A pressurized dispenser is disclosed herein having a container housing a quantity of acoustic ceiling patch or textured material mixed with base, filler and a binder as well as with a carrier such as aerosol. A manual pump or spray nozzle is included on the container for selective discharge of the patch or textured material onto a prepared area which is a drywall or support sheet so as to match and blend in with the surrounding acoustic ceiling surface area to provide continuous and unbroken coextensive surface texture of mechanically and visually matched material.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to surface texture material dispensing devices, and more particularly to a novel pressurized substance in semi-liquid form adapted to be sprayed onto a drywall or supporting surface so that after subsequent curing and hardening, a matching textured surface is provided with that of surrounding acoustic ceiling areas.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
It has been the conventional practice in the procedure of repairing drywall or patching acoustic ceiling areas to remove the damaged portion of the ceiling and subsequently filling any holes, depressions or the like with a textured patch material. The patch or replacement material is applied by means of a trowel or other flat tool which will press the patch material into the hole or depression and which will prepare and provide a surface area to receive a finish surface coating. After the patch material has cured and adhered to the original support material, a smooth surface is provided which receives the final coating. This coating leaves a smooth surface which is not matched to the surrounding roughened or textured surface.
An acoustic ceiling surface usually presents a surface texture which is bumpy or presents an orange peel look and sometimes is referred to as a "Popcorn effect". Such an appearance and surface texture cannot be attained through the use of smoothing tools or patch tools once the patch material has been applied to the damaged or repaired area. Therefore, difficulties and problems have been encountered which stem largely from the fact that the use and application of conventional patching material on acoustic ceiling repairs leaves a surface texture which does not match the surrounding area and which is noticeable after the complete repair has been completed.
Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a novel material that may be readily applied to a repaired patch or surface so that the surface will match with the surrounding surface texture of an acoustic ceiling. Furthermore, the surface texture material to be applied to a repaired or patched area should be contained in a hand-held applicator so that the material may be conveniently stored as well as applied to the repaired area in a simple and convenient manner.


A suction nozzle assembly, comprising a tube coupled to a pressure sink at a distal side thereof, a nozzle, a resilient element which couples said nozzle to a proximal side of said tube and a deformable housing which bridges a gap between said proximal side of said tube and said nozzle. Optionally, a pressure equalizer, for example, a through aperture, is formed in said nozzle.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to self cleaning filtration systems and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a nozzle assembly used for cleaning a filtration screen.
Over 80% of global trade volume is still transported by ship. Ballast water is required to compensate when there is an absence of cargo. A major environmental threat currently exists by the use of ballast water. Indigenous microorganisms, sediment, plants and animal life are drawn into the ballast water, shipped to another part of the world and then discharged into an alien environment. In response, the International Marine Organization has introduced the mandatory specification of automatic filters within ballast water treatment systems on all newly built and retrofitted vessels.
The cleaning of a filtration screen used for the filtration of water and sea water in particular is difficult. The lower the size of the holes in the filter (usually under 100 microns) the more difficult it is to remove the trapped suspended solids that have accumulated and imbedded on the filtration screen. Organic matter tends to stick to the filtration screen making removal especially difficult.
Some examples of attempts to increase the efficiency of cleaning a filtration screen include:
Nozzles that are fixed on the suction pipe collector at a preset distance from the filtration screen without an ability to move closer and further from the filtration screen.
Patent application WO 2006/008729 discloses "The nozzle 34 comprises a nozzle pipe 44 and nozzle cap 46 with an annular rim 47. The tubular basis 40 is closed by a cover 48. The nozzle pipe 44 is supported in the tubular basis 50 by an annular guide 50 and an opening in the cover 48 so as to form an axially movable telescope joint. The cylinder spring 42 urges the nozzle pipe 44 axially towards the inlet surface of the mesh 20." Furthermore, "the telescope joint and the spring 42 are protected from the harmful particles by two tight sealing rings 52 and 54".
Patent application EP 1785178 discloses a "nozzle 230 moves along guide 210, or at least along upper portion 212, while extending towards the inner part of fine filter 40." Further, "During the backwash operation fluid flows through the final filtering chamber 30 toward the space defined within nozzle 240. Due to this flow the outer edge to 242 of nozzle 240 is pushed away from the fine filter 40 while the inner edge is pushed towards the fine filter. Because the area of the inner edge 244 is larger than the area of the outer edge 242 of nozzle 240 the overall effect of the fluid flow is to push nozzle 240 towards the inner face of fine filter 40."

Filter cleaning system with a movable proximity nozzle


A powered auger support device is provided having connection to a vehicle, a trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle, or the bed of a trailer, whereby a powered auger is slideably supported along an upright rail by way of a winch controlled by an operator. The device comprises a support structure having an upright rail, an auger support frame, and a pulley and winch system for raising and lowering the auger support frame. The auger support frame supports the handles of a stand-along auger and is pivotably supported along the rail, permitting the support frame to rotate with respect to the frame for placing the auger working end at different angles or in a horizontally stowed position. An embodiment of the upright rail contemplates a rotational hinge that places the auger support frame outside of the vehicle wheel tracks or outside of the bed of a trailer during use.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to augers, auger supports, and vehicle accessories. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a vehicle-mounted auger support that allows the auger to be controlled while being deployed in a drilling operation using a winch mechanism and an upright rail, stowed in a horizontal position by a pivotal attachment, and drill in locations outside of the track of the vehicle. The device is a support that is adapted for use with all terrain vehicles, trailers, and in connection with vehicle trailer hitches.
Augers are drilling devices used to drill downward into a substrate material to create a hole therein or opening therethrough. These devices include a helical screw blade that acts to break-up the substrate material and convey it along the length of the blade and out of the created hole. Rotation of the helical screw aces as a conveyor for loose material, which is drawn out of the hole in an excavating process, efficient creating a penetrating hole that is confined within the diameter of the given auger blade. These are commonly utilized devices that have served a useful tool across centuries. Common applications include digging vertical holes through earth for construction works, for post hole digging, for drilling through wood, and finally for creating defined holes in ice for ice fishing activities.
Modern augers are driven by a motive force such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, which drives the auger blade in a rotational direction that acts to convey material towards the proximal end of the auger screw. These devices can be quite heavy and cumbersome to handle individually, depending on the size of the auger screw and the intended application. They are particularly cumbersome if traveling considerable distances between uses, or when transporting the device to a desired work site. Along with transportation, actual handling of the device while operation requires physical strength and stability to control the powered auger while in a digging operation. The auger must be stabilized and its position must be controlled, whereafter there device may need to be lifted from a created hole thereafter.
These issues lead to real hardships for some individuals and for those requiring digging tools in remote areas. While in operation, a powered auger can pose a risk to the user if not properly controlled, because of its weight, power, and overall size. If the auger overpowers a user, the user may be at risk of injury. If the user becomes tired, he or she may limit the auger operation to shortened periods with frequent breaks, which can dramatically increase the amount of time required to complete a task. Still others may not be able to use the device at all without assistance, thereby preventing their use of the auger independently and in remote locations.
Of particular concern in the present disclosure is the use of an auger in remote environments such frozen lakes (ice fishing) and along property boundaries where one may be erecting a fence line. To increase the efficiency of the auger, to control its operation, and to facilitate its use in remote areas and by individuals of all type, it is desired to disclose a powered auger support device that is mountable to a vehicle and one that provides powered control over the operation of the auger during deployment. Specifically, a vehicle support frame having an upstanding rail, an auger support frame, and a crank or drive means for controlling the relative position of the auger support frame with respect to the upstanding rail is provided. The upstanding rail is pivotable to operate the auger outside of the vehicle tracks, while the auger support frame is pivotably attached for off-angle drilling and stowing the auger between uses. The connection between the upstanding rail and the vehicle is one that includes an all terrain vehicle attachment frame, a standing frame for a trailer bed, or a trailer hitch receiver frame, offering flexibility for the chosen deployment of the present invention.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to auger support frames and vehicle mounts. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to different structures and supports that support a powered auger on different vehicle types. The present invention provides a structure that utilizes a winch or drive means to control the position of the auger, along with an architecture that allows flexibility with regard to auger deployment and storage. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,925 to Gallagher discloses a mobile drilling machine that is mounted to an all terrain vehicle along the rear luggage rack thereof. A support bearing pivotably supports a drill that supports an auger aligned therewith. The drill beam includes a base plate having a hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic motor, which is used to drive the auger rotation during a drilling operation. A drive chain and sprocket control the vertical positioning of the auger in relation to the drill beam, allowing the auger to drive into the earth during operation. The Gallagher device, while disclosing a similar device as the present invention, utilizes a hydraulic power means to drive the auger and the drive chain of the device. The present invention contemplates a pivotable auger support allows the auger to be positioned in either a horizontal or vertical position, while also providing a pivotable frame that allows the drilling to be offset from the vehicle. Finally, the present invention utilizes the support vehicle winch or a manually driven winch to control the vertical positioning of the auger with respect to its frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,402 to Jones discloses an auger holder designed to be equipped and attached to an all terrain vehicle. The Jones device comprises a first and second holder frame. The primary frame includes support members for the assembly and attachment to the vehicle, while the secondary frame is adjustably connected to the primary frame and supports the auger at desired angles relative to the ground, thereby permitting a vertical hole to be dug into sloping earth by angling the auger into a vertical position while the vehicle is position on the slope. The Jones device is ideal for post hole digging over uneven and sloping terrain. The elements of the Jones device, while of similar art, provide different functionality when compared to the present invention. The present invention provides a movable auger support, whereby the support is both pivotable and hingeable to allow the user to stow the assembly or drill outside of the vehicle tracks while in the field.
Another such device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,470 to Scott, which discloses a method of mounting an auger to a motor vehicle, whereby a mounting plate is slideably attached to a slide bearing assembly. The mounting plate supports the handles of an independent auger and allowing vertical movement of the auger while thereattached for drilling purposes. A swivel bearing assembly is further provided that allows the auger to be rotated within a plane parallel to the rear of the vehicle, whereby the angle of the auger can be directed against off angle ground surfaces or moved into a horizontal position for storage. Also described is an attached for the assembly to a tow hitch receiver. The present invention contemplates the rotational features of the Scott device, but further describes a vehicle winch or hand crank winch to raise and lower the attached auger while drilling. Also described by the present invention is a pivot joint that allows drilling outside of the vehicle tracks.
Finally U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0308093 to Johnson discloses an auger hauler that allows an auger to be removably supported by a vehicle within a frame. The frame includes a pair of opposing support arms that support an auger in a horizontal position between uses. The arms include U-bolt members that support the auger in an elevated position, whereby the auger can be quickly dispatched from the hauler and utilized in the field. The Johnson device provides an upstanding support that can support a stowed auger. It is not designed to support an operating auger, and does not facilitate drilling operations. The present invention provides a pivotable and rotatable support for an auger that can assist in drilling operations when attached to a vehicle, eliminating the need for a user to manually handle the auger while drilling holes in earth or ice.
The present invention provides an auger support device that is attachable to a vehicle for hands-free use of the auger while in the field. The device comprises an upstanding rail having a winch and pulley system for controlling the position of the auger while in operation along the vertical rail. An auger frame is provided for connection to specific styles of augers, while the upstanding rail connection to the vehicle may take on several forms, including an ATV frame connection, a trailer bed support, and a trailer hitch receiver connection. It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need for an improvement to existing auger support devices for vehicles in the art. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

Powered auger support assembly for a vehicle


In a brake apparatus provided with an actuator for controlling brake fluid pressure applied to a wheel cylinder, a non-return valve disposed in a conduit connected to a master cylinder so as to allow brake fluid to flow toward the master cylinder. The non-return valve includes a ball serving as a valve body which seats on a valve seat formed between a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion in the conduit. After the ball is installed in the large diameter portion of the conduit, an opening part of the large diameter portion is closed by a lid while limiting a movement range of the ball so that a center of the ball does not reach an axis of a conduit perpendicularly connected to the large diameter portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a brake apparatus for a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a brake apparatus for a vehicle provided with an actuator for carrying out antiskid control (ABS actuator).
2. Description of the Related Art
Antiskid control (ABS control) is for adjusting wheel braking force to an optimum value in correspondence to a friction coefficient between a wheel tire and a road surface while preventing the lock of a wheel. In antiskid control, a wheel cylinder pressure (W/C pressure) for causing the wheel braking force is selectively reduced, held, and increased in response to a slip state of the wheel.
An ABS actuator for carrying out ABS control is formed by integrally installing several control valves, several conduits, and an ABS reservoir in a housing. In the housing of the ABS actuator, non-return valves (check valves) for preventing reverse flow of brake fluid are also installed. For example, as described in JP-A-8-166073, a non-return valve is disposed in a conduit between a master cylinder and an ABS reservoir.
When the wheel cylinder pressure is reduced by ABS control, brake fluid is discharged from the wheel cylinder into the ABS reservoir. The brake fluid accumulated in the ABS reservoir is returned toward the master cylinder via a connduit connecting the ABS reservoir to the master cylinder by biasing force of a spring which biases a reservoir piston. However, when the master cylinder generates master cylinder pressure during a normal braking operation, it is necessary to prevent brake fluid from reversely flowing from the master cylinder into the ABS reservoir by the master cylinder pressure. For this purpose, a non-return valve is disposed in the conduit connecting the ABS reservoir to the master cylinder.
In detail, as described in the above-mentioned Patent Publication, the non-return valve is structured by a ball valve, a seat portion as a valve seat for the ball valve, a spring for biasing ball valve toward the seat portion, and a sleeve (plug) for supporting the spring, which are integrally assembled. The non-return valve is press-fit in the conduit to fix the non-return valve in the conduit.
However, because the above-described non-return valve is structured by different kinds of plural parts (ball valve, seat portion, spring and sleeve), and further these parts need to be assembled integrally, a manufacturing cost of the non-return valve is high.
In addition, before brake fluid is poured in a hydraulic path of a brake apparatus, the inside of the hydraulic path is evacuated to promote the pouring of brake fluid. However, in the conventional non-return valve, because the spring biases the ball valve toward the seat portion, a pressure for opening the ball valve is not zero (atmospheric pressure). For this reason, degree of vacuum in the hydraulic path cannot be risen.


Embodiments if the present disclosure relate to a radio frequency (RF) adapter configured to mimic the load that an antenna element would see if it was otherwise radiating into free space. The adapter is configured to come in direct contact with an antenna ground plane so that modes of propagation may be established, and energy coupled from a radiating antenna element into the adapter. The adapter may be of any form that will support direct coupling and include a waveguide (WG) that is coupled to a planar slot radiating element of an antenna array. The WG can have a length, width, height, and a central longitudinal axis and an internal surface. A resistive load can be disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the WG and a reactive load can be disposed in the internal surface of the WG.

Antennas can be characterized by their far field gain patterns. Some antennas have complex mechanical feed structures that are time consuming to assemble and test (e.g. to determine antenna feed performance characteristics). Typically, a specialized antenna measurement facility is required to test an antenna and determine the performance of the antenna including the associate feed structure. One testing method is to use a near field antenna scanning system to collect data and then post process that data to characterize the antenna feed. This method has shortcomings in that it does not capture all of the radiated energy, requires specialized equipment and/or facilities and is not well suited to in-process testing (i.e. such specialized equipment and/or facilities are sometimes not well suited for testing of antenna subsystem (e.g. such as a feed assembly) during the manufacturing/assembly process.


A network gateway processor architecture including a scalable array of compute processors that function to convert inbound data packets to outbound data packets, an ingress processor coupleable to a first network to receive the inbound data packets and coupled to provide the inbound data packets to the compute processors, and an egress processor coupleable to a second network and coupled to the compute processors to collect and forward the outbound data packets to the second network. The ingress processor distributes inbound data packets to the compute processors based on a least load value selected from current load values determined for the respective compute processors of the scalable array. The current load values represent estimated processing completion times for the respective compute processors of the scalable array of compute processors. Preferably, the current load values are dynamically derived with respect to the size of the inbound data packets and the performance of the respective compute processors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to computer network infrastructure components, such as network gateways, that implement scalable high-speed architectures, and, in particular, to a scalable network gateway processor optimally implementing wire-speed compute intensive processing operations on network data packets that uses an efficient internal load balancing system.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the continued growth of the Internet and proliferation of private distributed intranets, increasing the speed, security, and transactional reliability of network data transmissions remains a fundamental concern and continuing consideration in the development of new network infrastructure. The demands on the growth of the Internet, particularly in terms of speed, have been even more dramatic. Network speed requirements even several tiers from the Internet backbone are rapidly exceeding one gigabit per second (Gbps) and likely to jump to four, ten Gbps, and even greater speeds in the very near future. Very high-speed infrastructure components are therefore widely needed in the broad construction of the Internet and connected private distributed intranets.
Much of this demand for increased network speed, security, and reliability is driven by the very real efficiencies that can be obtained by extending complex services and capabilities to remote network locations and between private distributed intranets. In most cases, maximizing these efficiencies requires that the network infrastructure connect remote locations and private distributed intranets at wire speed—the maximum fundamental speed of the network connecting any two sites. Network traffic switches and routers are conventionally designed to operate at wire-speeds. There are, however, many network functions that, as conventionally implemented, operate at only a fraction of current third tier wire-speeds. Network components implementing these functions therefore necessarily impose significant bottlenecks in the network traffic between remote locations and distributed private intranets.
Network components conventionally recognized as creating bandwidth limitations are characteristically required to perform compute intensive operations. In essence, such network components must limit the rate of new data packets being received in order not to overwhelm the buffering capacity of the network component while the compute intensive function is being performed. Even with substantial buffering, the inability to timely process received data packets results in an overall bandwidth limitation that reduces throughput to a small fraction of the wire-speed of the connected infrastructure. The provision of such buffering, however, also raises problems ensuring security over the buffered data and transactional reliability through the buffer.
Examples of compute intensive network components include virtual private network (VPN) and secure sockets layer (SSL) components and components providing packet protocol conversions, such as between fiber channel and iSCSI protocols. Conventional VPN components are used to establish secure virtual private connections over the public Internet between distributed locations. Security for such VPN network transmissions over the Internet is typically implemented using secure internet protocols, such as the IETF established IPsec protocols. The in-band encryption protocols of IPsec provide for the encryption of Internet routed packet data, enabling point-to-point secure delivery of Ethernet transported data. In many circumstances, such as typified by corporate intranet environments, local network traffic requirements may easily aggregate to levels requiring gigabit Ethernet VPN connections between distributed locations. While software-only solutions are possible, isolation of the compute intensive data encryption and decryption services of IPsec on a hardware-based accelerator is conventionally recognized as necessary to support bandwidths that are any significant fraction of a gigabit Ethernet connection.
The SSL protocol similarly involves in-band encryption and decryption of significant volumes of network traffic. Although the SSL protocol is implemented as a presentation level service, which allows applications to selectively use the protocol, Internet sites typically concentrate SSL connections in order to manage repeated transactions between specific clients and servers to effect the appearance of a state-full connection. As a result, network traffic loads can easily aggregate again to substantial fractions of a gigabit Ethernet connection. SSL accelerator network components are therefore needed to implement hardware-based encryption and decryption services, as well as related management functions, where the network traffic is any significant fraction of a gigabit Ethernet connection.
Unfortunately, conventional network components capable of any significant in-band compute intensive processing of high-throughput rate packet data are incapable of achieving gigabit wire-speed performance. Typically, a peripheral accelerator architecture, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,955, is utilized to perform the compute-intensive functions. Such architectures generally rely on a bus-connected peripheral array of dedicated protocol processors to receive, perform the in-band data processing, and retransmit data packets. Each protocol processor includes a hardware encryptor/decryptor unit, local ingress and egress Ethernet interfaces and a bridging interface, operable through the peripheral bus. Conventionally, each peripheral protocol processor may be capable of performing on the order of 100 megabits of total throughput. The bridging interface is therefore necessary to aggregate the function of the peripheral array. Thus, while significant peak accelerations can be achieved for data packets both received and retransmitted through the local Ethernet interfaces of a single protocol processor, the aggregate array performance is actually limited by the performance of the shared peripheral bus interconnecting the array. High-speed peripheral interconnect buses, such as the conventional PCI bus, are limited to a theoretical maximum throughput of about 4 Gbps. With the necessary effects of bus contention and management overhead, and multiple bus transactions to transport a single data packet, the actual bridged data transfer of even just four peripheral processors can effectively saturate the peripheral bus. Consequently, the aggregate throughput of such peripheral arrays conventionally fall well below one Gbps and run more typically in the range of 250 to 400 Mbps. Such rates clearly fail to qualify as wire-speed in current network infrastructures.
Consequently, there is a need for an efficiently scalable system and architecture capable of performing compute intensive data packet processing at wire-speeds in excess of one Gbps and readily extendable to speeds of 4 and 10 Gbps and beyond.

Load balanced scalable network gateway processor architecture


The invention relates to a medical instrument having a hollow shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the shaft consisting of a rigid jaw member and a jaw member that can rotate with respect to the rigid jaw member, as well as a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft. The tool and the handle are in active connection with one another by a push-pull rod mounted in the shaft, and the jaw members of the tool are mounted on one another by pins. It is proposed with the invention that the push-pull rod should be configured as a hollow slide tube mounted in the shaft so that it can slide axially and is in active connection with the rotatable jaw member by an actuation element that is essentially rod-shaped.

Generic medical instruments are frequently employed in the art as cutting, stamping, gripping, and/or holding tools. Common to these medical instruments is that the rotatable jaw member of the tool can be actuated by the push-pull rod with as little free play as possible and with sufficient force transmission. A generic medical instrument is reported in the art, for instance, in DE 195 21 257 A1. With this known instrument, the two jaw members are mounted onto one another by
The invention relates to a medical instrument having a hollow shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the shaft and consisting of a rigid jaw member and a jaw member that can rotate with respect to the rigid jaw member, as well as a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft, where the tool and the handle are in active connection with one another by means of a push-pull rod mounted in the shaft, and where the jaw members of the tool are mounted on one another by molded mounting pins
Generic medical instruments are frequently used in the art as cutting, stamping, gripping, and/or holding tools. Common to these medical instruments is the fact that the rotatable jaw member of the tool is actuated by the push-pull rod in a manner allowing the least possible free play and with sufficient force transmission.
A generic medical instrument is described, for instance, in DE 195 21 257 A1. In this known instrument the two jaw members are mounted on one another by means of mounting bolts molded to the movable jaw member. The push-pull rod for actuating the jaw members is extended in the longitudinal direction through the hollow instrument shaft and on both sides leaves a longitudinally extending lumen free which can be used as a rinsing channel. Because in endoscopic instruments the outer diameters of the instrument shafts measure only 2 mm or less, this lumen that remains free between the push-pull rod and the shaft interior forms a rinsing channel with a very small channel cross-section.
An additional medical instrument is known, for instance, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,206. In this known medical instrument, the rotatable jaw member is mounted on the rigid jaw member by two axle spindles that can be inserted into corresponding mounting bore-holes in the two jaw members. This construction is disadvantageous in various respects, first because the use of the individual axle spindles that are to be inserted into the mounting bore-holes in installation is complex and time-consuming and second because instruments with very small outer diameter cannot be produced in this configuration.


A system and method for monitoring and visualizing contact center performance via a graphical user interface. A processor identifies a plurality of contact center metrics, identifies predicted values for the plurality of contact center metrics, and displays a reference geometric object having a plurality of vertices representing the predicted values for the plurality of contact center metrics. The processor also determines actual values for the plurality of contact center metrics and overlays over the display of the reference geometric object, a display of a current geometric object. The current geometric object has a plurality of vertices representing the actual values for the plurality of contact center metrics. Deviation of the current geometric object from the reference geometric object is an indication of deviation of one or more actual values from the predicted values.

It is desirable to aid companies to deploy their contact center operations as efficiently and successfully as possible. However, one of the items that may take time to implement for a new contact center is the business logic employed for routing calls. Traditionally, a contact center's routing strategy is coded for the contact center based on the particular contact center's needs. The software is then debugged and deployed at the contact center's premises after months and months of coding, debugging, and testing by skilled programmers. Any change in this routing strategy requires reprogramming and redeployment of the source code, adding further delays in the deployment of contact center operations.
Before any programming of the routing strategy can be done, the contact center must generally identify what the best practices are for this particular type of contact center, what types of services are to be provided, what are the needs of the contact center, and the business logic that will work best for the contact center. The identification of the business logic itself, aside from its programming, may be a daunting task to entities that are not familiar with call centers and their setup. Much research may be needed before identifying the business logic that will be used, adding further delays to a successful deployment of a contact center.
Accordingly, what is desired is a system and method for deploying contact centers efficiently without requiring skilled technicians or customized coding of routing strategies that are difficult to generate, deploy, and modify.
Additionally, once a contact center is deployed, it may be useful for a contact center administrator to monitor the contact center, for example, to observe the performance of the contact center agents, services levels, call flows, and the like, particularly in real-time. Accordingly, what is also desired is a system and method for monitoring contact centers efficiently in real-time, without having to switch from one user interface to another based on the user's particular job requirements.

Graphical user interface with contact center performance visualizer

GENESYS TELECOMMUNICATIONS LABORATORIES, INC.


A photovoltaic device is provided that is adapted to monitor an "on-line" light source and respond to on/off changes of the source while at the same time being adapted for visual inspection of the light. The device is adapted for incorporation into a remote warning system which may also be able to activate remedial measures to correct deviations signalled by a change in the "on-line" light status.

With many items of complex modern electronic equipment, it is not readily possible to determine if all components of the equipment are functioning correctly and, if not, which component is the source of the problem. For this reason, it is commonplace to provide, for each major component, an indicator light that either lights to show that an intermittently activated component is "on-line", or functioning properly, or alternatively lights to show that a component is no longer functioning (for whatever reason).
Indicator lights of this kind can be found in addition in other less complex situations such as lights to show a room is occupied or lights to indicate that an item has passed a test. For the sake of simplicity, all status-indicating lights will be referred to hereinafter as "on-line" lights regardless of the function involved. The most significant applications of the present invention are, however, in the field of the monitoring of electronic equipment.
It is known to have a malfunction warning system built into the equipment but, since these run off the same power source, a catastrophic failure also shuts down the warning system. In addition, it is very difficult to retro-fit an existing system with such warning systems without violating the electrical integrity of the existing system. In addition, there are physical problems in retrofitting a system that is complex and very compact.
Another problem is that the monitoring function cannot always be performed by a human operator especially where the number of components to be monitored is great, or if the location to be monitored is remote. It can often happen, therefore, that a malfunction can go undetected for a prolonged period, perhaps leading to a chain of failures of far greater significance than the original. In addition, remote trouble-shooting and corrective measures that are now available are of reduced utility unless means are provided for quickly identifying the need for such measures. The present invention supplies this need in a most efficient and flexible manner, i.e., in a manner that is readily adaptable to a wide range of preexisting systems.

Light responsive device for monitoring on-line indicator lights


A mobile terminal includes a first communication module, a second communication module, a state management module configured to make an out-of-range notification when a communication state of the first communication module moves out of a communication range, a notification module configured to send a user notification as a notification indicating that the first communication module is disconnected to a user when the out-of-range notification is received, a determination module configured to determine whether or not a given process for the user notification is completed, a setting module configured to perform setting indicating that the process for the user notification is completed to the state management module when the determination module determines that the process is completed, and a communication prohibition module for prohibiting the data communication by the second communication module until the setting indicating that the process is completed is performed after the communication state of the first communication module moves out of the communication range.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a function of performing data communication by a plurality of communication systems, such as a mobile terminal which appropriately switches the communication systems.
2. Description of Related Art
At present, a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone has data communication functions such as mail transmission/reception functions or web page access functions in addition to voice communication functions as its basic function.
When data communication is performed by a mobile terminal, the data communication performed via a mobile communication system using a public line network (for example, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)). On the other hand, there are mobile terminals to which a communication function using a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) is further added.
In a mobile terminal capable of employing a plurality of communication systems such as mobile communication and wireless LAN communication, how to select the communication system using data communication is important. For example, JP-A-2007-181178 discloses a mobile communication terminal having a wireless LAN connection function which reduces power consumption by appropriately selecting the communication system.
When a plurality of available communication systems (within a communication range) exists for a mobile terminal, the communication system to be preferentially used among the plurality of available communication systems may be preset. For example, switching to another communication system is performed to continue data communication when communication has been generated out of range during the data communication with the preferentially used communication system or is performed for data communication when new data communication has been generated.
Billing systems may differ between different communication systems installed to a mobile terminal. For example, a communication system using mobile communication is generally expensive between a communication system using mobile communication and a communication system using a wireless LAN.
When communication is temporarily generated out of range, as described above, the mobile terminal may be automatically switched from a preferentially used communication system (for example, a low-cost wireless LAN) to another communication system (for example, high-cost mobile communication). As a result, when data communication is continued in a state in which a user does not recognize the switching of the communication system, an unintended data communication cost may be added.

Mobile terminal for performing data communication in a data communication range

Fujitsu Toshiba Mobile Communications Limited


A method and apparatus are provided. Information associated with a lawful interception of communication data of a user equipment is received. Security information associated with the communication data of the user equipment is provided in response to the received information. The security information is based on a first secret which is shared between a communication network provider and the user equipment.

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more entities such as a communication device, e.g. mobile stations (MS) or user equipment (UE), and/or other network elements or nodes, e.g. Node B or base transceiver station (BTS), associated with the communication system. A communication system typically operates in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the communication system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved.
Wireless communication systems include various cellular or otherwise mobile communication systems using radio frequencies for sending voice or data between stations, for example between a communication device and a transceiver network element. Examples of wireless communication systems may comprise public land mobile network (PLMN), such as global system for mobile communication (GSM), the general packet radio service (GPRS), the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) or WiFi.
A mobile communication network may logically be divided into a radio access network (RAN) and a core network (CN). The core network entities typically include various control entities and gateways for enabling communication via a number of radio access networks and also for interfacing a single communication system with one or more communication systems, such as with other wireless systems, such as a wireless Internet Protocol (IP) network, and/or fixed line communication systems, such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Examples of radio access networks may comprise the UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) and the GSM/EDGE radio access network (GERAN).
A user equipment or mobile station may be provided with access to applications supported by the core network via the radio access network, but potentially also via other networks. The core network may provide functionality to authenticate a user or other support the security of communication between an user equipment and an application. This functionality may be provided for example by a generic bootstrapping architecture.
A requirement of some networks is the provision of lawful interception capabilities. Since communication technology advances, the lawful interception becomes also relevant in general service context. IP based communication services e.g. video or voice are also relevant from lawful interception perspective. In lawful interception, communication data on the network is intercepted and provided to a lawful authority. The lawful authority can analyse the data with regards to any lawful issues that may arise.

Method for enabling lawful interception by providing security information


A waterless planographic printing plate precursor is capable of plate inspection without a post-dyeing step, capable of being handled in a light room and excellent in coloring matter fixing in silicone rubber layer. The waterless planographic printing plate precursor has at least a photosensitive layer or heat sensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer on a substrate, which is a waterless planographic printing plate precursor characterized in that a color pigment is contained in the above-mentioned silicone rubber layer, and it is possible to obtain a more excellent effect by further incorporating, in the above-mentioned silicone rubber layer, a pigment dispersant containing an organic complex compound comprising of a metal and an organic compound. Furthermore, when aluminum and/or titanium is contained as the above-mentioned metal, a more excellent effect can be obtained.

So far, various printing, plates for carrying out a planographic printing without using dampening water (hereafter, referred to as "waterless planographic printing"), in which a silicone rubber or fluororesin is used as ink repellent layer are proposed. The waterless planographic printing is a planographic printing method in which an image area and a non-image area are prepared in almost the same plane, and after depositing ink only on the image area by taking advantage of difference of ink depositability between the image area as ink receiving layer, and the non-image area as ink repellent layer, and printing is carried out by transferring the ink to a subject to be printed such as paper, and characterized by capability of printing without using dampening water.
As exposure method of the waterless planographic printing plate precursor, various methods are proposed, but it is roughly classified in system in which UV irradiation is carried out via an original image film, and computer-to-plate (CTP) system in which an image is directly written from a copy without using the original image film. As the CTP system, a method in which a laser light is irradiated, a method of writing by a thermal head, a method in which an electric voltage is partially charged by a pin electrode, a method in which ink repellent layer or ink receiving layer is formed by an ink jet, etc., are mentioned, but the method of using a laser light is more excellent than the other systems in view of resolution and printing plate making speed.
Furthermore, the waterless planographic printing plate precursor is roughly classified into photo(heat)sensitive layer removing type in which the photo(heat)sensitive layer is removed in exposure step or developing step and photo(heat)sensitive layer leaving type in which the photo(heat)sensitive layer is left even after the exposure step and developing step. Since the photo(heat)sensitive layer is removed in the photo(heat)sensitive layer removing type, by incorporating a coloring matter in the photo(heat)sensitive layer, it is possible to make a contrast between the image area and the non-image area. Accordingly, it has a merit that a plate inspection can be carried out even without a post-dyeing step. However, since cell depth which forms the image area is deep, a much amount of ink is needed at the time of printing. Since it is necessary to remove the photo(heat)sensitive layer in the depth direction, there is a problem that a fine image is hard to be reproduced.
On the other hand, a heat sensitive layer leaving type waterless CTP planographic printing plate precursor which has at least a heat sensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer on a substrate is proposed. In these printing plate precursors, since heat sensitive layer material is left in the laser irradiated portion also after the development, the amount of ink used at printing is small, and reproducibility of a fine image is also good. Since it can be exposed by a low laser output, not only advantageous in view points of running cost and laser life, but also a specific suction device becomes unnecessary, since abrasion sludge is not generated at the laser irradiation. However, since the heat sensitive layer leaves in both of the laser irradiated portion and the non-irradiated portion, it was difficult to make a color contrast of the laser irradiated portion and the non-irradiated portion, and a plate inspection was difficult.
In the production method of planographic printing plate by using the heat sensitive layer leaving type waterless CTP planographic printing plate precursor, a method having a step of dyeing the plate is proposed. In this method, although a plate inspection of the printing plate after dyeing the image area becomes possible, since an additional dyeing step becomes necessary, there were problems in handling a dyeing liquid, an upsizing of developing machine, cost, etc.
To this problem, a waterless planographic printing plate precursor containing a photofading material or photocoloring material in the silicone rubber layer and a waterless CTP planographic printing plate precursor containing a dye in the silicone rubber layer (for example, refer to JP 2002-244279 A (claims)) are proposed. These printing plate precursors can be inspected without the post-dyeing step. However, there was a problem that the plate having photofading material or photocoloring material cannot be handled in a light room. On the other hand, in the plate containing a dye, there were problems in coloring matter fixation in silicone rubber layer such that the dye in the silicone rubber layer causes an intralayer aggregation with a lapse of time, or the dye is concentrated in the heat sensitive layer interface of a higher polarity, or in the case where the silicone rubber layer has a protective film, said protective film absorbs the dye. Accordingly, there were cases in which the printing plate inspectability lowers, or an adhesion strength decrease between the silicone rubber layers and the heat sensitive layers due to the dye concentration. In addition, there are also cases in which the colored dye is extracted by various organic chemical liquids used for development or by a solvent in the ink used at the time of printing, and the printing plate inspectability lowers or a chemical liquid for development or the ink were contaminated with the extracted dye in some cases.
It could therefor be helpful to provide, in view of the above-mentioned problems, a waterless planographic printing plate precursor capable of a plate inspection without a post-dyeing step, capable of being handled in a light room and excellent in coloring matter fixing in the silicone rubber layer.

Waterless planographic printing plate precursor


Transmission for a road vehicle with hybrid propulsion; the transmission comprises: a gearbox provided with one primary shaft, one secondary shaft and at least one pump actuated by an activating shaft; at least one clutch connected to the primary shaft and presenting a part which is normally conductive which can be connected to a drive shaft of a thermal engine; at least one reversible electric machine presenting a shaft mechanically connectable to the primary shaft; a first mechanical transmission which transmits motion from the normally conductive part of the clutch to the activating shaft; and a second mechanical transmission which transmits motion from the shaft of the electric machine to the activating shaft.

A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion thermal engine, which transmits torque to the driving wheels by means of a transmission provided with a gearbox coupled with a clutch, and at least one electric machine, which is electrically connected to an electric accumulation system, and mechanically connected to the driving wheels.
The following is possible while traveling: either a thermal operating mode, in which the torque is generated only by the thermal engine and the electric machine may work as generator for recharging the electric accumulation system; or an electric operating mode, in which the thermal engine is off and the torque is generated only by the electric machine working as motor; or a combined operating mode, in which the torque is generated both by the thermal engine and by the electric machine working as motor. Furthermore, in order to increase overall energy efficiency during all steps of decelerating, the electric machine may be used as generator for a regenerative deceleration in which the kinetic energy possessed by the vehicle is partially converted into electric energy, which is stored in the electric accumulation system instead of being fully dissipated in frictions.
On some hybrid vehicles, the gearbox comprises a circulation pump for circulating lubricating oil through the gears of the gearbox so as to ensure adequate lubrication of the gears themselves. Furthermore, in the case of a hydraulically actuated automatic manual transmission (commonly named "AMT"), the gearbox further comprises an actuation pump which supplies the hydraulic pressure needed for hydraulic gear engagement and selection and clutch operation.
In the currently manufactured gearboxes, the gearbox pumps are actuated by an auxiliary activating shaft, which takes motion from the drive shaft (possibly with the interposition of a transmission shaft), i.e. upstream of the clutch, so that it is always actuated when the clutch is open. This condition makes the mechanical connection of an electric machine to a shaft of the gearbox less convenient, because in case of electric traction (i.e. when the thermal engine is off), the clutch must remain closed to actuate the pumps and therefore the thermal engine is also rotably fed (with considerable frictions and inertia). Furthermore, because the electric machine cannot be rotated when disconnected from the thermal engine (in these conditions there would be no lubrication of the gearbox and, above all, no hydraulic pressure needed to actuate the clutch), the electric machine cannot be used as starter motor of the thermal engine, because in order to use the electric machine as starter motor of thermal engine the electric machine must be rotated at high speed before connecting the electric machine to the thermal engine in order to make the electric machine accumulate a high amount of kinetic energy.
In order to solve the problem described above, it has been suggested to make the activating shaft of the pumps of the gearbox mechanically independent from the drive shaft, and to actuate the pump activating shaft by means of a dedicated motor; however, this solution normally requires re-designing the gearbox, with high development costs and little efficiency from the energy point of view, because when the thermal engine is running (i.e. for most time of use of the vehicle), it is more efficient to use part of the torque generated by the thermal engine to directly actuate the auxiliaries rather than converting part of the torque generated by the thermal engine into electricity, which is transformed back into mechanical torque by an electric motor. Furthermore, arranging an electric motor mechanically coupled to the activating shaft of the gearbox pumps is not easy, because the space in the gearbox area is small, it is rather hot by effect of the heat generated by friction inside the clutch and the gearbox, and is not very ventilated because it is normally in the middle of the vehicle.
Patent application US2008087487A1 describes a transmission for a road vehicle with hybrid propulsion comprising: a double clutch gearbox provided with two primary shafts, a secondary shaft, and a lubrication pump; two clutches connected to the primary shafts and comprising a normally conductive part, which can be connected to a drive shaft of a thermal engine; and a reversible electric machine comprising a shaft mechanically connectable to one of the two primary shafts; a first mechanical transmission, which transmits motion from the normally conductive part of the clutch to the lubrication pump and comprises a first freewheel; and second mechanical transmission which transmits motion from the shaft of the electric machine to the lubrication pump and comprises a second freewheel.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A vehicle interior structure includes a main body, a first side trim panel and a top finisher panel. The main body has a first side defining a plurality of first side attachment portions. The first side trim panel at least partially covers the first side of the main body and has a plurality of first panel attachment portions attached to the first side attachment portions of the main body. The first side trim panel also includes at least one first projection spaced apart from the first panel attachment portions and located adjacent to the upper end of the main body, the at least one first projection having an aperture. The top finisher panel covers the upper end of the main body and has at least one downwardly extending second projection that extends into the aperture of the at least one first projection retaining the first side trim panel in position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a vehicle interior structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to vehicle interior structure that defines a center console assembly with side trim panels and a top finisher panel where the side trim panels attach to a main body of the center console assembly and the top finisher panel attaches to the side trim panels.
2. Background Information
Vehicle interior assemblies, such as a center console assembly, typically include at least one side trim panel and a top finisher panel where the side trim panel and the top finisher panel each have their own respective attachment structures that attach directly to a main body of the center console assembly.


A packaged electrical system includes an enclosure and a main interior volume for component supports. The component supports may support electrical, electronic, power electronic and similar components, as well as switchgear and the like. A main power wireway is provided adjacent to the main interior volume of the enclosure for accommodating three phase power conductors. A network and control power wireway is formed separately from the main power wireway. The network and control power wireway may be formed toward the rear of the main interior volume, and may accommodate plug-in connections between component supports and network conductors and control power conductors. The network and control power wireway is thus accessible through a separate door from the main power wireway.

The present invention relates generally to packaged electrical systems, and particularly to a technique for providing network signals and control power, separately from main power in such systems.
A wide range of applications exist for packaged electrical systems, in settings from industry, to commercial applications and marine applications. In many such environments, electronic components, such as programmable logic controllers are packaged with power electronic components, such as motor drives, inverters, and so forth. The systems may further include input/output monitoring circuits, network interfaces, and the like. Most systems also include various types of protective circuitry, such as fuses and circuit breakers, along with switchgear, such as relays and contactors. These various components typically require network data exchange capabilities, along with control power supplies, such as for operation of the electric mechanical devices such as the relays and contactors. Main power is also provided, typically three phase alternating current power, that is ultimately provided to loads, such as motors.
In conventional packaged electrical systems of the type described above, the components are arranged in one or more enclosures. The enclosures may be subdivided into compartments for associated circuit components. A wireway is typically provided on a side of the enclosure or the enclosure compartments that serves to route all power, network, and other conductors to the various compartments and components within the compartments.
There is a need, however, for improved packaged systems that provide network signals, control power and main power to enclosed components. There is a particular need, for example, for systems that will enable separation of power levels so as to allow for servicing of the components and lower power-level conductors without accessing the main power conductors. Such arrangements are also needed that provide for hard-wiring of main power and plug-in connection of network conductors and control power conductors in a straightforward manner.

Isolated control and network wireway for motor control center


A data recording system 1 includes: a file generating part 3 for dividing digital data so as to generate a plurality of data files and recording the plurality of the data files sequentially into a recording medium 5; a management file judging part 6 for determining one management file for recording management information of the plurality of the data files; and a management information generating part 4 for recording the management information of the plurality of the data files into the determined management file. The management file judging part 6 determines the management file such that the number of the data files managed by the management file does not exceed a maximum data file number L (L is a natural number) that can be managed by the management file. Thereby, it is possible to record the plurality of the data files that are divided from the digital stream data and are recorded, such that the management of the plurality of the data files is easy.

Recently, an apparatus that records digital stream data such as video images and audio as a file into a recording medium such as an optical disk and a semiconductor memory has been used commonly. According the increase of a capacity of the recording medium, the number of files that can be recorded also is increased. Also, the kinds of files to be recorded have been varied. As a result, it has been difficult to sort all of the files to be recorded into the recording medium and manage them. Therefore, a method for sorting the various kinds of files based on the respective directories so as to record and manage them is suggested (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Non-patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1 suggests a audio recording reproducing apparatus that can sort audio messages with various recording modes or data formats so as to manage them. This audio recording reproducing apparatus prepares a plurality of directories according to the recording modes or the data formats in advance. The audio messages are recorded into a directory that is selected according to an environment at the time of the recording, among the plurality of the directories.
Moreover, a DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) described in Non-patent Document 1 is a standard that is formed for the purpose of exchanging image files and files relating to images between digital still cameras and relevant apparatuses easily. The DCF defines a specification for using the digital still cameras and the relevant apparatuses to record and reproduce the files relating to the images.
A directory structure of the DCF described in Non-patent Document 1 will be described below. FIG. 29 is a view showing a structure of the directory of the DCF. In FIG. 29, an ellipse represents the directory and a rectangle represents a file. Directly under a root directory 91, a DCIM directory 92 (DCF image directory) is recorded. The DCIM is an abbreviation of "Digital Camera IMages". Directly under this DCIM directory 92, DCF directories such as a first DCF directory 93 and a second DCF directory 94 are recorded. Into the first DCF directory 93 and the second DCF directory 94, DCF objects are recorded, respectively. The DCF object is, for example, a DCF master file (image file) or the like. In the directory structure shown in FIG. 29, the DCF objects that are recorded in the first DCF directory 93 and the second DCF directory 94 directly under the DCIM directory 92 are managed according to the DCF. Moreover, the maximum number of DCF objects that can be recorded into the first DCF directory 93 and the second DCF directory 94 respectively are determined to be 999. This aims to facilitate the management of the DCF objects.
By the way, an increase of a capacity of the recording medium leads not only to an increase of the number of files but also to an increase of a file size to be recorded by a user. Whereas, a maximum file size of one file is determined, for example, by the limitation and the like of a file system (FAT 32 or the like) that is adopted by a computer. This does not result in the unlimited increase of the size of one file to be recorded into the recording medium. Accordingly, for example, in the case where digital video image audio stream data with a file size that is larger than a predetermined maximum file size is recorded into the large-capacity recording medium, sequential digital video image audio stream data is divided and recorded into a plurality of data files.
For managing the plurality of the thus recorded data files, the plurality of the data files that are divided from the sequential digital video image audio stream data preferably are recorded into the same directory. However, for example, in a directory structure defining a maximum data file number that can be recorded in the directory, such as the directory structure defined by the DCF, the plurality of the data files cannot be recorded into the same directory in some cases. This state will be explained below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 30 is a view showing an example of a case where the divided data files are recorded into the directory defining the maximum data file number that can be recorded. In the directory structure shown in FIG. 30, a first directory 32 and a second directory 51 are under a root directory 31. Maximum data file numbers that can be recorded in the first directory 32 and the second directory 51 are 99, respectively.
The first directory 32 records a first management file 33 that records information for managing data files in the first directory 32. The second directory 51 records a second management file 52. The first management file includes, for example, a first management table that is information for managing an order to store the data files recorded in the first directory 32, that is, a recording order. In the first management table, information that shows data files recorded in the first directory 32 is recorded in their recording order. Similarly, the second management file 52 also includes a second management table.
In the example shown in FIG. 30, in the case where the data file number that is already recorded in the first directory 32 is 98, a first data file 24 that is generated by dividing a digital stream data 21 is recorded. In this state, since the data file number recorded in the first directory 32 becomes the predetermined maximum data file number of 99, no more data files can be recorded into the first directory 32.
Thus, remaining data files that are generated by dividing the digital stream data 21, i.e. a second data file 25 and a third data file 26, are recorded into the second directory 51. The second management table records information showing the second data file 25 and the third data file 26 sequentially.
As described above, the three data files 24, 25 and 26 that form one sequential digital stream data 21 are divided and recorded into two directories of the first directory 32 and the second directory 51.    Patent document 1: JP 2003-131698 A    Non-patent document 1: Design Rule for JEIDA, Design rule for Camera File system, DCF Version 1.0 (JEIDA-49-2-1998), Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, Published in December, 1998, p. 8-20.

Data recording system, data recording method and data recording program


A server system comprises a server blade carrier. The server blade carrier carries a plurality of removably mountable server blades. Each blade includes a blade service controller operable to perform monitoring and management functions in the server blade. The carrier comprises at least one carrier service processor. The carrier service processor is operably connected to the blade service controllers of blade servers mounted in the carrier to provide higher level management functions and is configured to communicate management functions to and from the blades.

The present invention relates to system management, and in particular but not exclusively to management of multi-processor systems, for example multi-processor server systems.
One application for the present invention relates to high density computer systems for example, computer server systems for telecommunications applications. In telecommunications applications, it is important to provide high reliability and high capacity of operation. Various approaches have been taken to providing such high-performance, high reliability systems. Typically such systems are designed around providing redundant resources so that if one component of the system develops a fault, the system remains operational using the redundant resources. Fault tolerance can also be achieved, for example, with multiprocessor systems that provide redundancy through dynamic, e.g., software-controlled, task distribution. High density systems are typically rack mountable, with one or more processor systems occupying a shelf in the rack. The trend in recent times is to make the computers with smaller form factors. This means that more computers can be located in a rack. This has the advantage of increasing the processing density within the racks, and also the advantage of reducing the distance between the computer systems.
The present invention relates to providing system management functions for a modular computer system.


An allergy skin test device is disclosed that causes less pain than commonly used devices that include multi-point sharp puncture heads. The allergy skin test device incorporates multiple dull pressure heads distributed amongst the sharp multi-point sharp puncture heads, each dull pressure head activating a neurological pain gate that reduces pain sensation typically caused by the neighboring multi-point head when it engages the skin.

Allergy skin testing is based on introducing allergens into the skin. There are numerous known devices for introducing allergens using a plurality of closely spaced sharp probes. The test often causes pain, resulting in patient reluctance to complete the test, and frequently interferes with the otherwise calm nature of a medical office.
As a result of the felt pain, patients will sometimes react with loud expressions of pain. Children will actually sometimes cry and scream. These audible reactions can negatively affect the patients that follow, creating further difficulties with patient compliance.


A method and apparatus for operating a variable speed power generation system in which the generated output of an induction generator is adjusted by controlling current in the secondary side of the induction generator. Rotation speeds of the induction generator coupled to a prime mover are detected, a secondary current command for controlling a difference between a detected rotation speed and a speed command to be zero is generated, and current in the secondary side of the induction generator is controlled on the basis of the secondary current command. In addition, the generated output of the induction generator is sequentially detected in order that a command value of the speed command is sequentially changed when a detected generated output shows a tendency to increase and, when a detected generated output shifts from an increasing tendency to a decreasing tendency, the command value of the speed command is once changed to a lower speed value and thereafter returned to a higher speed value, thereby maximizing efficiency of the variable speed power generation system and reducing costs.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for operating a variable speed power generation system and more particularly to a method and apparatus for operating a variable speed power generation system of the type which is suitable for regulating the generated output or power of an induction generator by controlling current in the secondary side of the generator coupled to a prime mover.
Conventionally, as described in Electric Engineering Handbook published by the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Tokyo, Japan, in Apr., 1978, pp. 1108 to 1109, the power generation system employs a governor which controls the output of the prime mover. More particularly, it has been the practice that when the load remains unchanged, the water wheel is operated at a prescribed rotation speed, but when the load is changed and unbalanced with the water wheel output to change the rotation speed, the change in the rotation speed is detected and the governor is operated in accordance with this change to control the flow rate for the water wheel, whereby the amount of power generation of the synchronous generator can be so controlled as to maintain the prescribed rotation speed. However, the governor used for controlling power in the conventional power generation system is required to have a complicated control mechanism and its maintenance and inspection is time-consuming. In addition, the governor can not achieve highly efficient power control without difficulties.
Another method of operating generators with high efficiencies is described in JP-A-62-118068, according to which torque of a generator is controlled on the basis of the rotation speed and generated output of the generator. This control method, however, could not be properly applied without changes to the system which efficiently controls the generated output of a wound-rotor induction generator by controlling current in the secondary side of the generator coupled to the water wheel.

Method and apparatus for operating a variable speed power generation system


A method and counter for reducing the background counting rate in gas-filled alpha particle counters wherein the counter is constructed in such a manner as to exaggerate the differences in the features in preamplifier pulses generated by collecting the charges in ionization tracks produced by alpha particles emanating from different regions within the counter and then using pulse feature analysis to recognize these differences and so discriminate between different regions of emanation. Thus alpha particles emitted from the sample can then be counted while those emitted from the counter components can be rejected, resulting in very low background counting rates even from large samples. In one embodiment, a multi-wire ionization chamber, different electric fields are created in different regions of the counter and the resultant difference in electron velocities during charge collection allow alpha particles from the sample and counter backwall to be distinguished. In a second embodiment, a parallel-plate ionization chamber, the counter dimensions are adjusted so that charge collection times are much longer for ionization tracks caused by sample source alpha particles than for those caused by anode source alpha particles. In both embodiments a guard electrode can be placed about the anode""s perimeter and secondary pulse feature analysis performed on signal pulses output from a preamplifier attached to this guard electrode to further identify and reject alpha particles emanating from the counter""s sidewalls in order to further lower the counter""s background.

The present invention relates generally to systems for detecting and counting nuclear particles, and more particularly to counting such particles while reducing the background counting rate in gas-filled particle counters. The specific embodiments described relate to reducing background counting rates in both multi-wire counters and ionization chambers used to detect and count alpha particles, but the same techniques could be applied to counting other charged particles as well.
1. The Need for Low Background Alpha Counting
Low background alpha particle counting is important in various fields where very low concentrations of activity must be detected. Two important examples are in the testing of environmental samples and the specification of materials for the electronics industry. Data in the former case are used for such purposes as tracing radioactive emissions in the environment and estimating long term dosages to humans. In the latter case, materials which will be in intimate contact with silicon digital processing and/or storage chips must have low alpha particle emissions since these emissions can create charges within the chips that can change the values of digital numbers stored there and so introduce errors in computed or stored values.
A particular example of this is the need for low alpha lead. In presently used high density packaging technologies, silicon chips are often directly soldered to a mounting substrate using ball grid arrays or related soldering technologies. In this case the lead in the solder is in intimate contact with the silicon chip and so must have low alpha emissions for the chips to function reliably. For the next generation of high density circuits, it has been stated that:
xe2x80x9cMeasurement techniques and standards for alpha radiation effects are not adequate to support the increased alpha sensitivity anticipated for advanced technology processes.xe2x80x9d [ITRS-1999, Assembly and Packaging, pg 235]
2. Current State of the Art
There are two major techniques presently used to measure alpha particle emission: gas-filled counters and silicon spectrometers. At this point, the two have similar background counting rates, but for different reasons.
Gas-Filled Counters
To set the context of the present invention, we briefly review the operation of, and distinction between, gas-filled ionization and proportional counters, as understood by those skilled in the art. A more comprehensive presentation can be found in Knoll. [KNOLL-1989, Chapters 5 and 6]. Ionization chambers are simply gas-filled volumes fitted with electrodes so that an electric field can be applied to the volume and any charges generated therein collected. When an alpha particle traverses the gas and loses energy, it produces an ionization track, composed of gas ions and the electrons knocked off them. The more massive ions drift slowly toward the negative cathode, while the lighter electrons drift toward the positive anode about 1000 times more quickly. [KNOLL-1989, pp. 131-138]. In simple ion chambers only the total collected current is measured, which is proportional to the average rate of ion formation within the chamber. Ion chambers can also be operated as counters in pulse mode, where the currents induced in the anode by the drifting electrons are amplified and integrated so that each ionization track produces a single output pulse and is counted individually. [KNOLL-1989, pp. 149-157] However, since the induced currents flow for the full electron drift time, the amount of integrated charge produced by a track varies, depending upon its starting location within the counter. Frisch grids, whose operation is beyond the scope of this discussion, can be used to minimize this effect. In general, since detector capacitances are large and the total amounts of ionization charge produced are low, signal-to-noise is poor when ionization chambers are operated in pulse detection mode.
Proportional counters seek to increase signal-to-noise, compared to ionization chambers, by using gas avalanche gain to increase the number of charges produced. Avalanching occurs when the average amount of energy a drifting electron acquires between successive collisions with gas molecules is larger than their ionization energy. Then, on average, each collision produces a second electron and the number of electrons increases exponentially with distance. Provided the total avalanche distance is strictly limited, the final number of electrons will be strictly proportional to the starting number, but many times larger. Very large electric fields are required for avalanche multiplication to occur, of order 1 to 10xc3x97106 V/m, which are usually produced by applying a voltage of order 1 to 2 KV to a wire whose diameter is typically 0.02 to 0.08 mm in radius (0.001xe2x80x3 to 0.003xe2x80x3). Since the electric field falls of inversely proportionally to the distance from the wire""s center, avalanching can occur only within about 100 microns of the wire""s surface which, in turn, provides the limitation required to assure gain proportionality. [KNOLL-1989, pp. 160-165] Further, because essentially all the avalanche charge is produced close to the wire, there are no drifting electron induced charge effects in proportional counters, so that output pulse amplitude and charge are proportional to the initial charge in the ionization track, independent of its original location within the counter. Proportional counters are commonly operated in single pulse counting mode. [KNOLL-1989, pp. 180-185] Because the avalanche process is very fast, it lasts only as long as the ionization track arrives at the anode wire. In a well designed counter, this time is short compared to the time it takes the ions formed in the avalanche to drift away from the anode wire, typically a few microseconds. As it is this latter process that induces the detector""s output signal current in the anode, all output pulses in such well designed detectors have approximately the same shape.
The current state of the art in low background alpha counting uses a multi-wire gas-filled proportional counter with an ultra-thin entrance window. These counters can achieve sensitivities of about 0.05 xcex1/cm2/hr. [IICO-1999] They are typically constructed as shown in FIG. 1. The detector 1 includes a conducting chamber 3 sealed on one side with an ultra-thin window 4. A grid of anode wires 5 is suspended next to the chamber wall opposite the entrance window. The entire volume is filled with a counting gas 6. The anode is biased via a large value resistor 7 connected to a voltage source 8 and also connected via a capacitor 10 to a charge sensitive preamplifier 11. The preamplifier output connects to a shaping amplifier 13 and then to a discriminator 15 and counter 16. The sample 20 is placed close to the entrance window 4 and emits alpha particles into the chamber. The window 4 thus defines a sample region, namely a region of the chamber volume at or near which a sample is to be located. In other chambers, the sample may be located within the chamber, in which case the chamber structure that supports the sample would help define the sample region.
A specific alpha particle 22 is shown. This particle creates an ionization track 23 in counting gas 6. These charges drift toward the anode 5, where they are amplified by the high electric field in the vicinity of the wires and then collected. [KNOLL-1989, pp. 160-165] The resultant charge signal is integrated by the preamplifier 11, resulting in a pulse being output from the shaping amplifier 13. When discriminator 15 senses this pulse crossing a preset threshold T, it emits a short output pulse which is then counted by the counter 16.
However, in addition to ionization tracks generated by alpha particles such as alpha particle 22 emitted from the sample 20, ionization tracks 25, 26, and 27 also are generated by alpha particles emitted from the chamber backwall, sidewall, and anode wires. Because the preamplifier/amplifier pulses generated by these ionization tracks cannot be distinguished from those arising from sample-source alpha particles, these counts contribute to the detector""s background counting rate. In the current state of the art, this background counting rate is reduced significantly by constructing all of the counter""s components from materials having very low alpha emissivity. This approach not only adds significantly to the difficulty and expense of constructing such counters, but becomes exponentially more difficult as ever lower backgrounds are sought. After 20 years of development, the approach appears to have reached its natural limits.
This type of gas-filled counter has the advantage that, being filled with a low density gas, it is relatively insensitive to background radiation arising from environmentally generated gamma rays and also to most cosmic rays, which are energetic muons. These counters can also be made quite large, with commercial units up to 30 cm by 30 cm being common. Beyond its inability to distinguish alpha particle sources, the counter""s disadvantages include operational difficulties associated with the ultra-thin windows required to efficiently emit alpha particles and the sensitivity of the anode wires to microphonic pickup. Used as spectrometers, their energy resolution is poor, being 8-10% or worse.
Silicon Alpha Spectrometers
Silicon alpha spectrometers are large area Si PIN diode detectors which are biased and connected to a charge sensitive preamplifier and amplifier much as is the counter shown in FIG. 1. The major difference is that no amplification is involved: the charges generated within the Si by alpha particles are simply collected and amplified. The lack of anode wires greatly reduces microphonics and the energy required to produce a free electron in Si is about 10 times smaller than in the counting gas, so that the statistics of charge generation are much better. Energy resolutions of 1-2% can readily be obtained from such detectors. The irreducible background in these detectors is set by cosmic radiation: since the density of Si is much higher than that of counting gas, significant charge is deposited, detected and counted. With 100 xcexcm depletion depth and very careful detector design, this limit can also be reduced to about 0.05 xcex1/cm2/hr. [ORTEC-1998] These detectors are preferred when it is desirable to identify the source of the alpha particles by measuring their emitted energies.
The major advantages of silicon alpha spectrometers are their good energy resolution and relative robustness. They have two major limitations. First, it is not practical to make them in large areas, both because their capacitance becomes too large and spoils their energy resolution, and because the high quality Si required is not available in large areas. The second is the need, in low activity work, to process the sample to extract and collect all of its radioactivity (preferably with 100% efficiency) into a small source spot which can be presented to the detector. This renders these detectors impractical for measuring unprocessed or in situ samples and also adds a large overhead to measurement costs.
Related Art
The field of nuclear particle counting is highly developed, with many variations on the two counting methods described above.
The current state of the art in reducing background counting rates in gas-filled alpha counters or spectrometers is best described as xe2x80x9cpassivexe2x80x9d in that it seeks to reduce background rates solely by the method of building the counters using materials with extremely low alpha emissivities. In contrast, the present invention provides xe2x80x9cactivexe2x80x9d techniques of operating these same devices so as to achieve significant reductions in background counting rates.
The present invention employs a gas-filled alpha counter that includes a gas-filled chamber having a sample region, an anode, a preamplifier connected to the anode, and a voltage source that applies a bias such that, whenever an ionization track is generated by an alpha particle passing through the gas within the chamber, the electrons in the track are collected by the anode and cause the preamplifier to produce an output signal pulse. The output pulse is associated with the alpha particle and is characteristic of the electron collection process. Thus, both the ionization track and the resultant pulse associated with a given alpha particle can be considered to have an associated region of emanation that corresponds to the region within the chamber where the ionization track originates. A minor distinction exists between our uses of regions of emission and emanation. Region of emission refers to the place where the alpha particle departed from its source. Region of emanation refers to the place where the ionization track begins within the chamber. If the source lies within the chamber the two regions are the same. If the source is external to the chamber, as in the case of alpha particle 22, then the two regions are separated slightly.
The inventive method of operating such a gas-filled alpha counter includes, for at least some pulses, measuring one or more features of the pulse that differ depending on the pulse""s region of emanation, and determining, based on the measurement of the one or more features, the pulse""s region of emanation. Thus the counter circuitry can be considered to include a primary feature analyzer that measures the one or more features and determines information about the pulse""s region of emanation.
Thus, it is possible to discriminate between alpha particles emitted from the sample and xe2x80x9cbackgroundxe2x80x9d alpha particles emitted from other surfaces within the counter. Based on this discrimination, a pulse can be classified as background if it is determined that the associated alpha particle did not emanate from the sample region. Pulses classified as background can then be rejected, thereby effectively reducing background counting rates.
The features that can be used in performing the pulse analysis include: pulse amplitude, duration (closely correlated with collection time), slope, slope divided by amplitude, risetime, and time of arrival, used individually or in combination.
While these techniques can be applied to some existing chambers, in preferred embodiments, the invention contemplates constructing an alpha counter in a manner that exaggerates differences between preamplifier pulse features that result from collecting the ionization tracks generated by alpha particles emanating from different regions within the counter and then recognizing these differences in order to discriminate between the different regions of emanation. In this way, alpha particles from the sample can be counted, while alpha particles emitted from counter components can be identified, and possibly be rejected, resulting in a very low background counting rate, even from large counters.
Two primary approaches are employed in creating and exaggerating these pulse feature differences: first, creating different electric collection fields in different regions of the counter so electron velocities are different; and second, adjusting the counter dimensions so that charges from different regions not only take different amounts of time to be collected, but also generate different amount of induced charge in the output. In a preferred implementation, we digitize the output pulses and use digital signal processing techniques to produce the required discriminations. Using similar methods, the same discriminations can also be achieved using analog signal processing techniques.
Two specific embodiments are described to demonstrate the relevant principles. The first embodiment is a multi-wire, gas-filled counter, wherein the grid of anode wires is placed much closer to the counter backwall than to the sample wall or entrance window and is operated without gain (i.e., in ionization chamber mode) so that it is sensitive to the flow of induced charges as ionization tracks are collected. This geometric asymmetry makes the electric field in the region between the anode and the backwall much larger than the field between the anode and the sample. As they are collected, therefore, ionization tracks emanating from backwall alpha activity induce charge signals with much faster risetimes than the signals induced by ionization tracks emanating from sample wall alpha activity. Overall collection times for backwall ionization tracks are also much shorter than for sample ionization tracks, and this difference may be used as a secondary discriminator between these two sources of activity.
The second embodiment is an ionization chamber whose dimensions are adjusted so that drift lengths for collecting sample ionization tracks are much larger than drift lengths for collecting ionization tracks emitted from the backwall anode. This causes the sample track collection times to be much longer than anode track collection times, allowing them to be discriminated. Because their drift lengths are longer, sample tracks will also generate larger total induced charges, allowing signal slope, and particularly initial signal slope, divided by total induced charge to be used as a secondary discriminator in this case.
These embodiments allow reliable discriminations to be made between ionization tracks generated by the sample and ionization tracks generated by the counter backwall, which is usually its largest surface area, as well as from the anode collector wires, if any. Ionization tracks emitted from the counter sidewalls, however, are more difficult to identify by these techniques. These tracks can be reliably identified and rejected in either embodiment by the additional use of guard collectors, which are placed about the perimeter of the anode plane, parallel to it, and both close to it and close to the sidewalls as well. These guard collectors are biased at a potential close to that of the anode and connected to a second preamplifier similar to the anode""s preamplifier. Charges in ionization tracks emanating from the sidewalls are then collected on these guard collectors, producing output pulses from the attached preamplifier. The features of these pulses can then be analyzed (by a secondary feature analyzer) to identify them as emanating from the sidewalls. The simplest feature for this purpose is time of arrival: when operated in anti-coincidence with the anode, these guard collectors reliably reject sidewall source alpha emissions so that only sample source alpha particles are finally counted. Applying a further analysis of the energy in the guard collector pulses increases the efficiency with which sample source alpha particles emanating close to the edges of the sample can be reliably identified.
Applying these active methods to alpha particle counters fabricated with such common materials as lucite and copper tape allows backgrounds to be achieved that are two or more orders of magnitude lower than are obtained in state of the art counters fabricated using only passive background reduction techniques. Additional background count rate reduction can be achieved by combining these active particle source recognition techniques with the passive use of very low alpha emission counter construction materials, as in existing designs. In particular, we consider the use of highly purified, semiconductor grade silicon, although other highly purified materials are also available and could also be used effectively.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.

Ultra-low background gas-filled alpha counter