the rib structure or the structure end side. A cylinder cavity formed in the circular hollow cylinder is here preferably connected to the passage in the second separating element in a medium-conducting manner. It should be explicitly pointed out at this juncture that the passage in the second separating element must in no case be closed by the rib structure. The structure ribs start on the outside of the circular hollow cylinder and at these points—referred to as starting points hereinbelow—have an extent or rib depth which corresponds to the length of the circular hollow cylinder. From these starting points, the structure ribs preferably extend radially or in the form of rays away from the circular hollow cylinder, with the result that a star-shaped structure arises. Here, the rib depth of each structure rib varies to correspond to the shape of the adjacent end sides of the rib structure. As already mentioned, the structure end side is preferably planar and thus causes no variation in the rib depth. By contrast, the separating element outer wall is mostly uneven or of three-dimensional configuration. The respective rib depth must then vary or be configured to correspond to the separating element outer wall. The stability of the rib structure is further improved as a result. The rib structure preferably forms at least two structure subchambers which are connected to one another in a medium-conducting manner by means of at least one connecting duct. Here, the structure subchambers are each formed by means of at least one structure rib, the separating element outer wall, and a further component surrounding the third chamber. This component is, as already mentioned above, preferably the cover. The structure subchambers are preferably arranged here in such a way that a supporting rib structure arises or the supporting effect of the rib structure is further strengthened. The connecting duct is an opening in an element, preferably a structure rib, which separates the two structure chambers from one another. In this way, the compressible medium passes from the second chamber into each of the structure subchambers of the divided third chamber and thus develops maximum damping for the brake system damping device. In addition, however, it is also possible to set a lower degree of damping by means of partitioning individual structure subchambers or closing individual connecting ducts, if desired. If the rib structure is configured with the circular hollow cylinder, as described above for an advantageous embodiment, a connecting duct preferably leads from this cylinder cavity to each of the structure subchambers. It is possible in this way to achieve uniform propagation of the medium, and thus equal-intensity loading of all regions of the rib structure. As already mentioned above, the compressible medium is preferably formed as a gas, and particularly preferably as air. Therefore, the third chamber will also be referred to below as second air chamber, the structure subchambers will also be referred to below as air subchambers, and the medium volume will also be referred to below as air volume. Accordingly, the second air chamber has been replaced by a plurality of connected air subchambers which take up an air volume, with a desired graduated damping of the brake system damping device being able to be set by means of the air subchambers. In other words, the proposed construction offers design possibilities for connecting the air chambers by means of the connecting ducts. Moreover, the second separating element is provided not only for separating the second chamber from the third chamber or from the second air chamber, but preferably also performs a holding or carrying function for the first separating element. The first separating element is, as already mentioned above, advantageously configured with a diaphragm. Therefore, the second separating element will also be referred to below as a diaphragm carrier component. The rib structure described gives rise to an intrinsically stable diaphragm carrier component which additionally offers a plurality of design possibilities for the third chamber or the division thereof. In addition, the described configuration of the diaphragm carrier component allows the use of cost-effective mold-based components which can be produced for example by means of technologies such as injection-molding. In a further advantageous embodiment, the rib structure has a rib casing which surrounds the rib structure and is configured in particular with a casing outer wall and a casing inner wall. The rib casing is a type of hollow cylinder which encloses the rib structure and extends from the separating element outer wall up to the structure end side. The casing outer wall bears here against the component surrounding the third chamber. The casing inner wall forms a surface up to which the structure ribs extend. By way of the rib casing, the rib structure is configured to be more compact and even more stable. The rib structure and the rib casing are preferably configured in one piece, preferably in one piece with the second separating element. In one piece means, as already mentioned, that a plurality of elements, here the rib structure with the rib casing, and preferably also with the second separating element, are formed integrally or as one part. The advantage lies here in simple assembly and inexpensive production. It is additionally advantageous according to the disclosure for the rib casing to be configured with at least one casing slot, wherein the casing slot is preferably arranged to extend from the structure end side in the direction of the separating element outer wall and is provided to open the rib casing toward one of the structure subchambers. The casing slots thus form cutouts in the otherwise completely closed rib casing. The volume that can be taken up by the compressible medium is increased by means of these cutouts or clearances, with the result that the degree of damping of the brake system damping device is increased. Moreover, material is saved. Furthermore, the rib casing is preferably configured with at least one latching element, wherein the latching element preferably protrudes from the casing outer wall and is preferably arranged on the structure end side. The latching element is a protuberance or hook which is provided to latch into a recess within the component surrounding the casing outer wall. The latching element thus offers the possibility of anchoring the second separating element in the third chamber. The brake system damping device thus gains additional stability. Building thereon, the latching element is arranged adjacent to two casing slots. The two casing slots each run directly along the latching element, with the result that a carrier device for the latching element is formed that is flexible or can be pressed in. The second separating element can thus be more easily mounted or guided to a latching-in point. Particularly when the second separating element is produced from a material which can be deformed only with great difficulty, the mounting thereof is considerably facilitated by means of the carrier device formed. According to the disclosure, the brake system damping device advantageously has a rib casing-encompassing component with a component inner wall, in which component the inner wall is configured with a depression running around the casing outer wall, wherein the depression is provided for latching in the latching element. The component is preferably the cover or the housing of the brake system damping device. The component inner wall, or a surface of the component that bears against the rib casing or its casing outer wall, forms, together with the latching hooks arranged on the casing outer wall, a form-fitted connection between the second separating element or diaphragm carrier component and the surrounding component, preferably the cover. The depression is preferably the above-described recess. Since the depression is configured to run around in the surrounding component but, on the other hand, the at least one latching element is configured individually, this form-fitting connection is flexible and, with respect to the latching element, position-independent. Moreover, the structure end side is arranged so as to bear against the component inner wall in order to be supported thereon. The bearing against the component inner wall increases the supporting effect of the rib structure and considerably reduces the surface pressure on the component inner wall, preferably the cover. As a result, softer and/or more cost-effective materials can also be used for the diaphragm carrier component or the second separating element instead of very solid materials, such as preferably those consisting of machined metal. Favorable mold-based components can thus also be used as diaphragm carrier component. In one advantageous embodiment, the second separating element is produced by means of injection-molding, preferably by means of powder injection-molding and particularly preferably by means of metal powder injection-molding. Injection-molding, also referred to as diecasting or diecasting method, is a production method, more precisely a primary forming method for producing components. Here, an injection-molding machine is used to liquify the respective material and inject it under pressure into a mold. Powder injection-molding, or PIM method, is a primary forming method for producing components from metal or ceramic. Therefore, metal powder injection-molding, or MIM method, is a primary forming method for the production especially of metallic components. It is possible by means of these technologies for the second separating element or the diaphragm carrier component to be produced very simply and cost-effectively as a mold-based component. In one advantageous development of the disclosure, the brake system damping device has a fourth chamber which is arranged so as to surround the rib casing of the second separating element in order to additionally provide damping volume. The fourth chamber is realized by configuring the component surrounding the rib casing, preferably the cover, to be smaller or shorter. The fourth chamber thus forms a further decouplable chamber for additional uptake of medium volume, preferably air volume, without increasing the space requirement within the brake system damping device. The larger the available volume, the more the brake system damping device is elastic and thus effective in terms of pulsation reduction or damping. This proposed solution therefore opens up a possibility for function optimization without additional effort and cost. In addition, the second separating element is configured with a support ring which encloses the rib casing and which has a ring outer edge, wherein the support ring is arranged so as to project into the fourth chamber and to bear against the first separating element. Here, the support ring bears fixedly against the casing outer wall of the ring casing and extends radially therefrom, preferably as far as is maximally allowed by the size of the fourth chamber. The ring outer edge outwardly delimits the support ring and preferably bears against an inner wall of the fourth chamber. With the bearing arrangement of the support ring against the first separating element, preferably a diaphragm, the fourth chamber is delimited in the direction of the first separating element, and the first separating element is thereby supported or stabilized. This also contributes to the stability of the overall brake system damping device. In addition, the second separating element or diaphragm carrier component then forms a support surface for an outer peripheral sealing region of the first separating element, preferably of the diaphragm. Furthermore, the second separating element is preferably configured in one piece with the support ring. Configured in one piece means, as already mentioned above, that two elements are formed integrally or as one part, with the advantage of simple assembly and inexpensive production. In a further advantageous development of the disclosure, the support ring has arranged thereon at least one ring rib which supports the support ring. The ring rib is thus a load-bearing or supporting element which is preferably arranged so as to bear not only against the support ring but also against the casing outer wall of the ring casing and/or against the inner wall of the fourth chamber. The support ring is additionally stabilized as a result. Building thereon, the support ring preferably has two or more ring ribs arranged thereon by which the fourth chamber is divided into at least two ring subchambers. Here, the ring subchambers are advantageously each formed by means of two ring ribs, the inner wall of the fourth chamber, the casing outer wall of the ring casing and the support ring. Here, the ring subchambers can be referred to as chambers which for their outer radial delimitation utilize a nonmodified interface bore in a component, preferably the housing, surrounding the fourth chamber. This novel configuration of the second separating element thus forms additional ring subchambers, preferably air chambers at its circumference that can be utilized for the further boosting and settability of the damping. In a further embodiment, the ring ribs on the casing outer wall are each arranged opposite a structure rib on the casing inner wall. This arrangement, in which the ring ribs form a type of extension of the structure ribs, affords additional stability of the second separating element and moreover simplifies the production thereof. The casing slots are preferably arranged in such a way that they connect the third chamber to the fourth chamber in a medium-conducting manner. By means of this arrangement, the casing slots act as connecting ducts between the structure subchambers in the third chamber and the ring subchambers in the fourth chamber. In other words, the volume of individual surrounding chambers is coupled to the internal volume, preferably air volume, of the rib structure by means of longitudinal slots, which incidentally are formed at the latching elements, preferably latching hooks. In this way, the compressible medium passes from the structure subchambers into the ring subchambers and thus develops the maximum damping for the brake system damping device. Moreover, however, it is also possible here for a lower degree of damping to be set, if desired, by means of partitioning individual ring subchambers or closing individual casing slots. According to the disclosure, it is advantageous for the at least one ring rib to be arranged so as to extend from the casing outer wall as far as the ring outer edge of the support ring. This arrangement effectively utilizes the fourth chamber, gives the support ring a very high degree of stability and allows sealing between the ring subchambers. In a further advantageous development of the disclosure, the component encompassing the rib casing has a component outer wall, wherein the component outer wall bears in a sealing manner against the housing inner wall. The component encompassing the rib casing is, as already mentioned above, preferably the cover. In such a preferred embodiment, the tightness of the brake system damping device to the outside is formed between the housing and the cover. The tightness of the brake system damping device is thus ensured in a particularly sustainable manner since none of the components which are stressed during braking operations, such as the first or second separating element, have to contribute to the tightness. It is particularly advantageous for the component encompassing the rib casing, preferably the cover, to be configured and arranged in such a way that the ring ribs of the second separating element are latched or snapped in the cover. As a result, the component is additionally fastened or secured in the brake system damping device. Moreover, the ring subchambers are better sealed in relation to one another in this way. Moreover, the housing inner wall preferably bears in a sealing manner against the component outer wall by virtue of the component encompassing the rib casing being inserted into the housing by means of pressing in. Pressing in is a method in which the parts to be connected are substantially only elastically deformed upon being joined together and unintentional release is prevented as a result of a force-fitting connection. Force-fitting connections require a normal force on the surfaces to be connected to one another. Mutual displacement thereof is prevented as long as the counterforce produced by the static friction is not exceeded. The pressing-in operation preferably occurs by means of a press-in fastener. It would therefore be necessary for the component encompassing the rib casing, preferably the cover, to be configured as a press-in fastener. The pressing in of a press-in fastener is also referred to as a self-clinching technique. Press-in fasteners or self-clinching fasteners are self-clamping or self-locking fastening elements which, without welding or additional fasteners, can be attached to metal sheets, substrates or openings in ductile or deformable material. In a further advantageous development of the disclosure, the diaphragm holding device of the second separating element is configured to be outwardly expanded in the form of a bead and/or trumpet. As a result, the first separating element is fixed firmer and tighter on the housing inner wall. In addition, a movement of the closure element and of the diaphragm fold is better guided in the direction of the second separating element, and better form-fitting bearing of the first separating element against the separating element inner wall of the second separating element is promoted.

11520908

BACKGROUND In a modern enterprise, there is a wide array of devices in use by members of the enterprise, all of which may store or generate sensitive data. It is in the interest of the enterprise to protect the security of its data on each device on which it may be found. However, some devices may also be used for personal matters by a member of the enterprise or while the member of the enterprise is conducting personal matters. Accordingly, there is a need to balance the need for security with protection of privacy.

11318850

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for charging electric vehicles. BACKGROUND The growing use of electric vehicles requires an increased number of charging locations capable of recharging the batteries contained in the electric vehicles. Some retail locations and commercial campuses provide limited parking spaces with electric vehicle charging connections. Providing electric power to parking spaces for the purpose of charging electric vehicles typically requires installing electric power lines across part of the parking area. This installation of power lines can be costly, especially when the source of the electric power is a significant distance from the parking area. Additionally, existing electric power panels (or other electric circuits) may not have enough additional capacity and may need to be upgraded to support charging of electric vehicles. Thus, installation of electric vehicle charging connections in parking areas can be difficult and expensive.

11255404

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2018/041531 filed Nov. 8, 2018, claiming priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-215409 filed Nov. 8, 2017. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an anti-vibration device. BACKGROUND ART A conventional anti-vibration device, which includes an inner attachment member coupled to either one of a vibration generator and a vibration receiver, an outer cylinder coupled to the other of the vibration generator and the vibration receiver and surrounding the inner attachment member, and elastic bodies elastically coupling the inner attachment member and the outer cylinder, is known. As this type of anti-vibration device, a configuration as shown in, for instance, Patent Document 1 is known in which the elastic bodies include a pair of end elastic bodies that are disposed at an interval in an axial direction along a central axis of the outer cylinder and are fitted in the outer cylinder, and a pair of intermediate elastic bodies that are separately arranged on both sides of the inner attachment member in a radial direction and between the end elastic bodies, covering members, which cover spaces between the intermediate elastic bodies adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction from outside of the intermediate elastic bodies in the radial direction to form liquid chambers, are arranged between the inner attachment member and the outer cylinder, and an orifice passage that provides communication between the liquid chambers is formed between the covering members and the outer cylinder. The intermediate elastic bodies are formed of rubber material, and reinforcing bodies are embedded therein. DOCUMENT OF RELATED ART Patent Document [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2016-133181 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem However, in the conventional anti-vibration device, a modulus of the anti-vibration device, which is expressed when the inner attachment member moves relative to the outer cylinder and the covering members in the radial direction, increases excessively in a direction of the radial direction, in which the pair of intermediate elastic bodies are arranged (a direction in which the pair of intermediate elastic bodies face each other), compared to that in another direction, and thereby portions to which a large load is applied may occur in the end elastic bodies fitted in the outer cylinder due to, for instance, occurrence of a twist in the axial direction. The present invention is made in consideration of this circumstance and is directed to providing an anti-vibration device that can limit portions to which a large load is applied from occurring in end elastic bodies fitted in an outer cylinder. Solution to Problem In order to achieve the object of solving the above problem, an anti-vibration device of an aspect of the present invention includes: an inner attachment member coupled to either one of a vibration generator and a vibration receiver; an outer cylinder coupled to the other of the vibration generator and the vibration receiver and surrounding the inner attachment member; and elastic bodies elastically coupling the inner attachment member and the outer cylinder. The elastic bodies include: a pair of end elastic bodies that are disposed at an interval in an axial direction along a central axis of the outer cylinder and are fitted in the outer cylinder; and a pair of intermediate elastic bodies that are separately arranged on both sides of the inner attachment member in a radial direction intersecting the central axis in a plan view viewed in the axial direction and between the end elastic bodies. Covering members, which cover spaces between the intermediate elastic bodies adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction orbiting around the central axis in the plan view from outside of the intermediate elastic bodies in the radial direction to form liquid chambers between the covering members and the inner attachment member, are arranged between the inner attachment member and the outer cylinder. An orifice passage that provides communication between the liquid chambers is formed between the covering members and the outer cylinder. The entire intermediate elastic bodies are formed of rubber material. The covering members surround an entire circumference of the inner attachment member from outside thereof in the radial direction and cause compressive deformation of the intermediate elastic bodies inward in the radial direction and inward in the circumferential direction.

11221774

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE Disclosed aspects are directed to Flash memory systems. More particularly, exemplary aspects are directed to power modes for Universal Flash Storage (UFS). BACKGROUND Universal Flash Storage (UFS) is a Flash memory system defined by the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard, designed for high data transfer speed and low power consumption. Correspondingly, UFS is well-suited for mobile applications (e.g., mobile phones, laptop computers, handheld devices, tablets, etc.) where high performance demands are seen in conjunction with low power consumption requirements. A UFS memory system may be an embedded device within a host such as a processor or system on chip (SoC), or may be integrated on a removable card, for flexible use with different hosts. Different standards and configurations may be applicable to the available UFS memory systems. For example, UFS memory systems as well as their interfaces to the hosts may include multiple layers to support the standards. The host may include a Host Controller Interface (HCl) and a UFS Transport Protocol (UTP) as defined in the JEDEC standard, as well as a Unified Protocol (Unipro) and a physical interface referred to as M-PHY as defined by the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) alliance. The UFS memory system host may include a memory core made of technology such as NAND Flash memory cells (alternatively, other types of Flash memory cells such as NOR Flash memory cells may also be used in some implementations). The UFS memory system may include an input/output (I/O) interface to send/receive data and also to receive commands and other control signals sent from the host device. Further, the UFS memory system may include a UFS controller which may be in communication with the I/O and may have counterpart components of the host device such as UTP, Unipro, M-PHY, etc. Additionally a processor or central processing unit (CPU) may also be included within or in communication with the UFS controller. An interface or bus may be provided for the host to communicate with the UFS memory system. The interface may be configured to transport the data, commands, etc. noted above and additionally, may include one or more signals to control power rail connections to the components of the UFS memory system. These power rails may be controlled to place various components of the UFS memory system in different power states, based, for example, on different power modes that may be specified for the UFS memory systems. However, it is recognized that conventional power modes, defined, for example, in the JEDEC standard for UFS memory systems do not efficiently contribute to improvement in power consumption of the UFS memory systems. One reason for this is that even though the conventional low power modes for the UFS memory systems specify that the power rails remain active, to place one or more components of the UFS memory system in a powered state, for example, to remain responsive to at least a subset of commands received from the host device (even though the UFS memory system may be configured to ignore or provide error messages in response to many or most of the commands that may be received from the host device during the low power modes). Correspondingly, the conventional designs for UFS memory systems tend to consume significant power even in the low power modes. As will be appreciated, there is an ever increasing and well-recognized need for reducing power consumption in processing systems, particularly for battery powered or mobile/handheld systems. There is accordingly, a corresponding need to further reduce power consumption of the UFS memory systems beyond the power consumption savings which are currently achievable using conventional power modes. SUMMARY Exemplary aspects of the invention include systems and methods directed to a Universal Flash Storage (UFS) memory system configured to support exemplary power savings modes. The exemplary power savings modes include, for example, two deep power-down modes wherein the UFS memory system is not required to be responsive to commands received from a host device coupled to the UFS memory system. Correspondingly, in the deep power-down modes, a link or interface between the UFS memory system and the host device may also be powered down. Once the UFS memory system is placed in one of the two deep power-down modes, e.g., based on a command received from the host device or a hardware reset assertion, the UFS memory system may transition out of the deep power-down mode based on a hardware reset de-assertion or power cycling, e.g., to a power mode wherein the UFS memory system may once again be responsive to commands from the host device. While in either of the two deep power-down modes, the power consumption of the UFS memory device is substantially lower than the power consumption of the UFS memory device in conventional power modes. For example, one exemplary aspect is directed to an apparatus comprising a Universal Flash Storage (UFS) memory device communicatively coupled to a host device, wherein the UFS memory device configured to support one or more power modes, wherein the one or more power modes comprise at least one low power mode wherein the UFS memory device is not responsive to any commands received from the host device. Another exemplary aspect is directed to a method of power management of a Universal Flash Storage (UFS) memory device communicatively coupled to a host device, the method comprising placing the UFS memory device in at least one low power mode wherein the UFS memory device is not responsive to any commands received from the host device. Another exemplary apparatus is directed to an apparatus comprising a host device configured to provide a command and a hardware reset signal to a Universal Flash Storage (UFS) memory device, wherein the UFS memory device enters or exits one or more power modes in response to the received command or the hardware reset signal, and wherein the UFS memory device in the one or more power modes is not responsive to the command received from the host device. Yet another exemplary aspect is directed to an apparatus comprising a Universal Flash Storage (UFS) memory device communicatively coupled to a host device, and means for placing the UFS memory device in at least one low power mode wherein the UFS memory device is not responsive to any commands received from the host device.

11336402

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE This present application claims the benefit of International Application No. PCT/CN2018/113809, “Physical Layer Procedures for V2X Communication” filed on Nov. 2, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and specifically relates to communications for vehicular applications and enhancements to cellular infrastructure. BACKGROUND The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. Cellular based vehicle-to-everything (V2X) (e.g., LTE V2X or NR V2X) is a radio access technology developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to support advanced vehicular applications. In V2X, a direct radio link (referred to as a sidelink) can be established between two vehicles. The sidelink can operate under the control of a cellular system (e.g., radio resource allocation) when the vehicles are within the coverage of the cellular system. Or, the sidelink can operate independently when no cellular system is present. SUMMARY Aspects of the disclosure provide a method of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback. The method can include receiving data transmitted from a transmission (Tx) user equipment (UE) or a base station (BS) over a channel at a reception (Rx) UE, selecting an acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (A/N) resource from a set of A/N resources for a HARQ feedback of the data based on a channel condition of the channel or a geographical location of the Rx UE, and transmitting the HARQ feedback with the selected A/N resource. In an embodiment, the A/N resource is selected based on a mapping relationship between different ranges of a channel condition indicator and the set of A/N resources. According to an example, the mapping relationship is (pre-) configured. In an embodiment, the channel condition indicator is at least one of a channel quality indicator (CQI), a distance between the Tx UE or BS and the Rx UE, a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), or a path loss. In an embodiment, a region surrounding the Tx UE or BS is partitioned into zones, and the A/N resource is selected based on the zone where the Rx UE is located. In an embodiment. A beamforming is performed towards the zone where the Rx UE is located when transmitting the HARQ feedback. In an embodiment, the set of A/N resources include a common resource shareable among UEs, and a dedicated resource configured for the Rx UE. A cell representing a serving area of the Tx UE or BS is partitioned into a cell center region and a cell edge region. The common resource is selected when the Rx UE is located at the cell center region, while the dedicated resource is selected when the Rx UE is located at a cell edge region. In an embodiment, the set of A/N resources is a set of common resources each shareable among UEs in a groupcast communication. In an embodiment, the set of A/N resources is a set of dedicated resources configured for the Rx UE. In an embodiment, a rule for selecting the A/N resource from the set of A/N resources is received from the Tx UE or BS, or preconfigured to the Rx UE, and the set of A/N resources is indicated by a configuration received from the Tx UE or BS, or is preconfigured to the Rx UE, or is indicated by physical control channel (e.g., SL physical control channel or uu physical control channel). In an embodiment, the HARQ feedback is one of a negative acknowledgement (NACK) only HARQ feedback, or an acknowledgement (ACK) or NACK feedback. In an embodiment, the method further includes acquiring a channel condition component of channel state information (CSI) of the channel based on a measurement over a first predefined short timescale, and acquiring an interference/noise level component of the CSI of the channel based on a measurement over a second predefined short timescale or a predefined long timescale depending on a sensing history of interference/noise over the channel. In an example, interference/noise level component of the CSI of the channel is acquired based on the measurement over the second predefined short timescale when the interference/noise over the channel changes slow compared with a threshold, or based on the measurement over the predefined long timescale when the interference/noise over the channel changes fast compared with the threshold. In an example, the CSI is reported using a first and a second channel quality indicator (CQI) tables corresponding to the measurements of the second predefined short timescale and the predefined long timescale, respectively. A gap between two consecutive entries of the first CQI table is larger than that of the second CQI table. Aspects of the disclosure provide another method for HARQ feedback. The method can include transmitting a configuration from a Tx UE or a BS to a Rx UE in a wireless communication system. The configuration indicates a rule for selecting an A/N resource from a set of A/N resources for a HARQ feedback based on a channel condition of a channel between the Tx UE or BS and the Rx UE, or a geographical location of the Rx UE. Data is transmitted to the Rx UE over the channel. A first HARQ feedback corresponding to the transmitted data is received from the Rx UE. The first HARQ feedback is carried in a first A/N resource selected from the set of A/N resources according to the rule. Aspects of the disclosure provide a UE that includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to receive data transmitted from a Tx UE or a BS over a channel, select an A/N resource from a set of A/N resources for a HARQ feedback of the data based on a channel condition of the channel or a geographical location of the UE, and transmit the HARQ feedback with the selected A/N resource.

11492226

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-116128 filed on Jul. 6, 2020, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The disclosure relates to a method of transporting members, and a conveying apparatus. 2. Description of Related Art As a method of transporting members formed of a magnetic material, a method of transporting the members by causing a multiplicity of electromagnets assembled with a conveyor belt to attract the magnetic material is known. In one example of this method, electric current supplied to given electromagnets is controlled, so that the force with which the magnetic material is attracted to the electromagnets is controlled. The current stops being supplied to the electromagnets, at a location above a certain collection unit, so that the force with which the magnetic material is attracted to the electromagnets is eliminated, and the magnetic members fall down to the collection unit. According to a method of transporting magnetic members, as presented in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-179031 (JP 2005-179031 A), setting for driving a conveyor system is automatically performed, based on data concerning the length of each magnetic member, and the position at which the magnetic member is transferred from a device of the previous step, so as to set the timing of energization and de-energization of the electromagnets, thus making it possible to intermittently transport magnetic members of a wide variety of sizes. SUMMARY The inventors studied a method of transporting a plurality of magnetic bodies, using a belt conveyor including an endless belt that circulates and travels around two rotating rolls, in which the magnetic bodies attracted to the belt by electromagnets are released from the belt due to the inertia force, when the belt reaching one of the rolls is folded back along the roll. The magnetic body released from the belt abuts against a member against which the magnetic body can abut, and which was prepared in advance, ahead of the magnetic body in the traveling direction, and then falls downward. In this transportation method, if the rolls are rotated at a high speed, a front end of the magnetic body released from the belt that is traveling at the high speed may be brought into contact with a rear end of another magnetic body that was previously released from the belt. The magnetic bodies that contact with each other may become entangled, depending on the shape of the magnetic bodies. This disclosure can be implemented in the following forms. (1) According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method of transporting a plurality of sheet-like members each containing a magnetic material is provided. The method of transporting the sheet-like members includes a first step of placing one of the sheet-like members on an endless belt, and a second step of releasing the one of the sheet-like members placed in the first step, from a portion of the endless belt which is moved and folded back along a roller, and the first step and the second step are repeated. The endless belt includes a first magnetic force generating portion configured to generate a first magnetic force, and a second magnetic force generating portion configured to generate a second magnetic force that is stronger than the first magnetic force. In the first step, the one of the sheet-like members is placed on the endless belt, such that a first portion of the sheet-like member containing the magnetic material is located in the first magnetic force generating portion, and a second portion of the sheet-like member containing the magnetic material and located rearward of the first portion as viewed in a conveying direction of the sheet-like member is located in the second magnetic force generating portion. In this aspect, the force with which the second portion attracts the endless belt is larger than that of the first portion. Therefore, the position of the second portion on the roller, at which the second portion is released from the endless belt when it is moved and folded back along the roller, shifts in the moving direction of the endless belt, from the position on the roller at which the first portion is released from the endless belt. Thus, the sheet-like member released from the endless belt flies, with an attitude that deviates from an attitude parallel to the flying direction. As a result, a clearance appears in a direction perpendicular to the flying direction, between the second portion of the sheet-like member previously released from the belt, and the first portion of another sheet-like member subsequently released from the belt. With the clearance thus provided, the sheet-like member previously released from the belt can be made less likely or unlikely to contact with the sheet-like member subsequently released from the belt. (2) In the method according to the above aspect, each of the sheet-like members may have a thickness that is equal to or smaller than 0.1 mm. In this case, the rigidity of the sheet-like member is reduced, as compared with the case where the thickness is larger than 0.1 mm. Thus, the attitude of the sheet-like member released from the endless belt can be effectively made different from the attitude parallel to the flying direction. (3) In the method according to the above aspect, the first magnetic force generating portion may extend in a moving direction of the endless belt, and the second magnetic force generating portion may be disposed on opposite sides of the first magnetic force generating portion, and may extend in the moving direction of the endless belt. Each of the sheet-like members may be positioned, such that a leading end of a portion of the sheet-like member containing the magnetic material as viewed in the conveying direction is included in the first portion, and a trailing end of a portion of the sheet-like member containing the magnetic material as viewed in the conveying direction is included in the second portion. In this case, the position at which the trailing end is released from the belt shifts in the traveling direction of the belt, from the position at which the leading end is released from the belt. Thus, the sheet-like member released from the endless belt flies, with the attitude that deviates from the attitude parallel to the flying direction. As a result, a clearance appears in the direction perpendicular to the flying direction, between the trailing end of the sheet-like member previously released from the belt, and the leading end of the sheet-like member subsequently released from the belt. With the clearance thus provided, the sheet-like member previously released from the belt can be made less likely or unlikely to contact with the sheet-like member subsequently released from the belt. (4) According to another aspect of the disclosure, a conveying apparatus that transports a plurality of sheet-like members each containing a magnetic material is provided. The conveying apparatus includes an endless belt on which the sheet-like members are placed, a roller around which the endless belt is looped, and which is configured to move and fold back the endless belt. The sheet-like members are successively released from the endless belt while the endless belt is moving along the roller. In the conveying apparatus, the endless belt includes a first magnetic force generating portion configured to generate a first magnetic force, and a second magnetic force generating portion configured to generate a second magnetic force that is stronger than the first magnetic force. A first portion of each of the sheet-like members which contains the magnetic material is located in the first magnetic force generating portion, and a second portion of each of the sheet-like members which contains the magnetic material and is located reward of the first portion as viewed in a conveying direction of the sheet-like members is located in the second magnetic force generating portion.

11375805

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to platform stages, and specifically to a multi-purpose portable platform stage. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently there are a number of solutions for stages. At least one of these solutions attempts to build a stationary stage, but this solution fails to meet the needs of the market because the stage is not portable. At least one other solution attempts to provide a single height platform, but this solution is similarly unable to meet the needs of the market because, depending on the level of the ground surface, the platform may need to be raised to be visible to the audience. Still another solution seeks to provide a stage that requires assembly, but this solution also fails to meet market needs because the equipment to assemble the stage can be too heavy for one person to transport, and the time to assemble the stage can be undesirably excessive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It would be advantageous to have a stage that is lightweight for portability, yet produced from sturdy material. Further, it would also be advantageous to have a stage that folds and locks for portability. Still further, it would be advantageous to have a stage that can be set up quickly and easily. Still further, it would be advantageous to have a stage that can adjust to different heights and different types of terrains (for example, even, uneven, solid, pliable, soft, shifting, etc.). Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for an apparatus that is a multi-purpose portable platform stage. The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a multi-purpose portable platform stage, which provides an alternative to stationary stages. In preferred embodiments, the stage is for elevating a platform of the stage over a surface on which the stage is placed. Preferably, the stage is configurable into an operational configuration and a portable configuration. Preferably, in the operational configuration, a platform of the stage can be occupied by one or more persons simultaneously, and one or more legs of the stage support the platform. For example, in the operational configuration, one or more persons can sit, stand, move and otherwise operate on the platform without the platform or other stage components collapsing or otherwise failing at their support functions, and one or more objects can be placed and used on the platform, by or without such persons, without the platform or other stage components collapsing or otherwise failing at their support functions. Preferably, the operational configuration provides a platform that is elevated off the surface on which the stage is placed. Preferably, the platform has a top surface, which is expected to be occupied by the one or more persons, that includes one or more comfort features (for example, the surface preferably is padded) and/or one or more safety features (for example, the surface preferably has non-slip features). Preferably, in the portable configuration, the stage can be carried by a single person individually without assistance. As used herein, the concept of a person undertaking a task “individually without assistance” can mean to undertake the task without help from any other person and without any assisting devices. Accordingly, for example, in the portable configuration, a single person, such as, for example, one of the persons who had occupied or will occupy the platform, can carry the stage without help from another person and without any assisting devices. Preferably, the stage includes at least one panel, and more preferably two panels, and at least one leg, and more preferably at least two legs, connected to the panel (or panels). Preferably, in the operational configuration, the panel is in a platform configuration (for example, an open configuration) in which the panel provides the platform, and the leg is in a support configuration in which the leg extends from the platform. Preferably, in the portable configuration, the panel is in a closed configuration in which the panel does not provide the platform, and the leg is in a stowed configuration in which the leg does not extend from the platform. For example, in certain embodiments, the stage is comprised of two panels (each preferably having at least one dimension substantially similar to that of the other, and more preferably having substantially the same platform surface area, and length and wide dimensions, as that of the other) that can be folded toward one another (for example, preferably they can be folded toward one another until their bottom sides face one another) and releasably locked in such a folded configuration (for example, a closed configuration) (for example, for carrying by a single person individually without assistance), and unfolded away from one another (for example, preferably they can be unfolded away from one another until their top surfaces form a combined platform) and releasably locked in such an unfolded configuration (for example, an open configuration) (for example, for use to elevate persons and/or objects positioned on the platform, over a surface on which the stage is placed). Further in this regard, for example, in certain embodiments of the stage with multiple panels, when the stage is in the portable configuration, preferably the panels are folded toward one another with their bottom sides substantially flush against one another in a closed configuration. For example, this aspect of the invention is made possible in certain embodiments preferably by one or more of the legs of the stage being fully stowable into (for example, folded against) the bottom side of one or more of the panels. Additionally or alternatively, for example, this aspect of the invention is made possible in certain embodiments preferably by one or more of the legs being positioned on the bottom sides of the panels so as to avoid one or more other legs when the legs are in a stowed configuration and the panels are in the closed configuration. It should be understood that although the stage is illustrated and discussed herein in certain embodiments as having a square platform of certain length and width dimensions, the platform can have any desired shape, including shapes having no corners and shapes having one or more curved edges, and further, such shapes can be of any desired dimensions. Preferably, the stage includes at least one leg, and preferably a plurality of legs, that extend downwardly from the platform when the stage is in an operational configuration, and preferably downwardly from a bottom side of the platform when the stage is in an operational configuration, so as to elevate the platform above a surface when the stage is placed on the surface. Preferably, the legs are positioned to provide stability to the platform when the stage is in the operational configuration and one or more persons or objects are on the platform. Preferably, in embodiments in which the platform has a shape with at least one corner, at least one leg is positioned under the corner. Preferably, in embodiments in which the platform has a shape with a plurality of corners, at least one leg is positioned under each corner. Preferably, in embodiments in which the platform has a shape with four corners, the stage has at least four legs, and each one is positioned under a respective corner. Preferably, the legs are directed to provide stability to the platform when the stage is in an operational configuration and one or more persons or objects are on the platform. Preferably in this regard, one or more of the legs are angled with respect to the platform, outwardly laterally away from the platform and outwardly laterally away from one another, so as to provide enhanced stability to the platform when the stage is in an operational configuration. For example, the angle of each leg is preferably between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 75 degrees from the bottom side of the panel to which it is attached, and more preferably approximately 68 degrees from the bottom side of the panel to which it is attached. Preferably, the span of each panel of the platform is supported by the legs. Preferably in this regard, one or more legs are positioned under one or more panel spans. Preferably, in embodiments with two panels, at least one centrally located leg (for example, a middle leg) supports one or both panels at or near a rotational (for example, universal, folding, or hinged) connection between the panels, so as to provide structural support to the central area (for example, middle area) of the platform when the stage is in an operational configuration. Preferably, the stage can be adjusted in elevation to a plurality of heights, and adjusted to accommodate even and uneven surfaces. Preferably in this regard, the stage can be adjusted in elevation to accommodate a plurality of different heights of an uneven surface on which it is placed. Preferably in this regard, one or more legs are independently and/or individually extendable and retractable in length within a desired length range, and can be locked at desired length increments, to accommodate different desired platform heights and the stable placement of the stage on uneven terrain (or other uneven surfaces, or spanning different types of surfaces). Preferably, a button (or other activation mechanism) on (or in association with) the leg, when pressed (or otherwise activated), unlocks the leg to enable length adjustment and when subsequently held in the pressed (or otherwise activated) position (or the position is otherwise maintained) enables the free movement of an extendable leg portion of the leg along its longitudinal axis to a desired length setting, and when subsequently released (or otherwise deactivated), locks the extendable leg portion of the leg at the desired length setting for the leg. Preferably, each outer leg (for example, corner leg) is adjustable in length by approximately 7 inches (180 mm), and each central leg (for example, middle leg) is adjustable in length by approximately 6.5 inches (166.5 mm). Preferably, wobble and/or other instability aspects of the stage are limited, and preferably prevented, when the stage is locked in an operational configuration. Preferably in this regard, tolerances and/or clearances of moveable and/or adjustable components of the stage, including but not limited to the leg rotation lock, leg extension lock, and leg extension features, are minimized to limit, and preferably prevent, movement of such components relative to one another, to provide enhanced stability to the platform. Preferably, each leg has a foot, and preferably the feet of the legs facilitate traction and/or stability on a variety of types of surfaces. Preferably, this facilitation is accomplished by the legs having removably attachable and/or interchangeable foot pads of various sizes, materials, and surface textures (for example, solid, pliable, soft, shifting, etc.). Preferably, the angle of the foot pad in relation to the longitudinal axis of the leg to which it is attached is flexible and/or otherwise can be adjusted, to enable the bottom of the foot pad to automatically align with (or otherwise align or be aligned with) the surface on which the foot pad is placed. Preferably in this regard, each foot pad is attached to the leg by a rotational connection (for example, a universal, flexible, or hinged connection) that enables the bottom of the foot pad to automatically align with (or otherwise align or be aligned with) a surface that is angled relative to the distal end of the leg. Preferably, the alignment of the foot pad in this regard can be locked (or is auto-locking), to provide enhanced stability. Preferably, one or more additional pads (for example, rigid or semi-rigid pads) of one or more of a variety of materials (for example, rubber, plastic, cloth, felt, etc.) can be added to and removed from the bottom of the foot pads to facilitate desired types of traction and/or surface engagement. Preferably, the legs of the stage can accommodate different types of surfaces at the same time (for example, one or more legs on one type of surface and one or more other legs on another type of surface). Preferably, the stage can also be configured into a collapsed operational configuration. Preferably, in the collapsed operational configuration, the panel (or panels) is in the platform configuration (for example, the open configuration) and the leg (or legs) is in the stowed configuration. Preferably, the collapsed operational configuration provides a platform that is low to the surface on which the stage is placed. For example, in certain embodiments, in the collapsed operational configuration the panels of the stage are in the unfolded configuration (for example, the open configuration) but the legs are in the stowed configuration. Preferably, the stage includes one or more supports that facilitate the use of the stage in the collapsed operational configuration, as a low set platform. More particularly, the supports preferably extend downwardly from the bottom side of the platform past the bottom edge of the platform, so as to support the platform, when the panels are in the open configuration but the legs are in the stowed configuration, by providing clearance between the platform and the surface on which the stage is placed. Preferably, the dimensions of each support are such that the supports do not prevent the bottom sides of the panels that form the platform from folding flush against one another when the panels are folded into the closed configuration, and staying flush against one another when the panels are in the closed configuration. Preferably, the supports are located adjacent or near the bases of the legs of the stage. Preferably, the stage is convertible from the operational configuration to the collapsed operational configuration to the portable configuration by a single person individually without assistance, and from the portable configuration to the collapsed operational configuration to the operational configuration by a single person individually without assistance. Further preferably, the stage is convertible to and from either and/or both of the operational configuration and the portable configuration by a single person individually without assistance. For example, a single person, such as, for example, one of the persons who had occupied or will occupy the platform, can convert the stage without help from another person and without any assisting devices. Preferably, the stage can be locked in each of the configurations for use and unlocked from each of the configurations to facilitate conversion from one configuration to another. Preferably, processes of converting the stage between the operational configuration, the collapsed operational configuration, and the portable configuration, and therebetween and thereamong, have minimal steps, each of which preferably can be accomplished by a single person individually without assistance. Preferably, the ease of conversion is enabled by, for example, lightweight, quick-release, and/or one-handed operation locking, unlocking, and/or adjustment mechanisms or the like. Preferably, these features of the invention, individually and/or collectively in various permutations, are made possible due to preferred physical characteristics of the stage and preferred design characteristics of the stage. As to the ability of the stage to be carried by a single person individually without assistance and to support a plurality of persons occupying the platform simultaneously, the stage has preferred physical characteristics, such as, for example, preferred weight characteristics and preferred size characteristics. Preferably, the weight and size of each component of the stage are minimized to the extent possible while retaining sufficient functionality for the stage's intended uses. It should be understood that while the present disclosure primarily discusses a multi-purpose stage, other embodiments, such as stages that are designed for specific purposes, are contemplated by the invention, and in such embodiments, the stage need accommodate and support only the size and weight requirements needed for its specific purpose, and therefore the sizes and weights of the stage components can be set at the lowest possible specifications that still facilitate the use of the stage for such specific purpose. As to preferred weight characteristics, preferably, the stage weighs no more than a weight that can be lifted with one arm by a person of average strength. More preferably, the stage weighs no more than a weight that can be lifted with one arm by a person of below average strength. Preferably, the stage weighs no more than a weight that can be supported by hanging from one shoulder by a person of average strength. More preferably, the stage weighs no more than a weight that can be supported by hanging from one shoulder by a person of below average strength. Preferably, the stage weighs no more than 40 pounds. More preferably, the stage weighs no more than 20 pounds. Preferably, the preferred weights of the stage are made possible due to the use and configuration of preferred materials. Such materials can include, but are not limited to, lightweight metal, lightweight plastic, carbon fiber and composite materials. For example, the stage can be comprised of lightweight materials for each component. In this regard, in certain embodiments, the panels are preferably formed from aluminum, the legs are preferably formed from steel and/or plastic, and the top surface of the panels is preferably formed from rubber. Further preferably, the size of each component and/or the amount of material used in each component is minimized to the extent possible to retain sufficient functionality while minimizing weight. For example, the panels can in some embodiments have a rib structure, lattice structure, or other structure that provides sufficient support while minimizing material. Further, for example, the panels of the stage can be structurally reinforced for stability by corner braces (and/or corner panels) utilizing minimal material, and one or more outer legs can be attached to the underside of the panels by attachment to the corner braces and/or corner panels to minimize the number of components of the stage and leverage the stability of the corner braces and/or corner panels. As to additional preferred size characteristics, preferably, in the portable configuration, the stage can be comfortably carried at the side of a person of average height under the person's arm. For example, in the portable configuration, preferably the stage can be comfortably carried in the common manner of a shoulder bag. Preferably, the vertical dimension of the stage in such an orientation and placement is no greater than 3 feet. More preferably, the vertical dimension of the stage in such an orientation and placement is no greater than 2 feet. Further as to the ability of the stage to be carried by a single person individually without assistance and also support a plurality of persons occupying the platform simultaneously, the stage has preferred design characteristics. Preferably in this regard, when the stage is in the operational configurations, the platform is of suitable surface area, and the supporting components are strong enough, to permit desired activities by one or more persons, with and without objects that may normally accompany or be used in such activities. Such activities can be, for example, practicing yoga, exercising, public speaking, magical or theatrical performances, and musical performances. For example, in order to sufficiently support a plurality of persons occupying the platform simultaneously, the platform has a surface area of at least 16 square feet. Further preferably, in the operational configuration, the stage supports a weight load on the platform of at least 500 pounds (and preferably more) and/or at least 31.25 pounds per square foot (and preferably more). Preferably, in order to facilitate the ability of the stage to be carried as described herein, the platform can be folded or otherwise made compact. For example, in certain embodiments, the stage is comprised of one or more panels that form the platform, and preferably two panels that when fully opened (for example, placed in the open configuration) form the platform, and when fully closed against one another (for example, in the closed configuration) have a combined form that permits comfortable carrying by a single person. For example, when the stage is in the portable configuration, the stage preferably is approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide, approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) long, and approximately 4.72 inches (0.12 meters) deep (or thick). Preferably in this regard, the panel (or panels) that provides the platform includes first and second sections (preferably, two halves, or, first and second panels) that are foldably connected (for example, by one or more rotational connections or hinges) to one another at a central area (preferably a midline) of the sections such that they are foldable toward one another and unfoldable away from one another. Preferably, in the platform configuration (for example, the open configuration), the sections are fully unfolded, and in the closed configuration the sections are fully folded. Preferably, when the stage is in the operational configuration, the leg (or legs) supports the platform. Preferably, the stage includes includes five legs, and when the stage is in the operational configuration, one of the legs (for example, a central leg or middle leg) supports a central area (for example, a middle area) of the platform and each of the remaining legs supports a respective corner area (for example, an edge area) of the platform. Preferably, in order to further facilitate the ability of the stage to be carried as described herein, the leg (or legs) can be stowed (or otherwise stored against or with other components of the stage). More particularly, when the stage is in the portable configuration, the leg (or legs) preferably are fully enclosed by the sections (for example, the panels). Further preferably, in order to facilitate the platform dimensions and portable configuration dimensions described herein, the platform is rectangular. More preferably in this regard, the platform is square. For example, the platform preferably is comprised of two sections that each provide half of the platform. Each section is preferably a panel that is approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide and approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) long, such that when the panels are in an unfolded or open configuration, they form a platform that is approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide and approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) long, and such that when they are in a folded or closed configuration, they form a box that has a vertical dimension of approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters), a horizontal dimension of approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters), and a width that is double the thickness of each section. Preferably, in order to further facilitate the ability of the stage to be carried as described herein, the stage preferably includes a carrying feature such as, for example, a handle or strap, and when the stage is in the portable configuration, the stage can be carried by a single person individually without assistance by use of the carrying feature. For example, in certain embodiments, the stage, in its portable configuration, is preferably dimensioned and featured (for example, with a handle or graspable area or feature) so that it can be carried by a person holding a top part (preferably, a top edge) of the folded (or compacted) stage using the person's hand (preferably, the stage is configured with a handle or other graspable area or feature to facilitate holding), with the person's arm extended down by the person's side and the stage hanging from the person's hand and substantially parallel to the person's side. This is preferably accomplished by the panels of the stage being approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) (preferably 3 feet (0.91 meters) or less) in the dimension extending down by the person's side when held in such a position. Such preferred dimension results, for embodiments having a square platform, in a platform of approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide and approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) long when the stage is in its unfolded configuration (for example, its operational configuration). Additionally or alternatively, for example, in certain embodiments, the stage, in its portable configuration, is dimensioned and/or outfitted so that it can be carried by a person using the person's shoulder as the primary point of support. For example, this can be achieved by the stage having a carrying strap (or other flexible or semi-flexible feature) and by a person having the carrying strap across the person's shoulder and allowing the stage to hang substantially parallel to the person's side. More preferably in this regard, the panel (or panels) that provides the platform has first and second sides, and the carrying strap is a shoulder strap that extends from the first side to the second side, such that a single person can carry the stage with the shoulder strap over the person's shoulder and the stage hanging from the strap by the person's side under the person's arm. This is preferably accomplished by the panels of the stage being approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) (preferably 3 feet (0.91 meters) or less) in the dimension extending down by the person's side when held in such a carried position. Such preferred dimensions result, for a stage having a square platform, in a platform approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide and approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) long when the stage is in the operational configuration. With regard to the configurations of the stage, certain embodiments of the stage preferably include first and second panels that are movable relative to one another into an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, the panels are preferably unfoldable away from one another into the open configuration and foldable toward one another into the closed configuration. Preferably, one or more unfolding locks are operable to lock the panels to one another in the open configuration. Examples of suitable unfolding locks include but are not limited to locks with a component on the bottom side of one panel and a component on the bottom side of the other panel, that cooperate or otherwise engage one another to lock the panels to one another in the open configuration. In some embodiments, the unfolding lock is a sliding lock bar that slides from the bottom side of one panel to straddle the midline between the panels to block the panels from closing toward one another. In other embodiments, the unfolding lock is a slider lock at or near the rotational connection (for example, hinge) between the panels that uses a bar to span the midline between the panels to block the panels from closing toward one another. Other examples of suitable unfolding locks include but are not limited to locks with a component that moves within the frames of the panels. In some embodiments, the unfolding lock is a locking slide beam that moves, within the frames of the panels at the sides of the panels, from being fully within one frame (for example, in the unlocked position) to being partially within one frame and partially within the other frame and straddling the midline between the sides of the panels (for example, in the locked position), to block the panels from closing toward one another. Preferably, one or more folding locks are operable to lock the panels to one another in the closed configuration. Examples of suitable folding locks include but are not limited to locks with a component on the bottom side of one panel and a component on the bottom side of the other panel, that cooperate or otherwise engage one another to lock the panels to one another in the closed configuration. Preferably, the folding lock uses a magnetic force for such cooperation or engagement. Further, the stage preferably includes first and second legs that are movable relative to the panels into a support configuration and a stowed configuration. Further preferably, each of the panels has a recess. Further preferably, each of the panels has a stowing location for the leg or legs. More preferably, each recess is such a stowing location. Further preferably, in the open configuration, the panels define the platform and in the closed configuration the recesses define an enclosure. Further preferably, in the support configuration, when the stage is on a surface, the legs extend from the recesses to the surface. For example, one or more legs can be folded (or otherwise positioned) substantially against the bottom side of the panels, and locked in such a stowed configuration. Preferably, when the panels are in the closed configuration, the legs stowed against one panel do not interfere with the legs stowed against the other panel, so that when the panels are in the closed configuration, the stowed legs do not prevent the panels from being folded flush against one another. Such non-interference can be effected, for example, by each leg size (for example, thickness) being thinner than the depth of the panel against which it is folded, by the legs being positioned on the panels to avoid one another when the legs are in the stowed configuration and the panels are in the closed configuration, and/or by some other sizing, positioning, or physical avoidance solution. In this regard, in certain preferred embodiments, in the stowed configuration, the legs fit fully within the recesses on the bottom sides of the panels. This, for example, enables non-interference of the stowed legs with one another when the panels are in the closed configuration. In other preferred embodiments, in the stowed configuration, the legs fit within the recesses on the bottom sides of the panels except for minority portions of each leg that remain outside the recesses. Preferably, in such embodiments, when the panels are in the closed configuration and the legs are in the stowed configuration, the legs fit fully within the enclosure but neither leg fits fully within either recess. This, for example, in combination with an asymmetrical positioning of the legs as described herein, enables the use of larger (for example, thicker) legs without interference of the legs with one another when the panels are in the closed configuration. Accordingly, preferably, the operational configuration of the stage discussed herein is established in these and other embodiments by the placement of the panels in the open configuration and the legs in the support configuration, and the portable configuration of the stage discussed herein is established in these and other embodiments by the placement of the panels in the closed configuration and the legs in the stowed configuration. As to the collapsed operational configuration of the stage discussed herein, preferably, the collapsed operational configuration is established in these and other embodiments by the placement of the panels in the open configuration and the legs in the stowed configuration. More particularly, preferably, each leg minority portion (for example, that remains outside the recesses when the legs are in the stowed configuration) includes at least a portion of a support, and accordingly, when the panels are in the open configuration and the legs are in the stowed configuration, the supports elevate the platform over the surface when the stage is on the surface. Further preferably in this regard, each leg includes a proximal end and a base thereat having a point of rotation of the leg, the first leg support is attached to the first leg base, and the second leg support is attached to the second leg base. This, for example, enables the platform to be supported (and elevated) by the supports at the leg bases when the panels are in the open configuration and the legs are in the stowed configuration. Further preferably in this regard, each leg includes a distal end and a foot thereat, the first leg support is spaced from the first leg foot, the second leg support is spaced from the second leg foot, and when the legs are in the stowed configuration, the first leg foot fits fully within the first panel recess and the second leg foot fits fully within the second panel recess. In such embodiments, for example, the platform can be supported (and elevated) by the supports, which may be at locations on the legs other than at the leg bases, when the panels are in the open configuration and the legs are in the stowed configuration. Further in this regard, for example, it should be understood that in embodiments in which the supports do not fit fully within the recesses when the legs are in the stowed configuration, the supports are preferably the minority portions of the legs that remain outside the recesses but still fit within the enclosure formed when the panels are in the closed configuration. Accordingly, this, for example, in combination with an asymmetrical positioning of the legs as described herein, enables the inclusion of the supports without interference of the legs with one another when the panels are in the closed configuration. With regard to the asymmetrical positioning discussed herein, in preferred embodiments, each panel defines a respective half of the platform when the panels are in the open configuration, and each recess defines a respective half of the enclosure when the panels are in the closed configuration. Further preferably in this regard, the first leg supports an area of the first panel platform half, the second leg supports an area of the second panel platform half, and the areas are substantially similar in size. Further preferably, when the panels are in the open configuration, with respect to a middle of the platform, the areas are symmetrically (for example, not offset with respect to one another) opposite one another on the panels but the legs are positioned asymmetrically (for example, offset with respect to one another) opposite one another in the recesses, and when the panels are in the closed configuration, with respect to a middle of the enclosure, the areas are symmetrically (for example, not offset with respect to one another) opposite one another on the panels but the legs are positioned asymmetrically (for example, offset with respect to one another) opposite one another in the recesses. In such embodiments, for example, there is non-interference of the legs with one another when the legs are in the stowed configuration and the panels are in the closed configuration, even through the legs exceed the size of the recesses, such as, for example, when the legs include the supports. Preferably, at least one central leg (for example, middle leg) supports one or both panels on or near the rotatable connection between the panels, so as to provide structural support to the platform when the stage is in the operational configuration. Preferably, the central leg in its unfolded configuration (for example, support configuration) spans the seam (for example, midline) between the panels to support a force against the top surface of the panels (for example, caused by gravity when a person or object is on the platform) bearing down at the seam (for example, midline) between the adjacent panels. Preferably, the central leg can be secured in its unfolded configuration (for example, support configuration). More preferably, a quick release clamp releasably secures the central leg in its unfolded configuration (for example, support configuration). In this regard, in preferred embodiments, the stage includes a third leg (for example, central or middle leg) that is movable relative to the panels into a third leg (for example, central or middle leg) support configuration and a third leg (for example, central or middle leg) stowed configuration. Further preferably, when the panels are in the open configuration and the third leg (for example, central or middle leg) is in the third leg (for example, central or middle leg) support configuration, the third leg (for example, central or middle leg) supports both panels, and in the third leg (for example, central or middle leg) stowed configuration, the third leg (for example, central or middle leg) fits fully within one of the recesses. In certain embodiments, in the third leg (for example, central or middle leg) stowed configuration, the third leg (for example, central or middle leg) exceeds the size of the recess but fits within the enclosure formed when the panels are in the closed configuration. The third leg (for example, central or middle leg) enables additional central support (e.g., middle support) of the platform in embodiments where such support is desired. Preferably, each panel includes an edge, and the panels are rotationally connected to one another at the edges such that the panels can be unfolded away from one another into the open configuration and folded toward one another into the closed configuration. Rotational connections contemplated can be or include, but are not limited to, folding, hinged, bendable, flexible, angled and/or universal joint connections. Further preferably, each panel includes a top surface and a bottom side, each top surface provides a respective portion of the platform when the panels are in the open configuration, and each bottom side has a respective one of the edges, at which the panels are connected to one another, and a respective one of the recesses. The location of the rotational connection being at the edges of the bottom sides of the panels, for example, provides support for the platform at the midline (of the platform) defined by the adjacent edges of the panels, because as weight presses down at the midline, the rotational connection, due to its location at the adjacent bottom edges of the panels, is urged to unfold the panels, and this urging causes the panels to press against one another at their adjacent top edges. Given the strength of the opposing forces at the top edges and the strength of the rotational connection, the integrity of the platform at the midline is enhanced. In this regard, in preferred embodiments, one or more hinges (or other similarly functional connections) connect the two panels that form the platform, to facilitate the folding and unfolding, and preferably are positioned to have a center of rotation at or adjacent the bottom sides of the panels at their point of mutual engagement in the unfolded configuration (for example, the open configuration), such that when the panels are unfolded and a force against the top surface of the panels (for example, caused by gravity when a person or object is on the platform) bears down at the seam (for example, midline) between the adjacent panels, the adjacent sides of the panels press against one another at the top edges of the seam (for example, midline) and the hinges at the bottom edges of the seam (for example, midline) bear the corresponding separating force created thereby at the bottom edges of the panels at their meeting point. Further with regard to the integrity of the connection between the panels, preferably, the seam (for example, midline) at which the panels of the stage meet when in the unfolded configuration (for example, the open configuration) is reinforced against downward forces, such that vertical translation of the opposing sides of the panels at the seam (for example, midline), relative to one another, is prevented. Preferably, this is enabled by at least one channel formed on one of the sides and at least one protrusion formed on the other side, that fits into at least one of the channels, such that the protrusion crosses over the seam (for example, midline) at which the panels of the stage meet when in the unfolded configuration (for example, the open configuration). In this regard, in preferred embodiments, the seam (for example, midline) at which the panels of the stage meet when in the unfolded configuration (for example, the open configuration) is reinforced by, as to the sides of the panels that meet one another at the seam (for example, midline), one side having a horizontal channel and the opposing side having a horizontal protrusion that fits into the channel when the sides meet and thereby crosses over the seam (for example, midline), such that a vertical translation of one side in relation to the other is prevented. Preferably, the stage has a modular design, such that a plurality of the stages can be positioned adjacent one another and preferably locked to one another (for example, by removably attachable clamps, or clamp and pin features, slot and tab features, and/or other corresponding connection features at the meeting sides of the platforms) to form a platform larger than the platform provided by only one of the stages. Preferably, stages of different platform dimensions can be positioned adjacent one another. Preferably, when multiple stages are positioned adjacent one another, any angled legs of any of the plurality of stages do not interfere with any angled legs of any other of the plurality of stages. Preferably, in this regard, the angles of angled legs of the stages, and the positioning of the bases of the legs on the bottom side of the panels of the stages, are configured to effect such non-interference. In this regard, in preferred embodiments, to provide for larger platform sizes, multiple stages of the invention can be grouped together to form a combined larger platform. Preferably, to form a combined platform larger than a single stage's platform, multiple stages can be positioned adjacent one another, in operational configurations (or collapsed operational configurations), substantially side to side. In preferred embodiments, in the operational configuration, the legs avoid interference with nearby legs from other stages. This is preferably accomplished by one or more legs being positioned, at their points of connection to the bottom side of the panels (for example, at their bases), in an asymmetrical (for example, staggered or offset) configuration relative to one another, such that when the stage is in an operational configuration, and multiple stages are positioned adjacent one another substantially side to side, legs from one stage do not interfere with nearby legs from another stage, regardless of the length to which the legs are extended beyond the platform side boundaries of the one stage and underneath the platform of the adjacent other stage. This is further preferably accomplished by one or more legs being angled such that when the stage is in an operational configuration, and multiple stages are positioned adjacent one another substantially side to side, legs from one stage do not interfere with adjacent legs from another stage, regardless of the length to which the legs are extended beyond the platform side boundaries of the one stage and underneath the platform of the adjacent other stage. Further preferably, when multiple stages are positioned adjacent to one another to form a combined platform larger than a single stage's platform, connection features on one side corresponding to connection features on an adjacent side can be secured to one another to cause the sides to remain flush against one another during use of the stages. Additionally or alternatively, one or more removably attachable clamps can be used to hold the edges against one another during use of the stages. While any combination of any number of stages is contemplated by the invention, an example of a group of two stages will be described below and an example of a group of four stages will be described below. Further with regard to a group of at least two stages, a preferred embodiment includes a first stage having a platform defining a plane, the first stage platform having an edge defining an intersection of the first stage plane and a boundary perpendicular to the first stage plane, the first stage having a leg extending from the first stage platform such that a distal portion of the first stage leg crosses the first stage boundary. For example, the boundary being described is the planar area perpendicular to the plane of the platform and to the edge of the platform. Stated alternatively, the boundary being described is an imaginary vertical plane at the edge of the first stage platform, that extends above and below the first stage plane. This example preferred embodiment further includes a second stage having a platform defining a plane, the second stage platform having an edge defining an intersection of the second stage plane and a boundary perpendicular to the second stage plane, the second stage having a leg extending from the second stage platform such that a distal portion of the second stage leg crosses the second stage boundary. For example, the boundary being described is the planar area perpendicular to the plane of the platform and to the edge of the platform. Stated alternatively, the second stage boundary being described is an imaginary vertical plane at the edge of the second stage platform, that extends both above and below the second stage plane. In this example preferred embodiment, when the edges are aligned, the first stage leg crosses the second stage boundary without interfering with the second stage leg, the second stage leg crosses the first stage boundary without interfering with the first stage leg, and the two platforms define the combined platform, or performance area. Stated alternatively, for example, when the edges of the stages are adjacent one another and the legs of the stages are extended, the first stage legs extend from the bottom sides of the first stage platform past the first stage boundary and cross over the second stage boundary and underneath the second stage platform, and the second stage legs extend from the bottom sides of the second stage platform past the second stage boundary and cross over the first stage boundary and underneath the first stage platform, but the first stage legs do not interfere with the second stage legs, and the second stage legs do not interfere with the first stage legs. Preferably, this is enabled by an asymmetrical positioning of the legs relative to one another with reference to the platform areas they support. Preferably in this regard, the first stage leg supports an area of the first stage platform, the second stage leg supports an area of the second stage platform, and the areas are substantially similar in size. Further preferably, the alignment of the edges defines a line between the platforms, and with respect to the line, the areas are symmetrically opposite one another on the platforms and the legs are positioned asymmetrically opposite one another under the platforms, and the asymmetrical positioning of the legs causes the non-interference of the legs. Stated alternatively, although each leg of the first stage on one side of the line between the platforms supports a certain area of the first stage platform, and each leg of the second stage on the other side of the line between the platforms supports a certain similarly sized area on the second stage platform that is symmetrically opposite the first stage platform area, the first stage leg location under the first stage platform is asymmetrical with respect to the second stage leg location under the second stage platform. This, for example, enables the non-interference of the legs when the stages are in their operational configurations and adjacent one another. Further with regard to a group of at least four stages, a preferred embodiment includes the stages of the two stage group, but also includes a third stage having a platform defining a plane, the third stage platform having a first edge defining an intersection of the third stage plane and a first boundary perpendicular to the third stage plane, the third stage platform having a second edge defining an intersection of the third stage plane and a second boundary perpendicular to the third stage plane and to the first third stage boundary, the third stage having a leg extending from the third stage platform such that a distal portion of the third stage leg crosses the first third stage boundary. For example, the boundaries being described are the planar areas perpendicular to the plane of the platform and to the edges of the platform. Stated alternatively, the boundaries being described are imaginary vertical planes at adjacent edges of the third stage platform, that extend above and below the third stage plane. This example preferred embodiment further includes a fourth stage having a platform defining a plane, the fourth stage platform having a first edge defining an intersection of the fourth stage plane and a first boundary perpendicular to the fourth stage plane, the fourth stage platform having a second edge defining an intersection of the fourth of the fourth stage plane and a second boundary perpendicular to the fourth stage plane and to the first fourth stage boundary, the fourth stage having a leg extending from the fourth stage platform such that a distal portion of the fourth stage leg crosses the first fourth stage boundary. For example, the boundaries being described are the planar areas perpendicular to the plane of the platform and to the edges of the platform. Stated alternatively, the boundaries being described are imaginary vertical planes at adjacent edges of the fourth stage platform, that extend above and below the fourth stage plane. Further in this example preferred embodiment, the first stage platform edge is a first edge of the first stage platform, and the first stage boundary is a first boundary perpendicular to the first stage plane, and the first stage platform further has a second edge defining an intersection of the first stage plane and a second boundary perpendicular to the first stage plane and to the first first stage boundary. For example, the boundaries being described are the planar areas perpendicular to the plane of the platform and to the edges of the platform. Stated alternatively, the boundaries being described are imaginary vertical planes at adjacent edges of the first stage platform, that extend above and below the first stage plane. Further in this example preferred embodiment, the second stage platform edge is a first edge of the second stage platform, and the second stage boundary is a first boundary perpendicular to the second stage plane, and the second stage platform further has a second edge defining an intersection of the second stage plane and a second boundary perpendicular to the second stage plane and to the first second stage boundary. For example, the boundaries being described are the planar areas perpendicular to the plane of the platform and to the edges of the platform. Stated alternatively, the boundaries being described are imaginary vertical planes at adjacent edges of the second stage platform, that extend above and below the second stage plane. In this example preferred embodiment, when the first stage platform first edge is aligned with the second stage platform first edge, and the second stage platform second edge is aligned with the third stage platform second edge, and the third stage platform first edge is aligned with the fourth stage platform first edge, and the fourth stage platform second edge is aligned with the first stage platform second edge, none of the legs interfere with any of the other legs. Stated alternatively, for example, when the edges of the stages are adjacent one another and the legs of the stages are extended, the legs extending from the bottom side of a platform of a stage extend past that stage's platform side boundary and cross over an adjacent stage's platform side boundary and underneath that adjacent stage's platform, but do not interfere with the legs of the adjacent stage. Preferably, this is enabled by an asymmetrical positioning of the legs relative to one another with reference to the platform areas they support. Preferably in this regard, the first stage leg supports an area of the first stage platform, the second stage leg supports an area of the second stage platform, the third stage leg supports an area of the third stage platform, the fourth stage leg supports an area of the fourth stage platform, and the areas are substantially similar in size. Further preferably, the alignment of the edges defines a line between the first and second platforms, a line between the second and third platforms, a line between the third and fourth platforms, and a line between the fourth and first platforms. Further preferably, with respect to each line, the areas of the platforms on either side of the respective line are symmetrically opposite one another on the platforms on either side of the respective line and the legs of the stages on either side of the respective line are positioned asymmetrically opposite one another under the platforms on either side of the respective line, and the asymmetrical positioning of the legs causes the non-interference of the legs. Stated alternatively, although each leg of a stage on one side of a line between adjacent platforms supports a certain area of the stage's platform, and each leg of the opposite stage (on the other side of the line) supports a certain similarly sized area on that opposite stage's platform that is symmetrically opposite the original stage's platform area, the original stage's leg location under the original stage's platform is asymmetrical with respect to the opposing stage's leg location under the opposing stage's platform. This, for example, enables the non-interference of the legs when the four stages are in their operational configurations and adjacent one another. The invention includes, in addition to the apparatuses described and illustrated herein, the processes of converting a stage of the invention from an operational configuration to a portable configuration, and vice versa, and any and all subprocesses undertaken in such processes. For example, a preferred process of converting the stage from an operational configuration to a portable configuration, in at least one embodiment, includes one or more of the following: (1) unlocking extended legs for retraction, (2) fully retracting extended legs, (3) unlocking legs for folding, (4) folding legs against the panels, (5) locking legs in folded positions, (6) unlocking panels for folding, (7) folding panels against one another, and (8) locking panels in a folded position. For example, a preferred process of converting the stage from a portable configuration to an operational configuration, in at least one embodiment, includes one or more of the following: (1) unlocking panels for unfolding, (2) folding panels away from one another until the platform surface is formed, (3) locking panels in an unfolded position, (4) unlocking legs for unfolding, (5) unfolding legs away from the panels, (6) locking legs in unfolded positions, (7) unlocking legs for extension (if desired), (8) extending legs to desired lengths, and (9) locking legs at desired lengths. The invention further includes, in addition to the apparatuses described and illustrated herein, the processes of converting a stage between and among an operational configuration, a collapsed operational configuration, and a portable configuration, and vice versa, and any and all subprocesses undertaken in such processes. For example, a preferred process of converting the stage from an operational configuration to a collapsed operational configuration, in at least one embodiment, includes one or more of the following: (1) unlocking extended legs for retraction, (2) fully retracting extended legs, (3) unlocking legs for folding, (4) folding legs against the panels, and (5) locking legs in folded positions. For example, a preferred process of converting the stage from a collapsed operational configuration to a portable configuration, in at least one embodiment, includes one or more of the following: (1) unlocking panels for folding, (2) folding panels against one another, and (3) locking panels in a folded position. For example, a preferred process of converting the stage from a portable configuration to a collapsed operational configuration, in at least one embodiment, includes one or more of the following: (1) unlocking panels for unfolding, (2) folding panels away from one another until the platform surface is formed, and (3) locking panels in an unfolded position. For example, a preferred process of converting the stage from a collapsed operational configuration to an operational configuration, in at least one embodiment, includes one or more of the following: (1) unlocking legs for unfolding, (2) unfolding legs away from the panels, (3) locking legs in unfolded positions, (4) unlocking legs for extension (if desired), (5) extending legs to desired lengths, and (6) locking legs at desired lengths. The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

11269134

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present disclosure is the National Stage of International application No. PCT/CN2019/127127, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201811631377.1, entitled “BACKLIGHT MODULE AND DISPLAY DEVICE” and filed on Dec. 28, 2018 with the National Intellectual Property Administration, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The application relates to the technical field of display devices, and particularly relates to a backlight module and a display device using the backlight module. BACKGROUND The application relates to the technical field of display devices, and particularly relates to a backlight module and a display device using the backlight module. Currently, the existing module architectures of liquid crystal display devices are divided into two types. One type (from outside to inside) includes a front frame, a plastic frame, a film, a light guide plate, a reflective sheet, and a back plate. The light guide plate and the reflective sheet are installed on the back plate. The plastic frame is installed on the periphery of the back plate and connected with the light guide plate. The film and a screen are installed on the plastic frame, and the front frame is sleeved on the periphery of the plastic frame and the screen, resulting in many structural components of the module structure and more complexity and higher cost of assembly of the modules. The second type (from outside to inside) includes a middle frame, a film, a light guide plate, a reflective sheet, and a back plate. The middle frame is installed on the periphery of the back plate, the reflective sheet, the light guide plate, and the film are installed on the back plate in order, and a screen is installed on the middle frame, resulting in complexity of assembly of the modules and a single appearance for no place to install decorative portions. SUMMARY The main purpose of the present application is to provide a backlight module and a display device, aiming at providing a backlight module which is easy to assemble, has low cost and can be processed with variable appearance. In order to achieve the above purpose, the present application provides a backlight module, which includes: a back plate including a bottom plate, side plates provided surrounding the bottom plate and bent parts formed by bending the side plates, and the bottom plate, the side plates, and the bent parts being enclosed to form an mounting space, one side of the bent parts facing away from the bottom plate being provided with a limiting step, and the bent parts including an upper step surface and a lower step surface connected to the limiting step; a reflective sheet accommodated in the mounting space and provided on the bottom plate; a light guide plate accommodated in the mounting space and provided on one side of the reflective sheet away from the bottom plate; and a film accommodated in the mounting space and provided on one side of the light guide plate facing away from the reflective sheet. Optionally, the upper step surface is recessed with a accommodating groove adjacent to the lower step surface, and a hanging ear is provided in the accommodating groove, the hanging ear is provided adjacent to the limiting step, one side of the film adjacent to the lower step surface is provided with a positioning portion, and the positioning portion is provided with a positioning hole, and the positioning hole is sleeved on the hanging ear. Optionally, the positioning portion includes a positioning plate perpendicular to the film and a positioning step forming an angle with the positioning plate, the positioning hole is defined on the positioning step, and the film and the positioning portion are integrally formed. Optionally, the backlight module further includes a support plate detachably provided in the accommodating groove, and the hanging ear is protruded from the support plate adjacent to the limiting step, and the positioning hole abuts against the support plate when sleeved on the hanging ear. Optionally, both ends of the support plate are provided with through-holes, and a bottom wall of the accommodating groove is provided with matching-holes corresponding to two through-holes, and each of the two bolts passes through one of the two through-holes and is threadedly connected with one of the matching-hole respectively, and the supporting plate is detachably fixed in the accommodating groove. Optionally, a bottom wall of the accommodating groove is provided with two locking members, and the two locking members are located at both ends of the supporting plate, and each locking member is cooperated with the bottom wall of the accommodating groove to form a clamping groove, and both ends of the support plate are inserted into clamping grooves respectively. Optionally, each locking member includes a connecting plate and a baffle plate forming an angle with the connecting plate, the connecting plate is accommodated in the accommodating groove, an end of the baffle far away from the connecting plate abuts against the lower step surface, and the connecting plate, the baffle, and the bottom wall of the accommodating groove are cooperated to form clamping groove. Optionally, the backlight module further includes a positioning member, and the positioning member is accommodated in the mounting space and clamped between the side plates and the light guide plate. Optionally, two adjacent side plates are connected by welding; and/or, two adjacent bent parts are connected by welding. Optionally, the bottom plate, the side plates, and the bent parts are integrally bent and formed. Optionally, two adjacent side plates and two bent parts are cooperated to form a chamfer. The present application also provides a display device, which includes the above-mentioned backlight module and a display panel, and the backlight module includes: a back plate including a bottom plate, side plates provided surrounding the bottom plate and bent parts formed by bending the side plates, and the bottom plate, the side plates, and the bent parts being enclosed to form an mounting space, one side of the bent parts facing away from the bottom plate being provided with a limiting step, and the bent parts including an upper step surface and a lower step surface connected to the limiting step; a reflective sheet accommodated in the mounting space and provided on the bottom plate; a light guide plate accommodated in the mounting space and provided on one side of the reflective sheet away from the bottom plate; a film accommodated in the mounting space and provided on one side of the light guide plate facing away from the reflective sheet; and the display panel covering over an opening of the mounting space and being connected to the lower step surface. Optionally, the upper step surface is recessed with a accommodating groove adjacent to the lower step surface, and a hanging ear are provided in the accommodating groove, the hanging ear is provided adjacent to the limiting step, one side of the film adjacent to the lower step surface is provided with a positioning portion, and the positioning portion is provided with a positioning hole which is sleeved on the hanging ear. Optionally, the positioning portion includes a positioning plate perpendicular to the film and a positioning step forming an angle with the positioning plate, the positioning hole being provided in the positioning step, and the film and the positioning portion being integrally formed. Optionally, the backlight module further includes a support plate detachably provided in the accommodating groove, and the hanging ear is protruded from the support plate adjacent to the limiting step, and the positioning hole abuts against the support plate when sleeved on the hanging ear. Optionally, both ends of the support plate are provided with through-holes, and a bottom wall of the accommodating groove is provided with matching-holes corresponding to two through-holes, and each of the two bolts passes through one of the two through-holes and is threadedly connected with one of the matching-hole respectively, and the supporting plate is detachably fixed in the accommodating groove. Optionally, a bottom wall of the accommodating groove is provided with two locking members, and the two locking members are located at both ends of the supporting plate, and each locking member is cooperated with the bottom wall of the accommodating groove to form a clamping groove, and both ends of the support plate are inserted into clamping grooves respectively. Optionally, each locking member includes a connecting plate and a baffle plate forming an angle with the connecting plate, the connecting plate is accommodated in the accommodating groove, an end of the baffle far away from the connecting plate abuts against the lower step surface, and the connecting plate, the baffle, and the bottom wall of the accommodating groove are cooperated to form the clamping groove. Optionally, an adhesive layer is provided between the display panel and the lower step surface, and the display panel is connected with the lower step surface through the adhesive layer. Optionally, the bent parts are bent plates which are ends of the side plates far away from the bottom plate being bent towards the mounting space, and the bent parts are provided parallel to the display panel. In the technical solution of the present application, the bottom plate, side plates, and bent parts of the back plate are enclosed to form an mounting space, the reflective sheet is accommodated in the mounting space and provided on the bottom plate, and the light guide plate is accommodated in the mounting space and provided on one side of the reflective sheet facing away from the bottom plate, and the film is accommodated in the mounting space and provided on one side of the light guide plate facing away from the reflective sheet. When the light source enters the light guide plate, the light guide plate scatters the light around. The reflective sheet effectively reflects the light back to the light guide plate to improve the utilization rate of light, and the film on the light guide plate effectively uniforms the light and converges the large-angle light for frontal observation. In the present application, one side plate of the back plate is bent to form bent part, and a limiting step is provided on the bent parts, so that the bent parts are formed with an upper step surface and a lower step surface connected to the limiting step and decorative portions are provided on the upper step surface to achieve the effect of variable appearances. Using the bottom plate, side plates, and bent parts of the back plate, the assembly of the components of the backlight module is completed, so that the structure of the backlight module is simple. Further, covering the display panel over the opening of the mounting space and connecting it to the lower step surface, thereby it effectively realizes a frameless backlight module and reduces a thickness of the backlight module, with less structure components, it also simplifies the assembly of the module and has low cost.

11534511

BACKGROUND The present application generally relates to medical systems, devices and methods, and more particularly relates to the sanitization, disinfection, and sterilization of medical systems, medical devices, and areas or spaces of medical facilities and other areas where the control and prevention of disease or infection is desired. Sanitization may formally describe the use of agents that reduce microbial contaminants to safe levels. Disinfection may refer to a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, on inanimate objects. Sterilization may formally define a validated process used to render a product free of all forms of viable microorganisms. A surface is defined as sterile if it is free from all living microorganisms, but the verification of sterility is subject to limitations of test sensitivity and practicality. Microbial contamination is a global concern within many industries, especially in the healthcare industry. The financial cost can amount to billions of dollars in expenses per year, and, more importantly, the contaminant pathogens plague private and public (e.g. healthcare) settings and surroundings. These contaminated surroundings can lead to infections and may ultimately cause deaths. Furthermore, many communicable diseases are transmitted through contact with contaminated areas and surfaces. The types and seriousness of communicable diseases transmitted in this manner are varied. For example, viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases alike can be communicated by physical contact with surfaces upon which the infectious agents may reside or settle. Further, there is an increasing awareness and concern worldwide of the possibility of widespread outbreaks, or even pandemics, of communicable disease; these concerns stem in part from possible spontaneous mutations of influenza and other viruses, and emergence of new diseases as well as the increasing resistance of bacterial strains to conventional and even to newly-developed and powerful antibiotics. SUMMARY In one aspect, some implementations provide a ultraviolet emitting device comprising: a plurality of light sources; and a plurality of arms on which the plurality of light sources are mounted, wherein: each arm is expandable between a first position and a second position, each arm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in the second position, and when each arm is transitioning between the first position and the second position, a length of the arm maintains a fixed proportionality with respect to a spacing of the plurality of light sources on the arm. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The plurality of arms may be capable of expanding and contracting independently of one another. The plurality of arms may be capable of rotating around a fixed axis independently of one another. The plurality of arms may each have a rotational range of up to 360 degrees. The plurality of arms may be connected to a center column. The plurality of light sources may be split between two or more sets of horizontal scissors arms of each arm, wherein the two or more sets of horizontal scissors arms are of identical size and shape. The two or more sets of horizontal scissors arms may be configured to move in unison when each arm is expanding from the first position to the second position. The two or more sets of horizontal scissor arms of each arm may be connected at a matching set of intersections such that the fixed proportionality with respect to the spacing of the plurality of light sources are maintained when the arm is transitioning between the first position and the second position. The matching set of intersections may include bushings that facilitate each arm in transitioning between the first position and the second position. The ultraviolet emitting device may further include: one or more motion sensors configured to detect a motion within a target volume in which the ultraviolet emitting device is located such that the ultraviolet emitting device can be deactivated from emitting ultraviolet light. The motion sensors may provide full coverage of the target volume in which the ultraviolet emitting device is located, and wherein a first subset of motion sensors are configured to face outward from a center column and a second subset of motion sensors are oriented face downwards from a upper portion of the center column. The ultraviolet emitting device may further include: a wireless communication module configured to receive wireless instructions for one or more operations of the ultraviolet emitting device; a controller coupled to the wireless communication module and configured to process instructions to control the one or more operations of the device; and a user panel configured to include an option for remote operation of the ultraviolet emitting device. The ultraviolet emitting device may further include: a camera configured to monitor a surrounding of the ultraviolet emitting device such that a remote viewing of the surrounding of the ultraviolet emitting device is accessible from outside a target volume in which the ultraviolet emitting device is located. In another aspect, some implementations provide a system that includes: a structure configurable to irradiate a target volume, wherein the structure includes: a movable base including a holding bracket having a slot; a plurality of arms connected to an anchor surface, each arm configurable between a first position and a second position, wherein the arm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in the second position; a support connected to at least one arm of the plurality of arms, the support including an inner shaft capable of radially fitting into the slot of the holding bracket; and a collar connected to the support and axially adjustable within the slot of the holding bracket, wherein the holding bracket configured to restrict a radial movement of the collar to within the slot of the holding bracket; and a plurality of light sources connected to the plurality of arms and capable of emitting ultraviolet light to irradiate the target volume when the arms of the structure are positioned in-between the first position and the second position. In yet another aspect, some implementations provide a system that includes: a structure positionable within a target volume, the structure including: a base; and a plurality of arms connected to the base, each arm configurable between a first position and a second position, wherein the arm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in the second position; a plurality of light sources connected to the plurality of arms and capable of emitting ultraviolet light to irradiate the target volume when the arms of the structure are positioned between the first position and the second position; and a motion sensor connected to a top portion of the structure. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The motion sensor may be mounted upside down capable of providing a sensing range of up to 360 degrees. The system may further include a plurality of supports extending from the top portion of the structure and configured to hold the motion sensor when the arms of the structure are transitioning between the first position and the second position. In still another aspect, some implementations provide a method that includes: unlocking a plurality of expandable arms on which a plurality of light sources are mounted; expanding the plurality of expandable arms from a first position towards a second position, wherein each expandable arm is fully collapsed in the first position and fully expanded in the second position collapsed position; and activating the plurality of light sources to emit ultraviolet light to irradiate a target volume. Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Expanding the plurality of expandable arms may include: rotating at least one of the plurality of expandable arms with respect to an attachment point at a center column where the plurality of expandable arms are connected to the center column. The method may further include: when expanding the plurality of expandable arms, maintaining an identical angle between two or more sets of horizontal scissors arms of each expandable arm such that the light sources on each expandable arm are identically spaced. Expanding the plurality of expandable arms may include: moving two or more sets of horizontal scissors arms of each expandable arm in unison. The method may further include: contracting the plurality of expandable arms towards the first position in which each expandable arm is fully collapsed. Contracting the plurality of expandable arms may further comprise: moving two or more sets of horizontal scissors arms of each expandable arm in unison. A spacing between the light sources on each expandable arm may be proportional to a length of each expanded arms when the plurality of expandable arms are transitioning between the first position and the second position. Implementations according to the present disclosure may be realized in computer implemented methods, hardware computing systems, and tangible computer readable media. For example, a system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions. The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

11522253

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-074406, filed on Apr. 9, 2019, the entire contents whereof are incorporated in the present specification by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field The art disclosed herein relates to a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery. 2. Background Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries are lightweight and afford high energy densities, and therefore have come to be preferably used for instance as portable power sources and as high-output power sources installed in vehicles. Such nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries are provided with a spiral electrode body in which a power storage element, having a configuration in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are insulated from each other by a separator or the like, is stacked and wound in a cylindrical shape or an elliptical cylindrical shape, within one battery case. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are designed so that the dimension of the negative electrode in the width direction thereof is greater than the dimension the positive electrode in the width direction thereof, in order to prevent precipitation of lithium ions on the negative electrode. For instance, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-143004 discloses such a secondary battery, provided with an insulating layer containing an inorganic filler along an edge of a positive electrode active material layer, on the surface of a positive electrode collector. This insulating layer allows preventing short circuits between the positive electrode collector and the edge of the opposing negative electrode active material layer. A collecting section in which current is collected, within the positive electrode collector, is herein an uncoated section in which the active material layer is not formed. A problem arises in that due for instance to high current density in the vicinity of a collector terminal, the uncoated section of the positive electrode is likely to become oxidized, and prone to generate heat, on account of the high potential of the positive electrode. In particular, the collecting section of a secondary battery provided with an insulating layer in the positive electrode collector is covered by the insulating layer, and as a result the temperature of the collecting section is prone to rise. Studies by the inventors have revealed that for instance generation of heat by a battery may lead to short circuits even in secondary batteries provided with an insulating layer in an uncoated section of the positive electrode. In the light of the above considerations, it is an object of the art disclosed herein to provide a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery that allows more suitably suppressing short circuits between a positive electrode collector and a negative electrode active material layer, even when the battery generates heat. SUMMARY In order to solve the above problem, the art disclosed herein provides a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator that insulates the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. In this nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, the positive electrode includes a positive electrode collector; a positive electrode active material layer containing a positive electrode active material and provided on part of the surface of the positive electrode collector; and an insulating layer provided on another part of the surface of the positive electrode collector, so as to be adjacent to the positive electrode active material layer. The insulating layer contains an inorganic filler and a binder; and is configure to exhibit a value of 13% or less of a thermal shrinkage factor in a direction parallel to the surface of an evaluation sample of an insulating layer formed to a square shape having a length of each side of 5 cm and heated at 150° C. for 1 hour. General separators are processed by stretching, and accordingly soften or melt, and undergo thermal shrinkage easily (for instance by 15% or more, typically by about 30%) as a result of being exposed to the above heating conditions while not being restrained in any way. In addition, also general binders soften or melt at the above temperature, and accordingly the insulating layer in the positive electrode can easily undergo thermal shrinkage (for instance by 15% or more, typically by about 20%), when exposed to the above heating conditions while not being restrained in any way. As a result, when an edge (which may be a corner) of the negative electrode active material layer in the width direction comes in contact with the insulating layer of the positive electrode, the insulating layer deforms easily, and a short circuit can occur between the positive electrode collector and the negative electrode active material layer. In the configuration described herein, by contrast, the thermal shrinkage factor in the surface direction is curtailed to 13% or less, even when the insulating layer is heated at 150° C. In an insulating layer where such a thermal shrinkage factor is obtained, thermal shrinkage is suppressed by virtue of the presence of the inorganic filler. A configuration can be achieved, thanks to such the inorganic filler, wherein even in a case where the negative electrode active material layer comes into contact with the insulating layer on account of thermal shrinkage of the separator, it is difficult for the negative electrode active material layer to reach the positive electrode collector through deformation of the insulating layer. As a result, short circuits between the positive electrode collector and the negative electrode active material layer can be suitably suppressed even in the case where the secondary battery generates heat. In a preferred embodiment of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the present art, the inorganic filler contains plate-shaped particles. The inorganic filler may contain plate-shaped particles having an average aspect ratio of 3 or higher. In such a configuration, the thermal shrinkage factor of the insulating layer can be suitably curtailed to be 13% or less, even when the insulating layer is heated at 150° C., as described above. A further effect is elicited whereby even in the case of occurrence of for instance an internal short circuit, the surface area of that internal short circuit can be reduced, and widening of that surface area can be suppressed. In a preferred embodiment of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the present art, the inorganic filler is at least one from among a boehmite powder and an alumina powder. The inorganic filler may be a boehmite powder. An insulating layer of superior heat resistance can be produced conveniently through the use of such a powder as the inorganic filler. In particular, the use of boehmite powder having a lower Mohs hardness than alumina allows suppressing generation of metallic foreign matter due to for instance to scraping of equipment contact sections during the production process. In a preferred embodiment of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the present art, in the insulating layer, the proportion of the binder relative to the total of the inorganic filler and the binder is lower than 30 mass %. Such a configuration allows easily reducing the thermal shrinkage factor of the insulating layer to be 13% or less, even in a case where the insulating layer is heated at 150° C., as described above. In a preferred embodiment of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the present art, the average thickness of the insulating layer is 10 μm or less. The secondary battery may be embodied so that the bulk and amount of the insulating layer provided in the positive electrode collector are small, from the viewpoint of reducing weight and costs. An insulating layer in which the thermal shrinkage factor can reach 13% or less allows for instance suitably suppressing short circuits derived from metal foreign matter, and curtailing the spread of the short circuits, even in a case where the average thickness of the insulating layer is set to be 10 μm or less. As a result a secondary battery is provided which is safe and in which reductions in both weight and cost are achieved. The above nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery is thus provided as a battery that is highly safe and in which short circuits between a positive electrode collector (uncoated section) and a negative electrode active material layer are suppressed, even at a high temperature of 150° C. The above safety at high temperature can be suitably applied to for instance secondary batteries provided with a multilayer structure (including multilayer electrode bodies and wound electrode bodies) in which multiple power storage elements are stacked, in applications where the temperature of the battery itself is prone to rise on account of repeated charging and discharge with large currents at a high rate. In addition, the above high safety can be suitably exploited in secondary batteries that are used in close proximity to a person, in applications where high safety is demanded. Therefore, the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery disclosed herein can be suitably used as a drive power source in vehicles (main power source); among the foregoing, the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery disclosed herein can be suitably used as a drive power source in plug-in hybrid vehicles or the like. The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

11380813

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present disclosure relates to solar cells and the fabrication of solar cells, and more particularly the design and specification of the composition, lattice constant, and band gaps of various layers above and below a metamorphic layer in a multijunction solar cell based on III-V semiconductor compounds in order to achieve reduction in “bowing” of the wafer caused by the metamorphic layer. Description of the Related Art Solar power from photovoltaic cells, also called solar cells, has been predominantly provided by silicon semiconductor technology. In the past several years, however, high-volume manufacturing of III-V compound semiconductor multijunction solar cells for space applications has accelerated the development of such technology. Compared to silicon, III-V compound semiconductor multijunction devices have greater energy conversion efficiencies and are generally more radiation resistance, although they tend to be more complex to properly specify and manufacture. Typical commercial II-V compound semiconductor multijunction solar cells have energy efficiencies that exceed 29.5% under one sun, air mass 0 (AM0) illumination, whereas even the most efficient silicon technologies generally reach only about 18% efficiency under comparable conditions. The higher conversion efficiency of III-V compound semiconductor solar cells compared to silicon solar cells is in part based on the ability to achieve spectral splitting of the incident radiation through the use of a plurality of series connected photovoltaic regions with different band gap energies, and accumulating the voltage at a given current from each of the regions. In satellite and other space related applications, the size, mass and cost of a satellite power system are dependent on the power and energy conversion efficiency of the solar cells used. Putting it another way, the size of the payload and the availability of on-board services are proportional to the amount of power provided. Thus, as payloads use increasing amounts of power as they become more sophisticated, and missions and applications anticipated for five, ten, twenty or more years, the power-to-weight (W/kg) and power-to-area (W/m2) ratios of the solar cell array and the lifetime efficiency of a solar cell becomes increasingly more important. There is increasing interest not only the amount of power provided per gram of weight and spatial area of the solar cell, not only at initial deployment but over the entire service life of the satellite system, or in terms of a design specification, the amount of residual power provided at the specified “end of life” (EOL), which is affected by the radiation exposure of the solar cell over time in the particular space environment of the solar cell array, the period of the EOL being different for different missions and applications. Typical III-V compound semiconductor solar cells are fabricated on a semiconductor wafer in vertical, multijunction structures or stacked sequence of solar subcells, each subcell formed with appropriate semiconductor layers and including a p-n photoactive junction. Each subcell is designed to convert photons over different spectral or wavelength bands to electrical current. After the sunlight impinges on the front of the solar cell, and photons pass through the subcells, with each subcell being designed for photons in a specific wavelength bend. After passing through a subcell, the photons that are not absorbed and converted to electrical energy propagate to the next subcells, where such photons are intended to be captured and converted to electrical energy. The individual solar cells or wafers are then disposed in horizontal arrays, with the individual solar cells connected together in an electrical series and/or parallel circuit. The shape and structure of an array, as well as the number of cells it contains, are determined in part by the desired output voltage and current needed by the payload or subcomponents of the payload, the amount of electrical storage capacity (batteries) on the spacecraft, and the power demands of the payloads during different orbital configurations. A solar cell designed for use in a space vehicle (such as a satellite, space station, or an interplanetary mission vehicle), has a sequence of subcells with compositions and band gaps which have been optimized to achieve maximum energy conversion efficiency for the AM0 solar spectrum in space. The AM0 solar spectrum in space is notably different from the AM1.5 solar spectrum at the surface of the earth, and accordingly terrestrial solar cells are designed with subcell band gaps optimized for the AM1.5 solar spectrum. There are substantially more rigorous qualification and acceptance testing protocols used in the manufacture of space solar cells compared to terrestrial cells, to ensure that space solar cells can operate satisfactorily at the wide range of temperatures and temperature cycles encountered in space. These testing protocols include (i) high-temperature thermal vacuum bake-out; (ii) thermal cycling in vacuum (TVAC) or ambient pressure nitrogen atmosphere (APTC); and in some applications (iii) exposure to radiation equivalent to that which would be experienced in the space mission, and measuring the current and voltage produced by the cell and deriving cell performance data. As used in this disclosure and claims, the term “space-qualified” shall mean that the electronic component (i.e., in this disclosure, the solar cell) provides satisfactory operation under the high temperature and thermal cycling test protocols. The exemplary conditions for vacuum bake-out testing include exposure to a temperature of +100° C. to +135° C. (e.g., about +100° C., +110° C., +120° C., +125° C., +135° C.) for 2 hours to 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or 96 hours; and exemplary conditions for TVAC and/or APTC testing that include cycling between temperature extremes of −180° C. (e.g., about −180° C., −175° C., −170° C., −165° C., −150° C., −140° C., −128° C., −110° C., −100° C., −75° C., or −70° C.) to +145° C. (e.g., about +70° C., +80° C., +90° C., +100° C., +110° C., +120° C., +130° C., +135° C., or +145° C.) for 600 to 32,000 cycles (e.g., about 600, 700, 1500, 2000, 4000, 5000, 7500, 22000, 25000, or 32000 cycles), and in some space missions up to +180° C. See, for example, Fatemi et al., “Qualification and Production of Emcore ZTJ Solar Panels for Space Missions,” Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 2013 IEEE 39th (DOI: 10. 1109/PVSC 2013 6745052). Such rigorous testing and qualifications are not generally applicable to terrestrial solar cells and solar cell arrays. Conventionally, such measurements are made for the AM0 spectrum for “one-sun” illumination, but for PV systems which use optical concentration elements, such measurements may be made under concentrations such as 2×, 100×, or 1000× or more. The space solar cells and arrays experience a variety of complex environments in space missions, including the vastly different illumination levels and temperatures seen during normal earth orbiting missions, as well as even more challenging environments for deep space missions, operating at different distances from the sun, such as at 0.7, 1.0 and 3.0 AU (AU meaning astronomical units). The photovoltaic arrays also endure anomalous events from space environmental conditions, and unforeseen environmental interactions during exploration missions. Hence, electron and proton radiation exposure, collisions with space debris, and/or normal aging in the photovoltaic array and other systems could cause suboptimal operating conditions that degrade the overall power system performance, and may result in failures of one or more solar cells or array strings and consequent loss of power. A further distinctive difference between space solar cell arrays and terrestrial solar cell arrays is that a space solar cell array utilizes welding and not soldering to provide robust electrical interconnections between the solar cells, while terrestrial solar cell arrays typically utilize solder for electrical interconnections. Welding is required in space solar cell arrays to provide the very robust electrical connections that can withstand the wide temperature ranges and temperature cycles encountered in space such as from −175° C. to +180° C. In contrast, solder joints are typically sufficient to survive the rather narrow temperature ranges (e.g., about −40° C. to about +50° C.) encountered with terrestrial solar cell arrays. A further distinctive difference between space solar cell arrays and terrestrial solar cell arrays is that a space solar cell array utilizes silver-plated metal material for interconnection members, while terrestrial solar cells typically utilize copper wire for interconnects. In some embodiments, the interconnection member can be, for example, a metal plate. Useful metals include, for example, molybdenum; a nickel-cobalt ferrous alloy material designed to be compatible with the thermal expansion characteristics of borosilicate glass such as that available under the trade designation KOVAR from Carpenter Technology Corporation; a nickel iron alloy material having a uniquely low coefficient of thermal expansion available under the trade designation Invar, FeNi36, or 64FeNi; or the like. An additional distinctive difference between space solar cell arrays and terrestrial solar cell arrays is that space solar cell arrays typically utilize an aluminum honeycomb panel for a substrate or mounting platform. In some embodiments, the aluminum honeycomb panel may include a carbon composite face sheet adjoining the solar cell array. In some embodiments, the face sheet may have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that substantially matches the CTE of the bottom germanium (Ge) layer of the solar cell that is attached to the face sheet. Substantially matching the CTE of the face sheet with the CTE of the Ge layer of the solar cell can enable the array to withstand the wide temperature ranges encountered in space without the solar cells cracking, delaminating, or experiencing other defects. Such precautions are generally unnecessary in terrestrial applications. Thus, a further distinctive difference of a space solar cell from a terrestrial solar cell is that the space solar cell must include a cover glass over the semiconductor device to provide radiation resistant shielding from particles in the space environment which could damage the semiconductor material. The cover glass is typically a ceria doped borosilicate glass which is typically from three to six mils in thickness and attached by a transparent adhesive to the solar cell. In summary, it is evident that the differences in design, materials, and configurations between a space-qualified III-V compound semiconductor solar cell and subassemblies and arrays of such solar cells, on the one hand, and silicon solar cells or other photovoltaic devices used in terrestrial applications, on the other hand, are so substantial that prior teachings associated with silicon or other terrestrial photovoltaic system are simply unsuitable and have no applicability to the design configuration of space-qualified solar cells and arrays. Indeed, the design and configuration of components adapted for terrestrial use with its modest temperature ranges and cycle times often teach away from the highly demanding design requirements for space-qualified solar cells and arrays and their associated components. The assembly of individual solar cells together with electrical interconnects and the cover glass form a so-called “CIC” (Cell-Interconnected-Cover glass) assembly, which are then typically electrically connected to form an array of series-connected solar cells. The solar cells used in many arrays often have a substantial size; for example, in the case of the single standard substantially “square” solar cell trimmed from a 100 mm wafer with cropped corners, the solar cell can have a side length of seven cm or more. The radiation hardness of a solar cell is defined as how well the cell performs after exposure to the electron or proton particle radiation which is a characteristic of the space environment. A standard metric is the ratio of the end of life performance (or efficiency) divided by the beginning of life performance (EOL/BOL) of the solar cell. The EOL performance is the cell performance parameter after exposure of that test solar cell to a given fluence of electrons or protons (which may be different for different space missions or orbits). The BOL performance is the performance parameter prior to exposure to the particle radiation. Charged particles in space could lead to damage to solar cell structures, and in some cases, dangerously high voltage being established across individual devices or conductors in the solar array. These large voltages can lead to catastrophic electrostatic discharging (ESD) events. Traditionally for ESD protection the backside of a solar array may be painted with a conductive coating layer to ground the array to the space plasma, or one may use a honeycomb patterned metal panel which mounts the solar cells and incidentally protects the solar cells from backside radiation. Furthermore, the front side of the solar array may provide a conductive coating or adhesive to the periphery of the cover glass to ground the top surface of the cover glass. The radiation hardness of the semiconductor material of the solar cell itself is primarily dependent on a solar cell's minority carrier diffusion length (Lmin) in the base region of the solar cell (the term “base” region referring to the p-type base semiconductor region disposed directly adjacent to an n-type “emitter” semiconductor region, the boundary of which establishes the p-n photovoltaic junction). The less degraded the parameter Lmin; is after exposure to particle radiation, the less the solar cell performance will be reduced. A number of strategies have been used to either improve Lmin, or make the solar cell less sensitive to Lminreductions. Improving Lminhas largely involved including a gradation in dopant elements in the semiconductor base layer of the subcells so as to create an electric field to direct minority carriers to the junction of the subcell, thereby effectively increasing Lmin. The effectively longer Lminwill improve the cell performance, even after the particle radiation exposure. Making the cell less sensitive to Lminreductions has involved increasing the optical absorption of the base layer such that thinner layers of the base can be used to absorb the same amount of incoming optical radiation. Another consideration in connection with the manufacture of space solar cell arrays is that conventionally, solar cells have been arranged on a support and interconnected using a substantial amount of manual labor. For example, first individual CICs are produced with each interconnect individually welded to the solar cell, and each cover glass individually mounted. Then, these CICs are connected in series to form strings, generally in a substantially manual manner, including the welding steps from CIC to CIC. Then, these strings are applied to a panel substrate and electrically interconnected in a process that includes the application of adhesive, wiring, etc. All of this has traditionally been carried out in a manual and substantially artisanal manner. The energy conversion efficiency of multijunction solar cells is affected by such factors as the number of subcells, the thickness of each subcell, the composition and doping of each active layer in a subcell, and the consequential band structure, electron energy levels, conduction, and absorption of each subcell, as well as the effect of its exposure to radiation in the ambient environment over time. The identification and specification of such design parameters is a non-trivial engineering undertaking, and would vary depending upon the specific space mission and customer design requirements. Since the power output is a function of both the voltage and the current produced by a subcell, a simplistic view may seek to maximize both parameters in a subcell by increasing a constituent element, or the doping level, to achieve that effect. However, in reality, changing a material parameter that increases the voltage may result in a decrease in current, and therefore a lower power output. Such material design parameters are interdependent and interact in complex and often unpredictable ways, and for that reason are not “result effective” variables that those skilled in the art confronted with complex design specifications and practical operational considerations can easily adjust to optimize performance. Moreover, the current (or more precisely, the short circuit current density Jsc) and the voltage (or more precisely, the open circuit voltage Voc) are not the only factors that determine the power output of a solar cell. In addition to the power being a function of the short circuit density (Jsc), and the open circuit voltage (Voc), the output power is actually computed as the product of Vocand Jsc, and a Fill Factor (FF). As might be anticipated, the Fill Factor parameter is not a constant, but in fact may vary at a value between 0.5 and somewhat over 0.85 for different arrangements of elemental compositions, subcell thickness, and the dopant level and profile. Although the various electrical contributions to the Fill Factor such as series resistance, shunt resistance, and ideality (a measure of how closely the semiconductor diode follows the ideal diode equation) may be theoretically understood, from a practical perspective the actual Fill Factor of a given subcell cannot always be predicted, and the effect of making an incremental change in composition or band gap of a layer may have unanticipated consequences and effects on the solar subcell semiconductor material, and therefore an unrecognized or unappreciated effect on the Fill Factor. Stated another way, an attempt to maximize power by varying a composition of a subcell layer to increase the Vocor Jscor both of that subcell, may in fact not result in high power, since although the product Vocand Jscmay increase, the FF may decrease and the resulting power also decrease. Thus, the Vocand Jscparameters, either alone or in combination, are not necessarily “result effective” variables that those skilled in the art confronted with complex design specifications and practical operational considerations can easily adjust to optimize performance. Furthermore, the fact that the short circuit current density (Jsc), the open circuit voltage (Voc), and the fill factor (FF), are affected by the slightest change in such design variables, the purity or quality of the chemical pre-cursors, or the specific process flow and fabrication equipment used, and such considerations further complicates the proper specification of design parameters and predicting the efficiency of a proposed design which may appear “on paper” to be advantageous. It must be further emphasized that in addition to process and equipment variability, the “fine tuning” of minute changes in the composition, band gaps, thickness, and doping of every layer in the arrangement has critical effect on electrical properties such as the open circuit voltage (Voc) and ultimately on the power output and efficiency of the solar cell. To illustrate the practical effect, consider a design change that results in a small change in the Vocof an active layer in the amount of 0.01 volts, for example changing the Vocfrom 2.72 to 2.73 volts. Assuming all else is equal and does not change, such a relatively small incremental increase in voltage would typically result in an increase of solar cell efficiency from 29.73% to 29.84% for a triple junction solar cell, which would be regarded as a substantial and significant improvement that would justify implementation of such design change. For a single junction GaAs subcell in a triple junction device, a change in Vocfrom 1.00 to 1.01 volts (everything else being the same) would increase the efficiency of that junction from 10.29% to 10.39%, about a 1% relative increase. If it were a single junction stand-alone solar cell, the efficiency would go from 20.58% to 20.78%, still about a 1% relative improvement in efficiency. Present day commercial production processes are able to define and establish band gap values of epitaxially deposited layers as precisely as 0.01 eV, so such “fine tuning” of compositions and consequential open circuit voltage results are well within the range of operational production specifications for commercial products. Another important mechanical or structural consideration in the choice of semiconductor layers for a solar cell is the desirability of the adjacent layers of semiconductor materials in the solar cell, i.e. each layer of crystalline semiconductor material that is deposited and grown to form a solar subcell, have similar or substantially similar crystal lattice constants or parameters. Here again there are trade-offs between including specific elements in the composition of a layer which may result in improved voltage associated with such subcell and therefore potentially a greater power output, and deviation from exact crystal lattice matching with adjoining layers as a consequence of including such elements in the layer which may result in a higher probability of defects, and therefore lower manufacturing yield. In that connection, it should be noted that there is no strict definition of what is understood to mean two adjacent layers are “lattice matched” or “lattice mismatched”. For purposes in this disclosure, “lattice mismatched” refers to two adjacently disposed materials or layers (with thicknesses of greater than 100 nm) having in-plane lattice constants of the materials in their fully relaxed state differing from one another by less than 0.02% in lattice constant. (Applicant notes that this definition is considerably more stringent than that proposed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,962,993, which suggests less than 0.6% lattice constant difference as defining “lattice mismatched” layers). The conventional wisdom for many years has been that in a monolithic tandem solar cell, “ . . . the desired optical transparency and current conductivity between the top and bottom cells . . . would be best achieved by lattice matching the top cell material to the bottom cell material. Mismatches in the lattice constants create defects or dislocations in the crystal lattice where recombination centers can occur to cause the loss of photogenerated minority carriers, thus significantly degrading the photovoltaic quality of the device. More specifically, such effects will decrease the open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Jsc), and fill factor (FF), which represents the relationship or balance between current and voltage for effective output” (Jerry M. Olson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,059, “Current and Lattice Matched Tandem Solar Cell”). As progress has been made toward higher efficiency multijunction solar cells with four or more subcells, nevertheless, “it is conventionally assumed that substantially lattice-matched designs are desirable because they have proven reliability and because they use less semiconductor material than metamorphic solar cells, which require relatively thick buffer layers to accommodate differences in the lattice constants of the various materials” (Rebecca Elizabeth Jones-Albertus at al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,962,993). The present disclosure proposes design features for multijunction solar cells which departs from such conventional wisdom for increasing the efficiency of the multijunction solar cell in converting solar energy (or photons) to electrical energy and optimizing such efficiency at the “end-of-life” period. One consequence of a lattice mismatched design and the use of a metamorphic buffer layer between two subcells has been noted in U.S. Patent Application Publication 20160380142, which provides a background discussion concerning the inherent residual stress associated with the use of a metamorphic buffer layer disposed between two subcells in a multijunction solar cell, configured or grown either in an upright arrangement or in an inverted arrangement (in which the highest band gap subcells are grown first). Depending on the thickness and resulting flexibility of the substrate employed, the residual stress leads results in an undesirable curvature or “bowing” of the wafer after fabrication of the epitaxial layers. In particular, such bowing arises in fabrication of metamorphic solar cells on conventional Ge substrates with a thickness smaller than 190 microns. As noted in the cited reference, such bowing results in nonhomogeneous layer properties during and after the epitaxy process. Consequentially, the processing of such wafers is made more difficult than if the wafers were perfectly flat, which reduces the production yield and thereby increases production costs. The two different types of stress imparted by a metamorphic buffer layer are tensile stress and compressive stress. Tensile stress results in a convex curvature of the wafer, and compressive stress results in concave curvature of the wafer. In this case, the term ‘tensile stress’ can be understood to be tension caused by pulling and the term ‘compressive stress’ can be tension caused by pressure. Although various proposals have been made for reducing the wafer bow, prior to the development set forth in this disclosure, the amount of amelioration has not been satisfactory. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Objects of the Disclosure It is an object of the present disclosure to decrease the wafer “bow” of a multijunction solar cell wafer comprising a metamorphic layer. It is another object of the present invention to provide an upright metamorphic four junction solar cell in which the average band gap of all four subcells is greater than 1.35 eV and the wafer “bow” has been minimized. It is another object of the present invention to provide a four junction solar cell in which the lower two subcells are lattice mismatched and in which Some implementations of the present disclosure may incorporate or implement fewer of the aspects and features noted in the foregoing objects. Features of the Invention All ranges of numerical parameters set forth in this disclosure are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges or “intermediate generalizations” subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of “1.0 to 2.0 eV” for a band gap value should be considered to include any and all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1.0 eV or more and ending with a maximum value of 2.0 eV or less, e.g., 1.0 to 1.2, or 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.5 to 1.9 eV. The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a multijunction solar cell comprising: providing a growth substrate; forming a first solar subcell over or in the growth substrate; growing a grading interlayer over the growth substrate, followed by growing a sequence of layers of semiconductor material using a deposition process to form a solar cell comprising a plurality of subcells including a second subcell disposed over and lattice mismatched with respect to the growth substrate, and at least a third subcell disposed over the second subcell; wherein the graded interlayer has a band gap equal to or greater than that of the second subcell and is compositionally graded to lattice match the growth substrate on one side and the second subcell on the other side; and including a plurality of N step-graded sublayers (where N is an integer and 2<N<10), wherein each successive sublayer has an incrementally greater lattice constant than the sublayer below it and grown in such a manner that N−1 sublayers are fully relaxed (i.e., not in tension or compression); wherein the uppermost sublayer of the grading interlayer has an in-plane lattice constant greater than the in-plane lattice constant of the adjacent second subcell and has an out-of-plane lattice constant greater than the in-plane lattice constant such that it is partially relaxed (i.e., in compression), growing a first wafer bowing inhibition layer directly above the uppermost sublayer of the grading interlayer incrementally to a predetermined thickness such that at such predetermined thickness the transition layer induces tensile relaxation of the transition layer in the a first crystalline lattice planar direction [by a misfit dislocation formation], thereby allowing the in-plane lattice constants of the solar subcell layers to be equal in the second and a third crystalline lattice planar directions, wherein the second and third directions are ninety degrees displaced from one another, thereby reducing the warp of the wafer. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a multijunction solar cell comprising: providing a growth substrate; forming a first solar subcell over or in the growth substrate; growing a grading interlayer over the growth substrate, followed by growing a sequence of layers of semiconductor material using a deposition process to form a solar cell comprising a plurality of subcells including at least a second subcell disposed over and lattice mismatched with respect to the growth substrate; wherein the graded interlayer has a band gap equal to or greater than that of the second subcell and is compositionally graded to lattice match the growth substrate on one side and the second subcell on the other side; and including a plurality of N step-graded sublayers (where N is an integer and 2<N<10), wherein each successive sublayer has an incrementally greater lattice constant than the sublayer below it and grown in such a manner that N−1 sublayers are fully relaxed (i.e., not in tension or compression); wherein the uppermost sublayer of the grading interlayer is at least twice as thick as each sublayer below it, and has an in-plane lattice constant greater than the in-plane lattice constant of the adjacent second subcell and has an out-of-plane lattice constant greater than the in-plane lattice constant such that it is strained; growing a transition layer directly above the uppermost sublayer of the grading interlayer and having a lattice constant smaller than the uppermost sublayer, wherein the growth is done incrementally to a predetermined thickness such that at such predetermined thickness the transition layer induces tensile relaxation of the transition layer in the a first crystalline lattice planar direction, thereby allowing the in-plane lattice constants of the transition layer and the solar subcell layers to be equal in second and a third crystalline lattice planar directions, wherein the second and third directions are ninety degrees displaced from one another, thereby reducing the warp of the wafer; and growing the second subcell over the transition layer such that the second subcell is lattice matched to the transition layer. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a multijunction solar cell comprising: providing a growth substrate; forming a first solar subcell over or in the growth substrate; growing a grading interlayer over the growth substrate, followed by growing a sequence of layers of semiconductor material using a deposition process to form a solar cell comprising a plurality of subcells including a second subcell disposed over and lattice mismatched with respect to the growth substrate, and at least a third subcell disposed over the second subcell; wherein the graded interlayer has a band gap equal to or greater than that of the second subcell and is compositionally graded to lattice match the growth substrate on one side and the second subcell on the other side; the graded interlayer being composed of any of the As, P, N, Sb based III-V compound semiconductors subject to the constraints of having the in-plane lattice parameter throughout its thickness being greater than or equal to that of the growth substrate, and includes a plurality of N step-graded sublayers (where N is an integer and 2<N<10), wherein each successive sublayer has an incrementally greater lattice constant than the sublayer below it and grown in such a manner that each sublayer is fully relaxed (i.e., not in tension or compression); growing a first wafer bowing inhibition layer directly over the uppermost sublayer of the grading interlayer, such bowing inhibition layer having an in-plane lattice constant equal to the in-plane lattice constant of the uppermost sublayer of the graded interlayer and having an out-of-plane different from the in-plane lattice constant, the wafer bowing inhibition layer having a different set of constituent elements than the directly adjacent layers above such layer and below such layer and being partially relaxed (i.e., in tension or compression), and growing a second wafer bowing inhibition layer directly over the first wafer bowing inhibition layer and having an aluminum content in excess of 50% by mole fraction of the constituent material of the second wafer bowing inhibition layer. In some embodiments, the upper first solar subcell has a band gap of approximately 2.05, the second solar subcell has a band gap of approximately 1.55 eV; and the third solar subcell has a band gap of 1.2 eV. In some embodiments, the lattice constant of the first wafer bowing inhibition layer in a first crystalline direction is greater than the lattice constant in a second crystalline direction that is orthogonal to the first crystalline direction. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first wafer bowing inhibition layer is from 250 to 1000 nm. In some embodiments, the lattice constant of the first wafer bowing inhibition layer is equal to the lattice constant of the second wafer bowing inhibition layer and of the second subcell. In some embodiments, the first wafer bowing inhibition layer is strained in a first crystalline direction. In some embodiments, the first wafer bowing inhibition layer is composed of InGaAs or (Al)InGaAs, with the indium content at least 0.07 per mole. In some embodiments, the first crystalline direction is the [110] direction, and the second crystalline direction is the [1-10] direction. In some embodiments, the graded interlayer is composed of InGaAs with the indium content in the range of 0.08 to 0.145 per mole. In some embodiments, the second wafer bowing inhibition layer has the same lattice constant as the first bowing inhibition layer in the [1-10] direction, and a smaller lattice constant in the [110] direction. In some embodiments, the second wafer bowing inhibition layer is composed of AlxInyGa1−yAs where 0<x<1, 0<y<1, and x is greater than 0.75. In some embodiments, the second bowing inhibition layer is between 50 nm and 2000 nm in thickness, with the Al content 50 to 99% per mole. In some embodiments, the bowing of the wafer from the center of the wafer to the edge is less than 120 microns in the worst-case direction, and less than 50 microns in the best-case direction. In some embodiments, the first wafer bowing inhibition layer has a thickness of 750 nm. In some embodiments, the graded interlayer is composed of InGaAs and has a thickness in the range of 100 to 500 nm. In some embodiments, there further comprises growing a tunnel diode over the first solar subcell prior to the growth of the grading interlayer. In some embodiments, the growth substrate is germanium and has a thickness between 140 and 500 microns. In some embodiments, there further comprises thinning the backside of the growth substrate to a thickness of between 30 and 120 microns subsequent to the growth of the sequence of layers of semiconductor material. In some embodiments, the grading interlayer is compositionally step-graded with between one and four steps and is composed of InxGa1−xAs with 0<x<1 and x selected such that the grading interlayer has a graded band gap in the range of 1.15 to 1.41 eV, or 1.2 to 1.35 eV, or 1.25 to 1.30 eV. In some embodiments, In some embodiments, the first solar subcell has a band gap of 2.05 eV. In some embodiments, the band gap of the third solar subcell is less than 1.41 eV, and greater than that of the fourth subcell. In some embodiments, the third solar subcell has a band gap of 1.41 eV. In some embodiments, the third solar subcell has a band gap in the range of 1.1 to 1.2 eV. In some embodiments, the third solar subcell has a band gap of approximately 1.2 eV. In some embodiments, the upper first subcell is composed of indium gallium aluminum phosphide; the second solar subcell includes an emitter layer composed of indium gallium phosphide or aluminum indium gallium arsenide, and a base layer composed of aluminum indium gallium arsenide; the third solar subcell is composed of indium gallium arsenide; and the fourth subcell is composed of germanium. In some embodiments, there further comprises a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer adjacent to and between the third and the fourth solar subcells and arranged so that light can enter and pass through the third solar subcell and at least a portion of which can be reflected back into the third solar subcell by the DBR layer. In some embodiments, the distributed Bragg reflector layer is composed of a plurality of alternating layers of lattice matched materials with discontinuities in their respective indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the difference in refractive indices between alternating layers is maximized in order to minimize the number of periods required to achieve a given reflectivity, and the thickness and refractive index of each period determines the stop band and its limiting wavelength. In some embodiments, the DBR layer includes a first DBR layer composed of a plurality of p type InzAlxGa1−x−zAs layers, and a second DBR layer disposed over the first DBR layer and composed of a plurality of p type InwAlyGa1−x−zAs layers, where 0<x<1, 0<y<1, [0]<z<1 and y is greater than x In some embodiments, the selection of the composition of the subcells and their band gaps maximizes the efficiency at high temperature (in the range of 40 to 70 degrees Centigrade) in deployment in space at a predetermined time after the initial deployment (referred to as the beginning-of-life or (BOL), such predetermined time being referred to as the end-of-life (EOL) and being at least five years, and the average band gap (i.e., the numerical average of the lowest band gap material in each subcell) of all four subcells is greater than 1.35 eV. In some embodiments, at least one of the upper sublayers of the graded interlayer has a larger lattice constant than the adjacent layers to the upper sublayer disposed above the grading interlayer. In some embodiments, the difference in lattice constant between the adjacent third and fourth subcells is in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 Angstroms. In some embodiments, there further comprises at least a first threading dislocation inhibition layer having a thickness in the range of 0.10 to 1.0 microns and disposed over said second solar subcell. In some embodiments, there further comprises at least a second threading dislocation inhibition layer having a thickness in the range of 0.10 to 1.0 micron and composed of InGa(Al)P, the second threading dislocation inhibition layer being disposed over and directly adjacent to said grading interlayer for reducing the propagation of threading dislocations, said second threading dislocation inhibition layer having a composition different from a composition of the first threading dislocation inhibition layer. In some embodiments, additional layer(s) may be added or deleted in the cell structure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some implementations of the present disclosure may incorporate or implement fewer of the aspects and features noted in the foregoing summaries. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Additional aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, including the following detailed description as well as by practice of the disclosure. While the disclosure is described below with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional applications, modifications and embodiments in other fields, which are within the scope of the disclosure as disclosed and claimed herein and with respect to which the disclosure could be of utility.

11359774

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a flexible lighting strip comprising a multitude of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in a longitudinal arrangement. The invention further relates to a light assembly comprising such a flexible lighting strip. The invention finally relates to a vehicle rear light or vehicle front light comprising such a vehicle light assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Flexible light-emitting diode bands are used for an ever-increasing number of lighting applications. In many cases, an optical element is arranged in front of a light-emitting diode to alter the light emission, such as for instance a lens, a reflector and/or a collimator and/or a light guide to obtain an emitted light beam of desired properties. Bendability or conformability of the light-emitting diode band allows fitting in a corresponding application as, for example, vehicle light assemblies which are integrated in curvy automobile body frames. Reliability of the flexible light-emitting diode band is a key feature especially for automotive applications. US 2009/0296382 A1 discloses, for example, a flexible light-emitting diode band. The flexible light-emitting diode band has a basis for attaching the flexible light-emitting diode band and at least partially light-transmissive covering connectable to the basis, wherein in a state connected to each other the basis and the covering form an accommodation cavity for the flexible light-emitting diode band. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible lighting strip comprising a multitude of light-emitting diodes with improved reliability, whereby a simple and improved mechanically symmetric configuration shall be provided. The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments. According to a first aspect a flexible lighting strip comprising a multitude of light-emitting diodes is provided. The light-emitting diodes are arranged in at least two groups. Each group comprises at least two light-emitting diodes arranged in an electrical series connection. The at least two groups are arranged in an electrical circuit having at least an anode track and a cathode track as outer lines, wherein the at least two groups of light-emitting diodes are arranged parallel to the anode track and the cathode track. The at least two groups are arranged in a longitudinal arrangement such that a last light-emitting diode of a first group is arranged next to a first light-emitting diode of a second group. Each of the outer lines consists of a wire line having a substantially circular cross section, whereby the wires of the outer lines comprise bent zones that are capable to receive and absorb compressive and/or tensile stress by elastic deformation. The electrical circuit provides a third wire line having a substantially circular wire as a center line arranged between the outer lines. The third wire line is preferable a center wire line. Using the circular wire form, forces imposed on the flexible lighting strip as for instance present during thermomechanical cycle stress testing −40 C/125 C 5 sec/30 min drain/dwell duration typically required for automotive applications are equally distributed within the circular wire. The circular wire form is therefore able to withstand and absorb stresses better as a square lead frame line and allows to pass the stress tests required for automotive applications. Preferably at least one light-emitting diode of every group is mounted on an interposer, whereby the interposer advantageously contacts all three wire lines. The bent outer wire zones are then positioned between these interposers. Preferably the interposer acts as heat-spreader. The interposer may carry one or more further electrical components, for instance a resistor. Routing for electrical connection may be different for at least two interposers in the group—for instance a pad layout and via positions may differ. For two or more light-emitting diodes within one group, three different kinds of interposer with varied electrical routings are preferred. Especially for three and more light-emitting diodes within one group three different kinds of interposer with varied electrical routings are preferred. The third wire may be bent as well. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the third wire line is segmented. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the third wire line is substantially made from straight wire segments. In a preferred embodiment of the invention at least one segment of the third wire line connects two non-current carrying coupling pads of the adjacent interposers of two neighboring groups by a non-current carrying wire segment. The outer wires bends are preferable pointing outwards in one plane. The center wire bend is preferably not in a plane defined by the outer wires. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the center wire bend is perpendicular to the plane defined by outer wires. In a preferred embodiment of the invention one of the interposers is positioned at one outer end of all groups and is connected directly or indirectly to an external power line. Soldering the light-emitting diode on an interposer, leads to a simpler and mechanically more symmetric configuration of the flexible lighting strip. The light-emitting diode may then be provided as an SMD component, omitting the need to electrically connect the light emitting diode by ribbon or wire bonding. The wires may be soldered to the interposer as well. The attachment of the wires may be done in one step in parallel to the light emitting diode to interposer attach. This may also be done in two sub-sequent process steps. The sequence of soldering—wire or light-emitting diode attached to the interposer first can be chosen. One solder point may then be double re-flown. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention one solder point, many solder points or all solder points are double re-flown. Preferably, the light emitting diode is soldered to the interposer first and the wires are soldered to the interposer in a second reflow process. In consequence, the solder joint of the light emitting diode then is re-flown twice. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical wires are attached to the interposer with a different process, as for instance by laser welding or by resistance welding. The light emitting diodes may be attached prior or after the welding process. Especially the outer wires preferably consist of a ductile material. Advantageously the outer wires consist of an electrical conducting material, as are for instance Cu metal, Cu alloys, as for example CuFe2P or CuNiSi alloys, or other alloys and mixtures thereof. The middle-wire preferably consists of a ductile material. The outer wires may have zones that can receive compressive and tensile stress, respectively. The bend zones of the outer wires are capable to absorb compressive and/or tensile stress by giving way. Since the interposer contacts all three wire lines, the flexible lighting strip is mechanically stabilized. In the flexible lighting strip, when three light-emitting diodes are connected in series between the outer lines, at least one first light-emitting diode connects one outer line to a first inner segment, the first inner segment connects via at least one second light-emitting diode to a second inner segment, and the second inner segment connects via at least one third light-emitting diode to the second outer line. While the outer lines may be continued along the three light emitting diode segment, the inner line may be segmented not to short circuit single light emitting diodes. To have two light-emitting diodes in series, the middle interposer may be omitted. To have four or more light-emitting diodes connected in series, the middle interposer may be duplicated according to the number of light-emitting diodes desired to be in the string. The center wire of the inner line may be composed of segments to minimize length variations of the lighting strip during thermal cycling. The inner wire may comprise a bend for stress relieve as well. For geometrical reasons the bend preferably sticks out of the plane defined by the outer wires. The center wire may also comprise bent zones comparable to the ones present on the outer wires to allow stress compensation during thermal cycling. Preferably, the bent zone is protruding from the plane defined by the two outer wires to reduce the risk of unwanted electrical contact between the inner and the outer wires. Preferably the inner wire bend is positioned perpendicular to the plane defined by the two outer wires. A straight or bent wire segment may also connect the last light-emitting diode of the first group to the first light-emitting diode arranged next it. Not all center wires need to carry current. The interposer may have two electrical coupling pads on a first side for connection to the light-emitting diode. Thereby, anode and cathode pad may differ to correctly supply the light-emitting diodes with current. Moreover, the interposer may have four coupling pads on a second side for connection to the wires. The two coupling pads on the first side of the interposer may be connected to two of the coupling pads of the second side of the interposer via vias Preferably, the interposer is made from a printed circuit board, as for instance Cu-IMS, Al-IMS or FR4. Alternately, he interposer may be made out of a ceramic material, as for instance Al2O4 or AIN. Preferably, the light-emitting diode and the wires are soldered with a lead-free solder as for instance SAC305 to the interposers. The material in use is not limited to this choice; further solders as other SAC grades or AuSn solder may be employed as well to. Moreover, additional electrical components may be mounted on the interposer. Such additional electrical components are for instance TVS diodes, resistors to adjust the light and voltage output of the light-emitting diodes according to their bin code and future performance or logic components that can switch on and of all or individual or single light-emitting diodes in the string or in the strings. According to a further aspect of the invention a lighting device is provided. The lighting device comprises the flexible lighting strip according to any embodiment described above. Preferably the flexible lighting strip is encapsulated within a holder. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the flexible lighting strip is encapsulated in Silicone material. According to a further aspect of the invention a vehicle light assembly is provided. The vehicle light assembly comprises the flexible lighting strip according to any embodiment described above. The vehicle light assembly comprises an electrical interface. The electrical interface is arranged to couple the vehicle light assembly to an external power supply. For example a vehicle rear light or vehicle front light may comprise the vehicle light assembly in accordance with any embodiment described above. The vehicle light assembly may, for example, be used as welcome light, as interior lighting, in daytime running light (DRL), tail light, stop light or turn light. It shall be understood that a preferred embodiment of the invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims with the respective independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are defined below.

11482448

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0138719 filed on Nov. 1, 2019 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND The present inventive concept relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a planarization method of a capping insulating layer, a method of forming a semiconductor device using the same, and a semiconductor device formed thereby. To increase the degree of integration of semiconductor devices, semiconductor devices including gates stacked, while being spaced apart from each other, in a direction that is perpendicular to an upper surface of a substrate have been developed. As the number of stacked gates increases, unexpected process defects may occur and may make it difficult to improve the productivity of semiconductor devices. SUMMARY Embodiments of the present inventive concept provide methods of forming a semiconductor device, in which the flatness of a capping insulating layer surrounding a stacked structure may be improved. Embodiments of the present inventive concept provide methods for improving the degree of integration of semiconductor devices. Embodiments of the present inventive concept provide methods for improving the productivity of a semiconductor device. According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, a method of forming a semiconductor device may include forming a stacked structure and a planarization stop layer on a first region of a substrate, the stacked structure including a stacking area having a flat upper surface and a stepped area adjacent to the stacking area, the stacked structure including a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers repeatedly stacked in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate, an uppermost layer of the plurality of first layers and the plurality of second layers being a first layer located on a top level, and the planarization stop layer being formed on the uppermost layer; forming a capping insulating layer covering the planarization stop layer and the stacked structure and covering a second region of the substrate adjacent to the first region of the substrate, the capping insulating layer including a first capping region having a first upper surface, a second capping region having a second upper surface of a lower level than the first upper surface, and a third capping region between the first capping region and the second capping region; patterning the capping insulating layer to form a plurality of protrusions spaced apart in a horizontal direction on the first region of the substrate, the horizontal direction being a direction parallel to the upper surface of the substrate, at least one of the plurality of protrusions overlapping the stepped area; planarizing the capping insulating layer on which the plurality of protrusions are formed to form a planarized capping insulating layer; partially etching the planarized capping insulating layer to form a partially etched capping insulating layer; performing an annealing process to convert the partially etched capping insulating layer into a densified capping insulating layer; forming a first upper insulating layer covering the densified capping insulating layer and the uppermost layer of the stacked structure; forming a channel hole penetrating through the first upper insulating layer and the stacking area of the stacked structure; forming a vertical memory structure in the channel hole; forming a contact plug on the vertical memory structure; and forming a bit line on the contact plug. According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, a method of forming a semiconductor device may include forming a first stacked structure on a first region of a substrate, the first stacked structure including a first stacking area and a first stepped area adjacent to the first stacking area, the first stacked structure including a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers repeatedly stacked in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate, the plurality of second layers being arranged in a stepped shape in the first stepped area; forming a first capping insulating layer covering the first stacked structure on the first region of the substrate and covering a second region of the substrate adjacent to the first region of the substrate, the first capping insulating layer including a first capping region having a first upper surface, a second capping region having a second upper surface at a lower level than the first upper surface, and a third capping region between the first capping region and the second capping region; patterning the first capping insulating layer to form a plurality of first protrusions spaced apart in a horizontal direction on the first region of the substrate, the horizontal direction being a direction parallel to the upper surface of the substrate, and at least one of the plurality of first protrusions overlapping the first stepped area; and planarizing the capping insulating layer on which the plurality of first protrusions are formed. According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, a method of forming a semiconductor device may include forming a stacked structure on a first region of a substrate, the stacked structure including a stacking area and a stepped area adjacent to the stacking area and including a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers repeatedly stacked in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate, the plurality of second layers being arranged in a stepped shape in the stepped area, the stepped area of the stacked structure including one or a plurality of flat areas and inclined stepped areas adjacent to the one or the plurality of flat areas, respectively; forming a capping insulating layer covering the stacked structure on the first region of the substrate and covering a second region of the substrate adjacent to the first region of the substrate, the capping insulating layer including a first capping region having a first upper surface, a second capping region having a second upper surface of a lower level than the first upper surface, and a third capping region between the first capping region and the second capping region; patterning the capping insulating layer to form a plurality of protrusions spaced apart in a horizontal direction on the first region of the substrate, the horizontal direction being a direction parallel to the upper surface of the substrate, and at least one of the plurality of protrusions overlapping the stepped area; and planarizing the capping insulating layer on which the plurality of protrusions are formed. According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, a semiconductor device may include a stacked structure on a first region of a substrate, the stacked structure including a stacking area and a stepped area adjacent to the stacking area, the stacked structure including a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers repeatedly stacked in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to an upper surface of the substrate, the plurality of second layers being arranged in a stepped shape in the stepped area, the stepped area of the stacked structure including one or a plurality of flat areas, and inclined stepped areas adjacent to the one or plurality of flat areas, respectively; a capping insulating layer covering the stepped area of the stacked structure and covering a second region of the substrate adjacent to the first region of the substrate, the capping insulating layer including an upper surface having a first surface and a second surface at a lower level than the first surface, the first surface overlapping the stepped area of the stacked structure, the first surface including inclined portions located at different height levels, respectively; an upper insulating layer on the stacked structure and the capping insulating layer; and a vertical memory structure penetrating through the upper insulating layer and the stacked structure. According to embodiments of the present inventive concept, a semiconductor device may include a lower stacked structure on a first region of a substrate, the lower stacked structure including a lower stacking area and a lower stepped area adjacent to the lower stacking area; a lower capping insulating layer covering the lower stepped area of the lower stacked structure and covering a second region of the substrate adjacent to the first region of the substrate, the lower capping insulating layer including a first upper surface having a first portion and a second portion at a lower level than the first portion, the first portion overlapping the lower stepped area of the lower stacked structure, the first portion including first inclined portions positioned at different height levels, respectively; an upper stacked structure on the lower stacked structure, the upper stacked structure including an upper stacking area and an upper stepped area adjacent to the upper stacking area; an upper capping insulating layer covering the upper stepped area of the upper stacked structure and covering the lower capping insulating layer, the upper capping insulating layer including a second upper surface having a third portion and a fourth portion at a lower level than the third portion, the third portion overlapping the upper stepped area of the upper stacked structure and including second inclined portions positioned at different height levels, respectively; an upper insulating layer on the upper stacked structure and the upper capping insulating layer; and a vertical memory structure penetrating through the upper insulating layer, the upper stacked structure, and the lower stacked structure.

11468557

BACKGROUND Certain embodiments described herein are generally related to imaging techniques, and more specifically, to methods, devices, and systems for Fourier camera imaging in applications such as, for example, photography for mole tracking. Melanoma is currently the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Americans (almost 10,000 deaths annually) with over 75,000 new cases annually. The incidence of melanoma has been rising steadily. Though excision can be curative at early stages, many melanomas are not detected in time and may become locally extensive or metastasize to other locations. Early detection of melanoma is critical to reduce its morbidity and mortality. In approximately 75% of cases, melanomas arise de novo. In the remaining 25%, they arise from pre-existing moles. It is therefore critical to have a method for longitudinally following the behavior of moles in order to rapidly detect any growth or other changes that may signal transformation of the mole towards more concerning behavior. Hence, tracking moles is an important part of screening patients for melanoma. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has endorsed a protocol that can be utilized to identify moles which may be of concern. This protocol is abbreviated as ABCDE: where A=asymmetry, B=border, C=color, D=diameter and E=evolution. The first four criteria are utilized to identify already existing moles that may be concerning for atypia or malignancy. However, evolution is probably the most important consideration. A changing mole indicates some cellular activity, and these evolving moles are of greatest concern for malignant transformation. Dermatologists therefore recommend serial examinations of patients (‘skin checks’) to assess for the possibility of skin cancer. With conventional cameras, the same distance to the skin surface and same orientation of the camera needs to be maintained at each clinic visit to take comparable, quantifiable measurements of moles between clinic visits. If distance and orientation are not maintained, magnification, focus, and orientation of the mole images may vary, making it difficult to distinguish mole growth from image distortion. Also, conventional cameras have a single adjustable plane of focus. When imaging a mole on a curved skin surface (such as on the bridge of the nose), a single adjustable plane may provide poor image quality across the mole. For these reasons, it can be difficult to use conventional cameras to detect subtle changes in moles. BRIEF SUMMARY Aspects of this disclosure concern imaging techniques, and more specifically Fourier camera systems and methods thereof, which may be particularly useful in applications such as, for example, mole tracking. Embodiments pertain to a Fourier camera comprising a first optical system, a second optical system, a variable aperture filter, and a light detector. The first optical system configured to receive illumination reflected from a curved sample surface. The variable aperture filter configured to move an aperture to a plurality of aperture locations in a Fourier plane, wherein the aperture filters light from the first optical system to the second optical system. The light detector configured to receive light from the second optical system, and configured to acquire a plurality of raw intensity images of the curved sample surface corresponding to the plurality of aperture locations, wherein the raw images are iteratively updated in overlapping regions in Fourier space to generate a focused, substantially uniform resolution image of the curved sample surface, and wherein the overlapping regions correspond to the plurality of aperture locations. In some cases, the Fourier camera further comprising a processor in communication with the light detector to receive the acquired raw intensity images. The processor is configured to divide the acquired raw intensity images into a plurality of tiles, and for each tile, iteratively update regions in Fourier space with data associated with the acquired raw intensity images for the tile to determine a complex tile image and then focus the complex tile image. The processor is further configured to combine the focused complex tile images to construct a focused, substantially uniform resolution image of the curved sample surface. Embodiments pertain to a method of using a Fourier camera to capture one or more focused, substantially uniform resolution images of a curved sample surface, the Fourier camera comprising a first optical system, a second optical system, a variable aperture filter, and a light detector. The method comprises (a) receiving at a first optical system illumination reflected from the curved sample surface; (b) moving, with a variable aperture filter, an aperture to a plurality of aperture locations at a Fourier plane, wherein the aperture filters illumination from the first optical system to the second optical system; and (c) acquiring a plurality of raw intensity images of the curved sample surface based on light received from the second optical system, wherein each raw intensity image is acquired while the aperture is at a different aperture location of the plurality of aperture locations, wherein the raw images are iteratively updated in overlapping regions in Fourier space to generate a focused, substantially uniform resolution image of the curved sample surface, and wherein the overlapping regions correspond to the plurality of aperture locations. These and other features are described in more detail below with reference to the associated drawings.

11266829

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a universal power supply for a functional cranial implant. 2. Description of the Related Art Fabricating a power supply for a functional cranial implant can be as complicated as actually designing the implant itself or the functional neurological implant mounted therein. With this in mind, the present invention provides a universal power supply specifically adapted for use in conjunction with a wide variety of functional cranial implants. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an embodiment, a low-profile intercranial device with universal power supply includes a static cranial implant and a universal power supply. The universal power supply includes a universal implantable power source with a connector adapted for connection to a functional neurosurgical implant. In another embodiment, a system for remote powering of a functional neurosurgical implant includes a static cranial implant housing a power supply and a functional neurosurgical implant. The power supply includes an implantable power source and a wireless charging system. The functional neurosurgical implant is in communication with the wireless charging system for powering the functional neurosurgical implant. Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

11378151

TECHNICAL FIELD This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2018/037960 filed Oct. 11, 2018, claiming priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-197633, filed on Oct. 11, 2017, Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-215411 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-215412, filed on Nov. 8, 2017, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-113064 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-113163, on Jun. 13, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to a vibration-damping device that is applied to, for example, automobiles, industrial machines, or the like, and absorbs and damps vibrations of vibration generating parts, such as engines. BACKGROUND ART In the related art, for example, a vibration-damping device described in the following Patent Document 1 is known. The vibration-damping device includes a tubular first attachment member that is coupled to any one of a vibration generating part and a vibration receiving part, a second attachment member that is coupled to the other thereof, an elastic body that couples the first attachment member and the second attachment member to each other, and a partition member that partitions a liquid chamber within the first attachment member into a main liquid chamber having the elastic body in a portion of a barrier wall thereof, and an auxiliary liquid chamber. The partition member includes a membrane that forms a portion of the barrier wall of the main liquid chamber, an intermediate chamber that is located opposite to the main liquid chamber side with the membrane therebetween and has the membrane in a portion of the barrier wall thereof, a first orifice passage that allows the main liquid chamber and the intermediate chamber to communicate with each other, and a second orifice passage that allows the intermediate chamber and the auxiliary liquid chamber to communicate with each other. CITATION LIST Patent Documents [Patent Document 1]Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2007-85523 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem However, in the related-art vibration-damping device, a damping force generated when a bound load for causing a liquid to flow from the main liquid chamber toward the auxiliary liquid chamber side is input and a damping force generated when a rebound load for causing the liquid to flow from the auxiliary liquid chamber toward the main liquid chamber side is input cannot be made different from each other. The invention has been made in view of the aforementioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vibration-damping device capable of making a damping force generated when a bound load is input and a damping force generated when a rebound load is input different from each other. Solution to Problem In order to solve the above problems, the invention suggests the following means. In a first aspect of the invention, a vibration-damping device a tubular first attachment member that is coupled to any one of a vibration generating part and a vibration receiving part, and a second attachment member that is coupled to the other thereof; an elastic body that couples the first attachment member and the second attachment member to each other; and a partition member that partitions a liquid chamber within the first attachment member into a main liquid chamber having the elastic body in a portion of a barrier wall thereof, and an auxiliary liquid chamber, and the partition member includes a membrane that forms a portion of the barrier wall of the main liquid chamber, a first orifice passage that is configured to allow the main liquid chamber and an opposite liquid chamber, which is located opposite to the main liquid chamber side with the membrane therebetween and has the membrane as a portion of a barrier wall thereof, to communicate with each other and in which a flow resistance of a liquid in an opposite liquid chamber-side passage located on the opposite liquid chamber side is different from a flow resistance of the liquid in a main liquid chamber-side passage located on the main liquid chamber side, and a damping force difference increasing part that restrains any one of swelling deformation of the membrane toward the main liquid chamber side and swelling deformation of the membrane toward the opposite liquid chamber and increases a difference between a damping force generated when a bound load is input and a damping force generated when a rebound load is input. Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the invention, the damping force generated when the bound load is input and the damping force generated when the rebound load is input can be made different from each other.

11351288

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a resorbable biomimetic prosthetic ligament as well as the method for obtaining it. PRIOR ART The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tearing of the knee is a common condition with an incidence evaluated at 1 per 3,000 inhabitants per year in the United States and in Europe. It occurs primarily in athletes: as such, the history of the tearing of the ACL begins in over 65% of the cases with a sports accident (ski, football, rugby, combat sports). The average age at the time of the accident is between 20 and 29 years old, and 70% of the patients afflicted are between 20 and 40 years old. ACL is an essential element in the stabilisation of the knee. Once torn, due to the intra-articular location of it and the poor vascularisation of it, it does not heal spontaneously and it evolves into a retraction and degeneration of the torn ends. The slackness of the knee that results from this causes a functional impact with instability that will hinder or prevent the practice of sports activities and even everyday activities of life. Moreover, this slackness favours in the long run the occurrence of meniscus lesions then osteoarthritic degradation of the knee which is observed at the age of 30 years in 85% of the subjects afflicted (HAS report, June 2008). For all of these reasons, recourse to a surgical operation is frequent, in particular in young subjects. In France, 35,732 patients underwent a surgical operation in 2010, following a tearing of the ACL (Source PMSI 2010). The usual surgical techniques are based on replacing the ACL with an autologous transplant: the patellar tendon (Kenneth Jones technique) or the tendons of the medial rectus and semitendinosus muscle (DIDT technique). The utilisation of an autograft is not however devoid of disadvantages (morbidity linked to tissue sampling, anchoring defect of the graft on the bone and tearing rate that is still too high with a failure rate estimated to be about 15%) and induces substantial recovery delays for resuming sports activities (>6 months). The alternative consists in replacing the torn ligament with a synthetic ligament prosthesis which decreases the iatrogenicity of the surgical procedure and offers immediate mechanical support. This latter solution is proposed by certain surgeons to high-level athletes for whom the functional recovery has to be fast and to patients afflicted with multi-ligament injuries which are less frequent but more serious. In this latter case, the absence of transplants in a sufficient quantity can lead to the use of allografts that have a risk of viral transmission or to using, for the posterior cruciate ligament, a synthetic ligament prosthesis as a healing aid. There is also an economic interest for this use through the decrease in the indirect costs linked to the periods of functional rehabilitation and stoppage of activity. The development of artificial ligaments in the years 1970-80 had for ambition to overcome the insufficiencies and complications linked to ligament autografts and allografts. Many artificial ligaments have been proposed, first made of carbon, then of poly(ethylene), poly(ethylene terephtalate) (Leeds-Keio ligament), poly(propylene) (Kennedy Ligament Augmentation Device), or poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (Gore-tex, or ABC Surgicraft). Although the results of these ligaments in the treating of ACL tearing were good in the short term, the choice of materials was entirely inadequate and because of this their low resistance to abrasion, their high rate of rupture in fatigue and their low integration naturally favoured the failures observed in the middle term. The production of ligament debris by fragmentation was the source of inflammatory synovitis and of definitive chondral lesions. The histological examination of the explanted ligaments has furthermore shown that the tissue colonisation was inhomogeneous and that it constituted more of a destructuring elements than a mechanical strengthening elements. After a phase of initial enthusiasm, the use of these ligaments therefore gradually became limited for use as a material for reinforcing an autologous ligament structure rather than as a genuine substitute. The poor results with these first ligaments resulted in a non-recommendation for them in the framework of ligamentoplasty as a first-line for anterior cruciate in France. During the years 1990 to 2000, a 2nd generation of synthetic ligament was developed and made it possible to propose an innovative solution in this specific field (Ligaments LARS). The LARS prosthesis (artificial ligament made of PET) which constitutes via its innovative structure the second generation of ligament prostheses has been one of the mostly widely used artificial ligaments for about fifteen years. However, since no one today knows the long-term impact of the presence of a synthetic structure in the joint of the knee, third-generation artificial ligaments have also been proposed. These bioactive artificial ligaments that can be used without a hostile reaction of the host, described in patent FR0300495, make it possible to improve the tissue colonisation and functionality of the tissues and the bone anchoring. In order to overcome these insufficiencies, this application proposes to develop a bioactive and biodegradable (bio-hybrid) ligament that does not have any of the defects of current ligaments and which constitutes a medical device that is easy to manipulate by the practitioner and which induces a genuine regeneration of the injured tissue. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As such this invention relates in particular to an artificial ligament prosthesis which is notable in that it comprises a layer totally or partly consisting of biodegradable fibres and advantageously of PCL. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said artificial ligament is an articular or periarticular ligament. According to an entirely preferred embodiment, said artificial ligament is an anterior or posterior cruciate ligament. Advantageously, said ligament prosthesis is constituted of said layer rolled or folded over itself, said layer comprises entirely advantageously two intra-osseous end portions and an intermediate intra-articular portion. Said intermediate portion is preferentially comprised of a web of longitudinal weft threads, adjacent and not connected together transversely. When the ligament is mounted, a longitudinal twist is given to each active thread, resulting in a dextrorotatory or a laevorotatory ligament that reproduces the natural twisting of ligaments in flexion. In the framework of this invention, the term “biodegradable” refers to materials that can be broken down once in place in the organism. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the term “biodegradable” refers to fibres able to lose between 1 and 100% of their constituents in a period of exposure to physiological conditions between 1 month and 4 years. According to an entirely preferred embodiment of the invention the term biodegradable refers to the materials selected from the group comprising poly ε-caprolactone (PCL), copolymers of ε-caprolactone and of lactic acid (L and D) or of glycolic acids, copolymers of glycolic and lactic acids (L and D), polydioxanone, polyhydroxyalcanoate and copolymers of these various molecules. Entirely advantageously, said biodegradable fibres are PCL fibres. This type of ligament made of PCL, a material of which the biocompatibility is well known, has an extremely high resistance to traction, flexion and torsion forces. Polycaprolactone (PCL) was widely used in the 1970's and 1980's in the field of biodegradable suture threads, and use of it has slowly decreased to the benefit of more quickly resorbable polyesters, such as PLGA. PCL is a semi-crystalline polymer with a high degree of crystallinity (˜50%) that has a glass transition temperature Tg of −60° C. and a melting temperature Tm of 60° C. As such, when used at 37° C., the macromolecular chains of PCL are in a highly “flexible” state allowing it to be used for the tissue engineering of soft tissues. Furthermore, use of it in the biomedical field has already been validated since a large number of drug delivery devices have received approval from the FDA and CE marking. PCL breaks down slowly (up to 4 years according to the molar mass and the morphology of the material) and does not generate any extreme acid environment during the degradation of it contrary to PLGA. As such, PCL undergoes a degradation in two steps: first of all, hydrolytic degradation until a decrease in the molar mass to 3,000 g.mol-1; then intracellular degradation which occurs after phagocytosis of the small fragments of PCL. The ligament prosthesis according to the invention is a biodegradable and “biointegrable” artificial ligament which makes it possible to take away all the apprehensions and uncertainties due to non-degradable synthetic supports. It is a prosthetic structure inspired by and similar to the native tissue, biodegradable while still being sterilisable. It can optionally be seeded in order to facilitate the formation of functional tissues with controlled cell and tissue activity, having the required mechanical properties. The prosthesis according to the invention is slowly resorbable in order to be gradually replaced with a functional tissue identical to that of the native ligament. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said biodegradable fibre has a diameter between 1 and 400 μm. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention said fibre has a molar mass between 1 and 200,000 g/mol. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said layer is totally comprised of PCL fibres. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, said biodegradable fibres are rendered biologically active by grafting a polymer. As such, said biodegradable fibres comprise biologically active polymers. According again to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said biologically active polymer is poly(styrene sodium sulfonate). As such, the ligament prosthesis according to the invention is conductive to the adhesion, proliferation, colonisation and cellular differentiation as well as to the production of an extracellular matrix in order to recreate a functional tissue. In order to ensure good fibroblastic “repopulation” of the prostheses according to the invention, this invention propose a method for the biomimetic functionalisation of said prostheses, method conferring on them in particular the capacity to mimic living materials in order to improve their biological integration. As such, this invention also relates to a method for treating artificial prostheses made of biodegradable fibres, in order to provide them with the capacity to mimic living materials, said method of biomimetic functionalisation being notable in that it comprises at least one step of grafting biologically active polymers or copolymers to the surface of the fibre of said prostheses, said step of grafting consists in carrying out a peroxidation of the surface par ozonation followed by a radical polymerisation with a solution of at least one monomer. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duration of ozonation for an ozone content of about 50 g/cm3is between 5 and 90 min. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the monomer is styrene sodium sulfonate. According again to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the solution of monomers has a concentration in monomer(s) between 5% and k %, where k is a concentration close to the solubility limit of the monomer(s) in the solution. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of grafting is preceded by an additional step of preparing the surface of the fibre in a solvent medium able to modify the surface via swelling only, or in a solvent medium then in an aqueous medium. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the solvent medium is comprised of ethyl ether, DMSO, hexane and/or ethyl ether. In the case of PCL fibres, the solvent medium is advantageously constituted of ethyl ether. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the solvent medium is constituted by at least one solvent able to modify the surface via swelling. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the solvent able to modify the surface by swelling is of the cyclic ether or aliphatic type having low or zero toxicity. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the solvent able to modify the surface by swelling is selected from the following group of solvents: tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of preparing the surface in an aqueous medium consists in hot-treating the polyester surface with an aqueous solution of alkaline or alkaline earth metal carbonate salts, such as for example Na2CO3or CaCO3, in order to eliminate the manufacturing residue of the polyester present on its surface. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention said method comprises an additional step of impregnation of the prosthesis after the step of grafting by one or several biochemical agents that favour colonisation by fibroblasts. According finally to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the biochemical agent is a protein from the family of fibronectins and/or type I and/or III collagen. The method according to the invention is here applied to ligament prostheses that are already formed or to layers comprising biodegradable fibres that are part of the manufacture of said prostheses. Other advantages and characteristics shall appear better in the following description of the full alternate embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, of the ligament and of the method according to the invention.

11392861

FIELD The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing a vehicle sharing facility. BACKGROUND Traditionally, private hire vehicle resources are allocated exclusively to an individual booking. If the vehicle is booked to carry several passengers, then this arrangement is usually satisfactory. However, if a vehicle having more seats than the number of passengers in a booking is allocated, the extra capacity of the vehicle is not put to efficient use. Hitherto, while it may be possible for two or more passengers from separate bookings to share a vehicle, this is arranged on an ad hoc basis which can be haphazard and unstructured.

11516868

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a user terminal and a radio communication method in next-generation mobile communication systems. BACKGROUND ART In the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network, the specifications of Long Term Evolution (LTE) have been drafted for the purpose of further increasing high speed data rates, providing lower latency and so on (see Non-Patent Literature 1). For the purpose of further high capacity, advancement of LTE (LTE Rel. 8, Rel. 9), and so on, the specifications of LTE-A (LTE-Advanced, LTE Rel. 10, Rel. 11, Rel. 12, Rel. 13) have been drafted. Successor systems of LTE (referred to as, for example, “FRA (Future Radio Access),” “5G (5th generation mobile communication system),” “5G+ (plus),” “NR (New Radio),” “NX (New radio access),” “FX (Future generation radio access),” “LTE Rel. 14,” “LTE Rel. 15” (or later versions), and so on) are also under study. In existing LTE systems (LTE Rel. 8 to Rel. 13), monitoring of a radio link quality (radio link monitoring (RLM)) is performed. When the radio link quality measured in the RLM meets a certain condition, a radio link failure (RLF) is detected. CITATION LIST Non-Patent Literature Non-Patent Literature 1: 3GPP TS 36.300 V8.12.0 “Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); Overall description; Stage 2 (Release 8),” April, 2010 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem In future radio communication systems (for example, LTE Rel. 15 or later versions, NR, 5G, 5G+, or the like), it is assumed that reconfiguration of an RRC connection (RRC connection reconfiguration) is required in a case of updating (or changing) a configuration of a measurement reference signal for the radio link quality in the RLM (also referred to as a reference signal for RLM, an RLM-RS (Radio Link Monitoring-Reference Signal) or the like) (RLM-RS configuration). On the other hand, in the existing LTE systems (for example, LTE Rel. 8 to Rel. 13), it is not assumed that the RRC connection reconfiguration for the RLM-RS configuration is performed. Therefore, in the above future radio communication systems, in the case of the RRC connection reconfiguration for the RLM-RS configuration, an RLM behavior in a user terminal (UE RLM behavior) is not properly controlled during the RRC connection reconfiguration, which may result in that the RLF is not properly detected. The present invention has been made in light of the foregoing, and has an object to provide a user terminal and a radio communication method capable of properly detecting an RLF in a case that RRC connection reconfiguration for an RLM-RS configuration is performed. Solution to Problem A user terminal according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving section that receives an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection reconfiguration message including configuration information of a measurement reference signal for a radio link quality in radio link monitoring (RLM), and a control section that controls an RLM behavior concerning the RLM during an RRC connection reconfiguration based on the RRC connection reconfiguration message. Advantageous Effects of Invention According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an RLF can be properly detected in a case of an RRC connection reconfiguration for an RLM-RS configuration.

11477640

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of a Korean patent application number. 10-2018-0054578, filed on May 11, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND 1. Field The disclosure relates to a security protection method and apparatus in a wireless communication system. 2. Description of Related Art To meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic after commercialization of 4thgeneration (4G) communication systems, efforts have been made to develop 5thgeneration (5G) or pre-5G communication systems. For this reason, 5G or pre-5G communication systems are called ‘beyond 4G network’ communication systems or ‘post-long-term evolution (post-LTE) systems. 5G communication systems defined by the 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) are called New Radio (NR) systems. To achieve high data rates, implementation of 5G communication systems in an ultra-high frequency or millimeter-wave (mmWave) band (e.g., a 60-GHz band) is being considered. To reduce path loss and increase a transmission distance in the ultra-high frequency band for 5G communication systems, various technologies such as beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and large-scale antennas are being studied and applied to NR systems. To improve system networks for 5G communication systems, various technologies such as evolved small cells, advanced small cells, cloud radio access networks (cloud RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device communication (D2D), wireless backhaul, moving networks, cooperative communication, coordinated multi-points (CoMP), and interference cancellation have been developed. In addition, for 5G communication systems, advanced coding modulation (ACM) technologies such as hybrid frequency-shift keying (FSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) (hybrid FSK and QAM (FQAM)) and sliding-window superposition coding (SWSC), and advanced access technologies such as filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), and sparse code multiple access (SCMA), have been developed. The internet has evolved from a human-based connection network, where humans create and consume information, to the internet of things (IoT), where distributed elements such as objects exchange information with each other to process the information. Internet of everything (IoE) technology, in which the IoT technology is combined with, for example, technology for processing big data through connection with a cloud server, is emerging. To implement the IoT, various technological elements such as sensing technology, wired/wireless communication and network infrastructures, service interface technology, and security technology are required. In recent years, technologies related to sensor networks for connecting objects, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and machine-type communication (MTC) have been studied. In the IoT environment, intelligent internet technology (IT) services may be provided to collect and analyze data obtained from connected objects to create new value in human life. As existing information technology (IT) and various industries converge and combine with each other, the IoT may be applied to various fields such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, smart grids, health care, smart home appliances, and advanced medical services. Various attempts are being made to apply 5G communication systems to the IoT network. For example, technologies related to sensor networks, M2M communication, MTC, etc. are being implemented by using 5G communication technology including beamforming, MIMO, array antennas, etc. The application of Cloud-RAN as the above-described big data processing technology may be an example of the convergence of 5G communication technology and IoT technology. Because various services may be provided due to the development of mobile communication systems, methods capable of effectively providing these services are required. The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure. SUMMARY Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method capable of effectively providing services in a mobile communication system. Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method of performing a security mode control procedure by a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes performing, over a 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) access, a first authentication procedure and a first key agreement procedure with an access and mobility management function (AMF), wherein a key set identifier (ngKSI) is changed during the first authentication procedure and the first key agreement procedure, receiving, from the AMF over the 3GPP access, a first security mode command message including the ngKSI, and receiving, from the AMF over a non-3GPP access, a second security mode command message including the ngKSI, wherein the UE is registered to the AMF and a same public land mobile network (PLMN) over both the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access. The ngKSI may correspond to security context changed based on the first authentication procedure and the first key agreement procedure. The method may further include transmitting, to the AMF, a first security mode complete message in response to the first security mode command message, and transmitting, to the AMF, a second security mode complete message in response to the second security mode command message. The method may further include performing, over a non-3GPP access, a second authentication procedure and a second key agreement procedure with the AMF, wherein a ngKSI is changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure, receiving, from the AMF over the non-3GPP access, a third security mode command message including the ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure, and receiving, from the AMF over a 3GPP access, a fourth security mode command message including the ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure. The ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure may correspond to security context changed based on the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a user equipment (UE) includes a transceiver, and at least one controller (e.g., at least one processor) connected to the transceiver and configured to perform, over a 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) access, a first authentication procedure and a first key agreement procedure with an access and mobility management function (AMF), wherein a key set identifier (ngKSI) is changed during the first authentication procedure and the first key agreement procedure, receive, from the AMF over the 3GPP access, a first security mode command message including the ngKSI, and receive, from the AMF over a non-3GPP access, a second security mode command message including the ngKSI, wherein the UE is registered to the AMF and a same public land mobile network (PLMN) over both the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access. The ngKSI may correspond to security context changed based on the first authentication procedure and the first key agreement procedure. The at least one controller may be further configured to transmit, to the AMF, a first security mode complete message in response to the first security mode command message, and transmit, to the AMF, a second security mode complete message in response to the second security mode command message. The at least one controller may be further configured to perform, over a non-3GPP access, a second authentication procedure and a second key agreement procedure with the AMF, wherein a ngKSI is changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure, receive, from the AMF over the non-3GPP access, a third security mode command message including the ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure, and receive, from the AMF over a 3GPP access, a fourth security mode command message including the ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure. The ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure may correspond to security context changed based on the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of performing a security mode control procedure by an access and mobility management function (AMF) includes performing, over a 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) access, a first authentication procedure and a first key agreement procedure with a user equipment (UE), wherein a key set identifier (ngKSI) is changed during the first authentication procedure and the first key agreement procedure, transmitting, to the UE over the 3GPP access, a first security mode command message including the ngKSI, and transmitting, to the UE over a non-3GPP access, a second security mode command message including the ngKSI, wherein the UE is registered to the AMF and a same public land mobile network (PLMN) over both the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access. The ngKSI may correspond to security context changed based on the first authentication procedure and the first key agreement procedure. The method may further include receiving, from the UE, a first security mode complete message in response to the first security mode command message, and receiving, from the UE, a second security mode complete message in response to the second security mode command message. The method may further include performing, over a non-3GPP access, a second authentication procedure and a second key agreement procedure with the UE, wherein a ngKSI is changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure, transmitting, to the UE over the non-3GPP access, a third security mode command message including the ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure, and transmitting, to the UE over a 3GPP access, a fourth security mode command message including the ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure. The ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure may correspond to security context changed based on the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure. In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, an access and mobility management function (AMF) includes a transceiver, and at least one controller connected to the transceiver and configured to perform, over a 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) access, a first authentication procedure and a first key agreement procedure with a user equipment (UE), wherein a key set identifier (ngKSI) is changed during the first authentication procedure and the first key agreement procedure, transmit, to the UE over the 3GPP access, a first security mode command message including the ngKSI, and transmit, to the UE over a non-3GPP access, a second security mode command message including the ngKSI, wherein the UE is registered to the AMF and a same public land mobile network (PLMN) over both the 3GPP access and the non-3GPP access. The ngKSI may correspond to security context changed based on the first authentication procedure and the first key agreement procedure. The at least one controller may be further configured to receive, from the UE, a first security mode complete message in response to the first security mode command message, and receive, from the UE, a second security mode complete message in response to the second security mode command message. The at least one controller may be further configured to perform, over a non-3GPP access, a second authentication procedure and a second key agreement procedure with the UE, wherein a ngKSI is changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure, transmit, to the UE over the non-3GPP access, a third security mode command message including the ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure, and transmit, to the UE over a 3GPP access, a fourth security mode command message including the ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure. The ngKSI changed during the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure may correspond to security context changed based on the second authentication procedure and the second key agreement procedure. Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

11373591

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is based upon and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010624042.8, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosure relates to the field of display screen technologies, and more particularly, to a display control method, a display control device, and a computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is also known as an organic electroluminescent diode or an organic light-emitting semiconductor. OLED is a current-mode organic light-emitting device, which causes an occurrence of light-emitting phenomenon through injection and recombination of current carriers. A light-emitting intensity is proportional to a magnitude of an injected current. OLED display technologies may include a passive mode (passive matrix, i.e., PM-OLED) and an active mode (active matrix, i.e., AMOLED) based on driving modes. Active matrix (AM) refers to a technology behind addressing of pixels. AMOLED is a mainstream device widely used in existing display devices. The AMOLED may include an electro-luminescence (EL) layer, a control circuit, and other layers. Components of the control circuit may have process defects. When a display screen is operating, charges are accumulated in the control circuit due to the process defects. When the charges are not discharged immediately and a value of accumulated charges is too large, temporary afterimages on display frames are caused easily, thereby affecting user experience. SUMMARY According to a first aspect of embodiments of the disclosure, a display control method is applicable for an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen including a pixel circuit. The display control method includes: determining a drive charge amount for driving a display of a current pixel, and a threshold for charge amount determination for the pixel circuit, wherein the threshold for charge amount determination is configured to trigger a start of determining an accumulated charge amount in the pixel circuit; and in response to the drive charge amount being less than the threshold for charge amount determination, adjusting the drive charge amount for driving the display of the current pixel. According to a second aspect of embodiments of the disclosure, a display control device is applicable for an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen including a pixel circuit. The display control device includes: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor. The processor is configured to perform: determining a drive charge amount for driving a display of a current pixel, and a threshold for charge amount determination for the pixel circuit, wherein the threshold for charge amount determination is configured to trigger a start of determining an accumulated charge amount in the pixel circuit; and in response to the drive charge amount being less than the threshold for charge amount determination, adjusting the drive charge amount for driving the display of the current pixel. According to a third aspect of embodiments of the disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium has stored therein instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the display control method according to the first aspect. It is understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the disclosure.

11351189

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to methods of treating optic disorders using downstream folate compounds and/or methylcobalamin. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disorders causing visual impairment are numerous. Optic neuropathy is a medical disorder involving visual impairment related to optic nerve damage. The primary symptom of optic neuropathy is vision loss, which is generally bilateral, painless, gradual, and progressive. This vision loss often initially presents as a change in color vision, or dyschromatopsia, and also often begins with a centralized blurring, followed by a progressive decline in visual acuity. The vision loss from optic neuropathy can result in total blindness. Other clinical diagnoses frequently accompany optic neuropathy, including optic nerve head drusen, or accumulations of extracellular material on the optic nerve head, and/or papillitis, or inflammation of the optic nerve head. There are many forms of optic neuropathy which are generally delineated based upon the cause of the neuropathy. One such form is toxic optic neuropathy, meaning nerve damage resulting from the presence of toxic compounds, such as methanol, ethylene glycol, ethambutol, or certain antibiotics. Another form of optic neuropathy is nutritional optic neuropathy, which is caused by certain nutritional deficiencies. The most common nutritional deficiencies that result in optic neuropathy are B-vitamin deficiencies, such as thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, or folic acid deficiency. (See, e.g., Glaser J S: Nutritional and toxic optic neuropathies. In: Glaser J S, ed., Neuro-ophthalmology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999: 181-6; Lessell S: Nutritional deficiency and toxic optic neuropathies. In: Albert D M, Jakobiec F A, eds., Principles and Practice of Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000: 4169-76; and Phillips P: Toxic and deficiency optic neuropathies. In: Miller N R, Newman N J, Walsh F B, Hoyt W F, eds., Walsh and Hoyt's Clinical Neuro-ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005: 447-63). In cases of nutritional optic neuropathy, the treatment generally employed is to increase the intake of the deficient nutrient. For example, when the optic neuropathy is caused by folic acid deficiency, the disorder can be successfully treated by folic acid supplementation (see, e.g., P. de Silva, et al., Folic acid deficiency optic neuropathy: A case report, Journal of Medical Case Reports 2:299 (2008)). Retinopathies are another common optic disorder. Retinopathies are disorders that present as non-inflammatory damage to the retina of the eye. Like neuropathies, retinopathies can have numerous causes and are frequently delineated based upon their cause, such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and genetic retinopathy. (Wright, et al., Homocysteine, folates, and the eye, Eye (Land), August, 2008, 22(8):989-93, available online Dec. 7, 2007; Abu El-Asrar, et al., Hyperhomocysteinemia and retinal vascular occlusive disease, Eur. J. Ophthalmol., November-December 2002, 12(6):495-500; Becker et al., Epidemiology of homocysteine as a risk factor in diabetes, Metab. Syndr. Relat. Disord., June 2003, 1(2)105-20; Faye A Fishman, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 2002). Macular degeneration is yet another common optic disorder. Macular degeneration is an optic disorder characterized by vision loss due to damage to the center of the retina, or macula. This retinal damage is caused by damage to the blood vessels that supply that macula. To a large extent, it is unknown what ultimately causes this blood vessel damage that results in macular degeneration and there is no known treatment for macular degeneration at this time, though vitamin supplements have been suggested to slow the progression of macular degeneration. (Health News, B vitamins may be “silver bullet” for age-related macular degeneration: Daily supplementation with folic acid plus vitamins B6 and B12 may reduce risk of AMD by 35-40 percent, May 2009, 15(5):8-9; Mary Bekker, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, 2002). Dry Eye Syndrome is still another optic disorder. This disorder, also called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Keratitis Sicca, is caused by decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation. This disorder is usually bilateral and is characterized by dryness and irritation of the eye, frequently getting worse as the day goes on. (“Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca” in The Merck Manual, Home Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., 2003, available at http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec20/ch230/ch230d.html.). Folate is a required nutrient and is frequently added to processed foods, such as cereals and breads, in the form of folic acid. However, folic acid is not itself a generally useful form of folate from a metabolic standpoint. Instead, folic acid is converted, through a series of enzymatic steps, to more metabolically active forms of folate via the folate cycle. In the folate cycle, folic acid is first converted into dihydrofolate (DHF) in the presence of vitamin B3. Also with the aid of vitamin B3, DHF is in turn converted into tetrahydrofolate (THF). THF is then converted into 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5,10-METHF), either directly or via 5-formiminotetrahydrofolate (5FITHF) and 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate intermediates. As a part of this same general process, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (folinic acid), another folate compound, is also converted into 5,10-METHF, again via a 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate intermediate. Finally, 5,10-METHF is converted to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5MTHF), also called L-methylfolate, levomefolic acid, levomefolate, (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (6S-5MTHF), which is the predominant metabolically active form of folate. (Hasselwander et al., 5-Methyltetrahydofolate—the active form of folic acid, Functional Foods, 2000 Conference Proceedings, pp 48-59; Kelly et al., Unmetabolized folic acid in serum: acute studies in subjects consuming fortified food and supplements, Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 1997, 65:1790-95). While this is the ideal path for metabolism of folic acid, as many as 50% of population may have a reduced ability to effectively convert folic acid into its useable form. (Klerk et al., MTHFR 677 C-T polymorphism and risk of coronary heart disease: A Meta-analysis, JAMA, 2002, 288:2023-30). Because of this, it is possible to have insufficient amounts of metabolically useful folate despite having adequate folic acid intake. The folate cycle is not isolated, but rather interacts with, and in some cases is intertwined with, other metabolic cycles. For example, the folate cycle interacts with the methylation cycle (also known as the methionine cycle), which produces methionine from homocysteine. More specifically, 5MTHF produced by the folate cycle donates a methyl group which ultimately allows methionine to be produced from homocysteine. Additionally, the folate cycle interacts with the BH4 cycle, which produces tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) from dihydrobiopterin (BH2). In this case, the interaction between the cycles involves both cycles utilizing a common enzyme: methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFr). Because of these complex interactions, malfunctions in one cycle can cause subsequent malfunctions in the other, related cycles. For example, if an individual has a malfunction in the folate cycle such that insufficient 5MTHF is produced, this can cause a buildup of homocysteine and a deficiency of methionine due to an inability of that individual to use the former to produce the latter. Vitamin B-12 is also intimately linked to the folate cycle. For instance, vitamin B-12 is an important cofactor in the metabolism of intermediate folate compounds, as well as being involved in multiple pathways that utilize L-methylfolate. One example of vitamin B-12's involvement in a pathway that involves L-methylfolate is again in the conversion of homocysteine into methionine. As stated above, 5MTHF donates a methyl group that eventually results in conversion of homocysteine into methionine. That methyl group is transferred from 5MTHF to cobalamin, an unmethylated form of vitamin B-12, thereby producing the methyl form of vitamin B-12, methylcobalamin (also called methyl-B12). Methylcobalamin in turn donates the methyl group to homocysteine to convert it into methionine. Thus, if an individual has an inadequate supply of vitamin B-12, the conversion of homocysteine to methionine will be negatively impacted. Vitamin B-12 is also important in other ways, such as being necessary for nerve repair and nerve health. Because of this, deficiencies in vitamin B-12 and methylcobalamin in particular, can lead to serious complications, such as pernicious anemia. Because the cycles in which many of these nutrients are involved contain multiple enzymatic steps, they are prone to malfunction. Such malfunction can result, for example, from environmental toxins, ingested chemical compounds or toxins, metabolic imbalances, or genetic polymorphisms in the enzymes which carry out the process steps. For instance, the enzyme MTHFr is involved in the folate cycle. More specifically, this enzyme is at least partially responsible for converting 5,10-METHF into 5MTHF. Mutations in the portion of this enzyme that is involved in this conversion are known to exist. One such mutation, the C677T mutation, is known to slow down the folate cycle activity of this enzyme, resulting in reduced production of 5MTHF from its precursor product(s). For instance, individuals with this particular polymorphism have reduced CNS L-methylfolate. (Surtees et al., Association of cerebrospinal fluid deficiency of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, but not S-adenosylmethionine, with reduced concentrations of the acid metabolites of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine, Clinical Science, 1994, 86:697-702). Moreover, approximately 70% of patients with diabetic retinopathy have this genetic polymorphism. (Sun et al., The relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms, plasma homocysteine levels and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic meilitus, Chin. Med. J., 2003, 116 (1): 145-7). MTHFr is also susceptible to mutation in those portions of the enzyme with activities outside the folate cycle. For instance, another function of MTHFr is the conversion of dihydrobiopterin (BH2) to tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in the BH4 cycle. BH4 is subsequently involved in multiple other biological pathways and is essential in the synthesis of numerous catecholamines (e.g., dopamine and noradrenaline/norepinephrine) and indolamines (e.g., serotonin and melatonin), as well nitric oxide synthases, which are involved in immune functions as well as vascularization. As such, a mutation in the portion of MTHFr responsible for BH4 cycle activity, such as the A1298C polymorphism, can cause a disruption in the BH4 pathway and subsequent malfunctions in numerous downstream pathways. For example, the A1298C polymorphism has been associated with glaucoma, with higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, and with incidence of eye disease, such as retinopathy. (Shazia et al., MTHFR and A1298C polymorphism and homocysteine levels in primary open angle and primary closed angle glaucoma, Molecular Vision, 2009, 15:2268-2278; Haviv et al., The common mutations C677T and A1298C in the human methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene are associated with hyperhomocysteinemia and cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients, Nephron, September 2002, 92(1):120-6; Targher et al., Diabetic retinopathy is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events in Type 2 diabetic patients., Diabetic Medicine, 2008, 25:45-50). Moreover, because these multiple cycles are intricately intertwined, a single malfunction can have far-reaching effects. Anything that breaks down the methylation cycles impacts nitric oxide levels, affects red blood cell function, increases inflammation, causes immune system malfunctions, causes detoxification system malfunctions, causes antioxidant system malfunctions, and negatively impacts our ability to heal and repair. The results of this are reduced blood flow and reduced red blood cells, both of which cause less nutrients and oxygen to get to the eyes; increased inflammation; and reduced detoxification. All of this has been linked to Diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma, Dry Eyes, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), branch retinal artery occlusion, a central retinal artery occlusion, a branch retinal vein occlusion, a central vein occlusion, optic neuropathy, and optic neuritis. Because of the fortification of many processed foods, such as cereals and breads, with folic acid, excessive levels of folic acid may exist in much of the human population. For instance, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences recommends a daily intake of 150-600 .mu.g of folic acid depending on the individual's age and pregnancy status. Many folic acid fortified breakfast cereals supply this amount in a single serving, as do many daily multivitamins. In addition, fortified breads frequently supply 5-10% (or more) of the daily requirement in a single slice, while other fortified grains, such as rice, frequently supply 10-20% (or more) of the daily requirement in a single serving. Because of this, it is very common for an individual to have well over twice, and sometimes upwards of four times, the recommended daily intake of folic acid. (USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22, Content of Selected Foods per Common Measure, Folate, DFE sorted by nutrient content). This is somewhat troubling given that it has been suggested that excessive levels of folic acid might be detrimental in several regards. For instance, some studies have suggested an antagonistic effect of excess folic acid on the metabolically active form by demonstrating an inverse relationship between the amount of unmetabolized folic acid in the blood and the ability of L-methylfolate to cross cell membranes. (Wollack et al., Characterization of folate uptake by choroid plexus epithelial cells in a rat primary culture model, J. Neurochem. 2008; 104:1494-1503; Reynolds, Benefits and risks of folic acid to the nervous system, J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry, 2002, 72:567-71). Further, unmetabolized folic acid has been linked to increased risk of cancer, growth of abnormal cells, increased depression, neurological complications, and decreased immune response. (Troem et al., Unmetabolized Folic Acid in Plasma Is Associated with Reduced Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity among Postmenopausal Women, J. Nutr., 2006, 136:189-194; Smith et al., Pteridines and mono-amines: relevance to neurological damage, Postgrad. Med. J., 1986, 62(724):113-23; Asien et al., High-dose B vitamin supplementation and cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease: a randomized controlled trial, JAMA, 2008, 300(15):1774-83). The presence of unmetabolized folic acid in the body has not heretofore been linked with pathological conditions of the eye. However, active folate and active vitamin B-12 have been found to improve corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) and branch density, for example in patients with diabetic neuropathies. (Quattrini et al., Surrogate Markers of Small Fiber Damage in Human Diabetic Neuropathy, Diabetes, 2007, 56(8):2148-54). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed toward methods of treating optic disorders using downstream folate compounds and, optionally, methylcobalamin. One aspect of the present invention is a method of improving or alleviating an optic disorder or the symptoms related thereto in a non-folic acid-deficient subject organism, the method comprising a) identifying a non-folic acid-deficient subject organism suffering from an optic neuropathy, and b) administering to the subject organism an effective amount of one or more downstream folate compounds. In other aspects, the invention further involves c) decreasing the subject organism's intake of folic acid. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the subject organism is a human. In other embodiments, the one or more downstream folate compounds are selected from the group consisting of DHF, THF, 5FITHF, 5,10-METHF, and L-methylfolate. In particular embodiments, the downstream folate compounds comprise L-methylfolate. In other particular embodiments, the L-methylfolate is provided in a dose of 1 mcg-25 mg/day. In other embodiments, the L-methylfolate is provided in a dose of 1-25 mg/day. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of improving visual acuity in a subject organism, the method comprising 1) identifying a non-folic acid-deficient subject organism with a) reduced visual acuity, b) an optic disorder which can cause reduced visual acuity, and c) a malfunction in one or more of the folate cycle and BH4 cycle; and 2) administering to the subject organism an effective amount of one or more downstream folate compounds to improve the subject organism's visual acuity. In other aspects, the invention further involves3) decreasing the subject organism's intake of folic acid. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the malfunction in one or more of the folate cycle and BH4 cycle is one or more of the C677T and A1298C mutations. In certain other embodiments, the subject organism possesses both of the C677T and A1298C mutations. In still further embodiments, the optic disorder is selected from the group consisting of optic neuropathy, retinopathy, macular degeneration, or optic atrophy. In yet other embodiments, the subject organism is a human. In still further embodiments, the one or more downstream folate compounds are selected from the group consisting of DHF, THF, 5FITHF, 5,10-METHF, and L-methylfolate. In certain embodiments, the downstream folate compounds comprise L-methylfolate. In particular embodiments, the L-methylfolate is provided in a dose of 1-25 mg/day. Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of improving visual acuity in a subject organism, the method comprising1) identifying a subject organism with a) reduced visual acuity, b) an optic disorder which can cause reduced visual acuity, c) a malfunction in one or more of the folate cycle and BH4 cycle, d) above normal homocysteine levels, and e) deficiencies in vitamin B-12 and vitamin D; and 2) administering to the subject organism an effective amount of one or more downstream folate compounds and methyl-B12. In other aspects, the invention further involves 3) decreasing the subject organism's intake of folic acid In yet other aspects, the invention further involves administering an effective amount of one or both of vitamin B6 and vitamin D3. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the malfunction in one or more of the folate cycle and BH4 cycle is one or more of the C677T and A1298C mutations. In certain other embodiments, the subject organism possesses both of the C677T and A1298C mutations. In still further embodiments, the optic disorder is selected from the group consisting of optic neuropathy, retinopathy, macular degeneration, or optic atrophy. In yet other embodiments, the subject organism is a human. In still further embodiments, the one or more downstream folate compounds are selected from the group consisting of DHF, THF, 5FITHF, 5,10-METHF, and L-methylfolate. In certain embodiments, the downstream folate compounds comprise L-methylfolate. In particular embodiments, the L-methylfolate is provided in a dose of 1-25 mg/day. In other particular embodiments, the methyl-B12 is administered in a dose of 1-2.5 mg/day.

11265767

TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosed embodiments relate generally to wireless communication, and, more particularly, to method of handling of Multi-Access (MA) PDU session during inter-system change between 5G system (5GS) and 4G LTE systems. BACKGROUND The wireless communications network has grown exponentially over the years. A Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system offers high peak data rates, low latency, improved system capacity, and low operating cost resulting from simplified network architecture. LTE systems, also known as the 4G system, also provide seamless integration to older wireless network, such as GSM, CDMA and Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). In LTE systems, an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) includes a plurality of evolved Node-Bs (eNodeBs or eNBs) communicating with a plurality of mobile stations, referred to as user equipments (UEs). The 3rdgeneration partner project (3GPP) network normally includes a hybrid of 2G/3G/4G systems. The Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) board, has decided to focus the future NGMN activities on defining the end-to-end requirements for 5G new radio (NR) systems. In 5G/NR, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session defines the association between the UE and the data network that provides a PDU connectivity service. The PDU session establishment is a parallel procedure of PDN connection (bearer) procedure in 4G/LTE. Each PDU session is identified by a PDU session ID (PSI), and may include multiple QoS flows and QoS rules. Each PDU session can be established via a 5G Access Network (e.g., 3GPP radio access network (RAN), or via a non-3GPP RAN). The network/UE can initiate different PDU session procedures, e.g., PDU session establishment, PDU session modification, and PDU session release. Due to new radio conditions, load balancing, or due to specific service, different handover procedures and intersystem change are used to handover a UE from a source 5G access network to a target 5G access or to a target 4G access network. Operators are seeking ways to balance data traffic between mobile networks and non-3GPP access in a way that is transparent to users and reduces mobile network congestion. In 5GS, UEs that can be simultaneously connected to both 3GPP access and non-3GPP access (using 3GPP NAS signalling), thus the 5GS able to take advantage of these multiple accesses to improves the user experience, optimizes the traffic distribution across various accesses. Accordingly, 3GPP introduced Multi Access (MA) PDU session in 5GS. A MA PDU session uses one 3GPP access network or one non-3GPP access network at a time, or simultaneously one 3GPP access network and one non-3GPP access network. In addition, the UE and network can support Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) functionalities to distribute traffic over 3GPP access and non-3GPP access for the established MA PDU session. However, UE behavior is undefined on how to handle the MA PDU session when inter-system changes from 5GS to EPS. A solution is sought. SUMMARY A method of handling multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session under inter-system change is proposed. An MA PDU session uses one 3GPP access network or one non-3GPP access network at a time, or simultaneously one 3GPP access network and one non-3GPP access network. The US and network can support Access Traffic Steering Switching and Splitting (ATSSS) functionalities to distribute traffic over 3GPP access and non-3GPP access for the established MA PDU session. Upon intersystem change from 5GS to EPS over the 3GPP access, if interworking with EPS is supported, the 3GPP part of an MA PDU session is transferred to a PDN connection, and the non-3GPP part of the MA PDU session is released. The QoS flows of the MA PDU session over both 3GPP access type and non-3GPP access type are transferred to the EPS bearer contexts of the corresponding PDN connection. On the other hand, if interworking with EPS is not supported, the MA PDU session is maintained in 5GS over non-3GPP access type. Data traffic of the MA PDU session over the 3GPP access type is transferred to the non-3GPP access type. In one embodiment, a UE performs registration in a 5G mobile communication network. The UE establishes a multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session in 5G system (5GS). The MA PDU session has a PDU session ID (PSI) and is established over both a first radio access technology (RAT) access type and a second RAT access type. The UE performs an inter-system change from 5GS to evolved packet system (EPS). The UE transfers the MA PDU session to a corresponding Packet Data Network (PDN) connection over the first RAT access type in EPS. The MA PDU session over the first RAT access type is transferred to the PDN connection and the MA PDU session over the second RAT access type is released. In another embodiment, a UE performs registration in a 5G mobile communication network. The UE establishes a multi-access (MA) Protocol data unit (PDU) session in 5G system (5GS). The MA PDU session has a PDU session ID (PSI) and is established over both a first radio access technology (RAT) access type and a second RAT access type. The UE performs an inter-system change from 5GS to evolved packet system (EPS). The UE determines that the MA PDU session is not converted to a corresponding protocol data network (PDN) connection in EPS. Data traffic over the first RAT access type of the MA PDU session is then transferred to the second RAT access type in 5GS. Other embodiments and advantages are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.

11507863

BACKGROUND Modern mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) may contain many applications. Certain applications may be designed to enable a user to interact with or communicate with other users. For instance, in addition to providing the capabilities of placing phone calls and sending SMS text messages, modern mobile devices may contain communication applications for composing email messages, instant messages, and for initiating video calls and video conferences. As modern mobile devices become more integrated with modern day life, the number of communication applications and contacts stored on the mobile devices increases. It is not uncommon for modern mobile phones to have multiple applications that can be used to interact with other users. Having numerous applications for interacting with people may allow the mobile device to be particularly useful to the user; however, it may be difficult and time consuming for the user to find and select a desired recipient amongst all of available contacts that the user wishes to interact or communicate with. BRIEF SUMMARY Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide suggested applications for a user of a computing device. The suggestions can be provided on a user interface for a user to select, thereby increasing efficiency for the user, who would otherwise have to perform additional actions or keystrokes to perform the selection. A suggestion engine can use historical user interactions that include applications (potentially used to communicate with a recipient) and contextual data to determine which application to suggest. The user interactions may occur in a variety of ways, e.g., after a content object has been selected within a host application, where a communication application is selected thereafter. The historical user interactions may be mined to create a pattern model (behavior rules). The pattern model may operate on interaction data stored in a database to generate rules based on identified repetitive patterns of features. The rules may then be applied to the current context of the mobile device and filtered to determine a set of rules relevant to the current context. Features may be derived from the relevant rules and input to a machine learning model adapted to the specific interactions of the user. One or more suggestions for an application to use can be provided by the machine learning model, with the suggestions provided on a user interface for selecting. As an example, based on the input features, the machine learning model may rank the rules in order of their importance for suggesting an application a recipient, or both. Suggestions for an application, a recipient, or both, may be extracted from the ranked rules and can be displayed on a user interface in an order of probability of selection by the user as determined by the machine learning model. These and other embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. For example, other embodiments are directed to systems, devices, and computer readable media associated with methods described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments of the present invention may be gained with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

11392083

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus to which a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge are detachably attachable. BACKGROUND There has been conventionally known an image forming apparatus to which a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge are detachably attachable. In the conventional image forming apparatus, the drum cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus after the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. Generally, the lifetime of a drum cartridge is longer than the lifetime of a toner cartridge. Accordingly, a plurality of toner cartridges are used in succession with respect to a single drum cartridge such that when toner runs out in one toner cartridge, for example, the toner cartridge is replaced with the next toner cartridge. SUMMARY However, if the initial toner cartridge and the subsequent toner cartridges are used under the same conditions, the amount of toner supplied from a toner cartridge to the drum cartridge may vary among the respective toner cartridges, failing to stabilize print density. The disclosure has been made in view of the above-described problem and an object thereof is to stabilize the print density of an image forming apparatus. According to one aspect, the disclosure provides an image forming apparatus including an apparatus body, a controller, a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. The drum cartridge is detachably attachable to the apparatus body. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a drum memory. The drum memory stores data of a cumulative number of drum rotations of the photosensitive drum. The toner cartridge is configured to be used to perform image formation together with the drum cartridge. A first toner cartridge is used as the toner cartridge, before a second toner cartridge is used as the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge includes a developing roller and a toner memory. The developing roller is configured to be applied with a developing bias. A first developing bias is the developing bias applied to the developing roller of the first toner cartridge. A second developing bias is the developing bias applied to the second toner cartridge. The toner memory stores data of a cumulative dot count. An initial developing bias is the developing bias that is applied to the developing roller of the toner cartridge when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the toner cartridge is equal to zero. A first initial developing bias is the initial developing bias for the first toner cartridge. A second initial developing bias is the initial developing bias for the second toner cartridge. The controller is configured to perform determining a value of the first initial developing bias based on the cumulative number of drum rotations that is stored in the drum memory at the time when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the first toner cartridge is equal to zero. After determining the first initial developing bias, the controller is configured to perform determining a value of the second initial developing bias based on the cumulative number of drum rotations that is stored in the drum memory at the time when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the second toner cartridge is equal to zero. The value of the second initial developing bias is different from the value of the first initial developing bias. According to another aspect, the disclosure provides an image forming apparatus including an apparatus body, a controller, a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. The drum cartridge is detachably attachable to the main body. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, at least one of a transfer roller and a cleaning roller and a drum memory. Each of the transfer roller and the cleaning roller faces the photosensitive drum. The transfer roller is configured to be applied with a transfer current. The cleaning roller is configured to be applied with a cleaning bias. The drum memory stores data of a cumulative number of drum rotations of the photosensitive drum. The toner cartridge is configured to be used to perform image formation together with the drum cartridge. A first toner cartridge is used as the toner cartridge before a second toner cartridge is used as the toner cartridge. A first transfer current is the transfer current applied to the transfer roller when the first toner cartridge is used. A second transfer current is the transfer current applied to the transfer roller when the second toner cartridge is used. A first cleaning bias is the cleaning bias applied to the cleaning roller when the first toner cartridge is used. A second cleaning bias is the cleaning bias applied to the cleaning roller when the second toner cartridge is used. The toner cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a developing roller and a toner memory. The cartridge housing accommodates toner therein. The toner memory stores data of a cumulative dot count. An initial transfer current is the transfer current that is applied to the transfer roller when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the toner cartridge is equal to zero. A first initial transfer current is the initial transfer current that is applied to the transfer roller when the first toner cartridge is used. A second initial transfer current is the initial transfer current that is applied to the transfer roller when the second toner cartridge is used. An initial cleaning bias is the cleaning bias that is applied to the cleaning roller of the drum cartridge when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the toner cartridge is equal to zero. A first initial cleaning bias is the initial cleaning bias when the first toner cartridge is used. A second initial cleaning bias is the initial cleaning bias when the second toner cartridge is used. In a case where the drum cartridge includes the transfer roller, the controller is configured to perform determining a value of the first initial transfer current based on the cumulative number of drum rotations that is stored in the drum memory at the time when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the first toner cartridge is equal to zero. After determining the first initial transfer current, the controller is configured to perform determining a value of the second initial transfer current based on the cumulative number of drum rotations that is stored in the drum memory at the time when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the second toner cartridge is equal to zero. The value of the second initial transfer current is different from the value of the first initial transfer current. In a case where the drum cartridge includes the cleaning roller, the controller is configured to perform determining a value of the initial cleaning bias based on the cumulative number of drum rotations that is stored in the drum memory at the time when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the first toner cartridge is equal to zero. After determining the first initial cleaning bias, the controller is configured to perform determining a value of the second initial cleaning bias based on the cumulative number of drum rotations that is stored in the drum memory at the time when the cumulative dot count stored in the toner memory of the second toner cartridge is equal to zero. The value of the second initial cleaning bias is different from the value of the first initial cleaning bias.

11436078

BACKGROUND Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuits in computers or other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory, including volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory requires power to maintain its data, and includes random-access memory (RAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), or synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM), among others. Non-volatile memory can retain stored data when not powered, and includes flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), static RAM (SRAM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), resistance variable memory, such as phase-change random-access memory (PCRAM), resistive random-access memory (RRAM), magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM), or 3D XPoint™ memory, among others. Flash memory is utilized as non-volatile memory for a wide range of electronic applications. Flash memory devices typically include one or more groups of one-transistor, floating gate or charge trap memory cells that allow for high memory densities, high reliability, and low power consumption. Two common types of flash memory array architectures include NAND and NOR architectures, named after the logic form in which the basic memory cell configuration of each is arranged. The memory cells of the memory array are typically arranged in a matrix. In an example, the gates of each floating gate memory cell in a row of the array are coupled to an access line (e.g., a word line). In a NOR architecture, the drains of each memory cell in a column of the array are coupled to a data line (e.g., a bit line). In a NAND architecture, the drains of each memory cell in a string of the array are coupled together in series, source to drain, between a source line and a bit line. Both NOR and NAND architecture semiconductor memory arrays are accessed through decoders that activate specific memory cells by selecting the word line coupled to their gates. In a NOR architecture semiconductor memory array, once activated, the selected memory cells place their data values on bit lines, causing different currents to flow depending on the state at which a particular cell is programmed. In a NAND architecture semiconductor memory array, a high bias voltage is applied to a drain-side select gate (SGD) line. Word lines coupled to the gates of the unselected memory cells of each group are driven at a specified pass voltage (e.g., Vpass) to operate the unselected memory cells of each group as pass transistors (e.g., to pass current in a manner unrestricted by their stored data values). Current then flows from the source line to the bit line through each series coupled group, restricted only by the selected memory cells of each group, placing current encoded data values of selected memory cells on the bit lines. Each flash memory cell in a NOR or NAND architecture semiconductor memory array can be programmed individually or collectively to one or a number of programmed states. For example, a single-level cell (SLC) can represent one of two programmed states (e.g., 1 or 0), representing one bit of data. However, flash memory cells can also represent one of more than two programmed states, allowing the manufacture of higher density memories without increasing the number of memory cells, as each cell can represent more than one binary digit (e.g., more than one bit). Such cells can be referred to as multi-state memory cells, multi-digit cells, or multi-level cells (MLCs). In certain examples, MLC can refer to a memory cell that can store two bits of data per cell (e.g., one of four programmed states), a triple-level cell (TLC) can refer to a memory cell that can store three bits of data per cell (e.g., one of eight programmed states), and a quad-level cell (QLC) can store four bits of data per cell. MLC is used herein in its broader context, to can refer to any memory cell that can store more than one bit of data per cell (i.e., that can represent more than two programmed states). Traditional memory arrays are two-dimensional (2D) structures arranged on a surface of a semiconductor substrate. To increase memory capacity for a given area, and to decrease cost, the size of the individual memory cells has decreased. However, there is a technological limit to the reduction in size of the individual memory cells, and thus, to the memory density of 2D memory arrays. In response, three-dimensional (3D) memory structures, such as 3D NAND architecture semiconductor memory devices, are being developed to further increase memory density and lower memory cost. Such 3D NAND devices often include strings of storage cells, coupled in series (e.g., drain to source), between one or more source-side select gates (SGSs) proximate a source, and one or more drain-side select gates (SGDs) proximate a bit line. In an example, the SGSs or the SGDs can include one or more field-effect transistors (FETs) or metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) structure devices, etc. In some examples, the strings will extend vertically, through multiple vertically spaced tiers containing respective word lines. A semiconductor structure (e.g., a polysilicon structure) may extend adjacent a string of storage cells to form a channel for the storages cells of the string. In the example of a vertical string, the polysilicon structure may be in the form of a vertically extending pillar. In some examples the string may be “folded,” and thus arranged relative to a U-shaped pillar. In other examples, multiple vertical structures may be stacked upon one another to form stacked arrays of storage cell strings. Memory arrays or devices can be combined together to form a storage volume of a memory system, such as a solid-state drive (SSD), a Universal Flash Storage (UFS™) device, a MultiMediaCard (MMC) solid-state storage device, an embedded MMC device (eMMC™), etc. An SSD can be used as, among other things, the main storage device of a computer, having advantages over traditional hard drives with moving parts with respect to, for example, performance, size, weight, ruggedness, operating temperature range, and power consumption. For example, SSDs can have reduced seek time, latency, or other delay associated with magnetic disk drives (e.g., electromechanical, etc.). SSDs use non-volatile memory cells, such as flash memory cells to obviate internal battery supply requirements, thus allowing the drive to be more versatile and compact.

11352589

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF THE SEQUENCE LISTING The official copy of the sequence listing is submitted electronically via EFS-Web as an ASCII formatted sequence listing with a file named 20161104_CL6278WOPCT_SequenceListing_ST25.txt created on Nov. 2, 2016 and having a size of 91,265 bytes and is filed concurrently with the specification. The sequence listing contained in this ASCII-formatted document is part of the specification and is filed herein incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. FIELD OF DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and derivatives thereof. Specially, the disclosure pertains to certain α-glucan polymers, derivatives of these α-glucans such as α-glucan ethers, and their use in fabric care and laundry care applications. BACKGROUND Driven by a desire to find new structural polysaccharides using enzymatic syntheses or genetic engineering of microorganisms, researchers have discovered oligosaccharides and polysaccharides that are biodegradable and can be made economically from renewably sourced feedstocks. Various saccharide oligomer compositions have been reported in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,486,314 discloses an α-glucan comprising at least 20, up to about 100,000 α-anhydroglucose units, 38-48% of which are 4-linked anhydroglucose units, 17-28% are 6-linked anhydroglucose units, and 7-20% are 4,6-linked anhydroglucose units and/or gluco-oligosaccharides containing at least two 4-linked anhydroglucose units, at least one 6-linked anhydroglucose unit and at least one 4,6-linked anhydroglucose unit. U.S. Patent Appl. Pub. No. 2010-0284972A1 discloses a composition for improving the health of a subject comprising an α-(1,2)-branched α-(1,6) oligodextran. U.S. Patent Appl. Pub. No. 2011-0020496A1 discloses a branched dextrin having a structure wherein glucose or isomaltooligosaccharide is linked to a non-reducing terminus of a dextrin through an α-(1,6) glycosidic bond and having a DE of 10 to 52. U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,586 discloses a branched maltodextrin composition comprising 22-35% (1,6) glycosidic linkages; a reducing sugars content of <20%; a polymolecularity index (Mp/Mn) of <5; and number average molecular weight (Mn) of 4500 g/mol or less. U.S. Pat. No. 7,612,198 discloses soluble, highly branched glucose polymers, having a reducing sugar content of less than 1%, a level of α-(1,6) glycosidic bonds of between 13 and 17% and a molecular weight having a value of between 0.9×105and 1.5×105daltons, wherein the soluble highly branched glucose polymers have a branched chain length distribution profile of 70 to 85% of a degree of polymerization (DP) of less than 15, of 10 to 14% of DP of between 15 and 25 and of 8 to 13% of DP greater than 25. Poly α-1,3-glucan has been isolated by contacting an aqueous solution of sucrose with a glucosyltransferase (gtf) enzyme isolated fromStreptococcus salivarius(Simpson et al.,Microbiology141:1451-1460, 1995). U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,000 disclosed the preparation of a polysaccharide fiber using anS. salivariusgtfJ enzyme. At least 50% of the hexose units within the polymer of this fiber were linked via α-1,3-glycosidic linkages. The disclosed polymer formed a liquid crystalline solution when it was dissolved above a critical concentration in a solvent or in a mixture comprising a solvent. From this solution continuous, strong, cotton-like fibers, highly suitable for use in textiles, were spun and used. Development of new glucan polysaccharides and derivatives thereof is desirable given their potential utility in various applications. It is also desirable to identify glucosyltransferase enzymes that can synthesize new glucan polysaccharides, especially those with mixed glycosidic linkages, and derivatives thereof. The materials would be attractive for use in fabric care and laundry care applications to alter rheology, act as a structuring agent, provide a benefit (preferably a surface substantive effect) to a treated fabric, textile and/or article of clothing (such as improved fabric hand, improved resistance to soil deposition, etc.). Many applications, such as laundry care, often include enzymes such as cellulases, proteases, amylases, and the like. As such, the glucan polysaccharides are preferably resistant to cellulase, amylase, and/or protease activity. SUMMARY In one embodiment, a fabric care composition is provided comprising:a. an α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition comprising:i. 25-35 α-(1,3) glycosidic linkages;ii. 55-75% α-(1,6) glycosidic linkages;iii. 5-15% α-(1,3,6) glycosidic linkages;iv. a weight average molecular weight of less than 5000 Daltons;v. a viscosity of less than 0.25 Pascal second (Pa·s) at 12 wt % in water 20° C.;vi. a solubility of at least 20% (w/w) in water at 25° C.; andvii. a polydispersity index of less than 5; andb. at least one additional fabric care ingredient. In another embodiment, a laundry care composition is provided comprising:a. an α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition comprising:i. 25-35 α-(1,3) glycosidic linkages;ii. 55-75% α-(1,6) glycosidic linkages;iii. 5-15% α-(1,3,6) glycosidic linkages;iv. a weight average molecular weight of less than 5000 Daltons;v. a viscosity of less than 0.25 Pascal second (Pa·s) at 12 wt % in water 20° C.;vi. a solubility of at least 20% (w/w) in water at 25° C.; andvii. a polydispersity index of less than 5; andb. at least one additional laundry care ingredient. In another embodiment, the additional ingredient in the above fabric care composition or the above laundry care composition is at least one cellulase, at least one protease, at least one amylase or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the fabric care composition or the laundry care composition comprises 0.01 to 90% wt % of the soluble α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition. In another embodiment, the fabric care composition or the laundry care composition comprises at least one additional ingredient comprising at least one of surfactants (anionic, nonionic, cationic, or zwitterionic), enzymes (proteases, cellulases, potyesterases, amylases, cutinases, lipases, pectate lyases, perhydrolases, xylanases, peroxidases, and/or laccases in any combination), detergent builders, complexing agents, polymers (in addition to the present α-glucan oligomers/polymers and/or α-glucan ethers), soil release polymers, surfactancy-boosting polymers, bleaching systems, bleach activators, bleaching catalysts, fabric conditioners, clays, foam boosters, suds suppressors (silicone or fatty-acid based), anti-corrosion agents, soil-suspending agents, anti-soil redeposition agents, dyes, bactericides, tarnish inhibiters, optical brighteners, perfumes, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, dye transfer inhibiting agents, chelating agents, hueing dyes, calcium and magnesium cations, visual signaling ingredients, anti-foam, structurants, thickeners, anti-caking agents, starch, sand, gelling agents, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, a fabric care and/or laundry care composition is provided wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid, a gel, a powder, a hydrocolloid, an aqueous solution, granules, tablets, capsules, single compartment sachets, multi-compartment sachets or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the fabric care composition or the laundry care composition is packaged in a unit dose format. Various glucan ethers may be produced from the present α-glucan oligomers/polymers. In another embodiment, an α-glucan ether composition is provided comprising:i. 25-35 α-(1,3) glycosidic linkages;ii. 55-75% α-(1,6) glycosidic linkages;iii. 5-15% α-(1,3,6) glycosidic linkages;iv. a weight average molecular weight of less than 5000 Daltons;v. a viscosity of less than 0.25 Pascal second (Pa·s) at 12 wt % in water 20° C.;vi. a solubility of at least 20% (w/w) in water at 25° C.; andi. a polydispersity index of less than 5; wherein the glucan ether composition has a degree of substitution (DOS) with at least one organic group of about 0.05 to about 3.0. The α-glucan ether compositions may be used in a fabric care and/or laundry care formulation comprising enzymes such as a cellulases and proteases. In another embodiment, glucan ether composition is cellulase resistant, protease resistant, amylase resistant or any combination thereof. The α-glucan ether compositions may be used in a fabric care and/or laundry care and/or personal care compositions. In another embodiment, a personal care composition, fabric care composition or laundry care composition is provided comprising the above α-glucan ether compositions. In another embodiment, a method for preparing an aqueous composition is provided, the method comprising: contacting an aqueous composition with the above glucan ether composition wherein the aqueous composition comprises at least one cellulase, at least one protease, at least one amylase or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, a method of treating an article of clothing, textile or fabric is provided comprising:a. providing a composition selected fromi. the above fabric care composition;ii. the above laundry care composition;iii. the above glucan ether composition;iv. the α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition comprising:a. 25-35 α-(1,3) glycosidic linkages;b. 55-75% α-(1,6) glycosidic linkages;c. 5-15% α-(1,3,6) glycosidic linkages;d. a weight average molecular weight of less than 5000 Daltons;e. a viscosity of less than 0.25 Pascal second (Pa·s) at 12 wt % in water 20° C.;f. a solubility of at least 20% (w/w) in water at 25° C.; andg. a polydispersity index of less than 5; andv. any combination of (i) through (iv);b. contacting under suitable conditions the composition of (a) with a fabric, textile or article of clothing whereby the fabric, textile or article of clothing is treated and receives a benefit; andc. optionally rinsing the treated fabric, textile or article of clothing of (b). In another embodiment of the above method, the α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition or the α-glucan ether composition is a surface substantive. In a further embodiment of the above method, the benefit is selected from the group consisting of improved fabric hand, improved resistance to soil deposition, improved colorfastness, improved wear resistance, improved wrinkle resistance, improved antifungal activity, improved stain resistance, improved cleaning performance when laundered, improved drying rates, improved dye, pigment or lake update, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, a method to produce a glucan ether composition is provided comprising:a. providing an α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition comprising:i. 25-35 α-(1,3) glycosidic linkages;ii. 55-75% α-(1,6) glycosidic linkages;iii. 5-15% α-(1,3,6) glycosidic linkages;iv. a weight average molecular weight of less than 5000 Daltons;v. a viscosity of less than 0.25 Pascal second (Pass) at 12 wt % in water 20° C.;vi. a solubility of at least 20% (w/w) in water at 25° C.; andvii. a polydispersity index of less than 5;b. contacting the α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition of (a) in a reaction under alkaline conditions with at least one etherification agent comprising an organic group; whereby an α-glucan ether is produced has a degree of substitution (DoS) with at least one organic group of about 0.05 to about 3.0; andc. optionally isolating the α-glucan ether produced in step (b). A textile, yarn, fabric or fiber may be modified to comprise (e.g., blended or coated with) the above α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition or the corresponding α-glucan ether composition. In another embodiment, a textile, yarn, fabric or fiber is provided comprising:a. an α-glucan oligomer/polymer composition comprising:i. 25-35 α-(1,3) glycosidic linkages;ii. 55-75% α-(1,6) glycosidic linkages;iii. 5-15% α-(1,3,6) glycosidic linkages;iv. a weight average molecular weight of less than 5000 Daltons;v. a viscosity of less than 0.25 Pascal second (Pass) at 12 wt % in water 20° C.;vi. a solubility of at least 20% (w/w) in water at 25° C.; andvii. a polydispersity index of less than 5;b. a glucan ether composition comprisingi. 25-35 α-(1,3) glycosidic linkages;ii. 55-75% α-(1,6) glycosidic linkages;iii. 5-15% α-(1,3,6) glycosidic linkages;v. a viscosity of less than 0.25 Pascal second (Pa·s) at 12 wt % in water 20° C.;vi. a solubility of at least 20% (w/w) in water at 25° C.; andvii. a polydispersity index of less than 5;wherein the glucan ether composition has a degree of substitution (DoS) with at least one organic group of about 0.05 to about 3.0; orc. any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE BIOLOGICAL SEQUENCES The following sequences comply with 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.821-1.825 (“Requirements for Patent Applications Containing Nucleotide Sequences and/or Amino Acid Sequence Disclosures—the Sequence Rules”) and are consistent with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standard ST.25 (2009) and the sequence listing requirements of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Rules 5.2 and 49.5(a-bis), and Section 208 and Annex C of the Administrative Instructions. The symbols and format used for nucleotide and amino acid sequence data comply with the rules set forth in 37 C.F.R. § 1.822. SEQ ID NO: 1 is the amino acid sequence of thePaenibacillus humicusmutanase as provided in GENBANK® gi:257153265 where GENBANK® gi: 257153264 is the corresponding polynucleotide sequence. SEQ ID NO: 2 is the nucleic acid sequence encoding thePaenibacillus humicusmutanase (GENBANK® gi: 257153265 where GENBANK® gi: 257153264 is the corresponding polynucleotide sequence) used for expression inE. coliBL21 (DE3). SEQ ID NO: 3 is the amino acid sequence of the maturePaenibacillus humicusmutanase (GENBANK® gi: 257153264; referred to herein as the “3264 mutanase” or “mut3264”) used for expression inE. coliBL21 (DE3). SEQ ID NO: 4 is the amino acid sequence of theB. subtilisAprE signal peptide used in the expression vector that was coupled to various enzymes for expression inB. subtilis. SEQ ID NO: 5 is the nucleic acid sequence encoding thePaenibacillus humicusmutanase used for expression inB. subtilishost BG6006. SEQ ID NO: 6 is the amino acid sequence of the maturePaenibacillus humicusmutanase used for expression inB. subtilishost BG6006. As used herein, this mutanase may also be referred to herein as “mut3264”. SEQ ID NO: 7 is the nucleic acid sequence encoding thePenicillium marneffeiATCC® 18224™ mutanase. SEQ ID NO: 8 is the amino acid sequence of thePenicillium marneffeiATCC® 18224™ mutanase (GENBANK® gi: 212533325; also referred to herein as the “3325 mutanase” or “mut3325”). SEQ ID NO: 9 is the polynucleotide sequence of plasmid pTrex3. SEQ ID NO: 10 is the amino acid sequence of theLactobacillus reuteriglucosyltransferase as found in GENBANK® gi:51574154. SEQ ID NO: 11 is the nucleic acid sequence encoding a truncated version of theLactobacillus reuteriglucosyltransferase (GENBANK® gi:51574154). SEQ ID NO: 12 is the amino acid sequence encoding the truncatedLactobacillus reuteriglucosyltransferase referred to herein as “GTF4154”. SEQ ID NO: 13 is the nucleic acid sequence of a polynucleotide terminator sequence. SEQ ID NO: 14 is the nucleic acid sequence of a polynucleotide linker sequence.

11509857

RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the priority benefit of China Patent Application for Invention Serial No. 202011603816.5 filed Dec. 29, 2020 entitled “Personal Content Managed during Extended Display Screen Recording”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND Devices such as smart devices, mobile devices (e.g., cellular phones, tablet devices, smartphones), consumer electronics, and the like have become increasingly commonplace to many device users. For example, one person may have a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet device, a mobile phone, and so forth. Furthermore, these different devices may have different operating systems and can run numerous different types of applications. While the variety of devices and applications provides users with a large number of options, it can also be difficult for users to learn how to use the various different devices and applications. Accordingly, a user who is wanting to learn an aspect of device operation or function, or learn an application feature, such as for a personal or business task, for entertainment, or to conquer a gaming level, may seek to find a recorded example via any number of the available social media platforms. Often, other users who are proficient with a particular device operation or software application feature will perform the device operation, or run through the application feature, while screen recording their own device, thus capturing an instruction tutorial with audio and/or video, which can then be shared on any number of the social media platforms for access by others. A screen recording feature may be included as a device function in many of the different types of devices, and can be initiated by a user who is operating a device to capture a sequence of device inputs and operations, application features, and resulting displayed outputs. A user may initiate a screen recording session on a device in any number of various scenarios, such as a prolific gamer recording his or her game play for sharing with fan followers, or as noted above, to create an instruction tutorial for others. Alternatively, a person who reviews and evaluates new consumer devices may initiate a screen recording session to capture and share new device functionality for an online audience. Similarly, a technical and/or quality assurance reviewer may initiate a screen recording session to capture and report a device operation function or feature. The screen recording feature obviates the need for assistance from another person holding a separate device and recording a video of the user who is operating his or her own device to demonstrate a sequence of device inputs and operations, application features, and resulting displayed outputs. The screen recording feature also provides for convenient content generation and sharing from the single device itself. While the screen recording feature offers several benefits to the user of a device, the screen recording feature is not without problems that may be encountered, particularly while a screen recording session is initiated and recording on a device. For example, it is quite likely that a user will receive some type of a notification that displays on the display screen of the device during a screen recording session, such as a pop-up notification that indicates an alarm, having received a text message or a new email message, a notification of an incoming video call or phone call, or any other type of a banner notice of a received communication. The notification that displays automatically on the display screen of the device will then be recorded as part of the screen recording session, and will be shared publicly when the recording is posted to any number of the social media platforms. Unfortunately, this can lead to personal content (also referred to as “personally identifiable information”) of the user being publicly disclosed in the form of audio and/or video content, such as user contact details, photos, login credentials, financial transaction details, biometric information, etc. that is private and sensitive data of the user.

11386363

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a production management system a production management apparatus and a production management method for managing a production state of a manufacturing line. Conventionally, at a manufacturing line, products are produced by controlling various devices disposed on a manufacturing line with a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a personal computer. A PLC is basically configured with a calculation unit, an input unit and an output unit. Detection information indicating operating states of various devices is input from a detection device via the input unit, and the operating states of various devices are determined based on the detection information by the calculation unit. Then, a control instruction for allowing each of various devices to execute the determined operating state is output to an actuator of each of various devices via the output unit. However, a conventional PLC that is exclusively intended to operate a manufacturing line without causing abnormality, to detect abnormality occurring in various devices, to prevent occurrence of abnormal operation in various devices, and/or to indicate current operating states of various devices is not suitable for managing a production state of an entire manufacturing line nor for managing a production efficiency of the manufacturing line. That is, a PLC is a device programmed according to each device to be controlled so as to be provided in each device, not being a device for controlling an entire manufacturing line. Therefore, in some cases, the detection information input in each PLC is not suitable to be used in management of a manufacturing line. In addition, aggregation of the detection information from each PLC requires a communication unit for communication with an external device, for example, a server, and each PLC has a unique communication protocol. Furthermore, each PLC is configured in one unit including a calculation unit, an input unit and an output unit, which is expensive. Some manufacturing lines do not have a PLC or a personal computer. It is not realistic to newly introduce a PLC to such a manufacturing line, in order to manage the production state and the production efficiency thereof. Therefore, it is desired to manage the production state and the production efficiency in a manufacturing line by a simple apparatus. The present invention provided so as to solve at least a part of the above-described problems is to manage the production state and the production efficiency of a manufacturing line by a simple apparatus. SUMMARY The present invention adopts following various aspects to solve at least a part of the above-described problems. A first aspect provides a production management system for managing a production state of a manufacturing line. The production management system according to the first aspect includes an operating state acquisition apparatus having a detector retrofitted to be mounted on a production equipment disposed on the manufacturing line, or retrofitted to be disposed in a vicinity of the production equipment, the detector outputting a detection signal indicating an operating state of the production equipment, and a transmitter for transmitting the detection signal, and includes a production management apparatus having a generator for generating information on production state of the manufacturing line by use of the detection signal received from the operating state acquisition apparatus, and a sender configured to send the generated information on production state to a display device. The production management system according to the first aspect includes the operating state acquisition apparatus having the detector retrofitted to be mounted on the production equipment disposed on the manufacturing line, or retrofitted to be disposed in the vicinity of the production equipment, and includes the production management apparatus having the generator for generating the information on production state of the manufacturing line by use of the detection signal received from the operating state acquisition apparatus. This allows a simple apparatus to manage the production state and the production efficiency of the manufacturing line. In the production management system according to the first aspect, the production management apparatus may further comprise a display device configured to display the generated information on production state. This enables to indicate the generated information on production state at the production management apparatus. In the production management system according to the first aspect, the detection signal may be a pulse signal, and the generator may generate the information on production state by use of a pulse number of the pulse signal received in a specified period previously determined and a reference pulse number previously determined. In the production management system according to the first aspect, the detection signal may be a pulse signal, and the generator may generate the information on production state corresponding to a pulse interval of the pulse signal. In the production management system according to the first aspect, the detector may output the pulse signal corresponding to a processing action or a processing completion action of the production equipment. This enables to acquire from the detector the detection signal corresponding to the processing action or the processing completion action of the production equipment. In the production management system according to the first aspect, the detector may be at least one detector selected from a group including a light sensor, a sound sensor, a heat sensor, a current sensor, a distance sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotational speed sensor, a humidity sensor and a pressure sensor. In such a case, a general sensor is available as the detector. In the production management system according to the first aspect, the management apparatus may receive a plurality of the detection signals, and the generator may generate the information on production state of the manufacturing line by use of the received plurality of detection signals. This enables to generate the information on production state of the manufacturing line by use of the plurality of detection signals acquired from the operating state acquisition apparatus. A second aspect provides a production management apparatus for managing a production state of a manufacturing line. The production management apparatus according to the second aspect includes a generator for generating information on production state of the manufacturing line corresponding to a pulse interval previously determined by use of a detection signal being a pulse signal indicating in an associated manner the manufacturing line and an operating state of a production equipment disposed on the manufacturing line, and includes a display unit for displaying a display area displaying the generated information on production state. The production management apparatus according to the second aspect displays, in the associated manner, the manufacturing line and the information on production state of the manufacturing line generated by use of the detection signal being the pulse signal indicating the operating state of the production equipment and by use of the pulse interval previously determined. This allows a simple apparatus to manage the production state and the production efficiency of the manufacturing line. In the production management apparatus according to the second aspect, the information on production state may include at least information of operation, stop and delay of the manufacturing line, and the display area may include character information of operation, stop and delay indicated together with a different piece of color information. This enables easier management of the production state of the manufacturing line. A third aspect provides a production management method of managing a production state of a manufacturing line. The production management method according to the third aspect includes receiving, from a detection device retrofitted to be mounted on a production equipment disposed on the manufacturing line, or retrofitted to be disposed in a vicinity of the production equipment, a detection signal indicating an operating state of the production equipment, transmitting the received detection signal to a management apparatus for generating information on production state of the manufacturing line by use of the detection signal, and displaying the information on production state generated by the management apparatus. The production management method according to the third aspect enables to obtain the same advantage as the production management system according to the first aspect. Further, the production management method according to the third aspect may be realized in various aspects as in the production management system according to the first aspect. Besides, the production management method according to the third aspect may also be realized as a production management program, and may also be realized as a computer-readable medium storing a production management program. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the present invention.

11485549

BACKGROUND Field The present invention relates to a cap for closing a can container. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a cap that seals a mouth portion of a can container is configured so that a sealing member made of a resin material that is in close contact with the mouth portion is provided on an inner surface of a cap body. For such a cap, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2017-178421 discloses a technique in which a cap body and a sealing member are not bonded to each other so as to reduce the opening torque at the time of opening a cap. When the sealing member is not bonded as described above, a locking protrusion protruding inward on a skirt portion of the cap body is formed, thereby locking the sealing member to prevent the sealing member from falling off. Such a sealing member is manufactured by, for example, supplying a molten or softened resin material into the cap body and molding the resin material into a predetermined shape with a mold. SUMMARY However, the sealing member described above may shrink after being molded into a predetermined shape, and the outer diameter of the sealing member may become smaller than the inner diameter of the cap body. Since the sealing member not bonded to the cap body can move in a radial direction within the cap body, the sealing member may move in a radial direction with respect to the cap body, preventing the sealing portion that comes into close contact with the mouth portion of the container from favorably contacting the mouth portion, resulting in degradation of the sealing performance. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cap capable of securing the sealing performance of a sealing member not bonded to a cap body. According to one aspect of the present invention, a cap includes a cap body including a disk-shaped top plate portion and a tubular skirt portion provided on a peripheral edge of the top plate portion; a sealing member that is a separate member from the cap body and is provided in the cap body so as to face the top plate portion, the sealing member having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the skirt portion; a plurality of locking portions provided in a circumferential direction of the skirt portion, and configured to regulate a movement of the sealing member in a direction away from the top plate portion and support the sealing member; and a plurality of regulating portions provided in the circumferential direction of the skirt portion, protruding inward in a radial direction than an inner peripheral surface of the skirt portion, and configured to regulate a radial movement of the sealing member.

11218400

COPYRIGHT NOTICE A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. BACKGROUND As larger cloud computing architectures are introduced, the performance and administrative bottlenecks associated with the traditional network and storage have become a significant problem. There has been an increased interest in using high performance lossless interconnects such as InfiniBand (IB) technology as the foundation for a cloud computing fabric. This is the general area that embodiments of the invention are intended to address. SUMMARY Described herein are systems and methods to provide homogenous fabric attributes to reduce the need for SA (Subnet Administrator) access in a high performance computing environment. An exemplary system can comprise one or more microprocessors and a first subnet. The first subnet can comprise a plurality of switches, the plurality of switches comprising at least a leaf switch, wherein each of the plurality of switches comprise at least one switch port of a plurality of switch ports. The subnet can additionally comprise a plurality of host channel adapters, wherein each of the host channel adapters comprise at least one host channel adapter port of a plurality of host channel adapter ports, and wherein the plurality of host channel adapters are interconnected via the plurality of switches. Finally, the subnet can comprise a subnet manager, the subnet manager running on one of the plurality of switches and the plurality of host channel adapters. The subnet manager can be configured to determine that a set of the plurality of host channel adapter ports and a set of the plurality of switches support a same set of capabilities. Upon the subnet manager determining that the plurality of hosts and the plurality of switches support a same set of capabilities, the subnet manager can configure an SMA (subnet management agent) flag, the flag indicating that a condition can be set for a set of the plurality of host channel adapter ports. Described herein are systems and methods for path record handling in a fabric without host stack cooperation in a high performance computing environment. An exemplary can provide, at one or more microprocessors, a first subnet, the first subnet comprising a plurality of switches, the plurality of switches comprising at least a leaf switch, wherein each of the plurality of switches comprise at least one switch port of a plurality of switch ports, a plurality of host channel adapters, wherein each of the host channel adapters comprise at least one host channel adapter port of a plurality of host channel adapter ports, and wherein the plurality of host channel adapters are interconnected via the plurality of switches, and a subnet manager, the subnet manager running on one of the plurality of switches and the plurality of host channel adapters. The method can determine, by the subnet manager, that a set of the plurality of host channel adapter ports and a set of the plurality of switches support a same set of capabilities. The method can, upon said determination, record a state of the fabric at a cache accessible by the subnet manager, the state of the fabric comprising a flag indicating a homogenous fabric state or a semi-homogenous fabric state internally to the SM and use this state when processing path record queries.

11237879

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure is generally related to virtualized computer systems, and more particularly, to storage allocation in virtualized computer systems. BACKGROUND Virtualization allows multiplexing of an underlying host machine between different virtual machines. The host machine allocates a certain amount of its storage resources to each of the virtual machines. Each virtual machine is then able to use the allocated storage resources to execute applications, including operating systems (referred to as guest operating systems). Executable code that provides the virtualization is commonly referred to as a hypervisor (also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM)). The hypervisor emulates the underlying hardware of the host computer, making the use of the virtual machine transparent to the guest operating system and the user of the computer. A host machine can accommodate more virtual machines than the size of its physical memory allows. Using virtual memory techniques, the host machine can give each virtual machine the impression that the virtual machine has a contiguous address space, while in fact the memory used by the virtual machine may be physically fragmented and even overflow to disk storage. When the host machine frees memory, the host machine may select memory pages that have been assigned to virtual machines and page out the contents of the selected memory pages to disk storage. When the virtual machines attempt to access the memory pages, the host machine may page in the contents of the memory page by retrieving the contents from disk storage and writing the content back to memory. Reallocating memory between virtual machines may involve a large amount of input/output (I/O) and processing power, which may adversely affect performance of a host machine.

11290406

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to online messaging applications, and more specifically to selecting an optimal combination of portions of a content item to be presented within a user interface of an online messaging application in association with information identifying a set of message threads. BACKGROUND Online messaging applications allow their users to communicate by sending messages to each other via the online messaging applications. Messages sent between the same group of users of an online messaging application may be part of a message thread. Each message thread in which a user of an online messaging application is participating may be identified by various types of information presented within a user interface of the online messaging application. Examples of these types of information include the names and/or profile images of one or more other users of the online messaging application participating in the message thread, a time at which a most recent message in the message thread was received, a portion or a subject of the most recent message in the message thread, etc. To continue a conversation via the online messaging application, the user may select information identifying a corresponding message thread from the user interface, which opens the message thread within the user interface and allows the user to compose a message to be added to the message thread. To encourage user engagement with online messaging applications, the online messaging applications may present content items to their users with which the users are likely to engage. A content item may be presented to a user of an online messaging application within a user interface of the online messaging application in association with information identifying message threads in which the user is participating. However, since the user interface may list several message threads in which the user is participating, only a limited area of the user interface may be occupied by the content item. Furthermore, shrinking or resizing a dimension of the content item to fit within this limited area of the user interface may reduce the likelihood of user engagement with the content item (e.g., if text included in the content item becomes unreadable, if an image included in the content item becomes unrecognizable, etc.). Consequently, only portions of a content item may be presented within a user interface of an online messaging application and the entire content of the content item may be presented upon receiving a request from a user of the online messaging application to view the entire content. However, some portions of a content item may be more likely to encourage user engagement with the content item than others. Therefore, user engagement with an online messaging application may decrease if portions of a content item presented to users of the online messaging application are portions with which the users are unlikely to engage. SUMMARY Online messaging applications allow their users to communicate by sending messages to each other via the online messaging applications, in which messages sent between the same group of users may be part of a message thread. To encourage user engagement with the online messaging applications, content items with which the users are likely to engage may be presented to the users within user interfaces of the online messaging applications in association with information identifying message threads in which the users are participating. However, only some portions of the content items may be presented within limited areas of the user interfaces and since some portions of the content items may be more likely to encourage user engagement than others, user engagement with the online messaging applications may decrease if the users are unlikely to engage with the portions of the content items that are presented. To address this issue, a different combination of multiple portions of a content item is selected for display to each of multiple sets of users of an online messaging application. The different combination of portions of the content item is sent for display to the corresponding set of users within a user interface of the online messaging application in association with information identifying a set of message threads in which each user is participating. A request to view the entire content of the content item is then received from a subset of each of the sets of users and a performance metric associated with each combination of portions of the content item is tracked based on the received request. Based on the performance metric, a performance of each portion of the content item is evaluated and an optimal combination of the portions of the content item is selected based on the performance of each portion of the content item. One or more of the steps described above may be performed at an online system associated with the online messaging application, at a server associated with the online messaging application, and/or at a client device associated with a user of the online messaging application.

11328496

BACKGROUND When taking still images, users might desire for some levels of control over their appearance. Such desire has lead to face beautification apps being one of the most popular apps for smart phones. Video sharing and conferencing has been increasingly used with the pervasive usage of smart phone. However, many of the existing apps for smart phones are designed for off-line image processing or might not work with out limited features in a video mode.

11313543

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to joiner brackets, and more specifically to a joiner bracket system that is used to join together sections of a suspendable light fixture, using a screw or other fastener driven against a ramp of a joiner bracket. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Traditionally, many lighting systems have been sold as ready-made or pre-configured systems. In some cases, lighting systems are delivered as parts to be assembled on a job site. In such cases, a user or technician may be tasked with following a series of steps to assemble the light fixture, and to subsequently hang, mount, or otherwise place the light fixture into a desired position within a room or space. For large lighting systems—such as lighting systems in large rooms and/or in commercial settings—the assembly and installation process presents many challenges. Joining two or more independent fixture sections together to create a simple, larger fixture with a seamless connection can be difficult. If the lighting system is first assembled on the ground, then a user or technician must devise a way to lift and place a large and heavy lighting system into position. For wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or pendant lighting systems, assembling a large and heavy light fixture on the ground may simply not be feasible. Moreover, construction sites may not have a sufficient amount of floor space to enable a user or technician to carry out an initial ground-based assembly in the first place, or may present a potential for scratches, dirt or dents to exterior fixture components. In other cases, a lighting system of single or multiple components may be configured for assembly while suspended or mounted. For example, multiple sections of a lighting system may be independently suspended from a ceiling, and subsequently brought together to form a substantially continuous light fixture. With each section being of a manageable size and weight, so as to be handled by one or only a few technicians, such an installation process may be carried out without the need for machinery or other assistance to lift a substantially heavy and cumbersome pre-assembled light fixture into position. While suspended, the piece-part assembly of a light fixture can be effectively performed without the need for substantial equipment or lift assistance, there remains a few drawbacks. Further, the process of joining adjacent sections of a light fixture often involves a technician on a ladder or scaffold articulating the opposing sections, and securing the two together—typically using one or more fasteners, together sometimes within “live” electrical leads. This process can be risky to a technician, as it may be difficult to hold together adjacent sections while simultaneously locating and engaging the joining mechanism. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a joining system that is safe, accessible and easier to operate by a single technician. In addition, joining systems for light fixture assemblies are often difficult to access and operate. Commonly, joining systems are preferably disposed within the housing of light fixture sections, such that they can be obscured from view and do not adversely affect the aesthetic qualities of the light fixture. While these arrangements are desirable to maintain the light fixture's aesthetic qualities and to obscure the joining system from view, they can complicate or otherwise make difficult the installation process for the light fixture. Often, an installation process can require the use of specialized or uncommon tools to reach the fasteners and operate the joining system. Some existing fixture joining systems have been difficult to access, and often require the removal (and/or subsequent re-installation of) elements of a light fixture assembly, such as lenses, reflectors, or other parts. As a result, light fixture assemblies that use such joining systems may require a technician to perform some disassembly and re-assembly of pre-assembled fixture sections, or may prevent a manufacturer from pre-assembling sections of a light fixture that would otherwise reduce the time involved to install the light fixture. In either case, the installation of a light fixture assembly may take more time and/or be more complicated than is desired. It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a joining system that can be partially pre-installed, and which reduces the number of installation steps to, in turn, substantially reduce the time and effort involved in assembling and installing a light fixture. Furthermore, many existing joining systems for multiple-piece light fixtures involve the securing of connections in and through one or more components of the joining system. Often, these connection points are located along the components that reside within the light fixture, requiring the partial disassembly of a light fixture assembly and/or requiring a technician to secure fasteners in tight and dark spaces (in the absence of an existing lighted fixture) within the light fixture assembly. It is therefore yet another object of the present invention to provide a joining system that can be operated to bring together, in a facilitated manner, two or more fixture sections from the outside of the light fixture assembly. These and other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed written description, drawing figures, and claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To accomplish the aforementioned objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide for a joining system that includes a joiner bracket having formed therein a depressed ramp region. A joiner fastener, such as a screw, may be driven against the angled walls of the joiner bracket ramp, which translates vertical movement (e.g., downward) of the screw into horizontal or longitudinal movement of the joiner bracket. The conversion of vertical to longitudinal movement by way of a ramp may be leveraged in order to provide a joining system for joining together a pair of fixture sections of a light fixture assembly. The joiner bracket may be rigidly affixed to one fixture section, with the portion of the joiner bracket having the ramp region extending beyond an end of that fixture section. The extending portion of the joiner bracket may be positioned within an adjacent fixture section, with the ramp region being positioned below an aperture of the adjacent fixture section. The joiner fastener may be driven through the aperture of the adjacent fixture section and against the joiner bracket ramp to, in turn, pull the fixture sections together, as fasteners are being engaged. The fastener that drives against the ramp of the joiner bracket may be advantageously accessible from the outside of the light fixture assembly, making the installation process easier, simpler and safer, as compared to traditional joining systems. In some cases, the screw ramp and joiner fastener may produce a force that is unevenly applied across the height of the fixture sections. For example, the screw ramp joiner may pull together the upper ends of a pair of fixture sections, resulting in a substantial gap remaining between the lower ends of the pair of fixture sections. To address this problem, some embodiments of the present invention may include a joiner bracket having a top section with two portions—with one portion being angled or sloped at a slight angle relative to the other portion. The sloped portion of the joiner bracket may include a finishing bore or boss. The joining system may further include a finishing screw or other fastener that can be driven through a fixture section and into the finishing bore of the joiner bracket. As the finishing screw is driven through the sloped portion of the joiner bracket, that sloped portion of the joiner bracket may be pulled upwards toward the fixture section. This upward force, together with the rigid coupling of the joiner bracket to the adjacent fixture section, produces a torque that pulls the lower ends of the pair of fixture sections toward each other for closing the gap between the pair of fixture sections. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting fixture system that includes a first fixture section having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, a first sidewall and a second sidewall each extending between the proximal and distal ends of the first fixture section, and a top portion extending between the first and second sidewalls of the first fixture section. The top portion of the first fixture section includes a boss extending therethrough. The proximal and distal ends of the first fixture section define a longitudinal direction. The lighting fixture system also includes a second fixture section having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, a first sidewall and a second sidewall each extending between the proximal and distal ends of the second fixture section, and a top portion extending between the first and second sidewalls of the second fixture section. The proximal end of the second fixture section is adapted for positioning adjacent to the distal end of the first fixture section. The lighting fixture system further includes a joiner bracket adapted for positioning within at least a portion of the first fixture section and at least a portion of the second fixture section. The joiner bracket may be rigidly coupled to the second fixture section and have a portion extending beyond the proximal end of the second fixture section toward the distal end of the first fixture section. The portion of the joiner bracket extending beyond the proximal end of the second fixture section includes a ramp that is angled relative to the top portion of the first fixture section. Additionally, the lighting fixture system includes a fastener configured to extend through the boss of the first fixture section and engage against the ramp of the joiner bracket to produce a force in the longitudinal direction toward the proximal end of the first fixture section. When the joiner bracket is rigidly coupled to the second fixture section, engaging the fastener with the ramp of the joiner bracket pulls the second fixture section toward the first fixture section. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the boss of the first fixture section is a threaded boss, and the fastener is a threaded fastener. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the fastener is a first fastener, and the portion of the joiner bracket contained within the second fixture section includes one or more bores. The lighting fixture system may also include one or more second fasteners extend through the one or more respective bores and into the second fixture section to rigidly couple the fastener to the second fixture section. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the first fixture section further includes a first rail positioned along the first sidewall of the first fixture section, and the second fixture section further includes a first rail positioned along the first sidewall of the second fixture section. In these embodiments, the joiner bracket further includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, with the first sidewall of the joiner bracket having formed therein an offset having a shape that is complementary to the first rail of the first fixture section and the first rail of the second fixture section. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the fastener is a first fastener, and the joiner bracket also includes a finishing aperture, in which the first fixture section further comprises a finishing bore. In these embodiments, the lighting fixture system further includes a finishing fastener adapted to extend through the finishing bore and the finishing aperture of the joiner bracket. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the lighting fixture system also includes an outer bracket configured for positioning along at least part of the top portion of the first fixture section and at least part of the top portion of the second fixture section. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the first fixture section also includes at least one lipped channel extending longitudinally along the top portion of the first fixture section. In these embodiments, the outer bracket is adapted to slideably engage with the at least one lipped channel of the first fixture section. In some instances, the lighting fixture system may further include a cable gripper coupled to the outer bracket, with the cable gripper being adapted to maintain a suspension cable therethrough for suspending the light fixture system from a ceiling In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the first fixture section further includes a first rail positioned along the inner walls of the top portion of the first fixture section. In these embodiments, the joiner bracket further includes an elongated male projection adapted to slideably engage with the first rail of the first fixture section, to facilitate alignment of the joiner bracket with respect to the first fixture section. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the ramp of the joiner bracket comprises a first angled wall and a second angled wall that converge to form an oblique corner. In some embodiments according to the first aspect, the portion of the joiner bracket contained within the proximal end of the second fixture section has a first top surface, and the portion of the joiner bracket that extends beyond the proximal end of the second fixture section has a second top surface. The first top surface may be angled relative to the second top surface. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a joiner system for joining the distal end of a first fixture section to the proximal end of a second fixture section, the first fixture section including an aperture formed therethrough. The joiner system includes a joiner bracket adapted for positioning within at least a portion of the first fixture section and at least a portion of the second fixture section. The joiner bracket may be rigidly coupled to the second fixture section and having a portion extending beyond the proximal end of the second fixture section toward the distal end of the first fixture section. The portion of the joiner bracket that extends beyond the proximal end of the second fixture section includes a ramp that is angled relative to the top portion of the first fixture section. The distal end of the first fixture section and the proximal end of the second fixture section define a longitudinal direction. The joiner system also includes a fastener configured to extend through the aperture of the first fixture section and engage against the ramp of the joiner bracket to produce a force in the longitudinal direction toward the proximal end of the first fixture section. When the joiner bracket is rigidly coupled to the second fixture section, engaging the fastener with the ramp of the joiner bracket pulls the second fixture section toward the first fixture section. The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments and features will become apparent by reference to the drawing figures, the following detailed description, and the claims.

11226299

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and sensors for the detection, quantification, and/or identification of materials (e.g., vapors, gases, etc.), and to related methods. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and sensors for determining a presence of one or more components in a sample, determining a concentration of one or more components of the sample, determining an identity of the one or more components in the sample, and determining one or more other properties of the sample, and to related methods of sample analysis. BACKGROUND Catalytic sensors have been used to detect flammable gases in some applications. However, catalytic sensors have several shortcomings that limit their performance and accuracy. Disadvantages of catalytic sensors include drift and deterioration due to ageing and poisoning of the catalyst, which may affect a magnitude of response therefrom and, therefore, an accuracy thereof. Microcantilevers have been demonstrated as gas sensor devices, usually with coatings that attract specific gases. When mass is added to the cantilever, a shift in its resonant frequency can be detected. The change in resonant frequency is proportional to the mass change on the microcantilever. It is also known that an uncoated microcantilever can be used to sense the viscosity and density of a gas. Density and viscosity can be considered in composite by simply observing the resonant frequency shift, which may be proportional to viscous damping (VD), or density and viscosity can be deconvoluted by considering both resonant frequency and quality factor changes (Boskovic 2002). Also known is the physical relationship between a thermal conductivity (TC) and a density of a gas. This can be exploited to identify certain gases (Groot 1977 & Loui LLNL 2014). However, some gases have overlapping, or nearly overlapping, TC versus density vectors, making it difficult to distinguish these gases from each other. Such a technique is also unable to detect multiple gases in a gas mixture since mixed gases may exhibit a thermal conductivity different than the thermal conductivity of the components of the mixture and can lead to erroneous or unreliable measurement results. Some gases have TC versus VD vectors that are very similar to air, e.g., oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitric oxide (NO). Some gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), cannot be detected at low enough concentrations using the TC versus VD vector alone. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) and coated microcantilevers frequently have gas cross sensitivities and may be unable to distinguish between several different gases. As one example, current sensors for flammable and other hazardous gases (e.g., catalytic bed sensors, nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensors, thermal conductivity sensors) are unable to determine a single property of a given gas or gas mixture and are unable to self-correct an output thereof to determine, for example, a concentration of the gas. Accordingly, in some instances, such sensors may not be able to distinguish between, for example, a first gas having a concentration of 500 ppm and a second gas having a concentration of, for example, 5,000 ppm. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a system and method that overcomes conventional sensor disadvantages and that can reliably detect, identify, and/or quantify gases. BRIEF SUMMARY The present invention is directed to a system and method that can reliably detect, identify, and/or quantify a sample (e.g., vapors, gases, liquids, combinations thereof, etc.). In one embodiment, the system includes a catalytic sensor, a thermal conductivity sensor, a damping sensor, one or more microcantilever sensors comprising a coating material, one or more metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors, one or more environmental sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity (relative humidity, absolute humidity, or both), and flowrate), and a processing subsystem with software for interrogating, compensating, calibrating, analyzing, detecting faults, and reporting the results, for example.

11366404

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2020-076674, filed on Apr. 23, 2020, and 2021-032573, filed on Mar. 2, 2021, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND Technical Field Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction peripheral having at least two of copying, printing, and facsimile functions, and an adjusting method for the image forming apparatus. Related Art There is typically known an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer in which a transfer rotator such as a transfer belt or a transfer roller contacts an image bearer such as an intermediate transfer belt or a drum-shaped photoconductor to form a transfer nip between the transfer rotator and the image bearer. Specifically, in such an image forming apparatus, for example, toner images formed on the respective drum-shaped photoconductors are primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt as an image bearer such that the toner images are superimposed one atop another to be a composite toner image. Thereafter, the composite toner image borne by the intermediate transfer belt is secondarily transferred onto a sheet conveyed to the position of a secondary transfer nip as a transfer nip. The sheet bearing the secondarily transferred toner image is conveyed toward a fixing device, which fixes the toner image onto the sheet. The sheet bearing the fixed toner image is finally discharged from a body of the image forming apparatus. SUMMARY In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a novel image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a transfer rotator, an adjuster, and circuitry. The image bearer is configured to bear a toner image. The transfer rotator is configured to contact the image bearer to form a transfer nip between the transfer rotator and the image bearer. The transfer rotator is configured to transfer the toner image from the image bearer onto a sheet conveyed to the transfer nip. The adjuster is configured to adjust at least one of a relative difference in linear velocity of the transfer rotator to the image bearer at the transfer nip and a relative contact pressure of the transfer rotator to the image bearer at the transfer nip. The circuitry is configured to, based on a difference in image magnification, in a direction of conveyance of the sheet, of toner images transferred onto surfaces of one or more sheets conveyed to the transfer nip, cause the adjuster to reduce the difference in image magnification. Also described is a novel adjusting method for the image forming apparatus.

11464130

BACKGROUND Cable management arm designs do not include a support. In other words, the cable management arm is not physically supported, other than at the point where the cable management arm attaches to a rail kit, when a computing device is extended or pulled from a rack. Some computing device designs may utilize longer and heavier cables, in part due to the extra length of the computing device design and the extra distance that the computing device may be extended from a rack. The additional weight and length of the cables is too much for a cable management arm without additional support.

11228642

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for accessing, sharing, and submitting data using complex computing networks. BACKGROUND Researchers, scientists, industry players, academics, government regulators, and other stakeholders are increasingly in need of submitting data across a vast area of computer networks. SUMMARY According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure, method for submitting data in a computer network is provided. The method includes the following: receiving, using one or more computing device processors, a first request to process a first data at one or more data servers; determining, using the one or more computing device processors, whether the first data includes a plurality of first set of properties; generating, using the one or more computing device processors and the first set of properties, a second data having a plurality of second set of properties; storing, using the one or more computing device processors, the second data at the one or more data servers; providing, using the one or more computing device processors, at least one rule set for submitting second data to one or more external sources, wherein each of the at least one rule set comprises one or more rule parameters for submitting the second data; analyzing, using the one or more computing device processors, the second data to determine which one or more rules from the at least one rule set is applicable for submitting the second data to the one or more external sources; selecting, using the one or more computing device processors, one or more applicable rules from the at least one rule set based on the analysis of the second data; storing, using the one or more computing device processors, the one or more applicable rules in the one or more data servers; retrieving, using the one or more computing device processors, the second data from the one or more data servers; determining, using the one or more computing device processors, whether the second data includes update information for updating the second data; in response to the user entering update information for the second data, receiving, using the one or more computing device processors, the update information; in response to receiving the update information, updating, using the one or more computing device processors, the second data to include the update information; retrieving, using the one or more computing device processors, the one or more applicable rules from the one or more data servers; generating, using the one or more computing device processors, a plurality of third data by applying the one or more applicable rules to the second data, wherein the third data comprises a plurality of third set of properties; formatting, using the one or more computing device processors, the third data in accordance with the one or more applicable rules; initiating, using the one or more computing device processors, display of the third data and the third set of properties; identifying, using the one or more computing device processors and the third set of properties, the one or more external sources to distribute the third data; and sending, using the one or more computing device processors, the third data to the one or more external sources based on at least one of the third set of properties. According to another aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure, a system for submitting data in a computer network is provided. The system includes one or more computing device processors. One or more computing device memories are coupled to the one or more computing device processors. The one or more computing device memories store instructions executed by the one or more computing device processors, the instructions are configured to: receive a first request to process a first data at one or more data servers, wherein the one or more data servers store the first data; determine whether the first data includes a plurality of first set of properties; generate, using the first set of properties, a second data having a plurality of second set of properties; store the second data at the one or more data servers; provide a plurality of rule sets for submitting second data to one or more external sources, wherein each of the rule sets comprises one or more rule parameters for submitting the second data; analyze the second data to determine which of the rule sets is applicable for submitting the second data to the one or more external sources; select one or more applicable rules from the rule sets based on the analysis of the second data; store the one or more applicable rules in the one or more data servers; retrieve the second data from the one or more data servers; determine whether the second data includes the update information for updating the second data; in response to the user entering the update information for the second data, receive the update information; in response to receiving the update information, update the second data to include the update information; retrieve the one or more applicable rules from the one or more data cloud servers; generate a plurality of third data by applying the one or more applicable rules to the second data, wherein the third data comprises a plurality of third set of properties; format the third data in accordance with the one or more applicable rules; initiate display of the third data and the third set of properties; identify, using the third set of properties, the one or more external sources to distribute the third data; and send the third data to the one or more external sources. According to another aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure, a method for submitting data in a computer network is provided. The method includes the following: receiving, using one or more computing device processors, a first request to process a first data at one or more data cloud servers, wherein the one or more data cloud servers store the first data; determining, using the one or more computing device processors, whether the first data includes at least one of a plurality of first set of properties; generating, using the one or more computing device processors and the at least one of the first set of properties, a second data having at least one of a plurality of second set of properties; storing, using the one or more computing device processors, the second data at the one or more data cloud servers; providing, using the one or more computing device processors, a plurality of rule sets for submitting second data to one or more external sources, wherein each of the rule sets comprises one or more rule parameters for submitting the second data; analyzing, using the one or more computing device processors, the second data to determine which rule from the at least one rule set is applicable for submitting the second data to the one or more external sources; selecting, using the one or more computing device processors, one or more applicable rules from the rule sets based on the analysis of the second data; storing, using the one or more computing device processors, the one or more applicable rules in the one or more data cloud servers; retrieving, using the one or more computing device processors, the second data from the one or more data cloud servers; determining, using the one or more computing device processors, whether the second data includes update information for updating the second data; in response to the user entering the update information for the second data, receiving, using the one or more computing device processors, the update information; in response to receiving the update information, updating, using the one or more computing device processors, the second data to include the update information; retrieving, using the one or more computing device processors, the one or more applicable rules from the one or more data cloud servers; generating, using the one or more computing device processors, a plurality of third data by applying the one or more applicable rules to the second data, wherein the third data comprises a plurality of third set of properties; formatting, using the one or more computing device processors, the third data in accordance with the one or more applicable rules; initiating, using the one or more computing device processors, display of the third data and the third set of properties; identifying, using the one or more computing device processors and the third set of properties, the one or more external sources to distribute the third data; and sending, using the one or more computing device processors, the third data to the one or more external sources.

11285797

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a side part structure of an engine, and particularly to a side part structure of the engine in which auxiliary machinery and a fuel system component are disposed in one side wall part of the engine. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Conventionally, it is known that a direct injection engine directly injects fuel from an injector which faces a combustion chamber of the engine in a vehicle, such as an automobile. In an in-line direct injection engine in which a plurality of cylinders are provided in a row, a high-pressure fuel pump supplies high-pressure fuel through a fuel rail to a plurality of injectors corresponding to the plurality of cylinders. The high-pressure fuel pump which is one of the fuel system components is provided with a cam shaft having a pump cam, and a plunger which is reciprocated by the pump cam, and the cam shaft is rotated by a cam shaft provided to a cylinder head of the engine. Therefore, the high-pressure fuel pump is normally disposed in an upper part of a side wall part of the engine, close to the cam shaft. Since the side wall part of the cylinder block is provided with various auxiliary machinery, such as an alternator, and the cylinder head above the cylinder block is provided with an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, the fuel pump may interfere with accessories, such as the auxiliary machinery, in a vehicle collision. JP2014-163290A discloses an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, which includes a high-pressure fuel pump disposed in an upper part of a cylinder head, and an intercooler fixed to an intake manifold through a bracket. The intercooler is disposed forward and upward of the high-pressure fuel pump, and a rearward movement of a collided object (i.e., accessories) is prevented in a vehicle collision by a contact with the intercooler. Meanwhile, when the in-series multiple cylinder engine is mounted in an engine bay in a front part of the vehicle body, the engine may be disposed longitudinally so that the cylinder lined-up direction may be oriented in the front-and-rear direction. Since such a longitudinal engine has superiority in that the left and right weights can be easily balanced without concentrating power mechanisms on the front axle, a torque steer is less likely to be generated because of the lateral length of the drive shafts are equal, and measures to the vibration and oscillation of a power plant including the engine are easy, it tends to be particularly adopted to large-sized engines. When the high-pressure fuel pump described above is mounted on the longitudinal engine, the fuel pump is disposed in a rear part of the side wall part of the engine to shorten fuel piping connecting the fuel tank disposed in the rear part of the vehicle body to the fuel pump, and therefore, a pressure loss of fuel which flows inside the fuel piping can be reduced when feeding the fuel. Moreover, since the engine body itself prevents an obstacle from entering into the vehicle in a vehicle collision, particularly in a full-wrap head-on collision, it is also possible to avoid interference of the fuel pump with the accessory, such as the auxiliary machinery. However, depending on the collision mode of the vehicle, the fuel pump may still be damaged by the interference with various auxiliary machinery, such as the alternator, in the vehicle collision. When the fuel pump is disposed in the rear part of the side wall part of the engine, various auxiliary machinery is disposed in the opposite part, a front part of the side wall part to avoid the rear part where the fuel pump is disposed. Then, in collision modes other than the full-wrap head-on collision, for example, in an offset head-on collision and a head-on pole collision, the obstacle may collide only with the auxiliary machinery while avoiding the engine body, from outside in the vehicle width direction, and the auxiliary machinery which is moved rearward by the collision with the obstacle may interfere with the fuel pump. On the other hand, like the art of JP2014-163290A, it is possible to dispose an intercooler corresponding to a protection barrier between the auxiliary machinery and the fuel pump in order to prevent the rearward movement of the auxiliary machinery in the vehicle collision. However, although when the collision energy is relatively small, it is possible to prevent the rearward movement of the auxiliary machinery by the intercooler fixed to the engine body, when the collision energy is large, the fixed state of the intercooler is canceled (broken) by the rearward-movement force (rearward propelling force) of the auxiliary machinery, and therefore, the intercooler which is pushed by the auxiliary machinery and moved rearward may interfere with the fuel pump. That is, it is necessary to further improve the collision safety of the fuel system components. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE One purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a side part structure of an engine, which is capable of improving the collision safety of a fuel system component. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a side part structure of an engine having cylinders lined up in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle body, is provided. The structure includes auxiliary machinery disposed in a front part of one side wall part of the engine in a vehicle width direction, a fuel system component disposed in a rear part of the side wall part, an intercooler disposed between the auxiliary machinery and the fuel system component, and a first protector member disposed between the intercooler and the fuel system component. At least a front part of the first protector member is formed so as to be separated from the side wall part as it extends rearward. A front part of the intercooler is disposed rearward of the auxiliary machinery and the intercooler is disposed along the first protector member so as to be separated from the side wall part as it extends rearward. According to this configuration, since the intercooler is disposed between the auxiliary machinery and the fuel system component, the intercooler can be compactly disposed between the auxiliary machinery and the fuel system component, and the rearward movement of the auxiliary machinery can be prevented by the intercooler in a vehicle collision. Since the first protector member is disposed between the intercooler and the fuel system component, at least the front part of the first protector member is formed so as to be separated from the side wall part as it extends rearward, and the intercooler is disposed so that its front part is disposed rearward of the auxiliary machinery, and is disposed along the first protector member so as to be separated from the side wall part as it extends rearward, the intercooler can be guided outside in the vehicle width direction so as to be separated from the fuel system component along the first protector member when the intercooler moves rearward in connection with the rearward movement of the auxiliary machinery during the vehicle collision, thereby avoiding the interference of the intercooler with the fuel system component. The auxiliary machinery may be disposed so as to at least partially overlap with the fuel system component, when seen in a cylinder lined-up direction. According to this configuration, the interference of the fuel system component with the other members (the auxiliary machinery or the intercooler) can be avoided even if the auxiliary machinery and the fuel system component are in the spatial relationship in which they at least partially overlap with each other in the front view. The side part structure may further include a surge tank provided above the intercooler and configured to store intake air of the engine, and a communicating part communicating one side of the surge tank in the vehicle width direction with a lower part of the intercooler. The communicating part may be disposed so as to pass through outside the auxiliary machinery on the one side in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, the interference of the auxiliary machinery with the communicating part can be avoided when the auxiliary machinery moves rearward, thereby avoiding damage to the surge tank resulting from the rearward movement of the auxiliary machinery. The side part structure may further include a fuel feeding pipe extending along the side wall part in the front-and-rear direction, and a second protector member covering at least a part of the fuel feeding pipe on the intercooler side. According to this configuration, the interference of the fuel feeding pipe with the intercooler can be avoided when the intercooler moves rearward. The second protector member may have a front-end protecting part disposed forward of a front end part of the fuel feeding pipe. According to this configuration, damage to the front end part of the fuel feeding pipe can be avoided. A rear end part of the second protector member may extend rearward of a part of the intercooler closest to the side wall. According to this configuration, interference of the fuel feeding pipe with the intercooler when the intercooler moves rearward can be certainly avoided. The auxiliary machinery may be an alternator and the fuel system component may be a fuel pump. According to this configuration, both interference of the alternator with the fuel pump and interference of the intercooler with the fuel pump in the vehicle collision can be avoided.

11455854

BACKGROUND Property owners are generally entitled to do as they wish with their property. For example, a person or an organization may own a residential building that may be leased to another (i.e., a lessee) for a fee. The lessee may then enter and use the property according to the terms of the lease. When the property involves a single lessee, this situation may be relatively easy to control in terms of access. However, in properties involving multifamily housing units, such as apartment buildings, and other complex rentable properties, such as car rental agencies, access control becomes increasingly complex. And, access control is a prominent concern among property owners as the property owners generally do not want unauthorized parties gaining access to their properties and using their properties free of charge, causing damage to their properties, etc. SUMMARY Systems and methods herein provide for cloud-controlled access to an access point. In one embodiment, a cloud-based computing system comprises a database operable to maintain accounts for a plurality of access point management systems, and to maintain a plurality of user datasets. Each account of the access point management systems identifies one or more access points associated with a property (e.g., one of a plurality of access points from a first of a plurality of multifamily housing constructions). Each user dataset includes user identifying information and user access information to one or more of the access points (e.g., lease information pertaining to the access points available to a user and the duration of the access to the access points). The system also includes a processor to process a request for access to the first access point. A rules engine that accesses the database to identify a first user based on the request and a user equipment (a “UE”, such as a pre-programmed fob, a self-provisioning fob, or a smart phone) of the first user via the user identifying information, identities a first of the access points based on a beacon transmitted by the first access point, retrieves the user access information, identifies access permission of the first user to the first access point, and grants access to the first user. Alternatively or additionally, the access point may include signage with various types of information (e.g., QR codes) that a user may use to obtain a grant to the access point. In this regard, the UE itself may transmit to the cloud computing system10and that the terms “beacon” and “transmit” may be used interchangeably with respect to the UE and the access point regarding communication with the cloud computing system. In one embodiment, the processor is further operable to process another request for access to the first access point. And, the rules engine is further operable to access the database to identify a second user based on the other request and a UE of the second user via the user identifying information, to identify the first access point based on the beacon transmitted by the first access point, to retrieve the user access information, to identify access permission of the second user to the first access point, and to deny access to the second user. In another embodiment, the processor is further operable to process an alternate request for access from the UE of the second user, to extract access credentials from the alternate request, to process the access credentials through the rules engine. The rules engine is further operable to overturn access denial to the second user based on the access credentials. And, the processor is further operable to grant access to the second user in response to the overturned access denial. For example, while the second user may be denied ingress/egress through the access point, the second user may still need access to the property, such as for repairs, maintenance, etc. Thus, if the second user is not authorized typical access, the second user may still gain ingress/egress access to the access point via secondary considerations. In another embodiment, the processor is further operable to process another request for access to the first access point. And, the rules engine is further operable to access the database to identify a second user based on the other request and a UE of the second user via the user identifying information, to identify the first access point based on the beacon transmitted by the first access point, to retrieve the user access information, to determine that the second user is authorized access to the first access point based on guest access information input to the database from the first user. For example, in this embodiment, the second user may be a guest that is authorized by the first user to visit the premises of the first user. In some embodiments, the processor is further operable to log access attempts. In some embodiments, the rules engine includes a machine learning module. For example, the user identifying information may include a previously recorded image of the first user. And, the request may include an image of the user recorded near a time of the request. In this regard, the machine learning module may be operable to verify an identity of the first user based on the previously recorded image of the first user and the image of the user recorded near a time of the request. The various embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in a variety of ways as a matter of design choice. For example, some embodiments herein are implemented in hardware whereas other embodiments may include processes that are operable to implement and/or operate the hardware. Other exemplary embodiments, including software and firmware, are described below.

11363041

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to the field of protecting computer assets from malicious electronic attacks. Still, more particularly, the present invention relates to the field of upgrading a gateway that protects computer assets from malicious electronic attacks. Computer assets, such as databases, servers, programs, data, etc., are often protected by a gateway (e.g., a firewall), which prevents a malicious attack (i.e., an intrusion) from attacking these computer assets. Behind such a gateway are numerous computer assets having different features. In order to protect the computer assets, the gateway can be updated with solutions to the latest known intrusions by a security vendor. Such solutions are often called “signatures” since they are solutions that are specific to a particular intrusion that has certain code (i.e., binaries). Thus, the term “signature” is used and defined herein as a solution/update/upgrade for a gateway, where the signature addresses an intrusion/threat to a computer asset that is protected by the gateway. When end users (e.g., analysts and/or automated systems) receive an updated signature, they often are unaware of what particular computer assets are behind different gateways. As such, the updated signatures are often loaded onto all of the gateways used by an enterprise. This leads to decreased performance in the gateways since they become bogged down with irrelevant and unnecessary signatures. Currently, there is not an effective process for correlating known vulnerabilities to certain computer assets with published vendor signatures. That is, vendors have their own proprietary method to manage protection policies and signatures. As a result, it is currently necessary to either enable signatures in bulk (i.e., install new/updated signatures on all gateways) without specific oversight, and/or to spend a significant amount of time and effort manually reviewing and applying each necessary protection/signature to specific gateways. SUMMARY In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method selectively installs a particular signature on a particular gateway based on the type of computer asset that is protected by that particular gateway. A system and/or analyst receives multiple signatures (e.g., Intrusion Prevention System—IPS signatures) from a signature vendor. Different signatures from the multiple signatures are specific for different types of computer assets. The system and/or analyst identifies a particular signature, from the multiple signatures, which is specific for a particular type of computer asset. This particular signature is code that causes a gateway to block an intrusion from reaching a particular computer asset that is of the particular type of computer asset, as described in its particular asset context. The system and/or analyst extracts the particular signature from the multiple signatures based on the particular asset context, and identifies a particular gateway that protects that particular computer asset. The system and/or analyst then installs the extracted particular signature from the multiple signatures only on that particular gateway. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the system and/or analyst affirmatively blocks any other signatures from the multiple signatures, other than the extracted particular signature, from being installed on that particular gateway. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the particular computer asset is a database system, and the particular asset context describes a level of vulnerability of the database system, an identification of the database system, a hostname of a host computer on which the database system is running, and an operating system used by the database system. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the particular computer asset is a database program, and the particular asset context describes a level of vulnerability of the database program, an identification of the database program, a hostname of a host computer on which the database program is running, a database system used by the database program, and an operating system used by the database system. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes performing a Natural Language Processing (NLP) analysis on a set of vulnerabilities to extract risk related information, where the set of vulnerabilities describes vulnerabilities that apply to the particular gateway, and where the risk related information includes a list of vulnerable network resources that are protected by the particular gateway and that are vulnerable to the intrusion. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a vulnerability of the particular computer asset to the intrusion is from a set of identified vulnerabilities, such that the set of identified vulnerabilities are identified in a Common Vulnerability Exposure (CVE) listing that is generated by a third party that monitors vulnerabilities for multiple computer systems. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a Deep Neural Network (DNN) is trained to identify which gateway is to receive the new signature based on a particular signature and the particular asset context referenced in that particular signature. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program code embodied therewith, where the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. The program code is readable and executable by a processor to perform a method that includes, but is not limited to: receiving multiple Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) signatures, where different IPS signatures from the multiple IPS signatures are specific for different types of IPS gateways that protect different types of computer assets; identifying a particular IPS signature from the multiple IPS signatures, where the particular IPS signature is specific for a particular type of computer asset, where the particular IPS signature is code that causes a particular IPS gateway to block an intrusion from reaching a particular computer asset that is of the particular type of computer asset, and where the particular computer asset has a particular asset context that is specific for the particular computer asset; extracting the particular IPS signature from the multiple IPS signatures based on the particular asset context; identifying a particular IPS gateway that protects the particular computer asset; and installing only the extracted particular IPS signature from the multiple IPS signatures on the particular IPS gateway. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a computer system includes one or more processors, one or more computer readable memories, and one or more computer readable non-transitory storage mediums, and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more computer readable non-transitory storage mediums for execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more computer readable memories, the stored program instructions executed to perform a method that includes, but is not limited to: receiving multiple Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) signatures, where different IPS signatures from the multiple IPS signatures are specific for different types of IPS gateways that protect different types of computer assets; identifying a particular IPS signature from the multiple IPS signatures, where the particular IPS signature is specific for a particular type of computer asset, where the particular IPS signature is code that causes a particular IPS gateway to block an intrusion from reaching a particular computer asset that is of the particular type of computer asset, and where the particular computer asset has a particular asset context that is specific for the particular computer asset; extracting the particular IPS signature from the multiple IPS signatures based on the particular asset context; identifying a particular IPS gateway that protects the particular computer asset; and installing only the extracted particular IPS signature from the multiple IPS signatures on the particular IPS gateway.

11278196

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to an imaging medical instrument such as an endoscope, exoscope or microscope. BACKGROUND The German patent DE 1113788 B has disclosed an endoscope which exhibits a detached light source, the light of which is coupled into the endoscope by a light guide and guided from the proximal end of the endoscope with the eyepiece to the distal end of the endoscope. In the process, the endoscope is typically in a body cavity and emits the supplied light there in a single direction for the purposes of illuminating the body cavity. The significant heat produced by the detached light source cannot lead to injury to the patient as a result of detaching the light source. Furthermore, the handling of this endoscope is found to be comfortable since the heat loss of the light source does not lead to noticeable heating of the endoscope. The laid-open application DE 10 2011 054 031 A1 has disclosed an exoscope that serves to observe and illuminate an object field on a patient from a location distant from the body of the patient. By way of a detached light source, the light for illumination purposes is supplied to the exoscope via an optical fiber cable and transmitted with the aid of optical fibers to the distal end with the head part in the exoscope, where said light is used for illuminating the object field. Here, there are two exit openings for the light at the head, into which two partial bundles of the optical fiber bundle arranged in the exoscope open. DE 10 2007 063 262 A1 has disclosed an illumination apparatus for producing light for endoscopy or microscopy. In order to avoid the problems of the light source heating up, said light source having an array of LEDs, said illumination apparatus exhibits a plurality of cooling apparatus using heat pipes. This cooling is found to be very complicated. Endoscopes with a variable, adjustable viewing direction are known from EP 2 263 519 A2 and EP 2 446 810 A1. Here, the viewing direction is varied by modifying the position or orientation of individual optical elements of the lens systems. These endoscopes require an accurately fitting illumination of the region that is viewed depending on the set viewing direction. In the process, two options are presented. Firstly, the entire possible viewing region is illuminated over a large area. Secondly, it is proposed not only to selectively choose the viewing direction but also, additionally and parallel thereto, to selectively adapt the illumination direction by virtue of co-pivoting a light guide at the distal end of the endoscope and thereby modifying the illumination direction. This solution is found to be very complicated from a mechanical point of view and requires a significant volume in the region of the distal end, said significant volume significantly restricting the introduction of such a variable illumination in the case of endoscopes with a small tube diameter. The problem of the heat load in the region of the light source clearly becomes apparent in the case of a large-area illumination. An alternative type of endoscope with a variable adjustable viewing direction is known from the German patent application DE 10 2014 107 572 A1 or the European patent EP 2 143 374 B1. In these, an electronic selection of the image data in the style of an electronic zoom or in the style of a laterally displaced selection of the image data of the large-area CCD chip is undertaken on the basis of a field of view that is widened by a wide-angle lens. These endoscopes regularly exhibit a large-area illumination of the field of view, which regularly goes beyond the field of view that was widened by a wide-angle lens. As a result, significant amounts of heat are introduced into the body cavity during an operation, which may lead to injury of the tissue. The German patent application DE 10 2013 113 511 A1 has disclosed an endoscope, an exoscope or a microscope that, with the aid of a test arrangement, ascertains an assignment function of the proximal ends of optical fibers to the distal ends of the optical fibers in order to reduce the heat influx by input coupling of light into a selection of proximal ends of optical fibers. This endoscope, exoscope or microscope is very complicated in terms of handling. SUMMARY The invention is based on the object of specifying an imaging medical instrument such as an endoscope, an exoscope or a microscope that is improved over the prior art, simple to handle and distinguished by a low heat load on the patient. This object is achieved by an imaging medical instrument such as an endoscope, an exoscope or a microscope, according to the invention. Advantageous configurations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The imaging medical instrument according to the invention relates to an endoscope, exoscope or microscope having a shaft, in which an optical fiber bundle extends from the proximal end of the shaft to the distal end of the shaft for illuminating the illumination field in the region of the distal end of the shaft and in which a lens system is arranged for transmitting an image of the field of view from the distal end of the shaft to the proximal end of the shaft. It furthermore exhibits at least one light source for input coupling light into the one proximal end of the optical fiber bundle, wherein the light source is provided with a multiplicity of selectively actuatable individual light sources arranged in an array-like manner. Moreover, it exhibits a camera for capturing the transmitted image of the field of view and a control unit for selectively actuating the individual light sources of the light source for adapting the illumination field to the field of view, wherein the illumination field has a different form to the field of view. According to the invention, the control unit has an apparatus for analyzing the illumination situation, said apparatus being suitable and provided for analyzing the image captured by the camera in respect of changes depending on the selectively actuated individual light sources and for analyzing the field of view relative to the illumination field. Within the scope of the analysis, it becomes possible to determine whether and, if so, which parts of the illumination field belong to the field of view and which do not. According to the invention, this knowledge renders it possible to actuate individual light sources of the at least one light source with the aid of the control unit in such a way that the region of the illumination field that corresponds to the field of view or that is congruent therewith is illuminated more strongly than the region outside of the common region. This leads to a restriction in the heat energy introduced at the distal end of the shaft and, as a result thereof, allows a very efficient illumination with a significantly reduced risk of damage or injury to the tissue in the body cavity of the patient. On account of the analysis of the field of view relative to the illumination field according to the invention, it is possible to attenuate the illumination outside of the common region and thereby provide the option of reducing the risk of injury, even if it still is possible to illuminate the entire possible illumination field over its whole area or beyond the field of view with full strength and obtain maximum illumination in the body cavity thereby. Consequently, according to the invention, the analysis of the common region provides the option of selectively reducing the illumination and thereby reducing the heat influx without substantial impairment in the image quality. According to a preferred development of the invention, the apparatus for analyzing the illumination situation of the imaging medical instrument is suitable and provided for determining the common region of the field of view and illumination field and, dependent thereon, for directly or indirectly actuating the light source such that the common region is illuminated more strongly than the region outside of the common region. According to the invention, this renders it possible to successfully reduce the heat influx by way of an illumination of the region outside of the common region, which is substantially formed by the overlap between the illumination field and the field of view, and thereby to ensure a differentiated and efficient illumination of the field of view. Here, the differentiated illumination is preferably effectuated with the aid of the control device for actuating the individual light sources. In addition to the option of illuminating the region outside of the common region with no illuminance or an attenuated, constant, uniform illuminance and thereby achieving a reduced heat influx in a simple manner, it was found to be particularly advantageous to illuminate the region outside of the common region in such a way that it is provided with an illumination gradient such that the illuminance at least substantially reduces with increasing distance from the edge of the common region (gradient region). As a result of this, stray light from a relevant region near the common region is successfully reflected from outside of the common region into the common region and can be captured by the camera. By contrast, stray light from more distant regions is not reflected from the common region into the relevant field of view due to lack of illumination and, according to this invention, a relevant, damaging heat influx is prevented at the same time. Here, the gradient region need not necessarily exhibit a continuously falling illuminance or brightness. Individual restricted regions with a constant or with an increasing illuminance or brightness are found to be not bothersome in a relevant fashion. Not illuminating substantial regions of the illumination field outside of the common region and, as a result, preventing any heat influx has proven its worth in this case. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention exhibits a control unit that is suitable and provided for actuating the individual light sources or groups of individual light sources of the light source sequentially for the purposes of analyzing the illumination situation and thereby providing the option of analyzing the effect of the individual light sources or groups of individual light sources on the illumination field in view of the field of view and consequently in view of the common region. The sequential analysis allows very reliable information about the relevance of the activated individual light source or the group of the individual light sources to be successfully obtained, without requiring complicated and cumbersome image analysis systems. An attribute that marks the individual light source or the group of individual light sources as belonging to the common region and consequently as being of direct importance to the illumination of the field of view is preferably produced within the scope of the sequential analysis. These individual light sources attributed thus or the attributed groups of individual light sources are actuated in a targeted manner, and hence activated, with the aid of the control unit within the scope of normal use of the medical instrument. This successfully allows the common region to be illuminated efficiently and hence with relatively low heat influx, and the facilitation of a good image capture. A particularly preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention for analyzing the illumination situation is suitable and provided for capturing color changes and/or brightness changes in the captured image when the illumination is modified. Depending thereon, an analysis is carried out as to whether the activated individual light source or group of individual light sources has a relevant influence on the illumination of the common region, i.e., of the overlap of illumination field and field of view. Precisely the brightness change, in addition to the color change, constitutes a very reliable measure for the relevance, and hence the belonging, to the common region. Alternatively, the analysis of the color composition of the field of view has proven its worth as a meaningful variable, wherein the combination of brightness change and color change allows exceedingly reliable information in respect of relevance to be obtained. Here, the apparatus for analyzing the illumination situation is preferably suitable and provided for determining the common region on the basis of color changes and/or brightness changes that are greater than predetermined thresholds. Here, the threshold, or thresholds, are embodied as an adjustable threshold in particular. A simple analysis is facilitated by the provision of comparisons with threshold values and the option of ensuring an improved analysis of the common region in different operating situations is created by the provision of adjustable threshold values. There is a significant difference in the color changes or brightness changes depending on the type of operation and hence on the type of body cavity in which the medical instrument is used or depending on the type of the respectively employed light source or the employed camera. It has also proven its worth to embody according to the invention not only medical instruments for a static, unchanging field of view but precisely to develop according to the invention those medical instruments whose field of view has a variable embodiment and thereby facilitate an optimization of the illumination situation in view of the field of view or the analyzed common region. Medical instruments that have a variable embodiment in respect of the viewing direction and/or in respect of the viewing angle and/or in respect of the field of view design, in particular, can facilitate a good image reproduction with an efficient illumination as a result of the analysis according to the invention. Examples of medical instruments with a variable viewing direction are so-called swing prism endoscopes, be it with a swing optical unit that facilitates variable viewing directions or be it with a digital swing optical unit that facilitates different viewing directions by way of appropriate image processing. Examples of medical instruments with variable viewing angles are zoom microscopes or zoom endoscopes, which can adapt the image portion, and hence the viewing angle, by way of optical or electronic components. Additionally, there are examples of medical instruments with a variable field of view design, which are able to vary the design of the field of view, for example from a circular cross section to an elliptical cross section and vice versa, or which rotate the elliptical cross section in terms of its orientation. The combination of these various options of varying the field of view is also possible and preferably selected as a trigger for the analysis of the illumination situation according to the invention. Here, it was found to be particularly useful to embody the apparatus for analyzing the illumination situation in such a way that an analysis of the illumination situation is initiated or carried out if there is a change in the field of view or in the illumination field. This very reliably successfully renders it possible to efficiently adapt the illumination field to the modified field of view and facilitate an efficient illumination with little risk of injury. According to the invention, the temporal scope of the analysis can be kept short. Moreover, it was found to be particularly advantageous to embody the apparatus for analyzing the illumination situation in such a way that an analysis of the illumination situation is undertaken upon start up of the medical instrument. Additionally, it has also proven its worth to undertake a regular analysis of the illumination situation, in particular during the running operation of the medical instrument according to the invention at fixed time intervals. An adaptation of the illumination to the respective current field-of-view situation is facilitated on the basis of the analysis, wherein there regularly is a change in the illumination situation or in the field-of-view situation, especially at start up, said change demanding an adaptation in view of an efficient illumination. The regular checks can moreover capture and take account of changes in the operating situation and thereby ensure a particularly reliable illumination with a low risk of injury. Preferably, individual light sources are embodied as LEDs, OLEDs, diode lasers and/or supercontinuum lasers. These facilitate a very compact and bright construction of the medical instrument. Further, the combination of different individual light sources, which can be operated together in groups, has also proven its worth since, in this case, the different properties of the individual light sources, particularly in view of the different illuminance or frequency responses, come to bear to particular extent. According to a preferred development of the medical instrument according to the invention, the light source has at least one scanning laser light source, the laser beam of which, in particular, is deflected in scanning fashion by way of a MEMS (micromirror—micro-electromechanical system). This embodiment of the light source facilitates a very compact construction, which, moreover, can very efficiently illuminate the analyzed common region in scanning fashion and can thereby very advantageously reduce the heat introduced into the body cavity. In addition, it has proven its worth to provide at least one beam-widening optical element distally upstream of the distal end of the light guide bundle. As a result of this, the field of view can be successfully illuminated very efficiently and the heat influx according to the invention can be successfully kept low, particularly when using a digital zoom or digital pivot optical unit. In particular, cone-shaped tapers or beam-widening lenses or microlens systems or Fresnel lenses have particularly proven their worth as beam-widening optical elements. In a preferred development, the beam-widening optical element or elements is/are arranged not only distally upstream of the end or ends of the optical fiber bundle or bundles, but also upstream of the distal front lens of the lens system for image transmission. This facilitates a compact construction of the distal end of the medical instrument and protects the components of the medical instrument lying therebehind.

11360642

BACKGROUND Field Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate generally to a method and apparatus for setting a parameter, and more specifically, a method and apparatus for setting a parameter, which can reduce the inconvenience of repeating multiple touches and touch cancellations on a display unit to set each parameter. Discussion of the Background Recently, research has been vigorously conducted on moving objects, particularly unmanned moving objects, and various types of unmanned moving objects and various technology for controlling unmanned moving objects have been developed. In addition, various developments have been made in controllers ranging from existing analog controllers to controllers that can be used in various devices such as tablets and smartphones. Accordingly, users can easily perform various operations using unmanned moving objects. A waypoint refers to an operation of setting points to be passed by an unmanned moving object to determine the path of the unmanned moving object. The path to be taken by the unmanned moving object is determined by connecting waypoints. When a user sets waypoints for the unmanned moving object via a controller, the unmanned moving object can travel along the travel path being generated. The waypoints of the unmanned moving object are a major function of the protocol of the unmanned moving object and are thus normally inserted in the controller. Thus, it is important to consider UI/UX to make setting easy and convenient for the user. However, according to the prior art, it is not easy to set waypoints on a map displayed on the controller or to select an arbitrary point on the map and then enter particular parameters. Specifically, the steps of selecting an arbitrary point on an electronic map, moving an icon to a desired point to set a waypoint at the exact point, and entering various parameters to the waypoint are all separate. Here, the parameters refer to various items that the user desires to set for the moving object when setting waypoints that the moving object is to pass by while traveling along a path. For example, there are the speed and the altitude of the moving object when the moving object is to pass by a particular waypoint, whether the moving object is to hover when passing by the particular waypoint, and the exposure value, FPS, and resolution at the time of camera shooting. When there are multiple parameters to be set, multiple windows are generated one by one whenever each parameter is set, and numerical values need to be entered or adjusted manually. Accordingly, there has been the inconvenience of performing multiple touches or clicks or cancellations thereof repeatedly via the controller with a finger or the like. The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding of the background of the inventive concepts, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. SUMMARY Devices constructed/methods according to exemplary implementations/embodiments of the invention are capable of setting a parameter, which can reduce the inconvenience of repeating multiple touches or touch cancellations on a display unit to set each parameter. Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of setting a parameter includes: selecting, by a touch or click, one point on an electronic map displayed on an electronic device; displaying a parameter input area around the selected one point on the electronic map; detecting, by the electronic device, a pan or drag performed along a direction in which the displayed parameter input area is formed; adjusting a value of the parameter according to the detected pan or drag; detecting, by the electronic device, a pan or drag performed in a direction toward the one point; and setting the parameter to the adjusted value, wherein the touch or click needs to be maintained while the steps ranging from the selecting the one point to the setting the parameter are being performed. According to another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for setting a parameter includes: a display unit displaying an electronic map; a communication unit transmitting signals and data to, and receiving signals and data from, the outside in a wired or wireless manner; a storage unit storing the signals and the data; and a control unit controlling operations of the display unit, the communication unit, and the storage unit, wherein if one point on the electronic map is selected by a touch or click, the display unit displays a parameter input area around the one point, the control unit adjusts a value of a parameter if a pan or drag is performed on the parameter input area along a direction in which the parameter input area is formed, and sets the parameter to the adjusted value if a pan or drag is performed in a direction toward the one point, and the operations ranging from the selection of the one point to the setting of the parameter are performed only if the touch or click is maintained. Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts.

11501379

BACKGROUND This disclosure relates to an automated insurance policy tracking and endorsement management system and process. Insurance verification is an essential part of business and compliance. Business partners share and amend insurance policies to protect their financial interests. Insurance compliance requirements change based on line of business, complexity, and risk of engagement. Engagements often span 3-10+ years and require ongoing insurance protection to maintain compliance. Risks associated with non-compliant insurance include financial loss, legal issues, reputational risk, negative impact to strategic goals, organizational embarrassment, internal opportunity loss, project halt and delays. Current insurance verification processes require the use of point-in-time documents to share insurance related details and endorsements between stakeholders. Customers are unable to quickly produce such insurance documents, which may impact their ability to close new business. Insurance agents and brokers may be unable to keep up with growing demands and employee needs to manage daily workflows. Insight into third-party requests for insurance is a challenge causing delays or the need to reissue documents more than once. Rekeying and manual extraction of insurance information is required by certificate holder management systems due to the utilization of documents. The end result is that the process to manage certificates of insurance (CoIs) is inefficient and costly for all stakeholders involved—the requestor, the insured, and the insurance provider. CoIs are point-in-time documents requiring organizations to request updated certificates on an ongoing basis. Fraudulent activity, coverage changes and cancellations make it impossible for stakeholders to maintain a proper level of compliance between updates and protect their core business. SUMMARY The subject system and process provides for real-time digital insurance verification by enabling insurance providers, insureds, and requestors to share information electronically, which can include application programming interfaces (APIs) for automated information sharing, and electronic messaging for manual sharing. This transforms legacy processes and enables the electronic sharing of insurance details and endorsements among insurance providers, insureds, and third-party requestors. It also enables instant coverage requirement comparison for requestors, automates renewals and policy updates eliminating the need to re-request information, enables transparency and streamlines workflows amongst requestors, policy holders and insurance providers, and reduces the risk of fraud, misinformation, lapses, or reductions in coverage. Some of the benefits of the subject system and process include: reduced operational costs for all stakeholders; increased overall compliance and elimination of the need to reply on point-in-time information; reduced E&O exposure, insurance fraud and misinformation; ability to generate new insurance documents anytime using current, secure and verified information; and prevention of uninsured activities by utilizing 3rd party integration features. The subject system and process involves an automated system that includes a database that maintains up to date insurance policy related information. In an example the policy data is automatically retrieved from an insurance provider database, for example by using one or more APIs that interface the automated system to the insurance company's database. The policy data can be updated continuously, or it can be provided on-demand. Then, third parties that have been authorized by the insured or the insured's agent can electronically access or request policy data, and the automated system can provide the requested policy data. In an example the requested policy data includes an automatically generated, up to date, certificate of insurance. Third party requestor systems can automatically receive compliance alerts from the subject system and can automatically provide to the insured communications or necessary actions as a result, such as deny building access, pause/cancel order, stop invoice payment, and remove system access. Featured in this disclosure is an automated, computer-implemented continuous tracking process and system for information relating to insurance policies. The system allows those who need to verify certain insurance coverage (“requestors”) to be granted electronic access by a policy holder (“insured”) to data that includes necessary aspects of a relevant insurance policy or a part thereof, or to related information (such as a certificate of insurance or CoI). The system streamlines the process of insurance verification and makes more accurate information exchange and records interactions between any two or more of policy holders, insurance providers, insurance brokers (“agents”), and requestors. The system provides for instant digital verification of insurance. The system also provides for the ability to electronically grant and execute endorsements. Although in the preferred embodiment the verification and endorsement are performed together during the request/share process, verification and endorsement are separate actions that are individually contemplated in the subject system. The system also provides for the ability to automatically generate and send or print traditional CoI documents from data stored on the system. The system allows stakeholders (requestors, insured, agents, etc.) to generate an updated CoI with the click of a button. The Requestor is thus able to create an updated COI at any time, without the need for the Agent or Insured to take any action, since all of the data that is needed to create the COI is stored electronically and has been previously verified. This process leverages the underlying data in a continuous fashion to prove insurance coverage, as opposed to the current methods of using point-in-time data tied to how issued COIs are used today. The system also has the ability to automatically compare requestor requirements against received/requested policy data. Some existing certificate management systems available today perform this comparison after the data has been manually entered into the system by viewing a certificate of insurance. In contrast, in the subject system there can be an instant electronic comparison of a Requestor's requirements against an Insured's Policy data during the request process. Also, all parties, including the Agent, can be automatically notified of any issues, for example by emails that are automatically generated and sent by the system. The issues include but are not limited to types of insurance being requested, required limits, and requested endorsements. As a result, all stakeholders can instantly identify (and presumably then resolve) issues during the request process without the need for manual intervention. The system also allows an insured to be able to have any requests and issues sent directly to an agent. This streamlines existing workflows and enables the agent to have direct access to those requesting Insurance details from their client. In addition, the insured can, via the system, grant to the agent the right to directly act on behalf of the insured. This allows the agent to independently fulfill third party requests. Exemplary systems and processes are set forth elsewhere herein. Following are some of the factors that differentiate the subject system from existing manners by which requestors attempt to verify insurance coverage. Continuous tracking of policy information can eliminate the need to request updates and alerts of any compliance related issues. Evidence reporting can provide a detailed, time-stamped, and immutable transactional log of the entire process, including policy creation date, verification, sharing, endorsements and more. In an example the system leverages existing technologies to ensure data privacy, protection, and authenticity. Using this technology enables multiple stakeholders to interact with each other and all that interaction and information is recorded in real-time in such a way that all stakeholders can trust the data in the system, changes to the policy coverage, endorsements, etc., as well as data that is accessed via external systems through APIs. The system is designed to provide benefits to all stakeholders. For agents, benefits include new leads and better customer insight. For insureds, benefits include improved customer experience and ease of business. For requestors, benefits include increased compliance and reduction of risk. For all users, benefits include operational efficiency and reduced costs. Digital endorsements provide the ability to grant endorsements electronically with supporting contractual language. The system comprises a data driven platform that is designed to transport policy data and is not dependent on traditional point-in-time documents. Continuous tracking (monitoring) can be enabled by the use of APIs that provide direct integration to Agent/Broker systems (e.g., Agency Management Systems) as well as Insurance Provider systems (e.g., Policy Admin Systems). Continuous tracking ensures data is always kept up to date and enables several other product features. Policy updates can also be provided by the Agent/Broker or Provider by logging on directly to the system. All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way. In one aspect, an automated computer-implemented insurance tracking process includes allowing an insured to select insurance-related information that can be shared with a particular requestor, automatically saving the selected insurance-related information in a computer memory of a computer-based system, and automatically providing, to the particular requestor, digital access to the saved information. Some examples include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof. In an example the selected insurance-related information comprises a certificate of insurance. In an example the process further comprises allowing an insured to grant and execute an endorsement of an existing policy. In an example the process further comprises comparing requestor requirements against received/requested policy data. In some examples the process further comprises automatically notifying one or all of the insured, the requestor, and the agent of outstanding issues identified during the comparison. In an example the outstanding issues comprise types of insurance being requested, required limits, and requested endorsements. Some examples include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof. In an example the process further comprises allowing a user of the system to automatically generate a current certificate of insurance from data stored on the system. In some examples the process further comprises allowing an insured to have any requests and outstanding issues sent directly to an agent who represents the insured. In an example the process further comprises allowing the insured to grant to the agent the right to directly act on behalf of the insured via the system. Some examples include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof. In some examples the process further comprises continuous tracking of insurance policy data, to keep saved insurance-related information up to date. In an example the continuous tracking is facilitated by the use of an application programming interface (API) that is configured to provide direct integration into a third-party insurance data management system. In an example the system utilizes real-time compliance to interact with other systems via an application programming interface (API) to change access controls and prevent uninsured activities. In some examples the process further comprises producing an output that comprises the saved information. In an example the output comprises a printout or display on a computer screen. Some examples include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof. In some examples the process further comprises allowing an insurance carrier to directly and automatically interface with the system. In an example the insurance carrier provides policy details and endorsement documents. In some examples the process further comprises allowing an insurance carrier rating organization to directly and automatically interface with the system. In an example the insurance carrier rating organization provides insurance carrier identification and rating information. In another aspect an automated computer-implemented insurance tracking process includes allowing an insured to select insurance-related information that can be shared with a particular requestor, wherein the selected insurance-related information comprises a certificate of insurance, automatically saving the selected insurance-related information in a computer memory of a computer-based system, automatically providing, to the particular requestor, digital access to the saved information, allowing an insured to grant and execute an endorsement of an existing policy, comparing requestor requirements against received/requested policy data and automatically notifying one or all of the insured, the requestor, and the agent of outstanding issues identified during the comparison, allowing a user of the system to automatically generate a current certificate of insurance from data stored on the system, and providing continuous tracking of insurance policy data, to keep saved insurance-related information up to date, wherein the continuous tracking is facilitated by the use of an application programming interface (API) that is configured to provide direct integration into a third-party insurance data management system. Some examples include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof. In an example the process further comprises allowing an insurance carrier to directly and automatically interface with the system, wherein the insurance carrier provides policy details and endorsement documents, and further comprises allowing an insurance carrier rating organization to directly and automatically interface with the system, wherein the insurance carrier rating organization provides insurance carrier identification and rating information.

11219251

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a clothing body for air-conditioned clothing and air-conditioned clothing. BACKGROUND ART In recent years, air-conditioned clothing to cool a human body has been put to practical use, rapidly becoming common. Conventional air-conditioned clothing includes a clothing body formed with a material with low breathability, two fans attached to opening holes on the lower back side of the clothing body, a power unit to supply electric power to the two fans, and a power cable to electrically connect the power unit and the two fans. When the fans are in operation, a large amount of air is taken inside the clothing body by the fans. Pressure of air taken in spontaneously forms air flow path between the clothing body and the body of the wearer, and air taken in flows upward along the surface of the body of the wearer or the underwear through the formed air flow path and is discharged outside through, for example, the openings at the collar or the sleeves. Then, while air taken in flows through the air flow path between the clothing body and the body of the wearer or the underwear, it evaporates sweat drained from the human body, and the human body is cooled because of the heat of vaporization (for example, see Patent Document 1). CITATION LIST Patent Document Patent Document 1: WO 2005/063065 A1 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved However, in conventional air-conditioned clothing, the surrounding part of the opening holes to which the fans are attached may largely swell because of a positive pressure caused by outside air being taken inside the clothing body or because of reaction when a large amount of air is taken inside the clothing body. The part to which the fans are attached sometimes largely swell, which may be a hindrance to the work. Further, as the parts to which the fans are attached largely swell, problems described below may occur. 1. When the human body rotates, centrifugal force gets the fans more distant from the human body and it is more likely that the fans hit the surrounding objects. 2. As the fans get distant from the body of the wearer, it is more likely that objects hit the fans, and as the user jumps, it is more likely that an impact is added on the fans. Thus, the fans should be in a durable structure to endure such an impact, and as a result, there may be a secondary deficit such as increase in weight. An object of the present invention is to provide a clothing body for air-conditioned clothing and air-conditioned clothing, preventing the part to which the fans are attached from swelling. Solution to Problem In order to solve the above-described problem, one aspect of the invention provides a clothing body of air-conditioned clothing including: a cloth part including at least one opening hole to which a fan is attachable, and an air discharge part; and a swell-controlling mechanism which is provided on the cloth part at a position almost the same as the opening hole in a height direction of the cloth part, wherein the swell-controlling mechanism controls swell of the cloth part around the opening hole and, when the clothing body is worn with the fan being attached to the opening hole, causes the fan to adhere to a wearer's body. The swell-controlling mechanism may include a string-shaped member which is provided along a waist circumference on an inner surface of the cloth part. A string holder which holds the string-shaped member may be provided on the inner surface of the cloth part, wherein the string holder includes a string holder around the opening hole, and wherein the string holder around the opening hole is provided around the opening hole of the cloth part. The string holder may include a string holder separate from the opening hole, wherein the string holder separate from the opening hole is provided at a position separate from the opening hole of the cloth part. The string holder around the opening hole and the string holder separate from the opening hole may include an opening through which the string-shaped member passes, wherein an opening of the string holder around the opening hole has a maximum diameter in a horizontal direction smaller than an opening of the string holder separate from the opening hole. The string-shaped member may be formed with a material having elasticity. The string-shaped member may be fixed to the cloth part near the opening hole. The at least one opening hole may include two opening holes formed at almost the same positions in the height direction of the cloth part, and the string-shaped member may include: a right string-shaped member which has one end fixed to the cloth part near a right opening hole of the two opening holes; a central string-shaped member which has one end fixed to the cloth part near the right opening hole and which has the other end fixed to the cloth part near a left opening hole of the two opening holes; and a left string-shaped member which has one end fixed to the cloth part near the left opening hole. The central string-shaped member may have smaller elasticity than the right string-shaped member and the left string-shaped member. A first connecting mechanism may be provided at one end of the string-shaped member and a second connecting mechanism may be provided at the other end of the string-shaped member, wherein the first connecting mechanism and the second connecting mechanism are configured to be attachable and removable to and from each other in front of the wearer. The swell-controlling mechanism may include an adjuster to adjust a length of the string-shaped member. And air-conditioned clothing can be provided that includes including the clothing body. Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, there may be provided a clothing body for air-conditioned clothing and air-conditioned clothing, preventing the part to which the fans are attached from swelling.

11439173

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known, food allergy rates have been on the rise over the last several years. Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common forms of food allergy, affecting around 1%-4% of young children in Western countries. IgE-mediated milk allergy is caused by an adverse immune reaction to one or more of the proteins in cow's milk. Most milk-allergic children (approximately 80%) outgrow the condition by the time of school age and develop clinical tolerance to cow's milk allergens. The patterns of sensitization to individual cow's milk proteins varies significantly by study population and age. Approximately 61% of cow's milk reactive individuals are sensitized to the Bos d 5 (beta-lactoglobulin, otherwise indicated as “β-lactoglobulin”) protein and approximately 57% are sensitized to the Bos d 11 (beta-casein, otherwise indicated as “β-casein”) protein. These proteins represent two of the major allergens in milk and constitute approximately 9% and 26%, respectively, of total milk protein. The observation in the art that children who consumed extensively heated (baked) milk products subsequently became tolerant to milk changed the paradigm for treatment of milk allergy. Consumption of baked milk products apparently accelerated the development of tolerance to milk and was associated with reduced IgE antibody responses to milk allergens. Indeed, approximately 70%-75% of children treated with baked milk products ultimately were able to tolerate such products. Previous studies have investigated the effects of baking, following a specific recipe that includes: 1. Mixing pasteurized or raw milk with oil, flavoring and egg. 2. Mixing flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. 3. Adding the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients and stirring. 4. Dividing the batter, and heating at 350 F 30-35 minutes until firm to the touch. A recent study using new monoclonal antibodies in order to measure the IgE-binding levels of Bos d 5 and Bos d 11 in milk products resulting from a muffin “baking” recipe showed that allergenic Bos d 5 was reduced from 680 μg/g in uncooked muffin mix to 0.17 μg/g in baked muffins, representing a greater than 99% decrease after baking. Conversely, allergenic Bos d 11 levels in baked muffins remained high and only decreased by 30% from a mean of 4249 μg/g in an uncooked muffin mix to 2961 μg/g when baked (˜181 mg Bos d 11 per muffin). Significantly, baked muffins retained—70% of the IgE binding to uncooked muffin mix. Baked muffin extract inhibited IgE binding to uncooked muffin mix by up to 80%, demonstrating retention of IgE reactivity. The need therefore exists for an infant safe well-cooked milk food product that can provide uniform and desired levels of total and allergenic milk proteins to infants. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a nutritional or dietary supplement or food product is provided that may be eaten by children or adults. The food product is made solely of cow's milk that has been extensively heat treated in order to selectively denature the allergenic proteins in the milk. This, in turn, substantially reduces the amount of micrograms of allergenic protein per gram of milk, the reduction being at least 25% and up to 100% of their initial concentration in the milk. In other words, the heat treated milk contains between about 0% to about 75% of its allergenic proteins as compared to what it contained prior to the heat treating process. The total and allergenic protein content in the heat treated milk is typically measured by analytic techniques such as SDS-PAGE or ELISA, as is well known on the art. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved cow's milk food product for infants or babies. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cow's milk food product that has a desired amount of specific proteins in both allergenic and denatured forms. A further object of the invention is to provide a cow's milk food product that is easy for an infant or baby to eat and digest. Yet another object of the invention to create an improved cow's milk food product with a texture that is developmentally appropriate for an infant as young as 4 months old. Still a further object of the invention is to provide a cow's milk food product that has reduced allergenic bos d 11 and bos d 5 protein levels without incorporating the use of other ingredients, enzymes, or preservatives. Another object of the invention is to provide a cow's milk food product that is shelf-stable at room temperature for at least 6 months. A further object of the invention is to provide a powdered cow's milk food product that is water soluble. Still other objects and advantages will be obvious from the following description.

11487578

FIELD The present disclosure relates to scheduling data processing jobs. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to using historical data to dynamically schedule data processing jobs. BACKGROUND For any system that needs to process raw data on a periodic basis (e.g. daily), the system typically schedules the processing to start at a static time, e.g., 2 AM each day, which can be predefined by a user or set according to system settings. The static time is usually during a period when computing resources are expected to have greater availability and when the data models are expected to be not yet needed. In some cases, the scheduling of data processing may be global, which may include multiple data model building processes or jobs. When there are multiple data model building jobs to process, the processing may be batch scheduled, instead of being scheduled on a per-job basis. SUMMARY The present disclosure describes various examples for dynamically setting a start time for building data models based on an expected access time for the required data models and an estimated time for building the data models. The expected access time can be predefined based on user input or system settings The estimated time for building the data models can be generated based on historical data. The expected access time can also be estimated based on historical data, in some cases. The examples described herein may be implemented in the context of an e-commerce platform, or may be made available for use outside of the e-commerce platform. In some examples, the present disclosure describes methods and systems for dynamically scheduling data processing. An example method includes: identifying a data model to be built, the data model being associated with a data model definition defining input data to be used in building that data model; determining a size of the input data; obtaining an expected access time for the data model; estimating a total time required for building the data model based on the size of the input data and the definition of the data model; determining a time to start building the data model based on the expected access time for the data model and the estimated total time required to build the data model; and scheduling the building of the data model to start at the determined time. A benefit of the proposed solution is that it aims to schedule the data processing as late as possible in order to capture the latest raw data in the data processing. The start time may be considered a “dynamic” start time (in contrast to the conventional static start time) for building the data model. In some examples, the present disclosure describes a system including a processing device in communication with a storage. The processing device may be configured to execute instructions to cause the system to: identify a data model to be built, the data model being associated with a data model definition defining input data to be used in building that data model; determine a size of the input data; obtain an expected access time for the data model; estimate a total time required for building the data model based on the size of the input data and the definition of the data model; determine a time to start building the data model based on the expected access time for the data model and the estimated total time required to build the data model; and schedule the building of the data model to start at the determined time. In some examples, the present disclosure describes a computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by a processing device of a system, cause the system to: identify a data model to be built, the data model being associated with a data model definition defining input data to be used in building that data model; determine a size of the input data; obtain an expected access time for the data model; estimate a total time required for building the data model based on the size of the input data and the definition of the data model; determine a time to start building the data model based on the expected access time for the data model and the estimated total time required to build the data model; and schedule the building of the data model to start at the determined time. In any of the above examples, the method may include, or the processing device may be further configured to execute instructions to cause the system to perform: determining, prior to the determined time to start building the data model, that the size of the input data has increased; estimating a revised total time required for building the data model based on the increased size of the input data and the definition of the data model, the revised total time greater than the previously estimated total time for building the data model; determining an updated time to start building the data model based on the expected access time for the data model and the revised total time required to build the data model, the updated time being earlier than the previously determined time to start building the data model; and rescheduling the building of the data model to start at the earlier updated time. In any of the above examples, the method may include, or the processing device may be further configured to execute instructions to cause the system to perform: determining, prior to the determined time to start building the data model, that the size of the input data has decreased; estimating a revised total time required for building the data model based on the decreased size of the input data and the definition of the data model, the revised total time being less than the previously estimated total time for building the data model; determining an updated time to start building the data model based on the expected access time for the data model and the revised total time required for building the data model, the updated time being later than the previously determined time to start building the data model; and rescheduling the building of the data model to start at the later updated time. In any of the above examples, the method may include, or the processing device may be further configured to execute instructions to cause the system to perform: obtaining, prior to the determined time to start building the data model, an updated expected access time for the data model; determining an updated time to start building the data model based on the updated expected access time for the data model and the estimated total time required for building the data model; and rescheduling the building of the data model to start at the updated time. In any of the above examples, the size of the input data may be determined based on the expected access time for the data model. In any of the above examples, the expected access time may be predefined in the data model definition. In any of the above examples, the expected access time may be determined based on historical records. In any of the above examples, the total time required for building the at data model may be estimated based on historical records including: data representing a historical time taken to build the data model, data representing a historical time taken to build a different data model that may be similar in structure to the data model or a server capacity when the data model was built. In any of the above examples, the building of the data model may be dependent on a second data model, and estimating the total time required for building the data model may include estimating a total time required to build the second data model. In any of the above examples, determining the size of the input data may include: determining a current size of the input data; and estimating an expected size of input data to be generated between a current time and a future time, where the size of the input data may be determined based on a sum of the current size of the input data and the estimated size of input data to be generated. In any of the above examples, the expected size of input data to be generated may be determined based on an average size of input data previously generated per unit time. In any of the above examples, the method may include, or the processing device may be further configured to execute instructions to cause the system to perform: determining an amount of computing resources available to build the data model, where the estimate of the total time required for building the data model may be further based on the amount of computing resources available to build the data model. In any of the above examples, determining the amount of computing resources available may include estimating, based on historical records, a respective amount of computing resources available at each of a plurality of future times. In any of the above examples, the method may include, or the processing device may be further configured to execute instructions to cause the system to perform: estimating, based on the historical records, a respective total time required for building the data model starting at each of the plurality of future times; and determining the time to start building the data model based on the estimated respective total times required for building the data model starting at each of the plurality of future times.

11323500

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Users are increasingly using networks such as the Internet to access content, such as video files and live streaming/video on demand content, via client machines. Such content is often large, time sensitive, or both. As demand for such content increases, there are challenges in distributing that content efficiently and with high quality. As one example, with the various types of device and video players used in video streaming, keeping clients updated in a complex video streaming ecosystem can be challenging.

11479039

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from Europe Patent Application No. 19306676.8 filed on Dec. 18, 2019. The content of this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. PRIOR ART AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS Fluid circuits of CIJ (continuous ink jet) printers often comprise a damper, to damp pressure variations of the ink and/or solvent sent to the printing head. Such pressure variations can be of up to several bars, for example between 0.5 bar and 3 bars Known dampers often make use of a membrane combined with a spring, which requires a particular chamber for accommodating the spring, a membrane on top of it and special skills or steps for adjusting the spring in its chamber and the membrane on its top. Such a damper is difficult to manufacture and there is a need for another damper structure, easier to manufacture. Such a damper is also bulky, due to the presence of the spring. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention first concerns a damper for a continuous ink jet printer, comprising: a fluid receiving chamber a fluid inlet to said receiving chamber, and a fluid outlet from said receiving chamber; at least one membrane, said membrane being in a material having a Young modulus between 0.5 and 1000 MPa. Said membrane is deformed under a pressure variation in said first portion and thus damps said pressure variations. Said fluid receiving chamber can be laterally delimited by at least one lateral wall. It can comprise a further wall, possibly facing said membrane and/or comprising said fluid inlet and outlet. Said walls can be the inner walls of a cover. In a damper according to the invention, said at least one membrane can have a Young modulus between 50 MPa and 500 MPa, or even 1000 MPa, for example made of PEEK. Both sides of said membrane can be flat. Means can be comprised between said membrane and said lateral wall, forming a sealing being said fluid receiving chamber and an outside atmosphere of the damper. A damper according to the invention can further comprise a second chamber, the at least one membrane being disposed between said fluid receiving chamber and said second chamber. In a damper according to the invention, said at least one membrane can have a Young modulus between 0.5 MPa and 5 MPa or even 10 MPa; a side of said membrane opposite to said fluid receiving chamber can further comprise damping means, for example at least one damping ring or a series of damping studs, preferably disposed along a ring or a circle, protruding from said membrane. Said damper can further comprise a second chamber, or damping chamber, the at least one membrane being disposed between said fluid receiving chamber and said second chamber. For example, said membrane can be made of a hyperelastic material, such as comprising at least elastomer or EPDM or Teflon. Said membrane can form a seal between said fluid receiving chamber and an outside atmosphere of the damper. In a damper according to the invention: a lateral wall of the damper can have an internal diameter between 10 mm and 40 mm; and/or said at least one membrane can have a thickness comprised between 0.5 mm and 4 mm. In a damper according to the invention, said damper, including said fluid receiving chamber, and possibly also the membrane and said second chamber, is/are preferably cylindrical, extending along an axis XX′ which is substantially perpendicular to the membrane when it is at rest. In a damper according to the invention, said fluid receiving chamber can have a volume between 50 mm3and 104mm3. A damper according to the invention can further comprise clamping or fastening means for maintaining at least said fluid receiving chamber, for example delimited by said lateral wall, and said membrane assembled, possibly together with said second chamber. In a particular embodiment, the outside surface of a lateral wall, respectively of said second chamber, comprises a first threaded part, and the inner portion or wall of said second chamber, respectively of a lateral wall, comprises a second thread cooperating with said first thread. In a variant, a damper according to the invention can comprise a second membrane, said fluid receiving chamber being disposed between the two membranes: the fluid receiving chamber is limited on two of its sides by said two membranes and by a lateral wall in which said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet open. The invention further concerns a fluid circuit, for example of, or for, a continuous ink jet printer, comprising a first conduit, a second conduit and at least one damper according to the invention, said first conduit being connected to said fluid inlet and said second conduit being connected to said fluid outlet of said at least one damper. A fluid circuit according to the invention can further comprise a second damper according to the invention, said second conduit being connected to a fluid inlet of said second damper, said third conduit being connected to a fluid outlet of said second damper. A fluid circuit according to the invention can further comprise a reservoir and a pump connected to an inlet of said first conduit, said second conduit being connected to a printing head. Said pump can be a gear pump or a diaphragm pump. The invention further concerns a continuous ink jet printer comprising fluid circuit according to the invention and a print head. The fluid circuit can further include an ink tank. A controller can control the circulation of fluid in the fluid circuit and the print head. The invention further concerns a method for damping pressure variations of between 2 bar and 5 bar in a fluid circuit of a continuous ink single jet printer, comprising circulating said fluid in at least one damper according to the invention, said pressure variations deforming said at least one membrane which thus damps said pressure variations. Said pressure variations can for example be comprised between 3 bars and 4 bars. Said pressure variations can for example be dampened by a factor of 1% to 10% and by a factor below 1%.

11518208

This application claims priority from German patent application serial no. 10 2019 213 278.2 filed Sep. 3, 2019. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method for operating an adjustable roll stabilizer for a motor vehicle and to a roll stabilizing system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION From automotive technology, in particular chassis technology, it is known to influence the roll or rolling behavior of motor vehicles by means of so-termed roll stabilizers. In such cases the basic structure consists of an essentially C-shaped torsion bar spring which, in its central area, is mounted rotatably relative to the vehicle body and whose outer, opposite ends are, in each case, coupled to a wheel suspension by means of coupling elements termed hinged supports. By virtue of this design the roll stabilizer ensures that when driving round a curve, the body of the vehicle is deflected not only on the outside of the curve (due to the centrifugal force), but also that the wheel on the inside of the curve is somewhat lowered. Roll stabilizers improve the track-keeping of the vehicle and reduce the lateral inclination of the vehicle body (rolling), which makes driving round curves safer and more comfortable. To further increase vehicle stability and driving comfort, it is known to make such roll stabilizers adjustable. In that case the roll stabilizer comprises an actuator and is divided into two stabilizer sections that, with the help of the actuator, can twist relative to one another about a rotational axis. By rotating the stabilizer sections relative to one another, rolling movement of the vehicle body is produced in a controlled manner or a rolling movement of the vehicle body caused by external influences is selectively counteracted. From the prior art adjustable roll stabilizers are known, whose actuator comprises an electric motor which is in driving connection with a mechanical gear system, particularly in the form of a multi-step planetary gearset, in order to produce suitable rotational speeds and torques. In this connection reference should be made, for example, to DE 10 2016 219 399 A1. Besides the design of an adjustable roll stabilizer, its appropriate control also poses a technical challenge. The correct control of the actuator of an adjustable roll stabilizer is based on different, variously complex preliminary considerations, from which a control strategy for the adjustable roll stabilizer and the motor vehicle equipped with it can be developed. In the context of the present invention such preliminary considerations or regulation strategies that can be developed from them will not be gone into in detail; rather, the control of the actuator itself will be considered. In accordance with a desired design, the control of the actuator, in particular that of a motor of the actuator, takes place with the help of a field-orientated regulator. Its function can be to realize a target motor torque predetermined by stored regulation instances by means of appropriate control of the actuator. For this the field-orientated regulator receives as input magnitudes, besides the target motor torque to be produced, also the current motor position and if necessary further operating parameters of the adjustable roll stabilizer and/or of the motor vehicle equipped therewith, in order on that basis to control the actuator. Since an adjustable roll stabilizer is a chassis system of the motor vehicle which is relevant for driving safety, it is necessary to be able to check or monitor the control of the actuator motor brought about by the field-orientated regulator as regards its correctness. This is because the disadvantageous effects of incorrect control can be, for example, under-steered or over-steered driving behavior, or rolling angles of the motor vehicle that are too large. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A purpose of the present invention is to indicate a method of operating an adjustable roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle, which makes it possible promptly to recognize incorrect control of the actuator and in that way to avoid disadvantageous driving behavior of the motor vehicle equipped with the adjustable roll stabilizer. Furthermore a system for roll stabilization should be indicated, which achieves the objective. Firstly, the objective is achieved by a method having the characteristics specified in the independent claim(s). This is a method of operating an adjustable roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle, in which the adjustable roll stabilizer comprises an actuator that can be rotated relative to a rotational axis through a system angle in order to twist two stabilizer sections connected thereto relative to one another about the rotational axis. Here, the stabilizer sections are in each case radially a distance away from the rotational axis and each is coupled to a wheel suspension. According to the invention, a field-orientated regulator controls the actuator as a function of input signals that include at least a target motor torque, and the control of the actuator bought about by the field-orientated regulator is checked for plausibility independently of the field-orientated regulator. According to the invention, in this case it is first recognized that due to the safety relevance of an adjustable roll stabilizer for the motor vehicle in which it is fitted, incorrect control of the actuator can lead to deterioration of the driving behavior, or at least to deterioration of the driving comfort. Faulty control can lead to oversteering or understeering as well as to large roll angles of the vehicle. To avoid such disadvantages it has been deemed advantageous to check the plausibility of the field-orientated regulator of the actuator with regard to its control of the actuator. This is more a case of examining whether the control is at all plausible, i.e. not obviously incorrect, than of achieving an exact test of correctness. Thus the plausibility check is carried out with the aim of avoiding obviously incorrect control outcomes. An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the plausibility check is based on a comparison between the target motor torque and an actual motor torque. For this, the actual motor torque can advantageously be calculated from motor phase currents of the motor (of the actuator). It turns out that after a relatively short consideration of the motor phase currents, the actual motor torque can be calculated comparatively accurately. As previously stated, the plausibility check is based essentially on a comparison of the target motor torque with the actual motor torque. In a preferred embodiment of the method the plausibility check is preferably carried out by defining around the target motor torque a positive tolerance band (upper tolerance) and a negative tolerance band (lower tolerance), and the actual motor torque is compared with the target motor torque so that if both conditions are fulfilled, namely that the actual motor torque is above the lower tolerance limit and below the upper tolerance limit, the target motor torque is deemed to be plausible. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method, the width of the tolerance band is determined from a deviation, in particular permissible at the level of the vehicle, for a torque applied by the adjustable roll stabilizer which is expediently converted to a torque related to the motor. In other words, the tolerance range extending above and below the target motor torque corresponds to the permissible torque deviation of the adjustable roll stabilizer, which is specified at the level of the vehicle. An expedient design of the method described provides that in the comparison carried out in the context of the plausibility check between the actual motor torque and the target moor torque, a time delay is taken into account. The target motor torque used in the context of the invention, in particular for the plausibility check, is expediently a magnitude specified by a regulator upstream from and/or superordinate to the field-orientated regulator, in particular a position-rotational speed regulator. In the above description, the control of the actuator is always referred to in a general sense. Since in an advantageous manner the actuator of the adjustable roll stabilizer comprises an electric motor, in the context of the present invention the control of the actuator should also be understood in the narrower sense of control of a motor associated with the actuator. The objective mentioned at the beginning is also achieved by a system for roll stabilization according to the independent claim(s). This is a roll stabilization system designed to implement a method of the type described above.

11339615

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 filing of International Application No. PCT/EP2018/054017 filed Feb. 19, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority to Danish Patent Application No. PA 2017 00116 filed Feb. 17, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD The present disclosure relates to a drilling rig hoisting system, for example for use on any vessel or infrastructure used to perform operations associated with wellbores. BACKGROUND Hoisting systems are used in multiple applications for handling payloads, such as on offshore vessels, platforms, rigs and the like associated with the oil and gas industry. For example, hoisting systems are used on drilling rigs for supporting drilling operations, for example for supporting the upper end of a drill string. Hoisting systems may also support other lifting operations, including deployment/retrieval of equipment, such as in-well equipment (e.g., casing or liner strings, completion equipment, and the like) and subsea equipment (e.g., Blow Out Preventers (BOPs), Xmas trees and the like). The term payload refers to all of the items suspended from the travelling block. A payload map be considered to include a string of components which extend from the hoisting system into the wellbore, connected to a top drive, which is used to apply torque to the string of components located below the top drive. The various components which may be suspended from the top drive may include, for example, drill bits and a plurality of tubing elements. Collectively, the components connected to the top drive are referred to herein as the net-payload. The lifting capacity of a hoisting system is a significant consideration, and in many cases is a limiting factor in the ability to exploit particular drilling rigs. This issue is becoming more prominent as the offshore oil and gas industry seeks to operate in deeper water and under increasing well pressures (e.g., up to and beyond 20 kpsi), which necessitates the use of heavier equipment and the like. In known pulley based hoisting systems additional load capacity can be gained by utilising additional pulley sheaves. However, while an increase in load capacity can be achieved, hoisting speed is compromised and wire wear is exacerbated, which is not desired, especially where a single hoisting system may be required to handle a full range of loads, as well as heave compensating such loads during short or extended periods of time. In some instances, for example, a hoisting system may be designed and deployed in accordance with a maximum anticipated payload, with a corresponding limited hoisting speed. This limited hoisting speed may therefore be present for all payloads, which for many lifting operations may be below the maximum design load. When operating offshore, for example on offshore rigs, tidal and wave motion can make it difficult to maintain constant lifting speeds or forces. This can be especially problematic when the system is operating in a locked to bottom mode, in which the string is physically connected to a component on the seabed. SUMMARY An aspect or example relates to a hoisting system for a drilling rig, the hoisting system may comprise:a crown block for attaching to a derrick; the crown block may comprise a sheave or a plurality of sheaves;a travelling block suspended from the crown block via a hoisting cable; the travelling block may comprise a sheave or a plurality of sheaves and may be connectable with a payload. The travelling block may be arranged to move along a workpath. The hoisting system may further comprise:a floating block comprising a sheave or a plurality of sheaves reeved on the hoisting cable.The floating block may be configured to move between: a first arrangement in which the floating block or a part thereof is fixed, constrained or restrained relative to the crown block or the sheaves thereof; and a second arrangement in which the floating block or a part thereof is fixed, constrained or restrained relative to the travelling block or the sheaves thereof.The hoisting system may be arranged such that, when the floating block is in one of the first or second arrangement, the sheaves of the floating block overlap a sheave of the crown block or travelling block in a direction of the workpath. A hoisting system is used in a number of different fields and may be referred to herein as a hoisting system, hoisting system or simply a hoisting. In particular, hoisting systems are used in the oil and gas technology fields for manipulating a payload suspended above a wellbore. The hoisting system may be used to lift and lower a payload along a workpath. The workpath describes the space through which a payload may move when moving between the minimum and maximum lift of the hoisting system. The term “direction of the worthpath” is the direction along which the payload moves between the minimum and maximum lift positions of the hoisting system. The direction of the workpath may, depending on the arrangement of the hoisting system, be vertical. The hoisting may comprise a crown block which is fixed relative to a derrick. The derrick may be a support arrangement configured to support the hoisting over a wellbore. The crown block may comprise a plurality of sheaves positioned over the opening of a wellbore. The crown block may also comprise a series of braces, attachment members, or suspending or locating devices to fix and locate the crown block relative to the derrick. The sheaves of the crown block may be stationary with respect to the derrick. A first pair, or more, of the sheaves of the crown block may be substantially parallel and coaxial—i.e. they are totally overlapping in a direction of the workpath, essentially forming a stack or row of sheaves. The precise orientation and arrangement of sheaves of the crown block may be determined by the location of the work path and the spooling of the hoisting cable. Depending on the number and arrangement of the other components of the hoisting system, the sheaves of the crown block may not be coaxial or parallel, but may instead be separated into multiple groups of sheaves. Each group of sheaves may comprise a plurality of sheaves arranged parallel and coaxial. A second pair, or more, of the sheaves of the crown block may be skewed, offset or displaced relative to the first pair or more of sheaves. The groups of sheaves may be arranged obliquely to each other when viewed along the direction of the workpath, such that the axis of rotation of each group of sheaves forms an acute angle. The groups of sheaves may be separated and arranged such that a further component or group of sheaves can be arranged therebetween. The travelling block may comprise a plurality of sheaves. The travelling block may be suspended from the crown block. The travelling block may comprise attachment means or devices, or connectors, such that a payload (for example comprising a top drive and a net payload) can be attached to travelling block. The travelling block may be raised or lowered along the workpath by operation of the hoisting system. The travelling block may move vertically up and down, towards and away from the crown block. The crown block and travelling block may be associated with each other by means of a hoisting cable. A hoisting cable may be alternately threaded, or reeved, around the sheaves of the crown block and travelling block such that movement of the hoisting cable results in movement of the travelling block towards the crown block. The lifting ratio (i.e. the ratio between the winch's maximum load capability to the maximum load that can be lifted by the hoisting system) is determined by the number of utilised pulley pairs between the stationary components and the payload. Movement of the hoisting cable may be facilitated by a winch associated with a first end of the hoisting cable. The second end of the hoisting cable may be associated with an anchor, or with a second winch. Activation of the one winch, or of the two winches, to draw the hoisting cable in, will result in the travelling block moving towards the crown block, thus raising the payload. As discussed above, it is desirable to have a hoisting system with a large maximum load capacity, but also a maximum hoisting (lifting) speed which is higher than that associated with the maximum load capacity. The provision of a floating block may allow a single hoisting system to have two different lifting ratios (i.e. maximum lifting weight and speed capabilities). In essence, the floating block may allow the hoisting system to have different gears, whereby in a first gear (e.g. in a first arrangement) a certain number of pulley pairs are utilised in the hoisting system and in a second gear (e.g. a second arrangement) a different number of pulley pairs are utilised in the hoisting system. This may be achieved by altering the number of pulley pairs between the fixed component (e.g. a crown block) and the moving payload component (e.g. the travelling block) when moving being the first and second gear/arrangement. This may be implemented by the floating block having two distinct configurations—a first arrangement in which it is fixed relative to the crown block and a second arrangement in which it is fixed relative to the travelling block, and hence travels along the workpath with the travelling block. In the first arrangement, the hoisting system may comprise a first number of pulley pairs between the combination of the crown block and the travelling block, and the travelling block, providing a first lift ratio. In the second arrangement, the hoisting system may comprise a second number of pulley pairs between the crown and the combination of the floating block and the travelling block, providing a second lift ratio. Which of the first and second arrangement provides the maximum lifting force (i.e. more pulley pairs) and which provides the maximum lifting speed (i.e. fewer pulley pairs) depends on how the hoisting cable is reeved onto the floating block. If the floating block is reeved onto the hoisting cable in a similar arrangement to how the travelling block is reeved onto the hoisting cable—i.e. suspended from the crown block, whereby the sheaves of the floating block alternate with sheaves of the crown block on the hoisting cable—pulley pairs may be formed between the crown block and the floating block. Here, in the first arrangement, where the floating block is fixed relative to the crown block will provide a lower maximum lifting force but a higher maximum lifting speed. This is because there will be fewer pulley pairs involved in the lifting of the travelling block, since pulley pairs formed between the crown block and the floating block are not active during use (since the floating block is fixed relative to the crown block). The second arrangement will provide a higher load capacity (maximum lifting force), but a lower maximum hoisting speed. This is because there will be more active pulley pairs involved in the lifting of the travelling block, as the pulley pairs between the crown block and the floating block are now active during use (since the floating block is fixed relative to the travelling block), in addition to the pulley pairs between the crown block and the travelling block. If the floating block is reeved onto the hoisting cable in a similar manner to how the crown block is reeved onto the hoisting cable—i.e. part of the travelling block is suspended from the floating block, whereby the sheaves of the floating block alternate with sheaves of the travelling block on the hoisting cable—pulley pairs may be formed between the floating block and the travelling block. Here, in the second arrangement, where the floating block is fixed relative to the travelling block will provide a lower maximum lifting force but a higher maximum lifting speed, since the pulley pairs formed between the floating block and the travelling block are not active during use and so fewer pulley pairs are active during use. In the first arrangement, the pulley pairs formed between the floating block and the travelling block are active during use, thus the total number of active pulley pairs is higher, and the maximum load capacity is higher, but the maximum hoisting speed is lower. The sheaves of the floating block may overlap a sheave of the crown block or travelling block in a direction of the workpath when the floating block is in one of the first or second arrangement. The overlap may be a partial overlap. An overlap in the direction of the workpath refers to an overlapping of a sheave of the floating block with a sheave of the crown or travelling block when viewed from the side of the hoisting system, e.g. from the left and right hand sides ofFIG. 1. The distance in the workpath direction between an axis of rotation of a sheave, or all of the sheaves, of the floating block and an axis of rotation of a sheave, or all of the sheaves, of the crown block or travelling block may be less than a first distance when the floating block is in one of the first or second arrangements. The first distance may be equal to the combined radiuses of the sheave of the travelling block and the sheave of the crown block or travelling block. The first distance may be equal to the radius of one of the sheave of the floating block or the crown block or travelling block. The distance between the axes of rotation may be zero. Such an arrangement, in which an overlap is provided between the floating block and one of the crown block and the travelling block reduces the impact of the geared system on the length of the workpath. That is, given a fixed distance between the crown block and the travelling block, the inclusion of a travelling block does not reduce the maximum length of the workpath by the size of the floating block, as would otherwise be the case. If the floating block is not arranged such that it overlaps a sheath of at least one of the crown block and the travelling block, it will take up space in the workpath and thus reduce the length of the usable workpath. The floating block may be arranged to overlap a sheave of the crown block or travelling block in such a way that it is nested or nestled amongst, within or between the sheaves of the crown block or the travelling block. The sheaves of the floating block may be arranged to nest amongst the sheaves of the crown block or the travelling block. The sheaves of the floating block, or the entire floating block, may be nested between groups of sheaves of the crown block or the travelling block. The sheaves of the floating block may totally overlap a sheave of the crown block or a travelling block in a direction of the workpath when the floating block is in one of the first or second arrangement. A total overlap of the sheaves of the floating block with a (or each) of the sheaves of the crown block or travelling block may be such that the sheaves of the floating block are axially aligned with a sheave of the crown block or travelling block, i.e. the axis of rotation of the sheaves of the floating block and that of the sheave(s) of the crown block or travelling block are collinear. In some embodiments the axis of rotation of sheaves of the crown block and/or travelling block may be slightly offset from those of the floating block. In such situations, a total overlap of the sheaves may be achieved when the axis of rotation of the sheaves of the floating block and one of the crown block and travelling block are equidistant from the axis of rotation of the other of the crown block or travelling block. When there is a total overlap, the sheaves of the floating block may not be visible from the side of an arrangement as depicted inFIG. 1. In the case where the sheaves of the floating block and the crown block or travelling block are not of equal size, a total overlap may refer to the entirety of the sheaves of the floating block overlapping a part of a sheave of the crown block or travelling block; or the entirety of a sheave of the crown block or travelling block overlapping a part of a sheave of the floating block. Ideally, the floating block is arrangeable such that the sheaves of the floating block can be arranged to totally overlap and be parallel to the sheaves of at least one of the crown block or floating block. This provides an arrangement whereby the inclusion of the floating block does not impact the usable workpath at all, since it effectively nests within the crown or travelling block and thus does not impede movement of the travelling block at any point along the length of the workpath. The sheaves of the floating block may not extend in the direction of the workpath any further than the sheaves of the crown block or travelling block when the floating block is in one of the first or second arrangements. The floating block may be arranged to be totally encompassed by the outer bounds of one of the crown block or the travelling block when in one of the first or second arrangements. The sheave arrangement of the crown block, travelling block and/or floating block of the hoisting system may be symmetric about a centreline of the workpath or a plane through this centreline. A symmetric arrangement of sheaves will ensure that the lifting force is balanced across the travelling block and payload, such that the resultant lifting force acts along the centreline of the workpath. An uneven, unbalanced or off-centre lifting force will result in tipping of the payload and potential damage to the wellbore or associated equipment. The plurality of sheaves of at least one of the crown block and the travelling block may be axially separated into two sheave groups, and the floating block may be arranged to be located at least partially between the two sheave groups when the floating block is in one of the first and second arrangements. The plurality of sheaves of the floating block may be axially separated into two sheave groups, and at least one sheave of the crown block or travelling block may be arranged to be located at least partially between the two sheave groups when the floating block is in one of the first and second arrangements. Each floating block sheave group may comprise an attachment device or means for attaching the respective group to the crown block or travelling block. An example arrangement which may ensure a balanced lifting force is one whereby the sheaves of one of the blocks (the crown block, floating block or travelling block) are separated into two sheave groups with a gap thereinbetween. The gap may be such that the sheaves of one of the other blocks can be arranged therein. For example, the floating block may be arranged to be fixed/attached between two sheave groups of the crown block or travelling block. The plurality of sheaves of the travelling block may be arranged into two, axially-separated groups. Each group of sheaves may comprise three sheaves. The two groups of sheaves may be axially spaced. The floating block may comprise three sheaves. The floating block may be arranged to be located between to two axially-separated groups of sheaves of the travelling block when the floating block is in the second arrangement. When in the second arrangement, the sheaves of the floating block may be arranged to be nested amongst the sheaves of the travelling block. The floating block may be arranged such that the sheaves of the floating block totally overlap the sheaves of the floating block when the floating block is in the second arrangement. The sheaves of the floating block may be coaxial with the sheaves of the travelling block when the floating block is in the second arrangement. The hoisting system may comprise a single attachment device for attaching a plurality of the sheaves of the floating block to at least one of the crown block and the travelling block. To allow a user to quickly effect a large change in the lift ratio of the hoisting system, a single attachment device may be arranged to fix the entire floating block in the first and/or second arrangement. This allows a user to more easily implement a required change to the lift ratio (say requiring the movement of 3 sheaves), since only a single attachment/detachment device needs to be operated, rather than one attachment device for each sheave. The increased speed with which a plurality of sheaves can be attached/detached may increase efficiency when changing between hoisting system load ratings. The attachment device may be arranged such that when the floating block is attached to the at least one of the crown block and the travelling block by means of the attachment device, the sheaves of the floating block totally overlap a sheave of the crown block or travelling block. The hoisting system may alternatively comprise an attachment device for each of the sheaves of the floating block for attaching each sheave of the floating block to at least one of the crown block and the travelling block individually. This provides more flexibility and resolution when selecting the lift ratio change. The hoisting system may further comprise a winch engaged with the hoisting cable at a first end. The hoisting system may comprise a winch engaged with the hoisting cable at the second end, to increase the lifting speed. Alternatively, the hoisting system may further comprise an anchor engaged with the hoisting cable at a second end. The hoisting system may comprise a heave compensator. The heave compensator may be for, or configured to, compensate for motion, such as wave motion. The motion may be vertical motion. The motion may be of the hoisting system, anchor, winch, rig, derrick, or vessel. The motion may be caused by waves or the tides. The heave compensator may comprise an active heave compensator or be configured to provide active heave compensation. The heave compensator may comprise a passive heave compensator or be configured to provide active heave compensation. Active heave compensation may comprise the use of power to actuate a component in response to a signal indicating motion. Passive heave compensation may comprise allowing passive movement of a component caused by motion. When using the hoisting system on an ocean-based vessel or rig, vertical motion relative to the seabed may be induced by, for example, waves and tides. In order to keep the payload (e.g. a drill string) at a constant height relative to the seabed, or to ensure the payload is raised or lowered at a constant absolute velocity, the heave compensator may be employed. Compensating for motion may therefore be to minimise the impact of vertical motion of the vessel or rig on the position of the payload relative to the seabed. In order to compensate for motion, the hoisting system (or derrick/vessel on which the system is installed) may comprise sensors for monitoring the motion of the surface of the ocean or the derrick/vessel. The heave compensator may be configured to provide heave compensation (e.g. active heave compensation) in order to counter this motion. The heave compensator may be associated with the winch. The winch may be comprised to provide heave compensation. The winch may be configured to provide active or passive heave compensation. The winch may be configured to provide heave compensation by controlling the spooling rate to compensate for motion. The rate of spooling/despoiling may be controlled to minimise the effect of motion of the hoist system, rig or vessel on the movement or location of the payload relative to the seabed. The heave compensator may comprise a crown compensator. The crown compensator may be a crown mounted compensator. The crown compensator may be for providing heave compensation. The crown compensator may be for providing active or passive heave compensation. The crown compensator may be arranged to facilitate (vertical) movement of the crown block to compensate for motion, such as wave motion. The crown compensator may be arranged to allow the raising or lowering of the crown block to compensate for motion (for example of the hoisting system, derrick or vessel). The crown block may be arranged within the crown compensator to move in response to motion (e.g. wave motion of the hoisting system, derrick or vessel) in order to compensate for the motion. The crown compensator may be arranged to move the crown block to compensate for motion (for example of the hoisting system, derrick or vessel). The crown compensator may actively move the crown block to compensate for motion. The crown block may move relative to a derrick, rig or vessel on which the hoisting system is installed. The crown block may move relative to the winch, anchor or travelling block. The crown compensator may also be arranged to facilitate the movement of the winch and/or anchor to compensate for wave motion. The crown compensator may also be arranged to facilitate the movement of the crossover sheave/crossover sheave arrangement/assembly to compensate for wave motion. The heave compensator may be configured for selective utilisation/activation. The heave compensator may be configured to be activated and deactivated. The heave compensator may be configured to selectively employ only one of the winch or the crown compensator to provide heave compensation at a time. The heave compensator may be configured to selectively employ both of the winch or the crown compensator to provide heave compensation. The heave compensator may be configured to selectively provide only one of, or both of, active or passive heave compensation. The winch may be used to provide active heave compensation. Active heave compensation may be configured to be active when lifting or lowering components from/to the seabed, for example when tripping in or tripping out. Active heave compensation may be configured to be active when in a heavy lift mode, i.e. when the maximum number of sheave pairs are employed when hoisting components. As an example, the active heave compensation may be active when landing out the blow out preventer or a heavy string of casing. The crown compensator may be configured to provide passive heave compensation. The heave compensator may be configured to utilise the crown compensator to provide passive heave compensation when the hoisting system is in a locked to bottom mode. This may be when the payload (e.g. a string) is physically attached to a component on or near the seabed, for example during a well test. The heave compensator may use the crown compensator when the hoisting system is in a light lift mode, i.e. when less than the maximum number of sheave pairs are employed. The heave compensator may use passive heave compensation during operations such as drilling and well testing. The winch may be parked, or locked, when the crown compensator is providing heave compensation. The crown compensator may be parked, or locked, when the winch is providing heave compensation. The heave compensator may be configured such that at least one of active and passive heave compensation is in use at all times during operation of the hoisting system. The crown compensator may comprise a supporting frame. The supporting frame may comprise a mast, or pair of masts. The supporting frame may comprise vertical guides for vertically guiding the crown block in vertical motion. The vertical guides may comprise runners along which the motor element drives the crown block. The supporting frame of the crown compensator may define an opening, hole or space. The two masts and/or vertical guides may define a spacing therebetween. The opening/spacing may be arranged vertically above the well (and thus the crown block or a crossover sheave). The opening/spacing may be for receiving at least part of the crown block or a crossover sheave when the crown block is at its uppermost position in the crown compensator. The opening/spacing may be arranged such that, when the crown block and a crossover sheave have been moved to their uppermost position by the crown compensator, the crossover sheave is at least partially located in the opening/spacing. A crossover sheave assembly may comprise a crossover sheave arranged vertically above the crown block. The hoisting system may be arranged such that the crown compensator is arranged to move, or facilitate the movement of the crown block and the crossover sheave arranged above the crown block. For providing active heave compensation, the crown compensator may comprise a motor for vertically driving the crown block and a processor and memory configured to actuate the motor to compensate for wave motion. The crown compensator may comprise a damper or dissipation means for resisting vertical movement of the crown block, for example when providing passive heave compensation. The hoisting cable may be reeved such that the portion of the hoisting cable reeved around a sheave of the floating block forms part of the deadline when the floating block is in one of the first and second arrangements. The deadline comprises the part of the hoisting cable that does not move over the surface of a sheave during use of the hoisting system. The deadline does not generate any friction or wear and so it is advantageous to maximise the length of the deadline where possible. The hoisting cable may be reeved with a sheave of the floating block arranged closer than the sheaves of at least one of the crown block and the travelling block, to the anchor, such that the portion of the hoisting cable reeved around the sheave of the floating block forms part of the deadline when the floating block is in one of the first and second arrangements. The hoisting system may further comprise a crossover sheave assembly. The crossover sheave assembly may comprise at least one crossover sheave. The crossover sheave may be arranged such that the sheaves of the crown block, travelling block and/or floating block can be reeved onto the hoisting cable in an order which is different to the order in which they are attached to the respective block. The crossover sheave may be arranged such that the sheaves of the crown block, travelling block and/or floating block can be reeved onto the hoisting cable in an order which maximises the deadline when the floating block is in one of the first and second arrangements. A crossover sheave assembly may comprise a plurality of crossover sheaves arranged above the crown block. The crossover sheave assembly may allow the selection of the order in which the sheaves of the crown block, travelling block and floating block are reeved onto the hoisting cable. The crossover sheave assembly may comprise attachments members for attaching the crossover sheave assembly to the derrick or crown block. A crossover sheave may be reeved on the hoisting cable between a first sheave of one of the crown block, travelling block or floating block and a second sheave of one of the crown block, travelling block or floating block; the crossover sheave may be arranged perpendicularly or obliquely to the first and second sheave. A crossover sheave may be arranged such that two sheaves which are not spatially consecutive can be consecutively reeved onto the hoisting cable (albeit separated by the crossover sheave). The travelling block may comprise the floating block and the floating block may form a detachable module of the travelling block. The floating block may be suspended from the crown block via the hoisting cable. In a specific embodiment, the floating block may form a detachable module of the travelling block. The plurality of sheaves of the travelling block may be axially separated into two sheave groups, and the floating block may be attachable to the travelling block between the two sheave groups. When attached to the travelling block (i.e. in the second arrangement), the sheaves of the floating block may totally overlap the sheaves of the travelling block. The hoisting system may comprise:a winch engaged with the hoisting cable at a first end;an anchor engaged with the hoisting cable at a second end; anda crossover sheave arrangement;wherein the crossover sheave arrangement comprises a crossover sheave and is arranged such that a sheave of the floating block is arranged on the hoisting cable at a location closer than a sheave of the travelling block, to the anchor. This arrangement may provide that the sheave of the travelling block forms part of the deadline when the floating block is arranged in the first arrangement and is fixed relative to the crown block. The crossover sheave arrangement may be arranged such that all of the sheaves of the floating block are arranged on the hoisting cable at a location closer than all of the sheaves of the travelling block, to the anchor. The crossover sheave arrangement may further comprise a second crossover sheave. The first crossover sheave may be arranged to sequentially reeve the two sheave groups of the travelling block on the hoisting cable. The second crossover sheave may be arranged to reeve the sheaves of the floating block onto the hoisting cable closer than the sheaves of the travelling block, to the anchor. It should be noted that the term sequentially, as used herein, means that the two sheave groups are reeved onto the hoisting cable without any intervening floating block sheaves. There will still be sheaves of the crown block reeved onto the hoisting cable interspersed with the travelling block sheaves, in order to form pulley pairs. All of the floating block sheaves may be arranged closer than the travelling block sheaves to the anchor. This will maximise the size of the deadline. The travelling block may comprise an even number of sheaves separated into two axially separated sheave groups of equal number. The floating block may comprise an attachment device and may be arranged to be attached to the travelling block between the two sheave groups such that the sheaves of the floating block totally overlap the sheaves of the travelling block. The sheaves of the floating block may be coaxial with the sheaves of the travelling block. The travelling block may comprise six sheaves separated into two axially separated sheave groups of three, and the floating block may comprise three sheaves and an attachment device. The floating block may be arranged to be attached to the travelling block between the two sheave groups such that the sheaves of the floating block are coaxial with the sheaves of the travelling block. The crossover sheave assembly may be arranged such that all of the sheaves of the floating block, locatable between the two axially separated groups of travelling block sheaves, are arranged or arrangeable on the hoisting cable such that they form part of the deadline when the floating block is in the first arrangement. The floating block sheaves may be locatable closer to the anchor than all of the sheaves of the travelling block. The hoisting system may be arranged to provide two lifting ratios, a first lifting ratio when the floating block is fixed relative to the crown block, and a second lifting ratio when the floating block is fixed relative to the travelling block. The hoisting system, derrick or ship on which the system is installed may comprise a guide dolly arrangement. The dolly arrangement may be arranged to guide movement of a payload and/or the travelling block during lifting/lowering of a payload. The dolly arrangement may be arranged to vertically guide the payload and/or travelling block. The dolly arrangement may be arranged to vertically guide the payload and/or travelling block aligned to the centre of the well. The dolly arrangement may ensure the payload and/or travelling block is aligned with the centre of the well and cannot rotate during hoisting operations. The dolly arrangement may comprise a plurality of guide rails and rollers arranged to travel along the guide rails. The dolly arrangement may comprise a retract system for moving the travelling block and/or payload horizontally to aid when attaching/detaching components to/from the travelling block. The retract system may comprise a powered arm to move the travelling block and/or part of the payload horizontally away from the centre of the well. Moving the travelling block and/or payload (e.g. a top drive) away from the centre of the well frees up space for a stand being tripped in or tripped out to be moved into position while the travelling block/payload is hoisted/lowered. The retract system may facilitate quicker tripping in or out of the well. The retract system may be configured to move the travelling block and a stand away from the centre of the well such that the pipe stand can be more easily racked by a pipe racker. The sheaves of any or all of the crown block, travelling block and floating block may be arranged with their axis of rotation passing through the dolly arrangement (i.e. the flat side of the sheaves facing the dolly arrangement), or perpendicular to the direction of the dolly. The crossover sheave(s) may be arranged with their axis of rotation passing through the dolly arrangement (i.e. the flat side of the sheaves facing the dolly arrangement), or perpendicular to the direction of the dolly. The orientation of the sheaves of the hoisting system may depend on the space available and the range of movement provided by a retract system of the dolly arrangement. The hoisting system must be arranged such that the retract system of the dolly arrangement can manoeuvre the travelling block and/or payload sufficiently far from the centre of the well to avoid abutment with a pipe stand being tripped in or out. Having a sheave arrangement in which the floating block nests within one of the crown block and the travelling block provides a compact arrangement and hence maximises the usable work path. This can allow pipe stands to be added or removed sooner during tripping operations. For example, when the plurality of sheaves of at least one of the crown block and the travelling block are axially separated into two sheave groups, and the floating block is arranged to be located at least partially between the two sheave groups when the floating block is in one of the first and second arrangements, the presence of the floating block does not impede on the length of the work path compared to a system without a floating block. This ensures that the tripping speed is not affected by the presence of the floating block. The hoisting system may comprise a control system. The control system may comprise any of the following: user input configured to receive an input from a user; a controller configured to execute readable instructions; a storage device for storing the readable instructions; and actuators arranged to move the floating block between a first and second arrangement. The controller may be configured to, upon executing the readable instructions, actuate an actuator to move the floating block between the first and second arrangement in response to an input received from a user. The hoisting system may comprise attachment means or devices for retrofitting the hoisting system to a rig. According to a further aspect or example is a derrick comprising a hoisting as described herein, the hoisting being arranged for lifting and lowering a payload. The payload may comprise a top drive attached to the travelling block, and then subsequent components, referred to as the net-payload, attached to the top drive. The aspects described herein allow a hoisting to be retrofitted to an existing derrick or rig. This may allow an existing drilling rig to be converted for a different use, rather than requiring a new rig. The hoisting system may be for attachment to a new derrick or rig, or for being retrofitted to an existing derrick or rig. There is an emerging desire within the offshore industry to convert existing deepwater drilling rigs rather than building new vessels. To do this, the maximum hoisting load may need to be increased by up to or exceeding 50%. Accordingly there is a demand for hoisting systems which can provide such flexibility in maximum hoisting loads. According to a further aspect or example is a drilling ship comprising a derrick as described herein. According to a further aspect or example is a method for changing the lifting ratio of a hoisting, the method comprising:moving a floating block comprising a plurality of sheaves between a first arrangement, in which it is fixed relative to a crown block, and a second arrangement, in which it is fixed relative to the travelling block. The ratio may be manually operated by manually moving the floating block. The ratio may be automatically operated via a control system. According to a further aspect is a method for modifying a derrick or a rig, wherein a hoisting system as described herein is fitted, or retrofitted, in the derrick or rig.

11416260

FIELD OF INVENTION The field of invention relates generally to computer processor architecture, and, more specifically, to systems and methods for implementing chained tile operations. BACKGROUND Matrices are increasingly important in many computing tasks such as machine learning and other bulk data processing.

11454193

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a gas turbine engine, and more particularly to a turbofan engine having a fan variable area nozzle (VAFN) which moves axially to change a bypass flow path area thereof. Conventional gas turbine engines generally include a fan section and a core engine with the fan section having a larger diameter than that of the core engine. The fan section and the core engine are disposed about a longitudinal axis and are enclosed within an engine nacelle assembly. Combustion gases are discharged from the core engine through a core exhaust nozzle while an annular fan flow, disposed radially outward of the primary airflow path, is discharged through an annular fan exhaust nozzle defined between a fan nacelle and a core nacelle. A majority of thrust is produced by the pressurized fan air discharged through the fan exhaust nozzle, the remaining thrust being provided from the combustion gases discharged through the core exhaust nozzle. The fan nozzles of conventional gas turbine engines have a fixed geometry. The fixed geometry fan nozzles are a compromise suitable for take-off and landing conditions as well as for cruise conditions. Some gas turbine engines have implemented fan variable area nozzles. The fan variable area nozzle provide a smaller fan exit nozzle diameter during cruise conditions and a larger fan exit nozzle diameter during take-off and landing conditions. Existing fan variable area nozzles typically utilize relatively complex mechanisms that increase overall engine weight to the extent that the increased fuel efficiency therefrom may be negated. SUMMARY A turbofan engine according to the present invention includes a fan variable area nozzle (VAFN) having a first fan nacelle section and a second fan nacelle section movably mounted relative the first fan nacelle section. The second fan nacelle section axially slides relative the fixed first fan nacelle section to change the effective area of the fan nozzle exit area. The VAFN changes the physical area and geometry of the bypass flow path during particular flight conditions. The VAFN is closed by positioning the second fan nacelle section in-line with the first fan nacelle section to define the fan nozzle exit area and is opened by moving the second fan nacelle section aftward to provide an increased fan nozzle exit area. In operation, the VAFN communicates with the controller to effectively vary the area defined by the fan nozzle exit area. By adjusting the entire periphery of the second fan nacelle section in which all sectors are moved simultaneously, engine thrust and fuel economy are maximized during each flight regime by varying the fan nozzle exit area. By separately adjusting circumferential sectors of the second fan nacelle section to provide an asymmetrical fan nozzle exit area, engine bypass flow is selectively vectored to provide, for example only, trim balance, thrust controlled maneuvering, enhanced ground operations and short field performance. The present invention therefore provides an effective, lightweight fan variable area nozzle for a gas turbine engine. A nacelle assembly for a high-bypass gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure may include a core nacelle defined about an engine centerline axis, a fan nacelle mounted at least partially around the core nacelle to define a fan bypass flow path for a fan bypass airflow, and a fan variable area nozzle axially movable relative the fan nacelle to define an auxiliary port to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust a pressure ratio of the fan bypass airflow during engine operation. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the controller may be operable to control the fan variable area nozzle to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust the pressure ratio of the fan bypass airflow. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the controller may be operable to reduce the fan nozzle exit area at a cruise flight condition. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the controller may be operable to control the fan nozzle exit area to reduce a fan instability. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the fan variable area nozzle may define a trailing edge of the fan nacelle. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the assembly may further include a controller operable to axially move the fan variable area nozzle to vary the fan nozzle exit area in response to a flight condition. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the fan variable area nozzle may be aligned with the fan nacelle to define a closed position of the fan nozzle exit area. Additionally or alternatively, the fan variable area nozzle is axially offset from the fan nacelle to define an open position of the fan nozzle exit area. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the nacelle assembly may further include a gear system driven by the core engine within the core nacelle to drive the fan within the fan nacelle, the gear system defines a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to about 2.3. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the nacelle assembly may further include a gear system driven by the core engine within the core nacelle to drive the fan within the fan nacelle, the gear system defines a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to about 2.5. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the nacelle assembly may further include a gear system driven by the core engine to drive the fan, the gear system defines a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to 2.5. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the core engine may include a low pressure turbine which defines a pressure ratio that is greater than about five (5). In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the core engine may include a low pressure turbine which defines a pressure ratio that is greater than five (5). In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the bypass flow may define a bypass ratio greater than about six (6). In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the bypass flow may define a bypass ratio greater than about ten (10). In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing nacelle assembly embodiments, the bypass flow may define a bypass ratio greater than ten (10). A gas turbine engine according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure may include a core nacelle defined about an engine centerline axis, a fan nacelle mounted at least partially around the core nacelle to define a fan bypass flow path for a fan bypass airflow; a fan variable area nozzle axially movable relative the fan nacelle to define an auxiliary port to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust a pressure ratio of the fan bypass airflow during engine operation, and a controller operable to control the fan variable area nozzle to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust the pressure ratio of the fan bypass airflow. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing gas turbine embodiments, the gas turbine engine may be a direct drive turbofan engine. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing gas turbine embodiments, the gas turbine may further include a low spool within the core nacelle that drives a fan within the fan nacelle through a geared architecture. In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing gas turbine embodiments, the engine may have a bypass ratio greater than 10:1 and the geared architecture may have a gear reduction ratio of greater than 2.5:1.

11257068

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0106143, filed on Aug. 14, 2014 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0105983, filed on Aug. 14, 2014, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND Field Exemplary embodiments relate to a method, system, and recording medium for a payment service using an alternative method. Discussion of the Background Due to portability and convenience in use, a payment tool (e.g., a payment card) in a form of a card, such as a credit card, a check card, a debit card, and a cash card, has been widely used. A payment method using a payment card refers to a method in which information, for example, a card number, a valid institution, and a card issuer, required to approve a card transaction is provided to a terminal installed in an affiliate store, the affiliate store requests a card company to approve a transaction, and a payment is processed based an approval result. However, in an existing card payment service method, a payment is made in a state in which actual card information is exposed to the affiliate store. Thus, there are some constraints in protecting personal card information. Further, a card number and an expiry date of the payment card are repeatedly used until the payment card is expired. Thus, the personal information may be used for malicious purposes through e.g., hacking. As an example of technologies regarding the above issue, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2002-0096353, published on Dec. 31, 2002, titled “one-time virtual card service system and method thereof”, discloses a method for generating a new one-time virtual card each time and using the generated virtual card for a payment. The aforementioned method requires a separate system to generate a disposable, one-time virtual card, and thus, the entire payment system may be enlarged and costs used to construct the payment system may increase. In addition, every time a payment is required, a one-time virtual card needs to be issued and thus, a user cannot make a quick payment and a payment procedure thereof may be complex and inconvenient. The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY Exemplary embodiments provide a payment service method and system that may perform a safe and convenient payment while protecting information of a payment tool. Exemplary embodiments also provide a payment service method and system that may perform an online/offline payment using a representative card capable of representing all of the payment tools. Exemplary embodiments also provide a payment service method and system that may conveniently select and change a payment tool set in a representative card. Exemplary embodiments also provide a payment service method and system that may further enhance security of a representative card. Additional features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. An exemplary embodiment discloses a payment service method executed in a computer, the method including registering a representative card that represents payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; activating a payment function of the representative card through the application, the application being associated with a payment service installed in the terminal of the user; setting at least one specific payment tool to be represented by the representative card among the payment tools; and processing a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card, in response to a payment request using the representative card. An exemplary embodiment also discloses a payment service method executed in a computer, the method including registering a representative card that represents payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; setting a specific payment tool associated with location information of the user among the payment tools based on the location information; and processing a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card, in response to a payment request using the representative card. An exemplary embodiment discloses a payment service system including a registerer configured to register a representative card that represents payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; a setter configured to set at least one specific payment tool to be represented by the representative card among the payment tools; and a payment processor configured to activate a payment function of the representative card through an application associated with a payment service installed in a terminal of the user, and to process a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card, in response to a payment request using the representative card. An exemplary embodiment also discloses a payment service system including a registerer configured to register a representative card that represents payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; a setter configured to set a specific payment tool associated with location information of the user among the payment tools based on the location information; and a payment processor configured to process a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card, in response to a payment request using the representative card. An exemplary embodiment further discloses a payment service method executed in a computer, the method including registering a representative card that represents payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; setting at least one specific payment tool to be represented by the representative card among the registered payment tools; and processing a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card, in response to a payment request using the representative card. A payment function of the representative card may be approved based on an authentication method using a one-time password (OTP). An exemplary embodiment also discloses a payment service method executed in a computer, the method including registering a representative card that represents payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; generating a first OTP in response to a payment request using the representative card, and transmitting the first OTP to a terminal of the user; approving a payment function of the representative card by comparing the first OTP with a second OTP in response to receiving the second OTP by an input of the user from the terminal; setting at least one specific payment tool to be represented by the representative card among the payment tools; and processing a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card, in response to the payment request. An exemplary embodiment also discloses a payment service method executed in a computer, the method including registering a representative card that represents payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; setting at least one specific payment tool to be represented by the representative card among the payment tools in response to a payment request using the representative card; and processing a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card in interaction with a financial company server associated with the specific payment tool. The financial company server may generate a first OTP in response to the payment request and transmit the first OTP to a terminal of the user, and may approve the payment function of the representative card by comparing the first OTP with a second OTP in response to receiving the second OTP by an input of the user from the terminal. An exemplary embodiment also discloses a payment service method executed in a computer, the method including registering a representative card that represents payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; transmitting a message associated with a payment request to a terminal of the user in response to the payment request using the representative card; receiving, from the terminal, a first OTP that is generated at the terminal in response to the payment request, and receiving, from a terminal of an affiliate store, a second OTP presented by the user; approving a payment function of the representative card by comparing the first OTP with the second OTP; setting at least one specific payment tool to be represented by the representative card among the payment tools; and processing a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card, in response to the payment request. An exemplary embodiment further discloses a payment service method including a registerer configured to register a representative card that represents the payment tools of a user, the representative card being an electronic card configured to be activated through an application installed in a terminal of the user; a setter configured to set at least one specific payment tool to be represented by the representative card among the payment tools; and a payment processor configured to process a payment using the specific payment tool set in the representative card, in response to a payment request using the representative card. A payment function of the representative card may be approved based on an authentication method using an OTP. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter.

11372054

This application claims the benefit of German Application No. 102018126807.6, filed on Oct. 26, 2018, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD The present application relates to devices and methods for battery impedance measurement. BACKGROUND The impedance of a battery may give information regarding the battery, like temperature, state of charge or state of health (e.g., deterioration due to aging). Measuring such an impedance of a battery may for example be performed in electric vehicles to obtain information about a battery powering the electric vehicle. Such impedance measurements are usually performed by injecting a sinusoidal current (positive, i.e., current flowing to the battery, or negative, i.e., current flowing from the battery) into the battery and measuring the injected current and the battery voltage reaction to the injected current at the same time. The measured voltage and current over time are then post-processed including forming a ratio between the voltage and the time, which gives the complex impedance of the battery at the frequency of the sinusoidal current. In measurements which are isolated from the outside world, for example in a portable device or in a closed environment like a vehicle, unless an additional energy source is provided, energy can only be drawn from the battery to be measured, corresponding to a negative injected current. In other words, current is drawn from the battery in such scenarios. This approach to draw a sinusoidal current from a battery is used in various commercially available impedance measurement devices. In automotive applications, lithium ion cells are usually used as batteries. Typical impedances of such cells are of the order of some hundred μΩ. At high temperatures, where impedance measurements are of particular interest for safety reasons, the impedance of such lithium ion cells drops and is quite low. Therefore, in order to sense a significant voltage variation of the battery voltage, it is necessary to draw a comparatively high current from the battery. This leads to two problems. On the one hand, the impedance measurements using high current discharge the battery to a non-negligible extent, so the impedance measurements cannot be performed too often. On the other hand, discharging the battery with high currents leads to a corresponding high power dissipation. For example, assuming an average current of 1 A and a battery voltage of 4 V, about 4 W per battery could be dissipated to make such measurements. This might lead to hotspots and temperature variations of a measurement device during the measurement which may negatively impact the accuracy of the measurement. SUMMARY According to an embodiment, a device for battery impedance measurement is provided. The device comprises first terminals configured to be connected to a battery, and second terminals configured to be connected to an energy storage. The device further comprises a switched capacitor network coupled between the first terminals and the second terminals, and a controller configured to operate the switch capacitor network to cause an alternating current to flow between the battery and the energy storage. Additionally, the device comprises measurement circuitry configured to measure the alternating current to or from the battery and a voltage across the battery. In another embodiment, a method for battery impedance measurement is provided, comprising: operating a switched capacitor network coupled between a battery and an energy storage to cause an alternating current to flow between the battery and the energy storage, and measuring the alternating current to or from the battery and a voltage across the battery. The above summary is merely intended to give a brief overview over some embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting.

11270019

BACKGROUND This specification generally relates to processing confidential information with confidential methods while protecting the confidentiality of both the information and the methods. The problem of processing confidential data in a way that does not disclose the data, even when it is processed by programs that may not be trusted, may arise in a variety of circumstances. This specification describes a solution to the problem in the particular context of one of the circumstances in which it arises, namely, the processing electrical utility customer data by a third-party vendor for the purpose of determining whether products or services of the vendor would be advantageous to the customer. The problem arises because, in general, energy procurement officers, or others responsible for managing energy costs, especially at energy retailers, receive many intervention proposals from disparate providers and consultants. It is difficult for retailers to decipher the effects these proposals would have on their business. There are three parties involved: ratepayers, i.e., consumers of electricity, retailers, who buy or generate wholesale electricity and sell it to the ratepayers, and vendors, who produce equipment or services. Vendors propose interventions using equipment or services that are intended to modify a ratepayer's energy usage pattern as seen by the retailer, which determines what the ratepayer pays. A modification can have financial and operational effects for both the ratepayer and the retailer. Generally, only a small fraction of ratepayers are suitable candidates for any particular intervention, whose value is a function of their energy usage pattern. Energy consumption data of any customer is generally confidential to that customer, and a retailer is not free to make the information public. Therefore, vendors have difficulty in finding ratepayers that would benefit from using their products or services, because the vendor is not able to search ratepayers' energy usage patterns to find suitable customers for the vendors' interventions. Additionally, the retailers may not be motivated to provide energy consumption pattern data to vendors, because vendor devices or services will ultimately cost the retailer more money while only benefitting the ratepayer. Similarly, a retailer may benefit from having ratepayers adopt interventions that would be advantageous to them to take advantage of rate schedules created to motivate ratepayers to adopt usage patterns that satisfy goals of the retailer. However, vendors in general are reluctant to share their confidential pricing and technical information, which they use to determine the cost of the interventions they offer, because that information may give them a competitive advantage over other vendors. SUMMARY This specification describes technologies for providing secure processing of a ratepayer's data by a vendor's program, and more generally, for providing secure processing of a first party's confidential data by a second party's confidential program, in a way that protects both the data and the program and still allows some results of the processing to be shared. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving, from a first system, customer energy data, including data representing energy consumption by a customer; receiving, from a second system, program data representing one or more programs for processing the customer energy data; executing the one or more programs with the customer energy data as input to produce output that includes estimated energy consumption data while providing security for the program data from access by the first system and any third party and while providing security for the customer energy data and the estimated energy consumption data from access by the second system and any third party; and providing the estimated energy consumption data as output (i) to the first system or (ii) to the customer or (iii) both. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods. The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in particular embodiments so as to realize one or more of the following advantages. Ratepayers can be introduced to vendors who are likely to have advantageous interventions without compromising the confidentiality of the ratepayers' data. Similarly, vendors can be introduced to ratepayers. Retailers can bring vendor interventions to ratepayers' attention without compromising the ratepayers' or the vendors' confidential information. This can benefit the retailers by the need for capital investments and other expenses. This can benefit ratepayers without hurting the retailer. The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

11320605

BACKGROUND The field of invention of the present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectors, and more specifically to low profile optical-fiber connectors with latch-lock connectors. The prevalence of the Internet has led to unprecedented growth in communication networks. Consumer demand for service and increased competition has caused network providers to continuously find ways to improve quality of service while reducing cost. Certain solutions have included deployment of high-density interconnect panels. High-density interconnect panels may be designed to consolidate the increasing volume of interconnections necessary to support data networks in a compacted form factor, thereby increasing quality of service and decreasing costs such as floor space and support overhead. However, the deployment of high-density interconnect panels have not been fully realized. In communication networks, such as data centers and switching networks, numerous interconnections between mating connectors may be compacted into high-density panels. Panel and connector producers may optimize for such high densities by shrinking the connector size and/or the spacing between adjacent connectors on the panel. While both approaches may be effective to increase the panel connector density, shrinking the connector size and/or spacing may also increase support cost and diminish quality of service. In a high-density panel configuration, adjacent connectors and cable assemblies may be close to one another and thus interfere with access to adjacent connectors. Overstressing the cables and connectors may produce latent defects, compromise the integrity and/or reliability of the terminations, and potentially cause serious disruptions to network performance. While an operator may attempt to use a tool, such as a screwdriver, to reach into a dense group of connectors and activate a release mechanism, adjacent cables and connectors may obstruct the operator's line of sight, making it difficult to guide the tool to the release mechanism without pushing aside the adjacent cables. Moreover, even when the operator has a clear line of sight, guiding the tool to the release mechanism may be a time-consuming process. Thus, using a tool may not be effective at reducing support time and increasing quality of service. Small Form Factor Pluggable Transceivers (SFP) are used presently in telecommunication infrastructures within rack-mounted copper-to-fiber media converters, Ethernet switches, and/or patching hubs. Ethernet and fiber optic connections are evolving quickly to increase connection density due to limited space for such equipment. Although fiber optic connectors have become smaller over the years, they have not been designed to be any smaller than necessary to plug into commonly sized and readily available SFPs. However, as transceiver technologies develop, smaller SFPs will be used to create higher density switches and/or patching hub equipment. Accordingly, there is a need for fiber optic connectors that will satisfy the form factors for smaller SFPs. SUMMARY Embodiments disclosed herein address the aforementioned shortcomings by providing optical fiber connectors that have a relatively low profile including a latch-lock connector and locking plate. In some embodiments, a connector system may include an adapter. In summary, the present disclosure provides an optical fiber connector having a flat pin assembly with at least one pin for a male ferrule configuration or no pins for female ferrule configuration. The optical fiber connector may also have a mechanical transfer ferrule boot and at least a portion of the flat pin assembly attached to the ferrule, and a housing disposed around at least a portion of the mechanical transfer ferrule. The present disclosure provides further details regarding the housing having a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottom side, wherein each of the first side and the second side includes at least one recess, and the top side includes at least one groove. Also, the top or bottom side may have a plural of grooves corresponding to a number of fastening mechanisms configured as part of a locking plate. Additionally, the optical connector may have a locking plate with one or more fastening mechanisms each configured to interlock with the at least one groove. The present disclosure also provides an optical fiber adapter having a first adapter end configured to receive a first optical fiber connector with one or more first connecting arms, and a second adapter end configured to receive a second optical fiber connector with one or more second connecting arms. In some embodiments, the adapter760may couple the second optical fiber connector to the first optical fiber connector. Further presented herein is a system having both an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber adapter. The optical fiber connector includes a flat pin assembly with at least one pin for a male ferrule configuration or no pins for a female ferrule configuration. The optical fiber connector may also have a mechanical transfer ferrule boot and at least a portion of the flat pin assembly attached to the mechanical transfer ferrule boot, and a housing disposed around at least a portion of the mechanical transfer ferrule. The present disclosure provides further details regarding the housing having a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottom side, wherein each of the first side and second side includes at least one recess, and the top side includes at least one first groove. Additionally, the optical connector may have a locking plate with one or more first fastening mechanisms each configured to interlock with the at least one first groove. The optical fiber adapter includes a first adapter end configured to receive a first optical fiber connector with one or more first connecting arms, and a second adapter end configured to receive a second optical fiber connector with one or more second connecting arms. In some embodiments, the adapter may couple the second optical fiber connector to the first optical fiber connector. Further presented herein, the locking plate moves along a longitudinal axis of the mirco-latchlock connector. The longitudinal axis is defined as a proximal end at dust cover150(FIG. 1), and distal end at locking plate110(FIG. 1). Pushing locking plate110toward proximal end until it stops, locks connector200within an adapter housing760(FIG. 7). Pulling locking plate110toward a distal end, unlocks connector from adapter housing, thereby, allowing a user to remove the connector from within adapter. The foregoing, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11225744

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Application No. 10-2018-0130752 filed on Oct. 30, 2018, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND 1. Field The present disclosure relates to a laundry treatment machine and control method thereof and, more particularly, to a laundry treatment machine including a balancer, and a control method thereof. 2. Background In general, a laundry treatment machine is a machine that treats laundry through several processes such as washing, spinning, and/or drying. In such a laundry treatment machine, an inner tub is rotatably disposed in an outer tub in which water is supplied, and laundry is supposed to be put into the inner tub. A laundry treatment machine is equipped with a balancer that reduces unbalance due to eccentric distribution of laundry in a drum. Such a balancer for a laundry treatment machine, a ball balancer or a liquid balancer was used, and the ball balancer and the liquid balancer cannot be manually moved in accordance with rotation of a drum. Accordingly, there is a problem that the drum has to be kept rotating until the ball balancer or the liquid balancer moves to the opposite side of the center of gravity of laundry and unbalance is reduced. Reduction of vibration using two balancers that actively move has been disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. KR 10-2018-0103382, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, according to this configuration, it is required to separately control two balancers, there is a problem that an error may be generated in the distance between the two balancers due to communication with the two balancers or operation of the two balancers. The above reference is incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

11363866

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a process for producing a plastic component, in particular luggage shell, from self-reinforced thermoplastic material, a plastic component made of self-reinforced thermoplastic material and an apparatus for manufacturing such a plastic component, in particular luggage shell. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, several attempts have been made to produce plastic components having high physical strength and resistance against breakage and distortion while rendering the component made of such synthetic resin lightweight and easy to recycle. In particular, in the luggage industry, there is a demand for producing hard shell suitcases combining highest reliability and resistancy against impacts from outside with distortion-free behavior, favorable appearance and reduced weight to allow such luggage to be handled with ease and convenience. Also, a couple of composite materials comprising laminates of synthetic resin such as thermoplastic resin and woven fabric have been applied. Accordingly, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,322 a process of thermo-forming a cloth covered shape from a preform is known for producing luggage shells by pressure laminating a layer of cloth fabric to one surface of a thermoplastic substrate which subsequently undergoes a press forming process in a mold press with a specific focus on the forming of the corner areas. Still difficulties occurred, however, to ensure smooth corner areas to be produced, in particular when the radii of the corners or of the intersections between main surfaces of the product are desirably small. Moreover, further weight reduction in combination with increased strength is desirable. Moreover from U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,311 a method of making hard side shells for luggage using a pressure differential molding process and applying an integrally formed frame about a thin thermoplastic hollow shell is known. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Based on the consideration that a high impact, low weight sheet material made of synthetic resin such as thermoplastic material can be produced on the basis of pre-stretched oriented strands of polymeric fibers embedded in a matrix of softer material of the same or similar type, EP 0 531 473 B1 provides a process and material in which an assembly of oriented polymeric fibers is maintained in intimate contact at an elevated temperature so that outer areas of the oriented polymeric fibers melts and said fibers are subsequently compressed so as to produce a coherent polymer sheet. According to said method and material, the oriented polymeric fibers, preferably comprising thermoplastic materials of polyolefin and, in particular, polypropylene or other crystalline or semi-crystalline materials and can be arranged as uni-axially aligned bundles or twisted bundles of fibers or as a mat of interwoven bundles depending on the later field of application. A similar method for reinforcing an article by using tapes, film or yarns of drawn thermoplastic material is known from WO 2004/028803 A1 using polyethylenes (PE) or polypropylenes (PP) in a co-extrusion process, followed by stretching and cooling down. Finally, the positive properties of self-reinforced polypropylene, i.e. polypropylene reinforced with oriented polypropylene fibers (so-called “all PP” composites) in terms of recyclability, strength and stiffness are explained in greater detail in “Composite for Recyclability” by John Peijs, Materials Today April 2003, pages 30 to 35. Based on that existing knowledge of self-reinforced thermoplastic material, in particular self-reinforced polypropylene, it is an objective of the present invention to overcome the difficulties to produce articles on the basis of self-reinforced thermoplastic material having a high degree of form change and comprise areas of high-grade deformation work, for example deep luggage shells, which is normally difficult in view of the high tensile strength and form change resistance of the self-reinforced thermoplastic material containing that stretched oriented strands or tapes, for example of PP or other crystalline or semi-crystalline thermoplastic material which can be pre-stretched prior to forming woven mats or other foil material from such tapes, films or yarns. Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a process of making a plastic component, in particular luggage shell, from self-reinforced thermoplastic material allowing the formation of highly durable but extremely lightweight components such as specifically deep luggage shells in a cost efficient manner paying particular attention to the smooth formation of corner regions and intersection areas between main surfaces of the component. Moreover, it is an objective to provide such a plastic component, in particular luggage shell, formed from self-reinforced thermoplastic material allowing to considerably increase the ratio of depths to the length and/or width of such a component so as to be able to support high loads or weights with a minimal net weight of the component, in particular luggage shell. Moreover, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus for making a plastic component, in particular luggage shell, comprising areas of high degree of form change which allows the production of three-dimensional plastic components having a high ratio of depths to widths or lengths of the product on the basis of machinery and tooling which has already been widely used in conventional systems showing such apparatus to be designed with ease and at relatively low costs, also with respect to the operation of such apparatuses. Regarding the process aspects, according to the present invention, the afore-indicated objective is performed by a process having the features according to the present disclosure. Preferred embodiments of such processes are laid down in the related dependent claims. Accordingly, the present invention performs a process which combines aspects of thermo-forming of polypropylene laminas with that one of deep-drawing of metal, in particular light metal sheets so as to develop a process which allows deep-drawing of self-reinforced thermoplastic materials, in particular having oriented strands of polypropylene or other crystalline or semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin allowing the formation of extremely lightweight components, such as luggage shells, having areas of high-grade form change, in particular with respect to the corner regions and intersection areas between main surfaces of such components which, so far, due to the difficulties experienced in press-forming self-reinforced thermoplastic mats or other sheets of thermoplastic material could not be molded in practice. Thus, components, in particular luggage shells with substantial weight reduction compared to conventional hard side cases can be manufactured. In particular, woven self-reinforced polypropylene material will be used to manufacture such components, in particular shells by means of a press forming technology designated also as “compressed tech” technology. An essential aspect of the present invention is the at least partially tensioning of the self-reinforced composite of thermoplastic material during all forming, in particular press forming and shaping steps such as deep-drawing of said material so as to be able to create components, in particular luggage shells having a high depth to surface ratio. Accordingly, all “critical” strands (tapes) and fibers, i.e. extending through areas of high-grade deformation such as corner regions should be kept tensioned during the entire process, irrespective of compression forces to arise in such areas during the press forming process. With respect to the plastic component, in particular luggage shell, the above objective is performed by the features according to the present disclosure with preferred embodiments thereof being laid down in the related dependent claims. Prior to any shaping or molding process, preferably the self-reinforced thermoplastic material (lamina) is lined with woven or knitted fabric, preferably by heat-bonding in a continuous inactive process with the further press-forming of the desired plastic component. There is also the option to dispose multiple layers of the molecularly oriented strands contained in a respective layer of self-reinforced thermoplastic material under a certain angle to each other, in particular disposing neighboring layers crosswise which leads to further improved unilateral strength and quasi-anisotrop strength and bonding properties of the final product. It is also possible to form a composite body or component such as shell comprising at least the self-reinforced thermoplastic material combined with other lining or in a sandwich structure, i.e. using a cell plastic or a lining made of dense cellular plastic material which need not to be a thermoplastic. Regarding the apparatus for making a plastic component, in particular luggage shell, from a self-reinforced thermoplastic material, the above objective, according to the present invention, is performed by the features according to the present disclosure, while preferred embodiments of said apparatus are laid down in the further dependent claims. Accordingly, the present invention allows the manufacturing of an extremely thin but durable, lightweight and distortion-resistant component, in particular luggage shell, having areas of high degree of form change such as relatively sharply bent curves and bends including corner areas of relatively low radius without wrinkles being produced. This can lead to a new generation of ultra-lightweight luggage based on synthetic resin. By press forming, in particular deep-drawing of self-reinforced thermoplastic composites (SRTC), a new type of material is created which may be based on polypropylene as a base material but also other crystalline or semi-crystalline material such as nylon (which is a registered trademark) can be used. Preferably, such self-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials (SRTC) are made with either re-softened areas (by intermediate heating) before press forming a laminate or under use of (co-extruded polypropylene) tapes, these tapes, strings or yarns are stretched and, after an in particular low temperature or cold stretching process, comprise a highly oriented core with a thin layer of same or similar material around the core having a lower melting point. Preferably, the tapes are woven into a fabric which can be compacted or a multi-layer component can be combined therefrom considering that at a certain temperature the outer film surrounding the stretched core is melting and by pressure molding the fabrics can be compacted to a plate or multi-layer lamina. While polypropylene (PP) tapes are less stiff than organic fibers and their visco-elastic behavior allows for more deformation than plastic or thermoplastic composites such properties can promote the deep-drawing of these materials. In order to avoid the shortcomings of attempts of deep-drawing SRTC with a considerable degree of form change, the problem of heat shrinkage of the stretched tapes under elevated temperature of more than 100° C. has been solved considering that a successful deep-drawing process would need to heat the SRTC lamina up to about 170° C. The invention preferably keeps all critical tapes, i.e. tapes at critical positions with respect to the high degree of form change of the product during the deep-drawing or press forming process under tension (creation of tensile force) during the entire process. This tensioning may occur passive by fixing the thermoplastic sheet material in its edge areas and proceeding to subject same to a press-forming, such as deep-drawing process, so that the lamina itself creates those tensile forces or may be an actively controlled tensioning by introducing (steering) respective tensile forces applied to the lamina (potentially additionally) from outside. According to the present invention, a sheet clamping device is used which takes all tapes clamped around the entire circumference and provides the opportunity to control and passively or actively steer the tension in the tapes according to the desired process. Said controlling or steering of the tensioning of the most critical tapes can be force-driven, position-driven, or can be a combination thereof. Moreover, the present invention preferably avoids compression forces in the corners of the product, in particular luggage shell, to occur which would counteract or eliminate the tension in the tapes, strings or yarns and could cause wrinkles in the high degree form changed corner areas. Accordingly, the present invention provides means that can give an extra-controlled deformation at the corner areas to keep all tapes under tension and/or guide potential wrinkles to avoid them to slide into the final product. Preferably, this is done by pre-stretching or steered stretching and tensioning during the press forming, in particular deep-drawing process. Preferably, the apparatus design of the respective machinery may use the press of two independently moving mold halves (cavity and core) or may apply an independent frame that holds auxiliary mold surfaces or the like, operating through holes in the upper or under gripping jaws. Also, a blow-forming step, i.e. a pre-stretch prior to a deep-drawing activity by a blow-forming step beforehand may be used. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the further subclaims.