An orthopedic device is arranged as a lightweight ankle-foot orthosis providing dynamic support for drop foot or related disorders requiring dorsiflexion. The orthopedic device includes a main support adapted to secure about a lower leg, a strap assembly having a first portion coupling to the main support, and a second portion arranged to be drawn therefrom, and an anchor for receiving and attaching to the second portion of the strap assembly. The location of the anchor along a foot component enables increased medial-lateral control, and the arrangement of the strap assembly permits dorsiflexion during swing phase of a user's gait.

Drop foot is a gait abnormality in which the forefoot drops due to weakness, irritation, or damage to the common fibular nerve including the sciatic nerve, or paralysis of the muscles in the anterior portion of the lower leg. Drop foot may be characterized by an inability or impairment to raise the toes or a foot relative to an ankle in dorsiflexion, or inversion or eversion of the foot. The foot hangs with toes pointing down, causing the toes to scrape the ground while walking, and requiring the individual to lift the corresponding leg higher than normal when walking to avoid slapping the foot on the ground. Drop foot is highly pronounced in the part of the gait cycle that involves the most dorsiflexion, such as at heel contact and during the swing phase.
Drop foot may be temporary or permanent depending on muscle weakness or nerve damage or impairment, and most commonly affects one side only although it can affect both sides, either equally or to different degrees.
Drop foot can be caused by nerve damage alone or by muscle or spinal cord trauma, neurological dysfunction, abnormal anatomy, complications relating to surgery (i.e., hip or knee), or disease. Diseases that can cause drop foot include direct hit to posterolateral neck of fibula stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease), muscular dystrophy, Charcot Marie Tooth disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, hereditary spastic paraplegia and Friedreich's ataxia.
Ankle-foot orthoses may treat drop foot by controlling the position and motion of the ankle. An ankle-foot orthosis may be constructed from plastic and possess the shape of an "L" with the upright portion behind the calf and the lower portion running underneath the foot. Alternatives may include jointed ankles and may provide different control. These alternative ankle-foot orthoses are often custom formed and are bulky, particularly when worn with clothing and shoes.
In a prior art orthopedic device in FIGS. 1A and 1B, drop foot orthosis 2 is provided with a first attachment member or ankle component 4 for attachment of the drop foot orthosis 2 to the lower leg, a second attachment member or foot component 6 for attachment of the drop foot orthosis 2 to an upper side or instep of a shoe 8 enclosing the foot-drop affected foot, and a strap assembly joining the first and second attachment members 4, 6. The second attachment member 6 is provided with an attachment plate or inlay 7 which, in use, is positioned under the upper part or instep (such as a tongue, shoe lace or edge) of the shoe 8 (see FIG. 1B). The user, when walking, experiences an upward (supporting) force 36 which acts on a point near the tongue 34 of the shoe 8.
This assembly requires careful placement of the plate 7, and is generally limited to shoes having laces. The plate 7 may slide about within the shoe 8 as a user walks, and may not offer a stable connection if the shoe laces are not sufficiently tensioned. It may prove cumbersome for attaching and detaching the plate 7, particularly if the plate 7 slides about. It also precludes easy and/or one-handed adjustment. This assembly further fails to offer a user the option to adjust the orthopedic device to provide more or less medial or lateral support, as their specific condition may require. The assembly also makes it difficult to replace the strap, adjust the length of the strap to match an individual's dimensions, or to switch out the strap and plate for a different preferable strap and/or foot component or attachment.
Another problem with this assembly is that it does not allow for voluntary plantar flexion or other articulation by a user during the swing phase or provide dorsiflexion support. This reduces comfort and desirability for long-term use.
Existing strap attachment and adjustment mechanisms are frequently inadequate for holding a strap in position due to undesired slippage of the strap. This is at least in part due to most adjustment mechanisms providing a lever with a flat profile. In these devices, a component of the strap force creates a clearance between the strap attachment mechanism and lever face. Manufacturing variability also affects the ability to properly hold a strap in place without undesired slippage.
From the foregoing, there is a need for an orthopedic device that provides improved attachment between ankle and foot components, while offering better medial and/or lateral support and flexibility and ease of use.

Orthopedic device for treating drop foot and method for using the same


A new variety of pelargonium named ‘KLEPZ11229’, particularly characterized by large, round, and very shiny lavender blue flowers, medium growth habit and dark green leaves without zonation, is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct variety of pelargonium, botanically known as Pelargonium zonale, and hereinafter referred to by the variety name 'KLEPZ11229'. The new variety is the result of a controlled cross conducted in July 2004 in Stuttgart, Germany between the female pelargonium parent, 'PA 402' (unpatented), and the male pelargonium parent, 'KLEP04131' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,251). A single plant selection was subsequently chosen for further evaluation and asexual propagation.
The new variety was first propagated via vegetative cuttings in September 2006 in Stuttgart, Germany and has been asexually reproduced repeatedly by vegetative cuttings in Stuttgart, Germany for approximately 6 to 8 generations. 'KLEPZ11229' has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations via vegetative cuttings.
Plant Breeder's Rights for this variety were applied for in the following countries: Canada on Mar. 4, 2011, Switzerland on Jul. 4, 2011, the European Union on Jul. 8, 2011, and Norway on Aug. 5, 2011. 'KLEPZ11229' has not been made publicly available or sold more than one year prior to the filing date of this application.


A method and system are provided for connecting and billing a first user on an Integrated Services Digital Network to a second user on a voice-band network for packet data and circuit switched data connections. A network access device is used to extract the first user's billing information and the called party's phone number from the data packets received in the case of data packet transmission and call set-up messages received on an ISDN interface in the case of circuit switched digital connections. A voice-band call to the second user is transmitted over the voice-band network. The billing identification sent by the first user is used to bill the first user for the voice-band call established from the network access device over the public switched telephone network to the second user.

It is common practice for a first user on a voice-band telephone network to engage in data communication with a second user on a data network. Usually, these instances involve communication between a first user on the public switched telephone network and a second user on a packet network. The first user's terminal activates a modem which initiates a telephone call and converts the first user's data into voice-band signals. These voice-band signals are transmitted over the telephone network and are in turn converted to data by a modem connected to the packet network. As with most telephone calls, the entire local carrier and long distance costs of the associated voice-band call are generally allocated to the initiator of the call.
Other billing scenarios are possible. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,292 issued to Thomas discloses several methods whereby the costs of data transmission over a voice-band network can be allocated to the receiving party rather than the initiator of the call. The Thomas patent is specifically directed to the situation where a merchant uses a credit-card reader and model to verify the credit of a card-holder via a data transmission to the credit card company over a voice-hand network.
Problems in call cost allocation arise in an environment where a data connection requires interworking and interconnection between the voice band network and data connections within the ISDN. As an example, a first user on a packet network, such as in Integrated Services Digital Network (or ISDN), has connected his terminal to an ISDN end office via a digital Basic Rate Interface (or BRI) line and needs to establish a data connection with a second user on a voice-band telephone network using a modem. For the data from the first terminal to reach the second user, a call must be first initiated from the packet network user to a device that can make a call on the voice-band network and that can translate the data packets from the packet network to voice-band data signals. Similarly, voice-band data from the second user must be converted to data packets for transfer to the first user.
While the problem described above affects data transfer and interworking using packet capabilities, ISDN also provides a user with a circuit switched digital transmission capability. In a circuit-switched interconnection environment, similar cost allocation problems arise when a call originator on an ISDN establishes a circuit switched data connection to a second data user on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) using a modem. For the data from the first terminal to reach the second user, a call must be initiated by the first user through the ISDN to a device that can establish the connection over the voice band network and then make the translation from the digital data information to voice band data signals compatible with data modem traffic. Similarly, voice band data from the second user must be converted to digital data compatible with the circuit switched digital connection to the originating caller.
The cost allocation problem arises since the billing identity of the first user may not be readily ascertainable by the voice-band network. The costs of the voice-band call would generally be billed to the device which initiates the voice-band call such as a modem or modem pool, rather than the first or ISDN user. A cost effective method of connecting the first ISDN user to the second voiceband user is necessary which allows for call cost allocation to the true initiating party.
Regional telephone companies have attempted two methods of interconnection involving this packet to voice-band connection scenario. The first method is shown in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the ISDN end office 10 associated with the first user 12 with terminal 14 connected to customer premises equipment terminal adaptor (TA) 16 has implemented a modem pool consisting of ISDN terminal adapters 18 paired with multi-function modems 20. This allows the ISDN user to make a voiceband call via the public switched telephone network (or PSTN) 22 to the Plain Old Telephone Service (or POTS) end office switch 24 and POTS user 20 via terminal 28 and modem 30.
The drawbacks to this first method are that the method is expensive: it requires a special port card in the ISDN switch, a full function terminal adapter and a modem for every port in the modem pool; it requires a modem pool at every ISDN end office that will offer this service; the average usage rate of a modem pool is low; and having a distributed modem pool requires many more idle modems than a centralized modem pool would require.
Further, this method is disadvantageous since it requires the user to dial out in two stages, first to dial the local modem pool, and then to dial the POTS user.
The second method, currently used by several regional telephone companies, is shown in FIG. 2. In this method, the data call from the first user 40 connected to ISDN end office switch 46 via terminal 42 and terminal adaptor 44 is routed through the Public Packet Switch Network (PPSN) 48 to a modem pool that the PPSN normally provides. This modem pool, consisting of individual modems 50, can then create the voice-band call needed to access a second user 60 on the PSTN 52 via POTS end office switch 54, modem 56 and terminal 58.
The drawback to this method is that the modem pool is billed for the voice-band call, not the call initiator, in this case ISDN user 40. The regional telephone companies have tried to work around this problem by only allowing dial out within Local Access and Transport Areas (or LATA). Intra-LATA calls are non-toll calls which would normally not be charged to the ISSN user. This solution severely limits the number of POTS users that can be reached since POTS users outside of the LATA can not be reached.
In addition, regional telephone companies have tried setting up separate modem pools for each ISDN customer. However, this solution requires too many modem pools for individual users and, when used for large businesses, does not allow for the business to bill individual users or departments for the voice-band portion of calls which they initiate.
The problems identified above as a result of using modem pools for interconnection between users on a packet network and users on the voice-band network also apply to instances of interworking between circuit switched digital data users and voice-band data users.

Method and system for billing an ISDN data user interconnection to the public switched telephone network


An exemplary LED lamp includes a central member, lamp bodies, a solar panel transforming solar power to electric energy, and a supporting member supporting the solar panel over the central member. Each lamp body includes a housing and an LED module received in the housing. The housings of the lamp bodies have bottoms thereof mounted around the central member and have tops thereof extending upwardly and outwardly from the central member. Each of the housings defines an opening facing away from the central member. Light generated by the LED modules projects out of the lamp bodies through the openings. The solar panel provides the electric energy to the LED modules.

1. Technical Field
The disclosure generally relates to an LED lamp.
2. Description of Related Art
An LED lamp is a type of solid-state lighting that utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a source of illumination. The LED lamp is intended to be a cost-effective yet high quality replacement for incandescent and fluorescent lamp because the LED has features of long-term reliability, environment friendliness and low power consumption.
A typical LED lamp includes a number of LEDs, and most of the LEDs are driven at the same time, which results in a quick rise in temperature of the LED lamp. Generally, the LED lamp further includes a heat sink dissipating heat generated by the LEDs. All of the LEDs are attached to a planar surface of the heat sink. When the LED lamp works, the LEDs attached to the planar surface of the heat sink only form a flat light source, not a three-dimensional light source. In addition, the LED lamp is generally mounted on a lamp pole and extends towards a side of the lamp pole to only illuminate a region at the side of the lamp pole. Thus, the LED lamp fails to provide a three-dimensional lamplight that is suitable for a condition that needs even and large-scale light.
What is needed, therefore, is an LED lamp which can overcome the above-mentioned limitations.

Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd.


A method for installing a water-submersible platform is disclosed. The method includes lowering the platform in water from a vessel positioned above the platform while spuds connecting the vessel to the platform stabilize the platform during lowering. An assembly of the vessel and platform, and a vessel that is used to connect to the platform is also disclosed.

A jack-up rig is a type of offshore platform consisting of legs ("spuds") that can be lowered or raised vertically. A jack-up platform can be towed or is self propelled. Once at a chosen location, the legs are lowered vertically to rest on the sea floor. The bottom ends of the legs may be configured to penetrate the sea floor, or may be provided with pads to support themselves on the sea floor. Once the legs reach the sea floor and can no longer be lowered, the platform is lifted above the surface of the water such that the platform is no longer floating on the surface of the water, but is supported above the surface of the water by the legs.
A somewhat similar technology is used by barges that wish to remain stationary on the surface of the water while performing some type of work. In this type of vessel, a barge may consist of a plurality of spuds that are similarly driven vertically downward to support themselves from the sea floor. In this case, however, the vessel remains floating on the surface of the water while the spuds hold the vessel at a stationary location. While stationary, the vessel may perform various types of work. In some cases the barge is partially lifted by the spuds to further stabilize the barge, for example, excavator barges may be used to dredge a channel.

Installation method for water-submersible platforms and installation vessel


An electronic postage meter with memory and a postage printing function having enhanced I/O capability. The meter, in addition to its normal mode of operation, has a transparent mode of operation wherein the meter keyboard and display can be utilized as a user interface to an external I/O device. During the transparent mode of operation, the meter maintains control and security over the meter memory and print function.

Postage meters (hereinafter called "meters") are well known devices for printing postage impressions of desired value. A meter generally has a set of registers, a print mechanism, and a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism acts to interlock the print mechanism and registers to ensure that all postage printed is accounted for. The registers, the print mechanism, and the meter controller are enclosed within a secure housing so as to be inaccessible to the user.
In modern electronic meters, the controlling mechanism is a microprocessor (hereinafter called "meter controller") and the registers are implemented as locations in random access memory (hereinafter called "meter memory"). The meter memory can be expanded to include accounting, cost allocation, or non-revenue information. External and permanently affixed to the housing is a keyboard for data entry to the meter controller and a display for data output to the user. In addition, an input/output port (hereinafter called "I/O port") may be provided so the meter controller can communicate with external devices. Many prior security measures are retained or improved. For example, the meter housing is still utilized to maintain physical security. The meter controller may utilize new techniques unique to electronic equipment to increase security for the meter memory.
In a typical configuration the meter is placed on a base from which it derives power. The base performs envelope handling and similar functions, and may include an input/output facility (hereinafter called "I/O device"). The I/O device can communicate with the meter through the meter's I/O port. The I/O device can also communicate with other peripherals external to the base such as scales and printers. For example, a scale may be used to weigh an article, calculate the cost of sending the article through the mail, and send that cost to the I/O device. The I/O device then tells the meter the denomination of postage to print. A user can also use an external user interface, such as the keyboard and display on a scale, to command the I/O device to generate a preprogrammed report. The I/O device then queries the meter for certain accounting or non-revenue information contained in the meter memory, formats that information, then commands a printer to print the report. However, in each case the meter does not initiate any commands to the I/O device, the meter merely responds to commands from the I/O device.


Disclosed is a fluorescent plate in which a high reflectance of a reflective layer can be maintained over a long period of time, and occurrence of peeling of the reflective layer can be suppressed.

Conventionally, as a kind of a fluorescent light source device, a reflection-type device has been known with a configuration in which the surface of a fluorescent plate having a fluorescent material layer is irradiated with laser light as excitation light to excite a fluorescent material constituting the fluorescent material layer, thereby emitting fluorescence from the surface.
In such a reflection-type fluorescent light source device, the fluorescent plate used is provided with a reflective layer formed of a metal such as aluminum, silver, or gold on the fluorescent material layer opposite to the side on which the excitation light is incident. (See, for example, Patent Literature 1.)
In the fluorescent plate of Patent Literature 1, in order to achieve high luminance, a total reflection film is provided between the fluorescent material layer and the reflective layer in a state in which the total reflection film is in direct contact with the fluorescent material layer. The total reflection film is formed of a material of which a refractive index is smaller than that of the constituent material of the fluorescent material layer and in which a refractive index difference from that of the constituent material of the fluorescent material layer is not less than 0.2. In this fluorescent plate, the total reflection film may be formed of, for example, magnesium fluoride (MgF2). Between the fluorescent material layer and the reflective layer, specifically between the total reflection film and the reflective layer, a constitution layer made of a reflection enhancing film is laminated.
On the other hand, also in a reflection mirror used in an optical system such as a flat panel display or a projector, a reflective layer formed of a metal is formed on a resin substrate, and the reflective layer is made of silver having a high reflectance. (See, for example, Patent Literature 2.)

Abstract: The fluorescent plate of the present invention includes a fluorescent material layer containing a fluorescent material, an oxide layer disposed below the fluorescent material layer, and a reflective layer which is disposed below the oxide layer and is formed of silver, and further includes an oxidation-preventive protective layer which is disposed between the oxide layer and the reflective layer and is formed of a translucent material, and a translucent adhesion layer interposed between the oxidation-preventive protective layer and the reflective layer.


The adjustable air inlet for clothing is of particular value to those wearing heavy protective clothing in warmer conditions, such as motorcyclists wearing leather protective apparel. The adjustable air inlet is installed in a passage through the clothing where it may be aligned with ambient airflow, e.g., along the forearm, upper thigh, shoulder, or on the back of a glove or on a boot. Inner and outer flanges are installed along the edges of the hole, the outer flange securing a resilient scoop over the hole. A duct is preferably provided from the trailing end of the scoop within the clothing to an area of the body that is most benefited by the airflow. The scoop is normally open, but may be closed by a latch extending from the forward part of the outer flange. A cooling insert may be installed within the scoop for additional comfort.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to apparel, and particularly to an adjustable air inlet for clothing to duct cooling airflow to critical areas of the body beneath the clothing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Most conscientious motorcyclists wear relatively heavy protective clothing when riding, and such protective clothing is generally a regulatory requirement in most racing and competition venues. Such protective clothing is generally manufactured of leather, since the durability of natural leather is unsurpassed for protecting the wearer from abrasion and other minor injury in the event of an accident.
A major problem with leather is that it is essentially non-porous in its natural state, and serves as a reasonably good thermal insulator as well when provided in thicknesses sufficient to provide good protection in the event of an accident. While such properties are appreciated in cooler temperatures, most motorcyclists are active during the warmer months of the year, either on the road or in racing events. Wearing a full set of "leathers," including a closed face helmet, gloves, and boots, while riding in very warm or hot temperatures, can rapidly dehydrate the motorcyclist and lead to heat exhaustion or at least greatly reduce the strength and reaction required of a motorcyclist, particularly when undergoing the exertion required in a racing event. Much the same is true of other protective clothing worn in other motorsports competition, e.g., Nomex® fire protective uniforms, etc.
As a result, various means of providing cooling to the person wearing such protective clothing have been developed in the past. A number of systems involving externally disposed cooling units, e.g., chilled water from an ice chest or refrigeration unit circulating through tubes installed within the suit, have been developed in the past. While such systems may be practicable for many automotive motorsports involving larger race cars having sufficient internal volume to carry such apparatus, they are clearly impracticable for motorcyclists, either on the street or in racing events. Simpler ventilation has been provided in helmets, jackets, and other garments, but most of these systems are either non-adjustable or require the removal or opening of some part of the garment via zippers, snaps, or other closure or attachment means. Moreover, such snap and zipper closures fail to provide any form of positive airflow inlet to duct fresh air into the garment.
Thus, an adjustable air inlet for clothing solving the aforementioned problems is desired.


The invention is directed to an orthodontic bracket assembly having a trapezoidal configuration for ease of positioning and aligning the bracket on the tooth. The bracket assembly comprises a pair of tie wings, each having non-parallel mesial and distal edges and further having an occlusal edge substantially parallel to the occlusal plane and to the sight line of the archwire slot. The edges of the tie wings form sight lines that intersect at a focal point located at the tip of the root tooth to assist in positioning the bracket. The edges of the tie wings also are substantially parallel to the tooth edges to assist in aligning and positioning the bracket on the tooth. Further, a V groove is provided along the longitudinal axis of the bracket and forms a sight line that also intersects the focal point to facilitate alignment of the bracket during mounting. The occlusal edge of the tie wings is parallel to the sight line of the archwire slot and both form sight lines that are substantially parallel to the edge of the tooth. The various sight lines forming a trapezoidal configuration for ease in positioning and aligning the bracket during mounting.

The present invention relates generally to an orthodontic bracket having a trapezoidal configuration wherein sight lines on the bracket are utilized to facilitate alignment and positioning of the bracket on the tooth.
There are numerous tooth configurations and sizes which vary from one patient to the next. In most cases, however, the majority of people having malposed teeth have teeth which conform to certain profiles and sizes such that orthodontic brackets mounted on the teeth can also be standardized to correspond to certain tooth sizes and configurations.
At the same time brackets are being standardized, they are also becoming smaller. With the advance of higher quality casting and finishing processes the sizes of orthodontic brackets have gotten smaller for a number of reasons, several of which are to reduce the cost of raw materials and for aesthetic purposes so as to draw less attention to the wearer. Smaller brackets are also advantageous since they reduce irritation and pain to the patient caused by larger brackets and appliances.
With the advent of the smaller bracket designs there has occurred several disadvantages. For example, the amount of time a patient is in the chair while the orthodontist is mounting orthodontic brackets has increased. This not only increases the cost to the patient, but reduces the efficiency of the orthodontist and reduces the amount of time he might spend with other patients. Further, smaller sized brackets increase the likelihood of misalignment of the bracket in relation to the tooth thereby causing several more problems. Misalignment results in difficulty in mounting the archwire in the archwire slot of the bracket and may also cause undesired or unplanned movement of a particular tooth, resulting in a longer time for treatment to move the tooth to the proper position. Misalignment of a bracket in relation to the tooth and the archwire might even require removal of the bracket and remounting.
Certain prior art patents purport to have design features which facilitate alignment of the bracket on the tooth. One such patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,415,330, discloses a bracket having a rhomboidal configuration which has edges that align, for example, with the occlusal plane and the crown long axis. The patent discloses tie wings having edges that are parallel to the crown long axis to assist in alignment during mounting of the bracket. Also, the occlusal and gingival tip of the tie wings are parallel to each other and to the occlusal plane again to facilitate alignment. The patent does not, however, have mesial and distal sides that are substantially parallel to the mesial and distal sides of the tooth upon which the bracket is mounted. Thus, with respect to the tooth configuration, the prior art patent ignores the shape of the tooth and its structural features.
The orthodontic bracket of the present invention was designed to obviate the problems in aligning and positioning a bracket on the tooth. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an orthodontic bracket having a trapezoidal configuration to substantially conform to the shape of the tooth.
It is another object of the invention to provide an orthodontic bracket having a trapezoidal configuration wherein sight lines are used to increase the accuracy in aligning and positioning the bracket on the tooth.
It is a further object of the invention to reduce the amount of time that a patient is in the chair while the orthodontist is mounting brackets.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide an orthodontic bracket that will reduce the likelihood that an orthodontist will have to re-mount the bracket to correct for misalignment between the bracket and the tooth.


An intermediate transfer belt that temporarily holds a toner image which is formed on an image carrier and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt includes a base member, an elastic layer laminated on the base member and a surface layer covering the elastic layer. With respect to the intermediate transfer belt, a volume resistivity of the surface layer is lower than a volume resistivity of an entirety of the intermediate transfer belt.

The present disclosure relates to an intermediate transfer belt that temporarily holds a toner image which is formed on an image carrier and transferred to the intermediate transfer belt, and a tandem color image forming apparatus provided with the same intermediate transfer belt.
Conventionally, color image forming apparatuses such as a color printer, color facsimile and the like have widely adopted a method, hereinafter referred to as "tandem method". The tandem method includes a primary transfer and a secondary transfer that is performed subsequent to the primary transfer. In the primary transfer, a toner image of each color (e.g., each of four colors, magenta, cyan, yellow, black) is primarily transferred from a plurality of image carriers (e.g. photoreceptor drums) arranged in tandem to an intermediate transfer belt. In the secondary transfer, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt is secondarily transferred to a sheet of paper through a secondary transfer roller.
As one of problems which occur in a tandem color image forming apparatus using the intermediate transfer belt, a white spot image or a disordered image may be named, both of which are generated due to discharging performed during a secondary transfer. The disordered image is caused by the incomplete transfer of toner from the intermediate transfer belt to a surface of the sheet of paper due to a gap between them. To cope with such a problem, it is generally practiced that a coat layer (electrically high resistance layer) is formed on a surface of the secondary transfer roller to prevent the generation of discharging. In addition, an image forming apparatus has been known, which is provided with charging means for controlling an amount of electrostatic charge on toner existing on the intermediate transfer belt.
However, provision of the coat layer on the secondary transfer roller may lead to a new problem such as an increase in cost and a decrease in paper carrying performance and durability. Provision of any charging means may correspondingly increase the number of required components, thereby causing an increase in cost such as the case in which the coat layer is provided.

Intermediate transfer belt and tandem color image forming apparatus


A system for distributing high viscosity grease to at least one plug valve includes a replaceable cartridge with a body having a chamber and a piston disposed within the chamber. The piston defines a first space within the chamber for receiving solid grease and a second opposing space within the chamber for receiving fluid for driving the piston to compress the solid grease received within the first space. A manifold detachably couples to the replaceable cartridge and has a manifold chamber for receiving grease flowing under compression from an outlet of the cartridge and a plurality of valves in fluid communication with the manifold chamber for selectively distributing grease to corresponding grease ports of the at least one plug valve.

In plug valves used in one of the most severe service applications known today, hydraulic fracturing ("fracing"), very high-pressure slurry is pumped through the bore at very high rates. These plug valves use extremely high viscosity grease, which is supplied in sticks that are solid at room temperature. However, the commercially available pumps used for applying stick grease are generally not well-suited to support the high-volumes required to grease plug valves during fracing operations, which results in significant downtime and forces personnel to work in a dangerous environment close to ongoing high pressure fracing operations.
In fracing, fracing slurry is forced down a wellbore with enough pressure to fracture the hydrocarbon bearing rock formations and force particulates into the resulting cracks. When the pressure is released, the particles ("proppant"), which may be sand or other high compressive strength additives such as ceramic particles and bauxite, remain in the factures (cracks) and keep the fractures open. This "mechanism" then allows pathways for hydrocarbon to flow from the rock that was previously solid. The particle size distribution in facing fluids is distributed so that the larger particles can prop open larger cracks and finer particles can prop open the very tips of the cracks, which are microscopic in nature. The particle sizes can vary from 0.004 inches to 0.01 inches (No 140 Mesh to No 8 Mesh). The pumping pressure at the valve can be up to 15,000 psi and the slurry velocity through a valve bore of 5.125 inches, as is typical of a 5⅛ inch, 15000 psi valve, is well above erosional velocity of about 50 to 70 feet per second. Moreover, the fracing is typically preceded and followed by an acid wash of 15% hydrochloric acid, which accelerates corrosion.
As one skilled in the art of mechanical engineering can ascertain, the fracing "mechanism" will inject proppant particles into any crack, orifice or possible leak path in the valve assembly. The injected particles remain in the valve assembly when the pressure is released. Small particles as large as 0.004 inches are within machining tolerances of the steel parts of valves and therefore will find their way into the metal sealing surfaces. With the high velocity of abrasive fracing fluid, any weakness or point of turbulence can very quickly lead to a washout of a seal area or any interface. If an area or interface adjoins the valve main body, then the life of the main valve body is severely limited.
To preserve the main moving sealing parts of plug valves and to allow them to seal effectively, very high viscosity sealing greases are injected to grease the valves, as many times as practicable on a job. Greasing forces the proppant out of the interfaces to allow effective sealing and prevents scouring of the seal surfaces with trapped particles.
For modern plug valves used in fracing operations, the general greasing procedure has remained unchanged. The valves usually have at least two or more grease ports with grease fittings installed and grease is systematically injected into the valves between fracing stages when there is a lull in activity and less pressure is on the valves. The exact procedure varies from operator to operator and changes based on the design of such plug valves.
As most valves currently used for fracing today are gate valves, and with greasing being a major operation, there are several patent applications, which disclose inventions that attempt to set up greasing manifolds and systems to simultaneously service many valves (e.g., US application US20170146189A1 assigned to General Electric). In addition, granted patent U.S. Pat. No. 10,100,978B2 discloses a grease distribution system and methods. Gate valves, however, can employ a lower viscosity grease compared to metal sealing plug valves. As such, the prior art is not suitable for proper and efficient greasing of metal sealing plug valves, where the grease acts more as a sealant due to the plug valve design.
Plug valves are proving to be a commercially viable alternative for gate valves in fracing operations and therefore there is a need for a high-volume greasing system for multiple plug valves.

Grease system for high pressure plug valves


A portion of a voice call is forked by copying packets associated with voice call at a device providing an interface between two networks. The packets to be copied are identified based on address and port information associated with the voice call. The portion of the voice call is analyzed to determine the source of any voice quality issues associated with the call.

Communications networks are used to provide a variety of services to users. One such service is a voice calling service, where the user of a telephone device is able to speak to another user of a telephone device via the communications network. In some circumstances, the voice data can be digitized and communicated over a packet-switched network, such as a local area network, wide area network, or the Internet. However, problems in the network can therefore impact the quality of transmission of voice data. For example, problems such as echo, one-way audio or distorted audio can reduce the quality of voice data transmission.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

Voice quality analysis device and method thereof


Programmable integrated circuits may be used to perform hardware emulation of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design. The ASIC design may be loaded onto the programmable integrated circuit as a circuit under test (CUT). During hardware emulation operations, an emulation host may be used to coordinate testing of the CUT on the programmable device. To help emulate a power gating event for the ASIC design, the programmable device may be provided with an encoder at the input of the CUT, a decoder at the output of the CUT, and a pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) that outputs a value for adjusting the encoder and decoder. The value output from the PRNG stays fixed when there is no power loss, but will change to a new value during a power gating event. Operated in this way, the data read out from the CUT after the power gating event is effectively corrupted.

This relates to integrated circuits and more particularly, to methods of using programmable integrated circuits for circuit design emulation purposes.
Programmable integrated circuits are a type of integrated circuit that can be programmed by a user to implement a desired custom logic function. In a typical scenario, a logic designer uses computer-aided design (CAD) tools to design a custom logic circuit. When the design process is complete, the computer-aided design tools generate configuration data. The configuration data is then loaded into memory elements to configure the programmable elements on the integrated circuit to perform the desired functions of the custom logic circuit.
In contrast to programmable integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) include hardwired circuits that are customized for a particular use rather than for general-purpose use. Since each ASIC is specifically designed for a target application, ASICs are more efficient in terms of performance and area compared to their programmable counterparts (i.e., programmable devices implementing the same target application will exhibit lower performance and larger circuit footprint).
Since ASICs have limited usage compared to general-purpose devices, each iteration of an ASIC design tends to be more costly. While it is possible to simulate an ASIC design entirely in software, it may generally be desirable to simulate the ASIC design on actual hardware before actually taping out the ASIC chip to help ensure that the ASIC design will behave as intended. This hardware simulation process is oftentimes referred to as "hardware emulation" or "ASIC emulation," which involves loading the ASIC design under test on a programmable integrated circuit. Prototyping an ASIC design on a programmable device prior to taping out can help shorten the time to market and reduce cost.
It is within this context that the embodiments described herein arise.

Methods and apparatus for emulating power loss event on an integrated circuit


A plurality of pool hoppers (5) for storing a predetermined quantity of an object (W) of metering are each formed in the shape of a hollow, bottomless cylinder and are arranged side by side. A plurality of metering hoppers (7) for weighing a predetermined quantity of the object (W) supplied from the pool hoppers (5) are each formed in the shape of a hollow, bottomless cylinder and are arranged under the pool hoppers (5). A collecting device (13, 12a) for collectively storing and then discharging the object (W) supplied from the metering hoppers (7) is provided under the metering hoppers (7). A plurality of indentations (205) are arranged on the inner periphery of a barrel-type container body (201) of the metering hopper. The object (W) of metering is in point contact with the indentations (205), so that all of the object of metering is discharged from the container body. A remover (321) can be provided including a plurality of rods (321a) vertically arranged in the container body at a small distance from the inner peripheral surface of the container body. A remover rotating mechanism (22) rotates the remover (321) so that the rods (321a) move along the inner peripheral surface of the container body, thereby preventing the object (W) of metering from adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the container body.

Conventionally known is a combination metering machine, such as the one shown the cutaway side view of FIG. 30, as an apparatus in which an object of metering, such as foodstuff, is distributed to a plurality of hoppers and weighed in individual batches, a combination of the batches is selected so that the sum total of individual measured weight values is approximate to a target value, and the selected batches of the object of metering are discharged and joined, thereby obtaining a variable resembling the target value.
This apparatus comprises a circular feeder 21 provided in the central portion of the apparatus, a plurality of straight-advance feeders 22 arranged extending radially from the central portion, intermediate hoppers 23 and metering hoppers 24 arranged individually under the straight-advance feeders 22, open-close mechanisms 25 for the hoppers 23 and 24, a discharge chute 28, a collecting chute 26, and a collecting hopper 27.
When the object of metering is transported to the circular feeder 21 by means of a conveyor or the like, in this apparatus, the object of metering is radially distributed and introduced into the individual intermediate hoppers 23 by means of the straight-advance feeders 22. The respective discharge gates of the intermediate hoppers 23 open as the open-close mechanisms 25 are driven, whereby the contained object of metering is discharged to the corresponding metering hoppers 24. The metering hoppers 24 receive and weigh the object of metering discharged from the intermediate hoppers 23. The open-close mechanisms 25 are operated to open the respective discharge gates of the metering hoppers 24, thereby allowing the object of metering to be discharged through the gates, so that the quantity of the object of metering can be approximated to the target value by combining the batches of the object of metering contained in the individual metering hoppers 24. The batches of the object of metering from the metering hoppers 24 are collected in the collecting chute 26 by means of the discharge chute 28, discharged through the collecting hopper 27 to be, for example, bagged, and transported to the next stage.
The above-described combination metering machine can be used for metering a bulk material. If it is used to meter a sticky material, however, it is subject to various drawbacks such that the sticky material adheres to and remains on the inner surface of each hopper, thereby lowering the metering accuracy and processing speed, and its maintenance takes time.
To avoid this, a net is provided on the inner surface of each hopper so that the contact surface between the hopper and the object of metering is reduced to prevent the object of metering from remaining on the inner surface. In this case, however, arranging the net takes time, and the net makes it more difficult to clean the inner surface of each hopper. Therefore, the previously handled object of metering is left even after the cleaning, thus entailing insanitary conditions, and the metering accuracy is lowered.
Moreover, the net is liable to be damaged during the cleaning operation, and resulting metal pieces may possibly be entrapped.
Conventionally, furthermore, the individual hoppers are arranged circumferentially along the side face of the metering machine, a cleaner must make a round of the side portion of the metering machine as he or she cleans all the hoppers. In the conventional combination metering machine, moreover, the hoppers cannot be easily removed.
FIG. 31 is a front view showing a conventional combination metering machine in which a plurality of batches of an object of metering (work) are combined to a predetermined weight as the object is discharged.
This combination metering machine, which comprises a circular feeder 141, straight-advance feeders 142, intermediate hoppers 143, metering hoppers 144, a collecting chute 145, and a discharge hopper 146, has a circular plane configuration such that the intermediate hoppers 143 and the metering hoppers 144 are radially arranged around the circular feeder 141.
In this combination metering machine, the work is first supplied to the circular feeder 141 by means of a conveyor or the like and distributed in a radial manner. Then, a predetermined quantity of the work is introduced into each intermediate hopper 143 by means of each corresponding straight-advance feeder 142.
Subsequently, the intermediate hoppers 143 discharge and supply this predetermined quantity of the work to the metering hoppers 144 right under them. The batches of the work contained in the individual intermediate hoppers 144 are combined to set a target-value weight. Further, the metering hoppers 144 selected corresponding to the target-value weight discharge the work into the collecting chute 145. The collecting chute 145 collects the batches of the work having the target-value weight so that they get together in the discharge hopper 146.
The discharge hopper 146 opens its discharge gate at a predetermined timing, thereby allowing the work with the target-value weight to be discharged downward. The discharged work is transported to the next stage by means of a conveyor or other transportation means, whereupon it is subjected to bagging or some other process.
FIG. 32 is a side view of the discharge hopper 146. The discharge hopper 146, which is supported on the apparatus body by means of a supporting portion 147, has a discharge gate 148 at its lower portion. The discharge gate 148 is opened and closed as indicated by chain line in the drawing by means of an open-close mechanism 149.
The open-close mechanism 149 is composed of link arms 150a, 150b and 150c connected to one another. A press member 152 of a drive unit can engage the link arm 150a, and the discharge gate 148 is connected to the link arm 150c. Thus, when the press member 152 advances, the link arms 150a, 150b and 150c rock to open the discharge gate 148 as indicated by chain line in the drawing, thereby allowing the work to be discharged.
In the conventional combination metering machine constructed in this manner, however, the discharge hopper 146 is subject to the following drawbacks.
First, if the discharge hopper 146 receives a non-conforming (NG) work batch such that the target-value weight cannot be attained after the selection of a plurality of metering hoppers 144, for example, the discharge hopper 146 cannot discriminate the conformity, so that the work can be discharge only to the same position under the discharge hopper 146 at any time. Therefore, conforming work batches must be separated from non-conforming ones outside the combination metering machine, which requires much labor.
Secondly, the discharge hopper 146 is arranged so that the work is discharged by operating the discharge gate 148, so that contact sounds or noises are produced at the contact region between the discharge gate 148 and the discharge hopper 146 every time the gate is opened and closed.
Since the discharge hopper 146 itself has a tetragonal plane section and a substantially trapezoidal lateral section, moreover, its construction is complicated, and the discharge hopper 146 cannot be easily cleaned.
Furthermore, the construction of the open-close mechanism 149 for opening and closing the discharge gate 148 of the discharge hopper 146 is complicated, the components used are too many to enjoy lightweight design, the cleaning operation is not easy, and high costs are entailed.
A combination metering apparatus is used as an apparatus for efficiently collecting, for example, articles having varied weights in sets of a plurality of pieces for each prescribed weight, in the manner described above. The combination metering apparatus of this type incorporates a large number of metering machines, which each comprise a metering base and a metering container placed on the metering base. Batches of an object of metering are put individually into the respective metering containers of all the metering machines, and their respective weights are measured. Since the respective weights of the batches of the object of metering in the measured metering containers are not uniform, a plurality of batches of the object of measurement are selected among all the batches of the object of metering so that the prescribed weight of final articles of trade, e.g., bagged ones, can be obtained.
In each metering machine incorporated in this combination metering apparatus, it is natural to accurately measure the object of metering contained in its own metering container. If the object of metering contained in the metering container is selected as one of articles for bagging, it must be securely discharged in a very short time.
However, sticky materials, such as pickled vegetables, or highly watery materials adhere to the inner peripheral surface of the metering container. In this case, some of the object of metering adhering to the inner peripheral surface is left as it is without dropping even though the lower end portion of the container is opened downward. In consequence, the weight of the dropped and bagged article cannot attain the level of the prescribed weight.
Conventionally proposed as means for removing the object of metering, thus adhering to the inner peripheral surface, is a metering container which is designed so that a net is provided adjacent to the inner peripheral surface lest the object of metering directly touch the inner peripheral surface. Also proposed is a method in which a shutter is opened, and an object of metering, adhering to an inner peripheral surface inside the shutter without dropping, is separated by blowing compressed air against the inner peripheral surface.
According to the method in which the net is used, however, the object of metering adheres to the net, so that the net must be frequently washed. According to the method in which the compressed air is used, on the other hand, the object of metering is separated indirectly from the inner peripheral surface, so that all the object of metering cannot always be securely separated and dropped from the inner peripheral surface.
Further, pool hoppers and metering hoppers used in the conventional metering apparatus of this type have shapes such that it is difficult to discharge the object of metering in a short time, and a sticky object of metering, in particular, is liable to adhere to the hoppers, and the hoppers cannot be easily cleaned.

Metering system capable of easily effecting high-accuracy metering for various works including sticky materials


A phosphorus-copper brazing material formed of a phosphorus-copper brazing alloy which can easily be cold-worked into a thin sheet, a brazing sheet having a brazing layer of the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy, and a flow path structure for heat exchangers constructed by brazing with the alloy, are such that the phosphorus-copper brazing material includes a phosphorus-copper brazing alloy containing Cu as a major component and phosphorus of not less than about 2.0 mass % to not more than about 3.2 mass %. The brazing sheet includes a metal sheet, and a brazing material layer that is integral with the metal sheet on at least one side of the metal sheet, the brazing material layer being formed of the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy. The metal sheet may be formed of copper or a copper alloy containing Cu as a major component.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a phosphorus-copper brazing material and a brazing sheet having a brazing material layer formed of a phosphorus-copper brazing alloy for use in the brazing of parts or members to each other in heat exchangers, electric device components, piping and other such apparatuses. The present invention also relates to a flow path structure for heat exchangers wherein flow path forming members are brazed to each other with such a phosphorus-copper brazing alloy.
2. Description of the Related Art
Members forming flow paths in heat exchangers are formed of Cu (copper) or a Cu alloy including Cu as a major component. Conventionally, such members are brazed to each other with a phosphorus-copper brazing material. According to JIS (Japanese Industry Standards) Z 3264, such a phosphorus-copper brazing material contains 4.8 mass % to 7.5 mass % of P and optionally Ag, the balance consisting of Cu. Since phosphorus-copper brazing materials generally have very poor workability, they are usually supplied in the form of wire, rod or powder. In brazing members of heat exchangers, Ag-free phosphorus-copper brazing materials are generally used because Ag is expensive and might cause a metal allergy in human bodies.
In a brazing operation using a phosphorus-copper brazing material, it is difficult to use the brazing material in the form of rod or power and, hence, the brazing material is preferably in the form of a thin sheet. For this reason Japanese Patent Laid-Open Gazette No. 58-128292, for example, has proposed a phosphorus-copper brazing material exhibiting high cold workability, which is prepared through a process including the steps of: obtaining a crystalline thin strip directly from a molten phosphorus-copper brazing alloy containing P in an amount of 4 wt % to 10 wt % by rapidly cooling and solidifying the molten alloy, and then heat-treating the strip.
However, the preparation of such a phosphorus-copper brazing material requires direct and rapid cooling and solidification of the molten phosphorus-copper brazing alloy, which requires the use of large-scale special production equipment. Further, a special heat treatment is needed to improve the ductility and flexibility of the crystalline thin strip. Therefore, the production cost and the productivity are not satisfactory.
In order to overcome the foregoing problems with conventional methods and devices, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a brazing material including a phosphorus-copper brazing alloy which can easily be worked into a thin sheet through a cold working process without the need of any special production equipment and any special heat treatment, a brazing sheet having a brazing material layer including such a novel phosphorus-copper brazing alloy, and a flow path structure for heat exchangers including flow path forming members brazed to each other with such a novel phosphorus-copper brazing alloy.
The inventors of the present invention have conducted detailed research on the workability and brazing properties of phosphorus-copper alloys having different P (phosphorus) contents and, as a result, discovered that markedly improved workability can be obtained without sacrificing brazeability when the P content of an alloy falls within a specific range of from about 2.0 mass % to about 3.2 mass %. The present invention has been developed based on this discovery.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a phosphorus-copper brazing material includes copper as a major component and phosphorus of not less than about 2.0 mass % to not more than about 3.2 mass %, preferably not less than about 2.2 mass % to not more than about 2.9 mass %.
By merely adjusting the P content of a phosphorus-copper alloy so that the P content is within the range of not less than about 2.0 mass % to not more than about 3.2 mass % the alloy is imparted with very high cold workability without deterioration of brazeability.
When the phosphorus-copper brazing material is formed into a thin sheet having a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 0.15 mm inclusive, the brazing material has excellent brazing operability and very high cost efficiency. Since the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy forming the phosphorus-copper brazing material has excellent cold workability, the thin sheet phosphorus-copper brazing material can simply and easily be manufactured by merely cold-rolling a hot-rolled sheet of the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy into a thin sheet.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a brazing sheet includes a metal sheet, and a brazing material layer formed integral with the metal sheet on least one side of the metal sheet, the brazing material layer being formed of a phosphorus-copper brazing alloy including copper as a major component and phosphorus of not less than about 2.0 mass % to not more than about 3.2 mass %. The content of phosphorus in the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy preferably ranges not less than about 2.2 mass % to not more than about 2.9 mass %.
In the brazing sheet of this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brazing material layer formed integral with the metal sheet is formed of the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy having very high cold workability. Hence, when brazing the metal sheet to another metal member, the brazing sheet does not necessitate cumbersome operations including separately providing a brazing material and positioning the brazing material between the metal sheet and the metal member. For this reason, the brazing sheet according to preferred embodiments of the present invention has excellent brazing operability.
If the metal sheet of the brazing sheet is formed of copper or a copper alloy including copper as a major component, improvements are achieved in the pressure weldability between the metal sheet and the brazing material layer and in the productivity of the brazing sheet. Further, an improvement is achieved in the fusion-bonding property, or wettability between the two upon brazing and, hence, such a brazing sheet exhibits superior brazeability.
Since the brazing material layer of the brazing sheet is formed of the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy having superior cold workability, the brazing sheet can simply and easily be manufactured through a process including the steps of: superposing a brazing material sheet formed of a phosphorus-copper brazing alloy on at least one side of a metal substrate, the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy including copper as a major component and phosphorus of not less than about 2.0 mass % to not more than about 3.2 mass %, and cold pressure-welding the brazing material sheet to the metal substrate to form a one-piece sheet in which a brazing material layer reduced from the brazing material sheet is formed integral with a metal sheet reduced from the metal substrate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a flow path structure for heat exchangers includes a pair of first and second wall members disposed opposite to each other, and a partition member partitioning a flow path disposed between the first and second wall members into a plurality of trickle regions, the partition member being brazed to opposed surfaces of the first and second wall members with a phosphorus-copper brazing alloy including copper as a major component and phosphorus of not less than about 2.0 mass % to not more than about 3.2 mass %.
Since the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy used to form the flow path structure mentioned above includes phosphorus of not less than about 2.0 mass % to not more than about 3.2 mass %, preferably not less than about 2.2 mass % to not more than about 2.9 mass % and hence has very high cold workability, it is possible to attach the phosphorus-copper brazing alloy previously formed into an appropriate shape to each of the opposite surfaces of the first and second wall members before the brazing of the partition member to the wall members. Thus, the operation of brazing the partition member to the wall members can be facilitated, which leads to an improvement in the productivity of heat exchangers.
In this flow path structure, if the first and second wall members and the partition member are formed of copper or a copper alloy including copper as a major component, these members can simply and easily be brazed together via the aforementioned phosphorus-copper brazing alloy and be brazed with superior joining. Further, since copper used as the major component of the members forming the flow path structure is relatively inexpensive, the flow path structure is cost-efficient as a flow path for heat exchangers.
These and other features, elements, steps, characteristics and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Phosphorus-copper brazing material, brazing sheet, methods of manufacturing the material and the sheet, and flow path structure for heat exchangers


A method for providing effective mercury release control during gypsum calcination is disclosed. The method comprises providing a reactor and gypsum containing mercury; providing a mercury sorbent, such as activated carbon and/or derivatives thereof in the reactor; and calcining the gypsum in the reactor to form stucco. The mercury contaminant present in the gypsum is sorbed by the mercury sorbent during the calcination process. The mercury content of the stucco is substantially similar in amount to the mercury content of the uncalcined gypsum.

1. Technical Field
This disclosure is directed toward a method for providing mercury sorption during gypsum calcination, wherein the method utilizes a mercury sorbent such as activated carbon and/or derivatives thereof to capture mercury released from the gypsum during calcination.
2. Description of the Related Art
Emissions from electricity-generating facilities such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and mercury (Hg) are known to cause detrimental impacts to human health and the environment. Coal-burning power plants currently account for the majority of SO2 emissions in the United States. To reduce SO2 emissions, Congress passed the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 (the "Act") to regulate SO2 emissions generated by power plants.
In order to comply with the Act, power plants generally employ one of two strategies to control SO2 emissions: 1) using high-cost, low-sulfur coal; or 2) installing a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system to absorb the SO2 in the flue gas stream before it is released to the atmosphere. Currently, about 22% of coal-burning power plants in the U.S. use FGD systems to achieve the mandated SO2 emission level, and this percentage is expected to double in the next seven years in response to future regulations.
The most widely used FGD systems are wet scrubbers using calcium-based sorbent, such as lime or limestone, together with forced oxidation. As the SO2 laden flue gas passes through the FGD system, SO2 is absorbed when exposed to water and limestone as various combinations of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O), bassanite (2CaSO4.H2O), and anhydrite (CaSO4). Typically, the precipitate also includes calcite (CaCO3), and minor amounts of fly ash and carbon grains. The precipitate containing hydrated forms of calcium sulfate is referred to as FGD gypsum, or synthetic gypsum, in order to be differentiated from gypsum that occurs as a natural mineral, which consists essentially of calcium sulfate dihydrate. Commercial applications of FGD gypsum include, but are not limited to, wallboard, structural fill, aggregate, mining applications, Portland cement, plaster, glass making, pharmaceutical filler, paper, plastic, floor systems, fuel additive, and agricultural applications such as soil stabilization and soil neutralization.
One of the most popular applications of FGD gypsum is wallboard manufacturing, wherein raw FGD gypsum is calcined (or calcinated) at 250 to 380° F. in a reactor to form stucco, which is further rehydrated and processed into wallboard. In fact, approximately 70% of raw FGD gypsum is used in commercial wallboard manufacturing.
In addition to SO2, trace levels of mercury may also be present in the flue gas being treated by the wet FGD system. As gypsum precipitates in the FGD system, a portion of the mercury may be captured with the FGD gypsum.
The mercury found in FGD gypsum generally originates from coal. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has assembled a nationwide coal information database containing more than 7000 coal samples. Statistics of the analysis of those samples indicates an average mercury content of 170 ppb, with the maximum mercury content being as high as 1.8 ppm.
Mercury in coal is released to a flue gas stream when the coal is combusted. The resulting "fugitive" mercury, either in the form of elemental mercury or ionized mercury, can be captured using existing control methods. The most popular method comprises injecting a mercury sorbent, such as activated carbon, into the flue gas stream to sorb the fugitive mercury, followed by subsequent capture of the mercury-containing activated carbon by particulate control equipment.
Despite the ability of activated carbon to sorb fugitive mercury, activated carbon injection generally requires the use of large quantities of activated carbon, which is costly, and may not sufficiently remove all of the fugitive mercury from the flue gas stream. Therefore, FGD gypsum generally contains a certain amount of mercury which may be released to the environment during the calcination process.
The amount of mercury released during the calcination of FGD gypsum varies. Studies indicate that from 0.6% to 50% of the mercury contained in the FGD gypsum is released to the environment during calcination, depending on the type and initial mercury content of the FGD gypsum.
While activated carbon injection is the most mature technology in controlling mercury emissions from coal combustion, its application to control the mercury release during gypsum calcination is not yet available. As discussed above, a large quantity of activated carbon is required for capturing fugitive mercury in a flue gas stream. However, such a large quantity of activated carbon, when applied to the calcination of a gypsum, would presumably affect the quality of the stucco produced, including for example, the appearance, cube strength, rehydration time, and foam generation/degeneration characteristics of the stucco.
Therefore, there is a need for a method that provides effective mercury release control during the manufacture of wallboard from FGD gypsum. More generally, there is a need for a method that provides effective mercury release control during gypsum calcination. Further, there is a need to provide effective mercury release control during gypsum calcination without substantially affecting the quality of the resulting stucco.

Activated carbon as mercury release control agent in gypsum calcination


A silicon carbide semiconductor device includes: a vertical semiconductor element, which includes: a semiconductor substrate made of silicon carbide and having a high impurity concentration layer on a back side and a drift layer on a front side; a base region made of silicon carbide on the drift layer; a source region arranged on the base region and made of silicon carbide; a deep layer disposed deeper than the base region; a trench gate structure including a gate insulation film arranged on an inner wall of a gate trench which is arranged deeper than the base region and shallower than the deep layer, and a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulation film; a source electrode electrically connected to the base region, the source region, and the deep layer; and a drain electrode electrically connected to the high impurity concentration layer.

In a SiC semiconductor device providing a high breakdown electric field strength, a high electric field is generated due to the high breakdown electric field strength, and when forming an element having the trench gate structure, the high electric field is generated particularly at the bottom of the gate. Therefore, the electric field applied to the gate oxide film is increased, and the life time of the gate oxide film is reduced. In order to prevent this, a structure is provided such that a p-type deep layer to be an electric field relaxation layer is formed in the vicinity of the trench where the trench gate is formed, so that the electric field applied to the trench gate is relaxed.


An industrial sliding door has one or more panel assemblies, each panel assembly having a track panel secured to a header and a swinging panel hinged at the inner edge of the track panel to pivot in either direction about a vertical axis if the swinging panel is impacted by a vehicle such as a fork lift. Both panels can also pivot in at least one direction about a horizontal axis. A rail mounted stationary relative to the doorway at the lower edge of the door holds the lower edge of the door in proximity to the doorway and is disengagable if the door is hit from the opposite side, to permit the door panel assembly to swing about the horizontal axis away from the doorway. The swinging panel is held by a detent in the plane of the track panel in a normal position.

Sliding doors for industrial applications are well known. For example, for a large scale industrial freezer, in which forklift trucks are continually coming in and out of the freezer, insulated sliding doors have been used. The sliding doors are typically suspended by trolleys that have wheels engaged on tracks which are mounted to the wall over the doorway. There may also be tracks on the walls at the bottom of the door to hold the bottom of the door close to the doorway. Two panels are typically provided which meet in the middle of the doorway and are operated by a belt which is power driven at the top of the doorway and has a lower run of the belt attached to one of the panels and an upper run of the belt attached to the other panel, so that when the belt is driven, the panels move away from one another to open the doorway. When the belt is driven in the other direction, the panels move together toward one another to close the doorway. The opening of the door is typically actuated by a motion detector, a pull cord connected to a switch or an induction loop in the floor that senses the presence of a vehicle. Although the sliding doors open and close with considerable speed, the forklifts also travel with considerable speed. Sometimes, when a door is opening or closing, the forklift may impact the door, usually adjacent to a leading edge of one of the door panels. When this happens, severe damage can occur to the door.
Prior art doors made to endure impacts such as this have typically been made of fabric covered foam or other soft materials, which can absorb impact without significant damage to the door. However, the materials of these doors have other disadvantages, including that they wear out, the severity of the impact that can be endured is quite limited, they are not easily cleaned, they absorb moisture, they can contribute to mold growth which is important in a food storage facility, and they can become torn, and do not present a structural or aesthetic appearance.


A method and apparatus for efficiently allocating resources to a terminal in a random access system are provided. A method for transmitting an abnormal power down report from a Machine to Machine (M2M) device in a wireless communication system may include transmitting a Bandwidth Request (BR) preamble sequence and a first message to a base station, receiving an uplink resource allocation from the base station, transmitting the abnormal power down report using the uplink resource allocation, and starting a first timer for confirmation of the transmitted abnormal power down report, wherein the first message may include an identifier of the M2M device and a BR index for transmitting an abnormal power down report.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a broadband wireless access system, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for efficiently allocating resources to a terminal in a random access system.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
First, a Machine to Machine (M2M) communication environment is briefly described.
The term "Machine to Machine (M2M) communication" refers to communication that is performed between electronic devices as the term states. Although, in a broad sense, the term "M2M communication" refers to wired or wireless communication between electronic devices or communication between a device that is controlled by a human and a machine, the term has generally been used recently to indicate wireless communication which is performed between electronic devices without humans being involved.
In the early 1990's when the M2M communication concept was introduced, M2M was considered a concept such as remote control or telematics and associated markets were greatly limited. However, in recent years, M2M communication has been continuously rapidly developed, creating a new market that is attracting global attention. Especially, M2M communication has exerted a great influence upon fields such as Point Of Sale (POS) and fleet management in the security-related application market and a smart meter for automatically measuring the amount of consumed heat or electricity, measuring an operating time of construction equipment and facilities, and remote monitoring machines and facilities. In the future, M2M communication will be used for a wider variety of purposes, in combination with existing mobile communication and wireless high-speed Internet or low-power communication solutions such as Wi-Fi and ZigBee, will no longer be limited to the Business to Business (B2B) market and will expand its application field into a Business to Consumer (B2C) market.
In the M2M communication era, all machines equipped with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card can transmit and receive data such that it is possible to remotely manage and control all such machines. For example, the application range of M2M communication technology is very broad such that M2M communication technology can be used for a great number of devices and equipment such as cars, trucks, trains, containers, vending machines, and gas tanks.
In the related art, terminals are generally managed on an individual basis and thus communication between a base station and a terminal is performed based on a one-to-one communication scheme. Assuming that a large number of M2M devices communicate with a base station through such a one-to-one communication scheme, network overload can be expected due to signaling generated between each M2M device and the base station. When M2M communication has rapidly spread in a broad range of applications as described above, there may be problems associated with overhead due to communication between M2M devices or between M2M devices and a base station.
In addition, in the M2M system, an abnormal power outage event associated with M2M devices may occur since humans are not involved in operation of M2M devices. When such an abnormal power outage event has occurred in an M2M device, a power outage event may occur in most M2M devices at a point to which the M2M device belongs.
When a power outage event has occurred, M2M devices need to report the power outage event to the base station. For example, M2M devices which are in an idle mode will perform a ranging procedure in order to report the power outage event. In this case, collision may occur between the M2M devices. In addition, M2M devices which are in a normal state will perform a bandwidth request procedure in order to report the power outage event. In this case, there is also a high probability that a collision occurs between the M2M devices.
When a collision has occurred between M2M devices, a collision resolution procedure is performed in order to resolve the collision situation. Accordingly, when an abnormal power outage event has occurred, there is a problem in that unnecessary power consumption of M2M devices increases and system resource efficiency may also be reduced.

Method for allocating resources in broadband wireless access system


A reclosable wiper blade package for holding a beam-type wiper blade in a substantially straightened condition in an upside down orientation with the wiping element of the blade facing upwardly toward a cover of the package. The package includes a blade-retaining package panel with a cavity formed therein having an adapter seat and blade engagement regions that engage corresponding arms of the wiper blade. Each blade engagement region is configured for snap fit engagement with an end portion of the wiper blade arm such as an end cap of the wiper blade.

Pre-curved beam-type windshield or windscreen wiper blades continue to grow in popularity throughout the United States and the world. Beam-type wiper blades have an elongate beam, typically made of a relatively thin generally rectangular strip of metal, which is substantially continuously curved during manufacture to impart a corresponding substantially continuous curve to an elastomeric, e.g., rubber, wiping element extending outwardly from the beam. Imparting such a substantially continuous curve to the wiping element causes the wiping element to make more uniform contact with a vehicle windshield or windscreen during wiper operation improving the squeegee action of the wiper blade.
Numerous challenges have been encountered in making packages that hold pre-curved beam-type wiper blades. One challenge resulted from the pre-curve of beam-type wiper blades having a greater transverse width than previous conventional articulating framework wiper blades. To minimize package volume and maximize retail display package density, thermoformed reclosable packages have been produced that hold pre-curved beam-type wiper blades in a partially or substantially straightened condition. These packages have a cover attached by a hinge to a blade-engaging base panel that has a blade-holding cavity formed therein configured to receive a beam-type wiper blade in an "upside-up" orientation with its adapter disposed adjacent the cover and its wiping element received in the cavity facing away from the cover.
Another challenge relates to protecting the wiping element while in the package. Due to the curvature of the beam and the relatively fragile nature of the rubber wiping element, the wiping element can become warped or distorted if it comes into contact with the package and takes on a set. When this happens, the outer tip or squeegee edge of the wiping element may be unable to make substantially continuous contact with a vehicle windshield when the wiper blade is installed, causing streaking to occur during operation. Should this occur with a brand new beam-type wiper blade taken right out of the package, customer expectations are not met which can also adversely affect future wiper blade purchasing decisions.
While "upside-up" reclosable wiper blade packages have enjoyed substantial commercial success, improvements nonetheless remain desirable. For example, achieving the desired draw ratio of the blade-holding cavity can be a challenge, particularly with narrower beam-type wiper blades. Even where the desired draw ratio can be achieved, it can still be desirable to provide greater clearance between the wiping element and the package to help prevent contact therebetween.
What is needed is an improved reclosable wiper blade package that better protects the wiping element of a beam-type wiper blade by providing greater clearance between the wiping element and the package. What is also needed is a reclosable wiper blade package that is particularly well suited for narrower beam-type wiper blades requiring a thermoforming draw ratio greater than can be achieved using current thermoforming equipment and methods.

Reclosable upside down beam blade wiper blade package


A preparative purification apparatus capable of adjusting a mixing ratio of a mobile phase and an elution solvent contained in a solution to be collected. A liquid feeding unit which feeds an elution solvent to an inlet of a trap column; a flow path switching unit which selectively connects an outlet of the trap column to one of a waste liquid flow path or a recovery flow path; a liquid feed amount measurement unit; and a flow path control unit which performs a control such that the flow path switching unit is connected to the recovery flow path when the amount of the elution solvent fed to the trap column reaches a predetermined initial waste liquid amount, and thereafter, the flow path switching unit is connected to the waste liquid flow path at a timing of reaching a predetermined solution recovery amount.

In a pharmaceutical field, a preparative purification system using a liquid chromatograph is used for the purpose of collecting samples for storing various compounds obtained by chemical synthesis as libraries or analyzing various compounds in detail. As such a preparative separation system, systems described in Patent Document 1 and 2 are known.
In the preparative purification systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, target components (compounds) in a sample solution are introduced into separate trap columns for each target component and captured once, by being temporally separated with a liquid chromatograph. Thereafter, a solvent (elution solvent) is allowed to flow through each trap column to elute the target component captured in the column, thereby collecting a solution containing the target component in a container (collection container), and each solution is subjected to evaporation and dryness process to remove the solvent, thereby recovering the target component as solid matter. By recovering the target component as solid matter in this way, the storage and transportation are easily performed.
The evaporation and dryness process is generally carried out by a method such as heating or vacuum centrifugation of the recovered solution. The solution collected in the recovery container contains the elution solvent and a mobile phase used for capture in a trap column. Although an organic solvent is usually used for the mobile phase, in some cases, water or a solution containing water as a main component may be used. When moisture is contained in the mobile phase, since it takes time for evaporation of water, there is a need for several hours to one day in the evaporation and dryness process.
On the other hand, when the recovered target component is used, the solidified target component may be dissolved in the solvent again and used in a solution form. In such a case, it is possible to drastically shorten the time required for the recovery process of the target component, by recovering and using the target component as a solution, without performing the evaporation and dryness process in the preparative purification system.
Patent Document 1: JP-A-2003-149217
Patent Document 2: International Publication WO 2009-044425


A magnetic fluid seal device, with two or more pole pieces disposed around a magnetic rotating element on both sides of a permanent magnet, each pole piece being formed by alternately joining and first and second magnetic disks differing in inside diameter is related. Tiny gaps are formed between the inner circumference of the magnetic disks having the smaller inside diameter in each pole piece and the outer circumference of the magnetic rotating element, and a magnetic fluid is magnetically captured in these tiny gaps. The magnetic flux density in these gaps is set larger than the saturated magnetization of the magnetic fluid captured in these gaps and the thickness of the first magnetic disks is set somewhare between 0.02 and 0.0 mm.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a magnetic fluid seal device to be used as a non-contact shaft sealing part in vacuum equipment such as ion plating apparatus and dry etching apparatus, and rotating devices handling gas and other rotating shaft parts. A magnetic fluid seal device of this sort is free from friction noise, and attains a high degree of air tightness in a simple structure, and withstands high speed rotations of over thousands of rpm, and hence it is used widely in rotary shafts parts, replacing mechanical seals.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the conventional magnetic fluid seal device of this sort, plural pole pieces in a cylindrical form with a thick wall were disposed in a housing around a magnetic shaft across a magnet to form narrow gaps between the pole pieces and the magnetic shaft, and magnetic fluid was magnetically captured in these gaps. In this basic structure, generally in order to obtain wide and narrow gaps (labyrinth) between the pole pieces and the magnetic shaft, for example, annular projections were formed around the magnetic shaft, or block rings having fine undulations on the inner surface were used as pole pieces as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,488,531.
In such a magnetic fluid seal, however, it was very uneconomical to form undulations around the shaft or fine asperities on the inside of the block rings with high precision, and it was structurally impossible to form multiple magnetic fluid capturing parts having a high magnetic flux density in the narrow gaps in the axial direction.
As a magnetic fluid seal device for solving such problems, the present applicant previously proposed the device of using disk packs obtained by alternately joining and adhering magnetic disks differing in the inside diameter of the pole pieces as disclosed in the Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-71473.
However, in the magnetic fluid seal device disclosed in this Publication No. 62-71473, it was sometimes impossible to capture the magnetic fluid securely between the magnetic shaft and the magnetic disk of the smaller inside diameter side, and a sufficient sealing effect could not be obtained.
It has been found that the above problem was caused because of two reasons, that is:
(a) If the gap between the magnetic disk with the smaller inside diameter and the outer circumference of the magnetic rotating element is larger than the thickness of the magnetic disk of the smaller inside diameter, the magnetic flux density between the magnetic disk and the magnetic rotating element, serving as the sealing part, is lowered. PA1 (b) When the magnetization of the magnetic fluid in the tiny gaps is not sufficient, the magnetic fluid cannot be captured securely between the magnetic disk of the smaller inside diameter and the magnetic shaft.
That is, due to causes (a) and (b), the differential pressure resistance characteristics between the primary side and secondary side of the magnetic fluid device are lowered, thereby making it impossible to maintain the desired high air tightness.


Provided is an autonomous moving body configured to move along a planned movement path to execute a given task, including: an external sensor configured to recognize another autonomous moving body given another task and an operation state of the another autonomous moving body; an overtaking determination unit configured to determine, when it is recognized by the external sensor that the another autonomous moving body moves along the movement path, whether to overtake the another autonomous moving body; and a movement control unit configured to control a moving unit based on the determination of the overtaking determination unit.

The present disclosure relates to an autonomous moving body and a control program for an autonomous moving body.
Techniques in which a plurality of autonomous moving robots respectively execute tasks under a specific environment have come to be known. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-174379 discloses a technique in which a plurality of cleaning robots perform cleaning while moving along paths different from each other.

Autonomous moving body and control program for autonomous moving body


A polyvinyl alcohol polymer film includes a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, diglycerin, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and trimethylolpropane. The amount of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer eluted when a 10 cm square of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer film is left in 1 liter of water of 50° C. for 4 hours is from 1 to 100 ppm. The film has only a small number of defects and is useful as raw material for producing a polarization film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a polyvinyl alcohol polymer film which has small number of defects and is useful as a production raw material of a polarization film, and to a polarization film produced using this.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A polarizer having functions of transmission and shielding of light is a fundamental constituent element of a liquid crystal display (LCD), together with a liquid crystal having a function of switching light. This LCD is applied to portable apparatuses such as electronic calculators, wristwatches and the like in the initial period of development of LCD, and recently, to apparatuses in a wider range such as lap top personal computers, word processors, liquid crystal color projectors, navigation systems for automobiles, liquid crystal televisions, personal phones, indoor and outdoor measuring apparatuses and the like, and there is a need for polarizer having higher polarization characteristic and smaller defects than conventional products.
For obtaining a polarizer having general constitution, a polyvinyl alcohol polymer film (hereinafter, polyvinyl alcohol polymer is abbreviated as "PVA", and a polyvinyl alcohol film is abbreviated as "PVA film" in some cases) is monoaxially stretched before dyeing, or dyed before monoaxial stretching, and subjected to fixing treatment with a boron compound (in some cases, dyeing and fixing treatment are conducted simultaneously, or monoaxial stretching and fixing treatment are conducted simultaneously), then, a protection film such as a triacetic cellulose (TAC) film, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and the like is laminated on the polarization film.
By using the above-mentioned polarizer and liquid crystal having a function of switching light, dichroic display such as white and black display is enabled, and color display is realized by combination of a color filter. For improving color reproducibility of a liquid crystal display, more white hue and more black hue are required without using color filter, and for this, smaller unnecessary coloration on a polarizer is necessary.
However, when a PVA film is stretched, PVA in the PVA film may be partially dissolved in a dyeing process and a fixing treatment process with a boron compound in the case of dry stretching, and also in a swelling process before stretching and a stretching process in addition to the dyeing process and fixing treatment process in the case of wet stretching. The dissolved PVA is deposited in a vessel and adheres to a PVA film and polarization film, or deposited on a PVA film and polarization film, providing a defect, and consequently, decreases the yield of the polarization film. Further, dissolved PVA which has not been deposited causes expensive waste water treatment, problematically.
Furthermore, a conventional PVA film which is a raw material of a polarization film has a problem that unnecessary coloration tends to occur by conducting heat treatment in producing a polarization film. Particularly when a polarizer is made by a dry stretching method, unnecessary coloration such as yellowing and the like tends to occur. Therefore, a PVA film causing little unnecessary coloration even if heat treatment is effected in producing a polarization film has been desired to be realized.
Then, an object of the present invention is to provide a PVA film useful as a raw material for producing a polarization film having a small number of defects, and a polarization film made by using this PVA film.
Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a PVA film which causes little unnecessary coloration and is useful as a raw material of a polarization film, and a polarization film made by using this PVA film.

Polyvinyl alcohol polymer film and polarization film