A magnetoresistive read head includes a spin valve having at least one free layer spaced apart from at least one pinned layer by a spacer. The free layer includes a cobalt compound as a thin film including at least one of Co—X, CoFe—X and CoNi—X, where X is an element from the lanthanoid family (a 4-f element). The content of Co is higher than 80 percent, and the content of the lanthanoid element is less than 10 percent. The film may comprise the entire free layer, or be positioned adjacent to one or more conventional free layer films. The pinned layer is a conventional single layer, or a synthetic multi-layered structure having a spacer between sub-layers. Because the spin valve structure has a high exchange stiffness and damping factor, spin transfer effect is reduced and a high-speed dynamic response is provided.

In the related art magnetic recording technology such as hard disk drives, a head is equipped with a reader and a writer. The reader and writer have separate functions and operate independently of one another, with no interaction therebetween.
FIGS. 1(a) and (b) illustrate related art magnetic recording schemes. A recording medium 1 having a plurality of bits 3 and a track width 5 has a magnetization parallel to the plane of the recording media. As a result, a magnetic flux is generated at the boundaries between the bits 3. This is also commonly referred to as "longitudinal magnetic recording".
Information is written to the recording medium 1 by an inductive write element 9, and data is read from the recording medium 1 by a read element 11. A write current 17 is supplied to the inductive write element 9, and a read current is supplied to the read element 11.
The read element 11 is a sensor that operates by sensing the resistance change as the sensor magnetization direction change from one direction to the other. A shield 13 is also provided to reduce the undesirable magnetic fields coming from the media and prevent the undesired flux of adjacent bits from interfering with the one of the bits 3 that is currently being read by the read element 11.
In the foregoing related art scheme, the area density of the recording medium 1 has increased substantially over the past few years, and is expected to continue to increase substantially over the next few years. Correspondingly, the bit density and track density is expected to increase. As a result, the related art reader must be able to read this data having increased density at a higher efficiency and speed.
Due to these requirements, another related art magnetic recording scheme has been developed, as shown in FIG. 1(b). In this related art scheme, the direction of magnetization 19 of the recording medium 1 is perpendicular to the plane of the recording medium. This is also known as "perpendicular magnetic recording". This design provides more compact and stable recorded data.
FIGS. 2(a)-(c) illustrate various related art read elements for the above-described magnetic recording scheme, known as "spin valves". In the bottom type spin valve illustrated in FIG. 2(a), a free layer 21 operates as a sensor to read the recorded data from the recording medium 1. A spacer 23 is positioned between the free layer 21 and a pinned layer 25. On the other side of the pinned layer 25, there is an anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) layer 27.
In the top type spin valve illustrated in FIG. 2(b), the position of the layers is reversed. The operation of the related art spin valves illustrated in FIGS. 2(a)-(b) is substantially similar, and is described in greater detail below.
The direction of magnetization in the pinned layer 25 is fixed, whereas the direction of magnetization in the free layer 21 can be changed, for example (but not by way of limitation) depending on the effect of an external field, such as the recording medium 1.
When the external field (flux) is applied to a reader, the magnetization of the free layer 21 is altered, or rotated, by an angle. When the flux is positive the magnetization of the free layer is rotated upward, and when the flux is negative the magnetization of the free layer is rotated downward. Further, if the applied external field changes the free layer 21 magnetization direction to be aligned in the same way than pinned layer 25, then the resistance between the layers is low, and electrons can more easily migrate between those layers 21, 25.
However, when the free layer 21 has a magnetization direction opposite to that of the pinned layer 25, the resistance between the layers is high. This is because it is more difficult for electrons to migrate between the layers 21, 25.
Similar to the external field, the AFM layer 27 provides an exchange coupling and keeps the magnetization of pinned layer 25 fixed. The properties of the AFM layer 27 are due to the nature of the materials therein. In the related art, the AFM layer 27 is usually PtMn or IrMn
The resistance change when the layers 21, 25 are parallel and anti-parallel called ΔR should be high to have a highly sensitive reader. As head size decreases, the sensitivity of the reader becomes increasingly important, especially when the magnitude of the media flux is decreased. Thus, there is a need for high resistance change ΔR between the layers 21, 25 of the related art spin valve.
A summary of the well-known concepts of the related art spin valves is provided herein. When a polarized electron meets a ferromagnetic film, the electron is harmed by the magnetic moments and scattered. The lost of electron energy is transferred to the magnetic moment, based on the law of conservation of energy. This transfer of energy is manifested as torque, which acts on the ferromagnetic film. As noted above, the magnetization of the free layer may be perturbed and even switch under certain conditions, such as high current density, low magnetization, thin magnetic film and other intrinsic parameters, including exchange stiffness, and damping factor.
In the above-described related art spin valve, when the magnetic film has a sufficiently small magnetization, the resistance of its magnetization to energy transfer (momentum transfer) is weak, and its magnetization direction can be changed. Further, when the exchange stiffness (exchange energy between a magnetic moment and its neighbor) is small, some moments will switch before others.
Additionally, the related art spin valves under go a spin transfer effect. The spin transfer effect is similar to an additional damping effect added to the intrinsic damping factor (precession). But spin transfer has a different behavior than the intrinsic precession.
For a CPP-GMR spin valve with a current flowing through the film thickness, the pinned layer acts as a polarizing layer (source of polarization) because its magnetization does not change due to the flux of the recording media. However, the free layer is strongly affected by electron spin transfer, which exerts a torque on its magnetization. Spin transfer torque is calculated as follows:Spin transfer torque=τ−1[M×(M×P)],  (1)where τ is time constant depends on the current density and film intrinsic properties, and P is electron polarization direction, which depends on the source of polarization magnetization direction, in this case the pinned layer. FIG. 2(c) illustrates a related art dual type spin valve. Layers 21 through 25 are substantially the same as described above with respect to FIGS. 2(a)-(b). However, an additional spacer 29 is provided on the other side of the free layer 21, upon which a second pinned layer 31 and a second AFM layer 33 are positioned. The dual type spin valve operates according to the same principle as described above with respect to FIGS. 2(a)-(b). However, an extra signal provided by the second pinned layer 31 increases the resistance change ΔR.
FIG. 6 graphically shows the foregoing principle in the case of the related art longitudinal magnetic recording scheme as illustrated in FIG. 1(a). As the sensor moves across the recording media, the flux of the recording media at the boundary between bits, as shielded with respect to adjacent bits, provides the flux to the free layer, which acts according to the related art spin valve principles, which are described in greater detail below.
The operation of the related art spin valve is now described in greater detail. In the recording media 1, flux is generated based on polarity of adjacent bits. If two adjoining bits have negative polarity at their boundary, the flux will be negative. On the other hand, if both of the bits have positive polarity at the boundary, the flux will be positive. The magnitude of flux determines the angle of magnetization between the free layer and the pinned layer.
In addition to the foregoing related art spin valve in which the pinned layer is a single layer, FIG. 3 illustrates a related art synthetic spin valve. The free layer 21, the spacer 23 and the AFM layer 27 are substantially the same as described above. In this figure only one state of the free layer is illustrated. However, the pinned layer further includes a first sublayer 35 separated from a second sublayer 37 by a spacer 39.
In the related art synthetic spin valve, the first sublayer 35 operates according to the above-described principle with respect to the pinned layer 25. Additionally, the second sublayer 37 has an opposite spin state with respect to the first sublayer 35. As a result, the pinned layer total moment is reduced due to anti-ferromagnetic coupling between the first sublayer 35 and the second sublayer 37. A synthetic spin valve head has a pinned layer with a total magnetic flux close to zero and thus greater stability and high pinning field can be achieved.
FIG. 4 illustrates the related art synthetic spin valve with a shielding structure. As noted above, it is important to avoid unintended magnetic flux from adjacent bits from being sensed during the reading of a given bit. A protective layer 41 is provided on an upper surface of the free layer 21 to protect the spin valve against oxidation before deposition of top shield 43, which is usually done by electroplating in separated system. Similarly, a bottom shield 45 is provided on a lower surface of the AFM layer 27. A buffer layer, not shown in FIG. 4, is usually deposited before AFM layer 27 for a good spin-valve growth. The effect of the shield system is shown in FIG. 6, as discussed above.
As shown in FIGS. 5(a)-(d), there are four related art types of spin valves. The type of spin valve structurally varies based on the structure of the spacer 23.
The related art spin valve illustrated in FIG. 5(a) uses the spacer 23 as a conductor, and is used for the related art CIP scheme illustrated in FIG. 1(a), for a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) type spin valve. Because, the direction of sensing current magnetization, as represented by "i", is in the plane of the GMR element.
In the related art GMR spin valve, resistance is minimized when the magnetization directions (or spin states) of the free layer 21 and the pinned layer 25 are parallel, and is maximized when the magnetization directions are opposite. As noted above, the free layer 21 has a magnetization which direction can be changed. Thus, the GMR system avoids perturbation of the head output signal by minimizing the undesired switching of the pinned layer magnetization.
GMR depends on the degree of spin polarization of the pinned and free layers, and the angle between their magnetic moments. Spin polarization depends on the difference between the spin state (up or down) in each of the free and pinned layers. These concepts are discussed in greater detail below.
The GMR scheme will now be discussed in greater detail. As the free layer 21 receives the flux that signifies bit transition, the free layer magnetization rotates by a small angle in one direction or the other, depending on the direction of flux. The change in resistance between the pinned layer 25 and the free layer 21 is proportional to angle between the moments of the free layer 21 and the pinned layer 25. There is a relationship between resistance change and efficiency of the reader.
The GMR spin valve has various requirements. For example, but not by way of limitation, a large resistance change ΔR is required to generate a high output signal. Further, low coercivity is desired, so that small media fields can also be detected. With high pinning field strength, the AFM structure is well defined, and when the interlayer coupling is low, the sensing layer is not adversely affected by the pinned layer. Further, low magnetistriction is desired to minimize stress on the free layer.
However, the foregoing related art CIP-GMR has various disadvantages. One of them is that the electrode connected to the free layer must be reduced in size which will cause an overheat and damage of the head. Also the readout signal available from CIP-GMR is proportional to the MR head width, that means there is a limitation for CIP-GMR at high recording density.
To overcome the foregoing related art problem related art magnetic recording schemes are using CPP-GMR head, where the sensing current flows in the direction perpendicular to the spin valve plane. As a result, size can be reduced and thermal stability can be increased. Various related art spin valves that operate in the CPP scheme are illustrated in FIGS. 5(b)-(d), and are discussed in greater detail below.
FIG. 5(b) illustrates a related art tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) spin valve for CPP scheme. In the TMR spin valve, the spacer 23 acts as an insulator, or tunnel barrier layer. Thus, the electrons can cross the insulating spacer 23 from free layer to pinned layer or verse versa. TMR spin valves have an increased MR on the order of about 30-50%.
FIG. 5(c) illustrates a related art CPP-GMR spin valve. While the general concept of GMR is similar to that described above with respect to CIP-GMR, the current is transferred perpendicular to the plane, instead of in-plane. As a result, the difference in resistance, as well as the intrinsic MR, are substantially higher than the CIP-GMR.
In the related art CPP-GMR spin valve, there is a need for a large resistance change ΔR, and a moderate element resistance for having a high frequency response. A low coercivity is also required so that a small media field can be detected. The pinning field should also have a high strength. Additional details of the CPP-GMR spin valve are discussed in greater detail below.
FIG. 5(d) illustrates the related art ballistic magnetoresistance (BMR) spin valve. In the spacer 23, which operates as an insulator, a ferromagnetic region 47 connects the pinned layer 25 to the free layer 21. The area of contact is on the order of a few nanometers. As a result, there is a substantially high MR, due to electrons scattering at the domain wall created within this nanocontact. Other factors include the spin polarization of the ferromagnets, and the structure of the domain that is in nano-contact with the BMR spin valve.
However, the related art BMR spin valve is in early development, and is not in commercial use. Further, there are related art problems with the BMR spin valve in that nano-contact shape and size controllability and stability of the domain wall must be further developed. Additionally, the repeatability of the BMR technology is yet to be shown for high reliability.
In the foregoing related art spin valves of FIGS. 5(a)-(d), the spacer 23 of the spin valve is an insulator for TMR, a conductor for GMR, and an insulator having a magnetic nano-sized connector for BMR. While related art TMR spacers are generally made of more insulating metals such as alumina, related art GMR spacers are generally made of more conductive metals, such as copper.
FIGS. 7(a)-(b) illustrate the structural difference between the CIP and CPP GMR spin valves. As shown in FIG. 7(a), there is a hard bias 998 on the sides of the GMR spin valve, with an electrode 999 on upper surfaces of the GMR. Gaps 997 are also required. As shown in FIG. 7(b), in the CPP-GMR spin valve, an insulator 1000 is deposited at the side of the spin valve that the sensing current can only flow in the film thickness direction. Further, no gap is needed in the CPP-GMR spin valve.
As a result, the current has a much larger surface through which to flow, and the shield also serves as an electrode. Hence, the overheating issue is substantially addressed.
Further, the spin polarization of the layers of the spin valve is intrinsically related to the electronic structure of the material, and a highly resistive material can induce an increase in the resistance change. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a material having the necessary properties and thickness for operation in a CPP-GMR system.
Additional factors associated with the performance of the related art CPP-GMR system are provided below. Various related art studies have demonstrated the effect of electron spin polarized on magnetization switching, including M. Tsoi et al., Phys. Review Letters, 80, 4281 (1998), J. C. Slonczewski, J. Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 195, L261 (1999), J. A. Katine et al., Phys. Review Letters, 84, 3149 (2000), M. R. Pufall et al., Applied Physics Letters, 83 (2), 323 (2003), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Spin transfer can occur by polarized electron which interact with the magnetization of the ferromagnetic (FM) layer. The electron becomes polarized when it travels across the pinned FM layer (source of polarization).
The following equation expresses the minimum current ISW required to switch the magnetization of the FM layer by spin transfer effect:
                              I          sw                =                                            et              F                        ℏɛ                                          [                                                            23.4                                                        M                    S                                                      D                                                  2                                    ℏγ                                            +                              6.3                                                  r                  2                                                α                                                                                M                    S                                                                          (                                                                  H                        app                                            +                                              H                        exch                                            -                                              M                        S                                                              )                                                                        ]                                              (        2        )
In equation (2), e is the charge of electron, ℏ is Planck constant, tF is the free layer thickness, MS is the saturation magnetization of the free layer, r is the contact area, γ is the gyromagnetic factor, D is the exchange stiffness, α is the damping factor, Happ is the applied field, Hexc is the effective interlayer coupling field.
To reduce the undesired effect of spin transfer on switching the free layer magnetization (in other words, to maximize ISW), materials with high MS, D, and α are required. Also, thicker films are more stable against spin transfer induced switching (instability).
Regarding the free layer saturation magnetization MS, a small MS value is needed in the free layer, because the sensitivity of the head (output signal) is reduced as MS increases. More specifically, rotation of the free layer magnetization direction is more difficult for a large MS and easier for a small MS.
The contact size r (assumed to be circular for simplicity) also affects ISW. However, the head size is related to r and is thus continuously being reduced to achieve higher recording density.
In the related art studies, correlation between intrinsic properties and spin transfer switching has been determined. Also, dynamic response of magnetization switching has been studied. In conclusion, the ability of the head (sensor) to engage in fast switching of magnetization at a high frequency (e.g., GigaHertz) is important for high-speed reading of the recorded information (high data rate).
As recording media bit size is reduced, a thinner free layer is also needed. In the related art, there is a need for a free layer with a thickness of less than 3 nm for a sensor having a recording density of about 150 GB per square inch. In the future, it is believed that the need to reduce free layer thickness will continue. There is also a need to sense increasingly smaller bits at a very high frequency (i.e., high data rate) in recording head reader technology.
However, there are various problems and disadvantages in the related art. For example, but not by way of limitation, there is a problem of thermal stability, due to a high demagnetizing field. Further, there is a vortex effect, due to magnetic fluctuation, mainly at the edge.
Additionally, there is a spin transfer effect, due at least in part to transfer of electron momentum to the magnetic moment of the ferromagnetic thin film. If the current density is too high, the free layer magnetization will switch (i.e., the spin transfer occurs). As a result, there is a perturbation of the magnetic thin film magnetization, at least partially (in which case there is non-uniformity) or completely (in which case there is a complete switch of direction).
Accordingly, there is a related art need to minimize this spin transfer effect, such that the free layer magnetization is affected only by the media flux.
Also, perturbation or fluctuation of the magnetic moment distribution in the free layer (i.e., sensor) generates an additional source of noise. As a result, the signal noise ratio is reduced.

Composite free layer for stabilizing magnetoresistive head


A method for manufacturing a vapor deposition mask including a resin layer, and a magnetic metal layer formed on the resin layer, the method including the steps of: providing a substrate; forming a resin layer by applying a solution including a resin material or a precursor solution of a resin material on a surface of the substrate, and then performing a heat treatment thereon; forming a magnetic metal layer on the resin layer, mask portion including a solid portion where a metal film is present and a hollow portion where the metal film is absent; forming a plurality of openings in a region of the resin layer that is located in the hollow portion of the mask portion; and removing the resin layer from the substrate after forming a plurality of openings in a region of the resin layer.

In recent years, organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display devices have been drawing public attention as a display of the next generation. With organic EL display devices that are currently mass-produced, the formation of an organic EL layer is primarily done by using a vacuum vapor deposition method.
Typically, a mask made of a metal (a metal mask) is used as the vapor deposition mask. However, with the increasing definition of organic EL display devices, it is becoming difficult to precisely form a vapor deposition pattern using a metal mask. This is because it is difficult with current metal processing techniques to precisely form small openings corresponding to a short pixel pitch (e.g., about 10 to 20 μm) in a metal plate (e.g., a thickness of about 100 μm) to be the metal mask.
In view of this, a vapor deposition mask (hereinafter referred to also as a "layered mask") having a structure in which a resin layer and a metal layer are layered together has been proposed in the art as a vapor deposition mask for forming a vapor deposition pattern with a high definition.
For example, Patent Document No. 1 discloses a layered mask including a resin film layered with a hold member, which is a metal magnetic member. A plurality of openings corresponding to an intended vapor deposition pattern are formed in the resin film. Slits whose size is larger than the openings of the resin film are formed in the hold member. The openings of the resin film are arranged in the slits. Therefore, when the layered mask of Patent Document No. 1 is used, the vapor deposition pattern is formed corresponding to the plurality of openings of the resin film. Even small openings can be formed with a high precision in a resin film that is thinner than an ordinary metal plate used for a metal mask.
When forming small openings as described above in the resin film, a laser ablation method is suitably used. Patent Document No. 1 describes a method in which a resin film placed on a support member (e.g., a glass substrate) is irradiated with a laser so as to form openings of an intended size.
FIGS. 26(a) to 26(d) are schematic cross-sectional views each illustrating a step of a conventional method for manufacturing a vapor deposition mask disclosed in Patent Document No. 1.
According to Patent Document No. 1, first, as shown in FIG. 26(a), a metal layer 82 having openings (slits) 85 therein is formed on a resin film 81, thereby obtaining a layered film 80. Then, as shown in FIG. 26(b), the layered film 80 is attached to a frame 87 with tension in a predetermined in-plane direction(s) applied on the layered film 80. Then, the layered film 80 is placed on a glass substrate 90 as shown in FIG. 26(c). In this process, a surface of the resin film 81 that is opposite from the metal layer 82 is brought into close contact with the glass substrate 90 with a liquid 88 such as ethanol therebetween. Then, as shown in FIG. 26(d), portions of the resin film 81 that is exposed through the slits 85 of the metal layer 82 are irradiated with a laser beam L, thereby forming a plurality of openings 89 in the resin film 81. Thus, a layered vapor deposition mask 900 is manufactured.

Vapor deposition mask manufacturing method, vapor deposition mask, and organic semiconductor element manufacturing method


A light-emitting device includes a light emitting portion including a substrate having a mounting surface for mounting an LED element and a metal portion formed on a surface of the substrate opposite to the mounting surface, the substrate including a ceramic or a semiconductor and the metal portion being bondable to a solder material and a heat dissipating member including one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, magnesium, and a magnesium alloy, and having, on a surface thereof, a junction treated so as to be bondable to the solder material and a heat dissipating film formed in a periphery of the junction, wherein the metal portion of the light emitting portion is bonded to the junction of the heat dissipating member by the solder material.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a light-emitting device having a heat dissipating member formed of aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium or magnesium alloy, and to a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Related Art
As this type of device, a light-emitting device is known which includes a high thermal conductive heat dissipating base having a mounting surface for die bonding, a circuit substrate placed on the heat dissipating base and having a hole exposing a portion of the mounting surface and a stretching portion which stretches outward from an outer peripheral edge of the heat dissipating base, a light-emitting element mounted on the mounting surface through the hole, and a translucent resin body for sealing an upper side of the light-emitting element (e.g., see JP-A 2006-5290). In the light-emitting device of the JP-A 2006-5290, the heat dissipating base is placed in contact with an outer surface of a housing of an electronic device.
However, when the housing is formed of aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium or magnesium alloy, the light-emitting device of the JP-A 2006-5290 cannot be directly bonded by a typical solder material since an oxide film is formed on a surface of the housing. Therefore, it is necessary to include an adhesive sheet formed of a resin having adhesiveness between the heat dissipating base and the housing or to fix the heat dissipating base to the housing by a fastener member such as screw, hence, the number of components and the number of manufacturing processes increase. In addition, since the oxide film formed on the surface of the housing increases thermal resistance between the heat dissipating base and the housing, heat dissipation efficiency is deteriorated.

Light-emitting device and method of manufacturing the same


The distribution of fluid flowing through a packed bed reactor is determined by placing a plurality of fiber optic sensors at desired locations within the packed bed reactor. A light analyzable tracer component is injected into the fluid flowing through the reactor. Light is supplied to each of the sensors causing any tracer component in the vicinity of the sensor to emit electromagnetic radiation. The emitted electromagnetic radiation is detected at each fiber optic sensor, thereby permitting the amount of tracer in the vicinity of each sensor to be determined, and consequently providing a measure of the distribution of fluid flowing through the reactor.

Many chemical processes are conducted by flowing fluid reactants, such as a gas and a liquid, through a reactor vessel filled with a solid, such as a solid catalyst. In these processes, the efficiency of the chemical reaction is dependent upon how uniform the fluid flowing through the vessel is distributed. Therefore, the ability to measure the liquid distribution in a packed bed reactor is particularly useful in designing and operating these reactors.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,357, there is disclosed a method of measuring local fluid flow rates in a packed catalytic reactor which is equipped with heated thermocouple probes. In operation, a temperature measurement is obtained first with the heater off and then a second temperature measurement is obtained with the heater on. The difference between the two temperatures is used to calculate the thermal mass flux. This procedure, of course, requires time to line out the probe for each step and permits measurement only at discreet time intervals. Thus, there remains a need for an improved method and apparatus that is capable of operating continuously and which provides a measure of mass flux directly, especially without the need for heating the probe used in the measurements.

In-situ localized tracer injection/fiber optic detection for measurement of flow distributions in fixed bed reactors


A dynamic document generator system and method provides a web-based visual editor which includes a drag-and-drop mechanism structured to facilitate generation of a markup language version of a dynamic document including data indicative of a dynamic field. The markup language version of the dynamic document is then converted to a stylesheet version of the dynamic document. The stylesheet version of the dynamic document is deployed via a wide area network, wherein a plurality of different users are able to execute the deployed stylesheet version of the dynamic document. When one user executes the dynamic document, the dynamic field takes on one value. When another user executes the dynamic document, the dynamic filed takes on another value.

Businesses use a variety of documents such as proposals, contracts, and order forms in relation to their business which typically include information relating to their business such as a business logo, a business address and/or a price of a product. The information included in each document typically depends on a variety of factors. For example, a business may offer different prices for different customers, or use different warranties for different products. Often, employees may have to cross out information by hand in a document that does not apply to a specific document, or write in additional information by hand that applies to the specific document.
Through the use of technology, businesses can now model their documents programmatically. For example, a programmer may create an electronic file with a predesigned, customized format and structure, as for a fax, letter, or expense report, which may be filled in by another. However, the programming of certain documents typically requires a document designer to have a technical understanding of the underlying code associated with the document or to rely on a technical specialist. Certain documents created for computer systems can be time consuming and difficult for the document designer, who may not have the technical expertise.

Methods and apparatus for generating a dynamic document


A system, method, and medium are disclosed for undocking content from a window into sub-windows. The undocked sub-windows may be redocked to the parent window. The sub-windows may continue to exist after an application providing the window has been closed.

A. Technical Field
In general, the present invention relates to interacting with documents, and more particularly to undocking sections from HTML (hypertext markup language) documents.
B. Background of the Invention
The Internet has experienced tremendous growth. Through various HTML programming techniques (including tables and frames, for example), information may be presented to end users in visually appealing forms. However, one of the difficulties with these presentation techniques is that, once the table or form is coded, the end user has little ability by which to interact with the presented information. For instance, if a user is viewing an article in a frame as displayed in a browser (for example, Internet Explorer (IE) 4.0 by the Microsoft(copyright) Corporation or Netscape Navigator (NN) 4.0 by the Netscape Corporation), the user may scroll up or down the article. However, the user cannot read the article once the browser is closed. Further, the article cannot be moved apart from the window supported by the browser. The viewing interactivity experienced by the end user remains at a low level.
The ability to undock one display window from another allows a user to separate the two windows. However, current undocking solutions fail to provide an end user with freedom to navigate beyond the displayed windows. At least one Internet video-conferencing application (i.e., NetMeeting(trademark)) provides the ability to undock viewing windows. However, these xe2x80x9cundockedxe2x80x9d windows, while independently positionable, remain part of the parent video-conferencing application. Closing the parent video-conferencing application also closes the undocked windows.
Further, current separable windows in browsers fail to provide any sort of docking. In the current version of browsers (IE 4.0 or NN 4.0), instead of navigating to a new window with the current instance of the browser, an end user may open a new browser window and navigate it separately from the original instance of the browser. However, the user is always aware of the two separate instances of the browser. There is no ability to dock the two windows together to provide a browser window that is unified in appearance and navigation. Also, the two windows effectively remain independent of each other. In this regard, navigation of the first window does not effect the content of the second window. Current browsers do not allow incorporated content to be undocked from a main application.
In short, while providing simple textual markups and related display characteristics, HTML is limited in that it fails to provide application designers with a complex design language for applications. The current state of browsers or the HTML language itself fails to provide the needed underlying framework for these applications. While e-mail clients and NetMeeting(trademark) incorporate a limited ability to undock windows from each other, a developer familiar only with HTML is prevented from providing even this limited functionality to a web page or an HTML document.
In order to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, the disclosed invention allows a user a greater amount of interactivity with displayed information. For example, the user may undock a desired portion from a parent window and manipulate the undocked desired portion apart from the parent window. Further, the undocked window may exist on its own after closing the parent application.
Controls, as used by the invention, may include Java-based scripts (developed by Sun Microsystems) and ActiveX(copyright) controls (developed by Microsoft(copyright) Corporation of Redmond, Wash.). ActiveX(copyright) controls are a popular and effective way of encapsulating functionality and distributing this functionality across a variety of platforms. Unlike Java applets and certain plug-ins, ActiveX(copyright) controls may be written in any number of programming languages. ActiveX(copyright) controls, based on OLE controls or OCX controls, are components (or objects) which can be inserted into a web page or other application to reuse packaged functionality that someone else programmed. For example, Microsoft""s Internet Explorer 3.0 contains ActiveX(copyright) controls that allow users to enhance web pages with sophisticated formatting features and animation. ActiveX(copyright) controls are an enhancement over Java applets and certain web browser plug-ins since ActiveX(copyright) controls may also be used in applications written in any number of programming languages. Web authors may also write their own ActiveX(copyright) controls using Visual Basic 5.0 or Visual C++ and an ActiveX(copyright) control framework such as Microsoft Foundation Class Library (MFC), the ActiveX(copyright) Template Library (ATL), or the BaseClt framework. ActiveX(copyright) controls are designated within a web page by use of a standard HTML  less than OBJECT greater than  tag. Typically, object tags include a set of parameters that include name value pairs, which are the persistence information of the control. The object tag includes a set of parameters that specify which control should be used and control the appearance and behavior of the control.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a control placed on a web page that supports contained text (or images or other data) in which a displayed window containing the text may be undocked from the displayed page. The undocked window (that is, the sub-content window) may to remain open after a user closes the browser. In an alternative embodiment, the undocked window may close with the parent application. Various applications of the invention relate to how an undocked window is re-docked to the web page including the handling of updates to the information contained in the window. Also, the invention may be applied to support information being ported from one application to another.
Applied to a browser platform, portions of an HTML document may be encapsulated by a script-based control according to the invention. For instance, the script-based control may be an ActiveX(copyright) Control (by the Microsoft(copyright) Corporation) similar to an IFRAME. The control then allows the user to xe2x80x9cundockxe2x80x9d a selected portion from a main content window (e.g., a browser window). The selected portion would then appear in a separate window that can be positioned and viewed independent of the original content window. In the browser example, the user can then navigate the browser away from the original document without affecting the undocked subcontent window. A further implementation of the invention allows the browser application to even be closed while leaving the undocked sub-content window open.
The invention includes aspects related to user interfaces for providing the user with an environment for undocking and docking sub-content windows, data structures for supporting the claims, (relating to the data structure as including different controls), system and method claims (relating to the support of the windows and coordination of events between the different windows), and computer-readable medium claims (related to a program for creating the undockable windows and for handling the windows once created).
These and other novel advantages, details, embodiments, features and objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from following the detailed description of the invention, the attached claims and accompanying drawings, listed herein, which are useful in explaining the invention.


A material is disclosed having improved flame retardant properties and is particularly applicable as a jacket for a fiber optic cable. The material is comprised of a polymeric base compounded with a vanadium phosphate glass composition. The polymeric base may be a flame retardant polyethylene and the vanadium phosphate glass composition contains vanadium oxide, phosphorus oxide and antimony oxide. The material achieves a V-0 rating when tested per Underwriters Laboratory test UL-94 and has a heat release rate value consistent with a self extinguishing material when combusted.

This disclosure is directed toward a series of vanadium phosphate glasses that are an effective flame retardant, and more specifically, when compounded with a polyolefin, the glasses retard combustion and can reduce combustion to the point of self extinguishing of the polyolefin. The compound is useful for fabricating fire retardant plenum cables.
The recent trend toward the use of "green" materials has prompted more research in the flame retardant industry for non-halogenated materials for use in plenum cables. Halogenated flame retardants, while extremely effective, can decompose during processing and corrode processing equipment. Halogenated flame retardants may also produce gaseous hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, or hydrogen fluoride during combustion, which are harmful to the environment. At present, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Teflon® based materials will pass the rigorous testing used to qualify a cable for plenum applications in the fiber optic cable industry, but at a relatively high cost.
So-called "commodity" polymers, such as polyolefins are low cost material alternatives for plenum cable jackets. Unfortunately, the polyolefin family of polymers burns very well, so developing flame retardants for commodity polymers that will pass the rigorous testing required for cable applications is exceedingly difficult. Currently, most flame retardant polyethylenes contain high levels of magnesium dihydroxide (MDH) or aluminum trihydrate (ATH). While effective for some less demanding applications, these materials will not pass testing for plenum cable jackets. In addition, ATH starts to decompose at 190° C., which limits its use to polymers with low processing temperatures.

Flame retardant cable jacket materials including vanadium phosphate


A high voltage power supply method and apparatus is disclosed. An apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes a power supply circuit having a rectifier circuit coupled to input terminals of the power supply circuit that are to be coupled to receive an AC input voltage. A switchmode power converter circuit is coupled to the rectifier circuit to receive a rectified input voltage to generate a regulated output voltage in response to the rectified input voltage. A switch is coupled between the rectifier circuit and the switchmode power converter circuit. A sense circuit is coupled to detect the AC input voltage. The switch is coupled to be switched in response to the sense circuit. The switch is coupled to be switched off when an absolute value of the AC input voltage exceeds a first threshold value. The switch is coupled to be switched on when the absolute value of the AC input voltage is below a second threshold value.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present invention relates generally to power supplies, and more specifically, the present invention relates to power supplies that have capability to operate from a high voltage AC input voltage.
2. Background
In certain applications of AC/DC power supplies, it is sometimes desirable for the power supply to operate outside the normal operating voltage range. Typically, AC/DC power supplies that are designed for worldwide operation are designed to operate with an AC input voltage between 85-265 VAC rms. However, in emerging markets such as India and China, AC input voltages can be as high as 420 VAC for long periods of time under certain conditions.
In the power supply, the AC input voltage is typically rectified by a rectifier circuit to generate a DC voltage, which is applied to the input of a switchmode power converter stage within the power supply. A rectified 420 VAC rms signal generates a peak DC voltage of almost 600V. This high DC voltage greatly increases the cost of the switchmode power converter circuit since all circuitry must be rated for this high voltage condition. In particular, the input capacitors that are normally rated for 400V for an 85-265 VAC rms supply must be increased in voltage rating to at least 600V. This is normally achieved by connecting two 400V capacitors in series across the output terminals of the rectifier circuit. In order to achieve the same effective capacitance in this series arrangement, each capacitor must also be double the capacitance value of the single 400V capacitor they are replacing.
The cost of the power supply circuit is therefore greatly increased in this instance by adding the large additional input capacitors. The space taken by the additional capacitors required is also unacceptable in many applications such as AC/DC power supplies for cell phone charging applications where small enclosures and lightweight are key requirements.

Method and apparatus for a high voltage power supply circuit


A method for producing a tube section from thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded by means of an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, the tube section coming out of the extruder die downstream of the extruder die being internally cooled by means of an internal cooling member and externally cooled by means of an external cooling device.

The invention relates to the production of tube from thermoplastic material, in particular from polyolefin plastic material, such as polyethylene. The invention also relates to the production of plastic tube in which the thermoplastic material is biaxially oriented, which process is known as the biaxial stretching process. The invention also relates to improvements to the process for the production of extruded tube from thermoplastic material, which process may form part of the production of biaxially oriented plastic tube. The invention additionally relates to the production of an improved joint between tubes made from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material.
The present invention relates in particular to the production of a tube from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material with an integrally formed socket at an end, so that tubes of this nature can be coupled to one another via socket joints, in order in this way to form a pipe, for example for transporting water, gas, etc.
WO 95/25626 has disclosed a method for the production of biaxially oriented plastic tube, also known as a stretched tube. In this method, the stretched tube is of uniform cross section, i.e. has a uniform wall thickness and diameter, over its entire length, and is also uniformly stretched in the axial and tangential (circumferential) direction of the tube over its entire length. A method for providing a tube which has been produced in this way with a socket at one of its ends is known from WO 97/33739.
Another method for producing tube from biaxially oriented plastics material is known from GB 1 589 052. This method is based on a tube made from thermoplastic material which has not been subjected to biaxial orientation, which tube has a tube body with, at one end, an end part with a greater wall thickness than the tube body. The tube is placed in a die and is expanded by an internal pressure so that the plastics material of the tube is biaxially oriented. In the process, the end part is deformed to form a socket.
WO 98/13190 has described yet another method for the production of a tube with an integral socket from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material.
Despite all the developments in the field of the production of tubes from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material, and in particular in the field of forming a socket on a tube of this nature, load tests still show that the socket of a tube of this nature forms the critical part of the tube. This is because the tube has been found to rupture earlier at the socket than in the tube body, and therefore the socket constitutes an undesirable limitation on the mechanical strenght of the tube.
The object of the present invention is to propose measures which make it possible to produce a tube of the above type with an integral socket at one or both ends. The invention also provides measures for improving the spigot of the tube, which is to be fitted into a socket.
For this purpose, the invention, according to a first aspect, provides a method wherein-by periodical variation of the ratio of the preform advancement speed, on the one hand, and the output of the extruder, on the other hand, between a plurality of different values-the wall thickness of the preform is periodically changed.
When the method according to the first aspect of the invention is carried out, an axial preform part with a different wall thickness from the preceding part of the preform is periodically formed in the section between the extruder die and the tube speed-control means, in practice in particular immediately downstream of the extruder die.
Surprisingly, in practice it has proven possible to control the process of biaxial stretching of the preform successfully despite the variation in the wall thickness of the preform which is to be forced over the mandrel. In particular, it has proven possible for a preform part with a greater wall thickness to be forced over the mandrel without this having undesirable effects on that part of the preform which has a smaller wall thickness and is located between the said thick preform part and the drawing device.
The method according to the first aspect of the invention enables a stretched tube of biaxially oriented thermoplastic material to be produced in a continuous process with axial tube parts which have varying wall thicknesses.
In practice, it has proven expedient for the maximum wall thickness of the preform to be 5-15% greater than the smallest wall thickness of the preform, as seen at a location immediately downstream of the extruder die. It will be clear that other values also lie within the scope of the invention.
Preferably, the transition from one wall thickness value to another wall thickness value is gradual. This is of benefit to the stability of the process.
In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the advancement speed of the preform, which is determined by the tube speed-control means, on the one hand, and the output of the extruder, on the other hand, is to be at a substantially constant first value for a first period and to be at one or more values which differ from the first value for a second period, which is considerably shorter than the first period, which cycle is repeated continuously.
In practice, this means, as seen at a point downstream of the expansion mandrel-the stretched tube in each case has a part of great axial length with a uniform first wall thickness and associated diameter, which part is followed by a considerably shorter axial part of the tube in which the wall thickness differs from the said first wall thickness, in particular is of one or more greater values, as seen in the axial direction of the said shorter part. In particular, there is provision for the wall thickness-as seen in the axial direction-to vary between a plurality of values in the latter axial part, so that annular areas which adjoin one another and have different wall thicknesses can be distinguished in the relevant part of the stretched tube.
The method according to the first aspect of the invention can be implemented by periodically varying the output of the extruder, in which case the advancement speed of the preform which is determined by the tube speed-control means is kept substantially constant. This does require an extruder which can be adjusted within a suitable range in terms of its output.
However, the method according to the first aspect of the invention can also be implemented, as is preferred, by keeping the output of the extruder substantially constant and periodically varying the advancement speed of the preform which is determined by the tube speed-control means.
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the stretched tube acquires substantially the same axial stretching over its entire length. To achieve this, in the preferred embodiment of the method it is in some cases sufficient to keep the advancement speed of the stretched tube downstream of the mandrel, which is determined by the drawing device, constant, so that the ratio of the advancement speed of the stretched tube downstream of the mandrel, on the one hand, and of the preform upstream of the mandrel, on the other hand, remains substantially constant.
In another preferred embodiment of the method, the advancement speed of the preform upstream of the mandrel, which is determined by the tube speed-control means, varies, and for this reason it is then necessary for the advancement speed of the stretched tube downstream of the mandrel, which is determined by the drawing device, to be varied periodically in such a manner that the ratio of the advancement speed of the tube downstream of the mandrel, on the one hand, and of the preform upstream of the mandrel, on the other hand, is kept substantially constant.
In a variant of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, there is provision for the tube parts with a greater wall thickness not to have the same level of axial stretching as an intervening tube part with a smaller wall thickness, but rather to have a greater level of axial stretching. For this purpose, in the period during which a part of the preform with a greater wall thickness is being forced over the mandrel, or during a section of this period, the ratio of the advancement speed of the stretched tube which is determined by the drawing device, on the one hand, and the advancement speed of the preform which is determined by the tube speed-control means, on the other hand, is greater than in the period during which a part of the preform with a smaller wall thickness is being forced over the mandrel, in such a manner that a tube part having the greater wall thickness acquires a greater level of axial stretching than a tube part with a smaller wall thickness.
To enable the method according to the first aspect of the invention, and in particular according to the variant described above, to be controlled successfully, it is desirable for the tube to undergo its axial stretching in an accurately defined section and, outside this section, for no further, additional axial stretching to be generated in the tube. To achieve this, an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the invention provides for the stretched tube downstream of the expansion part of the mandrel to be cooled in such a manner that the cooled tube no longer undergoes any axial stretching and the generation of the axial stretching is concentrated in the section between the tube speed-control means arranged in the vicinity of the extruder and the downstream end of the mandrel. Preferably, the axial stretching is realized between two tube speed-control means which are arranged at a distance from one another and are both arranged between the extruder and the mandrel.
It will be clear that at the moment at which a preform part with a thickened wall arrives at the upstream end of the mandrel, a possibly critical change occurs in the hitherto stable condition of the method, in particular if the thickened wall part of the preform projects inwards at that moment and thus has a smaller diameter than the adjoining parts of the preform. It would then be expected that the preform part with the greater wall thickness would, as it were, jam on the mandrel, while the thin and still hot part of the preform located immediately downstream of this part would be additionally stretched in the axial direction, possibly to an unacceptable extent.
To solve this problem, in an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the invention which is advantageous in practice, the temperature of the preform is controlled in such a manner that a preform part with a greater wall thickness is on average at a higher temperature, measured at a location immediately upstream of the mandrel, than a preform part of a smaller wall thickness which adjoins this part immediately downstream and is therefore already on the mandrel.
If it is assumed that the temperature conditioning substantially consists in cooling the preform, although it is also known from the prior art to supply (relatively small) amounts of heat to the preform upstream of the mandrel, the above-described temperature condition of the preform can in practice be implemented by causing the cooling means, which form part of the temperature-control means, to operate substantially constantly. This can be explained in the following way. In the section between the extruder die and the mandrel it is in fact possible to distinguish between three partial sections. In the first partial section which immediately adjoins the extruder die, it is possible to produce a preform part with a thickened wall. In the adjoining partial section, the preform is subjected to the action of the temperature-conditioning means, in particular to cooling, and in the adjoining third partial section, there is in fact no significant thermal energy supplied to or removed from the preform.
In a preferred embodiment of the method, a preform part with a thickened wall which is formed in the first partial section will move past the temperature-conditioning means in the second section at the same speed as a preform part with a smaller wall thickness. In relative terms, the thicker preform part will therefore be cooled to a lesser extent and will therefore arrive at the mandrel at a higher average temperature; in particular, the temperature of the core of the said thickened preform part will be higher. Due to the higher temperature, the modulus of elasticity will be lower and the thickened preform part will therefore be easier to deform, in relative terms, a fact which in practice can sufficiently compensate for the wall thickening to avoid the above critical situation.
In another preferred embodiment of the method, the speed of the preform is reduced while a preform part with a thickened wall is being formed. In this case too, the said preform part will form in the first partial section. Due to the reduction in speed, that part of the preform which is situated in the second partial section during this period will be subjected to cooling for a longer time than that part of the preform which has already passed through the cooling and is in the third partial section. When the preform part with a thickened wall is complete, the speed of the preform is increased again and the preform part with a thickened wall will pass through the cooling at the said higher speed and will thus be cooled to a lesser extent. When the thickened preform part then arrives at the mandrel, the said part can be deformed easily, while the thin wall part of the preform which is located immediately downstream thereof is in fact relatively rigid. A combination of the two effects makes it possible to carry out the process successfully in a controllable manner.
It can be seen from the above that, on the basis of the temperature of the preform-within a temperature range which is suitable for obtaining biaxial orientation-and the resultant modulus of elasticity of the plastics material of the preform, it is possible to control the axial stretching of the preform. By causing the preform to be at a higher temperature locally, for example at a thicker part thereof as described above, than other parts of the preform at the time of axial stretching, it is possible to ensure that, given a constant axial stretching force exerted on the preform, the hotter part undergoes greater axial stretching than the cooler parts, even if this hotter part has a greater wall thickness. In a practical embodiment, it is possible for the thinner parts of the preform to be at a temperature of approximately 90xc2x0 C. and for a hotter, optionally thicker, part to be at a temperature in the vicinity of 120xc2x0 C.
Surprisingly, it has proven possible to pass the tube through an external calibration device after it has passed the expansion mandrel. In this case, it can be observed that the thickened tube part, on leaving the mandrel, projects outwards with respect to the adjoining parts of the tube and is then pressed inwards by the external calibration device.
The method according to the first aspect of the invention can be carried out in a continuous process, and in this way it is possible to produce a tube from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material with a tube part with a thickened wall at (regular) axial intervals from one another. By then sawing, cutting or suchlike through the tube at the location of the thickened tube parts, it is possible to produce tube sections with, at one or both ends, an end part with a larger wall thickness than the tube body. Furthermore, the invention provides for the said tube sections then to be subjected to a socket-forming operation, in which case an integral socket is formed from an end part with a thickened wall. In a variantxe2x80x94if both end parts are of thicker designxe2x80x94one end part is deformed into a socket and the other end part is used as a spigot. If appropriate, the said spigot is also deformed further, for example is provided with one or more formations, in such a manner that a positively locking socket joint can be obtained.
In a practical embodiment, the tube section has a tube body of uniform cross section and wall thickness with, at one end, an integral socket and, at the other end, a spigot with a wall thickness which is 3-10% greater than the tube body.
Particularly in those embodiments in which the end part with a thickened wall-prior to the formation of the socket has undergone axial stretching which is greater than or equal to the tube body with a smaller wall thickness, the socket obtained has proven to have considerably better properties and a greater load-bearing capacity than the known sockets on such tubes.
Preferably, after the socket has been formed, the axial stretching of the socket is greater than or equal to the axial stretching of the tube body.
Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the invention are described in the claims and the description.
A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a tube from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material, which tube has a tube body and, at one or both ends thereof, an integrally formed socket, in which method a prefabricated tube of biaxially oriented thermoplastic material is subjected to a socket-forming operation.
The second aspect of the invention provides for the prefabricated tube to have an end part with a greater wall thickness than the tube body, the axial stretching of the end part prior to the socket-forming operation being equal to or preferably greater than the axial stretching of the tube body. It will be clear that a tube of this nature can be produced using the method according to the first aspect of the invention.
The shape of the socket may be complicated, for example with circumferential ribs of different diameters which, on the inside of the tube, form circumferential areas of different diameters. It is also possible for the wall thickness of the socket, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the tube, to vary and at suitable, e.g. heavily loaded, locations to be thicker than at other locations.
In one possible embodiment, the end part of the prefabricated tube-as seen from its end face-has a plurality of annular areas which adjoin one another and have a wall thickness which fluctuates from one annular area to the next annular area, in which case in a plurality of annular areas the wall thickness is greater than the wall thickness of the tube body. The wall thickness of the end part may thus be of a plurality of values which differ from the wall thickness of the tube body, depending on the socket-forming operation which is yet to be carried out and the requirements which are imposed on the socket.
In a preferred embodiment, an annular area with a greater wall thickness than the tube body is deformed, during the socket-forming operation, into an outwardly bulging groove wall which delimits an internal groove in the tube, which is adapted to accommodate a sealing ring.
A third aspect of the invention relates to the production of a tube from biaxially oriented thermoplastic material, wherein a tubular preform having a wall thickness is extruded from thermoplastic material using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, the inner core defining a hollow space in the preform, wherein the preform is subjected to a temperature conditioning of the preform, so that a tempered preform is obtained having an orientation temperature which is suitable for the thermoplastic material of said preform, and wherein the tempered preform is forced over a mandrel, which mandrel comprises an expansion part, which brings about expansion in the circumferential direction of the preform forced over said mandrel, in such a manner that said preform is transformed into a biaxially oriented tube with thermoplastic material which is oriented in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the tube, wherein said biaxially oriented tube is cooled, which method comprises the use of multiple preform speed-control means which act on the preform and are arranged at a distance from one another between the extruder and the expansion part of the mandrel, which preform speed-control means each maintain an associated preform advancement speed of the preform, in such a manner that the preform, in between the said preform speed-control means, is axially stretched, thereby reducing the wall thickness of the preform, which method further comprises the use of a drawing device which acts on the tube downstream of the mandrel, which drawing device sets an adjustable tube advancement speed of the tube downstream of the mandrel.
In this known method, at least part of the desired axial stretching of the tube has already been brought about in the preform, before the preform is moved over the expansion mandrel. Then, as it passes over the mandrel, the desired stretching in the circumferential direction is produced, as well as any remaining part of the axial stretching.
In a known method, for example as described in WO 97/10096, two speed-control means, in the form of generally known drawing devices, are arranged upstream of the mandrel, in which case the speed-control means in the vicinity of the mandrel imparts a higher advancement speed to the preform than the other speed-control means. This leads to axial stretching of the preform with reduction of the wall thickness of the preform. In practice, however, this known method of axial stretching has proven insufficiently controllable, with the result that undesirable variations may arise in the preform. Variations of this nature, for example in the cross-sectional shape of the preform, constitute a drawback when the preform subsequently passes over the mandrel.
The third aspect of the invention provides improved control of the axial stretching described above.
According to the third aspect of the invention, the preform, in the section between the speed-control means, in which the preform is axially stretched, is moved through a calibration opening of a calibration device, which calibration device reduces the external diameter of the preform. As a result, the preform acquires an accurately controllable external diameter before the preform reaches the downstream speed-control means and subsequently passes over the expansion mandrel. Furthermore, a significant level of axial stretching can be produced in this section combined with a high level of stability and controllability of the process.
A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a biaxially oriented tube from thermoplastic material, in particular polyolefin plastics material, wherein a tubular preform is extruded from thermoplastic material using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, the inner core defining an axial hollow space in the preform, wherein the preform is subjected to a temperature conditioning of the preform, so that a tempered preform is obtained having an orientation temperature which is suitable for the thermoplastic material of said preform, and wherein the tempered preform is forced over a dimensionally stable mandrel, which mandrel comprises an expansion part having an outer surface which substantially corresponds to the surface of a truncated cone, which mandrel brings about expansion of the tempered preform in the circumferential direction of the tempered preform forced over said mandrel, in such a manner that said preform is transformed into a biaxially oriented tube with thermoplastic material which is oriented in axial direction and in circumferential direction of the tube, wherein said biaxially oriented tube is cooled, the method comprising the use of a preform speed-control means which acts on the preform upstream of the mandrel and of a drawing device which is arranged downstream of the mandrel and acts on the tube.
In this known method, the passage of the preform over the expansion part of the mandrel constitutes a problematical part of the production of the tube. In particular, the preform has exhibited undesirable deformations during this part of the production process.
The fourth aspect of the invention seeks to promote the stability of the preform as it passes over the mandrel.
The invention achieves this objective by providing a method, in which the outer surface of the expansion part of the mandrel is provided, at a plurality of locations around the circumference of the expansion part, with elongate grooves and/or ribs which extend in the axial direction, and a film of liquid preferably being formed between the expansion part of the mandrel and the tube.
In an advantageous embodiment, the expansion part of the mandrel is provided with axial grooves which are formed at regular angular intervals, preferably of between 3xc2x0 and 10xc2x0, in the outer surface of the expansion part, and in which the grooves are preferably at most 5 millimetres deep, particularly preferably between 0.5 and 3 millimetres deep.
A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a biaxially oriented tube from thermoplastic material, in particular polyolefin plastics material, wherein a tubular preform is extruded from thermoplastic material using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, the inner core defining an axial hollow space in the preform, wherein the preform is subjected to a temperature conditioning of the preform, so that a tempered preform is obtained having an orientation temperature which is suitable for the thermoplastic material of said preform, and wherein the tempered preform is forced over a dimensionally stable mandrel, which mandrel comprises an expansion part having an outer surface which substantially corresponds to the surface of a truncated cone, which mandrel brings about expansion of the tempered preform in the circumferential direction of the tempered preform forced over said mandrel, in such a manner that said preform is transformed into a biaxially oriented tube with thermoplastic material which is oriented in axial direction and in circumferential direction of the tube, wherein said biaxially oriented tube is cooled, the method comprising the use of a preform speed-control means which acts on the preform upstream of the mandrel and of a drawing device which is arranged downstream of the mandrel and acts on the tube.
As is generally known, to force the preform over the mandrel, a considerable tensile force has to be exerted on the stretched tube downstream of the mandrel. When this tensile force is being exerted, it is fundamentally undesirable for the stretched tube to be damaged or permanently deformed.
The fifth aspect of the invention provides for the possibility of exerting a high tensile force by arranging a plurality of drawing devices which drive the stretched tube at the same speed one behind the other downstream of the mandrel.
Also, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the tube is internally supported at the location where a drawing device, arranged downstream of the mandrel, acts, preferably with the aid of mechanical support means which, at the location where the drawing device acts, comprise one or more support surfaces which move with the tube and bear against the inside of the tube, which support means are preferably attached to the inner core of the extruder.
Preferably, the support surfaces of the support means are driven in the direction of advancement of the tube.
In a variant, it is permissible for the stretched tube to be deformed by the drawing device, namely, in particular, if that part of the tube on which the said device acts subsequently no longer forms part of the tube which is to be marketed. For this purpose, therefore, it is possible for a drawing device to comprise one or more tube-engagement members which can each be moved to and fro over an axial distance, preferably approximately the length of a tube which is to be marketed, and act on part of the tube, so as to deform the tube, and grip the tube securely at that location, each tube-engagement member being assigned an axial displacement mechanism in order to displace the said member and the tube which is secured therein in the axial direction.
The present application also relates to a further number of aspects, which are described in the following paragraphs.
A method for producing a tube section from thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, in which the tube section coming out of the extruder die, downstream of the extruder die, is internally cooled by means of an internal cooling member, and is externally cooled by means of an external cooling device, in which the internal cooling member internally cools the tube immediately after the tube section has left the extruder die, in which the internal cooling member has a dimensionally stable outer wall with an axial length which is a multiple of the cross-sectional dimension of the tube section, and in which cooling liquid is pressed between the dimensionally stable outer wall and the tube section, in such a manner that a quick-flowing film of liquid is produced between the tube section and the dimensionally stable outer wall, the liquid flowing in the countercurrent direction, i.e. counter to the direction of extrusion, and the film of liquid preferably being at most 3 millimetres thick.
A method for producing a tube section from thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, in which the tube section coming out of the extruder die, downstream of the extruder die, is internally cooled by means of an internal cooling device which comprises an internal cooling member situated inside the extruded tube, and is externally cooled by means of an external cooling device, the internal cooling member being designed to produce direct contact between a cooling liquid and the tube section, the internal cooling device comprising deaerating means for deaerating the cooling liquid, by means of which the cooling liquid is deaerated before it is fed to the internal cooling member.
A method for producing a tube section from thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, in which the tube section coming out of the extruder die, downstream of the extruder die, is internally cooled by means of an internal cooling device which comprises an internal cooling member situated inside the extruded tube, and is externally cooled by means of an external cooling device, the internal cooling member being designed to produce direct contact between a cooling liquid and the tube section, the internal cooling member being designed to produce a helical flow of the cooling liquid along the inner wall of the tube section.
A method for producing a tube section from thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, in which the tube section coming out of the extruder die, downstream of the extruder die, is internally cooled by means of a cooling liquid which is brought into direct contact with the tube section, and is externally cooled by means of an external cooling device, a cooling liquid with a low surface tension being used, the cooling liquid preferably being water to which one or more additives which reduce the surface tension have been added.
A method for producing a tube section from a polyolefin plastics material, in which a tube section is extruded using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, in which the tube section coming out of the extruder die, downstream of the extruder die, is internally cooled by means of an internal cooling device which comprises an internal cooling member attached to the inner core, and is externally cooled by means of an external cooling device, a heating medium being present in the hollow space in the tube section downstream of the internal cooling member, for the purpose of increasing the temperature of the layer on the inside of the tube section which has been cooled by the internal cooling member, the heating medium preferably being a liquid, if appropriate with an added substance which reduces the surface tension, at a temperature of between 90 and 100xc2x0 C.
A method for producing a tube section having a wall layer made from crystalline thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, in which the tube section coming out of the extruder die, downstream of the extruder die, is internally cooled by means of an internal cooling device which comprises an internal cooling member situated in the tube, and is externally cooled by means of an external cooling device, a multilayer tube being extruded with at least one wall layer of amorphous thermoplastic material on the inside of the wall layer consisting of crystalline thermoplastic material, the crystalline wall layer being made, for example, from polyethylene, and the amorphous wall layer being made, for example, from polyvinyl chloride.
A method for producing a biaxially oriented tube from thermoplastic material, in particular polyolefin plastics material, comprising the extrusion of a preform from thermoplastic material using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, the inner core defining an axial hollow space in the preform, and then forcing the preform over a mandrel, which mandrel comprises an expansion part which brings about expansion of the tube in the circumferential direction, the extruder die being provided with means for controlling the wall thickness of the preform coming out of the extruder die, and an ultrasonic device for measuring the wall thickness, which is arranged along the outside of the tube, being provided between the extruder die and the mandrel, for the purpose of measuring the wall thickness and shape of the cross section of the extruded preform, a layer of cold liquid being produced on the inside of the preform at the location of the wall-thickness measuring device, the temperature of the layer of cold liquid preferably being at most 50xc2x0 C.
A method for producing a biaxially oriented tube from thermoplastic material, in particular polyolefin plastics material, comprising the extrusion of a preform from thermoplastic material using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, the inner core defining an axial hollow space in the preform, and then forcing the preform over a dimensionally stable mandrel in the axial direction, which mandrel comprises an expansion part which brings about expansion of the preform in the circumferential direction, the preform being forced over the mandrel by means of a speed-control means which engages on the preform upstream of the mandrel and by means of a drawing device which is arranged downstream of the mandrel, the preform being heated in a manner which can be controlled by circumferential sector upstream of the mandrel, this controllable heating per circumferential sector being effected by means of microwave radiation.
A method for producing a biaxially oriented tube from thermoplastic material, in particular polyolefin plastics material, comprising the extrusion of a preform from thermoplastic material using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, the inner core defining an axial hollow space in the preform, and then forcing the preform over a mandrel in the axial direction, which mandrel comprises an expansion part which brings about expansion of the preform in the circumferential direction, and a run-off part downstream of the expansion part, which run-off part is substantially constant in cross section, the preform being forced over the mandrel by means of a speed-control means which engages on the preform upstream of the mandrel and by means of a drawing device which is arranged downstream of the mandrel, and the run-off part having an axial length which is a multiple of the wall thickness of the oriented tube.
A method for producing a biaxially oriented tube having a wall layer made from polyolefin plastics material, comprising the extrusion of a preform from thermoplastic material using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, the inner core defining an axial hollow space in the preform, and then forcing the preform over a mandrel in the axial direction, which mandrel comprises an expansion part which brings about expansion of the preform in the circumferential direction, and a run-off part downstream of the expansion part, which run-off part is substantially constant in cross section, the preform being forced over the mandrel by means of a speed-control means which engages on the preform upstream of the mandrel and by means of a drawing device which is arranged downstream of the mandrel, a multilayer preform being extruded, which incorporates a plurality of wall layers with different properties, at least one of which is made from polyolefin plastics material, at least one of the wall layers being subjected, for example, to a crosslinking treatment, preferably an inner and/or outer wall layer, which preferably contains additives which promote crosslinking.
A method for producing a biaxially oriented tube from polyolefin plastics material, comprising the extrusion of a preform from thermoplastic material using an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, the inner core defining an axial hollow space in the preform, and then forcing the preform over a mandrel in the axial direction, which mandrel comprises an expansion part which brings about expansion of the tube in the circumferential direction, and a run-off part downstream of the expansion part, which run-off part is substantially constant in cross section, the preform being forced over the mandrel by means of a speed-control means which engages on the preform upstream of the mandrel and by means of a drawing device which is arranged downstream of the mandrel, the tube being subjected to a crosslinking treatment downstream of the expansion part of the mandrel, preferably only a wall layer adjoining the inside and/or outside of the tube being subjected to a crosslinking treatment.
A connection of two tubes of biaxially oriented thermoplastic material, in particular polyolefin plastics material, in which the tubes, at their ends which face towards one another, are each provided with an integrally formed socket which preferably has a larger internal diameter than the adjoining part of the tube, and in which a connecting-tube body is provided, having two axial ends which each fit into a socket of a tube which is to be connected, and in which the socket of each tube is heat-shrunk onto that end of the connecting-tube body which fits into said socket securely.
The connection according to the previous paragraph, in which the connecting-tube body is provided, at each of its ends, with heater means for heating the socket which has been pushed over it, for example one or more electrical heater elements, for example heater wires, and/or one or more elements which can be heated from the outside, for example metal elements which can be heated via induction.
The connection according to one or more of the previous paragraphs, in which the heater means lie at a distance from the free end of the connecting-tube body.
The connection according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, in which the outer surface of each end of the connecting-tube body is profiled in order to create a dimensionally stable connecting component between the connecting-tube body and the socket of the tube.
The connection according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, in which the connecting-tube body consists substantially of plastics material.
The connection according to one or more of the preceding paragraphs, in which the internal diameter of the connecting-tube body is substantially equal to the internal diameter of that part of each tube which lies outside the socket.
A tube of biaxially oriented thermoplastic material, which plastics material has a stretch ratio, in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, with respect to the preform from which the tube is made, the sum of the stretch ratio in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction being between 4 and 6, preferably between 4.5 and 5.5, particularly preferably being approximately 5.
A tube of biaxially oriented thermoplastic material, for example polyethylene (PE), which plastics material has a stretch ratio, in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, with respect to the preform from which the tube is produced, the sum of the stretch ratio in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction being between 4 and 6, preferably between 4.5 and 5.5, particularly preferably being approximately 5, and the stretch ratio in the axial direction being in a relationship of 3:2 with respect to the stretch ratio in the circumferential direction.
The abovementioned measures and other measures provided according to the invention are described in the following description and will be explained below, in particular with reference to the drawings.

Abstract: Immediately after the tube section leaves the extruder die, the internal cooling member brings about internal cooling of the tube. The external cooling device is positioned downstream of the internal cooling member, so that the external cooling of the tube section is brought about after the internal cooling.


A new and distinct cultivar of Salvia plant named ‘Balsaluchl’, characterized by its light violet-blue colored flowers, dark green-colored foliage, and vigorous, upright-compact growth habit, is disclosed.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Salvia plant botanically known as Salvia hybrid and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Balsaluchl'.
The new Salvia hybrid cultivar is an irradiation-induced sport of Mystic Spires 'Balsalmispim', U.S. Plant Pat. No. 29,604, characterized by its light violet-colored flowers, dark green-colored foliage, and vigorous, upright-compact growth habit. The irradiation occurred during May 2019. The new cultivar was discovered as a side shoot and selected during September 2019 in a controlled environment in Arroyo Grande, Calif.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by terminal stem cuttings since September 2019 in Arroyo Grande, Calif. and West Chicago, Ill. has demonstrated that the new cultivar reproduces true to type with all of the characteristics, as herein described, firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of such asexual propagation.


An apparatus is set forth wherein a pressurized cylinder is operative to direct fluid flow from a series of compartmentalized sections within the cylinder operative through separate valving to direct the flow through metered orifices formed in a coextensive matrix pattern throughout the cylindrical wall of the cylinder, and to direct fluid from the cylinder to a plurality of water form rollers to direct the water from the cylinder onto a plate cylinder for use in printing machines.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention relates to printing apparatus, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved forced flow press dampening apparatus wherein the same directs pressurized flow through a predetermined gradient onto cooperative water from rollers and to direct the fluid flow onto a plate cylinder of a printing operation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In printing, and more particularly in lithographic printing, a press plate cylinder has a non-printing area coated with a film of fluid from a dampening system that typically comprises water with further portions of the plate cylinder treated with ink from an ink-form roller, wherein the dampening system is arranged to provide a predetermined quantity of water to provide a balanced distribution on the plate cylinder. This is desirable to avoid imparting of excess water onto portions of the cylinder not utilized in a printing procedure. To solve the water/ink relationship upon the plate cylinder, the prior art has utilized various arrangements to impart appropriate amounts of water to the aforenoted plate cylinder. Examples of the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,514 to Simeth wherein a dampening unit for a rotary printing operation includes a metering roller that directs fluid flow from a central conduit through the roller under pressure onto cooperating form rollers.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,815 to Banfer sets forth a dampening mechanism for feeding a film of water utilizing a conventional pick-up roll to direct the water to cooperating rollers and direct the water therefrom ultimately to a cooperating plate cylinder.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,923,936 to Davis, et al., illustrates a roller surface configuration wherein water is directed from the roller through capillary action in an effort to properly meter the water flow therethrough.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,811 to Zavodny sets forth a transfer roller for use in dampening mechanisms of printing presses utilizing spiral grooves to direct desired quantities of water to a plate cylinder.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,596 to Ivett sets forth a dampening system utilizing a brush roller to properly transfer a predetermined quantity of fluid to a cooperating plate cylinder.
As such, it may be appreciated that there is a continuing need for a new and improved forced flow press dampening apparatus wherein the same addresses both the problems of appropriately directing desired quantities of water in a desired ratio to a press cylinder and further effectively provide valving to effect this goal.


A mechanism such as a camera has an electric driving device being capable of eliminating backlash, is equipped with an electric driving unit, an actuation unit driven by the driving force of the electric driving unit, a gear train for transmitting the driving force of the electric driving unit to the actuating unit, and a control unit for power supply to the electric driving unit for eliminating the backlash generated in the gear train.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric driving unit capable of eliminating backlash generated in a gear train, and more particularly to an electric driving device adapted for precisely conducting automatic focusing or feeding operation in a camera, without the influence of backlash.
2. Related Background Art
In the field for example of automatic focusing devices for automatically focusing a photographing lens, there is already known a structure of rotating a helicoid ring with a small motor through a gear train. In such devices, since precision on the order of several microns is required in the lens position control, a mechanism for detecting the lens movement has to have a resolving power of several microns, measured in the amount of lens movement. Such a detecting mechanism is generally provided at the first gear of the gear train, and certain backlash is inevitable in the meshing of gears. Consequently, in a lens driving operation, even if the detected amount of lens movement is correct, the actual amount of lens movement may be decreased due to free plays of gears resulting from the backlash thereof. Also if the amount of lens movement& is as small as the magnitude of said play, the lens may not be moved at all even though the motor is driven.

Electric driving device capable of eliminating backlash


A LED grow-light system is disclosed. The LED grow-light system includes one or more grow-light canopies with linear LED light bars to provide upward and downward lighting in a central illumination area. The LED light bars are preferably configured to move up and down relative to a grow bed. The LED grow-light system or grow-light canopies constructed using T-slot interconnects that lock into T-channels of the T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars.

A grow-light or plant light, is an artificial light source, generally an electric light, designed to stimulate plant growth by emitting a light appropriate for photosynthesis. Grow-lights either attempt to provide a light spectrum similar to that of the sun, or to provide a spectrum that is more tailored to the needs of the plants being cultivated. Depending on the type of plant being cultivated, the stage of cultivation (e.g. the germination/vegetative phase or the flowering/fruiting phase), and the photo-period required by the plants, specific ranges of spectrum, luminous efficacy and color temperature are desirable for use with specific plants and time periods.
Grow-lights are used for horticulture, indoor gardening, plant propagation, and food production, including indoor hydroponics and aquatic plants. Although most grow-lights are used on an industrial level, they can also be used in households.
According to the inverse-square law, the intensity of light radiating from a point source (in this case a bulb) that reaches a surface is inversely proportional to the square of the surface's distance from the source (if an object is twice as far away, it receives only a quarter the light) which is a serious hurdle for indoor growers, and many techniques are employed to use light as efficiently as possible. Reflectors are thus often used in the lights to maximize light efficiency. Plants or lights are moved as close together as possible so that they receive equal lighting and that all light coming from the lights falls on the plants rather than on the surrounding area. Therefore High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights are often used.
Common types of HID grow-lights include fluorescent grow-lights, Metal Halide (MH) grow-lights, Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) grow-lights, High Pressure Sodium (HPS) grow-light, and Combination MH and HPS ("Dual Arc") grow-lights. Because of the improved effectiveness, energy costs, and longevity, many grow-light systems now utilize LED technology.
LED grow-lights are composed of light-emitting diodes, usually in a casing with a heat sink and built-in fans. White LED grow-lights provide a full spectrum of light designed to mimic natural light, providing plants a balanced spectrum of red, blue and green. However, the spectrum used varies. White LED grow-light are designed to emit similar amounts of red and blue light with an added green light to appear white.
T-slot bars are generally extruded bars formed from metal. However, T-slot bars can also be formed from plastics, fiberglass and other suitable materials. T-slot bars have been used to from skeletal structures on walls to provide bracing for electrical and plumbing installations and can be interconnected together to form structures using nut/bolt-type of interlocking mechanisms. Aluminum T-slot bars are particularly useful from building larger structure on walls, ceilings and/or build suspended structures for supporting LED-grow lighting.