A cow stall for a side-by-side type milking parlor, i.e., of the type in which the cow is milked from behind her hind legs, has its side walls angled outward to be somewhat wedge shaped. In the milking parlor, the operator pit can be of arcuate shape, so that the operator can see all of the stalls from any vantage point in the pit. Because the stalls angle out, the stall width is at least about thirty-one inches at the front gate to accommodate the cow comfortably, and it is reduced to about twenty-two inches at the rear wall. i.e. at the operators pit. This reduces the distance from one operator position to the next without impairing the exit of the cow through the front gate following milking.

This invention relates in general to the field of cattle stalls, in particular, in milking parlors and milking stalls having a unique wedge shape for compact parlor design, efficient parlor operation and maximum comfort for the cow.
A milking parlor generally consists of an array of individual stalls, each designed to hold a cow or other dairy animal while she is being milked. An attendant or operator is usually required to be present at the parlor to perform such tasks as ensuring that the animals are properly situated in the stalls; washing the udders prior to milking; applying milker units; and monitoring and attending to the operation of the milker units.
In early prior-art serial milking parlors, cows were placed in rectangular shaped stalls arranged in an end-to-end configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. In such parlors, the milking operation was performed alongside the cow. The operator had to walk the entire length of the cow in order to go from one cow to the next in attending to the milker units. Even for moderately sized milking parlors the required walking by the operator became excessive and physically tasking.
With the traditional serial configuration, the operator could not visually inspect the operation of all the milking units from one location because of the linear arrangement of the cow stalls and the distance separating the milker units. Consequently, the operator could not adequately meet problems arising at any given stall during milking.
An improvement to the serial configuration was made by arranging the stalls in the so-called herringbone configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. Like the serial configuration, the milking operation for the herringbone parlor is performed alongside the cows. The stall-to-stall distance the operator must walk to reach the next milker unit was reduced somewhat compared to the end-to-end configuration. However, the herringbone parlor still requires the operator to walk a considerable distance to each stall. In addition, the design was far from optimum for visual inspection of the milker units during the milking operation.
A recent development in parlor design has yielded the side-by-side or parallel stall configuration, sometimes called right-angle stall configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. In this design, milking takes place at the rear of the cow, between the hind legs. The distance of travel for the operator has also been reduced as compared to the herringbone and end-to-end or serial parlor configurations. The distance from one milking unit to an adjacent unit is essentially reduced to the minimum width dimension of the stall. Normally, a cow requires a stall width of at least twenty-eight to twenty-nine inches (twenty-six inches, post to post) for milking to avoid discomfort or injury. Thus, the parallel parlor configuration is an improvement over the end-to-end and herringbone designs. However, the distance from one milker unit to the next cannot be reduced to less than the acceptable minimum width of a rectangular milking stall. The linear arrangement of this parlor configuration is also less than suitable for visual inspection of the milker units during the milking operation.
An attempt to improve upon this visual inspection capability of the parallel stall involves arranging the parallel parlors in a V-shape, as shown in FIG. 4. However, it has been found that the V-shaped arrangement has not significantly improved the operator's ability to visually inspect and respond to any given milker unit during the milking operation.
Some parallel stall parlors are designed so that the cows enter along a rear pathway and turn a sharp angle, e.g. 90 degrees, into the individual stalls, as shown in FIG. 3. The sharp turn can be difficult for many cows to negotiate, and sometimes results in cow traffic jams in the parlor and discomfort or injury to cows, and may require operator intervention.
A tandem rotary parlor design utilizes end-to-end stalls arranged in a circle, as shown in FIG. 5. The parlor is rotatable about a central operator area. The operator can, in principle, basically stand at a single position and attend to each stall in the parlor as the cows revolve past. Such a rotary parlor is an elaborate mechanical system with high operating costs and requires a substantial commitment to maintenance. Another disadvantage is that the cows enter the parlor one cow at a time, which limits the number of cows that can be milked in a given period of time.
Still another parlor design available utilizes parallel stalls disposed in a circular configuration where the cows enter the stalls from a ramp at the perimeter of the parlor, as shown in FIG. 6. This parlor is also designed to rotate about its center. As with the rotary parlor of FIG. 5, with this parlor the cows enter one at a time. After milking, the cows must back out of the stalls onto the ramp to exit the parlor. Backing out is usually a slow process, and often requires operator intervention. As shown, the operator is situated outside the perimeter of the parlor. In some instances, he may be required to walk the perimeter of the parlor. Also, in this configuration the operator cannot inspect all of the milker units without having to either rotate the parlor at a relatively high rate or walk the entire perimeter of the parlor.


An engine includes an engine body. A camshaft shaft is journaled for rotation within the engine body. A rocker arm shaft also is disposed within the engine body. Intake and exhaust rocker arms are pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft. The intake rocker arm is associated with an intake valve. The exhaust rocker arm is associated with an exhaust valve. The camshaft actuates the intake and exhaust valves through the intake and exhaust rocker arms, respectively. The rocker arms are axially moveable along an axis of the rocker arm shaft. A stopper is disposed on the rocker arm shaft to stop the axial movement of the rocker arms in one direction. A spring member is mounted on the rocker arm shaft opposite to the stopper to urge the rocker arms toward the stopper. A block member blocks the axial movement of the rocker arms toward the biasing member.

This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-132469, filed Apr. 27, 2001, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a rocker arm arrangement for an engine, and more particularly to an improved rocker arm arrangement for an engine in which a biasing member urges a rocker arm toward a stopper.
2. Description of Related Art
A four-cycle engine is one of the most popular engine types used in, for example, an outboard motor. The four-cycle engine typically includes intake and exhaust valves to selectively connect a combustion chamber with an air intake system and an exhaust system, respectively. Typically, one or more camshafts directly or indirectly actuate the intake and exhaust valves. An engine, for example, having a camshaft that indirectly actuates the intake and exhaust valves can employ rocker arms that operate between the camshaft and the intake and exhaust valves. The rocker arms are mounted on a rocker arm shaft that extends generally parallel to the camshaft.
The rocker arms pivot about the rocker arm shaft to operate the intake and exhaust valves when actuated by the camshaft. The rocker arms normally can slide (i.e., are axially moveable) on the rocker arm shaft. Stoppers are mounted on the rocker arm shaft to stop the axial movement of the rocker arms in one direction. Typically, coil springs also are mounted on the rocker arm shaft opposite to the stoppers, respectively, to urge the rocker arms toward the stoppers.
In some arrangements, the spring constant of each spring can be set at a relatively large value to retain the rocker arm in a precise position even when subject to large engine vibrations and shock. However, if the spring constant is excessively large, friction increases between the rocker arm and the spring, between rocker arms disposed next to each other, and between the rocker arm and the stopper. The friction causes wear of those members and more engine power is necessary to drive the camshaft in order to actuate the rocker arms.
If, on the other hand, the spring constant is excessively small, large shocks on and vibrations in the engine tend to displace the rocker arms from their precise positions. In addition, the spring occasionally can be jolted out of the its primary position or can be damaged by the shock. The shock can be particularly large in connection with an engine employed for an outboard motor. This is because the outboard motor is typically mounted on an associated watercraft with a drive unit, which carries an engine, capable to popping up when the drive unit strikes an obstacle such as driftwood. The engine experiences large shock forces, not only when the drive unit strikes the obstacle, but also as drive unit momentarily pops up and then returns to its normal trim position.
A need therefore exists for an improved rocker arm arrangement for an engine that can retain at least one rocker arm in a precise preset position without significantly increasing friction on the rocker arm, and that can inhibit movement of the rocker arm from its preset position when the engine is subjected to a large shock force.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an internal combustion engine comprises an engine body. A moveable member is moveable relative to the engine body. The engine body and the moveable member together define a combustion chamber. The engine body defines an intake passage communicating with the combustion chamber at an intake port thereof and an exhaust passage communicating with the combustion chamber at an exhaust port thereof An intake valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the intake port. An exhaust valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the exhaust port. A camshaft is journaled for rotation within the engine body. A rocker arm shaft is also disposed within the engine body. At least first and second rocker arms are pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft. The first rocker arm cooperates with the intake valve. The second rocker arm cooperates with the exhaust valve. The camshaft actuates the intake and exhaust valves through the first and second rocker arms, respectively. At least one of the rocker arms is (and preferably both are) axially moveable along an axis of the rocker arm shaft. A stopper, which is disposed on the rocker arm shaft, is arranged to stop the axial movement of the rocker arm in one direction. A biasing member is mounted on the rocker arm shaft opposite to the stopper to urge the rocker arm toward the stopper. A block member is arranged to limit the axial movement of the rocker arm in a direction working against the biasing member.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an internal combustion engine comprises an engine body. A moveable member is moveable relative to the engine body. The engine body and the moveable member together define a combustion chamber. The engine body defines an intake passage communicating with the combustion chamber at an intake port thereof and an exhaust passage communicating with the combustion chamber at an exhaust port thereof. An intake valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the intake port. An exhaust valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the exhaust port. A camshaft is journaled for rotation within the engine body. A rocker arm shaft is also disposed within the engine body. At least one intake rocker arm and at least one exhaust rocker arm are pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft. The camshaft actuates the intake and exhaust valves through the intake and exhaust rocker arms, respectively. At least one of the rocker arms is axially moveable along an axis of the rocker arm shaft. A stopper is disposed on the rocker arm shaft to stop the axial movement of the rocker arms in one direction. A biasing member is mounted on the rocker arm shaft opposite to the stopper to urge at least one of the rocker arms toward the stopper and to dampen the axial movement of the rocker arm in an opposite direction to the one direction. A protector is configured to protect the biasing member against shock caused by the axial movement of the rocker arm in the opposite direction.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, an internal combustion engine comprises an engine body. A moveable member is moveable relative to the engine body. The engine body and the moveable member together define a combustion chamber. The engine body defines an intake passage communicating with the combustion chamber at an intake port thereof and an exhaust passage communicating with the combustion chamber at an exhaust port thereof. An intake valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the intake port. An exhaust valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the exhaust port. A camshaft is journaled for rotation within the engine body. A rocker arm shaft is also disposed within the engine body. At least first and second rocker arms are pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft. The first rocker arm cooperates with the intake valve. The second rocker arm cooperates with the exhaust valve. The camshaft actuates the intake and exhaust valves through the first and second rocker arms, respectively. The rocker arms are axially moveable along an axis of the rocker arm shaft. A stopper is disposed on the rocker arm shaft to stop the axial movement of the rocker arms in one direction. A spring member is disposed opposite to the stopper with at least one of the rocker arms disposed between the spring member and the stopper. The spring member includes a mounting section at which the spring unit is mounted onto the rocker arm shaft. The spring member further includes at least one leaf spring section that extends from the mounting section in another direction to acts against one of the first and second rocker arms that is disposed next to the spring member.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, an internal combustion engine comprises an engine body. A moveable member is moveable relative to the engine body. The engine body and the moveable member together define a combustion chamber. The engine body defines a passage communicating with the combustion chamber at a port thereof. A valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the port. A camshaft is journaled for rotation within the engine body. A rocker arm shaft is also disposed within the engine body. A rocker arm is pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft. The camshaft actuates the valve through the rocker arm. The rocker arm is axially moveable along an axis of the rocker arm shaft. A stopper is disposed on the rocker arm shaft to stop the axial movement of the rocker arm in one direction. Means are provided for biasing the rocker arm toward the stopper. Further means are provided for limiting the rocker arm from moving toward the means for biasing the rocker arm beyond a preset distance.


A heat exchanger is disclosed which comprises first and second cores aligned substantially parallel to each other in a horizontal arrangement. Each of the first and second cores includes a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced-apart, flat tubes disposed in a vertical arrangement. A plurality of corrugated fins are located in and extend through the spaces. First and second header pipes are connected to either end of the flat tubes of the first core to permit fluid flow. Third and fourth header pipes are connected to either end of the flat tubes of the second core to permit fluid flow. First and second plates are disposed on both upper and lower ends of said first and second cores to securedly affix them. Therefore, since the first and second cores for use as a condenser and a radiator can be manufactured with the same production process, the cost of manufacturing the heat exchanger is reduced. Further, since the heat exchanger has a condenser and a radiator, it can be easily attached in an automobile engine.

The number of factory installed automotive air conditioning systems is increasing in these modern times. A condenser in the air conditioning system is generally disposed forward of a radiator since the temperature of a fluid in the condenser can become higher than that of a fluid in the radiator.
However, since the configuration of the condenser is different from that of the radiator as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the condenser and the radiator are manufactured during separate production processes, respectively, thereby increasing production costs. In addition, installing the condenser and the radiator in the automobile is also done separately, and it takes much time to attach them thereto.
Accordingly, it has been proposed in the prior art to use a heat exchanger in an automotive air conditioning system which functions as a condenser and a radiator as disclosed in Japanese patent application Laid-open Gazette No. 63-91488 and Japanese Utility Model Laid-open Gazette No. 63-74970. These prior art heat exchangers include a first core for a condenser and a second core for a radiator, which are aligned vertically in series. Therefore, it is necessary to enlarge the plane area thereof to maintain the same effective area for heat exchange as in a conventional condenser and radiator. This increased planar area creates difficulty during installation in an automobile engine compartment.

Heat exchanger having a radiator and a condenser


In an embodiment, methods and systems have been provided for detecting changes in a network using improved Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) polling that reduces network traffic. Examples of changes in the network include, but are not limited to, configuration and behavioral changes in a network device, and response of network device to a network change. A Network Management Station (NMS) periodically polls Management Information Base (MIB) groups instead of periodically polling individual MIB object instances. The NMS receives the Aggregate Change Identifiers (ACIs) of MIB groups in response to polling, from a SNMP agent. The changes in the received ACIs represent the changes in the MIB groups. A change in an MIB group represents changes in the MIB object instances of the MIB group. The ACIs can be checksum, timestamp, and a combination of number of MIB object instances in a group and checksum of the MIB group.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to network management. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for monitoring Management Information Base (MIB) for use with network management protocols.
2. Description of the Background Art
A Network Management Station (NMS) monitors and administers network devices in a network using application layer protocols such as a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The NMS gathers information about the changes in the network devices to monitor and administer the network devices. The information about the changes such as configuration and behavioral changes in a network device, and response of network devices to a network change, constitute management information of the network devices. A software module such as an SNMP agent running on the network device provides management information of the network device to the NMS using Management Information Bases (MIBs). The MIBs are present in the network device. An MIB includes a large number of variables known as MIB objects. The NMS monitors the network devices by monitoring the changes in the MIB objects. The changes in the MIB objects lead to changes in the network devices and consequently, the changes in the network.
According to conventional methods, the NMS may use asynchronous and synchronous monitoring mechanisms, to monitor the changes in the MIB objects. One such example of asynchronous monitoring is an SNMP-trap mechanism. In the SNMP-trap mechanism, the network device sends SNMP traps to the NMS if the MIB objects are changed. However, it is possible that in some cases, the SNMP traps are not received by the NMS. As a result, the SNMP-trap mechanism is not completely reliable. Further, the SNMP-trap mechanism is applicable when a trap for a change in the MIB object is defined at the time of defining the MIB object. Moreover, the SNMP trap-mechanisms require highly available NMS.
In another asynchronous monitoring mechanism, the NMS may use Remote Monitoring (RMON) to monitor the changes in the MIB objects. However, the RMON uses a large memory of the network devices for monitoring the MIB objects. As a result, the RMON is not suitable for monitoring a huge list of the MIB objects.
In another conventional method, the NMS may use SNMP polling as a synchronous monitoring mechanism for monitoring the changes in the MIB objects. In SNMP polling, the NMS periodically polls the MIB objects. The periodic polling of each MIB object results in detecting changes in the MIB objects that have occurred between two subsequent time-periods. SNMP polling is more reliable in comparison to asynchronous mechanisms. Moreover, SNMP polling does not require highly-available NMS. However, the SNMP polling of each MIB object generates a large amount of SNMP traffic in the network. Moreover, the SNMP polling of each MIB object is not useful when no changes are detected in the MIB objects. As a result, the method of SNMP polling of each MIB object has to be optimized to avoid the generation of a large amount of traffic in the network.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system for detecting changes in a network using simple network management protocol polling


A cartridge for photographic photosensitive materials has the internal volume of not more than 0.07.times.cm.sup.3 (.times. is a surface area of the photosensitive layer of the photographic photosensitive material contained in it), and a cartridge body, a spool and a photographic film. The cartridge body is made of a plastic material having a sulfur content of not more than 2.5 .mu.g/g, and made of a carbon black produced from petroleum material at more than 1300.degree. C. or produced from natural gas or vegetable oil.

This invention relates to a cartridge for photographic photosensitive materials wherein the components contained in the plastic material forming it rarely deteriorate the properties of a photographic photosensitive materials placed in it.
In general, a cartridge for photographic photosensitive materials is composed of a cartridge body 1 in an about cylindrical shape and a spool 2 rotatably attached to the container body 1 as shown in FIG. 1. A film 3 is wound on the spool 2, and extended through a slit 4 of the cartridge body 1.
Heretofore, such a kind of the cartridge body of the cartridge for a photographic photosensitive materials is made of various plastic materials, such as polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin, which are blended with carbon black in order to secure light-shielding ability (Japanese Patent KOKAI No. 50-33831).
Besides, in some cartridges for photographic photosensitive materials, a spool is attached to the cartridge body rotatably, and a film wound on the spool is extended by rotating the spool (U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,275, U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,306). In this type cartridge for photographic photosensitive materials, the cartridge body is made of the above-mentioned plastic materials, too.
However, the above conventional cartridge for photographic photosensitive materials occasionally deteriorated the properties of the photographic photosensitive material placed therein, resulting to render the photographic photosensitive material useless.

Cartridge for photographic photosensitive materials


The discharge lamp lighting apparatus has a step-up/step-down converter 3 comprising a transformer 3a, a first switching element 3b serially connected to the transformer 3a on a side of a commercial ac power source 1, and a first diode 3c and a first capacitor 3d connected to the transformer 3a on the load side; zero-cross detection means 10 for detecting the zero-cross of voltage of the commercial ac power source 1; a supplemental power circuit 4 comprising a second diode 4a connected to the junction between the transformer 3a and the first switching element 3b, a second capacitor 4c for charging electric power stored in the coil of the transformer 3a on a side of the commercial ac power source 1 via the second diode 4a, and a second switching element 4b, a third diode 4f and an inductance 4e through which the energy charged in the second capacitor 4c is supplied to the discharge lamp 8; and a control circuit 9 that operates the second switching element 4b in the supplemental power means 4 based on the output from the voltage zero-cross detection means 10 during a predetermined period of time around the zero-cross.

This invention relates to a discharge lamp lighting apparatus that is powered by the commercial ac power source and lights up discharge lamps at high power factors.
FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit configuration of a prior art discharge lamp lighting apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei. 9-45490. In this figure, denoted 1 is a commercial ac power source, 42 rectifier circuit, 43 step-up inverter, 44 step-down inverter, 45 rectangular wave circuit, 46 starter circuit, 8 discharge lamp, 48 step-up inverter control circuit, 49 step-down inverter control circuit, 50 rectangular wave control circuit, and 11 controlled power source circuit.
In the discharge lamp lighting apparatus of this configuration, the controlled power source circuit 11 generates controlled power when the commercial power source 1 is supplied, and then the step-up inverter control circuit 48, the step-down inverter control circuit 49 and the rectangular wave control circuit 50 initiate operation.
The step-up inverter 43 converts an output, which is made by rectifying ac voltage provided by the commercial power source 1 in the rectifier circuit 42, into a predetermined dc voltage. In this time, the step-up inverter control circuit 48 corrects the waveform distortion of the input current supplied to the step-up inverter 43 and controls the step-up inverter 43 so that the input power factor becomes almost 100%.
The step-down inverter 44 is a DC-to-DC converter that converts the dc voltage provided by the step-up inverter 43 into another dc voltage. The step-down inverter control circuit 49 controls the output voltage of the step-down inverter 44 so that the current running through the discharge lamp 8 becomes a predetermined current.
The rectangular wave circuit 45 converts the dc voltage of the step-down inverter 44 into ac voltage. The rectangular wave control circuit 50 controls the rectangular wave circuit 45 so that the current running through the discharge lamp 8 becomes a rectangular alternating current of a predetermined frequency.
The starter circuit 46 generates high voltage pulses to start up the discharge lamp 8.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the conventional lamp lighting apparatus, called magnetic type lighting apparatus, where denoted 1 is a commercial power source, 51 capacitor, 52 choke coil, 53 high voltage pulse generator and 8 discharge lamp. The high voltage pulse generator 53 applies high voltage pulses to the discharge lamp 8. When the discharge lamp 8 lights up, a current runs from the commercial power source 1 to the discharge lamp 8. The choke coil 52 limits the current flowing to the discharge lamp 8. The capacitor 51 raises the power factor by improving the lagging in current caused by the choke coil 52.
Electric appliances are required to have high power factors in order to reduce negative effects on power system facilities for the ac commercial power. In order to raise the power factor of an electric appliance, it is necessary to convert ac voltage into dc voltage at high power factors by the use of a step-up inverter, as shown in the example of the prior art. Thus, the discharge lamp lighting apparatus becomes large and costly as such a step-up inverter is installed.
On the order hand, it is possible, as shown in FIG. 7, to control the current running through the discharge lamp by the use of a choke coil of large inductance. However, the employment of a large choke coil leads to a large lamp lighting apparatus. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8(a), since the discharge lamp current presents the same sinusoidal wave as that of the commercial ac voltage of the commercial power source, the period of time when the discharge lamp current is near zero becomes long. Then as shown in FIG. 8(b), restriking voltage appears when the discharge lamp current is low. The occurrence of restriking voltage leads to turn-off of the discharge lamp and lowers illumination efficiency.
It is, therefore, the object of this invention to provide an inexpensive, small, high power factor discharge lamp lighting apparatus that can reduce the generation of restriking voltage.
According to a first embodiment of the present invention, in a discharge lamp lighting apparatus for controlling electric power supplied to the discharge lamp by a step-up/step-down converter comprising a transformer, a first switching element serially connected to the transformer on a side of a commercial ac power source, a first diode and a first capacitor connected to the transformer on the load side, the discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes a zero-cross detection means for detecting the zero-cross of voltage of the commercial ac power source; a supplemental power circuit comprising a second diode connected to a junction between the transformer and the first switching element, a second capacitor for charging energy stored in the coil of the transformer on a side of the commercial ac power source via the second diode, and a second switching element, a third diode and an inductance through which the energy charged in the second capacitor is supplied to the discharge lamp; and a control circuit that calculates the voltage cycle of the commercial ac power source based on the output from the zero-cross detection means and then operates the second switching element in the supplemental power circuit at a high frequency during a predetermined period of time around the zero-cross.
As described above, the supplemental power circuit supplies electric power to the discharge lamp during the period before and after zero-cross of the commercial ac power source voltage and thus the duration of time the current running through the discharge lamp is zero becomes short. Therefore, no restriking voltage appears in the discharge lamp, turn-off of the lamp can be prevented, and decrease of the illumination efficiency can be prevented.
When the first switching device of the step-up/step-down converter is turned off, the energy stored in the leakage inductance of the transformer in the step-up/step-down converter is discharged to the second switching element in the power amplification circuit, and then a high voltage is applied to the second switching element. Thus it becomes possible to use energy efficiently and raise the conversion rate since the high voltage is stored in the capacitor via the diode and then supplied to the discharge lamp.
In addition, since the voltage applied to the switching element can be lowered, a low withstand voltage switching element can be used and the system cost is thereby reduced.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the discharge lamp lighting apparatus according to the first embodiment further includes current detection means for detecting current running through the discharge lamp; wherein the control circuit has calculation means for calculating a target current to be provided to the discharge lamp, the calculation means provides a constant target current during the period of time when the second switching element in the supplemental power circuit is operated at a high frequency and another target current of an arched waveform having peaks at around 90xc2x0 and 270xc2x0 of voltage of the commercial ac power source during the period of time when the second switching element is not operated, and the control circuit controls the current running through the discharge lamp detected by the current detection means so as to make it equal to the calculated target current.
As a result, since the input current presents a sinusoidal a waveform similar to that of the commercial ac power source voltage, an inexpensive system with high power factor can be provided without adding a step-up converter for improving power factor.
According to a third embodiment, in the discharge lamp lighting apparatus set forth in the second embodiment, the target current of an arched waveform having peaks at around 90xc2x0 and 270xc2x0 of the commercial ac power source voltage during the period of time when the second switching element in the supplemental power circuit is not operated has a waveform of squared sinusoid.
As a result, the input current supplied from the commercial power source to the discharge lamp lighting apparatus becomes very similar to the sine wave. Then the power factor is raised and the harmonic components included in the input current are reduced.
According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in the discharge lamp lighting apparatus set forth in the first embodiment, the control circuit controls the supplemental power circuit to operate only during the period between 45xc2x0 ahead and 45xc2x0 behind the zero-cross of the commercial ac power source voltage or less, controls the constant target current in the target current so as to make it equal to or less than half the peak value of said target current, and operates the second switching element in the supplemental power circuit at the same frequency and for the same or shorter On-time as that for the first switching element in the step-up/step-down converter.
As a result, the current running through the supplemental power circuit is reduced to xc2xc or less of the current running through the discharge lamp. Since low current capacity components can be employed in the supplemental power circuit, the circuit cost can be reduced.
Moreover, since the switching element in the supplemental power circuit is operated at the same frequency and for the same or proportional On-time as that of the switching element in the start-up/step-down converter, distortion in the input current decreases when the supplemental power circuit starts or stops operation. Then the harmonic components included in the input current are reduced.
Since the switching element in the supplemental power circuit is controlled to operate at the same frequency and for the same or proportional On-time as that for the switching element in the start-up/step-down converter, an additional control circuit that determines the duration of On-time becomes unnecessary and the system cost can be reduced.
According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in a discharge lamp lighting apparatus for controlling electric power supplied to the discharge lamp by a step-up/step-down converter including a transformer, a first switching element serially connected to the transformer on a side of the commercial ac power source, a first diode and a first capacitor connected to the transformer on the load side, the discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes zero-cross detection means for detecting the zero-cross of voltage of the commercial ac power source; a supplemental power circuit comprising a second capacitor installed on a side of the commercial ac power source which is charged via a second diode, a first inductance and the first switching element in the step-up/step-down converter, and supplies the energy stored in the second capacitor to the discharge lamp via a third diode, second inductance and second switching element; and a control circuit that calculates the voltage frequency of the commercial ac power source based on the output from the zero-cross detection means and then operates the second switching element in the supplemental power circuit at a high frequency during a predetermined period of time around the zero-cross.
As a result, the supplemental power circuit supplies electric power to the discharge lamp during the period before and after zero-cross of the commercial ac power source voltage and thus the duration of time when the current running through the discharge lamp is zero becomes short. Then no restriking voltage appears in the discharge lamp, turn-off of the lamp can be prevented, and decrease of the illumination efficiency can be prevented.
In addition, since the input current presents a sinusoidal waveform similar to that of the commercial ac power source voltage, it becomes possible to raise power factor without adding a step-up converter for the improvement of power factor and to provide inexpensive discharge lamp lighting systems.
According to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the discharge lamp lighting apparatus set forth in the first or fifth embodiment further includes current detection means for detecting current running through the discharge lamp; wherein the control circuit switches the second switching element in the supplemental power circuit at a high frequency over the whole cycles of the commercial ac power source voltage until said current detection means detects the current running through the discharge lamp after the discharge lamp lights up.
As a result, when the discharge lamp starts dielectric breakdown triggered by high voltage pulses and initiates discharge, the supplemental power circuit also supplies current to the discharge lamp. Therefore, a sufficient amount of current is provided during the transition from the unstable discharge state immediately after the dielectric breakdown to stable light-up, and then a smooth start-up is realized.
According to a seventh embodiment of the invention, the discharge lamp lighting apparatus set forth in the first or fifth embodiment further includes a voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the commercial ac power source; wherein the second switching element in the supplemental power circuit is switched at a high frequency when the commercial ac power source voltage is determined to be lower than normal voltage.
As a result, even if voltage falls or power supply to the discharge lamp fails due to a trouble in the commercial ac power source, electric power can be supplied by the supplemental power circuit to the discharge lamp and then the probability of turn-off of the lamp can be lowered even when a trouble arises in the commercial ac power source.
According to an eight embodiment of the present invention, in a discharge lamp lighting apparatus for controlling electric power supplied to the discharge lamp by a step-up/step-down converter including a transformer, a first switching element serially connected to the transformer on a side of the commercial ac power source, a first diode and a first capacitor connected to the transformer on the load side, the discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes: zero-cross detection means for detecting the zero-cross of voltage of the commercial ac power source; a supplemental power circuit comprising a second diode connected to the junction between the transformer and the first switching element, a second capacitor for charging energy stored in the coil of the transformer on a side of the commercial ac power source via the second diode, and a second switching element, a third diode and an inductance through which the energy stored in the second capacitor is supplied to the discharge lamp; and a control circuit that operates the second switching element in said supplemental power circuit at the same frequency as that for the first switching element in said step-up/step-down converter during an On-time shorter by a predetermined time than the On-time of said first switching element, over the whole cycles of the commercial ac power source.
As a result, even when large current cannot be taken out from the commercial ac power source during the period around the zero-cross of the commercial ac power source voltage, a sufficient current is supplied to the discharge lamp via the second capacitor and the second switching element and the period of time when the current running through the discharge lamp is zero becomes short. Therefore, no restriking voltage appears in the discharge lamp, turn-off of the lamp can be prevented, and the illumination efficiency does not decrease.
When the first switching element in the step-up/step-down converter is turned off, the energy stored in the leakage inductance of the transformer in the step-up/step-down converter is discharged as a surge voltage to the second switching element in the power amplification circuit. This energy is converted into a switching loss in general. However, since this energy is stored in the capacitor via the second diode and then supplied to the discharge lamp in this embodiment, the energy can be used efficiently and the conversion rate can be increased.
Further, the surge voltage generated at the first switching element is thereby absorbed in the capacitor via the second diode, so that low withstand voltage switching elements can be used and the system cost is thereby reduced.
Since the second switching element is operated at the same frequency as that of the first switching element during an On-time shorter by a predetermined time than that of the first switching element over the whole cycles of the commercial ac power source, it becomes possible to supply current to the discharge lamp via the second capacitor and the second switching element to prevent turn-off of the discharge lamp, even if the commercial ac power source momentarily fails due to a trouble.
According to a ninth embodiment of the invention, the discharge lamp lighting apparatus set forth in the eight embodiment further includes current detection means for detecting current running through the discharge lamp; wherein the control circuit has calculation means for calculating a target current to be provided to the discharge lamp, makes a target current of an arched waveform having peaks at around 90xc2x0 and 270xc2x0 of the commercial ac power source voltage almost flat around the zero-cross, and controls the discharge lamp current detected by said current detection means so as to make it equal to the calculated target current.
As a result, since the input current presents a sinusoidal waveform similar to that of the commercial ac power source voltage, it becomes possible to raise power factor without adding a step-up converter for the improvement of power factor and to provide inexpensive discharge lamp lighting systems.
The apparatuses described in these first to ninth embodiments of the present invention light up discharge lamps, synchronizing with the commercial ac power source. Thus they are particularly suitable for use in high voltage type discharge lamps such as metal halide lamps, which are more likely to become unstable in discharge operation upon high frequency start-up than fluorescent lamps.

Discharge lamp lighting apparatus and lamp apparatus


Disclosed herein are techniques for protecting web applications from untrusted endpoints using remote browser isolation. In an example scenario, a browser isolation system receives a request from a client browser executing on a client device to connect with a remote application accessible via a private network. A surrogate browser is provided to facilitate communications between the client browser and the remote application. A security policy is enforced against the communications.

Entities such as enterprises typically host a set of internal applications (e.g., database applications, development tools, etc.) for internal use. To limit access to such applications (e.g., to employees/contractors affiliated with the enterprise), a typical approach is to make such applications accessible only from an IP address associated with the enterprise. In order to allow for remote work (or other reasons), virtual private networks (VPNs) are often used. Unfortunately, such use of VPNs can be problematic. For example, configuring and deploying hardened endpoint systems with VPN access can be expensive and time consuming. And, if the endpoint executing the VPN client software is compromised (or the user of the endpoint is untrustworthy), providing direct access to the application stack (and any vulnerabilities) can pose a significant security risk. Another problem is that user experience can often degrade when using a VPN (e.g., due to increased overhead on the client device, onerous key management requirements, etc.). Accordingly, improvements in providing access to internal applications are desirable.

Protecting web applications from untrusted endpoints using remote browser isolation


A design technique is disclosed that allows video processing hardware designers to effectively employ the requirements of a video processing standard (e.g., H.264 specification or other such standard) during the hardware architecture design phase of the design process. The technique eliminates or otherwise reduces costly multiple passes through the resource intensive implementation and verification portions of the design process, and allows designers to make changes to the hardware architecture design, thereby ensuring verification at the implementation phase.

Designing a video processing architecture requires the consideration of a number of factors. Each functional block of the architecture design must be clearly and precisely defined, as well as the flow of data and control information between the functional blocks. The architecture design must then be mapped into real-life scenarios and applications. The resulting implementation of the architecture design for an actual application must then be evaluated to confirm that the desired performance goals and bandwidth requirements are satisfied.
Typically, a high-level hardware description language (HDL) is used for defining circuit architectures at the component, board, and system levels. Circuit models can be developed at a very high level of abstraction. One such language is known as register transfer level (RTL), which allows digital circuits to be described as a collection of Boolean equations, registers, control logic (e.g., if-then-else statements), and complex event sequences. Commonly used RTL languages include, for example, VHDL and Verilog.
Once the architecture design is described as an RTL implementation, that RTL implementation is then synthesized into a gate-level netlist. The resulting schematic of the gate level netlist can then be used as a guide for the overall block and function placement (floor planning), specific gate placement (pick-n-place), and layout of physical interconnections (routing). Once the implementation is achieved, it can be verified using a C-model that is derived from the specification.
FIG. 1 illustrates the flow of conventional video processing architecture design process. As can be seen, the design process starts with the applicable specification or standard, such as the H.264 standard, also known as the Advanced Video Coding (AVC) standard. This specification is a high compression digital video codec standard produced by the Joint Video Team (JVT), and is identical to ISO MPEG-4 part 10, and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The next step in the design process is the hardware architecture design. A significant problem that hardware architecture designers face is that the H.264 specification is difficult to comprehend from a designers point of view and provides little structural guidelines. In this sense, there is a disconnect between the specification and hardware architecture design portions of the design process. After the hardware architecture design phase, the design process proceeds to RTL implementation. A C-model based in the specification is used to performance test the implementation and hardware architecture design.
Substantial time and resources are generally expended during the implementation phase of the hardware architecture design. Once at the implementation stage of the design process, only limited changes can be made at the implementation level without penalty. In addition, any changes necessary to the hardware architecture design after the implementation process generally come with a heavy penalty. In particular, once the hardware architecture design is adjusted, the implementation process must be repeated, at the cost of additional time and resources. Thus, if the verification process fails, the design process must be started over and is repeated until a proposed hardware architecture design is verified.
What is needed, therefore, are design techniques that allow video processing hardware designers to effectively employ the requirements of the H.264 specification (or other appropriate video processing standard) during the hardware architecture design phase of the design process. Such techniques would eliminate or otherwise reduce costly multiple passes through the implementation and verification portions of the design process.

Video processing architecture definition by function graph methodology


A method and arrangement are provided for operating a ship ramp driven by an electric motor between an upper end position and a lower end position. The arrangement includes means for reducing the maximum torque of the at least one electric motor when the ramp is in proximity to an end position of the ramp, and means for determining the position of the ramp on the basis of at least one of the number of rotations performed by the at least one electric motor, a quantity indicative of the number of rotations, and an elapsed time in accordance with the velocity of the ramp. The arrangement also includes means for allowing the reduction of the maximum torque of the at least one electric motor only when the determined position of the ramp is within a zone defined by predetermined limits.

Ship ramps such as a ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessel or car ferry gate ramps are known to be driven by hydraulic systems. However, the use of hydraulic systems poses a potential risk of pollution or damage to goods in case there is a leakage of hydraulic oil used by the hydraulic system. Also, hydraulic systems may require to be continuously operated in order to keep the system pressurized, which consumes energy. Thus, electric systems are becoming more popular in ship ramp drives. Electric systems which drive the ship ramp by means of one or more electric motors can be simple to install and monitor during use and can also be maintenance-friendly. In addition, electric systems may provide considerable energy savings.
When the ship ramp is closing and near an upper end position (closed position), it may be desirable to reduce the electric motor maximum torque to ensure smooth closing of the ramp. With a reduced maximum torque, the seals on the ship ramp have a longer lifetime and there is less mechanical stress on the components. It is possible to reduce the maximum torque when the ramp is near the upper end position because then there is a reduced requirement for torque. The torque reduction in the proximity of the upper end position may be implemented by means of a proximity switch or sensor, by an operator command, and/or by controlling the motor supply system, e.g. an inverter, to limit the maximum torque of the motor.
When the ship ramp is opening and near a lower end position (open position), it may be desirable to put the ramp in tension or to a hold position (e.g., hanging on the harbor pier) without lifting the ramp up. This can be accomplished so that the maximum torque level of the electric motor is reduced to keep ramp winch wires tight and to take a part of the ramp load without lifting the ramp up. The torque reduction in the proximity of the lower end position may again be implemented by means of a proximity switch or sensor, by an operator command, and/or by controlling the motor supply system, e.g. an inverter, to limit the maximum torque of the motor.
However, in the aformentioned types of torque reduction, if for some reason, such as a defect in a proximity switch or a human error, the torque reduction is performed when the ramp is in a wrong position, e.g. midway between the end positions, the control of the ramp may be lost because of the reduced torque level and the ramp may, as a result, crash down uncontrollably. Especially in the case of heavy ramps such as ro-ro ship gate ramps, such an event may cause substantial damage to the equipment and also personal injuries.

Method and arrangement for operating a ship ramp


A power management apparatus is provided with a power supply control unit for controlling the supply of power from a system to a facility load. In a state in which a storage cell mounted in a vehicle is electrically connected to the system, the power supply control unit acquires information relating to the storage cell status, and on the basis of the information and vehicle operation input, supplies power stored in the storage cell to at least one of the system and the load.

In the prior art, a technique has been disclosed for supplying energy accumulated in an electricity storage device mounted to a vehicle to a power grid (hereinafter referred to as a "grid"). For example, a technique is known that allows a control unit of an automobile to supply flow of current to a grid from a power accumulation device that supplies drive energy to an electric motor.

Power management apparatus, power management system, and power management method


A method is described for the detection of anti-streptokinase antibodies in a sample which comprises detection of a complex between lactate dehydrogenase, streptokinase, and antistreptokinase antibodies. The method is useful for the detection of antistreptokinase antibodies in the serum of patients prior to clinical streptokinase administration.

Present day treatment for acute myocardial infarction entails intravenous administration of a thrombolytic drug within the first few hours after onset of symptoms to break up (lyse) blood clots within coronary arteries thereby reversing damage to the affected heart muscle. There are two major thrombolytic drugs now available, streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA).
The activation of plasminogen by either streptokinase or TPA results in the formation of plasmin, a proteolytic enzyme that degrades fibrin, the principal component of the lattice which holds a blood clot together.
Streptokinase is a naturally occurring product from the bacteria streptococci. Because streptokinase is a bacterial product and an antigen, many individuals who have had previous streptococcal infections (e.g., strop throats) have anti-streptokinase antibodies in their blood. These antibodies neutralize streptokinase when it is administered as a drug (Brogden, R. N., et al., Drugs: 5:357-445 (1973)). Anti-streptokinase titers between 2 to 402 U/ml in a random sample of 120 people has been reported (Bachmann, F., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 72:228 (1968)). Streptokinase is biochemically inert when bound to this antibody and the complex of streptokinase and antibody is rapidly cleared from the circulation (Fletcher, A. P. et al., Clin. Invest. 37:1306 (1958)). Such antistreptokinase antibodies may account for some treatment failures of streptokinase in myocardial infarction due to inadequate dosing with the drug.
It is necessary to begin thrombolytic therapy early after onset of myocardial infarction (within 4 hours) to achieve satisfactory clinical results. Consequently, the choice of which drug to use and how much to use should be made quickly. For effective therapy when streptokinase is chosen, the dose of streptokinase must begin with a dosage in excess of that required to neutralize endogenous circulating antibodies to streptokinase (Bfogden, R. N., et al,, Drugs: 5:357-445 (1973)). Doses which are not in excess of the amount required to neutralize these endogenous antibodies are pharmacologically inactive. It is critical to determine the proper dose for streptokinase therapy. Doses which are too high may lead to the formation of excessive plasmin and result in the depletion of additional proteins which plasmin also degrades, such as circulating fibrinogen and clotting factors V and VIII. Thus, with too much streptokinase there is a risk of hemorrhage. When the hemorrhage occurs in the central nervous system, grave neurological impairment or death usually results (Braunwald, E. et al., J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 10:970 (1987); Haber, E. et al., Science 243:51 (1989)).
Because there is such individual variability in the levels of antistreptokinase antibodies, a rapid determination of the presence of significant amounts of anti-streptokinase antibodies in a patient would be very useful in guiding medical decisions concerning the dosage of streptokinase needed for therapeutic treatment. With the knowledge that antistreptokinase antibodies are present, an appropriate initial neutralizing dose may be administered, followed by an infusion of the drug in an amount sufficient to maintain the level of free streptokinase required for the induction of a thrombolytic state.
Such an assay would also be useful as part of routine cardiac risk assessment profiling, especially, after a patient has been treated with streptokinase. Eight to nine days after treatment, the titer of antistreptokinase antibodies rapidly rises 50-fold to 100-fold in most patients, only returning to pretreatment levels 4-6 months later (Schmutzler, R. et al., Thrombolytic Therapy, in Poller Recent Advances in Blood Coagulation, p. 324, Churchill, London, 1969). Consequently, it is critical to know the titer of streptokinase antibodies in these patients before repeating a course of streptokinase within a few months of the original treatment.
Further, just as cholesterol is used as a screening test for risk of developing heart disease, it is desirable to routinely prescreen individuals for antistreptokinase antibody status on a regular basis. The results of such a prescreen would be of value for individuals who wish to know if streptokinase would be efficacious in treating their future heart-attacks.
Thus a need exists for a rapid, economical test for antistreptokinase antibodies.
It is known that the bacterial thrombolytic agent streptokinase binds to human, porcine, and chicken LD isoenzyme subunit M, but not to the H or C subunits (Podlasek, S. J. et al., Clin. Chem. 35:69-73 (1989)). There is amino acid sequence homology between LD and the streptokinase binding site on plasminogen to account for this interaction. The binding of streptokinase to LD subunit M results in the formation of a streptokinase-LD complex in serum that contain LD activity (Podlasek, S. J. et al., Clin. Chem. 35:69-73 (1989)). However, it has not previously been known to use the affinity of streptokinase for LD as the basis for the determination of antistreptokinase antibodies in the serum of an individual.

Method for the detection of anti-streptokinase antibodies


A handheld measurement, search and safety device that includes a main frame having a handle, an extendable member that slides outwards from the main frame in measured increments, and an interchangeable support brace comprising either a buttstock or arm brace to allow responders to use the extendable member to survey hazardous materials at a distance, or a one-handed configuration used to survey hazard materials in confined areas. The handheld measurement, search and safety device includes a plurality of picatinny rails disposed on both the main frame and extendable member to removably mount a host of different field survey instruments and/or tactical accessories for detecting, locating, identifying, measuring, or sampling hazardous materials including radioactive materials or toxic chemicals.

Emergency personnel and first responders are well-trained individuals that are often called upon to assist individuals, or to manage unsafe conditions in life-threatening or dangerous situations. The efforts of public safety personnel, such as public health officials or health physics specialists are also solicited in particular circumstances to access various situations and conditions that may adversely affect the safety and well-being of people. One particular happenstance involves exposure of dangerous hazardous materials that may include toxic chemicals, such as anthrax, or deadly radioactive materials to humans and the surrounding environment. First responders and police officers are often trained to follow prescribed protocols while dealing with dangerous substances, often calling on the local fire marshal, and other public health officials to further access and manage both presence of, and possible exposure to, such hazardous materials. Most firefighting companies, and other public safety agencies, are typically educated and trained to also follow prescribed protocols when responding to hazmat situations. In many hazardous situations, chemical hazards often emanate pungent smells that are often associated with visually identifiable solids, liquids, or gases. Yet another hazard of grave concern includes the presence of radioactive or radioisotope materials that can rise to unacceptable or dangerous levels posing unknowing damage, such as gamma rays, to humans or animals. The presence of such radioactive substances is generally deemed more deadly or omniscient, because radioactive materials are not detectable by one's senses, unlike the case with most chemical hazards. Radiation cannot be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, or felt, so simple inspection is insufficient to locate and identify radioactive materials. It is common knowledge that exposure to even low levels of certain types of radiation has been proven to cause cancer, birth defects, and a host of adverse medical conditions. Emergency responders are generally held to a higher standard of training when dealing with radioactive materials; yet they are often holding radiation detection instruments with their bare hands. Use of radioactive materials is often seen in industrial applications, in research and development, manufacturing processes, in hospitals, as well as, on a much larger scale, in nuclear power plant or reactor operations and plant decommissioning. As such, the safety of well-trained personnel performing tasks associated with radioactive materials is a matter of concern in military, industrial, healthcare, and nuclear power plant radiation applications.
There are various aspects of individual and environmental safety concerns when dealing with possible exposure to hazardous materials. First and foremost is the safety of emergency responders, public bystanders, animals, and the surrounding environment. In the context of radioactive materials, public safety personnel are often poised with the task of identifying, detecting, or measuring various objects or targets to determine whether a radioactive material is present at all before implementing proper containment and/or disposal management practices. There are situations in which well-trained personal employ radiation detection tools to survey suspicious individuals, packages, vehicles, buildings, bags or purses, shoes, terrain, or other areas in an effort to determine whether radioactive materials are present. With the ongoing concern of terrorist acts, it is not uncommon to see law enforcement and homeland security employ techniques to locate radioactive materials that may be present in bags or on people in airports, on people or in vehicles at border crossings, or even in packages designated for the post office. It is also vital to identify, detect, and measure radioactive materials that are often associated with the decommissioning of power plants, use of radiological dispersal devices, or in preventative radiological nuclear detection missions for detecting, locating, and identifying radioactive material outside of regulatory control. Thus, there is an on-going concern and need to survey decommissioned nuclear power plant component parts, tools, and materials, containment of buildings and in civil society the surrounding environment, monitor people, equipment, vehicles, and a variety of different objects for radioactive contamination in various known and unknown applications
Safety personnel are generally equipped with standard tools and equipment to protect themselves from possible exposure to harsh, dangerous, and possibly life-threatening substances and chemicals. For example, responders often use protective barriers such as suits, hoods, gloves, and face shields to prevent hazardous materials from coming into contact with a person's eyes, hair, or skin. Pulmonary ventilation devices, such as, gas masks, or oxygen tanks, are also used to ventilate personnel and prevent inhalation of toxic chemical fumes or gases, or to oxygenate individuals who are exposed to such gases or fumes. There are a host of tools that are available to better assist personnel in dealing with hazardous materials attributed to radioactive materials. Because radioactive materials emanate no order, provide no sounds, and are invisible to the naked eye, special tools or devices have been developed to meet the challenges facing responders in detecting and identifying radioactive materials.
Many devices often entail small, handheld devices that comprise survey meters often referred to as radioisotope identification devices, known simply as RIID. Although such meters are effective in measuring or detecting gamma wave radiation, such devices are designed for a single purpose, and is typically held in a responder's hand during use. The responders typically hold RIID devices in one hand when surveying objects with the device, and as such, come in close proximity to surveyed objects in order to effectively determine whether hazardous materials are present. In doing so, responders bear the risk of exposing their hands to radioactive or chemical substances in the process as a result of being in close distance to target objects. The effort is exacerbated as responders often find themselves working in uncomfortable, awkward positions or places, maneuvering between objects, or searching in confined areas resulting in workers straining muscles, becoming imbalanced, and coming into contact with the hazardous materials tested. Prior art devices developed to assist responders in dealing with hazardous materials are generally designed for a single purpose. Also, such prior art devices do not offer the ability for responders to interchange different surveying tools or tactical accessories when on job sites, while at the same time, providing a tool for holding field survey instruments and eliminating the need of holding field survey instruments in hand. Further, prior art devices do not provide a tool for use in hazmat applications that allow responders to take distant measurements of surveyed objects and coordinate the measured data for evidentiary proceedings.
Accordingly, there is an established need for a solution to at least one of the aforementioned problems. There remains a need for a device that improves ergonomics by increasing comfort, balance, posture, and safety for responders when surveying targets for hazardous materials, while extending the reach and distance between first responders and hazardous materials to mitigate dangerous proximity to toxic chemicals or radioactive materials. There is also a need for a device that permits first responders to interchange a host of different field survey instruments and tactical accessories on-site to effectively detect, measure, identify, and locate hazardous materials, and to make measurements of surveyed objects for use in evidentiary proceedings, from a safe distance.

Handheld measurement, search and safety device


The present invention relates to a 3-dimensional camera module having an X-prism, and a using method thereof, the camera module including: a pair of lenses condensing incident light; a pair of shutters positioned at a center axis of each lens to open/close with a time difference for interrupting or passing the condensed incident light; a pair of polarizers vertically polarizing the incident light having passed any one shutter of the pair of shutters; an X-prism shaped of a rectangular parallelepiped coupled with four prism units and coated with a reflection film for selectively reflecting the vertically polarized incident light; and an image sensor continuously receiving the vertically polarized incident light and the horizontally polarized incident light reflected to the reflection film with a time difference to generate left/right images corresponding to the vertically polarized incident light and the horizontally polarized incident light in association with the pair of shutter.

A 3 dimensional (3D) image is perceived by allowing a viewer's left/right eyes to respectively view different images and the different images to be combined in brains, whereby a 3D, stereoscopic image (a 3D image) that provides a sense of depth can be realized. To this end, left/right two images are generally needed to allow the left/right eyes to perceive respectively different images.
The 3D images in prior art 3D camera are embodied by two camera modules respectively applied with two image sensors with two lenses, whereby a circuit unit for driving two camera modules is complicated to disadvantageously be disabled to use two sensors when one of the two image sensors is malfunctioned. In order to overcome this disadvantage, there is a need to provide a new 3D camera module capable of simplifying a complicated circuitry and obtaining a 3D image using only a single image sensor as well.

3-dimensional camera module having X-prism and using method thereof


An air bag sensor module fastening device for a vehicle is provided includes a vehicle mounting structure having an internally threaded member. A sensor is secured to a base for sensing vibrations caused by a crash of the vehicle. The base has an aperture extending therethrough that is aligned with the internally threaded member. The aperture includes a retaining portion. A fastener for securing the base to the vehicle mounting structure has a shaft with a head and a threaded portion opposite the head. The threaded portion is temporarily retained within the retaining portion in a shipping position. The threaded portion has a minor diameter and the shaft portion has a shaft diameter less than the minor diameter. As a result, the shaft will not be in an interference fit relationship with the retaining portion so that the compressive load of the fastener alone secures the base to the vehicle mounting structure. The threaded portion is disposed outside of the retaining portion in an installed position in which the threaded portion is received in the internally threaded member to secure the base to the vehicle mounting structure. In this manner, the threaded portion will engage only the internally threaded member so that the base is secured to the vehicle mounting structure by the compressive load of the fastener alone.

This invention relates to air bag sensor modules that are secured to the vehicle structure for transmission of crash pulses, and more specifically, the invention relates to a fastening device for securing the module to the vehicle structure.
Air bag sensor modules include a crash sensor and are mounted on the vehicle structure in a manner to transmit crash information from the vehicle structure to the crash sensor. Diagnostic circuits evaluate the crash information and discriminate between a fire and a no fire condition. To this end, the air bag sensor module is mounted on the vehicle such that the crash sensor will be subject to forces that indicate a crash condition. For example, the crash sensor usually comprises an accelerometer and the air bag module is rigidly coupled to a portion of the vehicle such that deceleration indicative of a crash condition is transmitted to the crash sensor. When a crash condition requiring air bag deployment is detected, the controller associated with the air bag module sends a signal to ignite an air bag deployment device.
To ensure that the forces are properly transmitted from the vehicle structure to the crash sensor, the module must be securely fastened to the vehicle structure. Typically, the manufacturer of the module supplies the module to the vehicle manufacture, which provides the fastening elements used to secure the module to the vehicle structure and installs the module onto the vehicle structure. Preferably, the fastening elements are secured to the vehicle structure only under the compressive load of a threaded fastener to ensure optimal crash pulse transmission. By having the vehicle manufacturer supply the necessary fastening elements, variables are introduced that may compromise proper installation of the module and inhibit crash pulse transmission. For example, the threads of the fastener may engage both the module and the vehicle structure so that the module is not secured to the vehicle structure by compressive load alone. Additionally, the shaft of the fastener may be in an interference fit relationship with a module mounting hole, again preventing the module from being secured to the vehicle structure by compressive load alone. Therefore what is needed is a fastening device which secures the module to the vehicle structure only by the compressive load of the fasteners to ensure optimal crash pulse transmission.
The present invention provides an air bag sensor module fastening device for a vehicle. The fastening device includes a vehicle mounting structure having an internally threaded member. A sensor is secured to a base for sensing vibrations caused by a crash of the vehicle. The base has an aperture extending therethrough that is aligned with the internally threaded member. The aperture includes a retaining portion. A fastener for securing the base to the vehicle mounting structure has a shaft with a head and a threaded portion opposite the head.
The threaded portion is temporarily retained within the retaining portion in a shipping position. The threaded portion has a minor diameter and the shaft portion has a shaft diameter less than the minor diameter. As a result, the shaft will not be in an interference fit relationship with the retaining portion so that the compressive load of the fastener alone secures the base to the vehicle mounting structure. The threaded portion is disposed outside of the retaining portion in an installed position in which the threaded portion is received in the internally threaded member to secure the base to the vehicle mounting structure. In this manner, the threaded portion will engage only the internally threaded member so that the base is secured to the vehicle mounting structure by the compressive load of the fastener alone.
Accordingly, the Dove invention provides a fastening device which secures the module to the vehicle structure only by the compressive load of the fasteners to ensure optimal crash pulse transmission.


An ink container for an ink jet printer adapted to supply ink via a tube to an ink jet cartridge. The cartridge includes a bottle, a cap engaging the bottle to form an ink containing cavity, an ink exit channel from the ink containing cavity through the cap, an air inlet channel through the cap into the ink containing cavity, and an air entrance opening from the air inlet channel into the ink containing cavity. The air entrance opening has a perimeter to area ratio that is greater than 2/R where R is the equivalent radius of the air entrance opening. This perimeter to area ratio (or shape factor) allows for easy formation and break off of bubbles at the air inlet channel. If such bubbles remain attached to the air inlet opening they can prevent some of the ink in the container from flowing therefrom for printing.

Inkjet type printers typically employ print cartridges installed in a carriage that is moved transverse the print media. Contemporary disposable inkjet print cartridge typically include a self-contained ink container, a print head including a plurality of inkjet nozzles in combination with the ink container, and a plurality of external electrical contacts for connecting the inkjet nozzles to driver circuitry. Typically in a desktop printer, the entire cartridge must be disposed of when the ink in the container is spent without regard to whether the print head assembly remains functional. As the inkjet technology has improved over the years, the reliability of the print cartridges has improved dramatically. The print head assemblies used in the contemporary disposable inkjet print cartridges are fully operable to their original print quality specifications after printing tens or even hundreds of times more ink than the volume of the self-contained ink container.
Efforts have been pursued in the inkjet industry to extend the lives of the print cartridges in printers to reduce the cost of operation and to reduce the frequency of cartridge replacement for customers, as well as for environmental reasons. Print cartridge life can be extended by merely making the cartridge container larger in size so that it can hold more ink. But this approach adds extra weight on the printer carriage, which moves side to side continuously across the media width for image printing. The extra weight on the carriage causes more mechanical stress to printer structure and demands on larger motor to drive the carriage.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,947, to R. A. Murray et al., discloses a wide format inkjet printer which provides a substantially continuous flow of ink to a print cartridge from a large, refillable ink reservoir permanently mounted within the inkjet printer. Flexible tubing, also permanently mounted within the inkjet printer, connects the reservoir to the print cartridge. The off-carriage ink delivery system allows a print cartridge to function for the full cartridge life while eliminating the problems related to the extra weight on the carriage of an on-carriage large ink system. The permanent refillable reservoir provides users with the flexibility of refilling ink without having to stop the printing operation. However, the refilling operation is generally not user friendly and can result in spilling ink.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,064 to Pawlowski et al. discloses a replaceable off-carriage ink cartridge, which has an internal bag for holding ink. The internal volume can be pressurized to speed up ink filling from the ink supply cartridge to the print cartridge on the carriage. Another ink cartridge with an internal ink bag is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,888 to Trafton et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,823 by Droege discloses a replaceable ink bottle with a puncturable diaphragm closing the mouth of the bottle. The bottle has a simple structure. The ink in the bottle flows to the print cartridge due to the gravity of the ink.

Replaceable ink container for inkjet printer


The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing acid-gellable whey protein aggregates in the form of concentrated suspensions or powders. Moreover, the present invention relates to a novel composition containing the acid-gellable whey protein aggregates, to a food product ingredient comprising the novel type of acid-gellable whey protein composition, and to a food product comprising the novel type of acid-gellable whey protein composition.

Whey protein is known to be a high quality protein source for human nutrition and is useful as a nutritional supplement for persons in need for extra protein.
It is known that whey proteins denature when subjected to sufficient heat-treatment and it is also known that some denatured whey proteins possess gelling properties and that gelling of a solution comprising denatured whey proteins can be induced by acidification, by addition of salt and/or by heating the solution.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,741 describes a solution containing denatured whey protein which undergoes gelation by the addition of salt.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,630 describes a water soluble processed whey protein powder produced by combining a partial heat-denatured whey protein with a non-denatured whey protein.
WO 2006/034856 describes activated globular protein preparations which can be used as a gelling agent, a thickening agent, an emulsifying agent, a stabilizing agent, a whipping agent, a protein supplement and/or a gelatin substitute. The gelation properties of the activated globular whey protein preparations can be induced by addition of acid.
US 2008/0305235 describes a modified whey protein concentrate which comprises denatured whey proteins and is capable of cold-gellation upon addition of salts. An important teaching of
US 2008/0305235 is that the whey protein concentration should be kept low during denaturation and that the temperature of concentrated suspensions of modified whey protein concentrate should be kept above 40 degrees C.
WO 2008/032039 A2 discloses a method of monitoring the degree of protein denaturation and aggregation during heat treatment in order to control the degree of denaturation and particles size of the obtained denatured whey protein particles. The examples of WO 2008/032039 A2 pertain to measuring and controlling microparticulation of whey protein and egg protein and neither discuss nor characterize the presence of acid-gellable whey protein aggregates. The protein concentration of the whey protein feeds of the Examples are typically approx. 20% and therefore favour formation of microparticles rather than acid-gellable whey protein aggregates. Demineralization and removal of divalent cations is not mentioned and this furthermore indicates that the amount of acid-gellable whey protein aggregates is very low, if present at all.
WO 2015/059248 A1 discloses a high protein, acidified dairy product comprising a denatured whey protein composition and the composition itself. The denatured whey protein composition contains a total amount of protein of at least 60% (w/w), a total amount of fat of at most 3% (w/w) and insoluble whey protein particles having a particle size in the range of 1-10 micron, where the amount of insoluble whey protein particles is in the range of 50-100% relative to the total amount of protein. The denatured whey proteins are prepared by heat treating a solution comprising at least 1% (w/w) whey proteins and having a pH of 5-7 at 70-160 degrees C. for sufficient time to form the insoluble whey protein particles (typically from 1 second to 30 minutes).
However, the insoluble whey protein particles of WO 2015/059248 A1 are not acid-gellable whey protein aggregates, and WO 2015/059248 A1 neither contains teachings relating to the challenges of preparing whey protein compositions containing a high concentration acid-gellable whey protein aggregates nor any discussions of acid-gellable whey protein aggregates as such.

Method of producing concentrated or dried acid-gellable whey protein aggregates, and related compositions and food products


In measuring distance with an ultrasonic proximity initiator stochastic interference signals can cause false pulses which have been suppressed largely by pulse width evaluation. While limiting false releases based on false pulses, the evaluation of the echo signal has been coarse because the amplitude of the pulses is not evaluated. This shortcoming is eliminated by sampling the analog echo signal at the ultrasonic proximity initiator at given time intervals and then subsequently converting the sampled values into digital values. This step is followed by a program controlled mathematical combining of the new digital values with digital values stored in a data memory that were derived from corresponding times in previous echo signals. The new digital values produced by the mathematical combination are stored in a data memory and evaluated with respect to amplitude or pulse width to determine distance. The distance thus obtained is displayed for each pulse cycle. The method can be used in ultrasonic proximity initiators for measuring distance.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for suppressing stochastic interference signals in ultrasonic distance measurements. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic proximity initiator that repeatedly sends out ultrasonic pulses of equal width and receives corresponding echo signals that are evaluated in a control and evaluating unit. Stochastic interference appears as deviations in the echo signals as measured relative to the emitted ultrasonic pulses. These deviations are compensated for in the distance determination.
Methods for suppressing the foregoing type of interference are known, for instance, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,527, corresponding to DE 3,428,773. This reference distinguishes false pulses based on pulse width since false pulses can be recognized as being wider or narrower than the emitted ultrasonic pulses, all of which have an equal width. While effective at limiting false releases, this method has the disadvantage that the evaluation is only very coarse as to whether or not an echo signal carries interference since the information contained in the amplitude of the echo signal is not considered.

Method for the interference suppression in ultrasonic distance measurements


A method of generating spurious-noise-free power from a switching device. The method includes generating an oscillating signal in the form of a series of pulse trains, and randomly changing the switching frequency, or the on-time, or both the switching frequency and the on-time of the switching device. The method further includes causing the switching device to change from a first frequency to a second frequency only at the end of a pulse train of the first frequency, and causing the second frequency to start at the beginning of its first pulse train such that no switching duty-cycle disturbance at the time of the change from first to second frequency. In a particular embodiment, the method further generates spurious-noise-free power from a switching device by implementing a relationship between the different switching frequencies involved such that spurious-noise-free operation is achieved.

Switching power converters are commonly used to generate regulated power supply rails out of unregulated energy sources. The generated power supply rails are used to power a variety of circuit loads. There are a variety of different types of switching power converters, such as buck converters, boost converters, buck-boost converters, flyback converters, and various other classes of converters. Additionally, switching power converters can be used as signal power amplifiers, such as Class-D amplifiers and switch-mode amplifiers, and also as supply modulators for power amplifiers such as polar power amplifiers. Typically, switching power converters produce output power from an input power source by controlling the relation between the period of time in which a switch, typically a power transistor, is turned "on" and the period of time in which the switch or power transistor is turned "off". The bursts of energy resulting from this on/off switching process are stored into energy storing elements, i.e. capacitors and inductors, which are then used to provide energy to the load when the power transistor is turned "off".
By controlling the relation between the "on" and "off" periods of the power transistor using a negative feedback loop and a reference signal (could be a DC reference or an AC signal, or a combination), a voltage at the desired level can be produced at the output. One method to control the relation between the "on" time and "off" time is to keep the total switching period ("on" time plus "off" time) always constant and only change the "on" time. This is referred to as pulse-width-modulation (PWM) control. Another method is to maintain the "on" time always constant, and only change the "off" time. This is referred to as pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) control. Each of these methods has its advantages and shortcomings, and in many cases a switching converter will incorporate both methods and select between them depending on the application and the use conditions. Regardless of which method is used, the ultimate result is that power can be delivered to the load at the exact levels needed by the load without wasting excess energy across the power transistor. Theoretically, the efficiency of these types of switching power converters can reach 100%, but is typically less due to non-idealities associated with the power transistors and the energy storing elements.
Switching power converters are widely employed in electronic devices due to their high power-conversion efficiency. However, their output, due to periodic switching, typically contains voltage ripples with a frequency spectrum that contains concentrated energy at the switching frequency and its harmonics, i.e., spurs. In many cases, this spurious output noise interferes with the load and significantly degrades its performance. As a result, switching power converters are typically avoided for applications that are sensitive to spurious noise, such as analog and RF applications. In some instances, this spurious behavior can be mitigated using energy-inefficient linear regulators, either directly from the main power source (battery or otherwise), or as a post regulation stage between the noise-sensitive circuitry and the switching power converter. However, this strategy results in much lower power efficiency, as well as increased size and cost. Moreover, as switching frequencies of switching power converters increase, for example into the 3 MHz to 10 MHz range, in order to reduce the size of the passive components needed, and to improve the switching converter's transient performance, linear regulators become less effective in filtering the spurious noise, due to poor power supply rejection at frequencies beyond 1 MHz.
Several techniques for reducing the spurious noise of switching power converters have been proposed over the years. Some take the approach of reducing the peak-to-peak level of the switching noise. Typically, this approach includes using multi-phase regulators, which can significantly increase the cost and implementation complexity, due to the large number of passive components required and the high accuracy of the timing relationship needed between different switching phases. Active ripple cancellation, using different classes of linear amplifiers in parallel with the switching power converter, has also been explored, but this method generally results in poor efficiency due to the high bandwidth required in these amplifiers, as well as the significant ripple current they must provide to cancel out the spurious noise.
Other techniques for reducing the spurious noise of switching power converters that rely on manipulating their switching behavior have also been proposed. One of these techniques includes using either a sigma-delta or a delta modulator in the control loop. While this technique may be able to reduce spurious noise, it may also result in large and broad-band increases in the noise floor, which, in turn, may necessitate the use of additional linear regulators anyway. While the required linear regulators in these cases generally have relaxed power supply rejection requirements, from a power efficiency perspective, this approach is not an improvement over already existing schemes.
It would therefore be desirable to have a system and method of generation spurious noise-free power from a switching power converter. Embodiments of the invention provide such a switching power converter, which is free of spurious noise. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

System and method for providing power via a spurious-noise-free switching device

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.


A system and method for extracting medical information into a digital format; classifying the medical information into a database with customizable standard categories; and implementing the new information on all related customers' system in large scale networks.

It is challenging to automatically implement new information, to customers' systems immediately in large scale networks. For example, it is estimated that it may take up to seventeen years to implement a new treatment (as a new technology or medication) in healthcare, to reach only 50% of use in the indicated patients. The results of this slow implementation process can significantly impact on patients' outcomes and healthcare costs. An improvement is required in collecting and implementing the new information.

Apparatus and method of automated information extraction and implementation through large scale networks


The present invention provides an improved billing and contract management method and a computerized enterprise resource management system for processing and management of rent-producing financial products, such as contracts and leases that are past the initial end term date, and that have not been renegotiated or extended, or, in other words, that have entered the “evergreen” period. Among other things, the method and computerized system of the present invention integrate processing of the “evergreen” contracts with a proprietary generalized ERP software product/solution such as Oracle™ E-Business suite's Lease Management system, and supplement the processing of regular contracts with the “evergreen” contract authoring and booking, processing, validation, billing, accounting, collections, modification and audit trailing of the changes made to the “evergreen” contract terms.

The present invention relates generally to an improved billing and contract management method and a computerized system, and more specifically to software and a method for providing additional billing and management functionality and processing of rent-producing financial products, such as contracts and leases that are past the initial end term date and that have not been renegotiated or extended, or, in other words, that have entered the "evergreen" period. In particular, the present invention relates to the software that provides and incorporates the processing of the financial products (e.g., operating, direct finance, asset sales and sales type leases and loans) in the "evergreen" period with proprietary software products such as Oracle™ E-Business suite's Lease Management system and allows seamless integration with Oracle and other software contract management products and methods.
In today's competitive technological marketplace, computerized systems and proprietary software (a.k.a. an enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications) are used to track and manage a number of different financial and asset-based products, such as commercial leases and other types of rent-generating contracts. Most ERP systems track and manage only a limited aspect of a business agreement or a particular type of transaction, but some offer a more global approach, allowing a user to track the contractual arrangement and business transactions pursuant to this arrangement from sales and contract origination to the end term of the contractual agreement.
For example, Oracle™ Lease Management system and solution helps lessors manage a number of complex contractual business arrangements, such as vendor programs, operating agreements, investor agreements and other types of contracts with sufficient automation and flexibility necessary for operations in a global enterprise marketplace. Among other things, it helps lessors to account for transactions according to standards that may vary from one region to another, comply with evolving regulations, streamline and automate end-to-end business process to improve efficiencies and reduce costs by reducing traditionally labor-intensive processes such as contract authoring, review and approval, management of the transactions in multiple currencies, billing, funding, collections, insurance and contract termination.
Although Oracle's E-business suite's Lease Management software provides an improvement over prior lease management software products and ERPs that were specific to the requirements of a particular country and did not interface with other similar systems selected by the affiliates in other countries, Oracle's unified software solution and method for automating the end-to-end business processes is still deficient in a number of important aspects. It only has extremely limited functionality relating to automated processing, billing and accounting for the contracts in the "evergreen" period. The lease contract period for these contracts may have reached its term date, but the rents are still being collected and the contract is neither renegotiated, extended, or rebooked. Therefore, there exists a need for, among other goals and solutions, for a software system and a method of processing the "evergreen" contracts and integrating their processing with such contract management functions as authoring and booking, processing, billing, accounting, collections, modification of the terms and conditions and audit trailing of these modification in the ERP systems currently utilized by lessors.

Evergreen contract billing and in life contract management system and method