A temperature compensating or offsetting magnetically coupled pressure sender comprises a pressure responsive element coupled to a rotating permanent magnet via a temperature sensitive element. The sender is intended to relay a pressure reading from within sealed vessels, including vehicle tires, without requiring penetration the wall of the vessel. In vehicular applications, the recommended pressure is usually stated for xe2x80x9ccoldxe2x80x9d tires. Operating a vehicle heats up its tires and increases their pressure, which may produce a misleading indication. Pressure senders described in this invention have temperature compensating or offsetting elements built in to the pressure senders so that the indicated pressure is always referenced to a xe2x80x9ccoldxe2x80x9d tire. Spiral or helical metallic strips or elastomeric members may be employed as the temperature compensating or offsetting elements.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to remote pressure sensing, specifically using pressure transducers that rotate permanent magnets mechanically from within sealed vessels, including tires, to sensors responsive to the direction of a magnetic field.
2. Description of Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,006 to Burns discloses a remote pressure reporting system comprising (1) an in-tire magnetic pressure sending apparatus wherein a permanent magnet is rotated mechanically in response to pressure plus (2) a remote magnetic pressure reading apparatus mounted containing sensors responsive to magnetic field direction U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,771 also to Burns discloses another magnetically coupled tire pressure reporting system based on a novel magnetooptic display attached to the outer tire wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,232 to Wetterhorn describes a magnetically coupled pressure readout based on rotating a magnet in response to pressure using a Bourdon tube and sensing that rotation with a magnetic compass. Bourdon gauges are fragile, complex, and produce relatively week forces. Accordingly, Bourdon tube mechanisms are not well suited for supporting appreciable magnet masses and for overcoming friction. In fact, forces generated by the interaction of the earth""s magnetic field with a supported magnet can exceed those available from Bourdon tube mechanisms. Bourdon mechanisms are too fragile for employment in vehicle tires. Additionally, the Wetterhorn transducer does not include a means for temperature compensation or offsetting.
Angular coupling between rotating elements on shafts via magnetic fields is generally well known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,792 to Hurst et al, describes a coupling mechanism wherein permanent magnet pairs are incorporated into coaxial shafts to provide an instantaneous indication of the orientation of a rotating shaft internal to a motor vehicle engine. Such coupling mechanisms employ multiple permanent magnets, oriented pole-face to pole-face. In these types of devices, magnetic coupling between the pole faces of paired permanent magnets aligns the xe2x80x9coutputxe2x80x9d shaft with the xe2x80x9cinputxe2x80x9d shaft. To be effective, such mechanisms require narrow gaps between the pole faces of the respective magnet. These types of devices are hermetically encapsulated for protection from environmental debris and require penetration of the engine wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,777,565 to Munier et al. describes a sealed water or fluid meter with continuously rotating permanent magnets driven by impellers on input shafts magnetically coupled to magnets on outputs shafts for inducing synchronized rotation. The rotation per unit time of the output shaft indicates the flow rate. Angular displacements (errors) between the xe2x80x9cinputxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9coutputxe2x80x9d shafts are tolerated and even increase torque coupling from the input magnet to the output magnet.
Numerous devices include mechanisms moving a permanent magnet in response pressure or other force to induce a sensed effect in a material responsive to variation in magnetic field strength. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,006,402 to Mincuzzi, U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,886 to Koppers, et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,292 to Dekrone, each describe a device based on either magnetoresistance and magnetic saturation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,955 to Iwasaki describes a mechanism that exploits variation in the incremental permeability of a magnetically soft material. Devices based on the sensing the strength of a magnetic field rather than field direction typically require a narrow spacing between the sensor and magnet and are very sensitive to changes in spacing, small misalignments, and extraneous magnetic fields. Accordingly, such devices generally require careful and extensive calibration before measurements are made.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,982 to Gault describes a tire pressure monitoring system where a stationary Hall-effect sensor measures spacing between a fixed magnet and a second magnet moveable in response to a linear pressure actuator. Changes in spacing between the magnets affect features of the combined magnetic field pattern. Variation in the combined pattern is determined from signal waveforms generated as the spaced magnets, rotating with a wheel, sweep by a stationary sensor. This device requires close coupling between magnet and sensor and penetration into the pressurized interior of the tire and rim. There are no temperature compensation or offsetting means.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,725 to Furuichi et al. describes a mechanism that penetrates a tire rim wherein a piston-driven screw rotates a permanent magnet. The strength of the magnetic field is detected by a stationary Hall-effect sensor that is mounted transversely to the magnet rotation axis. This type of device typically shares the same problems as the other devices that depend on sensing magnetic field strength rather than rotation. Again, there are no temperature compensation or offsetting means.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,629 to Geist describes a hermetically sealed mechanism for sensing linear displacements of a ferromagnetic armature (e.g., a single turn in a coil spring) according to the attractive force on freely rotating magnet. Disadvantages inherent in this type of device relate to the small distances required between the armature and the magnet, to the small amount of rotational displacement of the magnet produced, and to inadvertent magnetization of the armature.
Other examples of remote pressure reporting mechanisms involve changes in electromagnetic induction or inductive coupling between active elements. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,508 to Takahashi utilizes a form of time-varying (alternating current) electrical excitation. Disadvantages of these types of devices relate to the need to provide a source of operating power within the pressure container and to inadvertent production of eddy currents in nearby conductive materials that will distort the desired field. These types of devices do not sense magnetic field direction.
Still other concepts of remote pressure sensing involve a change the state indicator responding a preset pressure level. For example. U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,175 to Sitabkhan describes switching a magnetically susceptible need in response to pressure actuated displacement of a magnet. U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,293 to Tsuda et al. describes a conventional bellows actuated mechanism that uses a fixed and a moveable magnet to switch the orientation of a third magnet. U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,135 to Fioretta et al. describes use of magnetic coupling to switch the state of a transducer from producing to not producing a signal. These types of mechanisms are incapable of producing a continuous output responsive to pressure.
Other examples of remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure involve wireless or telemetric transmission or data. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,804 to McClelland describes a radio transmitter that sends data collected and stored in a memory device within a tire to an external receiver. This active device requires a source of electrical energy (a battery) inside the tire. Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,038 to Schramm et al. proposes a scheme where an external oscillator circuit generates electromagnetic signals coupling to and energizing a second oscillator within the tire, which changes state responsive to tire pressure and/or other sensed parameters.
Several mechanisms besides Bourdon tubes have been proposed for converting pressure or force into rotary motion, For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,307,928 to Petlock describes a helical bellows for imparting rotational displacement when compressed mechanically in order to make an improved electrical contact. A single, high pitch helical lead is employed because the desired rotational translation is small. U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,670 to Wu describes the use of a spiral screw to convert linear displacement from a conventional bellows to actuate a directly viewed rotary dial or pointer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,170 to Lia at al. describes a blood pressure apparatus that uses a diaphragm bellows and a compressible helical ribbon spring to rotate a dial pointer. None of these types of device employs magnetic coupling for remote sensing. Once again, there are no temperature compensation or offsetting means.
In accordance with the present invention a temperature compensated or offsetting magnetically coupled pressure sender comprises a pressure responsive element coupled to a rotating permanent magnet by means of a temperature sensitive element. The sender is intended to relay a pressure reading from within sealed vessels, including vehicle tires, without requiring penetration the wall of the pressure vessel. In vehicular applications, the recommended pressure is usually stated for xe2x80x9ccoldxe2x80x9d tires. Operating a vehicle heats up its tires and increases tire pressure, which may produce an erroneous indication. Pressure senders described in this invention have temperature-compensating or offsetting elements built in to the pressure senders so that the indicated pressure is always referenced to a xe2x80x9ccoldxe2x80x9d tire.
The primary advantage of the invented sender relates to the ease of providing compensation for temperature effects on the pressure within a sealed container as reported by a magnetically coupled pressure transducer.
Other advantages of the invented temperature-compensating sender are in its simplicity and robustness.
Still other advantages of the invented temperature-compensation sender are in its small size and weight.
A particular utility of the invented temperature-compensating sender is that vehicular safety is enhanced substantially by accurate tire pressure reporting that compensates for tire temperatures differing from the xe2x80x9ccoldxe2x80x9d reference value.
Still further advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

Temperature-offsetting magnetically coupled pressure sender


A system includes at least two discs that rotate about a central axis. The system also includes an actuator mechanism that is configured to position transducing heads and at least one filter disposed between two discs to filter airflow.

Disc drives are common data storage devices. A typical disc drive includes a rigid housing that encloses a variety of disc drive components. The components include a plurality of discs having data surfaces that are coated with a medium for storage of digital information in a plurality of circular, concentric data tracks. The discs are mounted on a spindle motor that causes the discs to spin and the data surfaces of the discs to pass under the aerodynamic bearing of the sliders. The is sliders carry transducers, which write information to and read information from the data surfaces of the discs.
To increase recording density, it has become desirable to reduce the fly height over the disc. However, during disc drive operation, the volume of air in the head disc interface (HDI) should be void of contaminants. Serious damage to the disc and a loss of data can result if particles become present in the head disc interface (HDI). Contaminants, such as particles loosely held to the drive components can dislodge and enter the air stream. For example, particles in the HDI can cause performance problems such as media defects, thermal asperities, sanction, or catastrophic drive failure. Further, particles in the HDI can reach the trailing edge (TE) of the slider and damage the sensitive read/write transducers. Even if the disc drive was built free of contaminants, particles can generate whenever at least two disc drive components come in contact.
Disc drives contain filtration systems to protect the disc from these particles. A filtration system generally contains sub-systems such as a recirculation filter, a carbon adsorber, a breather filter and a diffusion path. In addition, air dams and air guides are positioned between the discs to push air from the central axis of the discs towards the recirculation filter and to laminate the airflow. In spite of the use of a variety of different kinds of filtration systems, a portion of the air in the air stream never makes it to the recirculation filter and is recirculated between the discs. This make up air can contain contamination and recirculate over the disc many times before escaping a shroud that surrounds the discs.
Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to these and/or other problems and offer other advantages over the prior art.

Air stream filtration system adjacent a rotational element of a data storage device


A tool head is provided that can easily correct the shape of a tooth surface. Slot holes are formed in a main head body, that tilt either distally or proximately to the central axis of rotation (CAR) of the main head body. Concave tooth surface blades for cutting concave tooth surfaces are installed in the slot holes that tilt distally, and convex tooth surface blades for cutting convex tooth surfaces are formed in the slot holes that tilt proximately. By changing the amount that the concave or convex tooth surface blades protrude, the cutting portions of the concave or convex tooth surface blades are moved in either distal or proximate directions. By changing the distance from the CAR to the cutting portions in this manner, it is possible to correct the shape of the concave or convex tooth surfaces of a bevel gear.

Bevel gears, such as hypoid gears having curved teeth, are cut using a disk shaped tool head that comprises a plurality of blades (for example, refer to patent documents 1, 2 and 3). This kind of tool head is used by attaching the tool head to a tooth cutter, and by controlling the tool head and the work such that they have a specified positional relationship, it is possible to cut concave tooth surfaces or convex tooth surfaces having a specified shape into the work.


A method of fiber production relating in general to electrospinning and specifically to MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Structures). Utilizing integrated circuit manufacturing processes, a nanoscale, self-contained device has been developed to execute the process of electrospinning large arrays of fibers and fiber arrays. One of the benefits of using the disclosed MEMS device is that the voltage required to produce a “so called” Taylor Cone would is substantially reduced and the requirement of a hydrostatic feed negated through the use of passive capillarity based wick surface treatment.

1. Field of Invention
This method of fiber production relates in general to electrospinning and specifically to MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Structures). Using current integrated circuit manufacturing processes, it is feasible that a tiny, compact, self-contained device could be constructed to carry out the process of electrospinning fibers. One of the great benefits of using a MEMS device is that the voltage required to produce a "so called" Taylor Cone would be substantially reduced, and the hydrostatic feed system could be incorporated into the MEMS device through the use of passive wick technology. The incorporation of holey fibers into a MEMS device will also be discussed. The electrospray needle sources could be easily fabricated to produce co-axial arrangements to permit the electrospinning of two or more chemical compounds to form unique and complex fibers.
2. Background Description of Prior Art
There are several current methods of producing fibers for later use in various products; however, there is no easy way to mechanically produce microfibers (10−6 m mean diameter) and even smaller nanofibers (10−9 m mean diameter). The microfibers are fibers with a mean diameter of millionths of a meter (um) and the nanofibers are fibers with a mean diameter of billionths of a meter (nm). To give an example of how small that is, a standard sheet of printer paper has an average thickness of about 0.003″ or 0.0762 mm, which is equal to 76.2 μm and 76,200 nm. The wavelength of red light is equal to approx. 690 nm. It is all but impossible to construct a mechanical means or spinning a fiber that has a mean diameter of micrometers, let alone nano-meters! One simple way to do this impossible feat is to use the proven technology of electrospray. Through the use of electrospray technology incorporated into a MEMS device, it is possible to produce an extremely fine fiber that meets this criterion of producing micrometer and nanometer sized diameters.

Method of utilizing MEMS based devices to produce electrospun fibers for commercial, industrial and medical use


There are provided para-ordered aromatic heterocyclic copolymers having repeating groups of the following formulas: ##STR1## wherein a, b, c, d, and e are positive integers, each representing an average number of the respective different recurring units present in the repeating group, m and n are 1 or 2, R and R' are alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Q is a benzobisazole group of the formula: ##STR2## wherein Y is --O--, --S--, or --NH--. In the copolymers wherein m or n is 2, the R or R' groups can be the same or different. In copolymer I, the ratio a:b can be about 1:1 to 99:1. In copolymer II, the ratio c:(d+e) can be about 1:1 to 99:1, and the ratio d:e can be aobut 1:99 to 99:1.

This invention relates to crosslinkable, para-ordered aromatic heterocyclic copolymers.
In general, the class of aromatic heterocyclic extended chain copolymers are well known for their outstanding thermal, physical and chemical properties. These copolymers generally exhibit excellent modulus and tenacity properties, but lack good properties when in compression, which limits their use as reinforcing structural fibers.
In Tsai et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,246, dated May 30, 1989, we disclose para-ordered aromatic heterocyclic polymers having pendant benzazole groups. These polymers exhibit improved compressive properties. Further research into para-ordered aromatic heterocyclic polymers has provided copolymers which are crosslinkable without degradation of the main copolymer backbone.
It is an object of the present invention to provide novel crosslinkable rigid-rod aromatic heterocyclic copolymers.
Other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed disclosure of the invention.

Crosslinkable rigid-rod benzobisazole copolymer

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


The present invention discloses a projector comprising: a lamp module for receiving therein a lamp as a light source; an enclosure fixing said lamp module therein such that an optical axis of said lamp module is kept in a predetermined direction; two positioning pins provided on said lamp module and inserted into positioning holes made in a vertical direction to said enclosure for controlling movement of said lamp module in a horizontal plane; and a first rib provided on said enclosure as extended inward from an inner wall of a ceiling plate and second ribs provided on said enclosure as extended inward from an inner wall of a bottom plate, said lamp module is fixed in said enclosure and secured by one screw while said lamp module is positioned within a horizontal plane by said positioning pins, and further is vertically supported between said first rib and second ribs.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a projector.
(2) Description of Related Art
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a related projector. In FIG. 8, a projector 1 is configured of a lamp module 3 having received therein a lamp 3a as a light source disposed toward the front face side of an enclosure 2, an engine module 4 generating an image on the basis of light from the lamp, and a projecting lens 5 for projecting the image generated by the engine module 4. Light emitted from the lamp 3a as the light source is passed through the engine module 4 and a DMD 4a to be finally projected from the projecting lens 5. Therefore, the lamp module 3 for fixing the lamp 3a to the enclosure 2 is required to be securely fixed to the enclosure 2 so that the optical axis of light emitted from the light source may not deviate from the right path.
As a conventional method to fix a lamp module 3 to an enclosure 2 so that the optical axis may not deviate, there is known a technology to fixedly position the lamp module 3 in a horizontal direction and vertical direction with the use of a plurality of screws. In the fixation of the lamp module 3 with the use of a plurality of screws, it is naturally required that high positioning accuracy of the lamp module 3 is secured by each screw. Further, in the positioning of the lamp module 3, the datums would not easily match because of tolerances of the screws relative to their respective female screws and therefore the assembling work has taken a lot of trouble.
As a conventional method for fixing a lamp module to an enclosure such that the optical axis dose not deviate from a right path, there is known one having positioning planes arranged to support therebetween the upper and lower faces of the lamp module, a convexity formed on a face opposite to the light emitting face of the lamp module, and a coil spring to abut on the convexity when the lamp module is received into the enclosure. In this configuration, after the lamp module has been controlled in its vertical movement by the positioning faces, it is retained in place with the coil spring abutting on the convexity (refer to JU-3092161).
Also, to simplify the work of fixing and removing a lamp module to and from an enclosure with use of fixing screws, there is disclosed a method, which does not use tools but has ribs, coming into engagement with the fixing screws, formed on a lid, so that the fixing screws may be tightened or loosened by the ribs on the lid (refer to JP-A-2004-347789).
Further, there is disclosed a method to fix a lamp module to an enclosure by forming bosses on the lamp module and forming, opposite thereto, a slip preventing member on the side of the enclosure (refer to JP-A-2005-43603).
In the invention of the above mentioned patent document 1, since the positioning faces are provided by the inner wall of the enclosure and the lamp module is only supported therebetween, there has been a problem that the optical axis of the lamp module is easily deviated by a shock when for example the projector is dropped.
The invention disclosed in the patent document 2 is just for facilitating removal of the lamp module from the enclosure and therefore the deviation of the optical axis of light emitted from the lamp module cannot be prevented.
Further, in the case of the patent document 3, it was required to provide slip preventing members in the enclosure, and therefore, the shape of the enclosure receiving the lamp module therein naturally became complicated to take unnecessary cost for manufacturing the enclosure.


A vehicular suspension system has a hanger to attach beneath a vehicle, a rocker pivoted at a first end to the hanger and attached proximate a second end to an axle, a shock absorber extending between the hanger and an intermediate position on the rocker, as well as likely a spring on the rocker's second end to push up against the overhead vehicle. The suspension system incorporates an axle saddle configured for more strongly welding to the axle, as well as a composite construction for the rocker to make a tube and thereby achieve a more strongly welded connection to the axle saddle. The suspension system further incorporates a rocker-to-hanger rocking axis alignment subsystem as well as a shock-absorber protection subsystem.

The invention relates vehicular suspension systems and, more particularly, to those employing longitudinally trailing rocker or control beams. An example typical use environment includes without limitation heavy-duty, over-the-road trailers having tandem dual, triple, or quadruple and so on axles rated at a unit axle capacity of 25,000 pounds (˜10,000 kilos) each.
It is an object of the invention to provide an axle saddle design that provides an enhanced, stronger welded connection to the wheel axle.
It is an alternate object of the invention to provide a design for the trailing rocker- or control-beams so that they also provide an enhanced, stronger welded connection to the axle saddle.
It is another object of the invention to provide a rebound limiter subsystem which protects a shock absorber for said vehicular suspension system from potentially damaging instances of over-extension all at the same time as being completely contained within the vehicular suspension system itself, without requiring connection or coupling to extraneous parts such as either the vehicle frame, which forms no part of the invention, or the axle-and-wheel package, which likewise forms no part of the invention.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide the trailing rocker- or control-beam with an alignment subsystem in order to afford installers and/or end users the opportunity to adjust the alignment of the trailing rocker- or control-beam's rocking axis relative the vehicle.
A number of additional features and objects will be apparent in connection with the following discussion of preferred embodiments and examples.


Method of burn-in power optimization which includes: testing integrated circuit devices to record a performance speed for each of the integrated circuit devices; categorizing each integrated circuit device by a selective voltage binning (SVB) process into a voltage bin according to the performance speed of the integrated circuit device; performing a burn-in operation on each of the integrated circuit devices while toggling an SVB performance monitor on each of the integrated circuit devices; testing the plurality of integrated circuit devices after the burn-in operation; categorizing each integrated circuit device into the SVB voltage bin according to the performance speed of the integrated circuit device after the burn-in operation; when the SVB voltage bin after the burn-in operation corresponds to an SVB voltage bin having a slower performance speed than before the burn-in operation, changing the SVB voltage bin to the slower performance speed.

The present invention generally relates to selective voltage binning (SVB) of integrated circuits and, more particularly, relates to resetting the SVB bin after burn-in.
Power consumption of integrated circuit devices (e.g., complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS)) consists of two components: dynamic power (i.e., active power) and leakage power (i.e., static power). Dynamic power is the power generated by switching the state of a device (i.e., changing the binary state of one or more device components from high to low or low to high). It is a function of capacitance, voltage, and switching frequency (e.g., P=CVnF, where P is the dynamic power, C is the effective switch capacitance, V is the supply voltage, n is a coefficient greater than or equal to 2, and F is the switching frequency). Leakage power is the power consumed by a device when it is powered but not switching. In an integrated circuit device composed primarily of metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors, the leakage power varies exponentially from the fast to the slow end of the allowed process window distribution and exponentially as a function of the supply voltage.
Performance for a given semiconductor design varies as a function of the voltage at circuit level. The voltage seen at circuit level is the power supply voltage adjusted for the IR drop associated with the package and on chip circuits. Higher performance is seen at higher voltages and lower performance is seen at lower voltages.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A device for controlling vehicles having a manual control unit configured to influence the direction of movement of a vehicle. The manual control unit provides, in a neutral position of the manual control unit, a trim point to determine a preferred direction of movement. The device further includes a force generating device, generating at least one force acting in the direction of the neutral position of the manual control unit; a trim coupling operable to reduce the at least one force acting on the manual control unit; and a trim control unit configured to store and retain the trim point existing prior to an operation of the trim coupling.

If a flight controller or an autopilot (Automatic Flight Control System, AFCS) is used, these artificial breakout forces are used to support the input of AFCS actuator signals into the aircraft control system. The forces that can be applied to the control system by such an autopilot are thus limited by these artificial breakout forces of the control system.
Overcoming the artificial breakout force or movement in the region of the force gradient is generally assessed by the AFCS computer as being an intended intervention by the pilot in the control, and thus results in temporary degradation of the AFCS operating mode in order to prevent the pilot and the AFCS from working against each other. Depending on the type of aircraft and the current flight situation, degradation of the AFCS operating mode can take place to a different extent in this arrangement. For example complete degradation of the autopilot is imaginable so that control of the aircraft takes place exclusively as a result of the manual control intervention of the pilot. However, partial degradation of the autopilot is also imaginable, in which the aircraft continues to be stabilised by the autopilot, while the pilot with manual control intervention handles the coarse control input, for example the flight direction.
This design is associated with an advantage in that it provides the pilot with a direct intervention option in the control and in unequivocal automatic degradation of the AFCS operating mode in favour of manual control by the pilot. Consequently situations can be prevented in which the AFCS and the pilot unintentionally work against each other, which might otherwise lead to critical flight situations. However, such a direct intervention option for the pilot requires moderate breakout forces in order to make comfortable manual control possible. The entire breakout forces are composed of the component friction in the control system and the additional artificial breakout forces to support the autopilot. Since the entire breakout forces are to be overcome by the pilot, there is a disadvantage in that in the case of substantial undesirable component friction it is only possible to select slight artificial breakout forces to support the autopilot, and consequently this result in high sensitivity of the system to any unintended intervention by the pilot. This can result in unintended bumping against the control device, or unintended fixing of the control device by the pilot possibly resulting in degradation of the autopilot, without this being intended and/or noticed by the pilot. Furthermore, as has already been mentioned, slight artificial breakout forces also limit the forces that can be exerted on the control system by the autopilot in the AFCS mode.
In other designs the AFCS remains active until such time as it is degraded by the pilot with the use of a switch or a contact sensor on the control device. This design advantageously results in improved robustness to unintended pilot intervention, but this advantage is counterbalanced by a disadvantage in that the absence of automatic degradation during pilot intervention, which as has already been mentioned may lead to critical flight situations. Activating the switch or the contact sensor on the control device generally results in decoupling of the trim coupling, as a result of which a trim motor, by way of which the AFCS intervenes in the control system, is decoupled from the control system. Such decoupling generally also results in a reduction in the breakout forces, e.g. by partial or complete decoupling of the artificial breakout forces. The pilot is then in a position to carry out manual control of the aircraft with reduced breakout forces. Furthermore, it is possible to use increased artificial breakout forces in the AFCS mode and thus to increase the range of forces for the autopilot because manual control by the pilot takes place with partial or complete decoupling of these artificial breakout forces. However, decoupling of the trim motor generally also results in the loss of the original trim point, which is often perceived by the pilot as being disagreeable because after termination of manual intervention the trim point has to be set anew.
Furthermore, combined embodiments exist in which degradation of the autopilot can take place both by way of direct intervention by the pilot in the control system by overcoming the entire breakout forces and by activation of a switch or of a contact sensor on the control device. These embodiments are, however, also associated with the already mentioned disadvantages in that the artificial breakout forces that are available to the autopilot for acting on the control system need to be moderate in order to make manual intervention by the pilot possible, and in that during decoupling of the trim coupling the trim point is lost.

Device for switchable pilot control forces


A positioning fixture includes a support base and two clamping assemblies. The support base includes a support surface defining a positioning hole and two sliding slots. The two clamping assemblies are mounted in the two sliding slots respectively, and partly protruding out from the support surface. Each of the clamping assemblies includes a pair of clamping blocks and a pair of elastic members. The pair of clamping blocks is slidably engaged in the corresponding sliding slot. The pair of elastic members is mounted in two ends of the corresponding sliding slot to resist one of the pair of the clamping blocks against the other one of the pair of the clamping blocks, respectively, such that the pair of the clamping blocks is capable of abutting and resisting each other.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to fixtures, and particularly to a positioning fixture for positioning and clamping a piece of raw material during a shearing process.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many fixtures used in a shearing machine are made of copper alloy or aluminum alloy, with substantially rectangular plate shapes. In a shearing process, the fixtures are used as bearing members, and cannot precisely position and clamp a piece of raw material to be sheared, such that the piece of raw material is easily shaken and even destroyed during the shearing process, and the shearing machine may also move as well. Thus, the piece of raw material being clamped during shearing may be wasted, and the shearing efficiency is low.
Therefore, there is room for improvement within the art.


A modular artificial intelligence learning entity (a xe2x80x9cgolemxe2x80x9d) which is replicated many times to form a super-entity that shows intelligent behavior transcending that of its individual constituents. Within the group of golems, individual golems may occupy roles, and are role differentiated, in that structurally identical entities perform different functions and exhibit different behavior depending on their personas and the learning they have completed as driven by other entities. The group of golems is hierarchically organized, in the sense that xe2x80x98superiorxe2x80x99 entities issue policies to xe2x80x98subordinatexe2x80x99 entities. In addition to responding to xe2x80x98sensexe2x80x99 input from its environment, the golem responds to policy requirements set by other entities, including its superiors, and in turn sets policy requirements for its subordinates. Actions of the golem are measured for successful compliance with that golem""s policies by its superior, who directs the golem""s learning process. The super-entity thus gains intelligence through the policy reinforcement occurring in each superior-subordinate relationship. This scheme is well adapted to working over a network with logically separated but communicating golems. Its flexibility allows its application both to single complex problems and to repetitively occurring simple problems. Opportunities for its use arise in operating environments, in simulation and gaming, and in research.

Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
This invention relates to artificial intelligence systems and more particularly to the organization and structure of a plurality of learning artificial intelligence entities.
For purposes of this document, we consider an artificially intelligent (AI) entity as having three defining properties. Two are conventional within the AI discipline; the third is sometimes used and sometimes omitted, depending on the emphasis of the AI effort.
First, an AI entity exhibits complex behavior that affects the world external to itself. It may send control information to electronic or mechanical devices; it may output information to human beings; it may directly alter some property of its environment. Second, an AI entity responds to information about its environment. Its xe2x80x98sensesxe2x80x99 may be electronic readings, digitally coded information, physical movement or any other method of bringing information from outside. In general usage, xe2x80x98complexxe2x80x99 behavior means xe2x80x98non-obviousxe2x80x99 behavior. For example, a simple controller like the governor on a steam engine would not usually be considered artificially intelligent since the source of its response to sensed engine speed is apparent to observation.
AI devices with these two properties exhibit complex behavior in an unchanging way. Examples in widespread current use would be (1) xe2x80x98expert systemsxe2x80x99, where a set of facts and rules is input to an execution device which will then, in the absence of new inputs, give the same answers to the same questions, (2) stock charting systems, where the rules for choosing investments, once defined, make the same recommendations whenever the same patterns appear, and (3) xe2x80x98multi-agent systems,xe2x80x99 AI applications in resource allocation where the xe2x80x98agentsxe2x80x99 are executing fixed algorithms and are given a language or protocol in which to communicate and negotiate with each other.
The third property in the present definition is that the AI entity changes its behavior as a result of experience. That is, the same situation will evoke a different response from the AI entity if the entity has xe2x80x98seen itxe2x80x99 before. We say that such an entity is a xe2x80x98learning AI entityxe2x80x99.
To summarize, an AI entity accepts sense data from its environment, produces complex behavior in response, and as the definition is used here learns from experience.
Current AI in the non-learning sense includes knowledge bases and multi-agent processing schemes. Knowledge bases are organized around collections of information with rules for making inferences and answering queries. Multi-agent schemes combine numerous entities operating on fixed algorithms. Often these aggregations include convenient methods for people to update the algorithms, inference rules and other recipes that govern their behavior. However, the xe2x80x98learningxe2x80x99 is actually happening in their human keepers, but not on the aggregation itself.
Current AI learning technology consists largely of refinements of two basic models developed in the 1960s, as described in the next section.
The Bases of Computer Artificial Intelligence
Single Entity and Scoring Polynomial (Newell, Samuel)
The 1958 paper by Newell, Shaw and Simoni and the 1959 paper by Samuelii laid the groundwork for the single AI entity using the scoring polynomial approach. In Newell, et al., a chess-playing automaton is described. Samuel""s version played checkers. In both cases the xe2x80x98sensesxe2x80x99 consisted of various measures of game positions. In chess, measures like point values of pieces for each side, occupancy of key center squares, control of long files, etc., were used. A move generator created a list of possible chains of moves and countermoves, ending in a list of accessible future positions. Each position had its sense values, and the imputed value of each position was the sum of each sense value multiplied by a factor specific to that sense. Learning, a major factor in the Samuel paper, involved adjusting the factors applied to each sense by applying feedback from positions actually attained.
i Newell, A., J. C. Shaw, and H. A. Simon. 1958. Chess-Playing Programs and the Problem of Complexity. IBM J. Res. Develop. 2:320-25.
ii Samuel, A. L. 1959. Some Studies in Machine Learning Using the Game of Checkers. IBM J. Res. Develop. Pp. 210-229.
The defining characteristics of this model, then, are (1 ) the single entity using a defined set of senses and a scoring polynomial, and (2) reinforcement by adjustment of the sense factors in the polynomial.
Neural Net (Rosenblatt)
The Rosenblattiii model, named the Perceptron, attempted to mimic the action of neurons in animals. It was used in a simple character-recognition activity. A large number of identical cell-like entities, each exhibiting simple behavior, were connected, each to all others. Senses were applied to some cells, which propagated simple on-off pulses to other connected cells. Reinforcement was applied to other cells, which also sent on-off pulses to their connected neighbor cells. Cells receiving pulses would transmit pulses to their own connected neighbors if their total receipts exceeded a threshold value unique to that cell. Learning consisted of adjusting the individual cells"" thresholds based on reinforcement pulses received.
iii Rosenblatt, F. 1958. The Perceptron: A Probabilistic Model for Information Storage and Organization in the Brain, Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, Psychological Review, v.65, No. 6, p. 386-408.
The defining characteristics of the Rosenblatt model, then, are (1) a large number of simple threshold-type cells working with on-off pulses, (2) initial connection of cells to neighbors, and (3) learning by adjustment of thresholds.
Current art encompasses the Newell/Samuel models of single AI entities, which are able to sense environmental input, exhibit complex behavior, and learn through use of various scoring methods. The single-entity scoring polynomial is used in such areas as scoring of loan applications, although in practice the learning process is xe2x80x98frozenxe2x80x99 to prevent unpredictable behavior in a business environment. There is also a great deal of current art based on the Rosenblatt neural net model. Neural net models based on the original Perceptron actually learn in operation in, for example, stock-picking applications. While they have grown in complexity by xe2x80x98layeringxe2x80x99, connecting multiple xe2x80x98simplexe2x80x99 Rosenblatt assemblages, they are still based on the relay-line threshold-activated undifferentiated cell.
There have been no combinations of the single complex learning (Newell) entity into complex assemblages including role differentiation and internally driven learning. However, such an AI super-entity constructed of an arrangement of modular learning AI entities, role differentiated and hierarchically organized, and motivated by policies set for subordinates by their superiors, would more accurately model such super-intelligent entities as communities, teams, societies, or corporations.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a form of AI entity that combines the cooperative aspects of the simple Rosenblatt model with the more sophisticated individual behavior of the Newell-Samuel model, adding to standard modular form the new elements of role differentiation and variation of behavior as a result of experiencexe2x80x94both the direct experience of the entity and that of other entities.
Further, there is a need in the art for a mode of integration of AI entities of this type with other entities, including human beings, in a cooperative network using the same communication structures interchangeably.
Further, there is a need in the art for the learning behavior of the super-entity created by linking numerous AI entities, and the application of this super-entity to complex problems and to simulation of actual multi-entity situations.
The invention is an artificial intelligence entity incorporating a structure not seen in prior art. Specifically, the AI learning entity is modular, so that a single entity is replicated many times to form a super-entity that shows intelligent behavior transcending that of its individual constituents. We refer to the modular AI learning entity as a golemiv (20). It is role differentiated, in that structurally identical entities perform different functions and exhibit different behavior depending on their personasv and the learning they have completed as driven by other entities. Further, the group of golems is hierarchically organized, in the sense that xe2x80x98superiorxe2x80x99 entities issue policies to xe2x80x98subordinatexe2x80x99 entities. The golem responds to xe2x80x98sensexe2x80x99 input from its environment as well as to policy requirements set by other entities.
iv Golem: In Jewish legend, a human being made of clay and given life by supernatural means. Hence, a robot or automaton.
v Persona: The mask worn by a player in ancient Greek comedy and drama. Hence, the set of characteristics associated with a role.
The hierarchical organization of golems in this invention differs from other hierarchical organization schemes. In some such schemes the hierarchically organized entities are not learning entities but obtain changes to their evaluation mechanisms from human input. In other cases, the learning mechanism is artificially restricted and lacks the golem-teach-golem reinforcement mechanism of the present invention. An example of the latter is U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,449 to Manthey on Nov. 22, 1994. In the Manthey patent, a single artificial intelligence system employed a hierarchical scheme of identical AI entities working against discontinuous external inputs (ie, inputs limited to a fixed set of values rather than the continuous variables in the present invention). Further, the inputs were required to be independent and uncorrelated, a requirement not part of the present invention and difficult to meet in many real situations. No variation in persona (i.e., entity capabilities or role differentiation) was included. In contrast, the artificial intelligence entity described here incorporates hierarchical organization of a plurality of golems differentiated in role and potentially in type (i.e., including humans and other AI entities) within a super-entity.
We use several terms to describe how the golems, through differences in persona and hierarchical arrangement, derive individualized behavior despite underlying structural sameness. The xe2x80x9crolexe2x80x9d of a golem is defined by the collection of policies and action types available to it; thus two golems may have identical roles, or may be role differentiated by different policy sets or available action types.
We define a golem""s persona more broadly, as the list of sense statements, actions, and policies it can understand and a corresponding set of weights for turning these lists into rankings of actions which it might choose to take. Thus two golems who share a role can have either identical, or different, personas. We can characterize a golem""s persona as its individualized representation of the role it may share with others. Further, it is through changes to its persona, both self-initiated and initiated by actions of a golem""s superior(s), that a golem implements learning.
In this model the golem can perform actions under its own controlxe2x80x94either direct actions upon its environment or policy actions to its subordinate entities. In contrast with non-learning artificial intelligence, each golem independently learns by using success-failure information, defined in terms of the policies in effect, to modify its future behavior, specifically by modifying its evaluation of alternative actions. Each golem is also presented with a random influx of new, untried sense statements and policies for its use in evaluating and learning. In this hierarchical model, a golem""s success is measured in terms of policies set by its superior, so that overall there is a policy reinforcement loop among entities and role differentiation is supported.
The golem which is the subject of this invention offers an effective method of multiplying the learning capability of simple AI entities through hierarchical organization and reinforcement. It also allows decentralization of an AI process without loss of linked learning capability. This is particularly useful given the current growth in feasibility of networked information structures. Hence, the golem is a useful artificial intelligence tool and thus brings added utility to any context where artificial intelligence is currently applied. Additionally, the golem has significant potential for use as a modeling tool; for example, an AI super-entity constructed of an arrangement of golems, role differentiated and hierarchically organized, and motivated by policies set for subordinates by their superiors, more accurately models real-world super-intelligent entities (e.g., communities, teams, societies, or corporations).
The golem is novel in the current and prior art in that it offers a mode of learning and reinforcement in hierarchical structures without constraints on externally derived inputs (senses) such as that they be mutually exclusive or limited to discontinuous values. It also offers a novel method of reinforcement of AI entities by other AI entities using its hierarchical scheme.
It is helpful to have a concrete example in explaining the invention. The following discussion is directed to a computer apparatus that is able to accept computer-readable data input, store computer-readable data, manipulate computer-readable data, and communicate computer-readable data output; in short, a computer platform onto which the scheme of golems can be encoded.
Modular AI Entity
The invention consists of a modular AI learning entity, which we refer to as a golem (20). A single golem is replicated many times to form a super-entity that shows intelligent behavior transcending that of its individual constituents. Within the group of golems, individual golems occupy roles. One golem may xe2x80x98commandxe2x80x99 several other entities. Not all roles need to be occupied by the golems described here; roles can also be taken by other kinds of AI entities or by human beings, using an interface (such interface fulfilling the function whereby each of said foreign artificially-intelligent entities and human beings can interface with the modular artificial intelligence learning entities).
Hierarchically Organized
The group of entities is hierarchically organized, in the sense that xe2x80x98superiorxe2x80x99 entities issue policies to xe2x80x98subordinatexe2x80x99 entities. However, the hierarchy need not be a simple xe2x80x98treexe2x80x99 hierarchy; more complex arrangements are possible.
Golem Responds to External xe2x80x9cSensexe2x80x9d
Like all AI entities, the golem described here responds to external senses. An example: The golem occupies the role of second baseman in a baseball game. Sense data is: There are men on first and third, the ball is hit to me
Golem Responds to xe2x80x9cPolicy xe2x80x9d Inputs from Other AI Entities
In addition to sense data from the external world, the golem described here responds to policy requirements set by superior entities. In the baseball example, the second baseman""s superior entity (manager) could have said xe2x80x98Choke off runxe2x80x99 or xe2x80x98Try for the double playxe2x80x99. Which policy was in effect would partially determine the second baseman""s action.
Golem Performs Actions
Actions taken by a golem can be either xe2x80x9cdirect actions,xe2x80x9d which have an effect on the golem""s persona or on the external environment, or xe2x80x9cpolicy actions,xe2x80x9d directed toward the golem""s subordinates.
Golem Performs Direct Actions
In this model the golem can perform actions under its own control. It does this either directly or by issuing commands to a non-intelligent device. In the baseball example, the second baseman has some action options: Throw to home, throw to first, throw to third, throw to home, do nothing. The results of direct actions are reflected in the environment, where they can be sensed.
Golem Performs Policy Actions
The golem may also perform policy actions, either by issuing policies to its subordinate entities if it has any, or by directing the reinforcement of successful decision making by its subordinates.
The policies issued by the golem to its subordinates would be determined by the senses available to the issuing golem. In the baseball example the second baseman has no subordinates. The manager has subordinates. Prior to the pitch, the manager might issue xe2x80x98choke off the runxe2x80x99 (say, the team trails by one run in the bottom of the ninth inning). Alternatively, the manager might issue xe2x80x98go for the double playxe2x80x99 (say, the team leads by three in the top of the fifth).
Golem Learns from Success and Failure
The golem performs its own actions and issues policy orders to subordinates in keeping with its own policy orders (received from a superior) and its sense impressions. The intent of these actions is to execute those policies successfully. In the baseball example, the second baseman""s action under the xe2x80x98choke off the runxe2x80x99 policy is successful if no run scores. Under xe2x80x98get the double playxe2x80x99 it is successful if the double play comes off.
Learning, for the golem, then consists of using success-failure information, defined in terms of the policies in effect, to modify the golem""s future behavior. It does this by modifying the golem""s evaluation of alternative actions.
Golem is Role Differentiated
The golem""s role consists of its full set of policies and action types, which it shares with all other golems fulfilling the same role. Golems with access to differing policies or action types are thereby role-differentiated. A golem, moreover, executes its role by considering the sense statements available to it and evaluating which actions to take through use of its own set of weights. This combination of its role together with its defined sense statements and set of weights constitutes the golem""s persona, and it is the persona that allows the golem to act differently than may other golems in the same role. Thus the super-entity, through the hierarchically organized golems, supports both role differentiation and individualized behavior within roles.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

Modular, hierarchically organized artificial intelligence entity


A two-stage 3D printer comprises an edit stage in which a key subject is selected and image color data and key subject registration data are generated from negative 2D images and a print stage in which those data are used to optimize exposure of the 2D images and to provide key subject registration of the 2D images on lenticular print material. Exposure control and key subject registration in the print station are fully automated. The only required operator intervention in the operation of the printer is selection of a key subject of the photographic scene in one of the 2D images at the edit station.

In a panoramic parallax stereogram, a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) views of a scene are recorded from a number of horizontally spaced-apart vantage points. The recording medium is commonly photographic film. The recording camera may be a single frame/single lens device with exposures made by translating the camera horizontally through a series of equally spaced vantage points from each of which the scene is photographed. Other techniques include photographing the scene using a multilens camera, a motion picture camera which is translated horizontally (during a short exposure burst of frames), a number of side-by-side cameras, and other commonly used methods. Having recorded the series of 2D images (normally on color negative film), it remains to combine these images into a final positive image for three-dimensional (3D) viewing. While several techniques are available for making 3D prints, the method used in the present invention employs lenticular technology, in which the 2D images are recorded in a photographic emulsion that is located behind a transparent lens sheet composed of vertically oriented, adjacent cylindrical lenses (lenticules). Each 2D image is "line-formed" --i.e., elements of all of the 2D images are contained within fine vertical lines behind each lenticule. In the final composing (exposure) of the composite image, the 2D frames are sequentially projected through the lenticular sheet over a series of horizontal angular zones. When viewing the composite image, the 2D frames will "feed back" to the viewer in the same angular zones in which they were originally exposed. Depending on the placement of the viewer's eyes, each eye will see only one of the original 2D frames, with each eye receiving a different frame and with the two frames viewed comprising a stereo pair. This entire process of recording the 2D frames and the final composing of the end product has been described in considerable detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,895,867 (Lo, July, 1975) and 3,953,869 (Lo et al., April, 1976), to which reference may be made for a detailed description of techniques for composing 3D prints from 2D images on lenticular print material.
The 3D effect results solely from the difference in the horizontal displacement of points in the picture (parallax) with respect to objects in some reference plane in the two 2D frames (stereo pair) being seen by the viewer. The viewer's eyes and brain interpret and translate this parallax information into depth perception. Two frames and two eyes are required to complete this cycle.
A further understanding of parallax in the recorded frames can be obtained by reference to FIG. 1 where two spaced-apart lenses (L1 and L2) of equal focal length are shown imaging two points (A and B) as A' and B'. Three arbitrary spatial locations of A and B are shown in FIGS. 1-A 1-B, and 1-C. In FIG. 1A, A and B are placed an equal distance from the lenses with A on the optical axis of L1 and B on the optical axis of L2. x.sub.1 is clearly equal to x.sub.2 with B imaging on the same side of A from both lenses. In FIG. 1B, x.sub.2 is greater than x.sub.1, with B again recording on the other side of A. FIG. 1C demonstrates a location of A and B producing an x.sub.1 greater than x.sub.2 with B imaging on one side of A from L2 but on the other side of A from L1. This horizontal shift in image points as seen through lenses located in horizontally displaced vantage points will be collectively referred to as parallax.
In producing a panoramic parallax stereogram the number N of 2D frames employed can range from two to a larger number--e.g., 32. The optimum number of frames used is determined by such factors as the size of the final print, the anticipated viewing distance to the print, the spatial frequency of the cylindrical lenses in the print material, and the resolving power of the photographic emulsion. As a general statement, the larger the print and the longer the viewing distance, the lower the spatial frequency of the lenticules and the greater the number of 2D frames required. The greater number of 2D frames is required in order to reduce the angular width of the "feedback" zone of each frame which is needed at the greater viewing distances. Increasing the number of 2D frames in turn requires an increase in the width of each lenticule in order to stay within the recording capability of available photographic emulsions. For small prints up to say 5.times.7 inches in size (intended to be viewed at close, hand-held distances), four 2D frames are commonly recorded behind the lenticular surface, which may have a spatial frequency in the order of 200 lenses per inch; i.e., each lenticule is 0.005 inches wide. This provides a line width of 1.25 mils (32 microns) for recording a verticle element of each of the four frames as an image band in the photographic emulsion under each lenticule.
In recording the initial 2D images (of say an outdoor scene), each lens can be considered to record an infinite number of "object planes" in the scene from the nearest object and out to infinity (or to the furthest object in the scene). In combining the 2D images into the final lenticular stereogram, a particular plane is selected to appear (to the viewer) to lie in the plane of the print. Other planes will appear to be either in front of the print plane (foreground objects) or behind the print plane (background objects). In the object plane selected to appear to lie in the plane of the print, there is normally a prominent object, which will be referred to as the "key subject." FIG. 2 portrays (as an example) a 4-frame image set (N=4) to be used to compose a final stereogram. The asterisk (*) in each frame (1, 2, 3 and 4) is the image of the key subject (e.g., the nose of a person standing at mid-range in the scene). The stereo pairs (for subsequent viewing by the right and left eye of the viewer, respectively) are 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 1-3, or 2-4.
Composing of the final stereogram is carried out by a printer. One task of the printer is to project the 2D frames across the assigned angular exposure zones to the lenticular recording material. While this may be accomplished through a series of "step and repeat" static exposures, the technique preferably used is either intermittently or continuously scanning, which is clearly explained in the patents referred to above and is also illustrated in FIG. 3. Again a set of four negative photographic images (#1, #2, #3, and #4) on a film strip is depicted as an example. Each negative image in sequence, beginning either with #4 and scanning left to right or beginning with #1 and scanning right to left, is separately projected by the enlarging lens onto the lenticular print film and scanned through an angle equal to the acceptance angle .alpha. of the lenticules (conventionally, .alpha.=30.degree.) divided by the number N of images. Thus image #4 is scanned through an angle from -15.degree. to 71/2.degree. by moving the film strip, the lens and the lamphouse proportionately from left to right. After all of the negative images have been scanned into the print film, the film emulsion bears the latent images of elements of all four negative frames as side-by-side image bands under the lenticules. The images under each lenticule are elements of each of the four frames occupying a width w equal to the total width W of the lenticule divided by the number of frames N (w=W/N).
The only correct way to understand the recording optics is to analyze the two discrete (and independent) imaging actions. In the first imaging action, shown at the left as "#1 (macro)" in FIG. 4, the enlarging lens images the 2D negative film frame on the surfaces of the lenticules. Consider it as an aerial image or better still as a modulated pattern of light with each .DELTA.x, .DELTA.y piece of lenticle receiving a given intensity and color illumination. It must be clearly understood that during the scanning exposure of each 2D frame, proportional motion of the film frame and the enlarging lens produces an absolutely stationary aerial image arriving at the lenticular surface at all angles during the scan. The only thing changing during the scan are the angles at which the aerial image arrives at each point on the lenticular surface. In the second imaging action, shown in the center as "#2 (micro)" in FIG. 4, the lenticule (cylindrical lens) unidirectionally images the exit pupil of the enlarging lens into the focal plane of the cylindrical lens )plane of the photographic emulsion). This second imaging action "line-forms" a vertical element of the frame into its assigned zone behind each lenticule. The "object" in this second (micro) imaging action is the exit pupil of the enlarging lens. As seen by any small .DELTA.x, .DELTA.y area of a lenticle it appears as a generally diffuse, uniformly illuminated disc whose color and intensity vary as a function of the content of the aerial image as seen from the .DELTA.x, .DELTA.y area under consideration. The cylindrical lens images in only one direction (at right angles to its long axis), which produces a generally elliptical exposure profile across the width e of the line image. This results directly from the area of the disc increasing from 0 at zone 140 to a maximum at zone 141 and back to 0 at zone 142 (elliptical function). A second result of the unidirectional imaging is that no detail is recorded across the line width e while any detail in the aerial image down the long axis of the lenticle is preserved. The line width e is determined as follows (refer to the right sketch in FIG. 4):
______________________________________ Let: .alpha. = acceptance angle of the lenticle .beta. = angle subtended by exit pupil from lenticle d.sub.EP = diameter of exit pupil s = long conjugate distance f = lens focal length F.sub.no = lens aperature (speed) m.sup.1 = enlargement ratio s = f(1 + m.sup.1) (1) ##STR1## (2) ##STR2## (3) ##STR3## (4) ##STR4## (5) ##STR5## (6) ______________________________________
For example, using an F/5.6 lens and an enlargement ratio of 10, .beta. is seen to be 0.93.degree.. Assuming lenticles with an acceptance angle .alpha. of 30.degree., .beta. is approximately 3% of the full acceptance angle--hence the need to scan (move the exit pupil over a range of angular positions) in order to expose 25% of W (assuming a 4-frame image set). The dimension e shown in the center view of FIG. 4 is 3% of 0.005" or 0.00015" (3.8 microns). The generally elliptical intensity within this fine line becomes essentially unimportant during the scan because of the continuously overlapping exposures it produces. The first function of the printer, then, is the sequential, proportional scanning of each 2D frame through a defined angular zone resulting in the line-forming of each frame.
A second and equally important function of the printer is the creation of the viewer illusion that the key subject plane appears to lie in the plane of the print material with foreground and background objects appearing to be in front of and behind the print plane, respectively. This function requires the performance of two actions by the printer and/or the printer operator: 1) The designation (typically by the operator) of the key subject which is to be presented to the viewer as lying in the plane of the print. 2) The registration by the printer of the key subject from all 2D frames at the print plane. This means that the key subject in the aerial image from each 2D frame must strike the plane of lenticular surface at the same x,y coordinate location. When the key subject from all 2D frames is registered in the plane of the print material, the viewer will then perceive this key subject to lie in the plane of the stereogram with foreground and background objects appearing in front of and behind the plane, respectively. This key subject registration is also shown in FIG. 3.
In one of the methods heretofore employed in printers to accomplish the second printer function just discussed, key subject registration, the first frame of the 2D set is picked up by a video camera and presented to the printer operator as a positive image on a video monitor. The operator then designates the key subject (to be printed in registration) using a screen cursor controlled by a joystick, roll ball, or other controller. Simultaneously, another frame of the set is analyzed for color content and density, from which the required lamphouse intensity and color and color balance are computed. After setting the lamphouse to the computed red, green, and blue light intensity and balance, the printing cycle is ready to begin. The first frame of the set is printed with no positioning correction, following which the printing is stopped to permit an operator-controlled registration cycle. A mirror is introduced into the printing path to deflect the aerial image to a secondary plane at 90.degree. to the print plane. A CCD video camera (without a lens) is moved by an x,y stage to the coordinate location of the designated key subject. The key subject image is captured by the photosensitive surface of the video camera, placed in digital memory (frame grabber), and presented to the operator as a positive video image on the monitor. The film is then advanced to the second frame of the 2D set, which is again intercepted by the mirror and the key subject video camera and presented on the monitor as a "live" negative image. The operator then uses a controller to move the film in the printer to bring the key subject in the second frame into registration with the "stored" location of the key subject in the first frame. (When coordinate registration is achieved, the negative video of the second frame cancels the positive video of the stored first frame and the screen is "greyed out.") Having achieved key subject alignment of frame 2 with respect to frame 1, the mirror is removed and the second frame is printed. This procedure is repeated for all remaining frames. The printing is seen to involve a serial operation of print, register, print, register, print, register, and print, the operator being required to perform the actual frame-to-frame registration. The printing time for each picture is typically 12 to 15 seconds, depending upon the skill of the operator. The prints-per-hour rate is in the order of 250. The printing is also very operator-intensive with operator fatigue being a significant negative factor.
An optional approach used heretofore uses a complete registration cycle for all 2-D frames to be printed (again with manual frame-to-frame registration by an operator with all registration data stored digitally) after which a printing cycle is performed. Total cycle time for each print remains high--in the range of 11 to 14 seconds--again depending upon the skill and fatigue level of the operator.


A method of use of a quick connect liner latch system assembly (QCLL). The QCLL latches each joint of a slick line deployed liner together quickly. This system can set an anchor in an existing well bore at a shallow depth and run a new liner in the well with a wire line unit using the QCLL system. The QCLL has two main sections that are locked together to form the full QCLL. The upper and lowers sections are locked together using a body lock ring. The units are not threaded together. The QCLL it has a latch with an inside diameter (ID) that is large enough to accommodate a standard liner wiper plug for the weight of the liner being run into the well.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of use for a quick connect liner latch system and particularly methods of use of quick connect liner latch system assemblies for use in oil well production liners.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When remedial work or repair work is needed for damaged or compromised well casing or production tubing, a liner is often used for the repairs. Two specific types of repairs are considered herein. The first is the installation of a scab liner, where the deployed pipe is set on the bottom (plug back total depth (PBTD)); landed on a profile nipple within an existing completion; or hung in tubing or casing with a CT liner hanger. In practice today, a conventional cement job can then be performed to permanently place the new liner in the well.
The second application discussed here is an extended length straddle, where an interval within the well bore (production tubing or casing) requires remediation, repair or production modification, such as a water or gas shut off. This type of repair is normally used for intervals greater than 35 feet in length.
For both of these types of interventions the industry standard uses screw-together pipe. For cemented and un-cemented scab liners the use of a drilling rig, work over rig, or work platform is used to make up and run the liner in a single trip. The "footprint", i.e., support equipment and manpower is typically large. Thus, these types of installations are costly and time consuming.

Method of use of a quick connect liner latch system for use with oil well production liner insertion with wire line


An imaging apparatus includes an imaging optical system, an image pickup device, a photographing position determining device configured to determine a plurality of photographing positions to continuously photograph a subject, and an image data dividing device configured to divide image data obtained by the image pickup device into a plurality of large sections and to divide the image data into a plurality of small sections each being smaller than the large section. The photographing position determining device configured to determine one or more reference positions as the photographing positions based on focused information of the large sections, and when a number of the photographing positions determined based on the large sections is less than a predetermined number, to additionally determine the photographing position based on focused state information of the small sections such that the predetermined number of the determined photographing positions is obtained.

When photographing a subject having a large depth by an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, or the like, so-called erroneous focusing, that is, focusing on a not-desired position occurs due to a performance limit of algorithm, hardware, or the like so that photographing a desired part of the subject in a focused state is difficult, as a result. In this case, in order to overcome the erroneous focusing problem, focus bracket photographing for continuously photographing a subject while sequentially changing the focusing position to obtain a plurality of photographed images at once is used. The focus bracket photographing is, in general, performed by changing the focusing position forward and backward to photograph about three times and therefore it is difficult to overcome the erroneous focusing problem.
Furthermore, it has been required by photographers, who do not decide which subject is to be focused, to select the best one from a plurality of photographed images obtained by changing the photographing positions after comparing and investigating the plurality of photographed images. For example, when photographing, for example, a flower under optical conditions in a telemacro mode of a small depth of field, in some cases, it cannot be decided before photographing whether focusing on a petal of the flower at a near side or a pistil or stamen of the flower and therefore favorable one to photograph a favorable one.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-135029 discloses a camera performing a focus bracket photographing by changing the focusing position at one operation of pushing down a release button.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-277725 does not disclose the focus bracket photographing but discloses focus control process including dividing an image into a plurality of blocks, controlling exposure in each block such that brightness in each block is in a predetermined level, generating focus evaluation value of each block, and then generating new focus evaluation value based on the focus evaluation values of the blocks within a predetermined focus range.
However, in the conventional focus bracket photographing, there are the following problems:    (1) an unnecessary image where no subject is focused on within the image is photographed; and    (2) it is difficult for a user to confirm which part within each of the plurality of photographed images is focused on.

Focus bracket photographing imaging apparatus, reproduction display apparatus, image recording method, and reproduction displaying method


An etching machine for etching a material such as glass or crystal includes a blast unit having a plurality of grit guns. The position of the grit guns relative to the material to be etched is individually adjustable prior to initiation of the etching operation. This adjustment is provided by mounting each pair of grit guns on a support, so that the grit guns are pivotable relative to the support. Additionally, each support is slidable along a track, so that the position of the grit guns is also adjustable along the length of the track. Once the adjustment is facilitated, the grit guns are locked in place. The compressed air and grit feeds to each grit gun are also independently adjustable. In this way, the machine requires no parts which move during the actual etching operation, thus significantly enhancing reliability, accuracy and safety.

Prior etching machines use one of two techniques. The first technique employs a stationary blast unit, and the operator must rock the material to be etched, such as a glass plate, back and forth in the path of the grit guns. The second technique utilizes a blast unit in which all the grit guns are movable as a whole. These techniques have not proven satisfactory; both are unreliable and do not provide precision control of the etching process. The first introduces human error into the etching process, while the second requires precise mechanical motion control for the blast unit. Moreover, using conventional etching machines, it is not possible to adjust the individual grit guns relative to the material to be etched.


A system includes a shutter which selectively allows access to an infrared detector, when accessed directly by a processor-based system, such as a set-top computer system. In this way, infrared commands may be blasted from a set-top computer system to an appliance, e.g., a television receiver, without interference from other remote control units. When the controlling device is not sending signals to the television receiver, the shutter may allow other remote control units to control the appliance. The shutter may be a voltage controlled liquid crystal shutter, whose transmissivity is a function of the applied voltage.

This invention relates generally to devices which may be controlled by infrared signals.
A variety of electronic devices are controlled by infrared signals. For example, television receivers may be controlled by a remote control which generates unidirectional infrared signals to control the settings of the television receiver. In addition, a number of processor-based systems, such as set-top computer systems, may be controlled using infrared remote control units. For example, a television receiver may be controlled by infrared transmissions, which may be communicated from a remote control unit or a set-top computer system situated on the television receiver.
The set-top personal computer system may be used to access Internet information that is viewed on a television receiver. In one embodiment, the set-top computer system may access an Internet site containing information about currently available television programs. The set-top computer may then convey-control signals via an infrared transmitter and cable to an infrared detector on the television receiver to control the timing of the television receiver based on inputs received from the user. Thus, as the user inputs commands to select a particular program displayed on the television receiver by the set-top personal computer system, the television tuner may be operated to select the desired program.
In many cases, the set-top computer provides an electronic signal to the television receiver, which may be conveyed through a cable. On its end remote from the computer system, the cable may include a transducer which converts electrical signals into infrared signals. These infrared signals are then blasted into the infrared detector on the television receiver. Commonly, the transducer is secured to the infrared detector cover using adhesive attachment. Thus, the commands from the set-top computer can be blasted directly into the television""s infrared detector.
While infrared signals are being blasted directly from the set-top computer into the infrared detector on the television, the user may also operate a remote control-unit which similarly sends infrared signals that are received by the same infrared detector. These signals from the remote control unit interfere with the commands being transmitted by the computer system.
To overcome this problem, it is known to cover the television""s infrared detector and common infrared transmitter with tape so only those signals transmitted from the set-top computer over a cable are received by the detector. Although this solves the interference problem, it creates another problem. In many cases, when the set-top personal computer is not sending commands to the television receiver, it is desirable to control the television receiver using the television remote control unit. While many of the same operations may be done using a remote control unit provided with the set-top personal computer system, some users may prefer to directly control the television receiver, without using the computer system. When the detector is taped over, this is not possible.
Thus, there is a need for a way to allow remote control units to be utilized in conjunction with set-top personal computer systems to control television receivers and other consumer electronic devices.
In accordance with one embodiment, a shutter for an infrared detector includes a cover arranged to be mounted over the detector. An infrared port is formed in the cover. The infrared transmissivity of the port is selectively, electrically alterable.


An object of the present invention is to provide a repair device for vehicle capable of reducing the labor of an operator in paint and putty drying operation, facilitating the operation of the device, and providing a high quality paint surface. The repair device of the present invention includes a drying apparatus for drying a coating material coated on a panel surface, a distance detection sensor installed in the drying apparatus and detecting a distance between the drying apparatus and the panel surface coated with the coating material, and a moving device for moving the drying apparatus along the panel surface. The moving device moves the drying apparatus along the panel surface so that a value detected by the distance detection sensor comes within a specified range.

The present invention relates to a repair device for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a repair device to be used when drying paint, putty or the like applied to a panel surface.
In an example of a repair device for a vehicle to be used when drying paint, putty, etc. applied to a panel surface of a vehicle or the like, the panel surface is irradiated with infrared rays to dry the paint. This conventional repair device for a vehicle is equipped with a drying apparatus having a plurality of infrared-ray irradiation devices, and a support rack for supporting the drying apparatus at a predetermined angle and height with respect to the panel surface. The support rack has a support block capable of supporting the drying apparatus at a desired angle, a column on which the support block is provided so as to be vertically slidable, and a leg portion provided at the lower end of the column. The operator is enabled to change the fixation angle and height of the drying apparatus on the support rack, making it possible to fix the drying apparatus at an arbitrary position.
Further, after the application of paint to the panel surface, the drying apparatus provided in the repair device for a vehicle is installed in close proximity of the panel surface, and infrared rays are applied thereto. The infrared rays irradiation dine is appropriately changed according to the kind of paint and the thickness of the paint film. Further, the irradiation distance is varied according to the surface configuration of the panel surface to which the paint has been applied, for example, the inclination angle of the panel surface. Then, after determining the infrared rays irradiation distance depending on the intuition and experience of the operator, infrared rays are irradiated. Further, the operator makes a judgment as to whether the paint has been dried or not on the basis of his intuition and experience, stopping the infrared irradiation when be determines that the paint has been dried.
In the above-described conventional drying apparatus, the operations from the installation of the drying apparatus to the control of the irradiation time are left to the operator, which means a great burden for the operator.
Further, as stated above, the control of the irradiation time mostly depends on the intuition and experience of the operator. Thus, when an operator with little experience operates the drying apparatus, it can happen that the application of infrared rays is stopped before the coating material applied to the panel surface has been completely dried, thereby impairing the quality of the paint surface.
Further, in setting the infrared rays irradiation distance, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the angle and height of the drying apparatus with respect to the panel surface so that the panel surface may be uniformly irradiated with the infrared rays. However, the panel surface is not always flat; it may consist of a plurality of planes as in the case of a portion around a taillight. Thus, when a person inexperienced in the operation of the drying apparatus installs the drying apparatus, there will be generated unevenness in the irradiation of the panel surface with infrared rays, resulting in an unstable paint surface quality.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a repair device for a vehicle capable of reducing the labor of the operator in the operation of drying paint, putty or the like. Further, the present invention aims to provide a repair device for a vehicle that is easy to operate and provides a high quality paint surface.
A repair device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a drying apparatus for drying a coating material applied to a panel surface, a distance detection sensor provided on the drying apparatus and adapted to detect the distance from the drying apparatus to the panel surface to which the coating material is applied, and a moving device for moving the drying apparatus along the panel surface. The moving device moves the drying apparatus along the panel surface such that the value detected by the distance detection sensor is a value within a predetermined range.
In this way, in the repair device for a vehicle of the present invention, there is provided a moving device supporting the drying apparatus always at a fixed distance from the panel surface coated with the coating material, so that the coating material is always dried under a fixed condition. That is, even if an operator with little experience handles the vehicle repair device, it is possible to obtain a dried surface with good quality. Further, the drying apparatus is automatically installed at a position allowing efficient drying of the coating material applied to the panel surface, thereby substantially reducing the labor of the operator. Here, the coating material applied to the panel surface consists of a material which cures by being dried, such as a paint, putty or the like.
A repair device for a vehicle according to the present invention may further include a drying apparatus for drying a coating material applied to a panel surface, a dryness detection sensor for detecting the dryness of the coating material applied to the panel surface, and a moving device for moving the drying apparatus to another region of the panel surface when it is determined by to dryness detection sensor that the panel surface is dry.
That is, when drying the coating material applied to the panel surface, the drying apparatus is moved while checking the drying state of the coating material, so that the coating material is reliably dried. Thus, even if an operator with little experience handles the vehicle repair device, it is possible to obtain a dried surface with good quality. Further, upon drying of the coating material, the position of the drying apparatus with respect to the panel surface is automatically changed, so that there is no need to control the requisite time for drying, thereby reducing the labor of the operator.
Note that, a repair device for a vehicle according to the present invention may have a structure such that: the moving device includes a longitudinal frame, a lateral frame provided so as to be slidable in the vertical direction of the longitudinal frame, and an arm frame which is provided so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the lateral frame and in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and which is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction thereof using the lateral frame as a rotation axis; and the drying apparatus is provided at the distal end of the arm frame so as to be at a desired angle. That is, the moving device supporting the drying apparatus includes a plurality of movable portions, and moves the drying apparatus along the panel surface by moving the plurality of movable portions.
The drying apparatus may be equipped with an infrared-ray irradiation device for applying infrared rays to the coating material applied to the panel surface, and a blower for blowing air warmed by the infrared rays from the infrared-ray irradiation device toward the coating material applied to the panel surface. In the drying apparatus of this construction, it is possible to apply infrared rays directly to the coating material applied to the panel surface, so that the drying of the coating material is expedited by the radiation heat of the infrared rays. Further, the air warmed by the infrared rays, that is, warm air, is blown against the coating material, and due to the resultant synergistic effect, the coating material can be dried in a shorter time. In warming the air blown by the blower, it is also possible to provide a dedicated infrared-ray radiation device for the blower.
The distance detection sensor may have an oscillating portion emitting an ultrasonic wave, a receiving portion for receiving the ultrasonic wave from the oscillating portion, and a conversion processing portion for measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic wave from the oscillating portion to reach the receiving portion and converting the time to a distance. That is, it is possible to adopt an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor or the like. Of course, the distance detection sensor of the present invention is not restricted to the ultrasonic distance measuring sensor. Any type of sensor will do as long as it is capable of measuring the distance between the panel surface coated with the coating material and the drying apparatus.
The drying state detection sensor preferably consists of a sensor which recognizes the drying state of the coating material by detecting the solvent volatilized into the air from the coating material at the time of drying of the coating material. For example, it is possible to adopt a gas sensor which determines that the dried state has been attained when the amount (concentration) of solvent contained in the air has become a predetermined value or less. Apart from the sensor which recognizes the dried state by detecting the volatilized solvent, it is also possible to adopt, for example, a sensor which recognizes the dried state by monitoring the temperature of the panel surface. That is, any type of sensor will do as long as it is capable of recognizing the dried state.
Further, the drying apparatus may be equipped with an ultraviolet-ray irradiation device which applies ultraviolet rays to the coating material applied to the panel surface. In this case, it is possible to dry a putty, paint or the like containing an ultraviolet polymerization composition that cures upon absorbing ultraviolet rays. It is also possible to adopt a construction in which the drying apparatus consists of the ultraviolet-ray irradiation device only.
Thus, as described above in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a repair device for vehicle capable of reducing the labor of the operator in paint and putty drying operation. Further, it is possible to provide a repair device for vehicle which is easy to handle and which provides a high quality paint surface.