Circuits, architectures, a system and methods for adjusting spacing between a data writing mechanism and a data storage medium. The circuit generally includes (a) adjustment logic configured to (i) determine a first length of time of a write operation to a data storage medium, and (ii) determine a second length of time between the first write operation and a second write operation, (b) a controller configured to adjust a state variable of a write signal to a mechanism that writes data to the storage medium in accordance with the first and second lengths of time, and (c) an output circuit providing the write signal to the write mechanism. The method generally includes the steps of (1) determining a first length of time for a first write operation; and (2) determining a second length of time between the first write operation and a second write operation; and (3) adjusting at least one state variable of a write signal provided to the data writing mechanism in accordance with the determining steps. The present invention advantageously reduces adverse spacing modulation between the writing mechanism and the storage medium, thereby enabling improved data integrity, reduced bit error rates, and “cold write” operations.

Data storage media and mechanisms (e.g., disk drives) generally exhibit increasingly higher capacity devices to be competitive in the marketplace. As demands for data storage capacity increase, data bits (e.g., magnetically recorded bits) are generally packed more densely into the same recording medium dimensions to achieve higher capacity in the same form factor drive.
One of the fundamental parameters in the design of magnetic recording systems is the physical space between the recording head and the data recording medium (e.g., a rotating hard disk). The transducer in the head may perform both playback (read) and record (write) functions, and thus, may be known as a read/write head. The quality of recorded data bits (e.g., magnetic transitions) and the playback signal strongly depend on the clearance (or spacing) between the slider on the read/write head and the disk. This spacing is also known as flying height or the "fly height."
Various factors affect the read/write head-hard disk clearance during read and write operations, and can cause modulation of (or variances within) this spacing. In a magnetic data storage system, the speed of the disk rotation, the slider air bearing design, smoothness or roughness of the recording medium surface, operating altitude and temperature are some of the key factors.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional magnetic data recording and playback system 10, including read/write head 20 having write transducer (or coil) 30 and read transducer 40 electrically attached thereto. Electrical current passing through write coil 30 during a write operation generally heats the coil 30 and causes it to expand, reducing the spacing between write coil 30 and medium (or disk) 50. Protrusion of the recording element (write head) during the write process due to Joule heating and eddy-current losses may significantly reduce the flying height of sliders in hard disk drives. Such thermal expansion of the write coil 30 can also affect the position of the read transducer 40 relative to the disk 50. In some cases, the thermal expansion and contraction of the write coil 30 can be a primary factor in the variation of the fly height of the read/write head 20 and/or write coil 30.
After the recording system (e.g., through firmware in a disk drive) commands the drive servo to position the write head 20 on-track (e.g., at the beginning of a write operation) and a data read/write controller (such as a hard disk controller, or HDC) asserts a write enable signal (e.g., write gate or WG), a circuit such as a preamp sends current through the write head coil 30. The current passing through the coil 30 generates thermal power or energy, which causes the pole tip 35 to protrude towards the disk. The pole tip protrusion (PTP) generally reduces the magnetic spacing between the head and the disk 50.
On the other hand, when the write enable signal is deasserted, the current flow into or through) the write coil 30 is reduced or stopped, and the thermal energy stored in the pole tip 35 begins to dissipate into the air and the surrounding coil insulation material. The decay in thermal power (e.g., the rate of decrease in stored thermal energy in the coil 30) from the write operation causes the pole 35 tip to retract to its original position (e.g., to the original spacing). The rate of thermal power increase (during writing) and decay (when not writing) are different. This difference can create an undesirable modulation in spacing between the write head 20 or coil 30 and the data recording medium 50, which can impact the data integrity and bit error rate (BER) of the drive.
One method to adjust the fly height spacing between a magnetic recording medium and the read/write head involves thermally heating the transducer region (in the write head) with a heater element. However, after a write operation ends, current no longer passes through the coil 30, and the write coil 30 may begin to cool and contract. Importantly, the rate of thermal expansion during a write operation may not be the same as the rate of thermal contraction when current is not passing through the write coil 30. The different rates of thermal expansion and contraction give rise to a type of hysteresis in the fly height variation, generally as a function of actively writing data versus not writing data. Thus, it is believed that a simple heater element (that may not take the different rates of thermal expansion and contraction into account) may not be capable of maintaining the write coil 30 at a relatively constant distance above the data recording medium 50.
Furthermore, the start of a write cycle (known as "cold write") requires relatively high write current, when the coil temperature is relatively low, in order to overcome an increase in media coercivity. The write transducer-recording medium spacing modulation can be further complicated by the use of a heater element, as mentioned above.
A need therefore exists to reduce the variation and/or temperature-based modulation in write transducer fly heights, to keep up with ever-increasing demands for increased data densities and operational write speeds, as well as improved data integrity and reduced bit error rates, in high-speed data recording systems.

Circuits, architectures, apparatus, systems, and methods for maintaining constant spacing in a read/write apparatus for data storage


A pipe-within-a-pipe and method of use are provided. The pipe-within-a-pipe comprises a first tube overlaying a second tube. The first tube and the second tube have different structures in some respect.

Industries, including for example the steel, power and chemical industries utilize process equipment that may require one or more water cooled elements to be placed in varying and potentially extreme heat flux conditions with aggressive atmospheres that may for example have high concentrations of acids, particulates and other chemicals that may diminish the operating life of the device. For example, the steel, foundry and metal refining industry has challenges with water cooled and non-water-cooled equipment operating in high mechanical wear, high corrosive, high temperature, high electrically conductive and/or thermally stressing environments within the melting furnace. These extreme and varying conditions make it desirable to have the option to design devices with various materials and operating characteristics with the potential, for example, to optimize the cost/benefit requirements for economic operations.
In the case of steel, for example, steel illustratively is made by melting and refining iron and steel scrap in a metallurgical furnace. Illustratively, the furnace may be an electric arc furnace (EAF) or a basic oxygen furnace (BOF). It is desirable to keep such furnaces operational for as long as possible. One way to extend the operational life of a furnace is to guard against thermal, chemical and mechanical stresses through the use, for example, of heat exchange devices of various and varying designs.
Structural damage caused during the charging process affects the operation of an EAF. Since scrap has a lower effective density than molten steel, the EAF must have sufficient volume to accommodate the scrap and still produce the desired amount of steel. As the scrap melts it forms a hot metal bath in the hearth or smelting area in the lower portion of the furnace. As the volume of steel in the furnace is reduced, however, the free volume in the EAF increases. The vessel wall, cover or roof, duct work, and off-gas chamber are at risk from thermal, chemical, and mechanical stresses caused by charging and melting the scrap and refining the resulting steel. Such stresses may limit the operational life of the furnace. It is desired to protect the portion of the furnace above the hearth or smelting area against the high internal temperatures of the furnace.
Historically, the EAF was generally designed and fabricated as a welded steel structure which was protected against the high temperatures of the furnace by a refractory lining. In the late 1970's and early 1980's, the steel industry began to combat operational stresses by replacing expensive refractory brick with water cooled roof panels, and water cooled sidewall panels located in portions of the furnace vessel above the smelting area. Water cooled components have also been used to line furnace duct work in the off-gas systems. Existing water cooled components are made with various grades and types of plates and pipes. An example of a cooling system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,060, now incorporated herein by reference, which uses a series of cooling coils. Generally, the coils are formed from adjacent pipe sections with a curved end cap, which forms a path for a liquid coolant flowing through the coils. This coolant is forced through the pipes under pressure to maximize heat transfer. Such pipes and plates have been formed using carbon steel and stainless steel, or more expensive metals such as copper. In this disclosure, the terms tube, tubing, pipes, and piping are synonymous, and may be used interchangeably. In addition, the heat exchangers, as recognized by those skilled in the art, to stabilize operating temperatures.
In some process applications, it is advantageous for a foreign substance such as for example slag, which is a by-product of the melting process, to collect on the operating side ("hot side") or operating portion of the equipment to harness the non-conductive and insulating properties of slag in order to protect the equipment from damage, wear and premature failure during operation. The collected or retained slag also protects against the accidental and potential catastrophic effects of inadvertent splashing of liquid metal against the operating or hot side of the equipment caused by excessive boiling or slopping of the molten metal during the process. A suitable example of cooling pipes designed to encourage slag retention is found in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,269, the disclosure of which is now expressly incorporated herein by reference.
The steel, foundry and metal refining industry also has challenges with water cooled and non-water-cooled equipment collecting unwanted slag and/or other foreign materials on the hot face of the equipment during operation. This slag, siliceous, metallic and/or other foreign materials that enter the process can be detrimental to the operation should it become detached and fall into the liquid steel that is contained within the furnace or duct structure. For example, the accidental intrusion of such material into the molten metal could contaminate or otherwise cause the molten metal in the vessel to become off-specification resulting in its being scrapped or requiring additional high cost processing to refine the molten metal back to its acceptable composition. The dropping of this material into the furnace could also cause excessive boiling or slopping of the molten metal creating a safety hazard in and around the vessel. In addition, the detaching of the foreign materials can be a safety issue should it fall when the equipment is off-line and either damage equipment or hurt workers in the area. Thus, it may be desirable to have heat exchange systems that either encourage or discourage the retention of slag on operating surfaces as desired. One suitable example of such a system is found in commonly owned International Patent Application PCT/US06/060461 of Manasek filed Nov. 1, 2006, the disclosure of which is now expressly incorporated herein by reference. Among other embodiments, PCT/US06/060461 discloses one illustrative embodiment comprising an extruded, drawn or cold rolled tube or pipe that has notches or indentions in its conduction surface to promote the adhesion of slag, siliceous or other foreign materials during normal operations in a metal processing device. A plurality of the illustrative tubes or pipes illustratively may be coupled, butted and/or welded together to form a notched surface that promotes adhesion of slag, siliceous or other foreign material. Another illustrative embodiment comprises an extruded, drawn or cold rolled tube or pipe that has a substantially flat surface configured to deter or resist the adhesion of slag, siliceous or other foreign material during normal operations of a metal processing device, system or equipment. A plurality of the illustrative pipes may be coupled, butted and/or welded together to form a generally smooth planar surface configured to deter or resist the adhesion of slag, siliceous or other foreign material. Illustratively, any combination and configuration of the notched and the generally smooth-surface pipes may be used as appropriate in the various areas of the metal processing device, system or equipment. Methods of use are also claimed.
Today's modern EAF furnaces also incorporate pollution controls to capture the off-gasses that are created during the process of making steel. For example, fumes from the furnace are generally captured in two illustrative ways. Both of these processes are employed during the operation of the furnace. One illustrative form of capturing the off-gasses is through a furnace canopy. The canopy is similar to an oven hood. It is part of the building and catches gasses during charging and tapping. The canopy also catches fugitive emissions that may occur during the melting process. Typically, the canopy is connected to a bag house through a non-water cooled duct. The bag house is comprised of filter bags and several fans that push or pull air and off-gasses through the filter bags to cleanse the air and gas of any pollutants.
The second illustrative form of capturing the off-gas emissions is through the primary furnace line. During the melting cycle of the furnace, a damper illustratively closes the duct to the canopy and opens a duct in the primary line. This is a direct connection to the furnace and is the main method of capturing the emissions of the furnace. The primary line is also used to control the pressure of the furnace. This line is made up of water cooled duct work to guard against temperatures that can reach as high as about 4,000° F. and then drop to ambient in a few seconds. The gas streams generally include various chemical elements, including hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. There are also many solids and sand type particles. The velocity of the gas stream can be upwards of 150 ft./sec. These gasses will be directed to the main bag house for cleansing, as hereinabove described.
The above-described environments place a high level of strain on the water cooled components of the primary ducts of the EAF. The variable temperature ranges in the metallurgy industry can cause expansion and contraction issues in the components which lead to material failure. Moreover, the dust particles continuously erode the surface of the pipe in a manner similar to sand blasting. Acids flowing through the system also increase the attack on the material, additionally decreasing the overall lifespan.
Concerning BOF systems, improvements in BOF refractories and steelmaking methods have extended operational life. However, the operational life is limited by, and related to, the durability of the off-gas system components, particularly the duct work of the off-gas system. With respect to this system, when failure occurs, the system illustratively must be shut down for repair to prevent the release of gas and fumes into the atmosphere. Current failure rates cause an average furnace shut down of 14 days. As with EAF type furnaces, water cooled components have historically been comprised of water cooled carbon steel, or stainless steel type panels.
Using water cooled components in either EAF or BOF type furnaces has reduced refractory costs, and has also enabled steelmakers to operate each furnace for a greater number of heats than was possible without such components. Furthermore, water cooled equipment illustratively has enabled the furnaces to operate at increased levels of power. Consequently, production has increased and furnace availability has become increasingly important. Notwithstanding the benefits of water cooled components, these components have consistent problems illustratively with wear, corrosion, erosion, and other damage. Another problem associated with furnaces is that as available scrap to the furnace has been reduced in quality, more acidic gasses are created. This is generally the result of a higher concentration of plastics in the scrap. These acidic gasses must be evacuated from the furnace to a gas cleaning system so that they may be released into the atmosphere. These gasses illustratively are directed to the off-gas chamber, or gas cleaning system, by a plurality of fume ducts containing water cooled pipes. However, over time, the water cooled components and the fume ducts may give way to acid attack, metal fatigue, or erosion for example. Certain materials, for example, carbon steel and stainless steel, have been utilized in an attempt to resolve the issue of the acid attack. More water and higher water temperatures have been used with carbon steel in an attempt to reduce water concentration in the scrap, and to reduce the risk of acidic dust sticking to the side walls of a furnace. The use of such carbon steel in this manner has proven to be ineffective against acid attack.
Stainless steel has also been tried in various grades. While stainless steel is less prone to acidic attack, it does not possess the heat transfer characteristics or parameters of carbon steel. The results obtained therefore were an elevated off-gas temperature, and built up mechanical stresses that caused certain parts to fracture and break apart.
Breakdowns of one or more of the furnace components may occur in existing furnace systems due to one or more of the illustrative problems set forth above. When such a breakdown occurs, the furnace may need to be taken out of production for unscheduled maintenance to repair the damaged water cooled components. Since molten steel is not being produced by the steel mill during downtime, illustrative opportunity losses of as much as five thousand dollars per minute for the production of certain types of steel can occur. In addition to decreased production, unscheduled interruptions significantly increase operating and maintenance expenses.
In addition to the above described damage or harm to the water cooled components, fume ducts and off gas systems of both EAF and BOF systems are being damaged by corrosion and erosion. Damage to these areas of the furnace also results in loss of productivity and additional maintenance costs for mill operators. Furthermore, water leaks increase the humidity in the off-gasses, and reduce the efficiency of the bag house as the bags become wet and clogged. The accelerated erosion of these areas used to discharge furnace off-gasses illustratively is due to elevated temperatures and gas velocities caused by increased energy in the furnace. The higher gas velocities are due to greater efforts to evacuate all of the fumes for compliance with air emissions regulations. The corrosion of the fume ducts is due to acid formulation/attack on the inside of the duct caused by the meetings of various materials in the furnaces. The prior art teaches of the use of fume duct equipment and other components made of carbon steel or stainless steel. For the same illustrative reasons as stated above, these materials illustratively have proven to provide unsatisfactory and inefficient results. Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,479 to Manasek et al., the disclosure of which is now expressly incorporated herein by reference, as well as commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/828,044 of Manasek et al., the disclosure of which is now expressly incorporated herein by reference, each describe the use of improved heat exchange systems using alternative metal alloys, illustratively aluminum-bronze systems, having enhanced mechanical and physical properties over carbon or stainless steel cooling systems, for example, in that the alloy provides better thermal conductivity, hardness, and modulous of elasticity for the purposes of steel making in a furnace, thereby increasing the operational life of the furnace. However, such an alloy, or the use of other desirable metals, for example and without limitation copper, might cost more (in terms of the cost of the material itself and/or the cost of manufacture suitable for the particular material used) than would carbon or stainless steel.
Historically, then, a plurality of tubes of a uniform material and composition have been used to manufacture the heat exchange systems/water cooled elements described herein above. These tubes or pipes illustratively and generally were steel or some other alloy and had variable cross-sectional areas and internal diameters to meet the specific application requirement(s) or parameter(s) for heat transfer, wear characteristics, coolant velocities and other parameters. As noted, it may be desirable to use some metals or alloys, for example aluminum-bronze alloy, in lieu of others, for example steel in order to achieve desired operating characteristics or parameters. However, as also noted, the costs for tubes and pipes manufactured from such desired alloys, ceramics or other special materials, such as aluminum-bronze alloys for example, can be more expensive relative to using steel or cast iron for example.
A need exists for an improved heat exchange system and method for using same. Specifically, a need exists for an improved method and system wherein water cooled components and/or fume ducts remain operable as long as or longer than existing comparable components through the use of heat exchange systems having selectable operating characteristics or parameters, and selectable methods and materials of manufacture that allow for relatively high performance at relatively low cost.
The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the features identified in the various claims appended to this application and combinations of such features, as well as one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.
Provided is a pipe comprising:
an inner tube defined by a first inner boundary and a first outer boundary, the first inner boundary defining a hollow core having a core center; and
an outer tube overlaying the inner tube, the outer tube defined by a second inner boundary and a second outer boundary, the second inner boundary overlaying the first outer boundary;
wherein the composition or structure of the inner tube and the composition or structure of the outer tube differ in some respect relative to one another.
Also provided is a method of cooling an interior portion of a furnace comprising the steps of:                providing a pipe comprising:        an inner tube and an outer tube overlaying the inner tube;        equipping a piece of equipment with the pipe; and        directing a cooling fluid through the tubular section.
The pipe may be coupled with a mounting member, such as for example and without limitation a plate. Another illustrative mounting member includes a bracket. The plate may be coupled together with the piece of equipment, which may be for example and without limitation a furnace.
The following materials have generally and illustratively been available for use in the pipes of heat exchange or protective systems: steel, cast iron, extruded steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, copper, aluminum-bronze alloys, etc. The present disclosure will allow any desired combination of the above, or any other desirable metal, or other material including composites, to be used alone or in combination. For example, an inner tube may comprise a suitable, though relatively inexpensive material or metal such as for example and without limitation steel, suitable for transporting a liquid coolant. This inner tube may be overlaid or clad with a special/selected outer material, tube or pipe comprising a different, illustratively perhaps more expensive, material, such as for example and without limitation an aluminum-bronze alloy, with better operating characteristics or parameters relative to the inner tube material in the particular environment of operation. Illustratively, the outer layer or cladding may be produced by extruding a cladding tube/pipe onto the pipe/tube that forms the inside portion of the clad pipe. It will be appreciated that the outer material may be more expensive relative to the inner material or vice versa. So, too, the outer and inner material may be different grades or formulations of the same or similar material. In any event, it will also be appreciated that the outer material may have performance characteristics optimized for the environment in which it operates. It is also the case that the inner tube material may have better operating characteristics in the regime in which it operates (for example fluid transport), and may be more or less expensive than the outer material. In any event, the inner tube may have one or more characteristics or parameters that differ from those of the outer tube. Each of the inner and outer tube may have a differing construction or structure, for example and without limitation by varying the shape, cross-section, and/or materials of the respective inner and outer tubes, in order to emphasize one or more characteristics or parameters. The emphasis may seek, but need not seek to optimize the particular characteristic or parameter. Thus, the special clad tube/pipe illustratively will result in having the same or similar physical, abrasiveness resistance, chemical attack resistance, heat transfer, thermal attributes or other characteristics/parameters of a tube/pipe manufactured from 100% of the selected material except that the clad tube illustratively may have a lower overall cost, which itself may be a selected characteristic or parameter, and/or have better operating characteristics/parameters in one or more regimes. In the alternative, the outer and inner materials may be combined based on their different operating characteristics being optimized relative to one another for the regimes in which they operate. Therefore, illustratively in the case of a heat exchange or protective device incorporating pipes with an outer cladding of aluminum-bronze alloy, it will have a higher, relative to a steel pipe, thermal conductivity, resistance to etching by the stream of hot gasses (modulus of elasticity), and good resistance to oxidation, thereby increasing the life of the heat exchange system through reduced corrosion and erosion of the heat exchange system and related components. The combination of outer and inner materials may be necessary due to the need to have a pipe wall of a certain thickness, for example the heavy-walled pipes needed for use in portions of an EAF, without having to have the inner portions of that thickness comprised of a high-priced material. Similarly, as noted, the combination of materials could be selected to obtain optimum operating characteristics in different regimes. For example, the inner material could be selected to optimize the desired operating characteristics, for example fluid flow rate, in that regime, or to provide for the cost effectiveness, or some combination thereof; while the outer cladding is selected to better withstand the hot-side stresses relative to the material of the inner pipe or tube.
The disclosure illustratively will allow a wider flexibility and application of materials of construction that will improve equipment longevity plus on-line reliability and up-time because the equipment will be better suited to resist the effects of the high heat flux, corrosive and abrasive atmosphere in the furnaces, combustion chambers, flue gas systems, etc. equipment that are comprised of an assembly of such elements and at a potential cost savings.
It is anticipated that the present disclosure can be used in combination with other heat transfer equipment, such as condensers, shell and tube-type exchangers, finned exchangers, plate-and-frame-heat exchangers, and forced-draft air-cooled exchangers. In addition, it is anticipated that such other heat transfer equipment could itself benefit from using a combination of materials in accordance with the current disclosure. It is further anticipated that the current disclosure and any heat exchange system incorporating the present disclosure has other applications, such as cooling exhaust gasses from converting plants, paper manufacturing plants, coal and gas fired electrical power generation plants, and other exhaust gas generators, where the gasses are cooled for the purpose of capturing one or more components of the gas, where capture is effected by condensation, by carbon bed absorption, or by filtration.
Illustratively, the pipes can be cold rolled, hot rolled, drawn, extruded or cast. The pipes can be manufactured from ferrous metals, steel, copper, steel/ferrous alloy or copper alloys, nickel, titanium, bronze alloys including aluminum-bronze and nickel-bronze alloy alloys, and other suitable materials. The pipes can be seamless or welded in design as desired.
In summary, the disclosure illustratively will create a means to select a wider range of materials, operating characteristics and costs for manufacture of customer shaped and designed water cooled elements for steel, chemical. power and perhaps other industry applications. The elements will have the ability to better withstand the hostile and ever changing requirements in the furnaces, flue gas systems, off gas hoods, skirts, combustion chambers, drop out boxes etc. due to the inherent and improved coolant velocity within the element and the resulting increased heat transfer capability. This disclosure allows the selection of cladding materials that can be extruded onto an internal tube/pipe of different material at a required or desired cross-sectional radius to potentially optimize the operating characteristics in one or more regimes, for example heat transfer and elasticity requirements of the application, as desired and without limitation to current requirements to select the tube/pipe from generally uniform materials that are available on the commercial market.
These and other benefits and uses of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiment.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Adjustable heat exchange apparatus and method of use


A breakaway system is disclosed for timber utility poles. The breakaway system limits the amount of force and energy imparted to an impacting vehicle and its occupants by incorporating an arrangement of slip plates and bolts to form a shear plane on the utility pole at or near ground level, and by providing a hinge mechanism on an upper section of the utility pole below conducting lines and the like. The material and configuration of the lower shear plates are selected to permit activation for any direction of collision loading. The material and configuration of the upper connection or hinge are selected to allow for adequate resistance to environmental loads while at the same time allowing for precise determination of the magnitude of failure load. In addition, the combination of upper connectors prevents the lower portion of the utility pole from rotating upward into the conducting wires after a vehicle impact. In this manner, impact by a moving vehicle with a timber utility pole equipped with the breakaway device shears the lower connection causing a middle portion of the timber utility pole to rotate upward. The upper connection allows limited rotation sufficient to permit the impacting vehicle safely to travel completely beneath the middle section of the utility pole while at the same time preventing the middle section from impacting the conducting wires carried by the utility pole.

The present invention relates generally to breakaway devices for rigid poles and posts implanted along roadways. The purpose of a breakaway device is to limit the amount of force and energy imparted to an impacting vehicle and its occupants by incorporating some form of failure mechanism into the pole base or into the pole itself.
With the ever increasing presence of the automobile on roadways and the corresponding increase in the number of utility poles, luminaires and road signs ground-mounted at the side of roadways, it became evident years ago that the risk of vehicles crashing into these ground-mounted structures would also become increasingly greater.
In a report entitled "Accident Analysis-Breakaway and Non-Breakaway Poles Including Sign and Light Standards Along Highways" Chapter 2, by King K. Mac and Robert L. Mason, DOT-HS-805-605, August, 1980, the authors reported that single-vehicle fixed object accidents account for only a small portion of all reported accidents. However, there is a disproportionate number of fatal accidents resulting from these relatively few accidents. Poles, such as utility poles, luminaires, sign or traffic signal supports are the most frequently struck objects in urban areas and among the more frequently struck objects in rural areas. The resultant injury severity of pole collisions, particularly those involving utility poles, is very high. Over half of these pole impacts are injury producing, and the injury frequency ranks right behind that corresponding to rollovers and impacts with bridge embankments.
In an effort to lessen the effects of these vehicular/pole collisions, D. L. Hawkins of the Texas Highway Department conceptualized the idea for slip base mounts for ground-mounted signs in the mid-1960's. The basic idea behind the slip base is to prevent a ground-mounted structure from rigidly resisting the impact momentum of an impacting vehicle by slipping off of its base in response to the force of the impact.
Breakaway designs for these ground-mounted structures were first applied for luminaires. Basic designs were classified in four categories namely (1) frangible base, (2) progressive shear, (3) slip base, (4) other types of breakaway designs.
With any type of breakaway system, the design criteria were to decrease as much as possible the momentum change to the vehicle from the time the vehicle impacts the ground-mounted structure until it passes through the structure after breakaway. According to present safety standards, an impacting vehicle should experience no more than a 1,000 lb.-sec. momentum change and preferably less than 750 lb.-sec. If the momentum change is kept below the maximum values, the likelihood of occupants surviving a pole impact is much greater.
The frangible and progressive shear bases used in connection with luminaires are designed to either fracture or shear metal in the base at a specified base fracture energy. These designs, however, are only good for aluminum or other metal type mounts where the frangible characteristics can be built into the pole and mount.
The slip base design utilized in connection with luminaries uses a totally different concept. It consists generally of two plates with cut slots. One plate is welded to the base of the luminaire pole and the other plate is welded to a luminaire mount which is embedded into the ground. Bolts are inserted into the slots to keep the two plates together. The bolts are tightened to a predetermined torque. Upon impact, the top plate, with the luminaire support attached, tends to slide in the direction of vehicle travel. Thus, the bolts are forced to slide out of the slots, freeing the luminaire support to move with the vehicle.
Similar slip base designs have been utilized in connection with sign supports. Often the slip base will be inclined at an angle such that an impacting vehicle will give an upward acceleration to the support and sign so that the sign will pass over the top of the vehicle.
The Texas Transportation Institute has developed a notable slip base design utilizing a triangular shape with slots situated at the corners of the triangle. It is designed such that it is capable of breaking away or slipping off the base when a vehicle impacts at sufficient speed from any direction.
Although these types of slip designs have been used in connection with luminaires and sign or signal supports, there has been no indication that the same types of slip designs could be utilized in connection with timber utility poles. It has been previously thought that such timber poles were too heavy for treatment using conventional slip base technology.
In fact, up until approximately 1982, most of the work to apply breakaway technology to timber utility poles involved various arrangements of holes, grooves and saw cuts placed at strategic locations in the pole base used to weaken the pole so that it would fall or fail more easily during a vehicle impact. However, this produced problems relating to the downing of the conducting wires and transformers which created significant safety hazards, significant power outages and significant repair costs. Thereafter, another weakened zone was introduced near the top of the pole underneath the conducting wires so that the entire middle section of the pole would breakaway leaving the top portion still connected to the conductors. These designs proved to be undesirable due to the total unpredictability of the time and mode of failure. Specifically, the bored holes, saw cuts or grooves severely reduced the pole's resistance to environmental loads creating a risk that the pole would break under severe ice and/or winter storm conditions which could then create a disastrous chain reaction of downed poles. The boring of holes in the pole would also greatly decrease its service life, rendering it more susceptible to rotting. See Mac and Mason supra.
Various slip base designs were studied and tested for use in connection with utility poles. A design which has met with some approval is an adaptation of the triangular, three bolt multi-directional slip base referred to above and used in connection with luminaire and sign breakaway supports. Another design is the Hawkins Breakaway System (HBS), designed by the inventor of the subject invention and reported in a government report entitled "Safer Timber Utility Poles" by Don L. Ivey and James R. Morgan, DTFH-61-83-0-00009, September 1985. The HBS is used with timber poles which are divided lengthwise into several segments. The HBS includes a circular lower connection or slip base, an upper connection or hinge mechanism, and structural support cables. The slip base and hinge mechanism are designed to activate upon impact and are intended to reduce the inertial effects of the pole on the errant vehicle while minimizing the adverse effects on utility service. The circular slip base is also designed to withstand the overturning moments imposed by in-service wind loads and at the same time slip when subjected to the forces of a collision.
The upper hinge mechanism of the HBS is sized so as to adequately support in-service loads while providing for hinging during a collision to allow the bottom segment of the pole to rotate up and out of a vehicle's path. The upper connection reduces the effective inertia of the pole and minimizes the effect of any variation in hardware attached to the upper portion of the pole during a collision. Overhead guys serve to stabilize the upper portion of the pole during a collision and to help insure proper behavior of the upper connection. The HBS is adapted for use specifically in connection with timber utility poles and is designed to provide minimum momentum change for an impacting vehicle and to allow activation by a broad range of vehicle sizes and impact speeds while avoiding the danger of the pole falling on top of the vehicle.
The lower connection of the HBS slip base includes the installation of a circular slip base at an elevation of three inches above grade. This low elevation is intended to avoid snagging the underside of an errant vehicle. The shear plane consists of two 5/8 inch thick plates separated by a 26 gauge keeper plate (intended to maintain a 151/2 inch diameter bolt circle) and by 21/2 inch diameter by 1/8 inch washers. The circular base plates are connected to each other by six 1 inch diameter high strength bolts arranged in circular fashion in slots provided in the circular base plates. The bolts are torqued to 200 ft.-lbs. Connection of the wooden utility pole to the slip base is through a steel pipe or mechanical tubing which is nominally 12 inches in diameter and 30 inches long and is welded to the base plates. In addition, the base plates are braced by 5/8 inch thick stiffeners which are welded to both the base plate and the steel tube.
In the HBS, it is contemplated that the timber pole will fit entirely within the steel pipe or mechanical tube which is welded on the base plate. Moderate trimming of the timber pole can be accomplished without seriously affecting the bending strength of the pole. It is recommended that slip base tube sizes be chosen that will minimize the need for trimming. Any gaps between the tube and the timber pole can be filled with materials such as POLESET which is a 1200 psi, high-density, non-shrinking polyurethane foam available from Utility Structural Systems of Houston, Tex. for use in back filling and protecting poles in the ground.
The upper hinge connection of the HBS system consists of two four-part pole bands installed above and below a saw cut through the pole. The pole bands are secured to the pole by means of bolts. Steel straps are provided to connect the four-part pole bands above and below the saw cut through the pole. One inch diameter bolts pass entirely through the timber pole, both above and below the saw cut, in such a manner as to pass through the pole bands and the steel straps. A vertical slot located below the bolt hole in the bottom of the steel strap is separated from the bolt hole by a small margin of steel. This provides initial bending resistance. However, once the margin is punched out, as by an impacting vehicle, the resistance is greatly lessened and resistance is thereafter offered by friction between the straps and bolts, and by bending of the straps. In addition, the force required to punch out the margin can vary greatly with only small deviations in machining accuracy. Once significant rotation has occurred, the bolts bear on the end of the slot, thereby providing the required ultimate bending strength.
Steel support cables are placed immediately above the upper connection and also near the cross-arm of the utility pole. The lower structural cable serves as a pivot point for the lower pole segment when the pole is struck by an errant vehicle. This cable could be eliminated on poles where a telephone cable is present. The upper steel cable serves to stabilize the upper pole segment and minimize damage to the electrical conductors.
The Hawkins Breakaway System offers many advantages to both utility companies and occupants of impacting vehicles. In almost all cases of vehicle impact, the HBS will prevent conductor damage. In addition, extreme wind gusts, which often cause non-breakaway poles to fail close to grade bringing down and damaging conductors, will not have the same effect on poles modified by the HBS. Such poles will simply bend at the upper connection, absorbing the energy transmitted by the short duration, intense wind gusts, thus preserving the integrity of the transmission facility.
In addition, pole rot is greatly reduced by the installation of the protective sleeve and grouting material around the timber pole in the area most susceptible to pole rot.
Finally, and most importantly, the HBS saves lives by allowing an impacting vehicle to break through a slip base of a timber utility pole rather than be stopped suddenly by the rigid non-modified pole.

AD-IV breakaway system for timber utility poles


A system for diagnosing a motor vehicle has a diagnosis device including a computer having a central processing unit and a RAM and ROM. The ROM stores a plurality of programs for diagnosing an electronic control system for controlling an engine. The ROM stores data for displaying abbreviations of an input diagnosis mode. Data for an abbreviation is derived from the ROM in accordance with the input diagnosis mode and the abbreviation is displayed on a display in accordance with the data.

The present invention relates to a diagnosis system for a motor vehicle.
Recently, a motor vehicle has been equipped with an electronic control system for controlling various components of an engine, such as fuel injectors, thereby improving driveability, exhaust gas emission, fuel consumption and engine power. The electronic control system controls the components based on information represented by output signals from various sensors for detecting engine operating conditions. Accordingly, if malfunctions of components and sensors occur, the engine does not properly operate.
However, because of the complexity of the electronic control system, it is difficult to immediately find out the trouble. Accordingly, a trouble diagnosis device for easily checking the electronic control system should be equipped in an auto shop.
Japanese Patent Application Laid Open 59-61740 discloses a self-diagnosis system where signaling lamps provided on the vehicle are lit or flashed when abnormalities occur in sensors and actuators such as injectors. However, the actual conditions of the defective sensors and actuators cannot be represented by the lamps.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open 58-12848 discloses a diagnosis system in which an exclusive checking, device is provided for measuring the pulse duration of the fuel injection and an engine speed, and for checking whether idling speed is normal. The checking device is provided for diagnosing only designated specific types of motor vehicles.
FIG. 6 shows a recently proposed a diagnosis system which comprises a diagnosis device 102 and a memory cartridge 103 detachably attached to the device 102. The memory cartridge 103 has a memory such as a ROM for storing diagnosis programs and fixed data for the type and the model year of the vehicle 100. Various cartridges 103 for different vehicle types are provided and a cartridge for the presented vehicle is selected and attached to the diagnosis device 102. A two-way communication between the cartridge 103 and an electronic control system 101 on the vehicle 100 is performed for diagnosing the electronic control system. Diagnosis results of sensors are indicated on a display 104 by operating a keyboard 105 on the diagnosis device 102. However, only the numerical value of the result is shown on the display 104 and the name or abbreviation of the component which is being diagnosed is not displayed. Therefore, the diagnostician must keep in mind the selected diagnosis mode or the item of the checking while consulting an operation manual. Thus, the diagnostician cannot concentrate on the diagnosis.


Systems and methods for problem signature terminal diagnosis are disclosed. In an example embodiment, measured operational statistics of a satellite terminal of a peer group of satellite terminals are received and converted into normalized operation statistics. Normalized deviations of the operational statistics are determined and compared to the threshold deviations. A diagnosis zone corresponding to a problem signature is determined based on the normalized deviations by determining that coordinates of the normalized deviations are within the diagnosis zone, comparing a ratio based on the normalized deviations to a threshold ratio, or comparing a differential of the normalized deviations to a threshold differential. A satellite terminal is diagnosed with a problem defined by the problem signature based on the determined diagnosis zone.

Wireless communication systems typically include a plurality of user terminals that are used by customers or end users which transmit and receive data from satellites and/or other antennas. For a satellite based communication system, a satellite terminal is typically set up at the user location by a service technician or installer. For example, a user's home may have a satellite dish installed for receiving internet, telephone, and television service, or the like. The satellite dish is installed with associated hardware, such as a transmitter, receiver, modem, router, set-top box, and the like. The service technician configures the terminal for optimal use, for example, by correctly orienting the satellite dish, configuring all settings appropriately, and testing the terminal to ensure it is working properly before leaving the installation.
Typically, when a customer of a satellite communication system has a problem with the service (e.g., service interruption, pixilation, slow internet), the customer calls a customer service hotline and speaks with a customer service representative. The customer service representative may attempt to diagnose the problem and determine if any repair is needed, or determine that the service interruption is caused by weather conditions or a regional service interruption. Statistical measurement data from the satellite terminal may be obtained for analysis to determine if there is a problem. A diagnostic tool may be used by the customer service representative, and using the customer's interaction with the customer service representative and/or statistical measurement data, an initial diagnosis me be determined. However, a diagnostic tool typically provides an initial diagnosis which may lack specificity and/or certainty, which may lead to inefficiencies in repairs.

Problem signature terminal diagnosis method and system


A multiple piece terminal includes a first section which is stationary relative to the housing of the connector and rotatable sections which are rotatable relative to the first section. Each of the sections is comprised of a single thickness of metallic material wrapped into a substantially cylinderical configuration, where the rotatable sections are of a larger outer diameter than the first section such that the rotatable sections can engagingly overlie the first section. The first section is mounted to an insulative housing with a post section upstanding through the center of the first section. The post has at least one through opening which includes at least partially along its length, a frusto-conical section for wire section through the opening. The rotatable sections of the terminal has two wire receiving openings, each in communication with a wire-receiving slot around the circumference of the cylinder, with the two wire receiving openings being on opposed sides of the through opening on the post. Caps fit over the rotatable sections of the terminal, each cap has a shoulder which is engagable with a free end of a respective rotatable section of the terminal for rotation of the rotatable section of the terminal relative to the first section of the terminal. When wires are placed in through the caps and the caps are turned, the rotatable sections of the terminal are rotated and the wires are terminated in the wire-receiving slots.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an insulation displacement terminal having at least one wire receiving slot provided at each end thereof for the insertion of respective wires therethrough; wherein placing wires in the wire receiving openings and rotating portions of the terminal relative to the wires, terminates the wires in the wire receiving slots of the terminal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many instances where terminal blocks are set up in arrays for receipt of wires therein. Many of these terminal blocks are simply threaded members fixed with insulation material which receive wires either wrapped around the threaded members and secured thereto by an application of a nut, or the wires are terminated by known spade or ring terminals and then secured to the threaded member by a nut. While these have, in some instances, provided effective means for termination, they have not always been convenient for maintenance or repair and they frequently are subjected to environmental degradation with a resulting loss of desired electrical characteristics.
There is a need, predominantly within the telecommunications industry for reusable terminals, and terminals which can accommodate more than one conductor size. The telephone wires coming from the phone company can either be in the form of buried cable or aerial wires. The terminal blocks would be mounted in either an enclosure on the aerial mount, or in an enclosed pedestal affixed to the ground, or on a pole. As new telephones are installed in a selected locality, the phone wires are then terminated to the respective terminals on the high density array.
There is also a need, particularly in applications in which the terminals are to be terminated in the field, for the terminals to be easily installed on the wires. As many wires are required for operation, it is essential that the installation of the wires be accomplished with minimal effort and minimal tooling. However, the present devices are not easily installed, and consequently, the cost of the installation is significant.
The wire sizes within the industry are not always the same gauge and therefore the terminals must be designed to accommodate more than one wire size. A typical size wire running from the terminal block to the phone installation is steel wire with a gauge of 181/2 AWG, although, other phone installations use copper wire having a gauge of 22-24 AWG. It can be appreciated then, that a terminal having a higher quality means for terminating conductors and having means to accommodate more than one wire size, would be a substantial improvement within the industry. While the preferred embodiment of connector disclosed herein is for telecommunications applications, for example for electrical interconnection of tip and ring voice signals, the invention could be used with other wire sizes and in other applications.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,247 shows an insulated terminal and module, however the shell of the terminal only includes one wire opening for insulation displacement.
Other previous designs are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,637,675 and 4,705,340 where stationary terminals are located within housings and rotatable caps are placed over the terminals. Rotation of the cap causes the wires within the caps to be rotated into the stationary insulation displacement portions. While the previous versions shown in the '675 and '340 patents are excellent designs, these designs include shortcomings which have been addressed by the instant design.
First, this system is designed for two gauges of wire, where at least one of the wires is 181/2 AWG steel. The previous designs, particularly those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,340; turn the wire into the slot relative to the axial centerline, which causes a bending of the wire. This bend, particularly in the steel wire, causes a stored energy spring effect, which over time, can attempt an anti-rotation of the cap tending to loosen the termination.
Second, as both of the previous terminal designs shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,705,340 and 4,637,675 are of one piece construction, and which eventually become potted within a housing, the one-piece design leads to difficulty if one of the terminals becomes damaged and the terminals need to be replaced. To replace one of the terminals, the potting material has to be removed around the terminal, re-terminated to one of the telephone company wires, and then re-potted.
The newly designed terminal and connector which we have invented has rectified these earlier shortcomings and is summarily explained below.


Methods and systems are disclosed for wireless communication, and in particular using a coaxial antenna for distributed wireless transmission. In one example, a wireless transmitter is disclosed that includes a radio frequency signal source and a coaxial cable including a near end and a far end. The near end is electrically connected to the radio frequency signal source and configured to receive signals from the radio frequency signal source. The coaxial cable has an inner conductor and an outer conductor. The wireless transmitter includes a shorting connection at the far end of the coaxial cable, the shorting connection electrically connecting the inner conductor and the outer conductor, and a plurality of openings along the coaxial cable spaced at predetermined locations to output signals generated by the radio frequency signal source. The invention can be used for RF attenuation monitoring and/or testing applications.

Radio frequency (RF) transmitters used in various applications emit electrical signals at power levels adequate for maintaining reliable wireless communications. Typical transmitters emit RF radiation more or less uniformly in all directions. This requires a great deal of energy, due to signal attenuation levels and interference occurring over the air in a typical RF transmission environment.
In some cases it is desirable to limit the amount of RF energy levels in surrounding volume and yet still allow a reliable communications channel to specific areas. For example in some circumstances, it may be desirable to reduce interference or lower the amount of power required to communicate in a particular area, which may be far from a radio frequency transmission source, or to penetrate a heavily shielded enclosure. However, current wireless technologies provide a limited useful range.
For these and other reasons, improvements are desirable.

Lower power localized distributed radio frequency transmitter


An optical disk device applicable to a plurality of optical disks differently normalized from each other, including rotation driving unit which support the optical disk and which drive rotation of the optical disk; a plurality of optical heads which are applicable to the a plurality of differently normalized optical disks, respectively; single guiding member for guiding each of the a plurality of optical heads in a radial direction of the optical disk supported by the rotation driving unit; pushing member for pushing the each of the a plurality of optical heads along the single guiding member; container unit for containing all of the a plurality of optical heads; and optical head moving member for moving one of the a plurality of optical heads from the container unit toward the single guiding member or from the single guiding member toward the container unit.

This invention relates to an optical disk device for use in driving an optical disk, such as compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), or the like.
In order to make a highly integrated optical disk, a laser beam spot is made small in size by shortening a wavelength of the laser beam and making (NA) of an objective lens large. For example, high integration is thereby achieved in a recently normalized DVD based on a normalization of CD which is widely used nowadays. Such a DVD and a CD have the same diameters and thickness of the disks therebetween. It is possible that a driving unit for rotating the disks and a loading unit for containing the disks are commonly used between the DVD and the CD. From the perspectives of a manufacturing cost and a mounting space, it is desirable that an optical disk device be applied not only to the DVD but also to the CD. Moreover, it is further desirable that an optical disk device can be commonly applied to different disks which are similar to each other in disk diameters, wavelength of lazer beams, and writing systems thereof. For this purpose, various techniques are proposed conventionally. Within the techniques, the highest compatibility is provided by such an optical disk device having a plurality of optical heads applicable to differently normalized optical disks, respectively.
An example of such a conventional optical disk device having a plurality of optical heads is disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication 297909/1996. The conventional optical disk device disclosed in the above-referenced paper comprises a rotating and driving unit for supporting and driving an optical disk, a plurality of optical heads applicable to differently normalized optical disks, respectively to write and read the optical disks, guiding members equal to the optical heads in number for guiding each optical head along different radial directions of the optical disks, and a pushing member for pushing a guiding operation by each guiding member. In the optical disk device, the pushing member moves to a predetermined position so as to bring each optical head to a desired position.
However, the conventional optical disk device inevitably becomes large in size, since the guiding members therein are required to be equal in number to the optical heads.

Compact optical disk device capable of driving various types of optical disks


A gearbox includes a first shaft operatively coupled to an output of an engine, with the first shaft having a first longitudinal axis. A second shaft is operatively coupled to a driveshaft of an electric machine, the second shaft having a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is non-coaxial with the first longitudinal axis. A geartrain operatively couples the first and second shafts. The geartrain is structured to passively switch between a first gear ratio and a different second gear ratio.

Internal combustion engine systems conventionally include a starting system to start the engine and a generator system to charge the battery and power the electrical system once the engine is running. In conventional starting systems, an electric starter motor is mounted to the engine and includes a drive pinion that, in operation (e.g., by activating a key-operated switch), meshes with a ring gear on a flywheel of the engine. The drive pinion on the starter motor rotates the flywheel so as to initiate the engine's operation. In some systems, an overrunning or freewheel clutch is installed between the starter output shaft and the drive pinion. The overrunning clutch is configured to disengage the connection between the starter output shaft and the drive pinion as soon as the flywheel of the engine is turning faster than the drive pinion of the starter motor. In order to generate sufficient torque to turn the flywheel, starting systems utilize a high gear ratio (e.g., 10:1-20:1) between the engine and the starter motor.
As noted above, internal combustion engine systems also conventionally include a generator system to charge the battery and power the electrical system once the engine is running. In conventional generator systems, a crankshaft pulley is coupled to the crankshaft of the engine. A belt is coupled to the crankshaft pulley and to one or more accessories, including an alternator or generator. The alternator is configured to convert mechanical energy received via the belt to electrical energy. The electrical energy may be transferred to a battery to power the electrical system of the vehicle. Generator systems conventionally utilize a gear ratio of approximately 2:1-5:1 between the alternator and the engine. Accordingly, the gear ratio utilized in generator systems is lower than the gear ratio utilized in starting systems.

Gear mechanism providing passive ratio switching


An improved fluid jet apparatus which may be used to ensure a consistent and precise jet of fluid in a vibrating or otherwise unstable environment and a method of manufacturing such an apparatus. The apparatus generally comprises stainless steel base and nozzle members which are securely attached to each other by a silver braze down the length of a drilled hole and a needle valve which is set with a recessed set screw, such set screw being protected by hot wax in the recessed area. The apparatus may further be mounted upon a stainless steel standoff with another recessed set screw which is adapted to sustain sufficient pressure for anchoring the nozzle apparatus in an unstable or vibrating environment.

The invention relates to apparatus useful in providing or directing jet flows of air or fluids. References made to invention disclosure document number 238578 filed by the inventor on Nov. 6, 1989. This is a continuation-in-part application with patent Application No. 07/444,806 filed jointly by the present inventor and Mike Eshelman on Dec. 1, 1989.
There are many situations in which it is necessary to provide a precise burst or stream of air or other fluid. Such a precise burst or stream might need to be at a sufficient pressure to perhaps move an object or to deliver a fluid for application to a precise point. Consequently it is necessary to use fluid jets which may be precisely positioned and which will deliver bursts or streams of the fluid within a narrow range of error and at potentially substantial pressures.
It is frequently necessary to provide such a jet apparatus to be used in conjunction with more substantial machinery. A vibratory feeder bowl may be used to deliver small articles, such as plastic eating utensils, to a given point and may incoporate a system which uses such air jets to perform the functions of separating, sorting, or otherwise ensuring that such eating utensils are properly orientated. Such a device is taught in the parent application, which is fully incorporated herein as an example.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to place such a jets at precise locations with air bursts directed in precise orientations with confidence that such jets would not vary with respect to position and orientation despite the continuous and significant vibration of the bowl system. Additionally, there may be utility for such jets upon automobiles, aircraft, or in heavy machinery wherein fuel or lubricant, air, or other fluids must be precisely delivered in environments subject to violent, sudden motion.
Frequently such jets are positioned such they are readily visible and accessible to those who might work with the served apparatus. Because of their relatively light weight and small size and because they are normally separately constructed and attached to a larger piece of machinery, such jets may be simply tampered with or adjusted by workers who may not fully comprehend the importance of the precise positioning and orientation of the apparatus. Additionally, such jets are normally provided with an elongated or shaped nozzle. Such nozzle may also be exposed and subject to inadvertant contact with objects or persons having reason to move or perform functions in the general proximity of the air jet.
These factors may result in the jets being periodically moved from their optimal position by some form of inadvertant contact. Additionally they could be misadjusted by well intentioned but inappropriate efforts to correct the misdirected bursts caused by an initial inadvertant movement of the jet.
The prior art teaches a variety of fluid jet nozzles. In particular the prior art teaches fluid jet nozzles which are adapted to accomplish specific tasks. For instance U.S. Pat. No. 1,182,898, issued to Eilersten, on May 16, 1916, teaches a nozzle adapted for use to clean out a plumbing system The nozzle is adapted with exterior threads that may be inserted into a pipefitting which is adapted to receive the exterior threads and permit the nozzle into the pipe. The nozzle makes the fluid available to flow in or against the flow direction of the pipe to be cleaned. Accordingly, Eilersten teaches a means and method for directing a jet of fluids in order to accomplish a specific task. Eilersten does not teach a method of permanently affixing one nozzle part to another nor does it teach a means or method of stabilizing a nozzle in a vibrating or unstable environment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,611 issued to Hart, on Mar. 3, 1981, teaches the manufacture of a jet nozzle which is subject to outlet orifice control by use of a shape memory effect (SME) material. The invention of Hart teaches a means and method for automatically and remotely controlling the flow of a fluid through a jet nozzle by the use of applying signals to the SME material. By applying the signals to the SME material, such material can be made to change the shape of the jet nozzle outlet orifice in order to control the flow of the fluid. Hart then teaches a means and method for providing continuous flow control to a jet nozzle. It does not teach a means of manufacturing a stable durable jet nozzle or of securly fastening two components of a nozzle apparatus. Additionally, Hart does not teach a means and method of securing the positioning of such a nozzle in a vibrating or unstable environment nor of preventing detection or protecting against tampering with the nozzle flow.
It should also be noted that a number of prior art vibratory feeder bowl devices teach the use of air nozzles as a means of controlling the flow of articles along the vibratory feeder path. Specifically, such use of an air nozzle is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 3,101,832, issued to Wyle on Aug. 27, 1963; U.S. Pat. No. 4,164,279, issued to Dubuit, on Aug. 14, 1979; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,524, issued to Greeves, on Sept. 27, 1988. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,187 issued to Rueff, et al, issued on Nov. 22, 1977, teaches the use of suction valves to control the flow of objects in a conveyor system.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,613 issued to Hucul, et al, on Oct. 10, 1989, which is an assembly for applying a fluid on a workpiece from a storage supply utilizing compressed air as a source of power. The device teaches the use of an injector mounted at a workplace. The device taught in Hucul comprises a series of pressure reservoirs adapted to ensure a consistent measure of air pressure available to accomplish the injection of a less viscous fluid, such as glue, to parts at the workplace.
While each of these air jets or nozzles taught for use in a master apparatus requires the mounting of such nozzles, none of this prior art is meant to provide a durable, stable, and secure form of nozzle apparatus itself nor do such inventions teach a means and method of securely mounting or fastening such a nozzle apparatus. Accordingly what is not taught in the present state-of-the-art is such a jet which is resistant to inadvertant bending, will maintain its orientation and positioning through repeated vibration or vigorous motion of the machinery itself, and which will, with little maintenance, permit a variety of fluids to pass within without much maintenance.


The antenna device includes an electrical conductor extending on a substrate and having at least one gap therein, and with an outer ring portion to define a radiating antenna element, and at least one inner ring portion to define a feed coupler and connected in series with the outer ring portion and extending within the outer ring portion. A coupling feed element is adjacent the at least one inner ring portion, and a feed structure is connected to the coupling feed element to feed the outer ring portion.

Newer designs and manufacturing techniques have driven electronic components to small dimensions and miniaturized many communication devices and systems. Unfortunately, antennas have not been reduced in size at a comparative level and often are one of the larger components used in a smaller communications device. It becomes increasingly important in communication applications to reduce not only antenna size, but also to design and manufacture a scalable size antenna having sufficient gain.
In current, everyday communications devices, many different types of patch antennas, loaded whips, copper springs (coils and pancakes) and dipoles are used in a variety of different ways. These antennas, however, are sometimes large and impractical for a specific application. Antennas having diverging electric currents may be called dipoles, those having curling electric currents may be loops, and dipole-loop hybrids may comprise the helix and spiral. While dipole antennas can be thin linear or "1 dimensional" in shape, loop antennas are at least 2 dimensional. Loop antennas can be a good fit for planar requirements.
Antennas can of course assume many geometric shapes. The Euclidian geometries are sometimes preferential for antennas as they convey optimizations known through the ages. For instance, line shaped dipoles may have the shortest distance between two points, and circular loop antennas may have the most enclosed area for the least circumference. So, both line and circle shapes may minimize antenna conductor length. Yet simple Euclidian antennas may not meet all needs, such as operation at small physical size relative wavelength and a self loading antenna structure may be needed. Cyclic curves may be advantaged for antennas and antenna arrays, yet cyclic antennas do not seem common in the prior art.
Simple flat or patch antennas can be manufactured at low costs and have been developed as antennas for the mobile communication field. The flat antenna or thin antenna is configured, for example, by disposing a patch conductor cut to a predetermined size over a grounded conductive plate through a dielectric material. This structure allows a nearly planar dipole antenna to be fabricated in a relatively simple structure. Such an antenna can be easily mounted to appliances, such as a printed circuit board (PCB).
Many applications, such as land mobile, may require thin planar antennas with vertical polarization when mounted in a horizontal plane. Such antennas can be planar monopoles, sometimes known as microstrip "patch" antennas. The advantages of these antennas including printed circuit manufacture, being mountable in low profile, and having high gain and efficiency have made them the antennas of choice in many applications. However, microstrip patch antennas typically are efficient only in a narrow frequency band. They are poorly shaped for wave expansion, such that microstrip antenna bandwidth is proportional to antenna thickness. Bandwidth can even approach zero with vanishing thickness (for example, see Munson, page 7-8 "Antenna Engineering Handbook", 2nd ed., H. Jasik ed.). With a thin planar shape, the loop antenna may give more bandwidth for area than the microstrip patch.
The radiation pattern shapes of many small antennas are toroidal or a cos2 θ rose, similar to half wave dipoles. An isotropic radiation pattern is one that is spherical in shape, however, and it may be advantageous when antennas are not aimed or oriented. Small antennas of planar construction, having sufficiently isotropic radiation may be of considerable utility.
Body worn antennas may operate near human flesh which may have a relative permittivity of about 50 farads/meter and a conductivity of 1 mho/meter, which is somewhat akin to the properties of seawater. The flesh is lossy to electric currents I if an uninsulated antenna contacts skin, lossy to electric near fields E by dielectric heating, and lossy to magnetic near fields H by induction of eddy currents. In the design of body worn antennas it can be important to take these effects into account, as for instance dielectric heating is more pronounced at higher frequencies, induction of eddy currents more important at lower frequencies, and insulation may avoid conducted current losses.
Antenna frequency stability is another concern as drifted tuning may cause gain reduction. Few small antennas are unaffected by close proximity to the human body. Antennas transducing only one type of near field (E or H) might be advantageous, but they appear to be unknown.
Shielded body worn antennas may use a metal layer between the antenna and the body to reduce losses. Although the shield reduces body affects the shield itself has effects. The conductive shield must be of sufficient size and it may reduce efficiency and bandwidth: shield reflections can be akin to the image reversal of a mirror, e.g. 180 degrees out of phase causing signal cancellation. It may be preferential to avoid shields and ground planes in body worn antennas if possible.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,427 to Lilly et al. entitled "Tunable Patch Antenna" is directed to a patch antenna including a segmented patch and reed like MEMS switches on a substrate. Segments of the structure can be switched to reconfigure the antenna, providing a broad tunable bandwidth. Instantaneous bandwidth may be unaffected however.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,126,538 to Sampo entitled "Microstrip antenna" is directed to a microstrip antenna with a dielectric member disposed on a grounded conductive plate. A patch antenna element is disposed on the dielectric member.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,495,627 to Parsche entitled "Broadband Planar Dipole Antenna Structure And Associated Methods" describes a planar dipole-circular microstrip patch antenna with increased instantaneous gain bandwidth by polynomial tuning. Yet, other antenna types may be required for other needs, e.g. for horizontal rather than vertical polarization, or isotropic rather than omnidirectional radiation.
There is a need for a planar antenna that may be flexible and/or scalable as to frequency and provide adequate gain. Such an antenna may be desirable for use in patient wearable monitoring devices, for example, to provide telemetry of medical and vital information. There is also a need for an antenna having a radiation pattern sufficiently isotropic to avoid the need for product orientation, e.g. to avoid the need for antenna aiming as may be useful for radiolocation tags or tumbling satellites.

Planar communications antenna having an epicyclic structure and isotropic radiation, and associated methods


A chemical conversion treatment liquid which can stably form a phosphate-type chemical conversion film on a steel material for a joint portion of an oil well steel pipe containing 0.5-13% Cr is developed.

This invention relates to a chemical conversion treatment liquid for forming a chemical conversion film on the surface of a steel material such as a Cr-containing steel and to a surface treatment method employing the liquid.
The present invention also relates to a surface treated steel material which is manufactured using such a surface treatment method and particularly to a surface treated steel material having excellent seizing resistance.
Chemical conversion treatment is a type of treatment in which the surface of a steel material and a corrosive solution are chemically reacted with each other to form a film of a corrosion product having good adhesion to the surface of the steel material. Chemical conversion treatment is frequently referred to as phosphate treatment, chromate treatment, oxalate treatment, etc. depending upon the type of corrosive solution which is employed.
However, a chemical conversion film cannot be formed by such conventional chemical conversion treatment on a steel such as a high-Cr steel.
As disclosed in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application 57-82478, for example, a method is known in which chemical conversion treatment is performed on the surface of a steel material using a chemical conversion treatment liquid based on an alkali metal phosphate and containing a titanium compound and a chlorate salt, after which further chemical conversion treatment is performed using a chemical conversion treatment liquid containing a zinc phosphate. However, this method has the disadvantage that treatment must be performed two times. Moreover, this method cannot form a sound chemical conversion film of a phosphate on a high-Cr steel such as a 13% Cr steel.
Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application 5-40034 discloses a method of surface treatment using a chemical conversion treatment liquid containing manganese and phosphoric acid to which fluoride ions are added. However, even with this method, it is not possible to form a chemical conversion film on a Cr-containing steel.
Oil well steel pipes are connected to each other through couplings. For this purpose, male threads formed on the ends of oil well steel pipes are mated with female threads formed on the inner surface of couplings, and the threads are tightened to form a gas- and liquid-tight joint connecting the pipes. At the time of tightening, a large torque is applied to the threads, so it becomes easy for defects such as galling to occur on the thread surface, which reduces the number of times which the oil well steel pipes can be repeatedly connected to each other. In addition, if corrosion occurs on the thread surface, it becomes difficult to guarantee an adequate gas tightness and liquid tightness.
Accordingly, in the past, the thread surface of a threaded joint for oil well steel pipes made of a Cr-containing steel was plated with a soft metal such as Cu in order to prevent galling. However, due to the man hours required for plating, the plating method is not satisfactory, and there is room for improvements.
Thus, there has been a demand for a technique which can stably form a sound chemical conversion film such as a zinc phosphate film or a manganese phosphate film on the surface of a Cr-containing steel.
An object of this invention is to provide a chemical conversion treatment liquid which can stably form a chemical conversion film of a phosphate even on the surface of a Cr-containing steel such as one containing 0.5-13% Cr.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a surface treated steel material in which the surface treatment is performed in such a manner that a chemical conversion film of a phosphate can be stably formed even on the surface of the above-described Cr-containing steel.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a surface treated steel material having such a chemical conversion film of a phosphate formed thereon.
The present inventors found that the addition of a potassium compound to a phosphate-type chemical conversion treatment liquid results in a significant improvement in the film-forming ability and makes it possible to stably form a phosphate-type chemical conversion film even on a Cr-containing steel, on which it has been difficult to form a chemical conversion film.
Based on these findings, the present inventors continued research and development and further found that such effect of a potassium compound and particularly of potassium tetraborate is generally seen in chemical conversion films formed by chromate treatment, oxalate treatment, and the like, and completed the present invention.
In a broad sense, the present invention is a surface treated steel material comprising a steel material and a chemical conversion film formed on at least a portion of the surface of the steel material, the chemical conversion film containing potassium in an amount of 0.1-1000 mg/m2 and having a thickness of 5-50 micrometers and preferably 5-35 micrometers.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chemical conversion film is a phosphate-type chemical conversion film, such as a zinc phosphate-type chemical conversion film, or a manganese phosphate-type chemical conversion film. In the case of oil well steel pipes, it is preferred that a manganese phosphate-type chemical conversion film is formed on a joint portion of couplings and a zinc phosphate-type chemical conversion film is formed on a joint portion of oil well steel pipes.
According to another aspect, the present invention is a method of manufacturing a surface treated steel material wherein chemical conversion treatment is carried out on the surface of a steel material using a chemical conversion treatment liquid containing zinc and phosphoric acid or manganese and phosphoric acid, and further containing potassium.
The chemical conversion treatment liquid preferably has a molar concentration of potassium-containing ions of at least 6xc3x9710xe2x88x924% and at most 7xc3x9710xe2x88x921%.
The chemical conversion treatment may be carried out by immersing the steel material in the chemical conversion treatment liquid for at least five minutes at a temperature of 60-100xc2x0 C. and preferably of 70-100xc2x0 C.
Alternatively, the chemical conversion treatment may be carried out by supplying the chemical conversion treatment liquid to the steel material for at least five minutes at a temperature of 60-100xc2x0 C. and preferably 70-100xc2x0 C.
According to yet another aspect, the present invention is a chemical conversion treatment liquid for a steel material containing zinc and phosphoric acid or manganese and phosphoric acid and further containing potassium.
In a preferred embodiment, the molar concentration of potassium-containing ions in the chemical conversion treatment liquid is preferably at least 6xc3x9710xe2x88x924% and at most 7xc3x9710xe2x88x921%.
When the chemical conversion treatment liquid of this invention contains manganese and phosphoric acid and further contains potassium, the total acid number is preferably at least 30 and less than 55, and the ratio of the total acid number to the free acid number is preferably 3-15.

Surface treated steel material, a method for its manufacture, and a chemical conversion treatment liquid

Abstract: Using a chemical conversion treatment liquid to which a prescribed amount of potassium is added, a chemical conversion film containing a prescribed amount of potassium compounds and having a prescribed thickness can be formed on the threaded surface of a joint portion of an oil well steel pipe.


A farrier training system includes an artificial leg portion attached to an artificial hoof portion. The hoof portion is removably attached to the lower end of the leg portion. The leg is articulated with at least one spring-loaded joint to simulate a real horse's leg and train the farrier in proper shoeing techniques. The removable hoof portion is replaceable with hoof portions exhibiting typical hoof diseases and abnormalities. The hoof portion is carvable and indicates through color changes when the hoof portion has been carved too deeply. The hoof portion is also nailable and includes the ability to indicate when nails have been inserted too deeply. Horseshoe stock is provided along with tools for forming the stock into horseshoes fitted to the removable hoof portion. A support platform is provided to allow the upper end of the leg portion to be removably attached to a fixture, building or ground surface.

The horse's hoof is composed of five major regions: the wall, the sole, the frog, the periople and the white line. The hoof grows as a result of cell division in the outer horn-producing cell layer of the sensitive structures of the hoof, namely the perioplic ring, the coronary band and the sensitive laminae. This process may be affected by many factors such as diet, stresses, injuries and diseases. In such cases, a distorted hoof is often produced. The hoof wall is of primary concern. It bears most of the horse's weight, is the most subject to wear and trauma and is the point of attachment of horseshoes, an invention designed to protect the hoof wall from rough terrain. Horseshoes have been employed for hundreds of years to help alleviate trauma to the horse's hooves, improve traction and to help heal damaged hooves.
The design and application of horse shoes requires the hands-on, personal attention of the farrier, previously known as a blacksmith. The farrier's job entails studying the hooves of a horse to be shod and selecting, adapting and even manufacturing horse shoes suitable to the individual horse. While there is substantial similarity in horse hooves, there are also many variations due to the factors mentioned above and simply due to genetic factors. After selecting and/or manufacturing suitable horse shoes, the farrier must safely install the horse shoes on the hooves of the horse. As horses tend to weigh 1000 lbs. or more and may have difficult personalities, the attachment of a horseshoe to the hoof of a horse without injury to the horse or the farrier is a task requiring considerable skill. Further complicating the work is the fact that the hoof must usually be trimmed to mate properly with the horseshoe and the shoe is typically attached with nails. If the nails are driven too deeply into the hoof, delicate capillaries may be injured and bleeding, discomfort and even infection may result.
Until recently, farriers were often trained using legs cut from dead horses. Recent legislation has severely limited such practices. The present invention addresses all of these problems in the training of farriers.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,721,419, issued to Carstensen, discloses a toy horse. This device includes a body portion, a neck portion and a head portion. Depending from the body portion are leg members, each comprising an upper section, a lower section and a hoof. Attached to the hoof portion of each leg by means of simulated horseshoe nails is a simulated horseshoe. The horseshoes are capable of application to and removal from the hooves by a child. The hooves should be formed of a material suitable to receive the nails and from which these nails may subsequently be withdrawn. Such a material may be a soft wood, such as balsa or yucca. A resilient material such as rubber may also be suitable for this purpose. However, wood will generally be preferable inasmuch as the pounding of nails thereinto is accompanied with a good deal of noise; the creation of such noise having a great deal of appeal to children.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,293, issued to Weber et al. is directed to a medical teaching aid. This device comprises a main body portion formed in the shape of a human foot, a fabric conforming to the main body portion, and selected facsimiles of foot conditions which are selectively and releasably received by and retained on the fabric. Alternatively, the medical teaching aid includes simulated nails which also are selectively and releasably received by and retained on the fabric. The selected facsimiles may be prepared from cloth that will conform to the shape of the main body portion when applied to the outer surface of the fabric. The selected facsimiles may contain indicia representing the visual appearance of specific foot disorders.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,791, issued to Kelly et al. illustrates an artificial insemination teaching apparatus. This device comprises a rigid housing having an exterior configuration simulating the posterior of the animal for which instruction is being given. In operation, a course of instruction in the technique of artificial insemination utilizing this device involves having the student practice the identical steps on the teaching apparatus which are performed on the live animal during an actual insemination. While the student endeavors to perform this operation, the instructor stands back of wall of the housing and grasps a control handle in one hand and selectively pumps air into or releases air out of the double-walled cavity. During the instruction period, the instructor also pivots the housing by means of the handle. The pedestal and hinged mounting plates support the housing for pivotal movement about a vertical axis located forward of flexible wall and upon a horizontal axis parallel to and forward of the flexible wall so that the instructor may simulate typical side-to-side and up-and-down movements of a live animal during the insemination procedure. By appropriate movement of the body and introduction of air into the hollow walls of the cavity member, the instructor can create conditions that are at least as arduous as those present when working with live animals so that the student develops substantial skill with the teaching apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,196, issued to Walker disclose a mannequin for use in teaching cosmetology. This device, mannequin, includes a face portion, scalp, neck, and hair which is permanently attached to the scalp by conventional means. A base member supports the mannequin on a table. The hair includes a patterned section comprised of a plurality of colored line diagrams whereby the individual strands of hair or sections of hair are imprinted or coated with coloring material to indicate a line of cutting or other work application. Each of the line diagrams is preferably a different color, but it is possible in alternate embodiments to have fewer diagrams, utilize only one color and have them spaced apart, separated by the natural hair color. The coloring material used may be selected from any of the contemporary, multiple colors of dye used for temporarily coloring the hair; may be permanent dyes of any kind compatible with human hair; or acrylics which are applied to the surface of the hair shaft. Further, it is anticipated that invisible inks visible only under ultra violet light might be used. The ends of the hair, up to the line "h" are (example only) indicated as being red and on the actual model, the red line diagram might be approximately three-quarters of an inch to one inch depth. In use, a student would be instructed to take off approximately one-third of the red portion, for a first hair cut. The instructor would then evaluate the cut and the student would be instructed to repeat the cut one or two more times, removing the entire red diagram.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system to teach farriers to trim horse hooves in preparation for shoeing. It is a further objective to provide such a system that will allow the farrier to practice installation of horseshoes on an artificial hoof. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide for artificial hooves that simulate various hoof formation problems. It is yet a further objective to provide artificial hooves that are nailable, replaceable and that simulate the problems associated with attaching the shoe to the horse's hoof improperly. Finally, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus that simulates the postures necessary to properly hold the horse's leg for shoeing.
While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.


Methods and devices for reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue are provided. In the subject methods, an isolated local environment that includes the region to be demineralized is produced. The pH of the local environment is then reduced to a subphysiologic level, e.g. by flushing with an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the mineral content of the region to be reduced. The devices of the subject invention are characterized by comprising a means for producing an isolated local environment that includes a non-intimal region of vascular tissue. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods.

1. Technical Field
The field of this invention is vascular anastomosis.
2. Background of the Invention
Anastomosis is a term used in medicine to describe the union or connection of one tubular structure to another so that the interiors of the tubular structures communicate with one another and transport fluid, e.g. blood, etc. There are generally two types of anastomoses: end-to-end and end-to-side. In an end-to-end anastomosis, the ends of two different tubular structures are joined together. In an end-to-side anastomosis, however, the severed end of one tubular structure is connected around an opening cut into the side of a second tubular structure. Anastomoses have been performed with a variety of different types of tubular structures or vessels in order to achieve a desired patient outcome. Typically, anastomoses are performed between airways, blood vessels, bowel segments, and urogenital tubes. The procedure for connecting blood vessels is referred to as vascular anastomosis.
One of the best known surgical procedures utilizing vascular anastomoses is the coronary artery bypass. In the context of coronary artery disease, the flow of oxygenated blood to the myocardium of the heart is impeded or compromised by a stenosis or obstruction in the coronary artery. This flow can be improved by providing a coronary artery bypass graft (xe2x80x9cCABGxe2x80x9d) which diverts blood flow around the stenosis, thereby restoring myocardial circulation. In these procedures, a graft (e.g. a saphenous vein graft or a synthetic graft) is harvested and attached to the host vessel on either side of the stenosis utilizing an end-to-side anastomosis at each attachment site. Vascular anastomosis also finds use in the treatment of peripheral vascular occlusions, in which an occluded region of a peripheral vessel, usually an artery, is bypassed.
One problem experienced in anastomosis procedures is calcification of the anastomosis site, i.e. the presence of calcium phosphate mineral at the site of anastomosis. The presence of calcium phosphate mineral at an anastomotic site can render the vascular tissue at the site rigid and difficult to manipulate, and thereby potentially leading to complications during the anastomosis procedure.
Accordingly, there is interest in the development of a method to reduce the mineralization of vascular tissue at an anastomotic site. Of particular interest would be the development of such a method that was simple to perform and would make the anastomotic site more amenable to manipulation, e.g. would return the anastomotic state to a less rigid condition.
Relevant Literature
Articles discussing anastomosis at calcified vascular sites include: Quixc3x1ones-Badrich et al., Am. J. Surg. (August 1993) 166:117; Semel et al., Ann. Vasc. Surg. (January 1988) 2:73-74; and White and Gass, Surg. Gynecol. Obstet. (August 1990) 171:165-166.
Methods and devices are provided for at least reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue. In the subject methods, an isolated local environment is produced that includes the region of vascular tissue to be treated. The pH of the local environment is then maintained at a subphysiologic level for a period of time sufficient for the desired amount of demineralization to be accomplished. Also provided are devices capable of producing an isolated local environment that includes the target non-intimal region of vascular tissue. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, including the preparation of vascular anastomotic sites during vascular anastomosis procedures.