A steering arrangement includes a steering spindle and a steering coupling provided with a fork crown bearing a connecting element that connects an end of the steering spindle to the steering coupling in the form of a plug connection. To enable the combined steering spindle and steering coupling ends to be connected to each other in the correct relative position and thus to be able to prevent a defective assembly, the steering spindle end and the connecting element are coaxial plug partners on ends facing each other, by means of at least one tongue and groove guide element pair that provides a torque-transmitting priority control. The at least one groove and/or the at least one tongue of the guide element pair is molded on the interior of the shaft. A clamping device clamps the plug partners against each other in a plugging position so that they cannot come loose.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a steering arrangement.
In existing steering direct screwing of the bottom of the steering spindle with the steering coupling is only possible in the combined field of exhaust gas assemblies, catalytic converters, engines and transmission lines with considerable effort. Here, the steering spindle is screwed in at the bottom with the steering coupling transverse to the steering spindle direction. This has the disadvantage of poor accessibility, and on the other hand the number of variants for optimizing the accessibility for different engine types and steering assemblies, for example left-hand and right-hand drive steering models, is increased, and, in addition, standard assembly sequences, such as the time of assembling the exhaust gas assembly, are hardly or not at all adhered to. Due to the poor accessibility, the screwing can only be carried out by the worker in a highly laborious manner, and takes up a large amount of assembly time. Here, the risk exists that the required screw will slip and be dropped by the worker, whereupon this must then be looked for and found for reasons of production safety. In this case, the assembly procedure is interrupted, which entails a considerable amount of time. In another approach, the steering coupling part is dispensed with and only the steering spindle at the bottom is used, wherein, however, a start-up of the engine in the Z direction during the final assembly, and thus the conflation of the pre-assembled engine/transmission and chassis unit, is, disadvantageously, not possible.
German patent document DE 10 2008 006 497 A1 describes an assembly arrangement for connecting a steering spindle to a steering coupling. The end piece of the steering spindle is inserted into an end receiving region of the steering coupling, wherein the assembly arrangement comprises a device for fundamentally achieving the coaxial alignment of the steering spindle and the steering coupling. This allows the automatic conflation of the steering spindle with the steering coupling, since a manual, coaxial alignment of the steering spindle and the steering coupling can be avoided. To that end, the steering spindle has a hooking element at the end, into which a strap loop protruding from the end receiving region of the steering coupling is mounted before the final assembly. By pulling on the loop of the strap, the hooking element, together with the end piece of the steering spindle, is inserted into the end receiving region of the steering coupling so as to be screwed in there.
Furthermore, German patent document DE 102 39 202 B4 discloses a connection between a steering shaft and a steering gear in a motor vehicle with a divisible joint, whereby the assembly and disassembly processes are simplified. To that end, the joint has an extension that can be fed, for assembly, through an opening in the footwell of the motor vehicle and which is equipped with protrusions, the joint can be inserted without rotation into a moveable cup-shaped or tulip-shaped receiver, which is located outside the footwell relative to the extension and which extends in the direction of the footwell. The joint is designed as a tripod joint, wherein the extension has a tripod head with three segments extending radially away from the extensions, the segments engaging with corresponding grooves of the receiver.
Due to the tight construction space conditions, the steering train normally impedes the assembly of the engine module with the body. In order to simplify the assembly of the engine module an intermediate piece, which connects the steering coupling to the end of the steering spindle, can be provided that enables this to be able to be swiveled away in the loose state, i.e. unscrewed, at the interface at which it is screwed in with the end of the steering spindle. The steering spindle can be pushed back to some extent in the steering wheel direction. After the assembly of the engine, the intermediate piece must be reconnected to the end of the steering spindle. This is extremely difficult for the assembler, since the construction space for a manual operation leaves hardly any clearance and the connection partners are very difficult to detect optically.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed not only to simplifying the conflation of steering spindle end and steering coupling, but an arrangement that enables the conflated steering spindle and steering coupling ends to be connected to each other in the correct relative position and thus for a defective assembly to be prevented.
According to the invention, a steering arrangement contains a steering spindle and a steering coupling provided with a fork crown. The latter bears a connecting element, by means of which an end of the steering spindle is connected to the steering coupling in the form of a plug connection. The steering spindle end and the connecting element are formed as coaxial plug partners at ends facing each other, by means of a tongue and groove guide element pair, which provides a torque-transmitting priority control. Each plug partner, steering spindle end and connecting element thus has at least one groove or one corresponding tongue configured as a guide element. The connecting element is formed by a hollow shaft of the steering coupling, wherein the at least one groove and/or the at least one tongue of the guide element pair is molded onto the interior of the shaft. In addition, the steering arrangement contains a clamping device, by means of which the plug partners can be clamped against each other in a plugging position so that they cannot come loose.
Due to the guide elements according to the invention, which can be readily touched and/or seen by an assembler, the steering spindle and the connecting element of the coupling may, in an advantageously simpler manner, be combined, wherein they always assume the correct relative position to each other due to the pre-determined guiding as a result of the respective correspondence between groove and tongue. The clamping device connects the plug partners by means of contact pressure force in such a way that the plug connection is without clearance and an undesired release of the plug partners from the plugging position during the vehicle operation is prevented. The guide elements formed by tongue and groove extend solely along the steering spindle axle. Therefore, a clamp-free manageability of the plug partners, which is easy for the assembler to embody, is enabled for achieving the plug connection. It is possible, if required, to carry out the assembly by hand.
Due to the fact that the hollow shaft that already exists in the typical steering coupling, to which the fork crown connects, serves as a plug partner, additional components that provide guiding in a straight line can be dispensed with. The groove(s) and/or tongue(s) can be molded onto the hollow shaft in a simple manner.
The shaft is preferably designed as a casting or as a reshaped hollow profile, wherein both are connected unreleasably to the fork crown. This is, for example, achieved by means of a welded joint, in particular a laser-welded joint. The casting and hollow profile can preferably consist of metal, whereby the welded joint can be embodied in a simple manner. It is also conceivable for the casting to be an injection-molded part and to be injected onto the fork crown, should this permit torque transmission with operational safety. Due to the single-piece design of the welded joint, this can subsequently be surface-coated in its entirety. This was not possible in hitherto existing embodiments, wherein the functionality of the plug connection between tongue and groove was set in separate components.
The steering spindle and the connecting element preferably have several tongue and groove guide element pairs displaced towards the periphery, which are designed with different widths and/or are distributed asymmetrically over the periphery of the steering spindle and the connecting element. A clear allocation of the tongue/groove guide elements of the plug partners is hereby possible, such that a defined relative position of the steering spindle end and the connecting element with respect to each other is defined and no defective plug connection can take place during assembly. In the case of an asymmetrical arrangement, three respective grooves and tongues can preferably be arranged on the cylindrical exterior of the steering spindle end and the interior of the connecting element, which are positioned with 120° displacement to one another. The number of grooves can thus be greater than the number of tongues, such that, for each tongue of the connecting element, at least one groove is present on the steering spindle end. Naturally, it is generally also conceivable to provide the grooves in the connecting element and the tongues on the steering spindle end, or to arrange both on both plug partners interchangeably. With a plurality of grooves and tongues, the ability of the plug partners to transmit higher levels of torque is also improved.
The groove and tongue of the at least one tongue and groove guide element pair particularly preferably has a tapered shape, wherein the groove tapers in the longitudinal axial direction towards the side facing away from the plug partner, and the tongue tapers in the longitudinal axial direction towards the side facing the plug partner. When there is tension, the tapers are pulled against each other, whereby, due to the unfolding wedge clamping, a particularly strong positive fit is formed, which leads to a tight and stiff, clearance-free connection of both plug partners. The release protection of the plug partners is also improved by this positive fit. Moreover, clearance is prevented by the spring-loaded tapered joint, said clearance being able to arise when the plug partners wear out.
The shaft of the steering coupling particularly preferably bears the clamping device. This contains a locating sleeve, a pressure spring and a supporting ring. The supporting ring is connected tightly to the shaft of the steering coupling and is mounted coaxially on the end thereof. The connection advantageously takes place by an expansion of the hollow shaft, as a whole or locally. The metallic supporting ring here has recesses with which the hollow shaft can engage with protrusions and is positively wedged in the recesses, whereby a rotational movement and an axial movement of the supporting ring is prevented on the hollow shaft and a defined, fixed position on the shaft is adjusted. As a result of the radial expansion, an additional frictional connection between the shaft and the supporting ring is achieved, which further improves the durability of the supporting ring on the shaft. The pressure spring, preferably designed as a helical spring, lies on the side of the supporting ring facing away from the plugging direction of the steering spindle. The tension is achieved via the pressure spring. The locating sleeve engages behind the supporting ring and the pressure spring is moveably arranged on the shaft for rotation and displacement, wherein it possesses an axial stop on the pressure spring. The locating sleeve has, on the end facing away from the pressure spring, at least one projection pointing radially inwards or a groove that corresponds with the groove or with the tongue of the steering spindle end. Furthermore, an undercut is formed on the end of the steering spindle, which the at least one groove and/or the at least one tongue of the steering spindle end adjoins. The undercut can be a stepped ridge or an annular groove or even a rounded, conical tapering of the steering spindle end.
In order to advantageously achieve the tension, the locating sleeve is raised axially against the elastic force after the plug connection of both plug partners has been achieved, wherein, for example, the projection(s) slide(s) through the grooves of the steering spindle end until the undercut has been reached. After this, the sleeve can be rotated, whereupon the projection(s) can be placed behind a tongue of the steering spindle end by means of a rotation of the sleeve. The sleeve is then unclasped, whereupon it strikes the tongue(s) below with the projection(s). The pressure spring is released, pulling the plug partners together and thereby clamping them.
In a preferred embodiment, the locating sleeve has an annular collar arranged at the end, which extrudes inwards on the side facing away from the pressure spring, which encloses the supporting ring as a cover. The annular collar preferably has the width of the supporting ring and completely covers it. The at least one projection projects radially inwards from this annular collar. The annular collar furthermore has—with respect to its width when situated approximately in the center—at least one opening into which a pin is immersed, which is arranged on the front side of the supporting ring facing away from the pressure spring. The pin is arranged in the covered region of the supporting ring. The opening(s) on the annular collar is/are arranged with displacement in the peripheral direction to the projection or projections in such a way that, when there is immersion of the pin into the opening, the adjacent projection behind adjoins a tongue. In the case of three openings that are arranged with 120° displacement to one another, the adjacent projections are each displaced by 45° to these in the peripheral direction. When the sleeve is rotated, the pin(s) rise(s) on the interior of the annular collar until it/they is/are immersed into the opening. Then, it is not only guaranteed that the projection of the sleeve has struck behind a tongue of the steering spindle end, but also that the clamping is virtually locked by immersing the pin into the opening, i.e. a release-protected clamping is achieved and undesired disassembly is practically no longer possible. The opening and pin can be coordinated in such a way that their shape and dimensions correspond to each other, such that the pin is immersed into the opening in a defined manner and a direct positive fit, and thus a defined position of the pin, is provided in the opening. During immersion, the pressure spring is released yet further, which can be seen in a noticeable snap release that can be detected audibly and tactilely by the assembler.
The length of the pin is preferably not only such that it is immersed into the opening, but also such that it protrudes from the other end. The assembler can thus also haptically detect whether the assembly is complete. When the protruding pin is touched, the clamping is completely finished and the assembly process is concluded. In the case that, for whatever reason, it is necessary for a specific rotary position of the sleeve relative to the supporting ring to be included, it is conceivable for the pins and, accordingly, the openings, to have different shapes, such that a pin can be allocated to an opening precisely without there being any mispositioning.
The clamping device preferably contains a control ring, which adjoins the pressure spring opposite the supporting ring and which has at least one, preferably ramp-like, control contour on the front side facing away from the supporting ring, which the locating sleeve adjoins with a control cam. The control ring has, on its inner periphery, at least one guiding pin, which engages with a guiding groove running axially on the outside of the shaft. The control ring is thus arranged without rotation and can only be moved axially, wherein one groove end with respect to the fork crown forms a stop for the control ring. With three guiding pins that are arranged with 120° displacement on the control ring and engage with one respective guiding groove allocated thereto, the control ring can be guided without tilting. In other words, the shaft accordingly has three guiding grooves, which are also arranged with 120° displacement to one another in the peripheral direction. In an advantageous manner in terms of manufacturing, the respective guiding groove is formed by the channel-like exterior of a tongue of the tongue/groove guide element pair caused when the shaft is impressed. The control ring now forms a counter-stop for the pressure spring with respect to the supporting ring. Due to the installation of the locating sleeve over the at least one control cam, which is formed on the end facing away from the annular collar, the pressure spring is held indirectly on the locating sleeve. Due to its installation, the locating sleeve is held axially tightly to the control ring via the guiding grooves. Due to the formation of a control contour, preferably ramp-like or helical, the twisting of the locating sleeve to the locking position after reaching the undercut is simplified. The further the control cam of the locating sleeve approaches the supporting ring on the ramped route, the more the pressure spring is released and the smoother the rotational movement is until the pins of the supporting ring snap into the openings. Due to the progressive release, the severity of the snapping-in is alleviated, which improves the longevity of the cooperative components of the steering arrangement.
The control contour has two stops between which the control cam can be moved. Three identically configured control contours are preferably formed on the control ring, which adjoin one another and are loaded with a respective control cam. The control cams are formed on the interior of the locating sleeve and join up flush with the closing edge of the locating sleeve. As a result of this, the control contour of the control ring is covered by the locating sleeve. The stop that the locating sleeve adjoins when in the opening position is preferably formed to be longer than the other stop and serves as a display for the assembly position. In other words, a nose of the stop can be seen protruding beneath the locating sleeve when the locating sleeve is snapped onto the pin of the supporting ring and adjoins the other stop with its control cam. For the worker observing the interface between the steering coupling and the steering spindle only from the side of the fork crown, this also provides an optical response to indicate that the assembly has been carried out correctly. A further simplification of this response can exist in that the locating sleeve is provided with symbols or other markings on its exterior, which denote a locked position and an unlocked position. When there is covering with the nose of the stop, it is then completely clear to the worker, with the locking notification, that the assembly is complete and has been undertaken correctly.
In a preferred embodiment, the locating sleeve has at least one resilient clamping bracket protruding from the inner periphery of the sleeve and rising on the front side of the supporting ring on which the pressure spring is supported. During the driving operation and/or due to material defects, it is conceivable for the pressure spring, designed as a helical spring, to break. To prevent the locating sleeve from being released from its locked position as a result of vibrations caused by driving, the clamping bracket serves as a lock against axial movements resulting from the vibrations.
In a further preferred development of the invention, at least one shallow hollow is formed on the interior of the annular collar of the locating sleeve, which contains the contour of the pin of the supporting ring and into which the pin can be positioned. Transportation safety of the steering coupling with the connecting element is hereby guaranteed from the manufacturing facility to the installation site. Due to the shallow nature of the hollow, the worker can rotate the pin out of the hollow without a large amount of physical exertion; however, the hollow is in turn at such a depth that undesired twisting during delivery is prevented.
In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the steering arrangement contains an additional allocation device for the grooves and tongues of the plug partners when there are several peripherally-displaced groove and tongue guide element pairs. Indeed, a clear allocation of the grooves and tongues is provided by the aforementioned, corresponding formation of the groove widths or the asymmetrical arrangement of the grooves or additional grooves. However, it can arise that, despite a mispositioning of the plug partners, a threading of the tongues into the grooves, and vice versa, is possible up to a specific degree, i.e. over a limited length. The worker, who is of course not able to completely carry out the threading motion, will attempt to de-thread the plug partners. Due to low clamping effects between the plug partners, this can occur in a particularly cumbersome manner, which takes up the worker's power, patience and time. To confront this potential defect, the steering arrangement is equipped with an allocation device. This device contains contour elements of different shapes, which are formed on the locating sleeve on the end facing away from the fork crown and protrude radially inwards. These are arranged with displacement to the projections and are, just like the projections, connected integrally to the locating sleeve. For example, the contour elements are convexities that are shaped to be more or less shallow.
Furthermore, the allocation device has an orientation pin arranged coaxially pre-assembled on the steering spindle end and possessing negatively-shaped contour elements on the periphery with respect to the contour elements of the locating sleeve. The diameter of the pin with its contour elements is smaller than the diameter of the internal width of the shaft, so that the pin can be pushed into the shaft and does not prevent the plug connection of both plug partners. The pin is dimensioned in such a way that, when inserting the pin into the locating sleeve, the contour elements of the locating sleeve and the pin engage with one another with clearance in compliance with the contours. In the case of mispositioning, an insertion is not possible. Thus, a clear allocation of the plug partners has already been undertaken before the plug connection is made. A cumbersome de-threading in the case of defects is no longer present in any way.
Finally, more contour elements are formed in the same radial position in the tongues of the steering spindle end behind the contour elements of the pin, so as not to prevent a further insertion movement when there is correct positioning between the contour elements of the pin and the sleeve. Here, the contour elements in the tongues are formed in such a way that they can pass by the locating sleeve with clearance to the contour elements.
In a particularly preferred development, the steering arrangement has a plug that is pressed into the end of the hollow steering spindle and seals it tightly. Penetration of dirt and corrosive media into the steering spindle is hereby prevented. In addition, it serves as protection against noises from the further steering train and the engine bay. When embodied practically, the plug is connected integrally to the orientation pin. The plug can thus consist of an elastomer, plastic or an elastic rubber material.
These and other advantages are demonstrated by the description below with reference to the accompanying figures. The reference to the figures in the description serves to support the description and to facilitate understanding of the subject matter. Subject matters or parts of subject matters that are essentially the same or similar can have the same reference numerals added to them. The figures are only a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the invention.


According to one embodiment, a MEMS device includes an electrode on a substrate, a movable structure which is supported in midair above the electrode by first and second anchor portions on the substrate, and moves toward the electrode, a first spring structure which connects the first anchor portion to the movable structure and uses a ductile material, and a second spring structure which connects the second anchor portion to the movable structure and uses a brittle material.

Since a device in which a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) is applied to a variable capacitance element (which will be referred to as a MEMS variable capacitance device hereinafter) can realize low loss, high isolation and high linearity, it is expected as a key device that realizes multiband and multimode of next-generation mobile terminals.
The reason why the MEMS variable capacitance device can realize the low loss is that a metal material having a low resistivity is used for a capacitive electrode of the variable capacitance element which is a movable portion. Specifically, aluminum (Al) or gold (Au) is used for the capacitive electrode. Such a metal material generally shows ductibility characteristics.
Therefore, there is a problem that, when the movable capacitive electrode is repeatedly driven, creep (change in shape due to stress) of a member constituting the movable portion causes skew of the shape of the movable portion.
In the case of the MEMS variable capacitance device, when an electrode as a movable portion changes due to creep, an interval between two electrodes of a capacitive electrode changes from a predetermined interval. Therefore, when the MEMS variable capacitance device is used over a long period, a capacitance value of the variable capacitance element varies from a designed value.
Further, in a switch to which the MEMS is applied, isolation characteristics of a contact portion of the switch deteriorate.
As one of means for avoiding creep, a hard metal material that has small plastic deformation and shows brittleness characteristics like an aluminum-titanium (Al—Ti) alloy or tungsten (W) is used for the movable portion. However, such a metal material has a higher resistivity than Al or Au, and hence the loss increases.
Furthermore, as another means, a structure in which a metal material as a ductile material and an insulator as a brittle material are laminated is adopted for the movable portion (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,538). However, in this laminated structure, the movable portion is apt to warp due to a difference in internal stress between the ductile material and the brittle material, and as a result, the deformation of the movable portion occurs.


A constant velocity universal joint has an outer part (1), an inner part (12) arranged in the outer part (1), and a cage (24) for guiding balls (23) each accommodated in an inner track (14) and an outer track (3). A control element (29) is arranged between the inner part (12) and a first attaching element (5) associated with the outer part (1). A second attaching part (18) is associated with the inner part (12). The second attaching element (18) is provided in the form of a tubular shaft. The invention provides advantageous lubrication conditions for the parts sliding on one another, i.e. the control face (17) and seat face (31) of the control element (29) on the one hand and the sliding face (10) as well as the contact face (30) of the control element (29) contacting the sliding face (10) on the other hand. Two chambers (9, 20) which accommodate lubricant and communicate with one another through an aperture (32) are provided. The chamber (20) is provided in the second attaching element by being separated from the remaining interior (22) by a separating element (21). In this way, an adequate lubricant reservoir is made available for the faces which slide on one another, the reservoir extending over the service life of the joint. The lubricant cannot escape outwardly when the joint rotates.

The invention relates to a constant velocity universal joint having a hollow outer part whose inner face is provided with outer tracks distributed around a first longitudinal axis. A first attaching element is securely connected to the outer part, and which closes the outer part and comprises a sliding face on which the first longitudinal axis is positioned perpendicularly. An inner part has an outer face with inner tracks circumferentially distributed around a second longitudinal axis to correspond to the outer tracks, and whose outside comprises a spherical guiding face and a separate spherical control face. A second attaching element is connected to the inner part in a rotationally fixed way. Balls are accommodated in the pairs of outer tracks and inner tracks, and have a cage which, by means of a hollow spherical supporting face, is guided on the spherical guiding face of the inner part and which comprises windows for guiding the balls. A control element by means of a contact face, is radially adjustably supported with reference to the first longitudinal axis, on the sliding face of the first attaching element associated with the outer part, and comprises a hollow spherical seat face. The inner part, by means of its control face, is supported on the seat face and with the cage, with its outer face, is held at a distance from the inner face of the outer part and with the control element comprising a central aperture. Further a sealing sleeve is provided which, at one end, is secured to the outer part and at the other end to the second attaching part.
This type constant velocity universal joint is described in DE 39 04 655 C1, wherein, in the center of the inner part, opposite the aperture of the control element, there is provided a small recess to prevent any contact between the two parts.
It is the object of the invention to ensure advantageous sliding conditions for the faces sliding on one another, even under impact loads, i.e. to improve the lubrication of the faces.

Constant velocity universal joint with lubricant reservoir


In a method for correcting non-reproducible geometric errors occurring during the operation of an x-ray C-arm device, having a C-arm carrying an x-ray source, during orbital displacement of the C-arm during a scan for 3D reconstruction of a subject volume, a 2D dataset, which is not impaired by non-reproducible geometric errors during the scan, is determined. This 2D dataset is compared to known projection matrices of the x-ray C-arm device, which compensate reproducible geometric errors of the C-arm device. The result of the comparison is used to modify the projection matrices of the scan to compensate non-reproducible geometric errors that occur during the scan.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a method for correction of non-reproducible geometry errors of an x-ray C-arm, which occur due to orbital movement of the C-arm during a scan implemented for 3D reconstruction of a patient volume.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An x-ray C-arm apparatus of this type has a base frame on which the C-arm is supported such that it can move orbitally around an isocenter. One end of the C-arm carries an x-ray source and the other end an x-ray receiver, for example a planar detector. Such apparatuses (used in a mobile or stationary manner) are used for, among other things, the 3D reconstruction of a patient volume. 3D exposures are acquired from a number of different angle positions and the patient volume of interest is reconstructed with known calculation methods. The image quality of 3D reconstructions is decisive for its usability, for example for diagnostic purposes. An important parameter for error-free imaging of the 3D world in a 2D image plane is the optimally error-free reproducibility of the position and orientation of the x-ray receiver relative to the isocenter of the C-arm. Due to its own mass and the masses of x-ray source and x-ray receiver, the C-arm twists more or less severely depending on the orbital position. These distortions (that can lie in the centimeter range) are typically compensated in that the movement track of the C-arm is calibrated in an offline method. For this purpose the projection matrices of the C-arm or, respectively, of the x-ray system borne by it are determined using a calibration phantom. Mechanical distortions of the C-arm that occur in at least approximately the same manner given every orbital movement of the C-arm can thereby be compensated. Depending on the type of bearing and drive of the C-arm, a non-reproducible wobbling of the C-arm (ascribed, for example, to tolerance-dependent play) cannot be avoided. A geometry error caused by wobbling leads to a limitation of the spatial resolution to values of approximately 7 to 10 lp/cm for a scan implemented for 3D reconstruction of a patient volume.

Method for correcting non-reproducible geometric errors occurring during operation of a C-arm device


Providing a mobility key for a communication session for a mobile station includes facilitating initiation of the communication session. A master key for the communication session is established, where the master key is generated at an authentication server in response to authenticating the mobile station. A mobility key is derived from the authentication key at an access node, where the mobility key is operable to authenticate mobility signaling for the communication session.

A communication network may establish a communication session for a mobile station. The communication session allows the mobile station to communicate with other endpoints. The mobile station may move to another location serviced by a different communication network. Accordingly, techniques are implemented to allow the next communication network to support the communication session.
Known techniques, however, are not efficient in certain situations. It is generally desirable to have efficient techniques in certain situations.

Facilitating mobility for a mobile station


A swaging device is provided, including a die holder assembly including a head and a die block adapted to hold a first die and a second die respectively, and an actuator assembly, including a housing and a piston connected to the die block. In addition, a separate, removable strut cap is included, which is engaged to both the housing and the head. The strut cap is structured to secure the head during the compression of a workpiece.

The present invention generally relates to a swaging device and more specifically relates to a tool for swaging hydraulic fittings, for example, as used in the aircraft industry and the like.
Swaged fittings for use in connecting tubes, for example metallic tubes in hydraulic systems, have been used for many years. The tubes are inserted into a fitting, usually comprising a cylindrical sleeve, and then the fitting is swaged with a swaging tool to produce a fluid-tight connection between the tubes. For example, during a swaging operation, the fitting is compressed radially inwardly by the swaging tool. This causes annular ridges on an outer surface of the fitting to be flattened and transferred to an inner surface thereof. As a result, annular indentations are formed in the tube, attaching it securely to the fitting.
In certain types of swaging operations, for example, in the aircraft industry, access to the fitting to be swaged may be very limited. As a result, there has existed a need for a swaging tool that will accomplish the swaging operation, yet be compact enough to gain access to the fitting. One relatively compact swaging tool is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,451, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, comprising an upper die held within a yoke and a lower die connected to the tool by a die holder. The yoke is removed by loosening a knurled nut, allowing the yoke to be separated from the remainder of the tool for initial connection to the fitting to be swaged. Despite the advances provided by this tool in terms of its relatively compact nature and versatility, there still remain situations where the ability of the tool to swage a fitting becomes very difficult and, at times, not possible.
Tubes in aircraft hydraulic systems are connected using separable and permanent type of joints. Fittings are generally made of cylindrical sleeves to receive tubes at both ends. The sleeve will be compressed externally, thereby creating radial deformation of the tubes. The pre-determined compression of fitting is done by the use of a swage tool. The fitting design makes the joint secure, fluid tight and able to withstand external environmental factors.
Early swaging tools were large and bulky and were not suitable for swaging tubes in aircraft because of the tight spacing between tubes.
The design features of a swaging tool must cater to demanding stringent aircraft assembly requirements, such as prevention of misuse, rework and must be fast and accurate. Mistakes in swaging are often extremely expensive to correct. Naturally, aircraft safety depends primarily on the performance of hydraulic systems which control the aircraft maneuvers and a faulty swage could be unsafe.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,058 to Hyatt, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this specific reference, discloses a compact swaging tool having a removable head containing swaging dies.
Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks associated with the tool disclosed in the Hyatt patent and others similar thereto. For example, the removable connection between the die head and the cylinder is accomplished by a tongue and groove arrangement. Although this design prevents use of the tool when the tool is improperly assembled, the die head can be prone to sliding during swaging and can be unacceptably unstable in some circumstances, particularly when subjected to high stresses over an extended period of time.
There is still a need for a compact, lightweight swaging tool that is reliable even when subjected to substantial stresses during the swaging operation.
Accordingly, swaging devices are provided by the present invention for use in swaging hydraulic fittings and the like, for example to join together open ends of two tubes. The present swaging devices are strong and reliable in use and are useful for swaging those workpieces disposed in cramped quarters or difficult to access areas. The present devices are straightforward in construction and design and inexpensive to manufacture. Moreover, the present devices can be utilized with conventional, readily available swage dies.
Generally, a swaging device in accordance with the present invention generally comprises a die holder assembly and an actuator assembly. The die holder assembly includes a head, for example a substantially un-shaped head adapted to hold a first die, for example a conventional swage die, and a die block adapted to hold a second die, for example an identical second die.
The actuator assembly preferably comprises a housing, for example, a cylindrical housing, and a hydraulically operable dual piston mechanism within the housing.
The piston mechanism with the housing is adapted to move the second die toward the first die to swage a workpiece or fitting. Preferably, the pistons are separated by a sleeve member which define an upper and a lower chamber. More specifically, an upper piston having a head reciprocally retained within the upper chamber defined by the sleeve member has a rod connected to the die block. A lower piston having a head reciprocally retained within the lower chamber defined by a lower portion of the housing, has a rod slidably extending through a bore in the sleeve member and a head which abuts with a base of the sleeve member. The two pistons are biased to a retracted position, for example, by a return spring. The second piston includes an axial passageway for providing fluid communication between the upper and lower chambers when fluid is supplied to the cylinder to move the pistons and, thus, the lower die toward the upper die during the swaging operation.
The housing has a substantially closed proximal end with an exception of a fluid port defined therein, and an open distal end and sized to receive the piston mechanism during assembly.
Importantly, the swaging device of the present invention further comprises a stabilizing member (hereinafter xe2x80x9cstrut capxe2x80x9d) which is removably engaged to both the die holder assembly and the actuator assembly. More particularly, the strut cap includes a distal portion adapted to engage a proximal portion of the head, and a proximal portion adapted to engage a distal portion of the actuator assembly housing.
Preferably the strut cap is designed and adapted to control and uniformly distribute stresses, particularly principal stresses, for example compressive or longitudinal forces exerted on the device during the swaging operation. For example, the strut cap may include a pair of parallel grooves, each having a substantially uniform near circular cross section for accommodating the head. Correspondingly, the head of the die holder assembly has a proximal portion defined by two substantially parallel legs which are shaped to be received in the strut cap grooves. More specifically, these legs terminate in free ends which fit within the near circular grooves of the strut cap.
Structure is provided for facilitating proper positioning and alignment of the various components of the device, particularly for substantially preventing misalignment, for example improper assembly, between the strut cap, the head and the die holder. Such structure may include for example tabs, grooves, projections and/or recesses defined on these particular engagable components of the device. In addition, a mechanism may be provided for relieving excess pressure on the strut cap in case the device is pressurized without the head and/or die holder in place. For example, a pressure relief port may be defined within the housing.


Log-likelihood ratios produced by a decoder are incorporated into a soft symbol to soft bit estimation process and are used to perform improved channel estimation and impairment covariance estimation. In an example method, a plurality of soft bits and corresponding probability metrics for a series of received unknown symbols are generated. Estimates of the received unknown information symbols are then regenerated, as a function of the soft bits and corresponding probability metrics. An estimate of the average amplitude of the received unknown information symbols, or an estimate of the propagation channel response experienced by the received unknown information symbols, or both, are calculated, as a function of the regenerated symbol estimates. The results are applied to produce demodulated symbols for a second decoding iteration for the series of received unknown symbols.

The present invention generally relates to wireless communications receivers, and more particularly relates to techniques for improving receiver processing using probability metrics associated with demodulated soft bits.
In today's advanced wireless systems, both the uplink (mobile terminal-to-base station communications) and downlink (base station-to-mobile terminal communications are subject to various sources of interference, including, for example, intra-cell interference arising from a lack of complete orthogonality between user signals within a wireless system cell, inter-cell interference arising from signals intended for users or originating from users in other cells, and thermal noise. To combat these interference sources, interference cancellation techniques are increasingly being deployed.
One category of interference cancellation techniques is known as decoder interference cancellation (IC) or post-decoder interference cancellation. The general idea behind decoder interference cancellation is that a signal generated using decoder output from a first decoding attempt is subtracted from the input signal before a second decoding attempt. The decoder output from the first decoding attempt could relate to a signal that is an ultimate target of the demodulation/detection process, or it might represent decoded bits of an unwanted signal, for the purpose of cancellation.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an interference cancelling receiver 100 that uses output from the decoder to perform interference cancellation. This receiver system is sometimes referred to as a Turbo interference cancellation receiver. In the figure, a so-called RAKE receiver is shown, which indicates a Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) application of decoder interference cancellation. However, the general structure works equally well for Long-Term Evolution (LTE) applications, which are based on Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), if the RAKE components are replaced with Fast-Fourier-Transform (FFT)-based receiver components.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, the output of the decoder 140 produces log-likelihood ratios (LLR), which are essentially estimated probabilities that the corresponding decoded information bits should be set to one or zero. For interference cancellation purposes, the LLRs are used by soft mapper 150 to generate the symbol values that were most likely to have been transmitted by another node, such as a base station when the receiver is in a wireless terminal. An estimate of the received signal corresponding to these symbol values is produced by signal regenerator 160, which applies the same modulation and scrambling that was removed from the signal by RAKE despreader 110 and demapper 130 in the first decoding iteration. Then, the regenerated signal from signal regenerator 160 is subtracted from the original input signal, using subtracter 105, to produce an interference-reduced signal. At the output of the RAKE despreader 110, the contribution to the despread signal from the original received signal (for a given code) is denoted yk(i) and the contribution from the subtracted signal is denoted as {tilde over (y)}k(i), where i is the symbol index and k the channelization code.
An equalizer, illustrated as a G-RAKE combiner 120 in FIG. 1, applies equalizer weights to the despread signal to reduce the effects of multipath propagation. The equalizer weights, or G-RAKE weights, since the weights are applied after the RAKE, are denoted w.
Before demapping of the interference-reduced and equalized signal, that is, before conversion from soft symbols to soft bits, the earlier subtracted signal is added back, in the event that the subtracted signal is the signal we want to decode. In FIG. 1 this is denoted by c·{tilde over (s)}k(i), which is added to the G-RAKE combiner output by adder 125. Here, the scaling constant c is a function of the equalizer weights and the net channel estimates. It should be noted that if the subtracted sequence represents the decoded symbols from an interfering cell, the subtracted signal is not added back prior to the demapping by demapper 130. Add back is only done the event that the signal that we are interested in demodulating has been subtracted.
In either case, after demapping by demapper 130, decoding is performed by decoder 140, which produces a new (and improved) set of probabilities (LLR) for the transmitted bits. The above procedure could be repeated as many times as desired, subject to limitations on processing power available in the receiver, limitations on latency, etc. Of course, this iterative process might also be terminated when the remaining errors in the decoded bits fall below a target level.
Intra-cell and inter-cell interference have a fundamental impact on the maximum throughput of a wireless communication system. While previously described interference cancellation schemes help, further improvements are needed.

Soft-bit generation and channel estimation for interference cancellation using decoder output


Diesel fuels or blending stocks having excellent lubricity, oxidative stability and high cetane number are directly produced from synthesis gas over activated carbon supported cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst under the condition of temperature within the range of 120 to 400xc2x0 C., reaction pressure within the range of 0.5 to 10.0 MPa, volume hourly space velocity of a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide within the range of 100 to 5000, the mole ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide within the range of 1 to 4. Diesel fuels containing at least 95 wt % paraffins with an iso to normal ratio of about 0.03 to 0.3,  less than 50 ppm (wt) of sulfur and nitrogen, less than about 2 wt % unsaturates, and about 0.001 to less than 0.3 wt % oxygen were obtained by separating the Fischer-Tropsch product into a lighter (180 to 245 xc2x0 C. fraction) and heavier fractions (245 to 380xc2x0 C. fraction) utilizing a rough flash, and combining the 180 to 245xc2x0 C. portion of the lighter product with the 245 to 380xc2x0 C. fraction in desired ratios.

This invention relates to distillates materials having high cetane number and useful as a diesel fuel with sulfur-free, nitrogen-free or aromatics-free, as well as the process for preparing the diesel distillates. More particularly, this invention relates to a process for preparing directly diesel distillates from synthesis gas over modified Fischer-Tropsch catalysts that cut off the heavier end of the Schultz-Flory distribution.
Oil fields typically have deposits of natural gas associated with them. In remote locations where transport of this gas may not be economically attractive, gas conversion technology can be used for chemically converting natural gas to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. Current gas conversion technologies rely on the chemical conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas, which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Synthesis gas is then reacted in a catalyzed hydrocarbon synthesis process commonly known as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
Fischer-Tropsch reaction dates back to 1923, with the discovery of an efficient catalyst to convert synthesis gas into hydrocarbons mixtures. After coal-based synthetic fuels production during the World War II in Germany, and later in South Africa (SASOL), the energy crisis of 70""s and 80""s renewed the interest toward the conversion of the increasing remote natural gas reserves to liquid fuel (GTL).
Clean diesel distillates that contain no or nil sulfur, nitrogen, or aromatics, are, or will likely be in great demand as diesel fuel or in blending diesel fuel. Clean diesel distillates having relatively high cetane number are particularly valuable. Typical petroleum derived distillates are not clean, in that they typically contain significant amounts of sulfur, nitrogen, and aromatics, and they have relatively low cetane numbers. Clean diesel distillates can be produced from petroleum based distillates through severe hydrotreating at great expense. Such severe hydrotreating imparts relatively little improvement in cetane number and also adversely impacts the fuel""s lubricity. Fuel lubricity, required for the efficient operation of fuel delivery system, can be improved by the use of costly additive packages.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,954 discloses a catalyst for the production of C2xcx9cC4 olefins from carbon monoxide and hydrogen consisting of 5xcx9c50 wt % iron metal and 20xcx9c90 wt % an activated carbon support, promoted by magnesium and chromium metals.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,122 states that a cobalt catalyst, especially a thoria promoted cobalt catalyst, formed by dispersing the cobalt, or cobalt and thoria, upon a titania or titania-containing support wherein the titania support is one having a rutile:anatase ratio of at least about 2:3. By passing methanol, or a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen over the catalyst at reaction conditions, a distillate fuel consisted principally of a mixture of linear paraffin and olefins, particularly a C10+ distillate can be formed. The distillate can be further refined and upgraded to high quality fuels, and other products such as diesel fuel, jet fuel, lubes and specialty solvents, particularly premium middle distillate fuels of carbon numbers ranging from about C10 to about C20.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,986 discloses that synthesis gas is subjected to Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a Co/Zr/SiO2 catalyst and the C20+ fraction of the synthesized product is converted into linear C10-C20 olefins by mild thermal cracking.
Venter and Vannice (J. Catal., 1987, 103:450; Catal. Lett., 1990, 7:219; J. Phys. Chem., 1992, 96:9944) disclose that the higher activity and C2xcx9cC4 olefins selectivities was observed over an activated carbon supported iron based catalyst promoted by manganese and potassium promoters.
More recently, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,274,029, 5,689,031, 5,378,348 disclose diesel fuels or blending stocks having excellent lubricity, oxidative stability and high cetane number are produced from non-shifting Fischer-Tropsch processes by separating the Fischer-Tropsch product into a lighter and heavier fractions, e.g., at about 370xc2x0 C., subjecting the 370xc2x0 C.+ fraction to hydro-treating, and combining the 370xc2x0 C.+ portion of the hydrotreated product with the lighter fraction that has not been hydrotreated.
The production of clean, high cetane number distillates from Fischer-Tropsch waxes has been discussed in the open literature, but few literatures that reported the process for preparing directly diesel distillate with high quality from synthesis gas over an activated carbon supported cobalt based catalyst have appeared.
This invention will first show that the diesel distillates with sulfur-free, nitrogen-free or aromatics-free can be synthesized from synthesis gas over modified Fischer-Tropsch catalyst that cut off the heavier end of the Schulz-Flory distribution.
In accordance with this invention, a clean distillate useful as a fuel heavier than gasoline, e.g., useful as a diesel fuel or as a diesel fuel blend stock and having cetane number of at least about 60, preferably at least about 70, is produced, preferably direct from synthesis gas through Fischer-Tropsch process over an activated carbon supported cobalt based catalyst. In particular, there is provided a process for preparing directly diesel distillates from synthesis gas over modified Fischer-Tropsch catalysts that cut off the heavier end of the Schultz-Flory distribution.

Process for direct synthesis of diesel distillates with high quality from synthesis gas through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science


A selected target from a picklist having a plurality of targets is electro-optically read, by image capture, over a range of working distances, by capturing an image of the picklist in the range over an imaging field of view, by storing coordinates of a trajectory of an aiming light pattern in the imaging field of view over the range, by processing the captured image along the trajectory to find and identify a target, by determining whether the target covers the trajectory, and by determining that the target is the selected target when the target at least partially covers the trajectory.

Solid-state imaging systems or imaging readers have been used, in both handheld and/or hands-free modes of operation, in supermarkets, warehouse clubs, department stores, and other kinds of retailers and other businesses for many years, to electro-optically read, by image capture, targets, such as one- and/or two-dimensional bar code symbols, each bearing elements, e.g., bars and spaces, of different widths and reflectivities, to be decoded, as well as other targets or forms, such as documents, labels, receipts, signatures, drivers' licenses, employee badges, payment/loyalty cards, and the like, each form bearing alphanumeric characters and/or graphics and/or symbols, to be imaged and processed.
A known exemplary imaging reader includes a housing held by a user, a window supported by the housing and aimed at the target by the user, and a scan engine or imaging module supported by the housing and having a solid-state imager (or image sensor) with a sensor array of photocells or light sensors (also known as pixels), and an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from the target being imaged along an imaging axis through the window over an imaging field of view, and for projecting the return light onto the sensor array to initiate capture of an image of the target over a range of working distances in which the target can be read. Such an imager may include a one- or two-dimensional charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device and associated circuits for producing and processing electrical signals corresponding to a one- or two-dimensional array of pixel data over the field of view. These electrical signals are decoded and/or processed by a programmed microprocessor or controller into information related to the target being read, e.g., decoded data indicative of a symbol, or into a picture indicative of a form. In the handheld mode of operation, the user holds the housing in his or her hand at a certain working distance from the target to be imaged, aims the window at the target, and manually activates a trigger on the housing to initiate a reading session.
In order to increase the amount of the return light captured by the imager, especially in dimly lit environments and/or at far range reading, the imaging module generally also includes an illuminating light assembly for illuminating the target with illumination light for reflection and scattering therefrom. The illumination light preferably is distributed along an illumination pattern over and along the target. The distributed illumination pattern is typically generated by using a pair of spaced-apart light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a pair of cylindrical lenses.
Since the user of the imaging reader cannot see exactly whether a target is located entirely within the imaging field of view of the imager, or know whether the target is optimally centrally located within the imaging field of view, the imaging module also typically includes an aiming light assembly for projecting a visible aiming light pattern, for example, a generally circular spot, or a cross-hairs, for placement at or near the center of the target, or an aiming line, or a series of generally circular spots linearly spaced apart, for placement lengthwise along the target, to assist the user in visually locating the target within the imaging field of view and, thus, advise the user in which direction the housing is to be moved in order to accurately position the aiming light pattern on the target prior to reading. The aiming light assembly includes an aiming light source, such as one or more LEDs and aiming lenses, or a laser and a pattern shaping optical element, such as a diffractive optical element (DOE), or a refractive optical element (ROE). The focused light passing through a respective DOE forms multiple diverging beamlets, which project continuous lines or rows of spots arrayed in the aiming light pattern on the target to indicate the imaging field of view.
Such known imaging readers are often operated to read symbol targets on picklists. A picklist is typically a document or a display screen on which many symbol targets are printed or displayed, each symbol target corresponding to an item to be managed. The items can identify physical items, such as food, materials, equipment, component parts, and like products in inventory, as well as abstract items, such as time, information, equipment settings, and the like. Such items are managed in many fields, such as material handling, production, packaging, inventory, transportation, warehousing, information flow, and security, just to name a few. The imaging reader is operated to read a selected symbol target from the many symbol targets on the picklist, thereby automatically identifying the corresponding item to a remote host computer for further processing and management.
Although the known imaging readers are generally sufficient for their intended purpose, they have sometimes proven to be less than satisfactory when operated to read symbol targets on the picklist. The symbol targets are generally printed or displayed closely adjacent one another on the picklist. The imaging field of view of the imaging reader diverges outwardly of the imaging reader over the range of working distances relative to the housing. The diverging imaging field of view often contains more than one symbol target, and this effect is exacerbated as the working distance between the target and the housing increases, with a concomitant increase in the size of the diverging imaging field of view. It is therefore often difficult to read just the one particular symbol target that is desired, especially at the far end of the range.
The art has addressed this issue by employing a picklist mode of operation, wherein two types of images of the picklist are captured each time that a symbol target is to be read. At least one image of the first type is captured with the aiming light pattern on the selected symbol target, i.e., with the aiming light assembly energized; and at least one image of the second type is captured without the aiming light pattern, i.e., with the aiming light assembly deenergized. The controller determines from the image of the first type which symbol target was the one selected, i.e., the one on which the aiming light pattern was present, and then, now knowing the location of the selected symbol target from the image of the first type, the controller only processes the selected symbol target from its determined location in the image of the second type.
While the number of images of the first type and the number of images of the second type may vary in each reading session, which starts from the time of trigger activation and ends with either a successful decode or a failed attempt to decode, there are generally at least one image of the first type and at least one image of the second type acquired, in the picklist mode of operation. Although the picklist mode of operation sometimes fails, decoding and reading of the selected symbol target are always delayed, thereby causing the reading performance of the imaging reader to sometimes be perceived as sluggish by the user. Having to take at least two different types of images of the picklist each and every time that a symbol target is to be read also imposes a processing burden on the controller.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide an apparatus for, and a method of, electro-optically reading a selected target, by image capture, from a picklist of targets contained in an imaging field of view, without having to take at least two different types of images of the picklist each and every time that a symbol target is to be read, and to render the reading performance more aggressive, and to ease the processing burden on the controller.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Apparatus for and method of electro-optically reading a selected target by image capture from a picklist of targets


A kit for implanting a prosthetic vascular conduit includes a prosthetic vascular conduit for coupling to a prosthetic valve having an annular portion. The conduit includes a terminal collar member for receiving the valve. The kit further includes a holder including a shaft and a hub including a receiving portion configured for housing a prosthetic valve. The conduit is fitted on the holder so that at least a portion of the conduit wraps over the receiving portion of the hub. A sleeve member fitted onto the conduit in a position corresponding to the receiving portion of the hub, and a portion of the collar member is wrapped or folded over the sleeve member. The sleeve member is slidable away from the hub to unwrap the collar member such that it is disposed around the annular portion of a prosthetic valve.

Valved conduits or grafts, which are arrangements including a prosthetic vascular conduit with an associated prosthetic valve to control flow of blood through the conduit, may be used for various purposes including, for example, the replacement of the aortic valve in conjunction with the ascending aorta. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body, carrying blood from the left ventricle of the heart throughout the body. The ascending aorta is the first section of the aorta, which stems from the left ventricle and extends to the aortic arch. The aortic valve is located at the root of the ascending aorta and controls the blood flow by permitting blood to flow from the left ventricle into the ascending aorta while preventing or restricting blood flow in the opposite direction. The coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle itself, branch from the ascending aorta. Downstream of the aortic valve, the wall of the ascending aorta exhibits three outward protrusions approximately spaced 120 degrees apart. These protrusions are known as the Valsalva sinuses. For replacement of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta, the valve in the valved conduit is arranged at one end of the prosthetic vascular conduit with its leaflets oriented to permit blood flow from the left ventricle into the conduit, while preventing blood flow out of the conduit in the opposite direction.
Practitioners may prefer having the option of coupling the valve to the conduit just before the replacement procedure. In some cases, for example, practitioners wish to couple the valve to the conduit, possibly in the operating room, only after the specific requirements (e.g., anatomy and pathology) of the patient are known. The coupling of the valve to the conduit and the subsequent implantation of the assembly may be important steps in any vascular surgery intervention. Practitioners are striving for reducing the overall time required for implanting a vascular prosthesis such as a prosthetic conduit, as saving time reduces the risk for the patient.

Prosthetic vascular conduit and assembly method


A low-resistance hydrocarbon adsorber comprising a spiral-wound laminated structure for mounting into an entrance port of an engine air intake system to prevent hydrocarbon evaporations from reaching atmosphere. Preferably, the adsorber is formed as a cartridge and comprises a flexible polymeric sheet support to which a thin flexible sheet of activated carbon sheeting is laminated on a first support side. The support is provided on a second side with features, for example, ribs or bumps, extending above the surface. When the laminate is spirally wound, the spiral convolutions are spaced apart by the features. Preferably, the convolutions are spaced apart by a distance such that there is a high probability that hydrocarbons migrating out of a shut down engine will encounter the adsorber and thus be adsorbed before reaching the atmosphere. The windings may fill all or a portion of the open area of the intake port.

Gasoline-fueled motor vehicles have many sites from which hydrocarbons (HC) may evaporate into the environment. HC in the atmosphere is a major contributor to smog formation. One such known site is the intake manifold of an engine. As HC emission regulations are tightened, a mechanism is needed to prevent HC vapor from escaping from the intake manifold after engine shutdown. Known approaches have included, among others, closing off the intake and idle air with the throttle valve when the engine is shut off; adding a rigid monolith structure formed of activated carbon into the intake air flow path of the air cleaner (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,551 B2); and lining the intake manifold, other air ducts, and/or the air cleaner with adsorptive carbon sheeting.
Closing the intake and idle air with the throttle valve requires that the engine be equipped with electronic throttle control; many inexpensive engines are not so equipped. Further, so employing an engine's electronic throttle control may impair the desirable option of so-called "limp home" mode in which a vehicle may be driven in event of a partial failure of the engine electronics control system.
Carbon sheeting applied to inner surfaces of the manifold and air ducts is only partially successful because some HC laden air could escape the manifold without being brought into proximity with an adsorptive surface. Relatively large areas of carbon sheeting are required to ensure that an adequate quantity of HC comes into contact with the adsorber.
An adsorptive rigid monolith formed from activated carbon is unsatisfactory as it is expensive to fabricate, brittle and therefore vulnerable to breakage during assembly and use, and inherently restricts the flow of intake air. A known carbon monolith has an open area of only about 80%. The last shortcoming is especially undesirable as both engine performance and fuel efficiency can be adversely affected by undue air flow restriction.
What is needed in the art is a means for providing hydrocarbon adsorption during engine shutdown near the main air entrance to an engine while minimizing intake air restriction during engine operation.
It is a principal object of the present invention to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from a shut down internal combustion engine.
It is a further object of the invention to minimize the restriction of combustion air inflow into the engine caused by a hydrocarbon-adsorptive device.

Spiral-wound hydrocarbon adsorber for an air intake of an internal combustion engine


A stored program controlled switching system is comprised of a first set of detachably mounted nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices such as memory cards for respectively storing data of different types including a control program, a second set of detachably mounted nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices for respectively storing the data of different types. A first controller is provided for operating the first set of memory devices in a working mode and the second set of memory devices in a standby mode, copying data from the memory devices of the working mode into a main memory and further into the memory devices of the standby mode, and performing a switchover between the operating modes when trouble occurs in the first set of memory devices. A second controller operates the switching system according to the data stored in the main memory.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stored program controlled switching system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Current stored program controlled switching systems employ a hard disk system as a huge memory device for storing a vast amount of data such as control program, subscriber information, tariff information and information concerning maintenance, operations and administration. In order to meet new services and features and cope with software imperfections, system file data are updated by downloading data from a storage device such as digital recording tape and magnetic optical disks. For maintenance purposes, the data stored in the hard disk system are routinely duplicated onto a backup system including digital recording tape and magnetic optical disks. Because of the enormous volume of data and the speed limitations imposed on the hard disk system, it takes a long time, typically several tens of minutes, to complete an updating or a duplicating routine. Much longer time (typically several hours) is necessary to duplicate data onto a newly installed standby storage system.
In order to minimize the routine work time, Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-135465 discloses a system in which an extra memory system is provided for exclusively storing updating information, which is compared with working data. If a mismatch is detected, the corresponding portion of the working data is replaced with the updating data. Another technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-309493 also relates to a stored program controlled switching system in which a card reader is provided and memory cards are used as an external storage means to store program and system data. Data stored in each memory card is read by the card reader and downloaded onto the random access memory of the switching system. A further technique is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2630263 in which all system are duplicated by a pair of identical subsystems including the switching network, the central processor and the hard disk system. In the duplicated hard disk systems, identical data are stored and constantly checked against each other and one of the systems is used as a working system and the other is in a standby mode. If the working system fails, a mismatch will be detected and a flag is set up, and the system is switched over from the working to the standby hard disk system. When the failed system is restored and duplicated with the current working system, the mismatched portion of data is copied from the current working hard disk system into the restored hard disk system so that same data are stored in both hard disk systems.
However, the prior art techniques still require the use of digital recording tape or magnetic optical disks as an external storage system, which contributes to the system size. Additionally, since a number of different types of data are stored, it takes time during a fault finding and recovery process to identify such data types and locate the troubled portion. Furthermore, it is often necessary to replace a failed hard disk drive. In such instances, a new hard disk drive may be shipped over long distances. During shipment, the hard disks are subjected to unfavorable transport conditions which may cause damages.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stored program controlled switching system that allows efficient trouble shooting and efficient maintenance routine.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a stored program controlled switching system that reduces the system size by eliminating the need to provide bulky recording systems.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a stored program controlled switching system that reduces shipment cost at low probability of damage which would otherwise occur during shipment of memory devices.
According to the present invention, there is provided a stored program controlled switching system comprising a first set of detachably mounted nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices for respectively storing data of different types including a control program, a second set of detachably mounted nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices for respectively storing the data of different types, and a main memory. A first controller is provided for operating the first set of memory devices in a working mode and operating the second set of memory devices in a standby mode, copying data from the memory devices of the working mode into the main memory and into the memory devices of the standby mode, and performing a switchover between the operating modes when trouble occurs in the first set of memory devices. A second controller operates the switching system according to the data stored in the main memory.

Stored program controlled switching system


A compressor for generating compressed air in a vehicle includes at least one piston, a cylinder, a crankshaft, a lubricant connection, a lubricant supply channel, and a clutch device by means of which the crankshaft can be connected to or disconnected from a drive device. The lubricant supply channel opens into at least one lubricant outlet in the interior of the compressor directed toward a piston running surface of the cylinder at least in particular rotational positions of the crankshaft.

A compressor of the general type under consideration is described in DE 20 2006 019 190 U1.
The use of a known shut-off clutch on compressors has the advantage that, in order to save energy, the compressor can be disconnected from a drive, for example the drive engine of the vehicle, if compressed air generation is not required. Without such a shut-off clutch, it has been usual hitherto to let the compressor run constantly with the drive engine and merely to switch it to a pneumatically neutral state in phases in which compressed air generation is not required. The introduction of a shut-off clutch to engage and disengage the compressor has the consequence that, upon being connected, the compressor is subjected to greater wear than in constant operation.


Nucleic acid sequences and methods are provided for producing plants and seeds having altered tocopherol content and compositions. The methods find particular use in increasing the tocopherol levels in plants, and in providing desirable tocopherol compositions in a host plant cell.

Isoprenoids are ubiquitous compounds found in all living organisms. Plants synthesize a diverse array of greater than 22,000 isoprenoids (Connolly and Hill (1992) Dictionary of Terpenoids, Chapman and Hall, New York, N.Y.). In plants, isoprenoids play essential roles in particular cell functions such as production of sterols, contributing to eukaryotic membrane architecture, acyclic polyprenoids found in the side chain of ubiquinone and plastoquinone, growth regulators like abscisic acid, gibberellins, brassinosteroids or the photosynthetic pigments chlorophylls and carotenoids. Although the physiological role of other plant isoprenoids is less evident, like that of the vast array of secondary metabolites, some are known to play key roles mediating the adaptative responses to different environmental challenges. In spite of the remarkable diversity of structure and function, all isoprenoids originate from a single metabolic precursor, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) (Wright, (1961) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 20:525-548; and Spurgeon and Porter, (1981) in Biosynthesis of Isoprenoid Compounds., Porter and Spurgeon eds (John Wiley, New York) Vol. 1, pp 1-46).
A number of unique and interconnected biochemical pathways derived from the isoprenoid pathway leading to secondary metabolites, including tocopherols, exist in chloroplasts of higher plants. Tocopherols not only perform vital functions in plants, but are also important from mammalian nutritional perspectives. In plastids, tocopherols account for up to 40% of the total quinone pool.
Tocopherols and tocotrienols (unsaturated tocopherol derivatives) are well known antioxidants, and play an important role in protecting cells from free radical damage, and in the prevention of many diseases, including cardiac disease, cancer, cataracts, retinopathy, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegeneration, and have been shown to have beneficial effects on symptoms of arthritis, and in anti-aging. Vitamin E is used in chicken feed for improving the shelf life, appearance, flavor, and oxidative stability of meat, and to transfer tocols from feed to eggs. Vitamin E has been shown to be essential for normal reproduction, improves overall performance, and enhances immunocompetence in livestock animals. Vitamin E supplement in animal feed also imparts oxidative stability to milk products.
The demand for natural tocopherols as supplements has been steadily growing at a rate of 10-20% for the past three years. At present, the demand exceeds the supply for natural tocopherols, which are known to be more biopotent than racemic mixtures of synthetically produced tocopherols. Naturally occurring tocopherols are all d-stereomers, whereas synthetic α-tocopherol is a mixture of eight d,l-α-tocopherol isomers, only one of which (12.5%) is identical to the natural d-α-tocopherol. Natural d-α-tocopherol has the highest vitamin E activity (1.49 IU/mg) when compared to other natural tocopherols or tocotrienols. The synthetic α-tocopherol has a vitamin E activity of 1.1 IU/mg. In 1995, the worldwide market for raw refined tocopherols was $1020 million; synthetic materials comprised 85-88% of the market, the remaining 12-15% being natural materials. The best sources of natural tocopherols and tocotrienols are vegetable oils and grain products. Currently, most of the natural Vitamin E is produced from γ-tocopherol derived from soy oil processing, which is subsequently converted to α-tocopherol by chemical modification (α-tocopherol exhibits the greatest biological activity).
Methods of enhancing the levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols in plants, especially levels of the more desirable compounds that can be used directly, without chemical modification, would be useful to the art as such molecules exhibit better functionality and biovailability.
In addition, methods for the increased production of other isoprenoid derived compounds in a host plant cell is desirable. Furthermore, methods for the production of particular isoprenoid compounds in a host plant cell is also needed.

Nucleic acid sequences to proteins involved in tocopherol synthesis


A variable capacitance element of the invention includes: a columnar vibrator formed inside a cylindrical hole of a supporting wall; a first circular driving electrode disposed above the columnar vibrator; a first circular capacitive electrode disposed in the middle of the columnar vibrator; a second circular driving electrode disposed on the periphery of the cylindrical hole of the supporting wall; and a second circular capacitive electrode disposed on an inner side surface of the supporting wall. An electrostatic force is increased or decreased sequentially in the circumferential direction of the second driving electrode that is divided into four parts by sequentially increasing or decreasing the driving voltage in the circumferential direction of the second driving electrode. As a result, the columnar vibrator is rotated to change the electrostatic capacitance between the first capacitive electrode and the second capacitive electrode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a variable capacitance element and a variable capacitance device, and in particular, to a variable capacitance element that changes an opposite distance between capacitive electrodes using an electrostatic force generated by application of a driving voltage and a variable capacitance device having the variable capacitance element.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a variable capacitance element is provided as a variable-capacitance capacitor in an electronic circuit, such as an oscillation circuit and a modulation circuit, in order to change an electrostatic capacitance such that a desired output can be obtained in the electronic circuit. For example, when the variable capacitance element is used in an MEMS, the electrostatic capacitance between electrodes is changed by forming the variable capacitance element in a three-dimensional shape so that the opposite distance between the electrodes can be freely changed.
An example of a known variable capacitance element 102 is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The known variable capacitance element 102 includes a supporting substrate 105, a cantilever 104, a fixed electrode 107, and a movable electrode 106, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The cantilever 104 is formed in a crank shape, and an end 104a of the cantilever 104 is fixed as a supporting end on a surface of the supporting substrate 105. Furthermore, the plate-shaped movable electrode 106 is disposed on a surface of the cantilever 104 opposite the supporting substrate 105, and the plate-shaped fixed electrode 107 is disposed on a surface of the supporting substrate 105 opposite the movable electrode 106. The widths of the cantilever 104 and the movable electrode 106 are decreased toward the front end side from the supporting end side. In addition, when a driving voltage is applied between the fixed electrode 107 and the movable electrode 106, an electrostatic force is generated between the fixed electrode 107, and as a result, the movable electrode 106 and the cantilever 104 is deflected toward the supporting substrate 105 side. Thus, since the opposite distance between the fixed electrode 107 and the movable electrode 106 is increased or decreased by changing a driving voltage to adjust the electrostatic force, the electrostatic capacitance between the fixed electrode 107 and the movable electrode 106 is changed.
However, in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode 106 and the fixed electrode 107 in the known variable capacitance element 102, a large driving voltage for increasing the amount of deflection of the cantilever 104 needs to be applied to make the distance between the movable electrode 106 and the fixed electrode 107 small and the state should be maintained. For this reason, it is necessary to continuously apply a large driving voltage in order to obtain a large electrostatic capacitance. As a result, a problem occurs that the power consumption of the variable capacitance element 102 and a variable capacitance device increases.

Rotary variable capacitance element and rotary variable capacitance device


An engine is provided with a block forming a cylinder, a head, and a gasket positioned between the block and the head. The gasket has first and second outer layers and a distance layer positioned therebetween. The first layer defines a first aperture and a bead surrounding the cylinder. The distance layer defines a second aperture concentrically arranged between the first aperture and the bead. The gasket has a stopper layer extending inwardly from the distance layer to a circular stopper element positioned adjacent to and aligned with the first aperture. A method of sealing an engine includes compressing a gasket between a block and a head to form a primary seal at a first interface and a secondary seal at a second interface between first and second outer layers and an intermediate layer, the first interface being positioned between the second interface and a bead surrounding a cylinder.

Internal combustion engines form a combustion chamber using two engine components, such as a cylinder head and a cylinder block. A deck face of the cylinder block cooperates with a deck face of the cylinder head to enclose the combustion chamber. A sealing member, such as a head gasket is positioned between the deck faces of the block and head to seal the combustion chamber during engine operation.

Head gasket for an internal combustion engine


A new and distinct variety of white nectarine tree, denominated ‘NECTARRUBY’, has fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet white flesh of high eating quality and an attractive bright purple red skin color. The tree is of large size and is vigorous. Fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of white nectarine tree, Prunus persica L. Batsch var. nucipersica, which has been given the variety denomination 'NECTARRUBY'. This new tree produces fruit with a long shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very good eating quality, fresh fruit for fresh market in August in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. Contrast is made to 'NECTAREXQUISE' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 19,377) white nectarine tree, standard variety, for reliable description. 'NECTARRUBY' is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has an medium flowering, fruit with very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, and so a very durable fruit.


Simple and efficient techniques for closed loop control of a boost converter. In an aspect, a current feed-forward (CFF) mode of operation includes providing current information to a control logic block controlling transistor switches of the boost converter to advantageously smooth the signals present in the closed loop control of the system. In another aspect, a modified peak current (MPC) mode of operation includes providing a simplified control mechanism based on a peak current mode of operation. Both CFF mode and MPC mode may share similar circuit elements, allowing a single implementation to selectively implement either of these modes of control. Further techniques are provided for determining average current information for the logic block.

1. Field
The disclosure relates to techniques for controlling boost converters to generate a desired output voltage.
2. Background
Boost converters are commonly employed to generate a voltage supply level higher than the available battery voltage level. A boost converter may incorporate switches configured by a control block to alternately charge and discharge an inductor. The charged inductor may supply an output voltage to a load, and the level of the output voltage may be regulated using a feedback mechanism in or coupled to the control block.
Prior art control techniques for a boost converter include burst mode (BM) control and peak current mode (PCM) control. According to BM control, the switches are configured to be activated whenever the output voltage drops below a certain threshold level. According to PCM control, the peak current through a switch is sampled and controlled using the control loop to obtain the desired output voltage. BM control may suffer from potential loop instability arising from the presence of two integrators (i.e., a capacitor and an inductor) in the loop path, while PCM control may be undesirably complex as it may require a large number of circuit blocks to implement.
It would be desirable to provide efficient and robust techniques for controlling the operation of boost converters.

Control logic for switches coupled to an inductor


A device may access payment data of a first payment account and a second payment account that are associated with a first user and a second user, respectively, wherein the payment data includes descriptions of payments to vendors. The device may group the vendors into subsets of vendors based on characteristics of the vendors. The device may determine relative weightings for respective vendors within the subsets. The device may receive a request for a vendor recommendation for a meeting between the first user and the second user, wherein the request identifies parameters for the meeting. The device may generate the vendor recommendation for the meeting by identifying candidate vendors based on the parameters for the meeting and selecting one or more of the candidate vendors based on the relative weightings for the respective vendors.

After agreeing to a meeting, such as a lunch with friends, a date, or a business lunch, participants of the meeting may exchange multiple communications to decide on a vendor for the meeting. In some instances, one participant may select the vendor based on the one participant's preferences, which may conflict with another participant's preferences. The preferences may conflict based on any number of criteria, such as a type of food served by the vendor, a price range for goods or services offered by the vendor, and/or the like.


A wideband signal is enhanced or suppressed to the same extent at each frequency without increasing the size of an overall sensor array. To achieve this, there is provided a signal processing apparatus including a direction estimator that obtains a direction of arrival of a signal for signals received from a plurality of sensors and each containing a target signal and noise, a first gain calculator that calculates a first gain using the direction of arrival of the signal, an integrator that obtains an integrated signal by integrating the signals received from the plurality of sensors, and a multiplier that multiplies the first gain by the integrated signal.

In the above technical field, non-patent literatures 1 and 2 disclose techniques of enhancing a target signal and suppressing an interfering signal by processing a plurality of sensor signals to generate an enhanced target signal, suppressing the target signal to generate a pseudo interfering signal in which an interfering signal is relatively enhanced, and subtracting a component correlated with the pseudo interfering signal from the enhanced target signal.
In these techniques, directivity is formed using a phase difference between signals based on a difference in spatial position between a plurality of sensors, and a specific signal is enhanced or suppressed based on the formed directivity.
Furthermore, non-patent literatures 3 and 4 describe arrangements obtained by combining the techniques of non-patent literatures 1 and 2 in a plurality of frequency bands from a low band to a high band using a plurality of arrays with different sensor intervals.

Signal processing apparatus, signal processing method, and signal processing program


The rear road wheels of a four-wheel steering motor vehicle are controlled so that a steer angle ratio of a rear wheel steer angle to a front wheel steer angle is variably controlled depending on the lateral acceleration. The steer angle ratio is selected so as to be in a range defined by:. f1(yo)-g(yo) .multidot.f2(yo).gtoreq.0 PA1 f1(yo)=Cfo/mf; PA1 f2(yo)=Cro/mr; PA1 Cfo, Cro are equivalent cornering powers of the tires of the front and rear road wheels while the motor vehicle is making a steady-state turn; and PA1 mf, mr are equivalent masses at the front and rear axles of the motor vehicle.. where

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of controlling the steer angle of a road wheel of a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a method of controlling the steer angle of rear road wheels of a four-wheel steering motor vehicle.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Steer response characteristics of a motor vehicle having only two front road wheels which are steerable (hereinafter referred to as a "2WS motor vehicle") will be described below.
A 2WS motor vehicle has a different yaw response to movement of the steering wheel while the motor vehicle is running straight ahead from a yaw response during turns. More specifically, the yaw rate gain of a 2WS motor vehicle tends to be nonlinear so that it is lower as the lateral acceleration yo of the motor vehicle is higher when the motor vehicle is making a turn. As is generally known, the reason for this is that the cornering power Cf of front road tires is lowered as the lateral slip angle cf of the front road wheels is increased. As described above, the yaw response of a 2WS motor vehicle during a turn is governed by the characteristics with which the lateral force F1 of the front road tires is generated with respect to the lateral slip angle .alpha.f.
In order to change the yaw response during turns without varying various parameters such as the weight m of the motor vehicle, the yawing moment Iz of inertia, the wheelbase l, the tread T, and the aspect ratio and material of the tires, it is general practice to adjust the roll stiffness and changes in alignment of the front and rear suspensions of the motor vehicle. However, such an adjusting process is based on the principle that the characteristics with which the lateral forces F1, F2 of the front and rear wheel tires are varied depend on the turning condition of the motor vehicle while passively utilizing the response of the motor vehicle body during the turn. Therefore, it is difficult to largely vary the yaw response of the motor vehicle. It is still more difficult to finely vary the yaw response depending on various values of motion of the motor vehicle such as the vehicle speed V and the lateral acceleration yo.
In the 2WS motor vehicle, during a turn in which the lateral acceleration yo applied to the motor vehicle is large, the cornering power Cf of the front wheel tires is almost zero, i.e., the lateral force F1 generated by the front wheel tires to turn the vehicle body in a yawing direction is saturated. Accordingly, even if the suspensions are finely adjusted to vary the yaw responsiveness, the yaw rate gain is approximately zero and any suspension adjustment is ineffective during turns in which the motor vehicle is subjected to large lateral accelerations yo.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 60(1985)-166561 published Aug. 29, 1985, for example, discloses a steering control process for a motor vehicle in which two front road wheels and two rear road wheels are steerable (hereinafter referred to as a "4WS motor vehicle"). According to the disclosed steering control process, the steer angle ratio k of the rear wheel steer angle .delta.r to the front wheel steer angle .delta.f is varied depending on the lateral acceleration yo on the motor vehicle. More specifically, during a turn in which the front and and rear road wheels are turned in the same direction, when the lateral acceleration yo exceeds a certain level, the steer angle ratio k is switched to a small value. With this steering control process, however, it is impossible to obtain smooth yaw responsiveness in a wide lateral acceleration from a small lateral acceleration yo to a large lateral acceleration yo.
The present invention has been made in an effort to eliminate the aforesaid drawbacks of the conventional methods of controlling the road wheel steer angle of a motor vehicle.

Method of controlling rear wheels of a four-wheel steering motor vehicles