A private branch exchange (PBX) or other communication system switch processes a call to determine if an identifier associated with the call has a corresponding entry in a stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. The switch directs the call to an external port of the switch for delivery to a given one of the external endpoints if the identifier associated with the call has a corresponding entry in the stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. The given external endpoint does not have a fixed external port assignment in the switch. Instead, the switch dynamically selects from a set of external ports an available external port over which the call is directed to the given external endpoint. The dynamic selection of the available external port may be implemented using an automatic route selection (ARS) algorithm. The switch in an illustrative embodiment directs the call to an external port of the switch via a loop-back arrangement implemented between port cards of the switch, e.g., a loop-back trunk between an output port associated with a first port card of the switch and an input port associated with a second port card of the switch. Advantageously, the registered external endpoint is treated by the switch as if it were an internal extension serviced by the switch, such that desirable switch features may thereby be made available to the external endpoint.

The invention relates generally to call processing in communication systems, and more particularly to systems in which calls or other communications are directed by a switch to or from wired or wireless telephones or other types of user terminals.
Conventional communication system switches, such as private branch exchanges (PBXs) and other premises-based telephone switches, generally support a wide variety of useful features, such as bridged call appearances, hunt groups, call forwarding, navigable directories, multi-call conferencing, etc. However, these and other switch-based features are typically provided only to those user terminals that represent internal extensions within the premises serviced by the switch. As a result, a user terminal associated with an external network is generally unable to avail itself of the full set of features supported by the switch.
By way of example, a mobile telephone or other mobile device representing a given external endpoint of the system generally cannot be treated as an internal extension of a conventional switch. A call directed from an internal extension of the switch to the given endpoint therefore must be processed as any other call to an endpoint of an external network, even if the given external endpoint is a device known to be associated with a user of an internal extension of the switch.
It is known in the art to implement call forwarding routines that will allow a call directed from one internal extension to another to be forwarded to a designated mobile telephone or other endpoint of an external network. However, in conventional call forwarding, the designated mobile telephone is not treated as if it were an internal extension serviced by the switch, and is generally unable to access many desirable features of the switch. Conventional switches are thus unable to extend switch-based features to such a call in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
A need therefore exists for call processing techniques that allow mobile telephones and other external system endpoints to access premises-based communication switch features in a manner similar to an internal extension serviced by the switch.
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for extending calls directed to internal switch extensions out to external networks, so as to allow a mobile telephone or other external endpoint to be treated as if it were an internal extension serviced by the switch.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a private branch exchange (PBX) or other communication system switch processes a call to determine if an identifier associated with the call has a corresponding entry in a stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. The switch directs the call to an external port of the switch for delivery to a given one of the external endpoints if the identifier associated with the call has a corresponding entry in the stored list of external endpoints registered with the switch. The given external endpoint in an illustrative embodiment of the invention does not have a fixed external port assignment in the switch. Instead, the switch dynamically selects from a set of external ports an available external port over which the call is directed to the given external endpoint. The dynamic selection of the available external port may be implemented using an automatic route selection (ARS) algorithm.
In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the switch directs the call to an external port of the switch via a loop-back arrangement implemented between port cards of the switch, e.g., a loop-back trunk between an output port associated with a first port card of the switch and an input port associated with a second port card of the switch. In other embodiments, the loop-back arrangement may be eliminated and the call routed directly to an external port of the switch after application of the ARS algorithm.
Advantageously, the invention allows a mobile telephone or other external endpoint to be treated as if it were an actual internal extension serviced by the switch. This in turn allows a given external endpoint to access at least a subset of the desirable call processing features provided by the switch, and thereby overcomes one or more of the above-described problems associated with conventional techniques.

Method and apparatus for extending calls to internal switch extensions out to external network endpoints


The present invention provides an OLED in which an organic thin film layer comprising a single layer or plural layers is provided between a cathode and an anode, where the organic thin film layer comprises at least one light emitting layer, and the at least one light emitting layer comprises (a) a host material represented by the following Formula (1): Ra—Ar1—Ar2—Rb (1) where Ar1, Ar2, Ra and Rb represent a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring or a condensed aromatic hydrocarbon group selected from a substituted or unsubstituted naphthalene ring, chrysene ring, a substituted or unsubstituted fluoranthene ring, triphenylene ring, a substituted or unsubstituted phenanthrene ring, a substituted or unsubstituted benzophenanthrene ring, a substituted or unsubstituted dibenzophenanthrene ring, a substituted or unsubstituted benzotriphenylene ring, a substituted or unsubstituted benzochrysene ring, a substituted or unsubstituted picene ring and a substituted or unsubstituted benzofluoranthene ring; and (b) at least one phosphorescent material comprises a phosphorescent organometallic complex having a substituted chemical structure represented by one of the following partial chemical structures represented by the formulas: wherein each R is independently hydrogen or an alkyl substituent having 1-3 carbon atoms, and wherein at least one ring of the formula has one or more of said alkyl substituent.

The present invention relates to an organic light emitting device (hereinafter abbreviated as an OLED) and materials capable of being used in such an OLED. It relates particularly to an OLED comprising a light emitting layer in which a red light is emitted and materials for an OLED which are used therefor.

Organic light emitting device and materials for use in same


During compilation, a table mapping relative virtual address of a memory-allocating instruction of a native language program to a user type of the instance is created. During execution of the program, a module injected into the process intercepts calls to memory allocating functions and records the virtual address of the instruction calling the memory allocating function and the virtual address of the instance created. When a snapshot of the process heap is requested, the user type of the corresponding compile time instruction is assigned to the created instance. User type and heap information can be used to compute sizes of memory allocations and to aggregate user type instance counts and sizes. Using the static debugging information, a reference graph that displays the nesting of objects in live instances can be computed and displayed.

Memory management involves the allocation of portions of memory to programs upon request, and freeing allocated memory for reuse when the program no longer needs the memory. Inefficient or incorrect usage of memory can degrade program performance or can cause programs to crash. Similarly, failing to free allocated memory or improperly freeing memory can degrade program performance or can cause programs to crash.
The term "garbage collection" is often used to refer to a form of automatic memory management in which a garbage collector reclaims memory that is no longer in use. Garbage collection is a technique that is frequently used in virtual machine environments. In contrast, manual memory management relies on the use of instructions in the program to ask the operating system to allocate memory and to de-allocate unused memory. Commonly used languages that manually manage memory include native languages such as C and C++.
Manual memory management can introduce several general classes of errors into a program. For example, a memory leak can occur if allocated portions of memory are not freed when the program is done with them. A memory leak can be relatively harmless (e.g., in a short-running program where the operating system de-allocates program resources when the program ends), or can cause a program to crash if the memory leak exhausts available memory. Even if the memory leak does not exhaust available memory and does not cause the program to crash, program performance can be degraded because, for example, lack of sufficient available memory forces data to be swapped out to disk. Another type of memory management error occurs when allocated space is freed more than once or if a pointer to unallocated memory is freed. This kind of error can corrupt data structures or can improperly free a portion of memory that has since been used by another program construct. If a pointer that points to freed memory is used after the memory is freed, unpredictable results can ensue. Memory overuse occurs when instructions in the program allocate too much memory so that there is not enough memory left for the program to run efficiently.

Runtime type identification of native heap allocations


A temperature sensor probe is provided with a series of flow channels for deflecting a fluid to be sensed as it flows over the surface of the probe. The flow channels reduce the separation of flow from the surface of the probe thereby increasing the convective heat transfer of the probe and improving the time response of the probe. The temperature sensor probe includes a temperature sensing element housed in a probe housing. In channels are formed on the outer surface of the probe housing. In the preferred form of the invention, the housing is cylindrically shaped and the flow channels extend around the entire circumference of the housing in a spiral fashion so as to form a helical shape extending substantially the entire length of the probe housing.

The invention is related to temperature sensing devices and particularly to temperature sensor probes with reduced time response to changes in the temperature of a fluid being sensed. The invention also encompasses methods for reducing the time response of temperature sensor probes.
Temperature sensing devices include generally a temperature sensor probe comprising a sensing element housed in a protective sheath or housing and a suitable measuring apparatus. The probe is adapted to be inserted into a medium to be sensed so that the probe, including the sensing element, is heated or cooled to the temperature of the medium. The temperature sensing element exhibits some characteristic that varies in a single-valued fashion with its temperature and this characteristic is measured by the measuring apparatus to provide an indication of the sensing element temperature and thus the temperature of the medium in which the element is immersed. The protective housing serves to isolate the sensing element from the corrosive effects of the medium being sensed and also serves to provide strength and durability that the sensing element itself may lack.
Electrically conductive wire coils are commonly used as temperature sensing elements in temperature sensor probes. The electrical resistance exhibited by the coil varies with the temperature of the coil and thus the measurement of the coil's resistance with appropriate resistance measuring circuitry provides an indication of the coil's temperature. The temperature sensing coil is commonly housed in a cylindrical protective sheath or housing, the coil being arranged inside the cylindrical housing in order to facilitate maximum heat transfer between the housing and the coil.
One critical factor in the performance of a temperature sensor probe is time response. The time response of a temperature probe is the time it requires for its temperature sensing element to reach a temperature representing a certain percentage of the final value of a temperature step input. That is, time response is the time it takes for the probe's temperature sensing element to reach a certain percentage of the temperature of the medium being sensed. The longer it takes a sensor probe and its temperature sensing element to reach the temperature of the medium being sensed, the worse the time response of the sensor probe.
One manner in which time response may be improved is by reducing the mass of the probe. U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,139 to Werner, U.S. Pat. No. 2,588,014 to Knudson, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,436,713 to DiNoia disclose various methods for reducing time response through reducing the mass of the temperature sensor probe.
Although time response may be improved by reducing probe mass, the extent to which the mass of the temperature probe may be reduced is limited by the strength of the probe required for a particular temperature sensing application. Many temperature sensing applications require very durable and robust probes. For example, sensing the temperature of a fluid flowing in a high velocity stream requires a sensor probe capable of withstanding the force exerted by the fluid.
Another approach to improving the time response of a temperature sensor probe is to increase the convective heat transfer coefficient of the probe. The higher the convective heat transfer coefficient of the probe, the more quickly heat is transferred between the medium whose temperature is being sensed and the temperature sensing element of the probe, and thus the quicker the time response of the probe.
Since temperature sensing coils are commonly wound into a cylindrical shape, temperature sensor probes are commonly also cylindrical. Also, the cylindrical probes, when used to sense a flowing fluid, are generally positioned extending either transversely or axially to the direction of fluid flow. However, the flow pattern of a fluid as it flows past a plain cylindrical probe in a direction perpendicular or parallel to the probe's longitudinal axis produces an unfavorable convection heat transfer coefficient for the probe. Where the flow is perpendicular to the probe, the unfavorable heat transfer coefficient results from the separation of fluid flow from the surface of the probe and the formation or shedding of large vortices on the downstream side of the probe in a phenomenon known as Karman Vortex Street. Where the flow is parallel to the cylindrical probe, that is, where the probe's longitudinal axis is aligned with the direction of flow, the fluid flow separates from the probe surface in a recirculating zone extending down a portion of the probe's length.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,134 to Pustell teaches one method for increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient of a plain cylindrical sensor probe to reduce time response and thereby improve probe performance in sensing the temperature of a fluid flowing past the probe. Pustell discloses a probe having an elongated cylindrical housing adapted to extend in the common position transverse to the direction of fluid flow. According to Pustell's invention, the probe is mounted coaxially within a cylindrical shroud having perforations at particular orientations with respect to the direction of fluid flow. The perforated shroud serves to increase the velocity of the fluid flowing over the cylindrical probe and the increased fluid velocity reduces flow separation from the probe thereby increasing the heat transfer between the fluid and the probe. By increasing the rate of heat transfer between the fluid and the probe, the time response of the probe is decreased.
Although the perforated shroud disclosed by Pustell does decrease the time response of the temperature sensor probe, there are several problems associated with the use of such shrouds. First, the separate shroud increases probe production costs, both with regard to materials and in the manufacturing process. Also, the perforations in the shroud must be arranged in a particular orientation with respect to the direction of fluid flow to create the desired velocity increase. Substantial deviation from the particular orientation not only defeats any benefit gained from the shroud, but may even increase the probe's time response.
The model MA-1 sensor probe manufactured by Rosemount Engineering, Inc. illustrates a method for improving the time response of a temperature sensor probe aligned axially or parallel to the direction of fluid flow. This probe includes two concentric platinum tubes with a sensor element coiled around the inner tube. The probe allows fluid being sensed to flow through the inner tube where no vortices develop and the flow remains substantially in contact with the inner tube wall, thereby increasing the heat transfer coefficient. However, the coaxial, spaced apart tube configuration substantially increases probe production costs.

Temperature sensor probe apparatus and method for improving time response


A laser holder holds a semiconductor laser that has a metal frame part in which a semiconductor laser chip is mounted on one surface, and a resin part provided so as to surround the semiconductor laser chip. The laser holder is provided with an insertion part into which the semiconductor laser is inserted. The insertion part is provided with an aperture part that allows the resin part of the semiconductor laser inserted into the insertion part to be pushed from the exterior, and a wall surface part against which a reverse surface of the one surface of the metal frame part is pressed in a case where the resin part is pushed from the exterior.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a laser holder for holding a semiconductor laser. The present invention also relates to an optical pickup provided with such a laser holder.
2. Description of Related Art
Optical pickups have conventionally been used for reading information recorded on Blu-Ray discs ("BDs"), digital versatile discs ("DVDs"), compact discs ("CDs"), and other optical disks; and for writing information onto such disks. The optical pickup is provided with a semiconductor laser for directing laser light onto the optical disk.
CAN-package-type and frame-type semiconductor lasers provided to the optical pickup are known in the art. The structure of CAN-package semiconductor lasers is such that a semiconductor laser chip is mounted on a metal stem and protected by a cylindrical metal cap. In order for laser light to be emitted, the cylindrical metal cap has, e.g., a structure in which a glass window is provided, or a structure in which an aperture is formed. Frame-type semiconductor lasers are of a structure in which a semiconductor laser chip is mounted on an upper surface of a plate-shaped metal frame and a resin is outsert-molded so as to enclose the semiconductor laser chip on the metal frame.
When mounted on the optical pickup, the semiconductor laser is sometimes mounted on a laser holder and the laser holder is attached to a base member of the optical pickup. With such a configuration, using a laser holder made of metal enables more heat generated by the semiconductor laser to be dissipated.
The structure of CAN-package semiconductor lasers facilitates secure press-fitting in the laser holder. Accordingly, in the case that a CAN-package semiconductor laser is used, the laser holder and semiconductor laser are caused to make firm contact with each other, and desired heat dissipation performance can be ensured.
Secure press-fitting is also possible when a frame-type semiconductor laser is used, as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-146785. Nevertheless, in the case that a frame-type semiconductor laser is securely press-fitted in a laser holder, the plate-shaped metal frame may deform. In the worst case, the semiconductor laser chip mounted on the metal frame may get dislodged. Even if the semiconductor laser chip does not get dislodged, the performance of the semiconductor laser may be adversely affected.
Accordingly, in the case that a frame-type semiconductor laser is used, an urging member is sometimes used in order to cause the laser holder and the semiconductor laser to make firm contact with each other; e.g., as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-12138. In another configuration example involving the use of a frame-type semiconductor laser, heat-dissipating grease is sometimes used if it is impossible to cause the laser holder and the semiconductor laser to make firm contact with each other.

Laser holder and optical pickup provided with same


The present invention provides for an efficient method of effecting the resolution of a narwedine amide, and the synthesis of galantamine.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention provides for an efficient method of effecting the resolution of a narwedine amide, and the synthesis of galantamine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Narwedine derivatives have been utilized for the synthesis of (−)galantamine, a natural product derived from Amaryllidaceae species, which has recently been approved as an Alzheimer's drug. Initially this substance was obtained in pure form by extraction from bulbs of Causasian snowdrops but recently (−)galantamine has been shown to be obtained more efficiently by total synthesis. The synthesis of galantamine in either chiral form or achiral form has been the topic of a number of patents and papers.
Galantamine was originally synthesized in optically active form by Barton and Kirby (J. Chem. Soc., 1962(806)) where they demonstrated a resolution by seeding with (+)-galantamine to produce crystals of (−)narwedine which is the precursor to the desired (−)-galantamine by subsequent reduction of the ketone. It was shown that a number of other galantamine derivatives could be used to produce the desired crystallization. In their procedure they employed large amounts of seed crystals. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,159 demonstrates a similar resolution with the use of (−)narwedine as a seed and the use of only 1-2.5% seed equivalence. In either case, an amide had been prepared during the synthesis of the (±) narwedine and this amide was reduced to the free amine prior to the resolution. Therefore, it would be advantageous if an amide precursor could be resolved and the reduction accomplished later in the synthesis.
The synthesis of (±)-galantamine has been previously reported to proceed through the synthesis of bromoamide (I) by the oxidative cyclization of the diphenol (II) (Kametani, et.al., J. Chem. Soc. (C), 2602(1969)). The resolution of this amide has not been reported. One of the apparent difficulties is to obtain a source of seed crystals which contain a similar structure in that this compound is not a natural product. Likewise the change from an amine to an amide would create a different geometry in the molecule and eliminate a source of basic amine useful in the resolution and also create greatly different solubility.

Resolution of a narwedine amide derivative


An apparatus and method is disclosed for sealing a filter element to a support member. An array of bonding fibers is interposed between the filter element and the support member. Infrared energy is applied for a period of time sufficient to at least partially melt the array of bonding fibers to sinter bond the filter element to the support member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the filtering of a fluid and more particularly to an apparatus and method for sealing a filter element to a support member by infrared energy.
2. Background of the Invention
In a typical fluid filter, a porous filter media is secured to a support member or the like for mounting or suspending the filter media. In the case of a cylindrical filter, the filter media is formed into a cylindrical configuration and a first and a second cylindrical end of the filter media is bonded to a first and a second support member such as a first and a second end cap. The first and second end caps mount the filter media relative to a fluid input source and a fluid output source. In many cases, a braze material is used for affixing the first and second cylindrical ends of the filter media to the first and second end caps.
In one example of the construction of the fluid filter, the first end cap was placed on the horizontal surface facing upwardly and filled with a braze material. The first end of the filter material was inserted into the braze material contained within the first end cap and the assembly was heated for melting the braze material to bond the first end of the cylindrical filter media to the first end cap. A second end cap was placed on a horizontal surface facing upwardly and was filled with a braze material. The second end of the filter material was inserted within the braze material contained within the second end cap and the assembly was heated for melting the braze material to bond the second end of the cylindrical filter media to the first end cap. A distinct disadvantage of the aforementioned process was that the bonding of both the first and second cylindrical ends of the filter media required two separate and distinct heating processes.
Some in the prior art have used a combination of a powdered first braze material having a first melting point, a powdered second braze material having a second melting point, and a binder material for controlling the position and migration of the powdered braze material during the heating process. The use of the binder material enabled the powdered braze materials to be positioned within an inverted end cap to allow both the first and the second ends of the cylindrical filter media to be bonded to the first and second end caps during a single heating process. The binder material prevented the powder braze materials from being discharged from the inverted end cap. In addition, the binder material inhibited the migration or wicking of the braze material into the filter media during the heating process. The binder material was burnt away leaving only the braze material to bond the first and second ends of the cylindrical filter media to the first and second end caps.
Others in the prior art have used other methods for creating a bond between metallic filter media and another metal component of a filter assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,642,187 to Bell discloses a replaceable filter unit of the character described comprising a pleated filter body of resin-impregnated paper arranged in tubular form and with the pleats extending substantially radially, end discs of the same material as the filter body closing off opposite ends of the body, said discs being bonded by a thermosetting resin adhesive to opposite end edges of said pleats, said adhesive lying between under faces of said discs and corresponding end edges of said pleats in contact therewith, and having turned down rims bonded adhesively by thermosetting resin adhesive to folds of the pleats, said adhesive lying between inner faces of the turned down rims and the folds of the pleats in contact therewith.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,903 to Veres discloses a unit for filtering particulate matter from a fluid flowing therethrough, a hollow filter body comprising a screen equipped with a screen closure at one end thereof, a cap substantially closing the other end of said screen body and defining connecting means for communicating the interior of said filter body with a fluid flow line, and a mass of pellets defining a substantially continuous coating along the outer surface of the screen end closure and screen body and being bonded to each other and to the screen body and end closure to form an integrated structure therewith, whereby both said screen body and screen end closure define filtering areas through which fluid may pass to the interior of the screen body.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,957,235 to Steinberg discloses a method of assembling first and second elements composed of a mixture of powdered metal and resinous binder comprising placing said first element on a support, heating said first element until said resin binder therein becomes pliable without the element losing shape, placing said second element against said first element, applying pressure to said second element until a bond is formed by the resinous binder between said first and second elements, removing the elements from said support, cooling the assembly of said elements, supporting said assembly with sinter material in a sintering zone, and sintering said assembly into a unitary sintered structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,379,000 to Webber et al discloses a tow of metal filaments each having a maximum cross-section of less than approximately 10 microns and a length of approximately 50 feet and having a trace amount of a different material diffused in the outer surface thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,490,902 to Fisher discloses a method for forming porous structures useful, for example, as filters, diffusion membranes, sound absorbers, and the like. The structures contain a sintered metal portion at least one surface of which having embedded and bonded thereto a reinforcing member. Some of the fibers in the fiber metal portion are bonded to each other and to the reinforcing member.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,505,038 to Luksch et al. discloses a mass comprising a plurality of randomly disposed hair-like substantially solid metal fibers, wherein said fibers are substantially free from particles of degradation and air transportable, and wherein said mass has resilient loft, substantial uniformity of density and distribution of voids, handlable green strength, and a density range of from one percent to eighty-five percent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,347 to Bergstrom et al. discloses metal parts joined together with sintered powdered metal by applying a mixture of powdered metal and an organic heat-fugitive binder to the parts at the locus of the joint to be formed therebetween, assembling the parts in their desired joined configuration, and heating the assembly to volatilize or burn-off the binder and sinter the powdered metal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,794 to Storms discloses an autogenous or sinter bond between metallic filter media and other metal components of a filter assembly is produced by joining the parts through a diffusion bonding membrane. The membrane comprises a web of small diameter metal fibrils which will sinter bond to both the filter media and the other filter parts to form a physically strong and leak-free seal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,059 to Storms discloses an autogenous or sinter bond between metallic filter media and other metal components of a filter assembly is produced by joining the parts through a diffusion bonding membrane. The membrane comprises a web of small diameter metal fibrils which will sinter bond to both the filter media and the other filter parts to form a physically strong and leak-free seal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,889 to Erickson discloses a new and unique means for preventing the crowns of a backflushable filter element unit from splitting which has heretofore been caused by the cyclic action of the cleaning and backflushing. A layer of staple material is positioned adjacent the outer layer of filter media to prevent bellowing or ballooning. An additional staple layer may be positioned adjacent the inner layer of filtered media to provide additional support. With both staple layers in position on both sides of the filter media, the media is firmly captured and the crowns will not split.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,843 to Nazmy discloses two component workpieces consisting of different superalloys or of the same superalloy are bonded together to form a monolithic whole, with the insertion of a layer consisting of a powder of composition similar to or identical to that of the component workpieces by hot pressing in accordance with the diffusion bonding process. The workpiece surfaces to be bonded do not have to have narrow tolerances, but are with advantage provided with grooves. The process is suitable for the bonding together of component workpieces consisting of a dispersion-hardened, nickel-based superalloy or of component workpieces of such an alloy and workpieces consisting of a cast conventional superalloy.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,616 to Nixdorf discloses a method for producing a high temperature, high strength bond between a ceramic shape and a metal substrate, such as joining a ceramic cap to a piston for an internal combustion engine. The composite joint is effected through the use of a ceramic preform fabricated using fibers, whiskers, platelets or sponge-like particles having the same composition as the ceramic body. The preform is joined to the ceramic shape by using a ceramic slip having a ceramic corresponding in composition with the ceramic body, with this juncture being heated to achieve a secure bond. The preform is joined to the metal substrate by first infiltrating the preform with molten material corresponding to the substrate, and then pressure bonding the infiltrated preform to the substrate after the molten material has solidified. The substrate can be metal or metal alloy. An example is given for the bonding of silicon carbide to a 300 series aluminum.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,760 to Tanabe discloses a filter cartridge of micro filtration membrane pleats type, by which it is possible to stably manufacture products of high quality and to reduce the manufacturing cost. In the method for manufacturing a filter cartridge of micro membrane pleats according to the present invention, an initial portion and a last portion with pleats of a micro filtration membrane are welded together to prepare an endless micro membrane, and a filter element provided with a micro filtration membrane is welded on two end plates. A thin bonding auxiliary plate made of the same material as the end plates, having an opening at its center and molten at relatively low temperature, is welded to filter element and end plates which are heated in advance.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,515 to Stark et. al. discloses a filter cartridge including a cylindrical filter medium potted into a top cap, and having an internally potted bottom closure molded in place inside the filter medium.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,039 to Koehler et. al. discloses such a braze material and process. The same braze material and process is disclosed by a prior NICROBRAZ Technical Bulletin of 1991 published by the Wall Colmony Corporation regarding a braze material sold under the trademark "NICROBRAZ".
U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,323 to Koehler et al. discloses a filter assembly and a method of making a filter assembly described wherein a filter pack is seated in an end cap and contacted with a particulate material and a settling liquid of low viscosity to form a filter assemblage. The filter assemblage is sintered to form a strong, virtually impermeable bond therebetween.
Another disadvantage of the aforementioned brazing process is the introduction of foreign braze materials into the filter assembly. In many cases, the filter media and the support member are made of the same type of material which is selected to be impervious to the fluids flowing through the filter media. The brazing process introduced braze materials that are dissimilar to the type of material of filter media and end caps. Accordingly, the compatibility of the type of braze material must be considered for use with the fluid to be filtered by the filter media.
The process of removing the contaminants from the filter media involved the flow of a solvent material such as acids, bases and organics or the like through the filter media in a direction opposite to the direction of the fluid through the fluid filter. In some cases, the solvent material was passed through the filter media when the fluid filter was raised to an elevated temperature. The filter media that is capable of being cleaned by a flowing solvent at an elevated temperature must be constructed in an entirely different manner and using entirely different materials in order to withstand the solvent and the elevated temperature.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating which may be concentrated or focused on desired regions of a filter assembly.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating concentrated infrared heating for controlling the movement of a binding material during the heating process.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating concentrated infrared heating which inhibits the migration or wicking of the binding material into the filter media during the heating process.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating for sealing both a first and a second end of the cylindrical filter media to a first and second end caps during a single infrared heating process.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating for enabling the use of a brazing material without the need of a binder material for controlling the position and migration of the braze material during the heating process.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating for securing the filter media to the support member through the use of sintered metallic fibers of the same material type as the filter media and the support member.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating for securing the filter media to the support member through the use of a sintered bonding pad of partially sintered metallic fibers.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating for securing the filter media to the support member through the use of a sintered bonding fiber such as scrap filter media fibers.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating for securing the filter media to the support member through the use of a sintered bonding fiber that is capable of withstanding a cleaning solvent and an elevated temperature.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating to provide a fluid filter assembly having superior sealing characteristics.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method of sealing a filter element to a support member incorporating infrared heating to provide a fluid filter assembly that is reliable for use over an extended period of time.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention with in the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Apparatus and method for sealing fluid filter by infrared heating

USF Filtration and Separations Group, Inc.


In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided comprising: determining if a portion of a script of web application code within a web application is migratable to a remote infrastructure, wherein the portion of the script contains one or more functions; and modifying the portion of the script if the portion of the script is migratable, such that execution of the portion of the script results in the one or more functions being executed on the remote infrastructure, wherein the remote infrastructure is not restricted to the device on which the web application was designed or distributed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to computing. More particularly, the present invention relates to the migration of web application scripts to remote computing devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
A web application, or webapp, is an application that is accessed via a web browser over a network (e.g. Internet, mobile phone network, etc.). A web application can also be a computer software application that is coded in a browser-supported language (such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, PHP, etc.) and reliant on a common web browser to render the application executable.
Web application code is typically stored on servers. At launch, the browser uses a web address such as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to fetch the web application code. The code is then downloaded to the device and the application is executed, either inside the browser or using the browser functionality. Over the course of execution, additional code can be downloaded and executed. The client device may also store the web application code locally, in which case the web application URL points to a local file. It is also possible that the web application is preloaded on the client device prior to delivery of the client device to a user. This is common with, for example, preloaded applications on cell phones or laptop computers.
Runtime interpretation of script code can slow down execution of web applications, relative to the execution speed of native applications. Specifically, most web applications are programmed using a scripting language (e.g., JavaScript) and such scripting languages need to be interpreted at runtime. Contrast this with common native applications, which compile their code prior to launch and thus do not require processor-intensive runtime interpretation. As a result, web applications are inherently slower than native applications. However, since scripting languages are interpreted at runtime, they provide interoperability between platforms. For example, a JavaScript code can run on any platform where a JavaScript engine is present. User interfaces written in HTML and CSS provide similar benefits and drawbacks.
Consumers increasingly expect mobile devices to deliver performances similar to more powerful devices, such as desktops. However, the drawbacks of web application scripts are actually intensified on mobile devices, which commonly have processors that are much less powerful than their desktop device counterparts. While the processing power of a desktop computer may be enough to give the user the impression that a web application is not much slower than a native application, such an experience is not mirrored on a mobile device, especially mobile devices having very limited processing power and memory space, such as cellular phones.
Nevertheless, more and more web applications are being developed for mobile devices, and the complexity of the web applications is also increasing. This is due to the ease of authoring, distribution, and maintenance of web applications and the platform independence and portability of such applications. Of course, the increasing profitability of web application development for mobile devices has played a huge role as well. The success of mobile device web application distribution portals such as iTunes from Apple, Inc., Android Market from Google, Inc., and Palm's Application Catalog has greatly increased the amount of revenues that can be generated from web application distribution.
Furthermore, the type of web applications developed has also expanded, so that they are not just limited to web pages anymore. Widgets, offline applications, games, and productivity software are examples of increasingly common types of web applications.
The capabilities of web applications are also growing. Ajax (short for asynchronous JavaScript+XML) allows web applications to retrieve data from a server asynchronously, in the background, without interfering with the display and behavior of the existing page. The use of Ajax techniques has led to an increase in interactive or dynamic interfaces. Other techniques such as worker threads and canvas scripting have increased the complexity of web applications.
Of course, the increase in web application complexity only multiplies the slower processing issues of web application scripts, especially when run on lesser-powered processors on mobile devices.


There is disclosed a downhole packer for use in a well bore, and in particular, a packer which can be used for downhole testing. In an embodiment of the invention, a packer tool (10) for mounting on a work string to provide a seal against a tubular (32) is disclosed, the packer tool comprising a body (12) with one or more packer elements (18) and a sleeve (14), the packer tool being set by movement of the sleeve relative to the tool body compressing the one or more packer elements, wherein the tool has a plurality of bypass channels (16) to provide a fluid path past the packer elements, the sleeve including at least owe anchoring member (22, 50), the at least one anchoring member being actuate to contact the tubular by fluid pressure from the bypass channels when the packer is set.

The present invention relates to a downhole packer for use in a well bore. More particularly, the present invention relates to a packer which can be used for downhole testing.
During well completions it is desirable to check the integrity of the production bore and any packers used to isolate portions of the well. A known technique for this is to perform an in-flow or negative test. One or more packers are inserted into the well bore to seal off a portion of the well. Low density fluid is introduced to the work string reducing hydrostatic pressure within the pipe. As a consequence of the drop in hydrostatic pressure, well bore fluid flows through any cracks or irregularities into the bore resulting in an increase in pressure which can be monitored and used to indicate where repairs are necessary.
Typically, a separate trip is required to be made into the well to perform an in-flow or negative pressure test. This is because the conventional packer tools used are set by a relative rotation within the well bore. As many other tools are activated by rotation and indeed as the drill string itself would normally be rotated during this type of operation, it is likely that the packer would prematurely set. This problem has been overcome by the introduction of a weight set packer. Such a weight set packer, referred to as a compression set packer, is disclosed in the Applicant's International Patent Application, publication no. WO/0183938. The packer is set by a sleeve moveable on a body of the packer being set down on a formation in the well bore. Movement of the sleeve compresses one or more packing elements to provide a seal.
This compression set packer is particularly suitable for integrity testing of a liner when a permanent packer, or 'tieback' packer, with a Polished Bore Receptacle (PBR) has been used. Once the permanent packer with the PBR has been set, a single trip can be made into the well to operate clean-up tools and perform an in-flow or negative test. The clean-up tools may be operated by relative rotation of the work string in the well-bore and further the work string can be slackened off so that the sleeve of the compression set packer lands out-on the PBR. This sets the compression set packer above the PBR and seals the bore between the packers. An in-flow or negative test can then be performed.
A significant disadvantage of this compression set packer is that of loading on the PBR. When an in-flow test is carried out large pressure differentials are created across the packing element and thus a substantial force is applied to the packer from above. In a compression set packer much of this force is transferred to the PBR. As a result, both the packer element and the PBR are at risk of failure if the load bearing capacity is exceeded. This is a particular problem in deep wells were the differential pressures will be greater. For example, if a packer has an annulus surface area, in use, of 10 square inches and a pressure differential applied across it of 30,000 pounds, this provides a force of up to 250,000 pounds at the compression set packer.
The problem of excessive loading and the additional forces on the liner by the hydraulic test pressure differentials has been considered for a liner top test packer as described in WO 03/067027. This discloses an arrangement where the slips are set below a compression set packer and the packer is set against the slips. The additional loading and forces are all then transferred to the casing in which the packer is set via the slips. Thus the slips prevent loading onto any liner or liner hanger located below the slips.
This packer tool, however, has a number of disadvantages. As with all weight-set tools there is a risk that the tool will set in the wrong location if it meets an obstruction in the well bore. As this tool is set by shearing pins and then engaging slips before the packer elements expand, it is difficult to release the tool for repositioning once it has set. Additionally, as the slips move transversely in response to a longitudinally applied force, under excessive longitudinal loading, which can be experienced at high pressure differentials, the slips can loose grip and thus there is a risk of the full force landing on the liner top.

Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited


A semiconductor memory storage device for storing data including: a plurality of storage cells, each storage cell including an access control device configured to provide the storage cell with access to or isolation from a data access port in response to an access control signal. Access control circuitry includes: access switching circuitry configured to connect a selected access control line to a voltage source; and feedback circuitry configured to feedback a change in voltage on the access control line to the access switching circuitry. The access control circuitry is configured to respond to a data access request signal to access a selected storage cell connected to a corresponding selected access control line in response to the feedback circuitry providing a feedback signal indicating that the access control line voltage has attained a predetermined value.

With ever increasing demands to reduce both the size of devices and their power consumption, it is becoming increasingly challenging to design robust semiconductor memories such as SRAM. As technology scales down the SRAM bitcell is losing margin in both the read and write operations due to variations in threshold voltages of the tiny devices used in the bit cell.
Each storage cell in an SRAM comprises a feedback loop for holding a data value. In order to write to the feedback loop and store a new value, the input data value must have a high enough voltage level to be able to switch the state stored by the feedback loop if required, while reading from the feedback loop should be performed without disturbing the values stored in any of the feedback loops. When reading from a cell both bit lines are pre-charged and the side of the cell storing a 0 will pull down the bit line it is connected to and this change in voltage level can be detected to determine where the 0 is stored. However, the difference in voltage levels between the precharged bit line and the 0 may result in the node storing a 0 being pulled up towards 1 resulting in instability in the bit cell and the bit cell flipping value. This is called read disturb and can happen to a cell during a read to a cell or during a write to another cell on the same word line. In the latter case the word line is activated to access the cell being written to, which affects other cells connected to the word line.
One way of improving read and write performance is by effecting changes on the wordline signal, the bitline signal or a column power source. Increasing the voltage on the wordline slowly in response to a data access request allows the voltage level on non-driven bitlines to decay due to bitline leakage and column effects and to discharge due to the bitcell pulling down on the bitline if a 0 was stored thus resisting at least to some extent the charge injection from the precharged bitline through the pass gate which is slowly being turned on. The theory is that the bitcell pulldown should be stronger than the weak pass gate that is injecting charge as soon as its gate is turned on by the signal on the wordline. This decreases the chances of the charge on the bitlines being sufficient to flip a cell that is not being written to, but it delays the data access and therefore lowers performance.
It would be desirable to be able to reduce both read and write failures of a semiconductor memory without unduly affecting performance.

Controlling the voltage level on the word line to maintain performance and reduce access disturbs


The invention relates to a method and a device for centring a wheel, especially a cycle wheel. The values of the lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out of the wheel rim are measured. The lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out of the wheel rim are then eliminated by rotating the spoke nipple. The lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out are determined by means of measuring devices which can be fixed to a centring stand and which comprise pointer mechanisms (18 and/or 20).

The invention relates to a method and device for centering a wheel with the features recited in the preamble of claims 1 and 3.
It is known to compensate the lateral runout and radial runout of a wheel with a device operating as a centering aid. The wheel to be tested it is hereby clamped in a mount of the centering aid and rotated. The values of the axial and radial runout of the wheel rim are measured by suitable measuring devices. The lateral runout and the radial runout are then compensated by rotating the spoke nipples of the wheel. Dial gauges are customarily used as measuring devices. Dial gauges disadvantageously only indicate the instantaneous value of the lateral and radial runout, so that several revolutions of the wheel are required if the lateral and radial runout is to be accurately corrected from a determination of the maximum deviations. On the other hand, the pointers of the dial gauges which typically have displays accurate to about 0.01 mm may require several revolutions when measuring the axial and radial deviations of the wheel rim. As a result, the number of revolutions of pointer of the dial gauge typically have to be counted for determining the measurement values. The entire process for determining the measurement values is therefore time-consuming, and the person performing the test has to be attentive and concentrate, since he/she has to always remember the number of revolutions. Finally, this process can easily lead to errors in the determination of the measurement values, which makes it more difficult and more time-consuming to correct the deviations in the axial and radial direction.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and device of the aforedescribed type which enables centering of a wheel in a simple, quick and accurate matter.
The object is solved by a method and a device with the characterizing features recited in the independent claims 1 and 3. According to the method, the wheel hub is clamped in a wheel mount of a centering stand, the wheel is rotated, whereby each of the maximum left and right lateral runout of the wheel rim is determined as a measurement value from a complete revolution of the wheel, the measurement value of the left (respectively right) maximum lateral runout of the wheel rim is recorded, including its mathematical sign, a negative sign is associated with the measurement value left of the zero position and a positive sign is associated with the measurement value right of the zero position, the wheel is clamped after being rotated by 180xc2x0, each of the maximum left and right lateral runout of the wheel rim is determined as a measurement value from a complete rotation of the wheel, the first left (respectively the first right) maximum lateral runout and the second right (respectively the second left) maximum lateral runout of the wheel rim are subtracted from each other, the value determined in the previous step is divided by 2, with a positive sign associated with the so obtained value, the value determined in the previous step is subtracted from the right (respectively left) maximum lateral runout of the wheel rim, the wheel is rotated until the center pointer of the pointer mechanism points to the value determined in the previous step, the adjusting wheel of the pointer mechanism is rotated, until the center pointer points to zero, the maximum left and right lateral runout of the wheel rim is indicated by the two maximum pointers of the pointer mechanism after a complete revolution of the wheel, the wheel is rotated, until the center pointer of the pointer mechanism reaches one of the two maximum pointers which indicates the maximum left (respectively right) lateral runout of the wheel rim, the lateral runout of the wheel rim is corrected in a conventional manner by turning to the spoke nipples, whereby the spoke indicated by the pointer mechanism is tensioned or loosened via the spoke nipple, and the spokes are tensioned or loosened, starting in the region of the maximum left and right lateral runout of the wheel rim, sequentially in an alternating order and in at least two steps, with a corresponding number of revolutions of the wheel, until the left and right lateral runout remains within a minimum range.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maximum inward and outward radial runout of the wheel rim is subsequently determined from a full revolution of the wheel as a measurement value representing a deviation from a circle, the zero of the pointer mechanism is set between these measurement values, the radial runout of the wheel rim is corrected in a conventional manner by turning the spoke nipples, whereby the spoke indicated by the pointer mechanism is tensioned or loosened via the spoke nipple, the spokes are tensioned or loosened, starting in the region of the maximum radial runout of the wheel rim, sequentially inwardly and outwardly in an alternating order and in at least two steps, with a corresponding number of revolutions of the wheel, until the inward and outward radial runout is within a minimum range, and during the correction of the radial runout, the lateral runout of the wheel rim is monitored and optionally corrected.
According to the invention, the center position of the wheel rim is determined by subtracting the first left (respectively right) maximum lateral runout from the second right (respectively left) maximum runout, the value determined in the previous step is divided by two, thereby obtaining the distance of the second right (respectively left) maximum lateral runout from the center of the wheel axis, including the mathematical sign. The wheel is then rotated until the center pointer indicates the second right (respectively left) maximum lateral runout. The adjusting wheel of the pointer mechanism is then turned until of the center pointer points to the value determined in the previous step. The other steps are performed as described above. With this method, the center position of the wheel rim can be determined in all situations, even if the dial gauge is initially set to an arbitrary value.
According to another alternative feature for eliminating the lateral runout, the wheel can be rotated until the center pointer reaches the maximum value from the left and right maximum lateral runoutxe2x80x94corresponding to the absolute maximum lateral runout. The spoke nipple at this location is turned until the center pointer indicates approximately half the absolute maximum lateral runout. During the following wheel revolution, another absolute maximum lateral runout is determined which, however, has a smaller value than the previously corrected maximum lateral runout. This process is repeated until the lateral runout is decreased to a desired value.
The radial runout can be eliminated in an analogous manner by rotating the wheel until the center pointer reaches the absolute maximum radial runout. The spoke nipple at this location is turned until the center pointer indicates approximately half of the absolute maximum radial runout. The adjacent spoke nipple is turned until of the radial runout produced by the previous adjustment of the spoke nipple is minimized. The next absolute maximum radial runout is then determined by again rotating the wheel, which however has a smaller value that the previously determined radial runout. This process is repeated a number of times until the absolute maximum radial runout is decreased to a desired value.
The device according to the invention includes as measurement devices at least one, preferably two pointer mechanisms of identical construction which preferably are releasably secured on the centering stand, wherein one pointer mechanism measures the lateral runout and another pointer mechanism measures the radial runout of the wheel rim, with an axially displaceable feeler rod being supported in each of the two pointer mechanisms, wherein the feeler rod is operatively connected with a support frame that can pivot about a pivot axis so that the axial displacement motion of the feeler rod is transformed without play into a pivoting motion of a center pointer, wherein the center pointer is operatively connected to both a left maximum pointer and a right maximum pointer, with the maximum pointers being configured to separately indicate the maximum left and right lateral runout of the wheel rim (10) when the lateral runout of the wheel rim (10) is tested and the maximum inward and outward runout of the wheel rim (10) when the radial runout of the wheel rim (10) is tested, and wherein the center pointer is affixed on the support frame that can pivot about the pivot axis, and wherein two mutually parallel, spaced-apart guides are arranged in the support frame that guide a ball-shaped transmission element on both sides. This arrangement allows the wheel to be centered quickly, accurately and in a simple matter. The method for intentionally and accurately centering the wheel is based on an exact determination of the center position and desired plane of the wheel. During the centering operation, the wheel rim can be exactly matched to the desired plane in individual steps. The pointer mechanism according to the invention provides an amplified display of the lateral and radial runout values of the wheel. The pointer mechanism of the invention indicates the runout of the wheel in a large and easily visualizable display area within a pointer range of less than 180xc2x0. The maximum pointers can display and measure the maximum deflection of the center pointer both to the left and to the right. Advantageously, when centering the wheel, one can start from the regions of maximum runout of the wheel rim and align these regions intentionally with the desired plane.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a clamping fixture for receiving a wheel hub can be configured so as to be self-adjusting, so that the wheel to be adjusted can advantageously assume an exactly reproducible position. This is necessary so that the wheel always has a uniquely determined, defined center position during the centering processxe2x80x94even after the wheel is rotated according to the invention. This is easily achieved by the self-adjusting design. In particular, the wheel can be exactly positioned with a clamping fixture that has two mutually parallel, spaced-apart retaining elements which each include a receiving groove, which preferably form a 2-point-support for the hub. The 2-point-support guarantees a reproducibly defined position of the hub and hence also of the wheel.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the retaining elements can include a locking element which preferably can be latched. In this way, a hub of a wheel inserted into the receiving groove of the retaining elements can be held by the locking element in its initial position, whereby the initially assumed position is also maintained during the use of the centering device. The locking element preferably forms a 1-point-support for a hub, so that the entire hub is supported by a 3-point-support. The hub and hence also the wheel can then be precisely positioned.
Additional advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the additional features recited in the dependent claims.


A method for driving a sheet pile wall into the ground includes providing a sheet pile with at least one sheet pile interlock having a longitudinal opening giving access to an interlock chamber in the sheet pile interlock. The method further includes inserting an inflatable tube device in the interlock chamber, inflating the inflatable tube so that the inflatable tube closes the longitudinal opening, driving the sheet pile into the ground, deflating the inflatable tube and withdrawing the inflatable tube from the interlock device.

The present invention relates to a method for driving sheet piles into the ground.
The use of sheet piles for constructing retaining walls is well known. The sheet piles used in such walls have sheet pile interlocks along their longitudinal edges, which can be interlocked so as to maintain the longitudinal edges of adjacent sheet piles interconnected with each other. Current sheet pile interlocks of the double-hook interlock type (type 1 according to EN10248 norm), as e.g. LARSSEN type sheet pile interlocks, are hook shaped elements with an internal interlock chamber. A sheet pile wall is formed by driving a first sheet pile into the ground, introducing the bottom end of the trailing sheet pile interlock of a second sheet pile with the top end of the leading sheet pile interlock of the first sheet pile, driving the second sheet pile into the ground, and then repeating the process to insert third, fourth etc sheet piles into the wall.
It is often necessary to seal the connection between two sheet piles. This is generally done by providing sealing means in at least one interlock chamber of the two interlocking sheet pile interlocks. In order to ensure good sealing conditions, it is important to keep ground material out of the interlock chambers.
Sometimes it is also necessary to interlock two interconnected sheet pile against longitudinal shifting relative to one another. This can be achieved e.g. by bonding the interlocked sheet pile interlocks with an adhesive or cement. In order to ensure good bond conditions, it is important to keep ground material out of the interlock chambers.
Several methods have been proposed for keeping ground material out of the interlock chambers.
EP-0 628 662 teaches to keep the ground material out of the interlock chamber by introducing a steel tube into the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock or, alternatively, by filling this chamber with a polyethylene tube. In order to be effective, such a tube must closely fit into the interlock chamber. It follows that it is not easy to withdraw the tube from the interlock chamber prior to driving the next sheet pile. This is in particular true, because the leading sheet pile interlock may be slightly deformed when driven into the ground and because ground particles entering between the tube and the wall of the sheet pile interlock increase friction.
According to EP-0 341 194, a caliber piece, which has substantially the same shape as a sheet pile interlock, is interconnected with a leading sheet pile interlock for blocking off the longitudinal opening of the interlock chamber from the outside. Once the sheet pile is driven into the ground, the caliber piece is extracted. Although the interlock chamber is rather well protected from soil, the removal of the caliber piece over the whole length of the sheet pile is not easy.
Similarly, according to GB-2 322 658 a steel conduit is inserted into the interlock chamber. The conduit has a cover attached to it, which blocks off the longitudinal opening of the interlock chamber from the outside. The interlock chamber is rather well protected from soil, but it is very difficult to withdraw the long and rigid conduit-cover assembly from the interlock chamber.
In accordance with EP-0 722 017 the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock is protected by means of a deformable strip, which is welded with one of its longitudinal edges to the sheet pile, so as to cover the longitudinal opening of the interlock chamber. A major disadvantage of this method is that the deformable strip is easily damaged and torn off when the sheet pile is driven into the ground.
The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a method for driving a sheet pile into the ground, wherein the interlock chamber in the sheet pile interlock is well protected from ground material by an obturating device that is easy to introduce and easy to withdraw from the interlock chamber. This problem is solved by a method as claimed in claim 1.
In accordance with the method of the present invention an obturating device comprising an inflatable tube is inserted into the interlock chamber of the sheet pile interlock to be protected. Once the obturating device is in place within the interlock chamber, its inflatable tube is inflated, so that the obturating device effectively closes the opening to the interlock chamber. It follows that no ground material can enter the interlock chamber while the sheet pile is being driven into the ground. Once the sheet pile is in place, the inflatable tube is again deflated, and the obturating device can be easily withdrawn from the interlock chamber. In short, while the inflatable tube is inflated, the obturating device ensures excellent protection for the interlock chamber against ground material, and while the inflatable tube is deflated, the obturating device can be easily inserted into or withdrawn from the interlock chamber.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, inflation of the inflatable tube pushes an obturating block into the longitudinal opening of the interlock chamber. This obturating block closes the longitudinal opening of the interlock chamber. It will be appreciated that the obturating block can be made stronger than the inflatable tube and is hence less likely to be damaged during the driving process. It is preferably a semi-rigid body, because such a semi-rigid body may be more easily introduced in and withdrawn from the interlock chamber. Furthermore, it is preferably a wedge shaped body engaging the longitudinal opening of the interlock chamber. The wedge shape ensures that, when the inflatable tube is inflated, the obturating block centres itself in the longitudinal opening of the interlock chamber so as to effectively obturate this opening from the inside of the interlock chamber. It is not excluded to conceive the obturating block as a separate piece, but is preferred to firmly attach it to the inflatable tube and, in particular, to form it in one piece with the inflatable tube. The fact that the inflatable tube and obturating block are firmly attached together allows for easy manipulation on the building site.
The obturating device can further comprise a flexible tube with an open front end alongside the inflatable tube which has a closed front end. This flexible tube can then be used for filling the interlock chamber with sand or synthetic foam (as e.g. a PU foam) while the obturating device is withdrawn from the interlock chamber. Especially in case the sheet piles are driven into light or muddy ground material, it is advantageous to fill the interlock chamber with sand or synthetic foam material in order to prevent light or muddy ground material to enter the interlock chamber once the obturating device has been withdrawn. It is not excluded to conceive the flexible tube as a separate piece, but is preferred to firmly attach it to the inflatable tube and, in particular, to form it in one piece with the inflatable tube.
In particular, when constructing a sheet pile wall, the obturating device is inserted into the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock of a first sheet pile. The inflatable tube is inflated, e.g. by means of compressed air, and this first sheet pile is driven into the ground. Once this first sheet pile is in place, the inflatable tube is deflated and the obturating device is withdrawn from the interlock chamber. It will be appreciated that the withdrawn obturating device leaves an interlock chamber in the leading sheet pile interlock that is perfectly clean, i.e. free from any ground material. The obturating device is then inserted into the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock of a second sheet pile and the inflatable tube is inflated. The bottom end of the trailing sheet pile interlock of the second sheet pile is now interconnected with the top end of the leading sheet pile interlock of the first sheet pile. As the second sheet pile is driven into the ground, its trailing sheet pile interlock slides down through the clean interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock of the first sheet pile. Once the sheet pile is in place, the inflatable tube is again deflated and the obturating device withdrawn. This process is repeated for the third, fourth, fifth, etc sheet piles. Consequently, the trailing sheet pile interlock of a sheet pile is always interconnected with a clean leading sheet pile interlock of the preceding sheet pile.
Before driving a sheet pile into the ground, it is recommended to insert a front end obturator in the bottom end of the interlock chamber of a leading sheet pile interlock. The front end obturator displaces ground material from under the axial opening of the interlock chamber and prevents ground material from axially entering the interlock chamber. It will be appreciated that the front end obturator can e.g. be a simple bolt. However, in order to be most effective, the front end obturator advantageously has a conical head. The front end obturator is preferably just inserted into the interlock chamber, rather than fixed to the sheet pile, so that the front end obturator can simply be pushed out of the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock by the trailing sheet pile interlock of the subsequent sheet pile. This is of particular interest in case a sheet pile needs to be driven deeper into the ground than the preceding one.
An adhesive is preferably applied onto the trailing sheet pile interlock of the second sheet pile before interlocking it with the leading sheet pile interlock of the first sheet pile. Thus, the connection joint between two sheet piles is interlocked against longitudinal shifting relative to one another. A spreader can be used for applying the adhesive onto the trailing sheet pile interlock. By using such a spreader, the adhesive is applied onto the trailing sheet pile interlock uniformly over the whole length of the sheet pile.
A sealant can also be applied onto the trailing sheet pile interlock of the second sheet pile before interlocking it with the leading sheet pile interlock of the first sheet pile. Thus, the connection joint between two sheet piles is sealed, and the sheet pile wall can thereby be rendered waterproof. As ground material is kept out of the interlock chambers, excellent sealing conditions between two sheet piles are ensured.
A short cleaning piece is preferably engaged with the leading sheet pile interlock of a first sheet pile before interconnecting this interlock with the trailing sheet pile interlock of a second sheet pile. When the second sheet pile is driven into the ground, its trailing sheet pile interlock pushes the cleaning piece along the leading sheet pile interlock of the first sheet pile. It will be appreciated that the cleaning piece can e.g. be a piece of an interlocking sheet pile interlock, which removes any ground material from the inner walls of the leading sheet pile interlock and preferably wraps the outer walls of the leading sheet pile interlock, so that it also effectively removes any ground material from the outer walls of the leading sheet pile interlock. It follows that all exterior and interior contact surfaces of the leading sheet pile interlock are free of ground material when coming into contact with the corresponding contact surfaces of the trailing sheet pile interlock of the subsequent sheet pile. Usage of the cleaning piece is particularly of advantage if the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock of the first sheet pile has been filled with sand while the obturating device was withdrawn from the interlock chamber.
The present invention also concerns a device for obturating an interlock chamber of a sheet pile interlock to be used with the method described above. Such an obturating device comprises an inflatable tube arranged in the interlock chamber and a wedge shaped obturating block associated with the inflatable tube.


An electric rotating machine having a stator including a stator core formed by accumulating and fixing a plurality of stator steel sheets, and stator coils mounted onto the stator core, a rotor having a rotation shaft received within an inner peripheral side of the stator, a molded resin frame for receiving the stator therein and a pair of end brackets for rotatably holding the rotation shaft of the rotor via bearings. A respective end bracket is fixed on opposite ends of the stator by through bolts inserted into through bolt holes formed therein, and each of the end brackets having a plurality of two kinds of bolt holes. Each of the stator steel sheets forming the stator core functions as a magnetic circuit, and corner portions thereof are formed with bolt holes in a semi-circular shape with an opening portion for receiving the through bolts.

The present invention relates to an electric rotating machine, in particular to the electric rotating machine, in which improvements are made on stator iron or steel sheets and on positioning of penetrating or through bolt holes thereof, in a small-sized electric rotating machine.
An electric motor is known as an electric apparatus for converting electric energy into mechanical energy. In the electric motor, in which an electric system and a mechanic system are combined, there are used a relative motion between magnetic field and conductors and the electromagnetic force caused between the magnetic field and current, and an attraction and a repulsion between those magnetism. As one sort of such the electric motors, there is known an electric rotating machine which performs a rotating movement, and is used a direct current (DC) motor, or an alternating current (AC) motor, etc.
The electric rotating machine, such as an AC servo motor, etc., comprises, as shown in FIG. 4, a stator including a stator core 101 and stator coils 102, a rotor 103, a frame 105, and end brackets 106 and 107, etc. The stator is constructed with the stator core 101, which is formed through caulking of laminated layers of stator steel sheets, or through fixing of them by means of laser beam welding, etc., and in gutter portions of this stator core 101 are provided the stator coils 102. The stator steel sheets are formed by punching a belt-like iron or steel sheet, for example, and it is common that the punching shape comprises a main body portion of functioning as a magnetic circuit and end portions, in a part of which are provided the through bolt holes for the purpose of fixing the stator onto the end brackets 106 and 107 thereof.
The rotor 103 has a rotating shaft 104, and is held between the end brackets 106 and 107 through shaft bearings 108 and 109. The shaft bearing 108 is protected by a bearing protection cover 133. The end bracket 106 at a load side has the through bolt holes and outer attachment bolt holes, wherein the stator is fixed by means of the through bolt holes and through bolts, while being fixed to an outside portion by means of the outer attachment bolt holes and outer attachment bolts. And, the shapes of parts which constructs the electric rotating machine are designed to be in the rotational symmetry as far as possible, therefore a circle and/or a square are/is preferable. Also, an outer shape of a flange member gives an effect upon the size of the electric rotating machine, therefore it is so determined to be equal to around an outer shape of a container. Further, there is provided an encoder 110 for performing the detection of position and velocity of the rotor.
In the conventional electric rotating machine, the stator steel sheet has the through bolt holes provided or formed at every corner of the main body thereof, however they are shifted so that the through bolts and the outer attachment bolts do not overlap each other. For example, though the outer shape of the end bracket is nearly in the shape of a square, the stator steel sheets is formed into a nearly rectangular or oblong shape, and the through bolts are provided at the every four corners thereof. Also, it was done that, while forming cutting portions of the square shape at the every four corners of the stator steel sheets, the through bold holes are provided or formed in one side portion of the cutting portion.
However, when forming the stator steel sheets in the rectangular or oblong shape, the rotational symmetry is broken, and therefore the magnetic property thereof is deteriorated. Also, when forming the cutting portions at the ever corners, since the side portion of the cutting portions where no such the through bolt hole is formed does not participate with nor contribute to the magnetic performance, an amount of use of the steel sheets comes up to be more than that being necessary, thereby causing a problem that the stator becomes heavy in the weight thereof. Also, there was caused a problem that the magnetic circuit is deteriorated in the symmetry thereof.
An object, according to the present invention, for dissolving such the problems in the conventional arts, is to provide an electric rotating machine, with which can be maintained the rotational symmetry of the stator steel sheets, as well as the symmetry of the magnetic circuit, without increasing the weight of the stator.
According to the present invention, there is provided an electric rotating machine comprising: a stator having a stator core being formed by accumulating and fixing a plurality of stator iron or steel sheets, and stator coils; a rotor having a rotation shaft being received within an inner periphery side of said stator; a frame for receiving said stator therein; and end brackets for holding the stator and the rotor therein and having through bolt holes, wherein said stator is fixed to said end brackets by through bolts, and the electric rotating machine is installable onto an outside by means of outer attachment bolts through outer attachment bolt holes which are formed in at least one of said end brackets, and said stator iron or steel sheets are in a shape being symmetric both sides and upside down with respect to an axis of symmetry, each having a main body portion functioning as a magnetic circuit and corner portions, in each of which a through bolt hole is formed, said through bolt holes are provided on said axis of symmetry and on a circumference around the rotation shaft of the rotor at an equal distance therebetween, and further a line connecting between the through bolt hole and the rotation shaft of the rotor is shifted from a line connecting between the outer attachment bolt hole and the rotation shaft of the rotor so that they defined a predetermined angle therebetween.
Also, in the electric rotating machine according to the present invention, wherein said main body portion is in a form, an outer periphery of which is a circle around the rotation shaft of the rotor.
And, in the electric rotating machine according to the present invention, wherein the predetermined angle lies within a range from 100 to 200.
Further, in the electric rotating machine according to the present invention, preferably said predetermined angle is symmetric at both sides of the line connecting between the through bolt hole and the rotation shaft of the rotor as an axis of symmetry.

Electric rotating machine having structure of shifting stator position by predetermined angle


A system, method, and process for fabricating solid surface inserts for solid surface materials is provided. The solid surface inserts provide additional decorative and/or functional elements to a solid surface material. The solid surface inserts are designed and fabricated to capture the salient features of a desired design in order to integrate the desired design into the solid surface base to create an assembled solid surface. To create the assembled solid surface, the solid surface base has a pocket formed to accept the solid surface inserts. Then, the solid surface inserts are fabricated from other solid surface materials. The fabricated solid surface inserts are then assembled, interlocked, and secured, either with each other and/or with the solid surface base, using an adhesive to create the assembled solid surface.

Solid surface materials are used in a variety of surfacing applications in both commercial and residential settings. Examples of common types of solid surface materials include: manufactured polymer solid surfaces such as Corian®, Lexton®, Avonite®, and Swanstone®; natural solid surface materials such as marble or granite; and other manufactured solid surface materials such as concrete or glass. Solid surface materials are commonly used in a variety of different applications. Some of the more common applications of solid surface materials is for countertops or surfaces on counters, bars, reception areas, tables, windows, and ledges. Other applications include walls, facings, exterior cladding, and partitions.
Solid surface materials come in a wide variety of different colors. The variety of colors and finishes within a given type of solid surface material can number in the several hundreds if not thousands. Manufactured solid surface materials also may come with different highlights, including small accents and other materials molded directly into the solid surface material itself to form a textured pattern. However, these textured patterns are typically evenly dispersed throughout the entire solid surface material with a random pattern. Solid surface materials are typically supplied in sheets which are then cut to fit specific applications either at the job site or by off-site fabricators.
One feature of solid surface materials, and particularly manufactured polymer solid surface materials, is the ability to create a continuous surface that is relatively impervious to moisture and other substances. When multiple sheets of a solid surface material are assembled, the sheets are typically bonded together using a joint adhesive. For example, Corian® sheets may be joined using a joint adhesive, primarily methylmethacrylate, which effectively bonds the sheets together such that the multiple sheets remain relatively impervious to moisture and other substances.
Although solid surface materials, and manufactured polymer solid surfaces in particular have a wide variety of decorative and functional attributes, there are some limitations to their use. Purchasers commonly desire a customized look and feel for a solid surface being installed. One common way to customize the look and feel of a particular installation is to select the color, texture, and finish of the installation. However, the solid surface cannot be manufactured so that specific colors and textures are arranged into specific distinct patterns; rather they are diffused throughout the material. Therefore, there is a practical limit to the ability of a customer to customize a solid surface or to replicate a desired design in the solid surface material.
Therefore, there is a need for a method, device, and process for creating inserts for solid surface materials that enables a customer to recreate a desired design in a solid surface by the inclusion of a patterned insert into the solid surface. Specifically, the customized insert can replicate a number of different decorative or functional shapes, patterns, logos, or other designs as desired by the customer without substantially interfering with the performance of the solid surface.


Data elements are extracted from data elements stored in a storage medium in accordance with two conditions and grouped into first and second groups. The data elements in the first group and those in the second group are displayed in regions distinguished from each other on a screen. In response to user manipulation, the screen is switched to a screen that allows searching data elements in the first or second group displayed in a region corresponding to the manipulation. In searching many diverse data elements stored in a data storage, the user can select a group from groups of data elements extracted by different conditions and search the data elements in the selected group. Accordingly, the user can search data elements more readily even when many diverse data elements are stored in the storage medium.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image display method of displaying a plurality of images on a display screen, an image display apparatus, an image recording apparatus, and an image pickup apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the advancement of digital cameras and an increase in capacity of storages and media, the variety of data storable in a storage medium for storing data, such as a memory card, is increased. For example, a memory card stores data of a still image or movie images taken by a digital camera or of a portable document format (PDF) file captured by a scanner. A universal serial bus (USB) memory stores data of a still image or movie images created from a photograph by use of a personal computer (PC) or of a document created by a PC. In addition to such an increased variety of data storable in a storage, uses of such stored data are also increased.
As a result, a technique for enabling a user to smoothly access many diverse data elements stored in a single storage is required.
One example is a method of enabling a user to access data by use of a wheel device. The use of the wheel device allows quicker manipulation than that occurring when a key is pressed, which is normally used. Because the wheel device allows an item to be selected more quickly, it is often used in data searching or setting. There are some methods of using such a wheel device.
One example method is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-363707. With this method, a plurality of information strings are displayed in response to rotation of a wheel device, a single focused displayed string is selected, and then a rotational device can be used in operation.
A method of searching a large number of images by use of a wheel device is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004155907. With this method, if not all images can be displayed on one screen, the images are three-dimensionally represented such that thumbnails of the images are arranged in a circle while a part of the thumbnails may become invisible toward the back of the screen. This allows a user to also recognize the presence of an image being not displayed.
However, the traditional methods described above are not sufficient as a method of enabling access in today's increasing diversity in data.
For example, for the technique described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-363707, a plurality of kinds of data are represented as respective circles. That is, to access desired data, it is necessary to search for a circle containing the desired data and select it.
With the invention described in the above-mentioned US Patent Application Publication No. 2004155907, even when the total number of images is large, the images can be represented. However, in that representation, the images are arranged in a single circle, so it requires browsing through the arranged images to search for a target image. Consequently, a problem exists in which it is difficult to reach the target image.

Image display method, image display apparatus, image recording apparatus, and image pickup apparatus


The snow discharge spout pipe from a snowblower is conventionally extended by spout extensions commanded by control rod linkages. The present ball and socket joints are used to interconnect each pair of successive link arms to one another, and some link arms to the snowblower casing. These joints are of the universal joint type, including a ball rotatable into a spherical socket. Each end of a link arm has such a joint. Each socket is composed of two ring members in mutual contact at their flat inner radial faces. These faces are precisely machined to obtain the desired clearance between the spherical surfaces of the ball and ring members. Each ball includes an axial bore, rotatably receiving a shoulder bolt. The bolt and ball have lubricating passages opening at the relatively movable bearing surfaces of the bolt, ball and ring members.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,075,813 issued Jan. 29, 1963 to Adrien VOHL--being the father of the present inventor--discloses a control rod linkage assembly for assisting in the extension or retraction of telescopic sections carried at the outer free end of the snow discharge pipe spout of a snowblower truck. The control rod linkage assembly consists of a number of pivotally interconnected link bars, extending from the base of the main snow discharge spout up to the telescopic parts at the outer end of the main discharge spout. By pivoting the lower link bar, the intermediate link bars are biased to urge the upper link bars to pivot the telescopic spout extensions accordingly.
One drawback of this otherwise efficient patented system, is that, under rough conditions where the snow discharge chute becomes damaged and bent, the control rod linkage assembly progressively becomes more difficult to operate. The reason for this is that, as the snow discharge chute becomes bent following abuse, the pivotal axes of some of the pivotal joints interconnecting the various link arms of the control rod linkage assembly will tilt. Because a simple axial pin is mounted at the pivot joints, this tilting of the link arms means that the axial pins thereof will become offset from their pivotal axles.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,713 issued in 1970 to Wagstaff, addresses this problem by providing a universal joint that operates the chute of a forage harvester. Another example of such universal joints for control rod linkages is disclosed in Canadian patent No. 423,567 issued Oct. 31, 1944--here a ball and socket joint. In this latter patent, the joint has an oilless bearing material surface riding in a metal socket.

Ball and socket joint for snowblower chute control rod linkages