Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for inspecting a printed circuit board (PCB) for the nature of its soldered parts comprising three ring-shaped light sources which project light of different hues, the highest light source being any hue other than red, to a part mounted on a PCB at different angles and heights from above, a camera to record the reflected images, and a procedure used to check the recorded patterns to determine if the soldering is acceptable.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods of and apparatuses for inspecting the acceptability of soldering of parts mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs).
2. Description of Prior Art
Originally, PCBs were visually inspected by operators for defects. Specifically, along with other questions regarding the placement of surface mounted devices on lands and their lead connections, the presence or absence, the amount, the solubility, the short, the inferior conduction, and the like of solder determine the acceptability of a PCB. But the drawbacks due to human error caused by fatigue and different standards of acceptability, not to mention the high cost of and extensive time needed for manual inspection of the increasingly small PCBs, led the industry towards automatic inspection. Unfortunately, problems dealing with cost, effectiveness, and speed of inspection still plague the art. Greatly contributing to the problems is the necessity for a reference board or a means to determine the quality of the PCBs to be inspected. Recent technology intimates that the use of reference parameters may be used to overcome these problems by determining for example the quality of a soldered portion (fillet) of a PCB.
The surface of a fillet has a shape which extends in three dimensions. In order to inspect the shape, it is essential that information on three-dimensional shapes can be detected.
FIG. 5 shows an example of an automatic inspecting apparatus capable of inspecting information on three-dimensional shapes, which projects slit light to a fillet on a PCB 2. By projecting the slit light 1, reflected light of a light cutting line 3 formed on the surface of the PCB 2 including the fillet is imaged by an imaging unit 4. Then, the imaged pattern is examined to detect the three-dimensional shape of the fillet.
However, in this inspecting method, information is only obtained on the shape of the fillet illuminated by the slit light 1. Accordingly, it is difficult to grasp the three-dimensional shapes of the other portions.
To solve this problem, there is provided a method of projecting light in a plurality of directions and at different angles of incidence to the surface of a solid bound by a curved surface to be inspected, imaging its reflective light, and detecting the orientation of the element constituting the curved surface from the respective imaged patterns. This "active sensing method" is one way to detect information on three-dimensional images. More specifically, when a light beam having a constant pattern is projected onto an object, the pattern of the reflected light beam obtained from the object is deformed corresponding to the three-dimensional shape of the object and the deformed pattern enables the estimation of the object's shape.
FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining the principle of this method, showing the positional relation between a detecting system comprising a light projecting unit 5, an imaging unit 6, and a solid bound by a curved surface which is an object to be inspected.
When a light beam 8 is projected from the light projecting unit 5, which is arranged in a given position, to the surface of a solid bound by a curved surface (i.e. a fillet) 7, the reflected light beam 9 is incident on the imaging unit 6 which is placed directly over the solid 7. Thus, the portion of the curved surface 7 illuminated by the light beam 8 is oriented at an angle of i with a horizontal reference surface 10 (i is the angle of incidence). Accordingly, when a plurality of light projecting units 5 are projected on a fillet 7, the respective angles of incidence detected by the imaging unit 6 enable the determination of the nature of the fillet 7.
Furthermore, if the light projecting unit 5 projects the light beam 8 having an incident angle ranging from i-.DELTA.i to i+.DELTA.i, the imaging unit 6 can detect a reflected light beam 9 having a width corresponding to the range. In other words, the imaging unit 6 can detect such light as reflected from curved surfaces having an angle of i-.DELTA.i to i+.DELTA.i with respect to reference surface 10.
If, as in FIG. 7, the light projecting unit 5 comprises a plurality of ring shaped light sources 11, 12 and 13 having different angles of incidence to the solid bound by a curved body 7, then the elements of the curved surface having orientations corresponding to the angles of incidence of light beams 14, 15 and 16 from the sourCes 11 , 12 and 13 can be specifically detected as described above.
The three ring-shaped light sources 11, 12, and 13 having radii of r.sub.m (m=1, 2, and 3) are horizontally arranged in positions at the heights h.sub.m (m=1, 2, and 3) from a reference surface 10. In addition, let i.sub.m (m=1, 2, and 3) be the angles of incidence of the light beams 14, 15, and 16 from the light sources 11, 12, and 13 to the solid bound by a curved surface 7. In this case, the elements of the curved surface respectively having angles of inclination of i.sub.m in the solid bound by a curved surface 7 can be detected by the imaging unit 6. The size of the element of the curved surface is sufficiently smaller than the total optical path length leading from the light sources 11, 12, and 13 and the solid 7 to the imaging unit 6. Consequently, the angle of incidence, that is, the angle of inclination of the element of the curved surface to be detected can be set by the following equation: EQU cos i.sub.m =h.sub.m /(h.sub.m.sup.2 +r.sub.m.sup.2).sup.178
More specifically, the foregoing equation can be used to determine specific heights and radii for light sources such that the reflected light from each source is incident upon the imaging unit when each respective light was reflected off of a predetermined slope from the solid. Thus, the imaging unit 6 will receive incident beam 14 from the top ring-shaped light source 11 when the slope of the solid is slight or zero; when the solid 7 has a flat surface. Similarly, light source 12 will send incident beam 15 to the imaging unit 6 from where the solid 7 has a medium or gentle slope and incident beam 16 from light source 13 will only be received by the imaging unit 6 from places where the solid 7 has a steep slope.
An automatic inspecting system as described above consisting of white light sources and a monochromatic camera has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Publication #61-293657). However, this apparatus requires that the light sources be turned on and off instantaneously and in series in order for the imaging unit to distinguish the light received from its source. Thus, a memory for storing images obtained at different timings of projected light, an arithmetic unit for executing an arithmetic operation taking the images as the same field image, a lightning unit for causing each of the light sources to instantaneously perform a lightning operation, and the like are required.
One way to eliminate the need for this timing hardware is to distinguish the different light sources by color as in the related art submitted to the US PTO (U.S. Ser. No. 439,943). This co-pending application is not prior art, but it is related art that describes an earlier embodiment of this invention. Specifically relating to this invention is the embodiment with only one imaging unit described in FIG. 15 of U.S. Ser. No. 439,943. However, this invention is only designed to measure high-grade PCBs which are more expensive than normal PCBs because of a thin coating of solder pasted over the lands.
Referring now to FIG. 8, the light sources 24 described in U.S. Ser. No. 439,943 are from top to bottom red 28, green 29, and blue 30. First, a reference PCB 21s is placed on a conveyor 27 which is located on a y-axis table 23. This reference PCB 21s contains lands covered by copper and electrically conductive patterns formed on the epoxy resin as well as surface mounted devices. Additionally, the lands are further covered by a thin coating of solder (about 150 to 200 micrometers thick) to improve the adhesiveness between the surface mounted device's soldered lead and the land, while the patterns are covered by a rough surfaced, green colored solder resist for insulation and protection against short circuits that may be caused by stray solder. As the PCB 21s moves along the y-axis table 23, the light sources 24 project light and the reflected incident beams are imaged by an imaging unit 25, which is moving along the x-axis. At this point it should be noted that only smooth surfaces such as fillets are able to reflect distinct separate colors back to the imaging unit 25 because rough surfaces randomly diffuse the rays directed thereto, in effect mixing the colors so the incident relection appears as white light. The reference PCB 21s is used to teach the judging means 26 the size and type of parts and the like. After this first teaching has been recorded in the judging means 26, a second reference PCB 20s (not shown) without surface mounted devices is put through the imaging process to teach the judging means 26 land location information to be extracted in accordance with the data taken from the first teaching. Since the whole surface of the PCB 20s is still flat, as no surface mounted devices have yet been placed thereon, the top ringed-light source 28 will highlight the smooth, solder coated lands as red while the rough solder resist will appear as its natural color in white light which is green.
In a similar manner, the PCB to be inspected 21t is placed on the y-axis table 23, the incident beams from the light sources are imaged by the imaging unit 25 and sent to the judging means 26 for determination. Since only the smooth solder portions are highlighted by the respective colors: red for flat surfaces, green for gentle slopes, and blue for steep slopes; and the rest of the PCB is imaged as it appears in white light, the resulting image produced contains very detailed information on the nature of the soldered fillets as well as the whole PCB.
However, while U.S. Ser. No. 439,943 performs admirably on expensive high-grade PCBs with the thin coating of solder over their lands, the apparatus has problems when dealing with less expensive PCBs that have no such coating. Specifically, flat soldered portions are undistinguishable from the rough copper lands. The imaging unit views both as red. Consequently, lead connections completely lacking solder or insufficiently soldered to the lands cannot be detected.

Method of and apparatus for inspecting printed circuit boards


The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for reducing wing-tip vortex energy during seismic exploration. The apparatus includes a vortex concentrator of deployed proximate a tip of a hydrofoil and a vortex reducing device deployed proximate the vortex concentrator.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to seismic exploration, and, more particularly, to reducing and extracting wing-tip vortex energy during seismic exploration.
2. Description of the Related Art
Marine seismic exploration is widely used to locate and/or survey subterranean geological formations for hydrocarbon deposit because many hydrocarbon deposits are found beneath bodies of water. FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a conventional system 100 for carrying out a marine seismic survey. The conventional system 100 includes a survey vessel 105 coupled to a seismic array 110, which typically include one or more streamers 120. One or more seismic sensors 125, such as hydrophones, may be distributed along the length of the seismic streamer 120. Although not shown in FIG. 1, one or more seismic sources may also be included within the conventional system 100.
In operation, the survey vessel 105 tows the seismic array 110 along a predetermined path. One or more seismic sources (not shown) may be used to drive an acoustic wave, commonly referred to as a "shot," through the overlying water and into the ground. The acoustic wave may be reflected by subterranean geologic formations and propagate back to the seismic sensors 125. The seismic sensors 125 receive the reflected waves, which are then processed to generate seismic data. Analysis of the seismic data may indicate probable locations of geological formations such as hydrocarbon deposits.
The accuracy of the seismic survey is determined, in part, by how accurately the seismic array 110 is towed along the predetermined path, indicated by the arrow 112. Thus, in addition to guiding the seismic array 110 by steering the survey vessel 105, one or more deflector devices 135 are typically coupled to the seismic array 110. The deflector devices 135 are typically used to maintain a spread of the streamers 120 of the seismic array 110 and to steer the path of the seismic array 110 so that it approximately coincides with the predetermined path 112.
One or more hydrofoils 135 are typically used as the deflector devices 135 attached the seismic array 110. The hydrofoils 135 provide lift as they are towed through the water by the survey vessel 105. For example, a hydrofoil 135 used as a deflector device in a seismic survey has a lift of several tons. The lift provided by the hydrofoils 135 is used to maintain a spread of the streamers 120 of the seismic array 110 and/or to steer the path of the seismic array 110. However, the ability of the hydrofoils 135 to maintain the spread of the streamers 120 and/or to steer the seismic array 110 is limited by the electrical power available to the hydrofoil 135. Towed generators (not shown) may be towed by the streamers 120, but these typically only provide a small amount of electrical power while significantly increasing the drag of the streamers 120.
FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a conventional hydrofoil 200. The hydrofoil 200 may generate tip vortices 210 near one or more tips 205 of the hydrofoil 200 as the hydrofoil 200 is towed through the water in a direction indicated by the arrow 212. Persons of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the path of the fluid flow in the tip vortices 210 typically has a spiral shape, i.e. the fluid flows along a three-dimensional approximately cork-screw-like path, although the tip vortices 210 are conceptually illustrated in FIG. 2 by approximately sinusoidal lines. The tip vortices 210 are regions of highly rotational fluid that trail the tips 205 of the hydrofoil 200. The rotational strength of the tip vortices 210 is approximately proportional to the lift generated by the hydrofoil 200. The tip vortices 210 may have many undesirable consequences for the marine seismic survey. For example, the tip vortices 210 may interfere with objects located in the wake of the hydrofoil 200, such as the seismic streamers 120, the seismic sensors 125, and the like, potentially increasing the noise that may be received on the seismic sensors 125. For another example, the tip vortices 210 may cause one or more of the seismic streamers 120 to oscillate undesirably. The tip vortices 210 may also reduce the lift and increase the drag of the hydrofoil 200. For example, if the hydrofoil 200 has a lift of about ten tons and a lift-to-drag ratio of about five, the drag of the hydrofoil 200 would be about two tons, most of which is related to the energy that goes into the tip vortices 210.
A number of techniques for reducing the undesirable interaction between the conventional hydrofoil 200 and the tip vortex have been proposed. Cordier, et al (International Patent Publication Number WO 00/18641) has described a technique of placing serrated plates on a free edge of a hydrofoil for breaking a tip vortex generated near the free edges of the hydrofoil. Various devices for rectifying flow of a turbulent fluid have also been proposed. For example, a flow rectifier that may be mounted in a duct along which a fluid is flowing has been described by Ligneul (U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,946).
The conventional hydrofoil 200 may also include a rotational body 220, also called a torpedo body, positioned near one or more tips 205 of the hydrofoil 200. For example, the rotational body 220 may be included to increase the buoyancy of the hydrofoil 200. However, the rotational body 220 may also be an effective concentrator of a tip vortex 225, which may result in the tip vortex 225 having a higher rotational velocity than the tip vortex 210. Consequently, the presence of the rotational body 220 may lead to higher downstream disturbances caused by the tip vortex 225.
The present invention is intended to address one or more of the problems discussed above.

Method and apparatus for reducing and extracting wing-tip vortex energy


An optical apparatus is disclosed which has a light amount adjusting unit, a lens to be driven by a linear actuator, and a detector for detecting the position of the lens, and which can be reduced in size. The optical apparatus includes a light amount adjusting unit which adjusts a light amount by light shield members translating in a first direction, a vibration type linear actuator which drives the lens in an optical axis direction, a guide member which guides the lens in the optical axis direction, and a detector which detects the position of the lens. When viewed from the optical axis direction of the optical apparatus, the vibration type linear actuator, the guide member, and the detector are arranged along an outer surface of the light amount adjusting unit, the outer surface being provided in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

The present invention relates to an optical apparatus having a driving source for driving a lens in an optical axis direction, and particularly, to an optical apparatus which includes a vibration or electromagnetic type linear actuator for use as a driving source.
Some optical apparatuses include an electromagnetic type linear actuator or a vibration type linear actuator for use as a driving source for driving a lens (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8 (1996)-179184, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10(1998)-90584, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-046234).
In the optical apparatuses proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8(1996)-179184 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10(1998)-90584 having the vibration type linear actuator, each vibration type linear actuator is formed of a vibrator which produces vibration through an electromechanical energy conversion action and a contact member which is in press contact with the vibrator. For example, the vibrator is fixed to a lens holding member, the contact member is fixed to a stationary member of a lens barrel, and the vibrator is caused to produce driving vibration, thereby moving the lens holding member together with the vibrator.
The vibration type linear actuator is effective in reducing the size of an optical apparatus since it can generally be provided in a compact size as compared with the electromagnetic type linear actuator as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-046234.
However, the linear actuator disposed away from a light amount adjusting unit (aperture unit) on the outer side thereof as in the optical apparatus proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8(1996)-179184 leads to an increased size of the optical apparatus. Especially when such an arrangement is adopted in the optical apparatus which includes a lens to be driven by the linear actuator on each side of the light amount adjusting unit closer to an object and to an image plane, the optical apparatus is inevitably increased in size even when the compact vibration linear actuator is used.
In addition, the linear actuator is placed to interfere with the light amount adjusting unit in an optical axis direction, which makes it difficult to ensure large space for lens movement.


In one example, a control node can receive a job request from a client device to perform a job using a computing environment, where the job request includes first secure information and second secure information. The control node can authenticate the user by validating the second secure information using a first secret key. The control node can then obtain access to a job-execution service of a server node within the computing environment using the first secure information. For example, the control node can use the first secure information to obtain third secure information that is specific to the server node, and then transmit the third secure information to the server node. The server node can validate the third secure information and responsively authorize the control node to access the job-execution service. The control node can then initiate execution of the job on the server node on behalf of the user.

Computer security is of paramount importance in today's technological world. To that end, a variety of authentication approaches have been developed to enable users to securely login to computer systems and applications. One example of a typical authentication approach involves validating a user's authentication credentials (e.g., username and password). A user may supply the authentication credentials to a computing environment, such as a data grid or cloud computing system, to login to the computing environment. If the authentication credentials are valid, the user is allowed to login to the computing environment. Once logged in to the computing environment, the user may need to supply additional authentication credentials to access various services of the computing environment. For example, the user may need to supply a different set of authentication credentials (e.g., a different username and password combination) to the computing environment to obtain access a job-execution service of the computing environment. Having this additional layer of security may prevent malicious actors (e.g., hackers) from accessing the services in the computing environment and wreaking havoc, should they gain unauthorized access to the computing environment.

Secure authentication for a computing environment


An apparatus includes a metal substrate, an amorphous adhesion layer on the metal substrate, and a protective DLC layer over the adhesion layer. The adhesion layer has a thickness of less than about 8 Angstroms, and has a composition of carbon silicon carbide or carbon silicon nitride. The composition of the adhesion layer provides corrosion resistance for the metal substrate.

The present invention relates generally to a protective film that coats a metal substrate. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thin adhesion layer for a surface of a magnetic read/write head that exhibits sufficient adhesive properties and improved corrosion resistance.
Disc drive storage systems are used for storage of digital information that can be recorded on concentric tracks of a magnetic disc medium. Several discs are rotatably mounted on a spindle, and the information, which can be stored in the form of magnetic transitions within the discs using a write transducer, is accessed using a read transducer. The read and/or write transducer is carried by a slider that is located on an actuator arm that moves radially over the surface of the disc. The slider and transducer can be collectively referred to as a magnetic head.
The discs are rotated at high speeds during operation. As the discs are spun, the slider and the read and/or write transducer glide above the surface of the disc on a small cushion of air. Upon reaching a predetermined high rotational speed, the head floats in air at a predetermined distance from the surface of the disc where it is maintained during reading and recording operations. In order to maximize the high areal recording density, the flying height (i.e. the distance by which the head floats above the surface of the disc) must be minimized.
It is well known in the art to coat the air bearing surfaces of the head and the disc with a diamond like carbon (DLC) protective overcoat and/or a lubricant layer. The function of the DLC overcoat is to protect underlying metals and alloys from wear and corrosion during the manufacturing process, and throughout the lifetime of the disc drive system. As applied to the head, the DLC overcoat includes a DLC layer and an adhesion layer. DLC overcoat thickness for the head can range from about 20 to 30 Angstroms while typical values of DLC overcoats for magnetic media are in excess of 30 Angstroms. The DLC overcoat thicknesses, along with the lubricant thickness, are the biggest contributors of head media separation (HMS) distance. The HMS distance is measured from the magnetic surface of the head to the magnetic surface of the media. The HMS distance in turn affects the data reading and writing efficiency of the transducer.
The adhesion layer of the DLC overcoat is used to attach the DLC layer to the surface of the head. It is well known in the art to use silicon for the adhesion layer. However, silicon provides limited corrosion protection, and moreover, if a silicon adhesion layer is made thinner, the DLC overcoat becomes vulnerable to reliability failure due to weakened adhesion, reduced corrosion resistance, or both.
There is a need to decrease the HMS distance, and increase recording areal density, through use of a thinner DLC overcoat that still exhibits sufficient adhesion properties and improved corrosion resistance.


A collar retention system is provided that can be used in connection with a packaging device for dispensing elongated flexible material. Some systems can include one or more of retention collars, retention rings, or an elongated rotatable member around which primary collars can be located that can support the primary collars for resisting outward pressure thereon from the elongated flexible material or to prevent the primary collars from shifting lengthwise along the elongated rotatable member away from a lengthwise center of the elongated rotatable member and towards lengthwise opposing ends of the elongated rotatable member.

Traditional payout packaging devices for elongated flexible material, such as, for example, cable, wire, rope, chain, strapping, or the like, typically employ an elongated rotatable member, such as a rigid tube or spool, around which the elongated flexible material can be wound, spooled, coiled, or wrapped. The elongated rotatable member can be suspended by stanchions or slots on either side of the elongated rotatable member, and in dispensing the elongated flexible material from such devices, a user can pull a free end of the elongated flexible material, thereby causing the elongated rotatable member to rotate and the elongated flexible material to unwind therefrom. Once a desired portion of the elongated flexible material has been unwound from the elongated rotatable member, the user can cut off a desired amount of the elongated flexible material and leave a remainder of the elongated flexible material on the elongated rotatable member for future use.
For example, each of U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,928, which issued on Sep. 20, 2016, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/269,750, which was filed on Sep. 19, 2016, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/269,683, which was filed on Sep. 19, 2016, is titled "Inertia Braking Payout Device and Package System" and discloses a packaging device known in the art. Each of U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,928, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/269,750, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/269,683 is assigned to the assignee hereof and is hereby incorporated by reference.
It is known to use a friction fitted collar in connection with the elongated rotatable member as described above. For example, the friction fitted collar can define a portion of the elongated rotatable member onto which the elongated flexible material is wound. However, known friction fitted collars have a tendency to slip when the elongated flexible material wound around the elongated rotatable member exerts an outward force on the collar, for example, when the elongated rotatable member is rotated and the elongated flexible material is unwound therefrom.
In view of the above, there is a continuing, ongoing need for improved systems and methods.

Collar retention system for packaging device for dispensing elongated flexible material


A vibration machining apparatus and method of use. The vibration machining apparatus includes a cutting tool and a motion stage coupled to one of the cutting tool or the workpiece to move the cutting tool relative to the workpiece. A tangent to a machine path and a normal to the surface of the workpiece define a vibration plane. The vibration machining apparatus further includes a first vibrating unit coupled to one of the cutting tool or the workpiece to vibrate it along a first vibrational direction, substantially in the vibration plane, and a second vibrating unit coupled with one of the cutting tool or the workpiece to vibrate the one of the cutting tool or the workpiece coupled to the second vibrating unit along a second vibrational direction, different from the first direction and substantially in the vibration plane.

Vibration assisted machining (VAM), has recently been developed. This machining method enables machining of material, such as for example, silicon carbide that previously could not be single point diamond turned due to excessive heating of the diamond tip. VAM systems, such as the Ultramill system developed at North Carolina State University, use two piezoelectric (PZT) actuators mounted sided by side to drive a diamond tool in an elliptic trajectory. The minor and major axes of the ellipse trajectory are determined by a T-shaped linkage geometry of the PZT actuators to the diamond used for machining. However, this linkage geometry does not allow for reduced tool lead-in and lead-out zones (i.e., transition zones) when entering or exiting a workpiece.
The present invention provides an improved vibration milling apparatus and method for machining hard material to produce high quality surface finishes and may provide for reduced tool lead-in and lead-out zones.

Method and apparatus for vibration machining with two independent axes


An apparatus for coating an interior surface of a conduit. The apparatus has a center rod with a substantially square cross-section that extends axially along the interior surface of the conduit. An index carriage slidably engages the substantially square cross-section of the center rod so that the index carriage maintains a fixed rotational orientation relative to the center rod. An index motor having a variable index position is carried by the index carriage. A coating device for coating the interior surface of the conduit is rotatably attached to the index carriage and connected to the index motor. As such, the coating device has an elevation position that corresponds to the index position of the index motor. A drive motor carried by a drive carriage propels the drive carriage longitudinally along the center rod. Generally, at least one intermediate carriage that slidably engages the substantially square cross-section of the center rod translates motion of the drive carriage to the index carriage so that the index carriage, and hence the coating device, moves longitudinally along the center rod.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of apparatus for coating a conduit surface. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus to accurately elevate a coating device to coat the inner surface of a conduit.
2. Statement of the Problem
Conduits are often used to carry fluids or abrasive slurries as part of a treatment or disposal process. As the fluid passes through the conduit, frictional forces against the conduit walls can cause the conduit walls to wear. The effect of these frictional forces is magnified on the curved portions of the conduit as a result of complex flow patterns and the forces from the fluid impacting the conduit surface caused by the fluid changing direction. Abrasives suspended within the fluid (e.g., solids commonly associated with mining slurries or sludge) can be even more detrimental to the conduit walls. Whatever the cause, these forces cause the conduit walls to wear even faster, eventually causing the conduit walls to crack or burst where the walls have worn thin.
To minimize the effects of these frictional forces on the conduit walls, a protective coating is applied (e.g., welded or sprayed) to the inner surface of the conduit. To provide effective protection against wear on the conduit wall, it is important that the entire area is completely coated with the coating material. Areas left unprotected will continue to be vulnerable to fracture.
An example of the prior art in this field is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,443 (Kostecki). Kostecki discloses an apparatus for coating an internal wall of a curved conduit with a layer of protective material. The apparatus has a guide means, a longitudinally flexible member, means for mounting a coating means for incremental rotation by the longitudinally flexible member, a drive means to drive the longitudinally flexible member relative to the curved conduit, and a means to automatically step the flexible member and consequently rotate the coating means. However, a disadvantage of using the flexible member in Kostecki is the associated inaccuracy in translating the rotational steps along the longitudinally flexible member. Because the coating means cannot be accurately rotated, the protective material can be misapplied resulting in either gaps or overlap between the applied strips of protective material.
A need exists to provide an apparatus to coat the internal walls of a conduit without sacrificing accuracy. In other words, conventional coating apparatus use a drive means remotely located from the coating device to elevate the coating device. As a result, error is introduced as the elevation drive is longitudinally translated from the remote position of the drive means. Consequently, portions of the conduit wall may be left unprotected. Alternately, in an attempt to eliminate unprotected surfaces, the spray pattern is severely overlapped, thus wasting the coating material.
3. Solution to the Problem
None of the prior art references uncovered in the search show an apparatus to coat a surface of a conduit having a center rod that provides for longitudinal movement of an index motor having a fixed rotational orientation relative to the center rod and positioned near a coating device so that the coating device is elevated directly proportionate to the index motor step to accurately coat the conduit wall. Therefore, the elevation of the coating device must be precisely controlled so that gaps are not formed between the strips of protective layer and to eliminate wasted coating material caused by overcorrecting, both potentially introduced by conventional coating apparatus.


A device for smoothening the unwinding from the cylinder of the loops of yarn of the weft reserve in weft suppliers for fluid jet looms, is described. The device comprises a pneumatic device capable of subjecting the yarn to a fluid flow, such as an air stream, having at least one motion component directed in the running direction of the yarn. The flow, independently from the dimensional and superficial characteristics of the yarn, maintains the latter constantly under mechanical tension, so that the slackening of the loops wound on the terminal portion of the cylinder of the supplier is prevented.

The present invention is concerned with a device for smoothening the unwinding of the loops of yarn forming the weft reserve on the cylinder of a weft supplier for a fluid jet looms, such as an air jet loom or a water jet loom.
As well known, the weft suppliers are capable of storing a yarn reserve, in form of loops wound on a stationary cylinder, and of supplying the loom by unwinding a number of loops matching the length L of yarn required by the loom at each weft insertion, the length L equalling the width of the fabric being woven.
In the specific case of fluid jet looms, the weft supplier also has the task of pre-measuring the length L and such a task is performed by counting, typically by means of a photo-sensor, the loops of yarn which have been unwound; being
L=nxcfx80D
where n is the number of loops which have been unwound and D is the diameter of the stationary cylinder of the supplier.
The unwinding of the yarn is controlled by an electrically-controlled stop comprising a movable finger that, when energized, engages the cylinder, in order to block the running of the yarn when the n-th loop has been reached.
The operating time of the stop device mounted on current weft suppliers is quite short, typically in the range of 10 to 20 milliseconds, due to the high operating speed of a modern fluid jet loom, which is able to insert about 1500 meters of weft per minute. This fact causes a peak in the mechanical tension of the yarn, downstream of the stop finger, which tension peak must be smoothed in order to prevent breaking of the yarn. Upstream of the stop finger, it causes slackening of one or more of the loops that are wound on the terminal portion of the cylinder, because of the inertia dragging actions caused by the quick stopping of the running yarn.
Nowadays, in order to avoid such phenomena and to smoothen the unwinding and stopping of the yarn as well as possible, smoothening devices of several kinds are used, typically providing a modulated braking of the weft yarn, e.g. as disclosed in prior European Patent Application No. 99112784.6. Such devices, which are interposed between the weft supplier and the loom, are put into action during the unwinding of the last loop, in order to slow down the running of the yarn while maintaining it in tension, in order to attenuate the deceleration peak of the yarn when the stop finger is driven.
Although such known smootheners operate satisfactorily to damp the mechanical tension in the yarn downstream of the stop finger, they are not capable of effectively preventing the slackening of the loops upstream of the stop finger. Moreover, such capability depends on the characteristics of the yarn being processed. Particularly with yarns having a slippery surface and/or having poor elasticity, the above known modulated-braking devices are unable to prevent slackening of one or more of the loops wound on the terminal portion of the cylinder of the supplier, upstream of the stop finger, probably because of their limited ability to brake the yarn and to control its mechanical tension.
Such a circumstance is a serious drawback hindering the regular supply of the weft yarn because, at the time of releasing the next weft length, when the weft yarn is released by the stop finger for restoring its running, two or more loops, rather than single loops, are unwound from the cylinder at the same time, thereby causing the weft length L to be correspondingly increased by a factor n+x (rather than n), and consequently causing the loom to stop, due to the so-called xe2x80x9clong weftxe2x80x9d signal generated by the optical sensors checking the insertion.
The present invention has the main object of removing the above drawback, and achieves this and other objects, such as will become apparent from the following disclosure, by means of a device for smoothening the unwinding of the weft yarn having the features defined in the attached claims.
According to the invention, a pneumatic device subjects the weft yarn to a fluid flow, such as an air stream flowing in the same direction as the yarn, in the path between the supplier and the loom. The flow, independently of the size and surface characteristics of the yarn and of the efficiency of the modulated braking device mounted in the same path, maintains the yarn under a constant mechanical tension, whereby, surprisingly for persons skilled in the art, the slackening of the loops wound on the terminal portion of the cylinder of the supplier, upstream of said stop finger, is prevented.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic device that generates the fluid flow for the mechanical tensioning of the yarn comprises the already existing nozzle, mounted on a terminal yarn-guide eyelet and coupled to the modulated braking device, in which pressurized air is supplied for the pneumatic threading of the braking device. The rate of the flow is controlled by at least one flow controller which is operatedxe2x80x94according to the features of the weft yarn and to the parameters of the weaving processxe2x80x94so that the mechanical tensioning of the yarn will prevent the slackening of the terminal loops on the cylinder of the supplier.

Device for smoothening the unwinding from the cylinder of the loops of yarn forming the weft reserve, in weft suppliers for fluid jet looms


A method of providing centralized custom splint production for a network of healthcare providers. The method includes: providing a plurality of scanning devices located throughout the network; scanning a portion of a person""s body for which a splint is needed to assemble at least one set of data representing an outer surface of the portion of the person""s body, the scanning is performed using one of the plurality scanning devices; transmitting a signal representing the at least one set of data to a splint generating device; producing a custom splint contoured to complement the portion of the person""s body.

The present invention is generally directed to splints and, more specifically, to a method of providing custom splints. The custom splints can be used for any body part and can also be used to provide relief from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and other wrist and hand ailments.
In addition to the myriad of fractures experienced by people of all ages, millions of workers also find themselves experiencing hand and wrist pain on a frequent basis. Chronic pain can result in debilitating circumstances that drastically lower one""s quality of life. Fractured bones, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury are some of the most common causes of chronic pain. Chronic pain can lead to depression, loss of livelihood, and scores of other secondary problems.
Allowing fractured bones to heal requires proper splinting of the body part. Custom splints are expensive and can be very time consuming to obtain. Additionally, health care networks don""t have any centralized way of providing custom splints to patients.
In connection with carpal tunnel problems, most people still suffer, and have learned the hard wayxe2x80x94after the physical toils and financial expense of surgeryxe2x80x94that carpal tunnel is a problem with no easy surgical solution. Originally, carpal tunnel was mainly experienced by elderly people who had worked hard their entire lives, and then retired to lower activity levels. In the mid 1950""s, Doctor George Phalen coined the term xe2x80x9ccarpal tunnelxe2x80x9d to describe their condition, which was thought to be a localized nerve injury at the hand and wrist. The paradigm concerning upper extremity nerve injury taught in medical schools was xe2x80x9call nerve problems in the upper extremities are carpal tunnel.xe2x80x9d Since these patients had surgery and, because of sedentary lifestyles, died at a fairly young age, the incidence of returning pain symptoms was low and surgery appeared to be a suitable cure to carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Phalen did not envision that the straightforward problem he diagnosed and surgically treated would become as complex to treat as it has become today.
Today, carpal tunnel surgeries are often performed with minimal attempts being made to provide a complete pre-surgical diagnosis and to provide patient education to find non-surgical alternatives. Doctors rarely consider recommending activity and lifestyle modifications. Up to thirty percent of patients have recurrent or continued problems with pain and dysfunction after surgery, yet in spite of this, many feel they cannot improve because they have already had corrective surgery.
In the past, the belief that surgery is the best option was often unquestioned. Employers and insurance carriers wanted to believe that there is a quick fix to carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injury. Surgery was encouraged and patients were not told of the failure rates. Today, the recurrence of painful symptoms after undergoing carpal tunnel surgery is thought to be as high as thirty percent.
Many people who have had surgery continue to be symptomatic, but their complaints fall upon deaf ears. Most go back to their work activities and are warned not to complain anymore, or their jobs will be jeopardized. They are told the numbness, tingling and upper arm pain that they experience are to be expected and that xe2x80x9cif you work hard, you are going to have some aches and pains.xe2x80x9d
The concepts of repetitive strain injury, tendinitis and carpal tunnel are misunderstood by many physicians and therapists. With the lack of knowledge and understanding of nerve injuries that permeates the medical community, patients are left to deal with the consequencesxe2x80x94the return of their daily pain. They fall through the cracks of a system devastatingly deficient in understanding and treating these diseases.
One difficulty with finding non surgical methods to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is the need to immobilize the joint during periods of rest. While generic splints are available for immobilizing joints, such splints may result in the joint being held in a less than ideal alignment. The xe2x80x9ccocked-upxe2x80x9d wrist position resulting from most store bought splints fails to immobilize the wrist in a neutral position. By providing a custom splint tailored to the exact dimensions of a patient""s hand, a time tested, side-effect free alternative to surgery can be used to obtain relief and healing. Custom splints also play an integral role when used with therapy and simple lifestyle modifications. One of the greatest benefits of a custom splint is that a custom splint can, in some cases, provide the needed relief to allow patients to consider non-surgical options. Unfortunately, few treatment centers have skilled personnel capable of making custom splints in a cost effective manner. Additionally, in most treatment centers, it is necessary for a patient to return for a second visit just to have the completed custom splint applied to the body.
It would be advantageous to provide a method of providing a custom splint that allowed a user to obtain a splint custom made for a portion of the user""s body; that could preferably be manufactured by a remotely located splint generating machine; that can preferably provide multiple splints in a cost efficient manner; and that preferably allows the splint to be shipped to a user after it has been manufactured.
Briefly stated, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of providing centralized custom splint production for a network of healthcare providers. The method includes: providing a plurality of scanning devices located throughout the network; scanning a portion of a person""s body for which a splint is needed to assemble at least one set of data representing an outer surface of the portion of the person""s body, the scanning is performed using one of the plurality scanning devices; transmitting a signal representing the at least one set of data to a splint generating device; producing a custom splint contoured to complement the portion of the person""s body.
In a separate embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of making a custom splint for a portion of a person""s body. The method includes: scanning a portion of the person""s body for which a splint is needed to assemble at least one set of data representing an outer surface of the portion of the person""s body; transmitting a signal representing at least one set of data to a splint generating device; and producing a custom splint contoured to complement the portion of the person""s body.

Method of providing centralized splint production


A method for monitoring a temperature in a thermal process is described. A monitor substrate is provided and subject to ion implantation, and a characteristic parameter of the monitor substrate correlated to the disorder degree of the lattice structure of the same is measured to obtain a first value. The monitor substrate is then subject to the thermal process, and the characteristic parameter of the monitor substrate is measured again to obtain a second value. The difference between the first value and the second value is calculated to derive the temperature in the thermal process.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring a temperature in a thermal process, especially a low-temperature thermal process.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a semiconductor fabricating process, the properties of certain parts of the devices are relatively sensitive to the temperatures in their respective forming processes, so that temperature monitor is a very important issue in those forming processes. For example, the sheet resistance of self-aligned silicide (salicide), especially nickel salicide or cobalt salicide, is very sensitive to the temperature in the thermal process for reacting the metal layer with the Si-substrate. Since the sheet resistance of the salicide layer greatly affects the device function, the temperature in the thermal silicidation process has to be monitored and controlled carefully.
For example, in a conventional cobalt salicide process, the temperature in the low-temperature thermal process for silicidation is monitored with the following steps. A cobalt layer is formed on a monitor wafer before the process, and then the monitor wafer is subject to the thermal process, together with the work wafers for forming devices, to form a cobalt silicide layer thereon. The sheet resistance of the cobalt silicide layer is measured to derive the temperature in the thermal silicidation process based on a standard temperature-sheet resistance calibration curve made previously.
However, since the monitor wafer has a cobalt silicide layer thereon after the above monitor process, it is difficult to recycle to save the production cost. Moreover, the sensitivity of the sheet resistance of cobalt silicide to the temperature in the thermal process is low in the temperature range adopted in practice, and the sheet resistance varies with the thickness of the deposited cobalt layer. Therefore, the real temperature cannot be determined precisely based on the sheet resistance. Furthermore, since the cobalt silicide is formed as a whole on the monitor wafer, local sheet resistance values cannot be determined to check the temperature uniformity in the thermal process tool.

Method for monitoring temperature in thermal process


Planar waves are transmitted to a target object with an angle of wave propagation corresponding to a center position of a receive subaperture. The echo signals reflected from the target object are received by the receive subaperture, stored in a receive pattern memory and dynamic-focused. The dynamic-focused signals are then combined to form at least one beam pattern to produce an ultrasound image.

The present invention relates to ultrasound imaging, and more particularly, to a synthetic aperture focusing method for ultrasound imaging based on planar waves.
An ultrasound imaging system for medical use provides real-time two-dimensional (2-D) images by using transducers that transmit ultrasound signals into the human body and applying various signal processes on the reflected signals. As shown in FIG. 1, the resolution of the ultrasound image is determined by resolutions in: axial direction 2, the direction of the transmitted beam orthogonal to the width of the transducer; lateral direction 4, the direction orthogonal to axial direction 2 and in the plane of the width of the transducer; and elevational direction 6, the direction orthogonal to axial direction 2 and the width of the transducer. The axial resolution is not a critical factor in determination of the entire resolution of an ultrasound image since the axial resolution is generally three to five times higher than the other resolution components. However, unlike the axial resolution, the lateral and elevational resolutions vary depending on the transmit/receive focusing technique.
It is known that the lateral resolution can be improved by performing real-time receive dynamic focusing on all imaging points. Details of the real-time receive dynamic focusing will now be illustrated with reference FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, transmission signals (not shown) of the ultrasound imaging system are delayed by the delay time corresponding to the focusing depth of each transducer 9 of transducer array 13 by transmit focusing delay 8. The transmission signals with the time delay are stored in transmission pattern memory 10 and transmit-focused to the target object(not shown) by transducer array 13 through transmitter 11 and transmitting/receiving switch 12. All transmitted beams are focused to fixed transmit focal point 14. After that, echo signals are reflected from focal point 14 and converted to electronic signals through each transducer 9 of transducer array 13. They are stored in reception pattern memory 16 through transmitting/receiving switch 12 and receiver 15. The echo signals stored in reception pattern memory 16 have different phases which vary in accordance with the different focusing depths of each transducer 9. Thus, a variable time delay is added through receive focusing delay 17 so that the echo signals are in phase. The in-phase echo signals are combined at beamformer 18 and processed at signal processor 19, and displayed on display 21 through scan converter 20.
While only one fixed transmit focal point 14 has been discussed, receive dynamic focusing is also possible with respect to all imaging points constituting one transmit scan line from echo signals obtained by a single transmission. Receive dynamic focusing is performed by compensating for the differences in distance between the transducers and the focal point.
However, the two-way dynamic focusing is performed only at the focal point 14 because the transmit focusing illustrated in FIG. 2 is performed at the focal point 14. As a result, the lateral resolution may be degraded as the beams rapidly spread if they pass through the focal point 14.
Referring to FIG. 3, the lateral resolution is degraded, depending on the focusing depth. When the delay time for the receive focusing is compensated, echo signals received by respective transducers, n1, n2, and n3, are the combination of signals reflected from reflectors 22a and 22b on curved surfaces W1, W2, and W3. Curves W1, W2, and W3 lie on circles centered on transducers n1, n2, and n3 with radii equal to the distance between each transducer and focusing depth Z1, respectively. If two reflectors 22a and 22b exist on Z1 and echo signals reflected from the two reflectors are combined, then only the power of echo signals reflected from reflector 22a on line L0 is strengthened. However, if echo signals reflected from two reflectors 24a and 24b on Z2 are combined, then the powers of echo signals reflected from reflector 24a on line L1 and reflector 24b on line L0 are simultaneously strengthened. Difference in the lateral resolution based on focusing depth arises because whereas the three curves at Z1 only overlap with respect to reflector 22a on line L0, the curves at Z2 overlap with respect to reflector 24a on line L1 and reflector 24b on line L0, lowering the lateral resolution.
It is, therefore, the objective of the present invention to provide a synthetic aperture focusing method which is capable of two-way dynamic focusing through the use of planar waves, thereby improving the lateral resolution.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided to a synthetic aperture focusing method for an ultrasound imaging system comprising the steps of: producing planar waves by a plurality of transducers; transmitting the planar waves to a target object; receiving signals reflected from the target object through a plurality of receive subapertures, wherein each receive subaperture is comprised of at least one of the plurality of transducers; dynamic-focusing the received signals; and combining the dynamic-focused signals to form at least one beam pattern.

Synthetic aperture focusing method for ultrasound imaging based on planar waves


A thin film transistor substrate includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, a first and a second thin film transistor being electrically connected with a first pixel and a second pixel, respectively. The first and the second pixels are located on a first and a second side with respect to one of the plurality of gate lines, respectively. The first and the second thin film transistors are located on a first and a second side with respect to one of the plurality of data lines, respectively. The one of the plurality of data lines extends substantially perpendicular to the gate line. The one of the plurality of data lines includes line portions between gate lines adjacent to each other and bent portions circumventing the first and second gate electrodes so as not to overlap with the first and second gate electrodes.

1. Technical Field
The embodiments of the present invention relate to a display substrate and a method of manufacturing the display substrate. More particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a display substrate that may be used for a display device displaying an image and a method of manufacturing the display substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate, a color filter substrate facing the TFT substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the TFT substrate and the color filter substrate.
The TFT substrate includes a signal line, a TFT, and a pixel electrode each formed on an insulation substrate to independently drive a plurality of pixels. The color filter substrate includes a color filter layer having a red color filter, a green color filter, a blue color filter, and a common electrode, etc.
Recently, research has been conducted on an LCD apparatus having a color filter on array (COA) structure, which includes a color filter layer formed on a TFT substrate.
The TFT substrate includes a storage capacitor formed by a data metal and a pixel electrode to maintain a pixel voltage applied to each pixel for a frame. A color filter layer corresponding to the storage capacitor is opened, and a light-blocking layer formed from substantially the same layer as a gate metal is formed under the storage capacitor.
In the above-mentioned structure, the thickness of an upper photoresist is reduced by the thickness of the light-blocking layer through a photolithography process for the data metal. Thus, when the data metal is etched, a portion of the data metal under a portion of the photoresist that is thin may be exposed to an etchant so that a surface of the data metal becomes rough. When the surface of the data metal becomes rough, the step coverage of a protective layer formed on the data metal may be deteriorated, thereby causing short circuits between the data metal and the pixel electrode.

Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same


The present invention provides a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument, such as a clarinet or saxophone, wherein the reed is formed with a special configuration having a mating shape defined therein which is engageable with respect to a protruding member or members extending outwardly from the generally planar reed mounting surface of the woodwind mouthpiece. A slot or other aperture can be defined in the non-vibrating clamped portion of the reed in order to facilitate alignment thereof during mounting with respect to a generally planar reed mounting area of the woodwind mouthpiece. A uniquely configured mouthpiece having a protruding member in combination with a uniquely shaped reed for engagement therewith provides a self-aligning and self-centering reed which is usable with any type of attachment mechanism including conventional or other ligatures as well as the unique securement device described herein. The engagement between the protruding member and the unique reed provides for faster and easier alignment during reed installation onto a woodwind mouthpiece despite what type of ligature is used. Preferably the protruding member or members are removable to facilitate use of the mouthpiece with a conventional reed configuration if desired.

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims filing priority rights with respect to currently pending U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/884,192, filed Jun. 19, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,010, on xe2x80x9cReed and Mouthpiece Assemblyxe2x80x9d which claims filing priority rights of provisional patent application No. 60/217,203, filed Jul. 10, 2000 entitled xe2x80x9cReed And Mouthpiece Assemblyxe2x80x9d both by the same applicant herein, namely, George V. Sullivan. The present application also claims filing priority rights of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/371,208 filed Apr. 9, 2002, now pending, on xe2x80x9cImproved Reed and Mouthpiece Assemblyxe2x80x9d, by the same applicant as named herein, namely, George V. Sullivan.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention deals with the field of musical instruments and, in particular, woodwind instruments, such as clarinets and saxophones, which utilize a moistened reed during performance thereof. Such reeds often become unusable and need to be repeatedly changed, sometimes quickly, such as during an ongoing performance, which is often difficult to do under time constraints or with limited lighting or by individuals unaccustomed to such reed replacement.
The reed must be properly aligned longitudinally with respect to the mouthpiece in such a manner that proper tone is produced by the instrument for the particular musical application being played. The present invention provides a self-aligning and self-centering reed as well as a woodwind mouthpiece for use therewith. The configuration of the present invention, while describing a unique securement device, is usable with any type of ligature means, such as conventional or other types of ligatures, which function to detachably affix the reed with respect to the generally planar reed mounting surface of the woodwind mouthpiece while allowing selective replacement thereof as needed. Preferably the protruding portion of the mouthpiece of the present invention is removable therefrom to facilitate use thereof with a more standardly configured reed if desired.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various configurations have been developed for reeds for musical instruments, usually woodwind instruments, and for the mouthpieces usable therewith such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 147,202 patented Feb. 3, 1874 to C. W. Vogel on xe2x80x9cReed-Organsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 477,661 patented Jun. 28, 1892 to H. Janes on a xe2x80x9cVibrator For Reed Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 488,828 patented Dec. 27, 1892 to C. S. Mudge on a xe2x80x9cMusical Instrumentxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 555,561 patented Mar. 3, 1896 to G. R. Cadwallader on a xe2x80x9cReed Supporter For Clarinetsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,506,364 patented Aug. 26, 1924 to H. M, Chiron et al on a xe2x80x9cReed For Saxophone Or Clarinet Mouth Piecesxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,535,537 patented Apr. 28, 1925 to W. Majeski an xe2x80x9cAdjustable Reed In Wind Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,615,549 patented Jan. 25, 1927 to B. Miller on a xe2x80x9cMouthpiece For Reed Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,667,836 patented May 1, 1928 to F. Brockman, Jr. on a xe2x80x9cReed For Musical Wind Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,776,566 patented Sep. 23, 1930 to H. B. Newton et al on a xe2x80x9cMouth Reed For Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,779,522 patented Oct. 28, 1930 to C. O. Widmayer on a xe2x80x9cReed For Clarinets And Saxophonesxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,106,016 patented Jan. 18, 1938 to H. T. Prescott on a xe2x80x9cReed For Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Des. Pat. No. Des. 112,783 patented Jan. 3, 1939 to O. C. Noble and assigned to Tygart Valley Glass Company on a xe2x80x9cJarxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Des. Pat. No. Des. 119,602 patented Mar. 26, 1940 to A. A. Verville on a xe2x80x9cReed For A Musical Instrumentxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,268,641 patented Jan. 6, 1942 to A. Brilhart on a xe2x80x9cReed For Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,287,529 patented Jun. 23, 1942 to M. Maccaferri on a xe2x80x9cReed Of Cane, Plastic, Or Any Other Material For Clarinets, Saxophones, And Like Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,342,836 patented Feb. 29, 1944 to A. Brilhart and assigned to Arnold Brilhart Ltd. on a xe2x80x9cReed For Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,375,934 patented May 15, 1945 on a xe2x80x9cReedxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,492,366 patented Dec. 27, 1949 to A. L. Ohnhaus on a xe2x80x9cWood-Wind Reedxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,669,897 patented Feb. 23, 1954 to J. Topor on a xe2x80x9cReed For Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,183,760 patented May 18, 1965 to A. Michel on xe2x80x9cReeds For Application In Musical Instruments Particularly In Electronic Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,202,032 patented Aug. 24, 1965 to A. R. Strathmann on a xe2x80x9cMouthpiece For Saxophones And clarinetsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,564,965 patented Feb. 23, 1971 to J. A. Carlini on a xe2x80x9cLigature For Reed Musical Instrumentxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,268 patented Sep. 16, 1975 to J. G. Gamble on xe2x80x9cReeds For Saxophones, Clarinets And Other Woodwindsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,997 patented Nov. 8, 1977 to P. L. Rovner on a xe2x80x9cReed Holding Device For Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,949 patented Mar. 27, 1979 to F. A. Kilian on a xe2x80x9cMusical Reedxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,482 patented Oct. 30, 1979 to H. M. Gomez on a xe2x80x9cMethod And Apparatus For Adjusting Single Reeds For Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,683 patented Jul. 6, 1982 to J. G. Backus on a xe2x80x9cSynthetic Woodwind Instrument Reed And Method For Its Manufacturexe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,560 patented Oct. 26, 1982 to D. W. Shaffer on a xe2x80x9cReed Constructionxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,439 patented May 22, 1984 to F. E. Wells on a xe2x80x9cMouthpiece For Woodwind Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,257 patented Feb. 25, 1986 to E. B. Laker on an xe2x80x9cApparatus For Profiling Reeds For Double-Reed Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,649 patented Feb. 24, 1987 to R. C. Seaman et al on an xe2x80x9cApparatus For Trimming Reeds Of Musical Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,507 patented Jan. 10, 1989 to T. L. Stibal on a xe2x80x9cReed Holding Devicexe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,385 patented Jul. 17, 1990 to C. O. Johnson on a xe2x80x9cTone Plate And Clamping Device For A Musical Instrument Mouthpiecexe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,483 patented Feb. 12, 1991 to R. Petit on a xe2x80x9cMouthpiece For Wind Instrument, And Corresponding Ligature And Mouthpiece Coverxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 5.000,073 patented Mar. 19, 1991 to D. Hite on a xe2x80x9cConstruction For Supporting A Reed Upon The Mouthpiece Of A Musical Wind Instrument And Method Of Fabricating The Samexe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,425 patented to P. L. Rovner on May 28, 1991 on a xe2x80x9cMouthpiece System For Woodwind Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,350 patented Jul. 23, 1991 to A. Galper on a xe2x80x9cSingle Reed Mouthpiecexe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,701 patented Apr. 21, 1992 to J. Hall et al on a Clarinet Mouthpiecexe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 289,752 patented Mar. 1, 1994 to E. Barbaglia on a xe2x80x9cDevice For Fastening The Reed On The Mouthpiece of Wind Instrumentsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,582 patented Mar. 21, 1995 to G. T. Smith and assigned to Mobile Music, Inc., Gary Smith and Joseph Stefano on a xe2x80x9cWire Clamping Ligature For Use With A Single Reed Mouthpiece For A Musical Instrumentxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,842 patented Jan. 2, 1996 to W. H. Ostermeyer on xe2x80x9cFlavored Musical Instrument Reedsxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,545 patented Feb. 1, 2000 to J. J. Consoli on a xe2x80x9cLigature For The Mouthpiece of A Woodwind Musical Instrumentxe2x80x9d.
The present invention provides a unique configuration for a reed for use with a uniquely configured woodwind mouthpiece assembly which when utilized together provide an improved means of attaching of a reed with respect thereto which is easy to align and replace. Also this configuration is particularly easy for those inexperienced in replacing such reeds such as young persons in their initial stages of learning how to play a woodwind musical instrument. The design makes use of a reed having a unique engaging configuration which can include a reed slot or notch or hole for alignment. The mouthpiece will define a protruding means or member for mated abutment with respect to the engaging configuration of the reed. The protruding member may comprise a pin, arm, spine plate or stud. Such protruding member is usually capable of being captured within the aperture, hole, notch or slot of the engaging means defined in the uniquely configured reed. Any of these protruding members are preferably removable from the mouthpiece to allow usage thereof with a standard reed if desired.
In particular, the present invention includes a specially designed reed and mouthpiece assembly used with various woodwind musical instruments such as saxophones or clarinets. In the preferred configuration of the present invention, the mouthpiece assembly will be capable of usage with a standard reed and standard ligature however it is better suited for use with the uniquely mated reed and securement configuration disclosed here which includes an engaging means for greatly facilitating alignment thereof with the reed mounting surface. The mouthpiece itself includes a mouthpiece body with an air conduit extending longitudinally therethrough for providing a supply of air to aid in the playing of the instrument. A reed placement surface is defined on the mouthpiece body adjacent the air conduit and is adapted to receive a reed detachably secured thereagainst. This reed placement surface is preferably oriented parallel with respect to the air conduit.
In a preferred embodiment, a reed is included which has a specially configured reed slot which extends therealong. The reed is adapted to be detachably secured to the reed placement surface adjacent the air conduit of a mouthpiece body to control air flow therethrough. The reed is preferably oriented extending parallel with respect to the air conduit. The reed slot also preferably is outwardly flared in the end portions thereof to facilitate movement to alignment with respect to a stud. The reed is also preferably beveled downwardly adjacent the reed slot to facilitate movement thereof beneath a pressure plate.
A self-aligning reed securement configuration is attached to the mouthpiece and is adapted to selectively retain the reed in proper alignment on the placement surface. This self-aligning reed securement configuration can include a stud which may be used for mounting and is secured to the reed placement surface and extending outwardly therefrom. The stud is adapted to extend through the reed slot to facilitate alignment thereof when the reed is positioned on the reed placement surface. The stud also preferably includes a thread means defined thereon. Preferably the stud is removable to allow usage with a standard reed and ligature if desired.
A tightening device is engageable with respect to the threads and is detachably secured to the stud to be movable therealong. The tightening device or ligature is adapted to exert a force selectively toward the reed for retaining it in engagement with respect to the placement surface in such a manner that the reed is positioned with the stud extending through the reed slot. The tightening device can include a knob preferably which is engageable with respect to the threads defined on the stud to aid in directing force toward the reed for retaining it in engagement with respect to the mouthpiece. This knob device is adjustably positionable with respect to the threads of the stud to allow adjustable control of the force directed onto the reed and to facilitate removal and replacement thereof. The knob preferably will include a knurled external surface extending therearound to further facilitate tightening and loosening thereof.
An alignment spine may be included extending upwardly from the reed placement surface in such a manner as to be positioned within the reed slot of the reed when it is located on the placement surface to enhance alignment between the reed and the mouthpiece. The alignment spine is preferably oriented extending parallel with respect to the reed slot and with respect to the air conduit whenever the reed is in engagement with the reed placement surface. The alignment spine can include a tab means extending further outwardly preferably in an upward direction therefrom for the alignment of a pressure plate.
A pressure plate may be included positioned between the tightening-knob and the reed to facilitate retaining the reed in position with respect to the mouthpiece. This pressure plate defines a pressure plate hole extending therethrough which is adapted to receive the stud thereinto to facilitate placement between the tightening knob and the reed. The pressure plate preferably defines a pressure plate notch in order to facilitate the tab of the alignment spine positioned therein in maintaining longitudinal alignment between the pressure plate and the alignment spine and the reed itself. This pressure plate preferably includes a first leg member which extends downwardly and longitudinally therealong as well as a second leg member which extends downwardly and longitudinally therealong at a position spatially disposed from the first leg member to define therebetween a reed retaining cavity within the pressure plate. This reed retaining cavity will facilitate holding of the reed in position properly aligned in abutment with respect to the reed placement surface. A protrusion means may be included extending downwardly from the pressure plate into the retaining cavity between the first leg member and the second leg member in order to abut the reed when positioned within the reed retaining cavity to facilitate holding thereof.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones which is self-aligning and is usable with any type of standard or uniquely designed ligature or securement device.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein faster installation of the reed is made possible.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly wherein removal and properly aligned installation of a reed with respect to the reed placement surface of a mouthpiece is made easier.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein alignment is achieved both vertically and horizontally during placement of the reed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with any type of woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein the reed is placed more accurately.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein the additional cost of the equipment is minimal.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein there is a minimum number of moving parts.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein breakage is minimized.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein the possibility of installing the reed incorrectly is minimized.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein frustration which often occurs with new musicians is minimized.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein the reed and the ligature need not be handled at the same time.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein breaking of the reed while placing it in the ligature is no longer a problem.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein reed life is significantly extended.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein only a single tightening mechanism such as a screw or knob can be used for securing the reed to the mouthpiece.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein mouthpiece life is prolonged.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein misplacement of the ligature is minimized.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein accidental loosening of the ligature during playing of the instrument is minimized.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein tone quality can be adjusted as desired by various means of tightening and positioning of the reed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with-woodwind instruments such as clarinets and saxophones wherein children can have a more positive attitude relative to playing woodwind musical instruments because they are not discouraged by the difficulty often incurred in the placement of a reed correctly mounted within a ligature.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed and mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument which is self-aligning and usable with woodwind instrument such as clarinets and saxophones wherein the amount of downwardly directed pressure on the reed against the mouthpiece can be controlled to achieve greater variation in tonal quality.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed usable with a mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument such as a clarinet and/or saxophone wherein conventional ligature can be utilized if desired.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed usable with a mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument wherein any and all configurations of the protruding member can be removably mounted in the generally planar reed placement surface of the mouthpiece body to facilitate removal thereof if usage of the mouthpiece with a more conventional reed is desired for any reason.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique configuration for a reed usable with a mouthpiece assembly for a woodwind instrument wherein the protruding member can be a stud, plate, spine, pin or peg which is removable from the mouthpiece body for allowing selective usage thereof with a convention reed if desired.


A fiber optic feedthrough includes a housing defining a cylindrical bore, the housing fitting hermetically into an aperture of a wall. A first collimator sealed within the bore receives output from an optical fiber located on a first side of the wall, and a second collimator also sealed within the bore, optically aligned with the first collimator, receives the signal and provides it to a second optical fiber located on a second side of the wall. The polarization extinction ratio of an optical signal traveling through the feedthrough is maintained at a value of at least about 12 dB, and the hermeticity of the feedthrough across the wall is better than about 10−6 atm.cc.sec−1.

It is often necessary to pass an optical fiber through a wall, such as the wall of a vessel or package containing electronic components. When the wall separates two regions with significantly different pressure, such as an evacuated region or the inside of a vessel, from the atmosphere, the fiber needs to pass through the wall without allowing gas leakage. Traditional methods involve stripping off a portion of the fiber cladding in the region of the fiber that passes through the wall, filling in the stripped portion with an epoxy layer, and positioning and sealing the epoxy-coated portion in an aperture passing through the wall. In order to provide a good hermetic seal a tight mechanical attachment is usually required. But such a tight attachment tends to induce stress on the optical fiber, and this stress can degrade the quality of the fiber transmission through the wall. In particular, the stress can degrade the polarization extinction ratio (PER).


A structural component suitable for use as refinery and/or petrochemical process equipment and piping is provided. The structural component has improved corrosion, abrasion, environmental degradation resistance, and fire resistant properties with a substrate coated with a surface-treated amorphous metal layer. The surface of the structural component is surface treated with an energy source to cause a diffusion of at least a portion of the amorphous metal layer and at least a portion of the substrate, forming a diffusion layer disposed on a substrate. The diffusion layer has a negative hardness profile with the hardness increasing from the diffusion surface in contact with the substrate to the surface away from the substrate.

It is known that heavy crude oils contain corrosive materials such as organic acids, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and chlorides, etc., but seldom do they constitute a serious corrosion problem. However, a few crudes contain sufficient quantities of organic acid, generally naphthenic acids, that cause severe corrosion problems. The term naphthenic acid generally refers collectively to all of the organic acids present in crude oils. In some petrochemical applications, hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a commonly used material, e.g., it is used as a catalyst in alkylation units of refineries. In other petrochemical applications, sulfuric acid is a common corrosion problem.
In petroleum applications, materials with high Cr and Mo content are employed for their naphthenic acid corrosion resistant properties, with a minimum of 9% Cr being typically used for severe attacks (e.g., 316SS has nominally 18% Cr and 2% Mo min.). In other applications, nickel alloys are used for the handling of hydrofluoric acid.
Stating in the early 1990's, a large number of bulk metallic glasses (BMG), based mainly on Zr—, Cu—, Hf—, Fe— and other metals were developed. These materials are characterized as having excellent mechanical properties, in particular high strength and large elastic domain at room temperature, as compared to the conventional metallic alloys. Surface treatment of BMG materials is known. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0041502 discloses a method for forming a hardened surface, wherein a metallic glass coating layer is heated to a temperature of 600° C. to less than the melting temperature of the alloy. The post treatment of the metallic coating is utilized to transform only the surface of the coating material, partially devitrifying the coating layer. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0253381 discloses treating an amorphous metal layer, wherein the glass is put through a simple annealing. Again, only the amorphous coating layer properties are modified in the process.
There is still the need for an improved method to surface treat metallic glass coating for improved properties, which method also improves the properties of the substrate layer underlying the metallic glass coating, for coatings with improved corrosion, wear, erosion and abrasion resistance properties for petroleum-related applications. There is also a need for improved methods to treat amorphous metal (or BMG) coatings, devitrified BMG nanostructured coatings, and surface modifications in general. There is also the need for a method to improve corrosion resistant properties by surface treatment, specifically by gradually intermixing a BMG coating (or BMG-like coating) with the underlying substrate for improved corrosion, wear and abrasion resistance.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An integrated circuit device is disclosed. The integrated circuit device includes a differential driver to generate a differential signal having true and complement signal components that exhibit a relative timing relationship. A transmission port provides an interface for delivering the differential signal to a transmission medium. A common mode detection circuit detects a common mode signal associated with the differential signal. Control circuitry generates a control signal based on the detected common mode signal. Timing circuitry adjusts the relative timing between the true and the complement signal components based on the control signal.

Communication systems are widely used in computer and device networks to communicate information between computers and other electronic devices. Transceivers of a communication system send and receive data over a link (including one or more channels) of a communication network to communicate with other transceivers. A transceiver includes a transmitter for sending information across a link, and a receiver for receiving information from the link. The receiver detects transmitted data from a link partner transceiver on the opposite end of the link and converts the data into a form usable by the system connected to the transceiver. For example, one widely-used network communication standard is Ethernet, including several different standards for different network bandwidths, including 10 GBASE-T allowing 10 gigabit/second connections over unshielded or shielded twisted pair cables.
There are multiple sources of impairment and interference in a 10 GBASE-T system which can cause significant performance degradation. These sources of impairment and interference can be broadly categorized as internal and external sources. The internal sources are caused by the link partners themselves and imperfect channel characteristics. Some examples of these sources are inter-symbol interference (ISI), echo and pair-to-pair cross-talk such as far-end crosstalk (FEXT) and near-end crosstalk (NEXT). Other examples of internal interference include differential skew between the two differential signal components in the channel (e.g., imbalance in the channels) and driver circuit asymmetry generating different transition for rising and falling edges (e.g., imbalance of the differential drivers). Typical causes of imbalance in the channels include, for example, unequal stray coupling of the traces (or wireline), differences between two trace widths, propagation time differences caused by woven printed circuit board (PCB) substrate, change in PCB layer and coating on micro-strips, transformer unequal windings for the two differential signal components, and crimping of the wires in the plug and in connection to connectors. Typical causes of imbalance of the differential drivers include, for example, termination impedance mismatch, and differential switching circuitry not having the same response for the respective falling and rising edges.
In some cases, differential signal imbalance may lead to levels of common-mode that cause undesirable RF emissions during signal transmissions along the channel. Transceiver designs often must meet stringent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations regarding spurious emissions in order to avoid interfering with other communications equipment. Thus, common-mode problems should be periodically addressed to properly stay within FCC guidelines.
Accordingly, in order to reach the desired performance of high bandwidth communication systems, it would be desirable to have systems and methods that compensate for differential signal imbalances in communication system transceiver circuitry, providing more robust communication in such systems, and maintaining FCC compliance.

Electromagnetic interference reduction in wireline applications using  differential signal compensation