A device and method for forming a trim cover assembly for an automotive seat, wherein a top cover layer is stretched and pressed on a lower die by plural upper die elements in the outward direction and symmetrically relative to a central line of the lower die, to thereby place the top cover layer without clearance and slackened area therein, upon the lower die, and then a foam wadding and a wadding cover are fixed to the thus-pressed top cover layer. Thus, the resulting trim cove assembly is formed with a clear-cut or very distinct pattern of recessed grooves thereon.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a method for forming a trim cover assembly for an automotive seat, and a device for carrying out such method.
2. Description of Prior Art
In conventional trim cover assembly for an automotive seat, plural patterns of recessed grooves (a')(a')(a') formed on its surface are used for the purpose of improving the outer appearance of the seat, as shown in FIG. 1(A). This sort of trim cover assembly (C) is of a three-lamination type comprising a top cover layer (I) (made of woven fabric, synthetic resin leather, etc.), a foam wadding (2) (preferably a slab urethane foam material), and a wadding cover (3) (preferably a non-woven fabric). These three layers material (I)(2) (3) are locally pressed and welded together by a high-frequency welding device as shown in FIG. 1(B) to form the illustrated patterns of stripe-like recessed grooves (a')(a')(a').
The formation of such patterns is effected by a conventional method using an upper die (U) and a lower die (R), which consists of the steps of placing the three layers, i.e. the top cover layer (1), foam wadding (2) and wadding cover (3) on the lower die (R), in this order, and then the upper die (U) is lowered to press and weld the three layers (1)(2)(3) at the points corresponding to plural projected electrode portions (10) . . . to form such patters of recessed grooves (a') . . . on the top cover layer (1).
However, this conventional method has been insufficient to achieve a clear-cut profile of each pattern (a'). That is, as seen from FIGS. 1(A), each resulting pattern (a') does not result in clear-cut corners and loosens to form undesired arcuate corners.
Another solution to this problem, referring now to FIGS. 1(C) and 1(D), has been proposed, which employs another improved high-frequency welding device comprising a flat upper die (U') and a suction-type lower die (R') having plural equidistant projected electrodes (11, 12, 13 . . . ) as shown in FIG. 1(C). The lower die (R') is formed in a box-like configuration having a hollow therein, having a plurality of suction holes (101 . . . ) perforated in the upper wall thereof, each of which is defined in the respective sections partitioned by the foregoing plural projected electrodes (11, 12, 13 . . . ), and a tube (32A) connected to a suitable air suction device (not shown). In this technique, the three-layer trim cover assembly to be formed utilizes a plurality of separate foam waddings (2a)(2b)(2c)(2d)(2e)(2f), each being of a clear-cut square shape in section. The top cover layer (1) and wadding cover (3) are the same with those of the foregoing first prior art. In brief, the forming steps consist of firstly placing the top cover layer (1) on the plural projected electrodes (11, 12, 13 . . . ) of lower die (R'), then forcibly attracting the top cover layer (1) to the lower die (R') as well as to the plural projected electrodes (11, 12, 13 . . . ) by sucking air through the suction holes (101 . . . ) through operation of the air suction device, next placing the separate waddings (2a, 2b . . . ) and wadding cover (3), in this order, upon the top cover layer (1) thus secured to the lower die (R'), and finally subjecting those three layers to a high-frequency welding, with a pressure plate (P) lowered to press them against the lower die (R'). This approach makes more effective in rendering clear or distinct the resulting pattern of recessed grooves in the trim cover assembly, owing to the forcible attraction of the top cover layer (1) to the lower die (R') and the separate waddings (2a, 2b . . . ).
But, this particular second prior-art technique is still insufficient to attain a completely clear-cut corners on each pattern produced thereby, because of such clearances (H) being created symmetrically relative to each of the projected electrodes (11, 12 . . . ), as depicted in FIG. 1(D), even though the the top cover layer (1) is drawn to the upper surface of the lower die (R). Consequently, the clearances (H) result in the top cover layer (1) pressing the corners of each separate padding (2a, 2b . . . ) and making them arcuate, with the result that the four corners of resulting patterns of recessed grooves (see FIG. 8 for reference only ) do not result in clear-cut or distinct corners conforming to those of rectangular profile of each separate padding (2a, 2b . . . ). This impairs the aesthetic appearance of seat.

Method for forming a trim cover assembly for automotive seat


There is provided a method of polishing a glass substrate for information recording media which enables polishing to be carried out such that the product quality is improved, without the productivity dropping, and without the processing cost increasing. A precision polishing step has a first polishing step and a second polishing step carried out in this order, in which, after carrying out rough polishing on major surfaces of a glass substrate, precision polishing is carried out on the major surfaces by feeding abrasive grains onto the major surfaces, pushing polishing members against the major surfaces, and rotating the major surfaces and the polishing members relative to one another. At least one of the first polishing step and the second polishing step has a preceding polishing step and a succeeding polishing step carried out in this order. The mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains in the succeeding polishing step is not more than in the preceding polishing step, and pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is lower in the succeeding polishing step than in the preceding polishing step.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of polishing a glass substrate for information recording media, and a glass substrate for information recording media.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, glass substrates for information recording media used in hard disk drives (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cHDDsxe2x80x9d) or the like have been manufactured through a series of steps such as the following.
1. Disk processing step in which a glass plate is processed into a donut-shaped glass substrate.
2. Chamfering step in which chamfered surfaces are formed at edge parts at the inner and outer peripheries of the donut-shaped glass substrate.
3. EP (edge polishing) step in which the edge surfaces at the inner and outer peripheries of the glass substrate are polished.
4. Surface polishing step in which the major surfaces of the glass substrate to form recording surfaces are polished.
5. Chemical strengthening step in which sodium ions and potassium ions are introduced into the surfaces of the glass substrate, thus strengthening the glass substrate.
6. Inspection step in which the glass substrate that has been subjected to all of the steps up to the chemical strengthening step is inspected with regard to whether or not certain predetermined criteria are satisfied.
The surface polishing step, which is the fourth step, is comprised of a lapping step for reducing the thickness of the glass substrate to a certain predetermined value, and a precision polishing step for giving the major surfaces of the glass substrate a precision finish.
In the lapping step, rough grinding is carried out using abrasive grains of alumina or the like until the thickness of the glass substrate becomes the predetermined value. The precision polishing step following the lapping step is comprised of a first polishing step and a second polishing step. In the first polishing step, the major surfaces of the glass substrate are polished using abrasive grains of cerium oxide or the like, to remove minute cracks in the major surfaces that have arisen through the lapping step and to make the major surfaces into mirror surfaces. In the second polishing step, the major surfaces are polished using abrasive grains having a mean grain diameter lower than the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains used in the first polishing step, thus finishing the major surfaces.
Of these steps in the surface polishing step, the product quality of the glass substrate is affected in particular by the first polishing step and the second polishing step. Here, the product quality of the glass substrate relates to the shape of the edge parts of the glass substrate, the roughness of the surfaces, and the minute waviness of the surfaces.
FIG. 6 is a sectioned perspective view of a glass substrate. FIGS. 7A and 7B are sectional views showing the cross-sectional shape around an edge part of a glass substrate; FIG. 7A shows the edge part shape in the case that roll-off has not occurred, and FIG. 7B shows the edge part shape in the case that roll-off has occurred.
The product quality with regard to the edge part shape of the glass substrate refers to the extent of so-called xe2x80x9croll-offxe2x80x9d in which a peripheral part of the recording surface is shaved off more than a central part thereof (see FIG. 7B). If the extent of roll-off becomes larger, then the difference in the so-called xe2x80x9cflying heightxe2x80x9d, which is the distance from the recording surface to the magnetic head, between the central part and the peripheral part of the recording surface becomes larger, and hence the traveling stability of the magnetic head and the accuracy of reading and writing drop, and thus errors occur more frequently. Consequently, the lower the extent of roll-off, the better the product quality.
The product quality with regard to the roughness of the surfaces of the glass substrate refers to the height of projections in particular out of undulations formed on the glass substrate surfaces due to compressive stress generated during the precision polishing step. If the projections are high, then head crashes may occur in which the magnetic head of the HDD collides with the projections, or thermal asperity may occur in which heat generated through such collisions causes malfunctioning in which the magnetic head detects abnormal signals. Consequently, the lower the projections, the better the product quality with regard to the roughness.
The product quality with regard to the minute waviness of the surfaces of the glass substrate refers to the form of appearance of undulations larger than the xe2x80x9croughnessxe2x80x9d.
The following is an explanation of the minute waviness. The xe2x80x9cminute wavinessxe2x80x9d is one aspect of the shape of a substrate surface, and refers to a wave-like shape of wavelength of the order of several hundred microns to millimeters and amplitude of the order of nanometers. Undulations of wavelength shorter than this constitute the xe2x80x9croughnessxe2x80x9d described above, whereas undulations of wavelength longer than this come under xe2x80x9cflatnessxe2x80x9d. There are no precise criteria for classifying into xe2x80x9croughnessxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cminute wavinessxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cflatnessxe2x80x9d. On an actual glass substrate surface, undulations having a wavelength and an amplitude both of the order of nanometers (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cultra-small undulationsxe2x80x9d) are present in random fashion.
The form of appearance of the ultra-small undulations as captured at a span of the order of nanometers is the xe2x80x9croughnessxe2x80x9d. Within the roughness, the form of appearance of the ultra-small undulations is random, but if one looks with a relatively long span, then a regularity to the wavelength can be seen. This regularity of the wavelength in the form of appearance of the ultra-small undulations corresponds to the xe2x80x9cminute wavinessxe2x80x9d. The minute waviness can be measured using an Optiflat (product name; made by Phase Shift Technology) optical measuring apparatus. To increase the recording density of a magnetic recording medium, it is necessary to reduce the flying height, and hence it is necessary to make the minute waviness small. Consequently, the smaller the minute waviness, the better the product quality.
In recent years, with increases in the recording density of magnetic recording media, demands on the product quality as described above of glass substrates have become increasingly strict.
Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 8, in the precision polishing step, polishing has been carried out for a time period t1, by controlling the polishing load P1 applied to the glass substrate and the rotational speed R1 (the number of revolutions per unit time) of the plates on which the polishing members that polish the glass substrate are mounted. To meet the required product quality as described above, the polishing has been carried out with the polishing load P1 reduced and the rotational speed R1 of the plates reduced.
However, with such a glass substrate polishing method, there is a problem that the polishing rate (the polishing amount per unit time) drops, and hence the time t1 required for the precision polishing step becomes long, and thus the productivity becomes poor.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of polishing a glass substrate for information recording media, and a glass substrate for information recording media, which enable polishing to be carried out such that the product quality is improved, without the productivity dropping, and without the processing cost increasing.
To attain the above object, the present invention provides a method of polishing a glass substrate for information recording media, comprising a precision polishing step having a first polishing step and a second polishing step carried out in this order, in which, after carrying out rough polishing on major surfaces of a glass substrate, precision polishing is carried out on the major surfaces by feeding abrasive grains onto the major surfaces, pushing polishing members against the major surfaces, and rotating the major surfaces and the polishing members relative to one another, wherein at least one of the first polishing step and the second polishing step has a preceding polishing step and a succeeding polishing step carried out in this order, and a mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains in the succeeding polishing step is not more than in the preceding polishing step, and a pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is lower in the succeeding polishing step than in the preceding polishing step.
According to the method of polishing a glass substrate for information recording media of the present invention, the precision polishing step has a first polishing step and a second polishing step carried out in this order, and at least one of the first and second polishing steps has a preceding polishing step and a succeeding polishing step carried out in this order, wherein the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains in the succeeding polishing step is not more than in the preceding polishing step, and the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is lower in the succeeding polishing step than in the preceding polishing step. As a result, the major surfaces of the glass substrate can be polished rapidly until the desired product quality is nearly reached through the preceding polishing step, and then the major surfaces can be finished to a state in which the desired product quality is satisfied through the succeeding polishing step. The polishing can thus be carried out such that the product quality of the glass substrate for information recording media is improved, without the productivity dropping, and without the processing cost increasing.
In a first preferred form of the present invention, the second polishing step has a preceding polishing step and a succeeding polishing step carried out in this order, and a mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains in the succeeding polishing step is not more than in the preceding polishing step, and a pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is lower in the succeeding polishing step than in the preceding polishing step.
Moreover, it is preferable that the succeeding polishing step has a plurality of steps each having a different combination of the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains and the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces. As a result, the optimum number of steps and the optimum combinations of the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains and the pressure can be set in accordance with the material properties and so on of the glass substrate for information recording media. The polishing can thus be carried out in accordance with the material properties and so on of the glass substrate for information recording media, such that the productivity and the product quality are further improved, without the processing cost increasing.
Preferably, the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is in a range of 80 to 200 g/cm2 in the first polishing step, in a range of 80 to 150 g/cm2 in the preceding polishing step, and in a range of 30 to 70 g/cm2 in the succeeding polishing step.
In a second preferred form of the present invention, the precision polishing step has a first polishing step and a second polishing step carried out in this order, and the first polishing step has a preceding polishing step and a succeeding polishing step carried out in this order, wherein the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains in the succeeding polishing step is not more than in the preceding polishing step, and the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is lower in the succeeding polishing step than in the preceding polishing step.
In the second preferred form, it is preferable that the succeeding polishing step has a plurality of steps each having a different combination of the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains and the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces.
In the second preferred form, it as preferable that the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is in a range of 90 to 200 g/cm2 in the preceding polishing step, in a range of 30 to 80 g/cm2 in the succeeding polishing step, and in a range of 30 to 80 g/cm2 in the second polishing step.
In a third preferred form of the present invention, the precision polishing step has a first polishing step and a second polishing step carried out in this order, the first polishing step has a preceding polishing step and a succeeding polishing step carried out in this order, wherein the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains in the succeeding polishing step is not more than in the preceding polishing step, and the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is lower in the succeeding polishing step than in the preceding polishing step, and the second polishing step has a preceding polishing step and a succeeding polishing step carried out in this order, wherein the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains in the succeeding polishing step is not more than in the preceding polishing step, and the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is lower in the succeeding polishing step than in the preceding polishing step.
In the third preferred form, it is preferable that the succeeding polishing step of the first polishing step has a plurality of steps each having a different combination of the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains and the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces, and the succeeding polishing step of the second polishing step has a plurality of steps each having a different combination of the mean grain diameter of the abrasive grains and the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces.
In the third preferred form, it is preferable that the pressure at which the polishing members are pushed against the major surfaces is in a range of 90 to 200 g/cm2 in the preceding polishing step of the first polishing step, in a range of 30 to 80 g/cm2 in the succeeding polishing step of the first polishing step, in a range of 80 to 150 g/cm2 in the preceding polishing step of the second polishing step, and in a range of 30 to 70 g/cm2 in the succeeding polishing step of the second polishing step.
It is preferable that the polishing members are hard urethane pads in the first polishing step, and soft suede pads in the second polishing step.
It is also preferable that the abrasive grains in the first polishing step are cerium oxide abrasive grains having a mean grain diameter in a range of 1.1 to 1.5 xcexcm, and the abrasive grains in the second polishing step are cerium oxide abrasive grains having a mean grain diameter of not more than 1 xcexcm.
It is preferable that a polishing amount of the glass substrate in the second polishing step is not less than 3 xcexcm.
It is preferable that a polishing amount of the glass substrate in the first polishing step is not less than 30 xcexcm.
It is preferable that a total polishing amount of the glass substrate through the first polishing step and the second polishing step is in a range of 33 to 100 xcexcm.
To attain the above object, there is also provided a glass substrate for information recording media obtained by polishing using a method of polishing a glass substrate for information recording media according to the present invention, whereby substantially the same results as obtained with the method according to the present invention can be provided.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Method of polishing glass substrate for information recording media, and glass substrate for information recording media


An external device of a mobile phone for inputting and permuting original script comprises a handwriting sensing device for sensing handwriting script and generating script coordinates or displacement data; a transmission interface for transmitting the script coordinates or displacement data to a mobile phone; a means for compressing or expansion the scripts from the mobile phone into figure lattices of the same height; and permuting the figure lattices on a display screen of the mobile phone in order so as to form a drawing showing original scripts. Furthermore, a method is included, which comprises the steps of sensing handwriting script and generating script coordinates or displacement data; transferring the script coordinates or displacement data to a mobile phone; compressing or expansion the scripts from the mobile phone into figure lattices of the same height; and permuting the figure lattices on a display screen of the mobile phone.

With the promotion of wireless technology and the popularity of mobile phones, besides the voice communications, there are more and more messages and emails transmitted wirelessly through the mobile phones. However, because users can only input data through keypad on the mobile phone, mobile phones can only transmit alphabets and characters, but not handwriting scripts. While the keys on the mobile phone are finite, to input data into mobile phone is a quite time-consuming effort and complicated. Furthermore, if too many words are necessary to be inputted, the fingers will feel ache after a long time operation.
To improve above mention deficiency, one prior art is to embed a touch panel into the mobile phone. For example, Nokia 6108 mobile phone, the touch panel is hidden below the keypad of the mobile phone for avoiding errors in typewritten. The keypad is lifted when the user needs to input character. Writing upon the writing section on the touch panel, the handwriting scripts are then recognized by the program in the mobile phone, and transferred to a character representing the script into the short message or email applications. However, the writing section area is limited by the small size of the mobile phone. Thereby, the user's wrist must lifts without any support when writing on the touch panel so that cause the wrist feel ache. Moreover, the writing section is only about 3-centimeter squares so that long words, such as "original", "external", etc. cannot be inputted once. Thus, the recognition software program cannot effectively recognize the words. As a result, especially for inputting a long sentence, the input speed is low.
Another example for the prior art to improve the input method is the Motorola 388C mobile phone. This mobile phone is integrated with a Personal Digital Assistance (PDA). A transparent touch panel is overlapped on the display screen of the mobile phone. The touch panel is used to replace the keypad completely for performing the data input. For example, to input the phone number, a numeral keying program is opened for the user to input numerals directly on the screen. When input characters, a character input program is opened for the user to input characters one by one, which are then recognized by character recognition software.
The deficiency of this example is that the size of the mobile phone cannot be smaller, and like the prior example Nokia 6108, the long words still cannot be inputted once. Furthermore, the example operations must install the handwriting recognition program in the operating system of the mobile phone, which will increase the load of the central processing unit, also increase the cost. Moreover, the original scripts cannot be inputted in the handwriting recognition program, the input way cannot be simplified. Again, the scripts and figures cannot be converted according to the height and width of the writing section. As a result, the heights of the input characters and drawings cannot be arranged uniformly. Thereby, from above discussion, it is apparent that the prior arts are not suitable for presenting original scripts on the display screen or transmitting the original scripts out

Method for inputting and permuting original scripts to external mobile phone and the device for performing the same


Novel cyclic N,N,N' and N,N,N',N'-substituted organyloxysilyl-functional silanes are prepared by reacting an aminopropyl silane with carbon disulfide and heating the dithiocarbamate.

The reaction of aminopropyl trialkoxysilanes with alkyl isothiocyanates is known from A. Baigozhin, Zh. Obshch. Khim. 43 (1973), p. 1408 (C.A. 79: 66463r), which results in N, N'-disubstituted thioureas of the formula EQU (RO).sub.3 Si--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --NH--CS--NH--R',
in which:
R=ethyl and PA1 R'=phenyl, allyl. PA1 R represents alkyl with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl with 5 to 7 atoms or aryl PA1 R.sup.1 represents hydrogen or ##STR2## R.sup.2 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, especially --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, or arylene, especially 1,2-phenylene, PA1 b represents 0,1 or 2, preferably 0
A symmetric N, N'-substituted compound is described by M. G. Voronkov et al. in Zh. Obshch. Khim. 54 (1984), p. 1098 (C.A. 101: 192031j).
It is obtained by means of the reaction of aminopropyl trialkoxysilanes with thiourea EQU ((RO).sub.3 Si--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --NH--CS--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --Si(OR).sub.3).


The present invention discloses a method for performing a stochastic analysis of one or more hydrocarbon reservoir exploitation strategies taking into consideration one or more uncertain parameters. The method optimizes an objective function that considers the gain in value of a reservoir management goal attributable to these exploitation strategies. The methodology may be used to decide whether or not to implement a strategy. Alternatively, it may be used to decide which competing strategy will yield the maximum benefit. In another embodiment of the present invention, the value of information obtained from the installation of additional sensors or new measurements is also considered.

Due to the inaccuracy of logging tools and unpredictable natural variations in geometry and geological parameters, there is considerable uncertainty as to the detailed characterization of a hydrocarbon reservoir. This uncertainty, coupled with the dramatic variations in the market value of hydrocarbon production, has heightened the importance of financial factors and risk management in reservoir strategies so as to maximize reservoir value.
Reservoir risk management involves optimizing assets given inherent reservoir uncertainties and minimizing risk by reducing these uncertainties. Optimizing assets usually involves making decisions about technologies and strategies (such as advanced completion systems, drilling a new well, setting injection or production target rates, etc.) and quantifying the value of implementing the proposed technology in the presence of physical and financial uncertainties. Physical uncertainty includes uncertainty in the type of reservoir model used and the properties used to populate the model. Financial uncertainties refer to uncertainty in the financial variables associated with the asset, such as the discount rate, hydrocarbon price, etc. The optimization process thus should be stochastic, with a risk level (or alternatively a confidence level) associated with the optimized solution. Based on the cost-benefit analysis (cost of implementing the technology versus the gain or value from the implementation) and the associated risk level, a decision may be made on implementing the technology. Minimizing the risk level involves gathering information about the reservoir to reduce or eliminate the inherent uncertainties. The cost of gathering this information should be balanced against the value the information brings to the stochastic optimization process. Valuation of information can then guide decisions on implementing monitoring technologies for uncertainty reduction.
Risk analysis has taken a much more prominent role since the late 1990's when hydrocarbon production costs significantly fluctuated. The oil and gas industry has taken a harder look at the technology available to perform more accurate and more efficient risk analysis. Bailey et al.'s "Taking a Calculated Risk," Oilfield Review, Vol. 12, No. 3, pages 20-35 (2000) (incorporated by reference herein in its entirety) surveyed the major topics of interest to perform risk analysis at various degrees as well as the role and impact these techniques have on the operators in the petroleum industry. This was further exemplified using an extensive case study of a development offshore in Coopersmith et al.'s "Making Decisions in the Oil and Gas Industry," Oilfield Review Vol. 12, No. 4, pages 2-9 (2000) (incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). As the oil and gas industry shifts its emphasis from profit by cost-cutting to a diversification of asset-management practices, global portfolio optimization akin to what is prevalent in the financial market industry could potentially be an extremely valuable exercise as shown by Adams et al. in "Portfolio Management for Strategic Growth," Oilfield Review, Vol. 12, No. 4, pages 10-19 (2000) (incorporated by reference herein in its entirety).
Current industry practice for consideration of uncertainty in oilfield risk analysis typically involves multiple realizations of a given reservoir model (the level of sophistication ranging from simple spreadsheet tank [Material Balance] models to a geologically detailed full-scale model). This approach to reservoir risk analysis is not amenable to true stochastic optimization. For example, the optimum flow rates for wells in a faulted reservoir will depend strongly on the transmissibility of these faults that are often uncertain and can significantly affect the fluid flow in the reservoir. Hence, to obtain the optimum flow rates, one needs to integrate the fault transmissibility uncertainty and its effect on fluid flow into the stochastic optimization routine. This is not feasible with current treatments of uncertainty.
An optimization methodology for deterministic reservoirs (without any uncertainties in reservoir parameters) was applied in the 1980's to determine the optimum injection strategy for surfactants by optimizing the difference between gross revenue and the cost of injection chemicals. This methodology is described by Fathi et al. in "Use of Optimal Control Theory for Computing Optimal Injection Policies for Enhanced Oil Recovery," Automatica, Vol. 22, pages 33-42 (1984) (incorporated by reference herein in its entirety) and by Ramirez in Applications of Optimal Control Theory to Enhance Oil Recovery (1987) (incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). More recently, commonly owned U.S. Ser. No. 09/930,935 to Couet et al. (the '935 application) and Burridge et al. "Optimal Stimulation of Oil Production," Decision Making under Uncertainty: Energy and Power, IMA Volumes in Mathematics and Its Applications, Vol. 128, pages 17-37 (2002) (incorporated by reference herein in their entireties) address the extended issue of optimization of oil recovery subject to various physical uncertainties (stochastic optimization) and minimization of downside risk.
While these studies describe algorithms for stochastic optimization of reservoirs, they do not provide methodologies for formulating objective functions suitable for decision-making. As will be shown below, useful methodologies should allow for decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis for a technology implementation or choosing between technologies in the presence of uncertainties. This requires direct optimization of the difference between the value of the management goal (such as net present value, hydrocarbon production etc.) obtained when the technology is implemented and the value of the goal obtained for a reference case without that technology. The optimization of this difference or gain in value of a goal in accordance with the present invention is in contrast to the traditional approach that only considers the difference between the individually optimized values of the goal for the two cases. The results can be very different for the two approaches as values of the goal obtained for both the technology and reference cases are dependent on the inherent reservoir uncertainties. Accordingly, there is a need for a method that accounts for the affect of inherent reservoir uncertainties, such as in cost-benefit analysis. Furthermore, there are no existing methodologies to account for the gain in value of a goal associated with the reduction in uncertainty due to acquisition of new information, which can be defined as the value of information.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide methods for decision-making in reservoir risk management that are stochastic and account for the gain in value attributable to one or more hydrocarbon exploitation strategies/technologies, wherein this gain in value of the goal is defined as the value of that strategy/technology.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide decision-making methods which further account for one or multiple uncertainties in reservoir properties.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide methods that allow the quantification of the value of information in reservoir risk management.

Tools for decision-making in reservoir risk management


An installation tool for installing and uninstalling lock rings, bolts, cable lugs, hose clamps is provided. The installation tool comprises a frame assembly and a driving member secured to the frame assembly. The installation tool also comprises a gear assembly operatively coupled to the frame assembly. The gear assembly comprises a plurality of gears which are configured to receive rotational input from the driving member. The installation tool further comprises a jaw assembly operatively coupled to the gear assembly and the frame assembly. The jaw assembly comprises a plurality of jaw members which are configured to receive rotational input from the gear assembly. The installation tool comprises an electronic control unit and an intuitive graphic interface having a touch display. The installation tool ensures precise closing position of the jaw assembly to the tenth of a millimeter.

Fastening elements, such as locking rings, bolts, cable lugs, hose clamps etc., are used in various fields and applications. For example, in automotive industry clamping rings are used for fixing flexible hoses on ridged nipples or for fastening bellows on universal shafts. Among other things, one of the most important factors that are required for successful installation of such clamping rings over the flexible hoses is whether or not the clamping rings are tightened with sufficient, but not excessive force, over the flexible hoses.
Installation tools of various kinds are employed for tightening of such clamping rings, locking rings, bolts, cable lugs, and hose clamps etc. Typically, the installation tools are either manually operated or pneumatically controlled. Among these, manually operated installation tools are more commonly used to tighten the clamping rings in the automotive industry. However, with such manually operated installation tools, whether the clamping ring is tightened with sufficient but not excessive force; entirely depends upon the skill and expertise of the mechanic operating the tool.
In order to preclude such dependence upon the skill and expertise of the mechanic, the pneumatically controller installation tools were introduced for the compression and clamping of locking rings, bolt, cable lugs, hose clamps, etc. However, the pneumatically controller installation tools also tend to have various disadvantages and limitations associated with them.
For example, compression force on the jaws of such installation tools is dependent, among other things, on a compressed air source to generate required compression forces. Moreover, the available state of technology in the pneumatically controller installation tools exhibits strong dispersions of the compression forces as it generally fails to not maintain its compression force at a constant pressure and they lose their compression force during the serviceable life due to which non-precise closing position may be reached, thereby defaulting the assembly or installations. Another disadvantage lies in the fact that the known pneumatically controller installation tools may not be maintenance free.
Accordingly, there is a need for installing/assembling or uninstalling/disassembling of locking rings, bolts, cable lugs, hose clamps, etc., to ensure precise closing position thereof, in such a way that the clamping rings are tightened with sufficient, but not excessive force, over the flexible hoses, without using the conventionally available pneumatically controller installation tools.


A radar jamming system comprises a target vehicle and a slave vehicle. A master thread radar detection system is provided in the target vehicle and a slave transmitter system in the slave vehicle with a data link between the target vehicle and the slave vehicle. A threat analyzer is carried by the target vehicle, the threat analyzer being capable of measuring the distances between the target and thread radar as well as between the target and slave vehicle and includes means for calculating a suitable time delay signal and doppler shift for masking the target. The signals are transmitted to said slave vehicle by the data link and means carried by the slave vehicle under control of the data link generate and transmit a radar pulse having the calculated time delay and doppler shift. The signal emitted from the jammer is coincident with the signal reflected from the target in both time and frequency.

As radar systems become more sophisticated, it becomes increasingly difficult to generate countermeasure signals which will confuse one or more threat radars and enable a target vehicle to penetrate a modern defense system or avoid a radar guided missile. This is particularly true when the threat radars employ techniques such as pulse-to-pulse encoded, chirp, and/or frequency agile monopulse.


A process for producing an alkylate product having an improved octane value from an olefin stream having a reduced concentration of the butene isomer of isobutylene. The olefin feed stream to the process system is substantially free of isobutylene and can have undergone prior processing to remove isobutylene therefrom. The olefin feed is subjected to an alkylation reaction catalyzed by a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and sulfone.

The present invention relates to a hydrocarbon conversion process. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method of improving the quality of an alkylate product from the catalyzed alkylation of olefin hydrocarbons.
The recent trend toward the production of oxygenates for gasoline blending can result in the removal of significant quantities of the butene isomer isobutylene from feedstocks to existing commercial alkylation processes. This is because isobutylene is a feedstock to certain etherification processes that produce the oxygenate compound of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). While MTBE is a gasoline blending component that has a relatively high octane blending value, there can be a partially offsetting octane debit to a gasoline pool that results from the removal of isobutylene alkylate produced from the hydrogen fluoride catalyzed alkylation of isobutylene, since isobutylene alkylate itself has a reasonably high octane blending value that is in the range of from about 92.5 to about 93.5. When the isomer of isobutylene is removed from a hydrogen fluoride alkylation process feed, the quality of the resultant alkylate will generally be diminished due to the presence of alkylate produced from the alkylation of 1-butene which has a lower octane blending value than that of isobutylene alkylate. The octane blending value of 1-butene alkylate can range from about 89 to about 90.

Alkylation process for reacting an olefin feed being substantially free of isobutylene which utilizes a hydrogen fluoride and sulfone catalyst


A wheelhouse cladding step assembly includes a step movable between a closed position and an open or deployed position in which the step is located proximal the wheelhouse of the vehicle and provides improved access to the roof and/or rooftop cargo storage of the vehicle. The step is designed to have a shape matching the shape of the wheelhouse of the vehicle and is preferably curved and when in the closed position shows a surface that matches the vehicle trim to hide the step. The assembly includes hinges and a latching mechanism that are also contained within the assembly so they are hidden when the step is in the closed position.

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles and, more particularly, relates to a step for a vehicle to improve accessibility to, and usefulness of, the roof area and a roof rack cargo storage system.
Users of vehicles, including in particular sport utility and crossover type vehicles, often desire access to the roof of the vehicle and/or upper portions of their vehicle for a variety of reasons such as cleaning the full vehicle exterior (including the windshield, moon roof, and entire vehicle roof), as well as using the roof rack and/or top of vehicle storage area. While some individuals may use of the side vehicle running board and/or rear bumper for these purposes, it is not be possible to use the side running boards to access some of the areas of the roof of the vehicle since they do not provide users enough increased reach to gain access to the primary storage area of the roof of the vehicle. It is generally known to use a step or wheel ladder or other similar device to gain access to the upper portion of the vehicle. However, such solutions are limited and can be quite inconvenient and cumbersome—particularly when the devices or tools must be brought along and stowed in the vehicle when access to the roof is desired at another location. Obviously, such devices may be forgotten or lost. When ladders or other such devices are not available, it is generally known that the user may also attempt to access the roof/upper portions of the vehicle by standing on the tires, the vehicle interior floor and the vehicle seats (with the door open). These actions may result in awkward body positions and in an increased potential for vehicle and/or cargo damage. Despite these long known solutions and their limitations and deficiencies, the generally known solutions remain unchanged. There long remains a significant need to improve the accessibility to the roof areas of a vehicle, in particular the cargo storage area.


A piston skirt has narrowed relief sections adjacent piston bosses and between first and second relief sections. The first relief sections extend between a piston head and respective piston bosses whist the second relief sections extend downward from the respective piston bosses. The narrowed relief sections are spaced from each other in parallel to piston pin holes at a distance which is smaller than that at which the first and second relief sections are space from each other, respectively. The narrowed relief sections are formed thicker and therefore more rigid than the first and second relief sections so that the piston skirt is more rigid adjacent the piston bosses and less rigid above and below the piston bosses, whereby to effectively lessen side thrust of the piston to the cylinder wall without deteriorating the durability.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to pistons for internal combustion engines, particularly for automotive internal combustion engines.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore, lightweight and quiet operation have been required of automotive internal combustion engines. To meet this requirement, various improvements have been made particularly to a piston which is to transmit force of explosion to a crankshaft by way of a piston pin and a connecting rod. For example, a piston disclosed by Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 62-85152 is devised to have a skirt which is tapered toward an upper end and reduced in a bearing area with a view to improving both the durability and the lightweight characteristic.
However, the above described prior art piston is constructed so as to transmit side thrust to the cylinder wall by way of the skirt, so in case the piston skirt, particularly the lower section thereof posses a high rigidity vibrations of the piston are liable to be caused by the side thrust to result in a knocking noise known as "piston slap".


Upon starting the lasing device after having a stop state, gas retaining in the gas circulation path and the optical resonator is released through the gas release valve opened by the gas pressure controller. During a time calculated by the open-time calculator in response to the immediately preceding stop time of the lasing device, laser medium gas in the piping between the laser medium gas supply device and the gas supply valve is released, together with the retaining gas, through the gas supply valve opened by the gas pressure controller. The structure reduces costs by using decreased number of valves and suppresses consumption of laser medium gas.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a lasing device using laser medium gas.
2. Background Art
Lasing devices can process a workpiece with no contact and minimized thermal adverse effect. The advantages allow the devices to be in heavily usage: cutting various materials into various shapes, welding, and processing.
Particularly, a CO2-gas lasing device, which employs CO2-based mixed gas as laser medium gas, has been widely used because of its excellent laser-beam characteristics and relatively easily obtained significant output.
Such a gas lasing device has an optical resonator and a gas circulation path connected to the optical resonator. Laser medium gas, which is heated by discharge excitation in the optical resonator, is cooled down while circulating through the gas circulation path.
The gas circulation path has a blower for circulating the laser medium gas.
Generally, as a laser medium gas supply device, a gas canister filled with a mixed gas in advance is employed. A piping structural member made of resin or metal is used for piping for connecting between the gas canister and a gas supply valve of the lasing device. However, if such a piping structural member has a tiny pin hole, for example, in a CO2-gas lasing device, helium (He) included in the mixed gas can selectively escape through the pin hole. The leakage can cause change in the mixture ratio of the laser medium gas retaining in the piping between the gas canister and the gas supply valve of the lasing device, by which stable laser output cannot be obtained.
First, a conventional lasing device is described. FIG. 7 shows a conventional lasing device.
FIG. 7 shows a piping system of a laser gas supply system for supplying gas to gas line 910 of a laser gas circulation system of the gas lasing device. Fed from laser gas canister 914, the laser gas is supplied to gas line 910 via primary pressure regulator 915, piping 916, filter 917, pressure regulator 918, valve 919, valve 920, quick supply flowmeter 921, and normal supply flowmeter 922. The pressure in gas line 910 is measured by pressure sensor 923. The gas in gas line 910 is released by vacuum pump 924 via quick release valve 925 or normal release valve 926. In the conventional structure shown in FIG. 7, with use of release valve 927 and timer 928, the laser medium gas retaining in piping 916 between gas canister 914 and gas line 910 is released outside at the start up of the gas lasing device.
FIG. 8 shows an open/Close sequence of each valve of the conventional gas lasing device. In the conventional lasing device of FIG. 7, prior to gas supply from gas canister 914, release valve 927 is maintained open while the gas retaining in the lasing device is being released (i.e., while valves 925 and 926 are both maintained open). In this way, the laser medium gas retaining in piping 916 is released outside at the start up of the device for providing laser output with stability (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H04-080979, for example).


According to one embodiment, a memory controller includes an encoding unit that generates a first parity for every user data and a second parity for two or more user data and the corresponding first parity, a memory interface unit that the non-volatile memory to write and read the user data and the parities to and from the non-volatile memory, and a decoding unit that performs an error correction decoding process using the user data, and the parities. The error correction decoding processing that uses both the first parity and the second parity has at least A (a correcting capability of the first parity)+B (a correcting capability of the second parity) bits of correcting capability for the first user data and its first and second parities and for the second user data and its first and second parities.

When user data stored in a memory is read out from the memory, there is a case where the user data is changed into a different value from an original value or if data transmitted from a transmitting device is received in a receiving device, there is a case where the received data is changed into a value different from the original value.
In order to address to the above problems, a method that the user data is error-correction encoded to generate parity data and the user data and the parity are managed as a pair is generally suggested. As the error correction code, for example, a BCH code or a RS (Reed-Solomon) code is used.

Memory controller, storage device and error correction method


The subject matter of the disclosure is a power supply system for a lamp, having foils, which are embedded in a gas-tight manner in a pinch seal of the lamp and on which are arranged, in each case on two opposing narrow sides, an inner power supply line and an outer power supply line for the purpose of supplying power to a luminous element of the lamp, the outer power supply lines having lamp-side end sections, which are connected to the foils. According to the invention, the end sections of the outer power supply lines extend at least in sections approximately at right angles to a longitudinal axis of the foils.

Such power supply systems are used, for example, for electrical current leadthroughs in pinch seals, made from quartz glass or hard glass, of halogen incandescent lamps, discharge lamps or the like.
Since the glass of the pinch seal has a substantially lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the power supply lines provided for supplying electrical power to a luminous means arranged within the lamp vessel, it is not possible to fuse the power supply lines directly in the glass of the pinch seal. The mechanical stresses resulting from the different coefficients of thermal expansion would lead to cracks and ultimately to premature failure of the lamp. For this reason, thin molybdenum foils having sufficient ductility are often used, and these molybdenum foils make gas-tight electrical power supply possible despite the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the glass and the molybdenum. With such solutions, for example that known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,318, in each case the two opposing ends of the molybdenum foils are welded to an inner and an outer power supply wire made from molybdenum, and the resultant power supply system is positioned in the lamp vessel end such that the inner power supply lines protrude into the interior of the lamp vessel, and the outer power supply lines protrude out of said lamp vessel. Subsequently, the glass at the lamp vessel end is heated and is pinched, for example by means of pinching jaws, with the power supply system in a gas-tight manner to form a pinch seal. The molybdenum foil on the one hand is used to produce the electrically conductive connection between the luminous means arranged within the lamp vessel and the power supply lines and, on the other hand, ensures a gas-tight seal of the lamp vessel.
It has been shown that the molybdenum foils and power supply lines, in particular in the case of lamps having a high thermal load, tend towards the formation of molybdenum oxides, for example MoO2, MoO3, the oxides initially forming on the outer power supply lines and then progressing to the molybdenum foils. Owing to this temperature-dependent oxide formation, the volume of the mentioned components increases and causes a significant increase in stress in the pinch seal which may lead to breakage and thus to premature failure of the lamp.
In order to improve the oxidation resistance and thus to increase the thermal loading capacity of the power supply system, it is known from the general prior art to apply a partial chromium plating. In this very work-intensive method, the power supply systems usually produced by resistance welding are embedded in a sand-like substrate up to the desired height of the chromium plating, for example 2 mm above the weld joint. Owing to a chemical reaction, partial chromium deposition takes place in the embedded region in an environmentally harmful process. The chromium layer formed improves the oxidation resistance and thus leads to an increase in the thermal loading capacity of the lamps. Disadvantages in such power supply systems are firstly that, owing to an insufficient sealing effect in the chromium-plated region, the effective sealing length of the molybdenum foils is reduced and, as a result, the sealing effect of the pinch seal is impaired with reduced life of the lamp and, secondly, the coating process is not only environmentally harmful but is also complex and cost-intensive owing to the largely manual production process. One further disadvantage is the fact that the outer power supply lines can easily break out of the pinch seal owing to axial tensile forces.

Power supply system for a lamp and lamp having this power supply system

Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elecktrische Glühampen mbH


Apparatus and methods for conditioning wireless information flow in a wireless network. The system may include a processor that stores a digital key in a mobile device machine readable memory location designated for an optional WIFI frame field. The digital key may have a length (e.g., in bits) that is equal to a standard-specified length of the optional field. The digital key may have a length that is different from (e.g., longer or shorter than) the standard-specific length of the optional field. The optional field may include an IEEE 802.1Q virtual local area network (“VLAN”) address, tag or field or any other suitable optional WIFI-related field. The key may correspond to a user flow conditioning database record that corresponds to an individual having access to the processor. The record may be used to provide service to the user.

Populations formerly were distributed in rural areas. Retail business was conducted at small stores where sales personnel knew customers personally and helped them accordingly. Many people migrated to urban areas where retail business has become large and centralized. Customers and sales personnel interact more anonymously, even in a face-to-face setting, proceeding from initial contact through final sale.
Online Internet business, which also has an anonymous character, has become a popular sales channel.
Large retail business use a combination of the channels, e.g., in-person and online, to service customers.
Customers that are accustomed to online shopping may have less inclination, when placed in a face-to-face setting, to interact with sales personnel. This may be especially true where online technology has been made available on portable communication devices so that a customer can examine merchandise in a vendor's brick-and-mortar establishment and simultaneously conduct an online comparison of prices of similar merchandise offered by a different vendor.
Merchant's offer WIFI connection to customers in brick-and-mortar facilities. The customers often use the WIFI for the comparative shopping. The merchants often use the WIFI to garner information about the customers or about the customers' portable communication devices. Using the information, the merchant may track the location of a customer within the merchant's facility. The customers may view the garnering as an invasion of privacy, but may be unable or unwilling to forego access to WIFI to prevent the invasion of privacy.
Customers have personal goals and needs and typically have accumulated vast numbers of personal. Businesses have used the data to market digitally, but strategies for using the data as a means to better meet those goals and needs during an on-site visit to the merchant's facility have not developed. Furthermore, the data may not be placed in a context that puts sales personnel in a position to address the goals and needs.
It would therefore be desirable to provide apparatus and methods for limiting or reducing privacy invasion while shopping by personalizing customer-sales personnel interactions.

Wireless network information flow conditioning


A data recording and reproducing apparatus capable of easily obtaining information which has few dropout and is necessary for variable speed reproduction at the time of variable speed reproduction. An image group dividing unit divides input image data into a plurality of image groups on a unit image basis, thereby forming plural divided data. After the formed divided data is temporarily stored into an image data temporary storing unit, the divided data is outputted as image data which is a data stream of the divided data in a predetermined image unit to a disk array apparatus via an HDD output interface unit. Each disk array apparatus records the divided data into HDDs so as to periodically change the relation between the HDDs and the groups of data to be recorded to the HDDs in a predetermined pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data recording and reproducing apparatus and method for recording and reproducing video data and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, in association with the increase in the number of channels of providing information because of the widespread of CATVs (community antenna television or cable televisions) and the like, different from a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) of a related art, the demand of simultaneously reproducing plural video and audio data from a single video and audio data recording and reproducing apparatus is increasing. In order to satisfy the demand, an apparatus called an audio video (hereinbelow, also referred to as xe2x80x9cAVxe2x80x9d) server for recording and reproducing video and audio data by using recording and reproducing media which are randomly accessible such as hard disks is being spread.
Generally, for example, in an AV server in a broadcasting station, a data transfer rate required is high due to a demand of the image quality and sound quality and the capacity has to be large to record data of long hours. Therefore, an attempt to realize higher data transfer rate and larger capacity by using a data recording and reproducing apparatus including a plurality of hard disk drives (hereinbelow, referred to as HDDs) which store video and audio data and can be operated in parallel and an attempt to assure the reliability by recording parity data even if any of the HDDs gets out of order are made. Consequently, even when the number of channels required differs according to the contents of programs which broadcasting stations are providing and broadcasting modes, a multi-channel AV server which can accommodate various usage patterns such as a pattern of recording plural material data in a distributed manner and simultaneously transmitting the data to multichannels and a pattern of constructing a near video on demand (NVOD) system by reproducing the same material data by deviating reproduction time through multichannels can be realized.
In the data recording and reproducing apparatus which is used for such a multichannel AV server, the RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks) technique proposed in xe2x80x9cA Case for Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID)xe2x80x9d, ACM SIGMOD Conference, Chicago, Ill., Jun. 1 to 3, 1988 by Patterson, D. A., Gibson, G., and Kats, R. H is employed. In the paper, RAID is classified into five classes of RAID-1 to RAID-5. Among them, representative ones are RAID-1, RAID-3, and RAID-5. As a classification for explanation, there is RAID-0 as well. RAID-0 relates to a method of operating a plurality of hard disks in parallel.
RAID-1 relates to a method of writing the same contents into two hard disks. RAID-3 relates to a method of dividing input data in predetermined length, recording divided data into a plurality of HDDs, generating parity data, and writing the parity data into another HDD. Meanwhile, RAID-5 relates to a method of setting a larger data dividing unit (block), recording one divided data as a data block into one HDD, recording the result (parity data) of the exclusive OR of data blocks corresponding each other in the HDDs as a parity block to another HDD, and distributing the parity block to all of the HDDs.
FIG. 1 is a construction diagram showing an example of the construction of an AV server using the RAID technique. An AV server 100 is used as a CM (commercials) transmitting apparatus, a news editing apparatus, or the like for providing multiple inputs and outputs of plural image data. The AV server 100 comprises a plurality of disk array apparatuses 1101 to 1104 for recording input image data and a processor 120 for inputting image data to be recorded on each of the disk array apparatuses 1101 to 1104 and outputting the image data reproduced from each of the disk array apparatuses 1101 to 1104.
In the AV server 100, for example, each of plural input image data DIl to DIn (n is an integer value of 2 or larger) inputted from a video device 121 or a transmitter-receiver 122 for satellite channels is recorded into at least one of the disk array apparatuses 1101 to 1104. As required, the data recorded in the disk array apparatuses 1101 to 1104 is reproduced and outputted as output data D01 to D0n to, for example, a video monitor 123 or a transmitter-receiver 124 for satellite channels.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of a disk array apparatus 110 (shown as a representative of 1101 to 1104). The disk array apparatus 110 comprises a plurality of HDDs 1311 to 1315 and a disk array controller 130 for controlling the HDDs 1311 to 1315. In the disk array apparatus 110, data in a predetermined unit (for example, a frame or GOP (Group Of Picture) unit) is written/read in parallel to/from the HDDs 1311 to 1315. The structure in which data is simply read and written in parallel is according to the method of RAID-0. In case of the method of RAID-3, one of the plurality of the HDDs 1311 to 1315 is dedicated to parity data. Although five HDDs 1311 to 1315 are shown in FIG. 2, the number of HDDs is not limited to five.
In the disk array apparatus 110, the inputted image data DI of, for example, one frame is divided, for instance, on a byte unit basis by the disk array controller 130 and the divided data is sequentially written in parallel onto hard disks in the HDDs 1311 to 1315 by the HDDs 1311 to 1315. FIG. 2 illustrates a case where data F1 in the first frame and data F2 of the second frame are written in parallel onto the hard disks in the HDDs 1311 to 1315. In the disk array apparatus 110, when data recorded in the HDDs 1311 to 1315 is reproduced, the data is reproduced from the HDDs 1311 to 1315 by the disk array controller 130. The reproduced data is arranged in the same order as the order upon input, formed as a collection of data, and outputted as reproduction data D0.
In the disk array apparatus 110, in order to reduce the influence of seek (seeking operation) time of data in the HDDs 1311 to 1315, a certain amount (for example, few tens of frames) of data has to be accessed (read/written) in a lump per time.
Meanwhile, in the data recording and reproducing apparatus represented by the AV server 100, there is a case that variable speed reproduction of recorded data is desired to be performed. In this case, the data recording and reproduced apparatus of the related art has problems such that information necessary for the variable speed reproduction at a desired speed cannot be obtained and an information dropout occurs in a reproduction image due to the variable speed reproduction for the following reasons.
For example, in the data recording and reproducing apparatuses according to the RAID-0 and RAID-3 methods, data is written/read in parallel to/from HDDs on a unit image basis. In case of performing the variable speed reproduction, it takes time to seek image data to be reproduced next (for example, about 10 to 20 msec) every unit image. As the data reading speed, for example, the performance of about 3 frames/100 msec is the limit. In the AV server 100 which is basically multi-accessible, therefore, data can be outputted only with the performance of about few frames/second. There is consequently a problem such that information of 30 frames/second which is normally necessary cannot be acquired.
For example, in a data recording and reproducing apparatus employing RAID-5, since each unit image is recorded in individual HDD, different from the RAID-0 and RAID-3 methods, a problem caused by the seek operation does not occur. For example, however, in case of reproducing continuous frame data of frames F1, F2, F3, . . . at double speed, skipped data of frames F1, F3, F5, F7, F9, . . . is outputted, so that there is a problem such that information of data of frames F2, F4, F6, F8, . . . is not outputted. For example, in case of reproducing data at quadruple speed, data of frames F1, F5, F9, . . . is outputted and information is further dropped out. Consequently, as the reproduction speed increases, the dropout in information becomes larger. Such an information dropout similarly occurs in the RAID-0 and RAID-3 methods.
In case of performing the variable speed reproduction in a VCR, there is a part called a guard band which is not magnetized between recording tracks on a video tape. Although there is a gap in a recording area, information regarding all of frames is included in a divided state in the reproduction image. Consequently, for example, there is an advantage such that information recorded instantaneously in the image like an image of a flashed part can be retrieved while performing a variable speed reproduction. On the other hand, in the data recording and reproducing apparatus, since a dropout in the information occurs on a frame unit basis, in case of retrieving a specific scene during the variable speed reproduction, there is a case that the target scene cannot be retrieved for the reason as described above.
The present invention is achieved in consideration of the problems and its object is to provide a data recording and reproducing apparatus and method capable of easily obtaining information which has few dropout and is necessary for variable speed reproduction at the time of variable speed reproduction.
A data recording and reproducing apparatus according to the invention comprises: data dividing means for dividing input image data into a plurality of parts on a predetermined data unit basis, thereby generating data divided in a plurality of groups; recording and reproducing means for recording the divided data onto a plurality of recording media divided in a plurality of groups in correspondence with the number of groups of the divided data and reproducing the recorded divided data as required; image data forming means for forming desired image data on the basis of the divided data reproduced by the recording and reproducing means; and control means for controlling the recording and reproducing means so that the divided data of each group is recorded onto the recording media of the different groups respectively, while the relation between the groups of the divided data and the groups of the recording media is periodically changed in a predetermined pattern on the predetermined data unit basis.
A data recording and reproducing method according to the invention comprises the steps of: dividing input image data into a plurality of parts on a predetermined data unit basis, thereby generating data divided in a plurality of groups; recording the divided data onto a plurality of recording media on a group unit basis so as to be recorded onto the recording media of a different group respectively, while periodically changing the relation between the groups of the divided data and the groups of a plurality of recording media grouped in correspondence with the number of groups of the divided data, and reproducing the recorded divided data as required; and forming desired image data on the basis of the divided data reproduced.
In the recording and reproducing apparatus of the invention, input image data is divided into a plurality of parts on a predetermined data unit basis by the data dividing means. The recording and reproducing means is controlled by the control means to record the divided data in groups onto the recording media of different groups while periodically changing the relation between the groups of the divided data and the groups of the plurality of recording media grouped in correspondence with the number of groups of the divided data in a predetermined pattern on the predetermined data unit basis.
In the data recording and reproducing method according to the invention, input image data is divided into a plurality of parts on a predetermined data unit basis, thereby forming divided data divided in a plurality of groups. Recording is performed to the plurality of recording media so that the divided data is recorded on a group unit basis into the recording media of different groups while the relation between the groups of the divided data and the groups of the plurality of recording media divided into a plurality of groups in correspondence with the number of groups of the divided data is periodically changed in a predetermined pattern on a predetermined data unit basis, the recorded divided data is reproduced as required, and desired image data is formed on the basis of the reproduced divided data.
Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description.

Data recording and reproducing apparatus and method


A variety of light-emitting devices are disclosed that are configured to output light provided by a light-emitting element (LEE). In general, embodiments of the light-emitting devices feature two or more light-emitting elements, a scattering element that is spaced apart from the light-emitting elements, an extractor element coupled to the scattering element, and a reflective element that is configured and arranged to reflect light emitted from the light-emitting elements.

Historically, many lighting system luminaires have relied upon a single light source and single primary reflector and in some implementations, a single final primary diffuser or "window" that surrounds the light source and creates some type of illumination pattern, such as spot light or area light depending upon the photometric needs in a given application. The light source was generally a nominally 4 pi steradian emitter from either a filament or an electric discharge arc contained in one, or more, volumetric enclosures (e.g., light bulbs.) Given the lack of control over the spatial emission pattern and fixed spectral content inherent in the underlying technologies, the luminaire designer has usually relied upon the creation of a fairly large proximate optical system around the light source to achieve a desired, relatively invariant photometric distribution. This single light source to one function paradigm has prevailed in the lighting industry for well over a century.
With the advent of high efficiency light-emitting diode (LED) sources, as known in the art, it is possible to obtain large light flux packages including LED die material (e.g., about 1 mm2) along with an appropriate wavelength converting material (e.g., phosphor) placed in proximity to the die to create a composite light spectrum that is close to the Planckian locus. As commonly known in the art, the Planckian locus is also referred to as the black body locus, which mathematically refers to the set of points that characterize light emitted by a black body radiator as a function of the temperature of the black body in a particular chromaticity coordinate space. These packages are now showing efficacies in the range of 150 lumens/watt such that, for example, a 1 watt device can be capable of producing 150 lumens of light or about ¼th of the flux of a standard 60 watt incandescent lamp. If these individual sources are differentiated and/or operated differentially then it is possible to piecewise electronically parse a previously larger lighting function into smaller functions in both spectral and spatial respects.
Arrays of powerful compact LED dies or array packages are also available that can provide high granularity of control as desired for various applications. Some LED dies can have a high current density with high surface exitance in the shorter wavelength blue, or even ultraviolet, regions of the spectrum such that high optical energy densities can be achieved with less than 0.2 mm2 of material, for example. As epitaxial materials improve in terms of external quantum efficiencies and energy densities, smaller elements of light can be harnessed in efficient optical structures.
Therefore, a reduction in the size of the finished optical structure is possible, and hence the etendue of the light source which can be advantageously used to create better optically controlled systems using less material at much lower costs to the final application. The use of an LED is but one example of a "light emitting element" otherwise known as an "LEE" which includes Light Emitting Diodes, laser diodes, superluminescent diodes, or organic light emitting diodes and other compact semiconducting devices as are known in the art.

Light-emitting devices with reflective elements


A swing apparatus is adapted to receive the installation of a variety of infant holding devices, such as portable infant seats and bassinets. The infant holding device can be desirably installed and removed from the swing apparatus. In certain embodiments, the support frame of the swing apparatus can be provided with a detector adapted to provide information about the installed infant holding device, in particular an identified type thereof. According to this information, the output of a motion drive unit that is operable to swing the infant holding device can be adjusted to set a suitable swing motion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a swing apparatus, and more particularly to a swing apparatus and system and methods of driving the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Caregivers usually rely on a swing apparatus to facilitate the care of an infant or young child. The swing apparatus can be used to provide a comfortable, safe and entertaining environment to the child. Conventionally, a swing apparatus is made up of a seat or child support that can securely hold the child, and a frame having swing arms from which the seat or child support is suspended. The swing arms are pivotally connected to the frame so as to be able to swing the seat back and forth. In order to meet the preference of the child and caregiver, it may be desirable to have a swing apparatus that can accommodate a variety of detachable child supports. Moreover, to provide optimal comfort the motor output of the swing apparatus has to be properly controlled to generate a suitable swing motion.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved swing apparatus that can drive swing motion in an adjustable manner, and address at least the foregoing issues.

Swing apparatus and control system and method therefor


A heat pump circuit is installed into the inner cavity of a chimney venting the combustion gases of a burner servicing a dwelling with the exterior heat pump coil mounted in an annular gap formed around the upper chimney end. A fan driven by the chimney draft augmented by the burner then rotates an exterior rank of blade segments above the annular space to draw ambient air across the exterior coil. A set of gated apertures in the chimney wall both above and below the flue damper then directs zoned airflows up into the chimney and across the inner coil that is deployed at the lower interior chimney opening with the air heated in a chamber surrounding the burner either selectively routed into the chimney to further increase the chimney draft or routed into the dwelling for warmth.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to heat exchange systems, and more particularly to powered heat exchangers, or heat pumps, conformed to extend within a chimney for effecting heat exchange between the interior and exterior ends thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
At the core of all human freedom is the convenience that one obtains through the assistance of external energy. Starting with fire, thereafter followed by the water wheel and all the other energy harnessing developments, this drive for freedom has served as the consistent forcing mechanism for most of our technological advancements. Recently, however, the phase lag between the efficiencies of energy use and the growth trends in the Earth's population have resulted in an exponentially increasing demand on all sources of energy and, of course, this increasing demand was then closely followed by exponential increases in energy price. This exponential energy cost burden, directly associated with population density increases, is now the principal constraint on the choices available to the energy user and has become the primary constraint on all human choices.
One reason for this narrowing of constraints is the inherent mismatch between the energy use efficiency of the devices currently assisting human activity and the exponential increase in energy price. For example, we have all grown accustomed in our past to the need of a fireplace, or a stove, and the ubiquitous chimney structure associated therewith that is now found in most residential buildings. At one time this inefficient mechanism for home heating was the prevailing standard which now provides a massive phase lag or inertia for any new development. Simply, the cost decisions involved in the design of a dwelling at an earlier time are wholly inapposite in the new constraints just a few years later. Nonetheless such phase lags persist and one aspect of all enlightened energy use development entails the convenience with which this existing architecture is adapted to the later developed use.
In the past various systems have been devised which in one way or another attempt to marry a heating or cooling device with a fireplace. Examples of such combinations can be found in the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,263 issued to Stinnett; U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,118 to Haynes; U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,890 to Thomas, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,408 to Shimek, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,918 to Marelli; and others. While suitable for the purposes intended each of the foregoing focuses on the fireplace structure as the accommodation mechanism and does not utilize to full advantage the vertical gas column of the chimney associated therewith.
Those in the art will appreciate that the fundamentals of all thermodynamic exchange entail the fourth power of the temperature difference for radiative heat transfer and a third power effect for all convective transfer. Heat loss or gain is therefore exponentially related to temperature difference and the temperature difference between the gas column within a chimney and its ambient environment is the primary parameter for producing convective chimney drafts. Of course, this draft exists only with positive temperature differences as the fireplace-chimney mechanism is a development pre-dating the evolution of the compression-expansion cycle associated with reversible heat pumps. Efficient utilization of this earlier ubiquitous one-directional chimney, augmented by a fireplace, combined with the high efficiency heat pumps that are now available is a matter of substantial focus and concern and it is one such combination that is disclosed herein.

Fireplace augmented chimney heat exchange system


The huge market of smartphones demands a vast number of applications with varying capabilities. For this, it is desirable that capabilities of two or more pieces of executables will be delivered together. However, several operation systems, such as Apple iOS, do not allow downloading an application with more than one binary executable file. The purpose of this invention is to allow merging of several, two or more, pieces of binary executables, without an access to any of which source code. The merging process will handle the addressing environment required for correct code operation—creating a single virtual memory space and adapting the binding addresses, offset addresses and base addresses. This will enable executing all desired functionality from a single piece of a binary executable which can be downloaded as a single application from the app store. Problems of existing mobile OSes for application downloading will be resolved.

The traditional way for adding functionality to existing executable is for the source code to dynamically import subroutines from a library (e.g. DLL), or to use a static library and link to it through the linking process. These methods require an access to the source code.
Other methods allow the user to call for new functionality during run time—not preparing a new downloadable code.
Other method are about automatically analyzing the source code and adapting it—again, a knowledge and access to the source code are required.

Method and a system for merging several binary executables