A received pulse signal based on an on-off keying modulation scheme is alternately sampled by AD conversion sections operated by a clock signal whose frequency is one-half of a transmission rate. In the synchronization, amounts of delay in sampling timing adjustment sections are made different from each other, whereby phases of two different points in a symbol pulse are sampled. An amount of delay in a variable delay section is adjusted in accordance with a result of comparison of the sampled values, thereby achieving synchronization. At the time of demodulation, the amount of delay in the variable delay section is held, and the amounts of delay in the sampling timing adjustment sections are switched to the same value, and the symbol pulse is alternately sampled. The sampled values are subjected to threshold value determination, and the determination result is subjected to parallel-to-serial conversion, whereby a demodulation output is acquired.

There has recently been a demand for application that interconnects devices, such as a portable cellular phone terminal, an audiovisual device, a personal computer, and peripheral devices thereof, and that exchange data, such as multimedia information. Conceivable uses are; for instance, managing music data recorded by audio equipment through use of a personal computer and transferring video data recorded by visual equipment to a portable cellular phone terminal and viewing the thus-transferred video data outside.
Conceivable means for implementing such a demand is to connect the devices by means of a cable, to thus constitute a network. However, establishment of a wired network raises problems in terms of user's convenience, such as troublesome wire-connection work and restrictions on the layout of devices.
For these reasons, a wireless network has gained attention as means for enhancing convenience to a much greater extent. Practical use of techniques pertaining to a wireless LAN typified by IEEE802.11b and a wireless PAN (personal area network) typified by Bluetooth is proceeding.
Against such a backdrop, a communications scheme called an ultra-wide band (Ultra Wide Band hereinafter abbreviated as "UWB") for transmitting a pulse-like modulation signal by use of a wide frequency band has received attention as a technique for inexpensively providing faster data communication.
The UWB is for enabling utilization of an extremely-wide frequency band and gaining a large capacity communications line by adoption of low transmission power of an order of magnitude which does not interfere with an existing radio system and yields an advantage of the ability to attain an extremely-high data transmission rate at nominal power. Some of wireless transmission schemes using the UWB use a technique for converting a pulse-like signal having broadband spectrum components into a radio frequency and transmitting the signal at the frequency.
When the wirelessly-transmitted pulse signal is received, processing in synchronism with the received pulse signal is required for reasons of demodulation. A receiver that enables performance of processing for demodulating the received pulse signal having a high transmission rate while assuring synchronization is a configuration; for instance, such as that described in Patent Document 1.
FIG. 15 shows a configuration for synchronization with a received pulse signal in the related art. Moreover, FIG. 16 illustrates a processing system 210 for demodulation purpose in addition to showing a sync processing system 215 shown in FIG. 15.
In FIG. 16, the received pulse signal input from an antenna 100 is mixed with a replica pulse internally generated by a demodulation correlation mixer 310 and sync correlation mixers 405 and 410 at different timings, whereby correlation values are determined. The correlation values are converted into digital values by means of the AD converters 220 and 225 and are subjected to processing for demodulation and sync control in a controller 230.
FIG. 17A shows a timing relationship between a received pulse signal and an internally-generated pulse that is to become a replica, and FIG. 17B shows a relationship between the two pulses in terms of a phase difference and a correlation output. The phase difference and the correlation output between the received pulse and the internally-generated pulse become symmetrical about a phase difference of zero and become maximum at the phase difference of zero.
FIGS. 18A to 18C show the phase difference and the correlation output obtained when synchronization is achieved. Two points designated by symbols T in the respective drawings are correlation values determined by the sync correlation mixers, and points designated by symbols A represent correlation values determined by the demodulation correlation mixers. As illustrated, it is possible to detect a state of synchronization with the received pulse in which correlation operation is performed by shifting at regular intervals the phase of the internally-generated pulse input to each of the correlation mixers.
FIG. 18A shows a state where optimum demodulation can be performed while synchronization is achieved, wherein a value output from the demodulation correlation mixer becomes maximum and two values output from the sync correlation mixers becomes equal to each other. FIGS. 18B and 18C show a state where synchronization is not achieved as a result of the received pulse and the internally-generated pulse being out of phase with each other in the demodulation correlation mixer. A difference arises in two output values from the sync correlation mixers.
The related-art device operates so as to change timing of the internally-generated pulse in such a way that the difference comes to zero by comparison of two correlation values of the sync correlation mixers 405 and 410 through use of an adder 415, to thus assure synchronization. As mentioned above, the invention described in Patent Document 1 enables receipt of wirelessly-transmitted pulse signals and demodulation of the signals while assuring synchronization by means of a configuration having in parallel a demodulation system using a correlator and a synchronization system.
Patent Document 1: JP-T-2005-518111 (FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, and FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C)


An image-forming device includes an image carrier belt, a roller, a transfer material transporting member, and a transfer roller. The image carrier belt carries an image. The transfer material transporting member transports a transfer material. The transfer roller transfers the image to the transfer material at a nip. The transfer roller includes a concaved portion formed on a peripheral surface thereof and a transfer material gripping portion that grips the transfer material in the concaved portion. The transfer roller is in contact with the roller via the image carrier belt. A first interaxial distance between a rotation axis of the transfer roller and a rotation axis of the roller as the transfer material is gripped is larger than a second interaxial distance between the rotation axis of the transfer roller and the rotation axis of the roller as the image is being transferred onto the transfer material at the nip.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an image-forming device and an image-forming method, in which a latent image formed on a photoreceptor is developed using a toner, the developed toner image is transferred onto a transfer belt, the toner image on the transfer belt is transferred onto a recording paper or another medium, the transferred toner image on the medium is fused and fixed, and an image is formed.
2. Background Technology
Regarding conventional image-forming devices, there is known a technique in which a concaved portion provided to a body part of a transfer roller is provided with a pawl member and a pawl seat member capable of gripping an edge part of a transfer material along the axial direction of the rollers, wherein a toner image formed on an intermediate transfer member or a similar element is transferred to the transfer material while the transfer material is gripped by the pawl member and the pawl seat member. An example of an application of this technique is described in Patent Citation 1 (Japanese Translation of PCT International Application No. 2006-513883). In Patent Citation 1, there is disclosed an image-forming device in which the transfer material is gripped, during transfer, by a gripping member provided to a concaved portion of a transfer roller; and the transfer material is released after transfer is complete. According to a conventional image-forming device such as that described above, it is possible to prevent the transfer material from becoming displaced during transfer, and to perform the transfer in a reliable manner.
Japanese Translation of PCT International Application No. 2006-513883 (Patent Document 1) is an example of the related art.

Image-forming device and image-forming method


A fluid heating system for a work vehicle includes a pressurized fluid circuit having a pump for providing pressurized fluid to the fluid circuit. A control module for controlling a first control device is in fluid communication with the fluid circuit, the first control device operable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the first control device permits a load sense pressure to be applied through the first control device, thereby preventing pressurized fluid from the pump flowing to a pressure return tank for heating the pressurized fluid. The second position of the first control device prevents the load sense pressure from being applied through the first control device, thereby permitting pressurized fluid from the pump flowing to a pressure return tank and resulting in heating of pressurized fluid of the fluid circuit.

In cold climates, it is important to minimize the amount of time needed to warm a vehicle to operating temperature. More specifically, the temperature of the hydraulic oil must be increased to a minimum operating temperature before implement operation, such as a loader, is allowed. In older, fixed-displacement (i.e., constant flow) systems, oil temperatures rose quickly at start-up due to inherent inefficiencies associated with such systems. In contemporary pressure-compensated load-sensing systems, these inefficiencies are reduced to nearly zero when idling. Pressure-compensated load-sensing systems only create hydraulic energy (flow at pressure) when a load signal is present.
Hydraulic oil can be heated by the operator manually by cycling the loader circuit, generating pump flow at high pressure, but this activity can be both fatiguing and time-consuming to the operator.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an automatic process that generated large amounts of pump flow at high pressure, but operating independently of or without resulting in external movement of an implement or requiring continuous input from an operator.


A tension management system for generating tension in an endless track of a tracked work machine. The tension management system comprises a biasing element, an idler wheel, a swing link, an idler arm, and a pivotal bracket linking the biasing element with the idler arm. The biasing element generates force that is translated via the biasing arm to the pivotal bracket. The pivotal bracket provides a mechanical advantage in the translation of the force that enables the force exerted upon the swing link to be greater than the force generated by the biasing element. The idler arm connects the pivotal bracket to the swing link and exerts force on the swing link causing it to pivot. The idler wheel is mounted on the swing link and exerts force, generating tension, in the endless track as the swing link pivots. The tension management system enables a greater force to be exerted on the swing link than is generated by the biasing element, allowing for the use of smaller biasing elements than previously possible in conventional designs.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems for generating tension in the endless track of a tracked work machine.
2. Description of Related Art
Tracked work machines are a staple in the military, construction, agriculture, mining, lumber, and other heavy industries. Tracked work machines range in shape and size from tanks and bulldozers to backhoes, mobile cranes, snowmobiles, and robots. These machines are prized for their superior maneuverability over rough terrain, enabled primarily by their tracked means of movement.
Such work machines generally comprise a main frame or chassis, an engine or motor, a drive mechanism, and a tension management system. The frame or chassis is the main frame of the machine, upon which the other components are directly or indirectly mounted. For example, the engine or motor is mounted to the main frame. The drive mechanism comprises a drive mechanism frame coupled to the main frame, a drive wheel, an endless track, and a set of rollers or wheels. Two drive mechanisms are typically employed in a tracked work machine, one on each side of the machine.
The drive wheel is driven by the engine or motor. The drive wheel is in operative communication with an endless track. Further, the rollers or wheels are distributed along the drive mechanism frame over which the endless track passes. The rollers and drive wheel are distributed to define the path for the endless track to follow. The engine or motor generates rotation of the drive wheel, which in turn results in complimentary rotation of the endless track.
Maintaining proper tension of the endless track is necessary for the proper operation of the work machine. If the tension is too low the endless track may buckle, slip off the drive wheel and rollers, jump between teeth on a sprocket drive wheel or roller, or not generate enough friction with the drive wheel to allow for rotation. Alternatively, if the tension is too high, premature wear may occur in components of the drive mechanism.
It is also important for the tension to be readily adjustable to prevent damage caused by debris passing between the endless track, and drive wheels, and rollers. Proper tension is also necessary for maintaining balance and stability during uphill or downhill movement, and during digging or other operations.
The tension management system of the tracked work machine maintains tension in the endless track of the drive mechanism. The tension management system comprises an idler wheel, a biasing element, and intermediary components for translating force from the biasing element to the idler wheel. The idler wheel is coupled to the drive mechanism frame in a manner that enables its position to be adjusted, which provides regulation for the tension in the endless track. The idler wheel is coupled to the biasing element, which generates force and adjusts the idler wheel's position. The biasing element presses the idler wheel against the endless track to increase tension in the endless track. The biasing element also actively or passively enables the idler wheel to ease away from the endless track to reduce tension in the track.
The large size and heavy loads of work machines require relatively high tension in the endless tracks. The connection between the biasing element and the idler wheel of the tension management system in conventional tension management systems is directly linear. FIG. 1 illustrates such conventional systems wherein a biasing element 10 is directly connected to a swing link 20. The force from the biasing element is translated in a linear manner. Examples of such arrangements of the idler wheel and biasing element in the prior art can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,257 to Tamaru et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,058 to Humbek et al. The biasing element in such conventional work machines is often a hydraulic or pneumatic pump or a set of powerful springs. Such elements are expensive and prone to frequent damage, necessitating repair or replacement due to the extreme forces being generated.
Until now, there has existed a need for a tension management system that can maintain proper tension in an endless track using a lightweight, less expensive biasing element than currently known. It is to such a tension management system that the present invention is primarily directed.

Tension management system for an endless track of a work machine


A near infrared illuminator for enhancing viewing of a target viewed with infrared viewing device when the target falls within a predetermined range. A pulse generator generates a laser pulse in the near infrared with a pulse clock for control of laser brightness and a pulse frequency adjust for control of laser blink rate. The pulse is transmitted along an optical path at a specific brightness and blink rate to a target. A detector within the optical path detects a reflected infrared signal from the target and converts the signal to an electrical signal which is processed by a processor to obtain target range information. A trigger logic controls the pulse clock rate means whereby when the target range falls within a predetermined range the laser pulse rate is increased such that increased illumination of the target is viewable with an infrared viewing device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to infrared illuminators and more specifically, to near infrared illuminators with a rangefinding capability and infrared viewing enhancement.
2. Description of Prior Art
Near infrared (NIR) illuminators have been used in night vision technology to enhance viewing with an infrared viewing (I.sup.2) device. Some of the types of illuminators in the prior art include those for: aiming, boresight alignment, object illumination, and cueing.
Two types of NIR illuminators involve the aiming and alignment of a weapon. A NIR illuminator referred to as an aiming light, emits from a weapon an infrared beam reflected off a target. An operator using an I.sup.2 device (such as night vision goggles) using the aiming light will have sighted and thus "zeroed" on that target. Boresight alignment uses a NIR illuminator called a boresight light which is inserted into a boresight mechanism. This allows the operator, using night vision goggles, to observe the positions of, and thus align and position the boresight and aiming light.
When using night vision equipment it is often necessary to illuminate objects of interest with a NIR source when viewed with an I.sup.2 device. In a surveillance situation the use of a NIR radiation source will illuminate a field of view. NIR retro-reflecting markers can be used to make specific location points visible in a field of view. NIR illuminators may also be used to illuminate an operator work space. Cueing involves using a NIR illuminator to alert an operator to an obstacle in ones path. A device or operator receives a reflection from an object in the path of the operator which is then used to take evasive action, which is commonly called terrain avoidance.
Each of the NIR illumination methods discussed above are deficient in that no information is obtained as to range. Range information is needed when using an aiming light because weapons are zeroed for a specific range and in terrain avoidance so that the operator can judge how much distance can be allowed to avoid what is in the path. Also, the above methods are of a fixed field of view so there is no simple way available for an operator to adjust the device to obtain more information without diverting from the object or target.
While the prior art has reported using NIR illuminators, none have established a basis for a specific method and apparatus that is dedicated to the task of resolving the particular problem at hand. What is needed in this instance is a NIR illuminator for infrared viewing enhancement rangefinding capability.

Adjustable near infrared rangefinder illuminator

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


A network-like woven 3D fabric material (9) comprises select multilayer warp yarns (8) occurring substantially linearly, the remainder multilayer warp yarns (7) occurring in the helical configuration and two orthogonal sets of weft (12c and 12r) and such a network-like fabric construction (9) made possible through a dual-directional shedding operation of the weaving process. Such a fabric may additionally incorporate non-interlacing multi-directionally oriented yarns (n1-n8) across the fabric cross section to improve the fabric's mechanical performance. The produced 3D fabric material, which may be cut into any desired shape without the risk of splitting, may be used wholly or in parts in technical applications.

In the conventional weaving process the foremost operation of shedding is limited in its design to form a shed in only the fabric-width direction. The employed warp, which is either in a single or a multiple layer, is separated into two parts in a `crossed` manner, in the direction of the fabric-thickness through the employment of the heald wires which are reciprocated through their frames by means such as cams or dobby or jacquard to form a shed in the fabric-width direction. Each of these heald wires are reciprocated either singly or jointly or in suitable groups in only the fabric-thickness direction to form a shed in the fabric-width direction. A weft inserted into this formed shed enables interconnection between the separated two layers of the warp. The so interconnected warp and weft results in an interlaced structure which is called the woven fabric. A fabric when produced using a single layer warp results in a sheet-like woven material and is referred to as a woven 2D fabric as its constituent yarns are supposed to be disposed in on plane. Similarly, when a fabric is produced using a multiple layer warp, the obtained fabric which is characteristically different in construction from the woven 2D fabric, is referred to as a woven 3D fabric because its constituting yarns are supposed to be disposed in a three mutually perpendicular plane relationship. However, in the production of both these types of woven 2D and 3D fabrics the conventional weaving process, due to its inherent working design, can only bring about interlacement of two orthogonal sets of yarn: the warp and the weft. It cannot bring about interlacement of three orthogonal sets of yarns: a multiple layer warp and two orthogonal sets of weft. This is an inherent limitation of the existing weaving process. The present invention provides a dual-directional shedding method to form sheds in the columnwise and the row-wise directions of a multilayer warp to enable interlacement of the multilayer warp and two orthogonal sets of weft in such a way that select yarns of the multilayer warp occur substantially linearly and the remainder yarns, which interlace with the two orthogonal sets of weft, occur in a helical configuration and the obtained fabric has a network-like structure.
Certain technical fabric applications require complex or unusual shapes besides other specific characteristics for performance such as a high degree of fabric integration and proper orientation of the constituent yarns. For example, at present it is not possible to obtain a suitable fabric block from which preforms (reinforcement fabric for composite material application) of any desired shape may be cut obtained. This is because the present fabric manufacturing processes of weaving, knitting, braiding and certain nonwoven methods which are employed to produce preforms cannot deliver a suitable highly integrated fabric block from which preforms of any desired shape may be cut obtained. With a view to obtain certain regular cross-sectional shaped preforms, suitable fabric manufacturing methods working on the principles of weaving, knitting, braiding and certain nonwoven techniques have been developed. Such an approach of producing preforms having certain cross-sectional shapes is referred to as near-net shaping. However, through these various techniques preforms of only certain cross-sectional profiles can be produced and preforms of any desired shape cannot be manufactured. The obtaining of preforms of any desired shape can be made practically possible if only a highly integrated fabric block can be made available so that the required shape can be cut from it without the risk of its splitting up. Also, fabrics for other applications like filters of unusual shapes can be similarly cut obtained from a suitable fabric block. For analogy, this strategy of obtaining any desired shape of three-dimensional fabric item may be seen as the cutting of different shapes of fabric items from a suitable sheet of 2D fabric, for example, during the manufacture of a garment. Therefore, as can be inferred now, to cut obtain three-dimensional fabric items of any desired shape it is essential to first produce a highly integrated fabric in the form of a block. The present invention provides a novel woven 3D fabric and the method to produce such a fabric block which can be cut without the risk of splitting up and which may additionally incorporate non-interlacing yarns in a multi-directional orientation to impart mechanical performance to the fabric, so as to be useful in technical applications.