An open cabin vehicle is equipped with a fuel cell unit having a hydrogen tank for storing hydrogen to be used as fuel and has a simple structure. An upper end of each of a hydrogen tank, a fuel cell stack, and a hydrogen supply pipe is located farther upward than a floor in a state in which the hydrogen tank, the fuel cell stack, and the hydrogen supply pipe are disposed in a fuel-cell-unit arrangement space which is provided below a space being present farther backward than at least a part of the floor in a vehicle-body inner space, and which borders the vehicle-body inner space, thereby being connected to a vehicle-body outer space which is a space around the open cabin vehicle, via the vehicle-body inner space.

Conventionally, open cabin vehicles are known. An open cabin vehicle is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-125110.
The open cabin vehicle described in the above described publication includes a vehicle body and an electric motor. The vehicle body includes a floor which is formed to lead to an entrance having no door, and a roof which is disposed farther upward than the floor. The vehicle body forms a vehicle-body inner space. The vehicle-body inner space is defined at an upper end by the roof, and is capable of accommodating an occupant and/or a luggage. The vehicle-body inner space is communicated with a vehicle-body outer space. The vehicle-body outer space is a space around the vehicle body. The electric motor provides driving force to the vehicle body.
Since the open cabin vehicle described in the above described publication has no door at the entrance, the degree of freedom in designing the entrance increases. Also, as a result of that the floor is leaded to the entrance having no door, and the vehicle-body inner space which is formed by the vehicle body is communicated with the vehicle-body outer space which is a space around the vehicle body, an opened vehicle-body inner space is provided. In addition, since an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine is adopted as a driving source to provide driving force to the vehicle body, exhaust pipes and the like, which are required when an internal combustion engine is adopted, are obviated. Therefore, the open cabin vehicle described in the above described publication allows to realize a simple structure.


Methods and related systems are described for use for making subterranean nuclear measurements. The system can include a plurality of elongated scintillator members each generating optical signals in response to ionizing radiation. Optical detector units can be optically coupled to at least one end of each elongated scintillator member so as to detect optical signals from each elongated scintillator member. The system can be suitable for permanent or semi-permanent deployment downhole. For example, the system can operate for more than six months in a subterranean deployment measuring cosmic radiation. The system can be suited to monitor density changes in subterranean regions of interest, for example, density changes brought about by steam injection as part of a steam assisted gravity drainage operation.

1. Field of the Subject Matter Disclosed
The subject matter disclosed relates to nuclear measurements made in a subsurface environment. More particularly, this patent specification relates to systems and methods for track determination of ionizing radiation for density measurements and/or permanent and/or semi-permanent density monitoring in a borehole.
2. Background of the Subject Matter Disclosed
Nuclear density measurements rely on the attenuation of a radiation field of known intensity traversing a region of interest. Such a transmission measurement technique requires the determination of the radiation field intensity before and after the region of interest. In a down-hole environment density measurements are typically performed in a single cylindrical bore-hole tool. This constraint typically prevents transmission type measurements.
In typical down-hole gamma-gamma density measurements, the bore-hole tool contains both one or more photon detectors and a gamma radiation source of known intensity. The formation density of interest is probed when photons emitted from the radiation source exit the bore-hole region and scatter off the formation back into the bore-hole again where they are detected by the density tool. In the energy range of practical down-hole gamma radiation sources, the above photon flux is very sensitive to a variety of environmental effects at the interface between the borehole, the tool and the formation, which affect the measured apparent formation density and must be corrected for.
Typical down-hole photon detectors used in gamma-gamma density measurements consist of a bulk of scintillating material in a suitable package and optically coupled to a photo-multiplier tube: this arrangement measures the energy deposited in the detector by an incoming photon or gamma ray but does not determine the trajectory with which the photon entered the detection volume.
Another type of density measurements uses so-called natural cosmic ray radiation, consisting of charged particles (muons) up to very high energies. Cosmic ray muons can penetrate up to several km into the subsurface and are thus of interest for subsurface density measurements probing formation densities at much larger distance scales than with gamma-gamma density and up to several tens of meters or more. However given the modest cosmic muon rate (only a few events per square inch per minute at surface, e.g., a surface of the earth, and dropping exponentially with depth) it becomes quickly unpractical to perform a muon transmission measurement over long ranges as the usable flux will be quickly significantly reduced by the practical solid angle coverage available when two detectors are placed over long distances.

Subsurface nuclear measurement systems, methods and apparatus


An organic EL panel has a light-emitting part including one or a plurality of organic EL elements over a substrate and having a sealing structure sealing the light-emitting part. The organic EL element includes an organic layer formed on a first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the organic layer. The organic EL panel includes a coating film coating the light-emitting part. A contact object is arranged on an inner surface of the sealing structure. One or a plurality of convex parts is formed on the contact object. The coating film is formed to have a thickness larger than the length of the convex part.

An organic EL (electroluminescence) panel includes an organic EL element as light-emitting element and is a self light-emitting panel that can be applied to various usages such as various indication devices, for example, as indicator display of cellular phone, monitor display for automotive and home electronic devices, information indication display of personal computer and television device, etc.; various light sources, for example, scanner and printer, etc.; lighting devices, for example, general lights, backlight for liquid crystal indication devices, etc.; optical communication device using opto-electronic transformation function, etc.
An organic EL element is as nature subject to deterioration of luminescence characteristic when in contact with water, etc. contained in the air. Therefore, a sealing structure is inevitable to block air from the organic EL element for a stable and long operation of the organic EL panel. As a generally adopted sealing structure for organic EL panel, a sealing member made of metal or glass and a substrate on which the organic EL element is formed are bonded so as to form a sealing space encapsulating the organic EL element to house a desiccant in the sealing space (hollow-sealed structure). Also, in view of still thinner panels or improved strength, an investigation on a solid sealing structure is in progress for coating the organic EL element directly with a sealing material without space.
According to the conventional art described in patent literature 1, there are included a first substrate including an organic EL element on the surface, a second substrate bonded with the first substrate, and a desiccant layer formed on the surface of the second substrate, wherein the surface of the desiccant layer is coated with a stress buffer layer made of a resin layer.    [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2003-317936
In the organic EL panel that adopted the above-mentioned hollow-sealed structure, the presence of the sealing space largely influences the thickness of the panel, requiring the gap of the sealing space to be made small. In such a case, a deformation of the substrate or the sealing member may cause the inner surface of the sealing member or the desiccant layer housed on the inner surface of the sealing member to come into contact with the organic EL element on the substrate.
A desiccant layer including a binder resin and a desiccant component of an inorganic material is used. As the desiccant component of an inorganic material is in form of particles or grains, microscopic irregularities are formed on the surface of the desiccant layer. Therefore, the organic EL element, when contacted by this surface, may be mechanically damaged, causing a deterioration that causes a luminescent defect such as leak. In the above-mentioned conventional art (patent literature 1), in order to solve this deterioration, the desiccant layer is coated by a stress buffer layer made of a resin layer such that the surface irregularities of desiccant layer do not directly contact the organic EL element.
However, in this conventional art, the substrate on the surface of which the organic EL element is formed (first substrate) is transferred from a film formation chamber to a sealing process chamber, while the sealing member on which a desiccant layer and a stress buffer layer that covers the desiccant layer are formed (second substrate) is transferred to the sealing process chamber via another atmosphere than the above-mentioned film formation chamber. Therefore, dusts, etc. may be adsorbed on the surface of the stress buffer layer during the transfer step. In such a case, disadvantageously, the adsorbed dusts, etc. may damage the organic EL element when the surface contacts the surface of the organic EL element even if a stress buffer layer provided.
In addition, in the above-mentioned conventional art, the desiccant layer is coated with a stress buffer layer made of a resin layer. Therefore, the moisture that has penetrated into the sealing space can only be absorbed through the resin layer. Consequently, the essential function of the desiccant layer to absorb the moisture penetrated into the sealing space may be lowered.
On the other hand, when adopting the solid sealing structure, a sealing adhesive layer contacts the surface of the organic EL element. In order to improve the adhesive strength and the strength of the entire panel thereby, filler may be mixed in the sealing adhesive. The surface irregularities due to the presence of aggregate contacts the surface of organic EL element and may mechanically damage the organic EL element, too.

Organic EL panel comprising a light-emitting part and a sealing structure sealing the light-emitting part and method for manufacturing the same


An electronic apparatus includes an electronic device, a column that supports the electronic device, a plate member connected to a lower end of the column, a support member that includes a lower plate segment disposed under the plate member and an upper plate segment disposed above the plate member and supports the plate member such that the plate member is allowed to swing between the lower plate segment and the upper plate segment, and a wall member that faces a side surface of the plate member to restrict a range of turning of the plate member.

A display, such as a liquid crystal display, may be supported by a display support unit called, for example, a display stand or a display arm. The display support unit is disposed in an installation location, for example, on a desk, and is configured such that the orientation of the display can be changed in accordance with the position of the point of view of a user.
In order to achieve both a reduction in installation space and protection against forward falling arising from the weight of the display, the display support unit has a base, which is placed on, for example, a desk, having front extending part which is long and rear extending part which is short. Accordingly, in the case where the display is positioned in front of the display support unit, the display support unit can be protected from falling. If the display is moved to the rear of the display support unit, it is difficult to protect the display support unit from falling.
Newer display support units are therefore designed such that the display is positioned in front of the display support unit at all times by restricting the range of rotation of a column which supports the display.
The specific structure of a related-art display support unit will be described below.
The display support unit includes a base plate placed on, for example, a desk, a column supporting a display, a rotating plate connected to the lower end of the column, a restricting plate fixed to the lower surface of the rotating plate, a sliding plate, positioned between the base plate and the restricting plate, rotatably supporting the rotating plate, and a restricting pin fixed to the base plate such that the pin extends through a guide hole disposed in the restricting plate.
In the display support unit, when the column supporting the display is rotated, the rotating plate connected to the lower end of the column rotates together with the restricting plate fixed to the rotating plate. At this time, the restricting pin fixed to the base plate slides through the guide hole in the restricting plate in a direction in which the guide hole extends. When the rotating plate rotates by a predetermined angle, therefore, the restricting pin fixed to the base plate reaches one end of the guide hole in the restricting plate, so that the rotating plate is stopped from further rotating. With this structure, the related-art display support unit keeps the display from moving to the rear of the display support unit.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 8-320655 discloses an example of related art.
As discussed above, the related-art display support unit has to include special parts, e.g., the restricting plate and the restricting pin, for restricting the rotation range of the display. Disadvantageously, assembly of the display support unit is complicated.


In a vehicular power supply system, inclined portions (16c) extending obliquely upward toward the exterior from two mutually opposing side edges of a waterproof case (14) are formed on a hanger frame (16), and an upper face opening (14b) of the waterproof case (14) and an outer peripheral part of a lid member (15) are equipped with extended portions (14a, 15a) extending upward so as to cover the inclined portion (16c) of the hanger frame (16). This enables water flowing on an upper face of the lid member (15) or water that has accumulated on the upper face of the lid member (15) to be blocked by the extended portions (14a, 15a) and to be prevented from entering the interior of the waterproof case (14) via an outer peripheral face of the hanger frame (16) running through mating faces of a lid member (15) and the waterproof case (14) housing a battery module (24) and a high voltage electrical component (33).

An arrangement in which a power supply unit housing a battery module and a motor control system in the interior of an upper case and lower case is disposed beneath a floor of an automobile trunk compartment, and the power supply unit is hangingly supported on a vehicle body frame via two, that is, front and rear, battery support frames running through mating faces of the upper case and lower case in the vehicle width direction is known from Patent Publication 1 below.
[Patent Publication 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2007-22350


A rotary developing device that rotates about a rotational axis includes plural developing units, an energized member, a hollow cylindrical unit, a first energizing member, a rotatable unit, a second energizing member, a first conductive member, and a second conductive member. Each developing unit develops a latent image formed on an image holding member into a visible image, and is rotatable about the rotational axis so as to be sequentially movable to a developing position facing the image holding member. The hollow cylindrical unit is arranged along the rotational axis. The rotatable unit is supported rotatably with respect to the hollow cylindrical unit. One end of the first conductive member is connected to the first energizing member supported on an outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical unit. The second conductive member connects the second energizing member supported by the rotatable unit to the energized member supported in a developing unit.

(i) Technical Field
The present invention relates to a rotary developing device and an image forming apparatus.
(ii) Related Art
Conventional image forming apparatuses include a revolver-type developing device, called a rotary developing device, having multiple developing units supported rotatably about a rotational axis so that the developing units are caused to sequentially face an image holding member to perform development.

Rotary developing device and image forming apparatus


Methods, devices, and computer programs are presented for managing power consumption by a display. One method includes an operation for identifying one or more possible inputs for an activity monitoring device based on a state of the activity monitoring device. The one or more possible inputs are defined to be entered via a touchscreen of the activity monitoring device. Further, the method identifies a first region and a second region in the touchscreen, the first region being associated with the one or more possible inputs, and the second region being defined outside the first region. Further, the method includes operations for establishing in the first region a first touchscreen setting for scanning the first region for touch, and for establishing in the second region a second touchscreen setting for scanning the second region, where the first touchscreen setting defines higher processing than the second touchscreen setting.

1. Field of the Invention
The present embodiments relate to methods, devices, systems, and computer programs for managing power consumption in a portable device, and more particularly, methods, devices, systems, and computer programs for managing display operation.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of portable devices has grown exponentially over the last few decades. In order to achieve true portability, portable devices, such as smart phones, tablets, music players, laptop computers, video players, etc., must be operational for acceptable periods of time without the need to recharge the batteries.
One of the components that use a large amount of power in portable devices, oftentimes the most power, is the display. The trend today is towards touch-sensitive displays, also referred to as touchscreens, in order to facilitate user interaction with the portable device. However, the power consumption of touchscreens in electronic devices may significantly affect the overall battery life.
In some portable devices, such as smart phones, the touchscreen is disabled while the user is not utilizing the portable device, and the touchscreen is enabled after the user presses a button on the computing device. This means that the touchscreen does not have to be scanned for touch while the device is not in use. However, some portable devices may not have buttons, and the touchscreen has to be operational at all times. This means that the touchscreen has to be scanned for input continuously, resulting in a potential large consumption of power.
It is in this context that embodiments arise.

Touchscreen with dynamically-defined areas having different scanning modes


An apparatus for the large scale production of boron nitride nanotubes comprising; a pressure chamber containing; a continuously fed boron containing target; a source of thermal energy preferably a focused laser beam; a cooled condenser; a source of pressurized nitrogen gas; and a mechanism for extracting boron nitride nanotubes that are condensed on or in the area of the cooled condenser from the pressure chamber.

Since the announcement of the successful synthesis of high-aspect-ratio few-walled boron nitride nanotubes (FW-BNNTs) in 1995, little progress has been made in the scale-up of their synthesis. As a demonstration, in spite of the theoretical capabilities of FW-BNNTs to provide high strength-to-weight, high temperature resistance, piezo-electric actuation, and radiation shielding (via the boron content), the aerospace industry still relies on micron-sized graphite or boron fibers for structural applications. Neither FW-BNNTs nor single-wall carbon nanotubes are widely used in aerospace manufacturing, the industry generally most willing to pay a premium for high performance.
To date, high-aspect ratio FW-BNNTs have been produced in small amounts (from individual tubes to milligrams) by arc-discharge or laser heating methods. A separate class of boron nitride nanotubes has also been produced by chemical vapor deposition of nitrogen compounds (e.g. ammonia) over ball-milled precursors, but these tubes are of larger diameter and do not exhibit the continuous crystalline sp2-type bonding structure which has drawn most theoretical interest.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/152,414 filed May 14, 2008 describes a process for the production of at leas centimeter-long boron nitride nanotubes. The disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In spite of this disclosure of a process for the production of boron nitride nanotubes, no apparatus has yet been described for the practical implementation of the process described in this application.

Apparatus for the production of boron nitride nanotubes

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA


A system and method for positioning an article, such as a graft or catheter, in a subcutaneous tunnel between skin and muscle tissue of a patient. The system comprises a tunneling tool, a pair of nested tubes coupleable to a trailing end of the tunnel tool, and a flexible article which can be slidably received within the pair of nested tubes. The nested tubes each have a leading end, a trailing end, and a longitudinal opening.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to medical devices, systems, and methods. More particularly, the present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for positioning an article, such as a graft or catheter, in a subcutaneous tunnel between skin and muscle tissue of a patient to establish improved access to the patient""s vascular system for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, or other extracorporeal blood treatments.
Significant attention has been focused on the specific needs of vascular access for hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is generally the only treatment alternative for patients unable to receive a kidney transplant due to medical conditions, age, or absence of a donor. Hemodialysis, in part, takes up the excretory role of the kidney by drawing blood from the arterial system into a membrane separation device outside of the body, which transfers noxious substances from the blood into dialysate for disposal and returns the cleansed blood into the venous system of the patient. Hemodialysis and other extracorporeal treatment regimens that are repeated periodically, often for the lifetime of the patient, regularly utilize vascular grafts or catheters to improve blood flow characteristics. Vascular grafts, such as the Perma-Seal(trademark) graft available from Possis Medical, Inc. and the VAG(trademark) (venous arterial graft) available from Thoratec Laboratories Corporation, are permanently implanted in a subcutaneous tunnel, where one end of the graft is typically placed in an artery and the other end of the graft is typically placed in a vein so as to create an anastomosis between the two blood vessels. Access to the graft for hemodialysis is then achieved by percutaneous introduction of a needle or an access tube.
Recently, several graft designs have been proposed where the grafts are made of certain materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, DACRON, polyurethane, bovine, and the like. These grafts are designed to offer immediate access to the patient""s vasculature with reduced complications of hematomas between the subcutaneous tissue and the graft, kinking, thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm formation, or infection. While vascular grafts offer great promise, one issue to be resolved for the success and practical utility of vascular grafts is effective subcutaneous placement of such articles.
Subcutaneous placement of vascular grafts can be problematic since the grafts can easily be destroyed if they are stretched longitudinally as such forces change the graft""s material properties. Previously proposed devices and methods for subcutaneously positioning a graft include attaching a graft directly onto a trailing end of a conventional tunneling tool which creates a subcutaneous path between two blood vessels. Such methods often result in significant longitudinal forces on the graft (as the graft is constantly being pulled behind the tunneler) which may potentially destroy the graft. Moreover, such protocols may result in twisting or kinking of the graft and a loose seal between the graft and the subcutaneous tissue as the tunnel created by the tunneler is typically of equal or larger diameter than the diameter of the vascular graft. A loose seal is undesirable as it makes it difficult to properly access the graft with a needle and increases the chances of hematomas, bleeding, and infection. Other proposed methods employ feeding a graft into a hollow tunneler or tube that is already positioned within the subcutaneous tunnel. Similarly, passing the graft into a hollow tube as well as removing the tube after the graft is positioned often results in significant longitudinal forces on the graft which compromise its structural integrity. In such instances, a loose seal is also created between the graft and the subcutaneous tissue as the diameter of the hollow tube will generally be greater than the diameter of the vascular graft to allow for release of the graft.
For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide devices, systems, and methods for positioning an article, such as a graft or catheter, in a subcutaneous tunnel between skin and muscle tissue of a patient to establish improved access to the patient""s vascular system for hemodialysis, hemofiltration, or other extracorporeal blood treatments. In particular, it would be desirable if such devices, systems, and methods would minimize the friction or longitudinal forces acting against the vascular graft as it is being subcutaneously positioned. It would be further desirable if such devices, systems, and methods could provide a tighter seal between the graft and the subcutaneous tissue, minimize hematomas and infections, and enhance needle accessibility of the graft for extracorporeal treatment. The placement devices, systems, and methods should also allow for rotation of the graft without kinking or twisting complications. At least some of these objectives will be met by the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention described hereinafter.
2. Description of the Background Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,928 describes a catheter tunneling apparatus where a catheter is passed into a hollow tube which is already positioned within a subcutaneous tunnel by a conventional tunneler. U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,106 describes insertion and use of a tunneling tool. Vascular grafts are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,409,172; 4,604,762; 4,675,361; 4,731,073; 4,861,830; 5,840,240; and 5,886,217. The full disclosures of each of the above references are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for positioning an article, such as a graft or catheter, in a subcutaneous tunnel between skin and muscle tissue of a patient to establish improved access to the patient""s vascular system, particularly peripheral blood vessels, for performing extracorporeal treatment on circulating blood. Exemplary extracorporeal treatment procedures include hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, plasmapheresis, apheresis, and the like. In particular, the present invention provides devices, systems, and methods which minimize longitudinal forces or friction acting against the vascular graft as it is being subcutaneously positioned while still providing a tight seal between the graft and the subcutaneous tissue, which in turn minimizes hematomas, bleeding, and infections and enhances needle accessibility of the graft for extracorporeal treatment. Moreover, the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention allow for rotation of the graft without kinking or twisting complications.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sheath for use with a tunneling tool comprises a pair of nested tubes and a coupling element. Each nested tube has a leading end, a trailing end, and a longitudinal opening or split. The coupling element is attached to the leading ends of the nested tubes and is removably attachable to a conventional tunneling tool. The nested tubes engage the catheter, graft, or other structure to be implanted. For example, by providing an inner tube with a diameter the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter or width of the article to be implanted, the article will be gripped by the inner tube. An outer tube may then be slid over the inner tube to apply a radially inward xe2x80x9cclampingxe2x80x9d force that enhances the inner tube grip. The longitudinal splits, however, allow the tubes to be easily opened to facilitate insertion of the articles being implanted. Once the article is inserted into the sheath, the article is passed into the subcutaneous tunnel with minimal distraction. Frictionless release of the article being implanted may then be effected by removing the sheath from over the article by separating the split nested tubes within the tunnel.
The nested tubes will usually have a uniform diameter along their entire length, typically being in the range from about 1 mm to 45 mm, preferably being in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm. The lengths of the nested tubes will usually be in the range from 10 mm to 200 cm, preferably being in the range from 20 mm to 24 cm. Each longitudinal opening or split subtends a circumferential arc of the tubes in the range from about 20xc2x0 to about 190xc2x0, preferably in the range from 60xc2x0 to about 180xc2x0. The tubes may be formed from the same or different material. For example, the outer tube may be formed from a stiffer material while the inner tube is formed from a more expansible material. Suitable tube material includes polymer materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The tubes may further be counter rotatable so that the openings can be aligned to open a passage therein or the openings can be staggered apart to close a passage therein. The coupling element may comprise a male connection and a female sleeve, wherein the male connection is received within the female sleeve. In some instances the male connection may be threaded and/or knurled to provide a secure coupling between the nested tubes and the tunneling tool. The male connection and female sleeve may be formed from stainless steel, plastic, or like materials.
In another aspect of the present invention, a system for positioning an article in a subcutaneous tunnel between skin and muscle tissue of a patient comprises a tunneling tool, a pair of nested tubes coupleable to a trailing end of the tunneling tool, and a flexible article which can be slidably received within the pair of nested tubes. The nested tubes, as described above, each have a leading end, a trailing end, and a longitudinal opening. The tunneling tool may be any conventional tunneler that comprises a shaft like structure suitable for creating a subcutaneous tunnel between skin and muscle tissue of a patient. Generally, the tunnel therein lies a short distance beneath the surface of the patient""s skin, typically being within 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm from the skin""s surface. The article may comprise a catheter or preferably an arteriovenous graft, such as the Perma-Seal(trademark) graft available from Possis Medical, Inc. and the VAG(trademark) graft available from Thoratec Laboratories Corporation. One end of the graft, which may optionally have a cuff or hood on an end thereof, may be placeable in a vein and the other end of the graft may be placeable in an artery so as to create an anastomosis between the two blood vessels.
The present system advantageously minimizes longitudinal forces or friction acting against the vascular graft as it is being subcutaneously positioned. In particular, the split tubes structure inhibits graft distraction as the graft is passed and released in the subcutaneous tunnel, which in turn reduces trauma to the graft and discomfort to the patient. In some instances, at least one tube may be made from a memory alloy material or have a spring mechanism attached thereto to allow for expansion of the split tubes which in turn facilitates frictionless release of the graft. Additionally, the pair of nested tubes may be serrated along longitudinal lines to accommodate gripping of serrated articles. Moreover, the sheath structure allows the graft to be rotated within the subcutaneous tunnel without kinking or twisting complications, which is of particular benefit when utilizing hooded type grafts that need to be properly aligned with a blood vessel.
The external diameter of each nested tube will generally be equal to or slightly smaller than an expanded diameter of the flexible graft. The graft will generally have a uniform expanded diameter along its entire length, typically being in the range from about 2 mm to about 50 mm, preferably from about 4 mm to 11 mm, when the graft is made operational from vessel pressure which expands the graft. Placement of the graft in a subcutaneous tunnel that is slightly smaller than the expanded diameter of the flexible graft provides a tight and secure fit between the subcutaneous tissue and the graft. This in turn minimizes occurrences of hematomas, bleeding, and infections and enhances needle accessibility of the graft for extracorporeal treatment. The length of the graft will usually be in the range from 20 mm to 210 cm, preferably being in the range from 30 mm to 25 cm. The graft may also be trimmed to length after placement so that it is sufficiently long for the intended use. The grafts will be formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, DACRON, polyurethane, bovine, and like materials.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, methods for subcutaneously positioning an article generally comprise providing a trailing sheath, inserting the article into the trailing sheath, and coupling the trailing sheath to a trailing end of a tunneling tool. The tunneling tool is then subcutaneously passed through the patient tissue to position the article at a desired location. The trailing sheath is then removed from over the article while the article remains at the desired location. The trailing sheath, as described above, comprises a pair of nested tubes wherein each tube has a longitudinal opening or split.
Near frictionless placement of the article at the desired location may be carried out in several fashions. For example, removing may comprise withdrawing the sheath tubes sequentially from the tunnel. Preferably, an outer tube is completely removed first from either an entrance or exit site of the tunnel followed by removal of an inner tube from the entrance or exit site. In some instances, the inner tube may be formed from a memory alloy material so that it at least partially expands after the outer tube is removed to further facilitate frictionless release of the article at the desired location. Optionally, removing may comprise withdrawing the tubes simultaneously from the tunnel in opposite directions. Still further, the tubes may be counter rotated so that the article is completely encompassed within the sheath prior to passing the tunneling tool through the patient tissue. The openings are then aligned prior to removing the sheath so that the graft remains in tact at the desired location while the sheath is removed. Any of the above protocols allow the split tubes sheath to protect the graft against longitudinal forces as the graft is subcutaneously passed and released within the tunnel. Typically, the tunneling tool will be uncoupled from the trailing sheath prior to removing the sheath. The sheath may further be rotated so that the article can be alignable with an artery or vein prior to removing the sheath. The trailing sheath may also have expansion capabilities while still encompassing the article completely prior to removing the sheath.
In still another aspect of the present invention, methods for positioning an article in a subcutaneous tunnel may comprise providing a trailing sheath having a pair of nested tubes wherein each tube has a longitudinal opening. The article is inserted into the trailing sheath and the trailing sheath is coupled to a trailing end of a tunneling tool. The tunneling tool is then subcutaneously passed through the patient tissue to position the article at a desired location. The trailing sheath is then removed from over the article while the article remains at the desired location by separating the nested tubes within the tunnel.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and drawings.

Devices, systems, and methods for subcutaneously placing an article


A dispersion stabilizing agent for inorganic powder in an oily material, comprising a copolymer of (i) a polyoxyalkylene derivative represented by the general formula [I] below with (ii) one or more of maleic acid and the derivatives thereof selected from the group of maleic anhydride, maleic acid, maleic acid salts, maleic acid amides, and maleic acid esters, ##STR1## where Z is a residue of a compound having 2-8 hydroxyl groups, AO is an oxyalkylene group having 2-18 carbon atoms, R.sup.1 is an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 2-5 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is a hydrocarbon group having 1-40 carbon atoms, a=0 to 1000, b=0 to 1000, c=0 to 1000, l=1 to 8, m=0 to 2, n=0 to 7, (l+m+n)=2 to 8, (al+bm+cn)=1 to 1000, m/(l+n).ltoreq.1/2.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dispersion-stabilizing agent for inorganic powder in an oily material. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispersion-stabilizing agent for inorganic powder in an oily material, which can disperse an inorganic powder in an oily material within a short period of time and can stabilize the dispersion over a long period of time.
2. Related Background Art
Dispersion of inorganic powder in an oily material are used in various industrial fields. A familiar example is a paint, in which a pigment and a filler are dispersed in a resin solution. Recently, dispersions of inorganic powder in hydrocarbon oils have come to be used for abrasives and fuel tank cleaning liquids.
In such a dispersion in oil, a dispersion-stabilizing agent is generally employed for dispersing an inorganic powder into the oil. U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,872 discloses use of an alkanolamide, a fatty acid and magnesium lauryl sulfate for dispersing magnesium oxide in hydrocarbon oil.
The dispersion-stabilizing agents are required to be capable of dispersing the inorganic powder rapidly in an oily material within a short period of time, and are required simultaneously to be capable of stabilizing the inorganic powder without precipitating the inorganic powder over a long period of time, and to be capable of easily re-dispersing the inorganic powder even when it has precipitated.
Various dispersion-stabilizing agents have been reported to meet the requirements. However, none has satisfied simultaneously the above-mentioned two requirements.

Dispersion-stabilizing agent for inorganic powder in oily material


A method is performed at a system that comprises one or more video cameras and a remote server system. The method includes obtaining, via a video camera of the one or more video cameras, a continuous stream of video data for a scene. The video data stream comprises color video data in accordance with a determination that the scene has illumination above an illumination threshold and comprises infrared (IR) video data in accordance with a determination that the scene does not have illumination above the illumination threshold. The method includes colorizing the IR video data based on a subset of the color video data. The method further includes presenting the colorized video data to a user in real time.

Infrared imaging is useful in low light situations where there is insufficient lighting for visible spectrum imaging. Infrared illuminators used in conjunction with a video camera have advantages over visible illuminators in some circumstances. However, since infrared light is not part of the visible spectrum, colors are not present in infrared images.

Methods and systems for colorizing infrared images


Apparatus for gripping a container when being capped in a container filling and capping machine is provided and consists of at least two adjustable container gripper belt assemblies oppositely suspended on a table top between a conveyor. The assemblies will grip the container during its travel therealong and prevent rotation of the container when the cap is applied onto a bottle neck of the container by a capping mechanism.

The instant invention relates generally to container filling and capping machines and more specifically it relates to an apparatus for gripping a container when being capped in a container filling and capping machine.
There are available conventional container filling and capping machines of various designs but which do not provide the novel improved functions and structure of the invention herein disclosed.


A web server utility executes on a server and provides the following functions: determining when a web page profile also includes an assignment of additional content; dynamically retrieving the additional content; and generating the web page with the additional content either appended to, prepended to, or wholly replacing one or more sections of the baseline content. When the utility detects assignment of additional content, the utility checks a specific location within the filesystem for the additional content. When the additional content is not found at the specific location, the utility automatically checks the temporary directory (for static content) then the centralized administrative and/or content (CAC) server for the additional content. When the additional content is dynamic, the CAC server retrieves and executes the file at the CAC server to generate the dynamic content, which is transmitted back to the web server for rendering within or as the whole-page output.

1. Field of the Invention
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates generally to data communication networks and in particular to web servers within data communications networks. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to providing web-servable content within data communications networks.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the exponential growth in the use of the Internet, an increasing number of businesses now advertise and/or provide business over the Internet. These businesses typically provide web pages with content hosted on servers that are accessible once a connection the Internet is made. Also, as Internet users become more and more mobile (with the proliferation of mobile computers and web access over portable personal devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, and the like), one area of growth has been the demand for remote access to the Internet via access points made available in public and/or private locations.
One area of development has been the implementation of server networks accessible via access points—in the form of either wireless access points implementing the 802.11 Wireless Ethernet protocol ("WiFi"), or hardwired Ethernet connection ports—in public and/or private locations (i.e., away from a home or office base). These access points enable a mobile user with a personal computing device (PCD) to sign in and access information that may be located on a server of the server network or on the Internet. Each such access via the server network is routed through one of the web servers, which is often connected to the Internet. Also, the web servers are frequently connected to a centralized administrative and/or content (CAC) server that operates as a control and/or monitoring point for the server network.
Companies that provide these access points, such as Wayport, Inc., a Texas corporation, have provided thousands of such access points through the United States and Canada. Each of these access points are linked to a specific one (or more) of many hundreds and potentially thousands of content servers (web servers) interconnected in a server network. The web servers are typically loaded with web-servable content by service provider technical personnel or business partners or customers who desire specific content on specific ones of the web servers. This content is stored in a storage facility, such as a filesystem, associated with the particular web server. When a user initiates a sign on procedure at the web server, the user is provided with an initial set of one or more login pages (e.g., "Welcome" or information pages).
As more people utilize local access points to access the greater Internet, the ability of the access point provider (or owner or developer) to target potential customers/clients with information at specific access points has become a valuable business development/expansion tool.
Businesses utilizing these access points to provide their customers with access to the greater Internet typically desire the ability to customize the access pages through which a user of a publicly accessible Internet Access Service must navigate before being allowed access to the greater Internet. The user's status is that of a "captive audience," until the user has completed the connection process. The presence of this captive audience makes the available "space" on these access pages a comparatively valuable piece of "screen estate." And, many content providers have an interest in "sub-letting" this screen estate in order to place thereon the content provider's own advertisement or other informational content.
Thus, many businesses turn to the providers of these access points, seeking to exploit the use of these network access points by providing advertising content of the business for display on the login/sign-in pages of the access points (Welcome pages). This business model of displaying business specific information on the Welcome pages provided at the access points enables the business(es) to capitalize on the captive audience of users who connect to (or attempt to access) the access points, perhaps to gain access to the Internet.
Additionally, the owners and/or operators of venues where these public access points are traditionally installed have increasingly endeavored to exert control over the content presented on these web pages. Among the desired control is control of the overall look, feel, and/or branding of the access page. Also, these owners and operators desire the level of control to provide granular customization along the lines of providing (a) specific messages to (b) specific users in, for example, (c) a specific meeting room, for (d) a specific block of time.
A major impediment to providing such a customized service offering has always been the difficulty involved with installing the various files that a web page sources from its hosting server, on individual, localized web servers, given the several thousand servers in a large sever network. This network may be controlled by a single equipment service provider/manufacturer, such as Wayport, which provides administrative, content, and technical support. Conventional methods of distributing such content files involve the secure copying of, followed by remote installation of a number of software packages to each server in the equipment service provider's server network. This individualized installation proves a daunting prospect, particularly when any particular content item may only have been intended for display on perhaps a dozen of these several thousand servers and only for a limited time before the content desired to be provided at that location changes.
With all web-servable content stored in packages that must undergo rigorous testing by both (a) the manufacturer/distributor and (b) the many service partners and clients of the manufacturer/distributor, before the packages may be generally released, the amount of managerial overhead required for any such deployment ultimately made such "one-off" customizations a practical impossibility with conventional methods.

Real-time, customized embedding of specific content into local webserver pages


Provided is a vehicular holding device that, in an ON state, holds a vehicle component in a state where displacement of the vehicle component in an axial direction is restrained, and that, in an OFF state, holds the vehicle component in a state where displacement of the vehicle component in the axial direction is possible. The vehicular holding device includes at least one engagement part, a cam mechanism, and an axial direction restraining part. The at least one engagement part is at a position where the engagement part engages with an engaged part in the ON state, and is at a position where the engagement part is separated from the engaged part in the OFF state. The cam mechanism displaces the at least one engagement part from the OFF-state position to the ON-state position. The axial direction restraining part receives axial-direction force acting on the at least one engagement part.

For example, in a vehicular holding device described in Patent Reference 1, the state of the vehicular holding device is switched to an ON state where a displacement of a stabilizer in an axial direction is restrained, by embedding an engagement portion into a concave engaged portion (a portion is engaged with the engagement portion when the vehicular holding device is in an ON state) provided in the stabilizer.


An output power control system includes an amplifier configured to supply a first current, a reference source configured to supply a second current which is proportional to and less than the first current, and a feedback converter responsive to the second current to control a gain of the amplifier.

The present invention relates to an output power control system, and more particularly, to an output power control system for controlling output power from a power amplifier in a radio-frequency transmitter.
Radio-frequency transmitters are used to transmit radio-frequency signals in a variety of applications. Typically the transmitters are designed to meet standards that specify output power levels and output signal rise and fall times. In many applications, output power control circuits or systems control the output power from power amplifiers employed in the radio-frequency transmitters. One type of output power control circuit includes a feedback loop that feeds back a portion of the output signal to an input of the power amplifier to control the output power. One standard that is used is the EIA Interim Standard, IS-19-B, 188.8.131.52, January 1988, USA, for the 800 MHz cellular subscriber units of the EIA system. For example, this standard specifies that the rise and fall times of the transmitted output power signal be less than two milliseconds.
A conventional output power control circuit 10 for controlling the output power of a power amplifier 12 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Output power control circuit 10 is a voltage-controlled output power control circuit which couples a percentage of the transmitted output power signal through a detector diode circuit. Power amplifier 12 has a voltage supply connection at 18 and a ground connection at 20. Power amplifier 12 transmits an input signal received at an input 14 and provides an output signal at an output 22. The output signal at output 22 is routed through a coupler 24 to provide an output signal at 26. A portion of the output power sent through coupler 24 is routed to an input 28 of a signal detector 30. Signal detector 30 responds to the peak level of the output signal at 26. Signal detector 30 includes a detecting diode and produces a detection signal at 34. A comparator 32 compares a reference voltage at 36 with the detection signal at 34. Comparator 32 provides an automatic power control voltage (Vapc) to an input 16 of power amplifier 12 to bring the detection signal at 34 in conformity with the reference voltage at 36.
One disadvantage of the conventional output power control approach employed by output power control circuit 10 are losses which reduce available output power and system efficiency. The couplers typically available for radio-frequency amplification systems are large, expensive, and have poor directivity characteristics. The poor directivity of the couplers results in poor output power accuracy, especially when the radio-frequency load impedance varies. Since the peak current loads of the power amplifiers are not monitored with this approach, the currents can be driven well above nominal levels under certain operating conditions, thereby further reducing system efficiency. For battery applications such as for mobile telephones, the result is a reduction in available talk time.
Another conventional approach used to control the output power of a power amplifier 42 is illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional current-controlled output power control circuit 40 which uses a sense resistor 54 in series with the voltage supply connection at 56 to develop a voltage proportional to the power amplifier 42 current. Power amplifier 42 has an input signal at 44 and an output signal at 52. Power amplifier 42 has a voltage supply connection at 48 which is coupled to one end of a sense resistor 54, and has a ground connection at 50. Sense resistor 54 is coupled at the other end to the voltage supply at 56. Capacitor 57 is coupled across sense resistor 54 between the voltage supply at 56 and the connection at 48 of power amplifier 42 to shunt instantaneous currents around sense resistor 54 so that sense resistor 54 conducts an average current.
The approach illustrated in FIG. 2 uses a feedback loop to convert a current through sense resistor 54 to a power control voltage at 46. A comparator 58 provides a voltage at 50 which corresponds to the current through sense resistor 54. Comparator 62 compares the voltage at 50 to a reference voltage at 64 and provides an automatic power control voltage (Vapc) at 46 to control the gain of power amplifier 42.
One disadvantage of this second approach are losses which reduce available output power and system efficiency. The sense resistors can be expensive and can be physically large. The sense resistors can also cause significant voltage drops which reduce the output power availability and efficiency of the power amplifier. This approach also has the disadvantage of having the total power amplifier current being fed back within the control loop. This can result in a loss of power control accuracy because the total current does not necessarily vary in direct proportion to the output power.
In view of the above, there is a need for an improved output power control system such as employed for controlling output power from a power amplifier in a radio-frequency transmitter.
One aspect of present invention provides an output power control system which includes an amplifier configured to supply a first current, a reference source configured to supply a second current which is proportional to and less than the first current, and a feedback converter responsive to the second current to control a gain of the amplifier.


This invention relates to the method and apparatus for indicating roller wear in a media handling device. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of a laser beam that is located adjacent to the media handling device roller. Initially, the roller material obstructs the laser beam. However, when the roller becomes worn out, the roller material no longer obstructs the laser beam and the beam shines on a piece of reflective material that is illuminated when the laser beam contacts it. This illumination will then be seen from the front of the media handling device, such as through the use of an LED. The laser beam can also activate an optical sensor that relays information to the user.

This invention relates to the method and apparatus for indicating roller wear in a media handling device. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of a laser beam that is located adjacent to the media handling device roller. Initially, the roller material obstructs the laser beam. However, when the roller becomes worn out, the roller material no longer obstructs the laser beam and the beam shines on a piece of reflective material that is illuminated when the laser beam contacts it. This illumination will then be seen from the front of the media handling device, such as through the use of an LED. The laser beam can also activate an optical sensor that relays information to the user.
Prior to the present invention, as set forth in general terms above and more specifically below, it is known, in the media handling device art, to make use of a device for determining roller wear. Exemplary of such prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,047 (""047) to A. Schweizer et al., entitled xe2x80x9cDevice for Determining the Degree of Wear of a Paper Transport Roller.xe2x80x9d The ""047 reference discloses a paper transport roller which comprises two layers having different degrees of reflection for electromagnetic radiation. When the outer layer is worn, the degree of reflection of the surface of the paper transport roller changes and the user is signaled that paper transport roller must be replaced. However, if a foreign object becomes attached to the transport roller of the ""047 reference, this foreign object could adversely affect the reflection characteristics of the device. Also, if the paper transport roller does not wear evenly, one edge of the roller may have a different degree of reflection than the other edge of the roller and, possibly, adversely affect the reflection characteristics of the device. Therefore, a more advantageous paper transport roller wear indication system, then, would be presented if the system did not have to rely on a paper transport roller which comprises two layers having different degrees of reflection.
It is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for a paper transport roller wear indication system which is lightweight through simplicity of parts and uniqueness of structure, and which these equals the wear indication characteristics of the known paper transport roller wear indication systems, but which at the same time employs a laser beam which will alert the user to the worn condition of the paper transport roller. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill this and other needs in the art in a manner more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.
Generally speaking, this invention fulfills these needs by providing a method for indicating media transport roller wear, wherein the method is comprised of steps of: impinging a coherent light beam upon a side of a media transport roller; and indicating when the media transport roller has worn down to a predetermined amount by causing the coherent light beam to pass over the media transport roller and interacting with a media transport roller wear indicating means.
In certain preferred embodiments, the coherent light beam is a laser beam. Also, the media transport roller wear indicating means includes a piece of reflective material and an LED located on the front of the media handling device which includes the media transport roller. Finally, the method further includes step of tracking the rotations of the media transport roller such that the coherent light beam would not need to be turned on until the media transport roller had completed a predetermined number of rotations.
In another further preferred embodiment, the wear of the media transport roller can be accurately detected so that the user can be alerted that the roller needs to be replaced and/or serviced.
In still another further preferred embodiment, an optical sensor can be utilized to sense the coherent light beam when the media transport roller has worn out. The optical sensor can then send this information to the media transport roller wear indicating means or over the network where the user is alerted of the state of the media transport roller.
The preferred media transport roller wear indicating system, according to this invention, offers the following advantages: lightness in weight; ease of assembly and repair; excellent roller wear indicating characteristics; good stability; good durability; and excellent economy. In fact, in many of the preferred embodiments, these factors of lightness in weight, ease of assembly and repair, excellent roller wear indicating characteristics, and excellent economy are optimized to an extent that is considerably higher than heretofore achieved in prior, known media transport roller wear indicating systems.
The above and other features of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are best understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout the several views and in which:

Using a laser beam to indicate roller wear

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A thin-film magnetic head comprises first and second magnetic layers, a gap layer provided between the first and second magnetic layers, and a thin-film coil at least a part of which is disposed between the first and second magnetic layers. The second magnetic layer has a pole portion layer, a yoke portion layer, and a coupling portion. The head further comprises a non-magnetic layer provided on a surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap layer. The yoke portion layer interfaces with the rear end surface of the pole portion layer, and is greater than the pole portion layer in thickness in a cross section containing the interface.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thin-film magnetic head having at least an induction-type electromagnetic transducer for writing, and to a method of manufacturing such a thin-film magnetic head.
The recording schemes for a magnetic read/write apparatus include a longitudinal magnetic recording scheme which employs the direction of signal magnetization along the surface of a recording medium (or in the longitudinal direction) and a vertical magnetic recording scheme which employs the direction of signal magnetization perpendicular to the surface of the recording medium. When compared with the longitudinal magnetic recording scheme, the vertical magnetic recording scheme is said to be less affected by the thermal fluctuation of a recording medium and therefore possible to implement a higher linear recording density.
In general, the thin-film magnetic head that employs the longitudinal magnetic recording scheme comprises: a medium facing surface (or air bearing surface) that faces toward a recording medium; a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer magnetically coupled to each other and including magnetic pole portions that are opposed to each other and placed in regions of the magnetic layers on a side of the medium facing surface, with a gap layer provided between the pole portions; and a thin-film coil at least a part of which is placed between the first and second magnetic layers and insulated from the first and second magnetic layers.
On the other hand, examples of the thin-film magnetic head that employs the vertical magnetic recording scheme include a ring head having the same structure as that of the thin-film magnetic head that employs the longitudinal magnetic recording scheme, and a single magnetic pole head for applying a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the surface of a recording medium with one main magnetic pole. Generally, for the single magnetic pole head, used as a recording medium is a two-layer medium that has a soft magnetic layer and a magnetic recording layer stacked on a substrate.
With an increase in the recording density in recent years, track widths of thin-film magnetic heads have been required to be reduced. Accordingly, it has also been desired that the main magnetic pole in the aforementioned single magnetic pole head be reduced in width. However, as described below, there have been two problems which make it difficult to reduce the width of the main magnetic pole.
A first problem is that it is difficult to pattern the main magnetic pole with high accuracy, for example, in such a manner that the main magnetic pole is made to have a width of 0.5 xcexcm or less. The main magnetic pole is formed by electroplating (frame plating), for example, using a resist frame that is formed by photolithography. Conventionally, the main magnetic pole is formed on a hill-like raised portion of an insulating layer that covers the coil, and therefore, the resist frame is formed on the insulating layer having great differences in height of irregularities. In this case, it is difficult to form the resist to have a uniform thickness, and accordingly it is difficult to pattern the resist frame with accuracy. This in turn makes it difficult to pattern the main magnetic pole with high accuracy.
A second problem is that a reduction in width of the main magnetic pole causes a magnetic flux to be saturated before the flux reaches the tip of the main magnetic pole, thereby causing a reduction in the magnetic field generated from the tip of the main magnetic pole in the medium facing surface.
Conventional thin-film magnetic heads for use with the longitudinal magnetic recording scheme have encountered similar problems. To overcome these problems, thin-film magnetic heads for use with the longitudinal magnetic recording scheme often employ a structure in which one of magnetic layers is divided into a magnetic pole portion to be exposed in the medium facing surface and a yoke portion for introducing magnetic flux into the magnetic pole portion.
Accordingly, it has been proposed for the single magnetic pole heads for use with the vertical magnetic recording scheme, too, to employ such a structure in which the main magnetic pole is divided into a magnetic pole portion to be exposed in the medium facing surface and a yoke portion for introducing magnetic flux into the magnetic pole portion. This structure makes it possible to efficiently introduce magnetic flux to the tip of the main magnetic pole and to form a magnetic pole portion that is small in width, by making the saturated magnetic flux density of the magnetic pole portion greater than that of the yoke portion.
Incidentally, for conventional thin-film magnetic heads for use with the longitudinal magnetic recording scheme, where they are configured such that one magnetic layer is divided into a magnetic pole portion and a yoke portion, the yoke portion has often been joined to only one of surfaces of the magnetic pole portion that is farther from the gap portion. However, this structure provides only a small area of the interface between the magnetic pole portion and the yoke portion, which causes a magnetic flux to be readily saturated at the interface. Therefore, this structure cannot meet the recent demand for increasing magnetic fields for writing operations. To overcome this, thin-film magnetic heads having the following structure have been proposed in Published Unexamined Japanese Patent Application (KOKAI) No. Hei 11-102506, No. 2000-57522, No. 2000-67413 and No. 2000-149218. That is, the heads have a structure in which the yoke portion is joined to the magnetic pole portion not only at the surface of the magnetic pole portion farther from the gap portion but also at both side surfaces of the magnetic pole portion and at a surface of the magnetic pole portion farther from the medium facing surface.
For the single magnetic pole heads for use with the vertical magnetic recording scheme, where they are configured such that the main magnetic pole is divided into the magnetic pole portion and the yoke portion, it is conceivable to employ the structure in which the yoke portion is joined to the magnetic pole portion not only at the surface of the magnetic pole portion farther from the gap portion but also at the side surfaces of the magnetic pole portion and the surface of the magnetic pole portion farther from the medium facing surface, like the aforementioned heads for use with the longitudinal magnetic recording scheme.
For a head for use with the vertical magnetic recording scheme, it is important to increase the intensity of magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the recording medium. However, even if the aforementioned structure is employed for the head for use with the vertical magnetic recording scheme, it is impossible to increase the intensity of the magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the recording medium, because the areas of the interfaces between the yoke portion and the magnetic pole portion obtained at the surface of the magnetic pole portion farther from the medium facing surface or at the side surfaces of the magnetic pole portion are relatively small as compared with the area of the interface at the surface of the magnetic pole portion farther from the gap portion.
For the head for use with the vertical magnetic recording scheme, the main magnetic pole is preferably disposed on the leading side in the traveling direction of the recording medium (or on the air-outflow-end side of the slider including the thin-film magnetic head) in order to improve the linear recording density. In this case, to further improve the linear recording density, it is preferable that one of ends of the magnetic pole portion of the main magnetic pole that is farther from the gap portion be flat in the medium facing surface. However, in the head in which the yoke portion layer is disposed to touch the surface of the magnetic pole portion farther from the gap portion, the surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap portion will be damaged when forming the yoke portion layer, and therefore the end of the pole portion layer farther from the gap portion cannot be flat in the medium facing surface.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a thin-film magnetic head and a method of manufacturing same, which make it possible to increase the intensity of magnetic field generated from the magnetic pole portion in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the recording medium, and to improve recording density.
The thin-film magnetic head of the invention comprises:
a medium facing surface that faces toward a recording medium;
a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer that are magnetically coupled to each other at a distance from the medium facing surface, and include magnetic pole portions disposed so as to oppose to each other with a predetermined spacing interposed therebetween along the traveling direction of the recording medium;
a gap layer made of a non-magnetic material and provided between the first and second magnetic layers; and
a thin-film coil at least a part of which is disposed between the first and second magnetic layers and insulated from the first and second magnetic layers, wherein:
the second magnetic layer has: a pole portion layer including the magnetic pole portion, the width of the pole portion layer measured in the medium facing surface defining a track width; and a yoke portion layer for magnetically connecting the pole portion layer and the first magnetic layer to each other,
the yoke portion layer is magnetically connected to the pole portion layer at least in part of: an end surface of the pole portion layer farther from the medium facing surface; and both side surfaces of the pole portion layer in the width direction, and
in a cross section containing an interface between the yoke portion layer and the pole portion layer, the yoke portion layer is greater than the pole portion layer in thickness.
In the thin-film magnetic head of the invention, since the yoke portion layer is greater in thickness than the pole portion layer in the cross section containing the interface between the yoke portion layer and the pole portion layer, it is possible to prevent saturation of magnetic flux in the yoke portion layer near the interface between the pole portion layer and the yoke portion layer. This makes it possible to efficiently introduce magnetic flux from the yoke portion layer into the pole portion layer via the interface, and as a result, it is possible to increase the intensity of magnetic field, generated from the magnetic pole portion, in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the recording medium. Furthermore, the thin-film magnetic head of the invention has a non-magnetic layer that is in contact with the entirety of the surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap layer. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap layer from being damaged in the manufacturing process of the thin-film magnetic head, and to thereby keep the surface flat.
In the thin-film magnetic head of the invention, in the cross section containing the interface between the yoke portion layer and the pole portion layer, the yoke portion layer may include: a first non-contact portion that is not in contact with the pole portion layer and is located on the side of the gap layer relative to the pole portion layer; and a second non-contact portion that is not in contact with the pole portion layer and is located on the side of the non-magnetic layer relative to the pole portion layer, the second non-contact portion being greater than the first non-contact portion in thickness.
In the thin-film magnetic head of the invention, in the cross section containing the interface between the yoke portion layer and the pole portion layer, the yoke portion layer may include a non-contact portion that is not contact with the pole portion layer and is located only on the side of the non-magnetic layer relative to the pole portion layer.
In the thin-film magnetic head of the invention, the yoke portion layer may be magnetically connected to the pole portion layer further at a surface of the pole portion layer closer to the gap layer.
In the thin-film magnetic head of the invention, the vicinity of a part of a surface of the yoke portion layer farther from the gap layer, the part being magnetically connected to the pole portion layer at least in part of: the end surface of the pole portion layer farther from the medium facing surface; and both side surfaces of the pole portion layer in the width direction, may be flattened together with a surface of the non-magnetic layer farther from the gap layer.
In the thin-film magnetic head of the invention, the yoke portion layer may be adjacent to the surface of the pole portion layer farther from gap layer via the non-magnetic layer, and may be magnetically connected to the pole portion layer via the non-magnetic layer.
In the thin-film magnetic head of the invention, the pole portion layer may have a saturated magnetic flux density equal to or greater than that of the yoke portion layer.
The thin-film magnetic head of the invention may further comprise a magnetoresistive element as a read element.
The thin-film magnetic head of the invention may be employed for a vertical magnetic recording scheme.
A method of the invention is provided for manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head comprising: a medium facing surface that faces toward a recording medium; a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer that are magnetically coupled to each other at a distance from the medium facing surface, and include magnetic pole portions disposed so as to oppose to each other with a predetermined spacing interposed therebetween along the traveling direction of the recording medium; a gap layer made of a non-magnetic material and provided between the first and second magnetic layers; and a thin-film coil at least a part of which is disposed between the first and second magnetic layers and insulated from the first and second magnetic layers, wherein the second magnetic layer has: a pole portion layer including the magnetic pole portion, the width of the pole portion layer measured in the medium facing surface defining a track width; and a yoke portion layer for magnetically connecting the pole portion layer and the first magnetic layer to each other.
The method comprises the steps of:
forming the first magnetic layer;
forming the gap layer;
forming the thin-film coil; and
forming the second magnetic layer having the pole portion layer and the yoke portion layer, such that the yoke portion layer is magnetically connected to the pole portion layer at least in a part of: an end surface of the pole portion layer farther from the medium facing surface; and both side surfaces of the pole portion layer in the width direction, and such that the yoke portion layer is greater in thickness than the pole portion layer in a cross section containing an interface between the yoke portion layer and the pole portion layer, and forming a non-magnetic layer that is in contact with the entirety of a surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap layer.
According to the method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head of the invention, since the yoke portion layer is greater in thickness than the pole portion layer in the cross section containing the interface between the yoke portion layer and the pole portion layer, it is possible to prevent saturation of magnetic flux in the yoke portion layer near the interface between the pole portion layer and the yoke portion layer. This makes it possible to efficiently introduce magnetic flux from the yoke portion layer into the pole portion layer via the interface, and as a result, it is possible to increase the intensity of magnetic field, generated from the magnetic pole portion, in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the recording medium. Furthermore, in the method of the invention, the non-magnetic layer is formed which is in contact with the entirety of the surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap layer. It is therefore possible to prevent the surface of the pole portion layer farther from the gap layer from being damaged in the manufacturing process of the thin-film magnetic head, and to thereby keep the surface flat.
In the method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head of the invention, the step of forming the second magnetic layer and the non-magnetic layer may include the steps of: forming the pole portion layer; forming the non-magnetic layer on the pole portion layer; forming at least a part of the yoke portion layer magnetically connected to the pole portion layer; forming a protective layer so as to cover the non-magnetic layer and the yoke portion layer; and polishing the protective layer to expose the non-magnetic layer, and then flattening the vicinity of a part of a surface of the yoke portion layer farther from the gap layer, the part being magnetically connected to the pole portion layer at least in part of: the end surface of the pole portion layer farther from the medium facing surface; and both side surfaces of the pole portion layer in the width direction, together with a surface of the non-magnetic layer farther from the gap layer.
Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description.

Thin-film magnetic head and method of manufacturing same


A removable cover assembly for a refuse container has a frame with pivotable plastic covers and retractable hoisting pins, which can be utilized using the same hoisting apparatus as is used for the refuse container.

This invention relates to refuse removal and storage equipment, and more particularly to a removable cover assembly for large refuse containers of the type that are handled with hoisting apparatus.
Unwanted or recyclable materials are collected and stored in refuse containers, sometimes called buckets. These containers are fitted on their sides with laterally extending pins to enable hoisting and dumping the containers, using a truck with overhead crane and hoisting chains. The containers are open on the top and also usually have openings on one or both ends to receive material. In order to protect the contents from the elements, the containers are usually fitted with lightweight plastic covers that can be opened and closed in order to put materials into the containers.
Hoisting and dumping the buckets using a chain hoist can sometimes damage the lightweight plastic covers, which interfere with the hoisting and dumping procedure. Therefore, the covers should be removable and easy to reinstall.
It would be desirable to have the ability to remove all of the lightweight covers at one time, using the same hoisting apparatus that is used to hoist the containers themselves. It would also be desirable to allow the driver of the truck with the hoisting apparatus to remove and install covers with a minimum time and effort.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a cover assembly for refuse containers which accommodates several lightweight plastic covers.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a removable, weather-resistant barrier to the outside environment for a refuse container.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a removable cover assembly which does not interfere with the hoisting and dumping functions of a refuse container of the type having lateral projections to hook onto the hoisting chains.
Still other object of the invention is to provide an improved cover assembly for refuse container with drainage channels to prevent the entry of water into the container.

Removable cover assembly with pivoting covers and hoisting pins


A control and motor arrangement for use in a model train includes a control arrangement integrally constructed with a motor. The control arrangement receives rotational speed and positional information from the motor and uses this information to determine how much power to supply to the motor, thus controlling the rotational speed of the motor. In this way, the control arrangement maintains a constant motor speed, if desired. In addition, the speed and positional information is optionally provided to a sound control arrangement for use in selecting appropriate sound effects.

The present invention relates to model railroads. More particularly, the present invention relates to control and motor arrangements for use in model trains.
Model train systems have been in existence for many years. In a typical model train system, the model train engine is an electrical engine that receives power from a voltage that is applied to the tracks and picked up by the train motor. A transformer is used to apply the power to the tracks. The transformer controls both the amplitude and polarity of the voltage, thereby controlling the speed and direction of the train. In HO systems, the voltage is a DC voltage. In Lionel(copyright) systems, the voltage is an AC voltage transformed from the 60 Hz line voltage provided by a standard wall socket.
Some conventional types of model train systems are susceptible to performance degradation related to track irregularities. For example, uneven portions of the track can cause the model train to intermittently lose contact with the track, causing power to be inadvertently removed from the train. Unwanted stopping can result. In addition, upward and downward grades in the track can cause the model train to travel slower or faster than desired due to the effects of gravity. Moreover, certain model train systems fail to adequately simulate the effects of inertia. For example, in some systems, when power is removed from the train, the train stops moving immediately. By contrast, real world trains do not stop immediately when brakes are applied. Accordingly, in some model train systems, play-realism is reduced by these sudden stops.
According to one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a control and motor arrangement for use in a model train. The control and motor arrangement includes a motor, configured and arranged to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. A control arrangement is coupled to receive speed information from the motor and is configured and arranged to provide a control signal to the motor for controlling the speed of the motor.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a control and motor arrangement for use in a model train. The control and motor arrangement includes a motor, configured and arranged to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. A control arrangement is configured and arranged to provide a speed control signal to the motor generated as a function of speed information received from the motor. The control arrangement is further configured and arranged to provide the information received from the motor to a sound control arrangement.
Still another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a control and motor arrangement for use in a model train. A motor is configured and arranged to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. A power arrangement coupled to a model railroad track used by the model train is configured and arranged to supply power to the control and motor arrangement. A command control interface, which is a radio control interface in the preferred embodiment, receives commands from a command control unit, which is a radio control unit in the preferred embodiment. A process control arrangement, responsive to the command control interface, is configured and arranged to control a rotational speed of the motor in response to rotational speed information received from the motor. A motor control arrangement is responsive to the process control arrangement and is coupled to receive power from the power arrangement. The motor control arrangement generates a magnetic field for driving the motor. A sound information arrangement receives rotational speed and positional information from the motor and provides the rotational speed and positional information to a sound control arrangement for simulating railroad sounds.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

Control and motor arrangement for use in model train


A memory board includes a board, a RAM (random access memory), a back-up battery for supplying a back-up power to the RAM, and a switch to switch a power source from a main power to the back-up battery when the voltage of the main power drops below a predetermined value. The back-up battery is located at the same position where either the switch or the RAM is located and mounted to cover the switch or the RAM.

The present invention relates to a non-volatile memory board.
Conventionally, non-volatile memory boards are incorporated in various apparatuses, wherein the memory board has function to store essential data in the memory even when a power supply of the apparatus main body is cut. FIG. 1 shows a non-volatile memory board circuit. In FIG. 1, a static RAM 1, which will be called an SRAM, hereinafter, has an address bus A, a data bus D, and a control line C. Data is written in and read from the SRAM 1 through the address bus A, data bus D, and control line C, and the written data is stored in the SRAM 1. When a reading or writing operation is carried out, voltage of an external power supply supplied from the apparatus main body, which is a power supply for driving, is impressed upon the SRAM 1 as voltage V.sub.cc. However, when voltage V.sub.cc is cut, data stored in the SRAM 1 is erased. Accordingly, a backup battery 2 for the SRAM 1, by which data stored in the SRAM 1 is held even when external power supply voltage is decreased lower than a predetermined value, is provided on the non-volatile memory board. A switching circuit 3 has function by which voltage of the external power supply and that of the battery 2 are inputted into the switching circuit 3, the external power supply voltage of the apparatus is detected, and the voltage of the battery 2 is impressed upon the SRAM 1 when the external power supply voltage is decreased lower than a predetermined value. Further, the switching circuit 3 has a function by which a writing inhibition signal of a low level (L) is outputted to the SRAM 1 in the case where the power supply of the apparatus is cut, and then the external power supply voltage is decreased lower than a predetermined value.
FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing the relation between the foregoing functions. Referring to FIG. 2, operations of the non-volatile memory board circuit will be explained as follows.
In FIG. 2, the power consumption due to the writing and reading operation of data into and from the SRAM 1 is large when the apparatus is operated, and therefore voltage a (for example, 5 V) of the external power supply is supplied to the SRAM 1 by the switching circuit 3. At this time, a signal b of a high level (H) is outputted from the switching circuit 3 into the SRAM 1, and then a data writing and reading operation can be carried out. When the external power supply is cut at a time t.sub.1 and the voltage a is decreased lower than a predetermined value V.sub.S at a time t.sub.2, the power supply for the SRAM 1 is switched to be supplied from the battery 2 by the switching circuit 3, so that the voltage V.sub.CC for the SRAM 1 is replaced with the voltage V.sub.bat. Due to the foregoing, data stored in the SRAM 1 can be held. As for the non-volatile memory board, sometimes an operation, by which the board is detached from the apparatus, and data stored in the SRAM 1 is read out, is carried out. In this case, the potential of address/data terminals of the SRAM 1 is unstable. Therefore, when the external power supply is cut, a writing inhibition signal of a low level (L) is outputted from the switching circuit 3 so that data is not broken, and thereby the writing operation into the SRAM 1 is inhibited.
When the external power supply is turned on and the voltage a of the external power supply is increased more than a predetermined value V.sub.S, the power supply for the SRAM 1 is replaced with the external power supply by the switching circuit 3, and after a short period of time, the signal b is a high level (H), and after that, the writing inhibition signal is removed at the time t.sub.4.
Next, a conventional non-volatile memory board will be explained as follows.
FIGS. 5(A)-5(C) show an appearance of a conventional non-volatile memory board 10. FIG. 5(A) is a plan view of the board 10. FIG. 5(B) is a front view of the board 10. FIG. 5(C) is a side view of the board 10. The SOP type SRAM 1, the switching circuit 3 including integrated circuits, and the coin type battery 2 having electrode terminals 2a, 2b are disposed on a board 11. The battery 2 is soldered onto the board 11 at their electrode terminals 2a and 2b. The SRAM and the switching circuit 3 are soldered onto the board 11 at their respective terminals. The SRAM 1 is connected with parts mounted on the board 11 through the address bus A, data bus D, and signal line C which are formed by a wiring pattern on the board 11, and is also connected with the switching circuit 3 through the wiring pattern. A predetermined number of connector pins 12 are provided on an end portion of the board 11, so that the non-volatile memory board 10 can be freely inserted into, for example, a socket of the apparatus main body.
In this connection, in the switching circuit 3 on the conventional non-volatile memory board, an output terminal 13 for the writing inhibition signal to the SRAM 1 is not insulation-coated as shown in FIG. 6, and therefore, an operator's fingers 14 is likely to touch more than one of the output terminals 13 and a terminal of the battery 2 at the same time. Further, since the output terminal 13 is close to an input terminal from the external power supply, the input terminal from the battery 2, and the output terminal of the voltage V.sub.CC to the SRAM 1, these terminals are likely to come into contact with the output terminal 13 through the operator's fingers 14 at the same time. Accordingly, in the case where the non-volatile memory board 10 is detached from the apparatus main body for conveyance, when the operator's fingers touch both the positive electrode terminal 2a of the battery 2 and the terminal 13 for the writing inhibition signal of the SRAM 1 at the same time, the positive electrode terminal 2a of the battery 2 and the terminal 13 are short circuited through the fingers 14, and the signal b is a high level (H). Accordingly, the SRAM 1 is in a writable condition, and therefore there is a probability that problems are caused in which data stored in the memory is erased.


A method and system for reconstructing a user's received signal based on knowledge of the user's transmitted signal to yield efficient interference cancellation when there is spatial and/or temporal correlation in the received signal. The invention may be applied to the cancellation of pilot, decoded data and overhead signals. The method may involve a linear combination of the received samples across time, e.g., at a per-chip or sub-chip resolution, and across antennas, and build upon previous work in that the tap weights need not be the sole functions of the de-spreader outputs in the RAKE receiver.

1. Field
The present invention generally relates to wireless communication systems and, in particular, to methods and systems for providing effective signal reconstruction from spatially and temporally correlated received samples.
2. Background
A communication system may provide communication between base stations and access terminals (ATs). Forward link or downlink refers to transmission from a base station to an access terminal. Reverse link or uplink refers to transmission from an access terminal to a base station. Each access terminal may communicate with one or more base stations on the forward and reverse links at a given moment, depending on whether the access terminal is active and whether the access terminal is in soft handoff.
Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication (e.g., voice, data, etc.) to multiple users. Such systems may be based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or other multiple access techniques. CDMA systems offer some desirable features, including increased system capacity. A CDMA system may be designed to implement one or more standards, such as IS-95, CDMA2000®, IS-856, W-CDMA, TD-SCDMA, and other standards.
As wireless communication systems strive to provide diverse services at ever higher data rates to a growing number of users, there lies a challenge to effectively mitigate interference and other artifacts so as to ensure the quality of service and maintain a desired throughput.

Method and system for signal reconstruction from spatially and temporally correlated received samples


The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display that includes a plastic frame, a printed circuit board, a pin, a slot, a first constraining part and a liquid crystal panel. The printed circuit board has at least one hole therein. The pin is disposed on the plastic frame. The slot is formed on the pin and extends along the major axis of the pin. The first constraining part is disposed on the side surface of the pin for constraining the printed circuit board between the first constraining part and the plastic frame. The liquid crystal panel is held by the plastic frame and electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame set of a liquid crystal display.
2. Description of Related Art
With the progress in technology and the development in media, users require a high quality in seeing and hearing equipment. Liquid crystal displays (LCD) have many advantages over conventional types of displays, such as cathode ray tube (CRT), including having high display quality, having small volume, being lightweight, and having low driving voltage and low power consumption. Hence, LCDs are widely used in small portable televisions, mobile telephones, video recording units, notebook computers, desktop monitors, projector televisions and so on, and they have gradually replaced the conventional CRT as a mainstream display unit.
LCD TV is the main application for LCD. In LCD TV, a drive printed circuit board (PCB) is fixed in the side of the plastic frame. For reaching such structure, a wall has to be formed in the plastic frame. An additional screw is used to fix the drive printed circuit board and provides grounding function by a fabricator. However, such structure is complicated and is not fit to process a reworking process when a failure happens. Therefore, an easy structure to fix the drive PCB in plastic frame is needed.

Liquid crystal display and frame set with easy fixing structure thereof