An improved base pad for a firearm magazine that more securely attaches to the bottom of a magazine tube in a manner which is easier and faster to attach or remove therefrom when cleaning the magazine. The improved base pad has a body member with a pair of ends and a pair of sides. The sides each have a groove configured to slidably receive, preferably snugly, the lips at the bottom of a standard magazine tube. One end of the base pad has an outwardly extending section with an upwardly facing, generally planar face. A securing mechanism at the outwardly extending section has an upwardly disposed projection that selectively engages one wall of the magazine tube to secure the base pad thereto when in its engaged position and allows removal of the base pad when in a disengaged position. In a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism is a detent device.

A. Field of the Invention
The field of the present invention relates generally to devices that improve the use and operation of firearms, including rifles and handguns. More particularly, the present invention relates to improvements to the base pad component of a firearm magazine. Even more particularly the present invention relates to such base pads that are configured to more quickly, easily and effectively attach to and disengage from the open bottom end of the magazine tube to secure multiple rounds in the magazine.
B. Background
Many people own and utilize firearms of the type that have a cavity in the firearm for receiving a magazine containing ammunition, commonly referred to as rounds or cartridges, which is fed to the firing mechanism for firing from the firearm. A common style of firearm is a handgun that is based on the Colt 1911 model, which has been the standard handgun for numerous military, police and related organizations. The Colt 1911 handgun utilizes a standard size magazine that, like all firearm magazines, comprises a generally elongated multiple round magazine tube having upstanding side walls that define a cartridge chamber which receives the rounds. The magazine tube has a shaped, open top from which the rounds are individually fed into the handgun's firing chamber, a spring mechanism having a follower that moves the rounds up the magazine tube to the firing chamber, an open bottom from which the spring/follower engages the rounds and a removable base pad that closes the open bottom and is biased against by the spring mechanism.
The multiple round magazine type of handgun is commonly utilized by the military, police and other groups where the ability to fire multiple rounds from a handgun and then quickly reload the handgun is of a paramount, even life threatening, importance. These types of handguns are also commonly utilized in sporting competitions where one user competes in various firing challenges against other handgun users and/or the clock. Typically, these competitions test the user's ability to quickly and accurately fire his or her handgun by generally simulating various real-life military and police situations. In the military/police or competition use of the handguns, it is commonly known that the handguns will be exposed to dirt, dust and other debris which is likely contaminate the magazine chamber and interfere with the operation of feeding rounds to the handgun's firing chamber. Because the magazine is ejected from the handgun after the user discharges all of the rounds therein, with the magazine often landing on the ground or another debris-laden surface, it is very difficult for the user to avoid exposure of the magazine to debris. Naturally, interference with the firing of the handgun can have a serious impact on the user's ability to rely on his or her handgun when the need arises.
Although pre-loaded multiple round magazines can be carried by the firearm user, many circumstances dictate that user also have the ability to quickly and easily reload a magazine. During the magazine reloading process, which is typically accomplished from the top of the magazine tube, it is generally advisable for the user to first clean the debris off of the magazine components by disengaging the base pad from the magazine tube and then removing the spring mechanism therefrom. In order to quickly accomplish the cleaning process, it is necessary that the base pad be configured to be quickly disengaged from the magazine tube and then be able to be quickly reattached thereto, with the spring mechanism, after the components are cleaned. In order to ensure effective and safe operation of the firearm, however, the base pad must also be configured so the user can, preferably in a rapid manner, securely reattach the base pad to the magazine tube when reassembling the magazine. As known to those skilled in the art, failure to properly secure the base pad to the magazine tube can result in catastrophic failure of the firearm.
The standard magazine tube has a lip at its lower end that extends outwardly from two side walls to engage a groove cut into the sides of the base pad, which is typically made of a plastic material, for a slide on operation. While this configuration generally works well for "normal" usage of the firearm, it is well known that the standard base pad has problems with regard to durability, unintended disengagement from the magazine tube and control of the spring mechanism when the user rapidly disengages the base pad from the magazine tube. Base pads made out of plastic or similar materials can be damaged by contact with the ground or other surface when the user ejects the magazine from the firearm. This is particularly true in rapid fire and reload situations where the user generally disregards, due to time constraints, the ejection path of the spent magazine. Because the standard base pad merely slides on the magazine tube, the user can unintentionally slide or partially slide the base pad off of it when his or her hand moves across or is placed on (i.e., to steady the handgun) the bottom of the handgun grip. The standard base pad has a relatively shallow cavity that receives the lower end of the spring mechanism. Unfortunately, when the base pad is removed from the magazine tube, particularly when done so in a hurry, the spring mechanism can fly out of the magazine tube, which results in lost time to gather the spring mechanism and more thoroughly clean it before reinserting it into the magazine tube.
Various improvements to the standard base pad are available. One such improvement is to manufacture the base pads out of a more durable, impact resistant material, such as aluminum, stainless steel or brass, in order to reduce the likelihood that the base pad will be damaged when the spent magazine is discharged from the firearm. Another improvement is to provide a deeper or extended base pad cavity that more effectively contains the spring mechanism when it is removed from the magazine tube, thereby reducing the likelihood that the spring mechanism has to be gathered. While these improvements can generally reduce the problems associated with the base pad being damaged by contact with the ground and the spring mechanism springing away, they have not sufficiently addressed the issue with regard to better securing the base pad to the magazine tube in a manner that also allows the user to quickly disengage the base pad therefrom when desired.
Various attempts have been made to provide a base pad that more effectively secures to the magazine tube in manner that allows it to be quickly disengaged therefrom for cleaning of the magazine components. One such improved base pad is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,582 to Grams, which describes a magazine base pad having a cavity in which the lower end of the magazine tube is inserted, as opposed to the base pad being slid onto the tube, a pair of channels on the sides of the cavity and a pin positioned in the channels. The bottom of the magazine tube is placed into the base pad cavity and then the pins, which are preferably the two legs of a single U-shaped pin or clip, are inserted into the channels to engage the upper side of the lip on the magazine tube and secure the base pad to the magazine tube. The user removes the base pad from the magazine tube by pulling the pin sufficiently out of the channels so the bottom of the magazine tube can be pulled out of the cavity. Although this base pad is easy to use and does function as intended, the pins or U-shaped clip can be pulled too far out of the channels and, if dropped, get lost or require extra time to retrieve and place back in the channels. Limcat Custom Products has a base pad that utilizes a swinging door-like mechanism with a groove in the door portion that engages the lip on the magazine tube when the lower end thereof is inserted into the base pad cavity and the door is closed. A detent mechanism is used to secure the door closed. The door can be damaged and the base pad can wear to the point where the magazine tube can pop off the base pad without disengaging the locking mechanism. Another base pad, manufactured by Dawson Precision, utilizes a sliding door mechanism having a door component that slides along one side of the base pad. A groove in the sliding door engages the lip on the bottom of the magazine tube, which is also inserted inside the base pad cavity like the above base pads, when the door is slid shut. The door can be damaged when open, the door mechanism can become loose through wear and the user can unintentionally slide open the door when reloading the magazine.
Although the standard base pad and the various replacement base pads are generally sufficient for closing the open bottom end of a magazine tube and for allowing the user to remove the base pad to clean the magazine, what is needed is an improved base pad that more quickly and securely attaches to the magazine tube and is easily and quickly disengaged therefrom without the risk of losing pins/clips or damaging doors. The preferred base pad will be configured for use with standard magazine tubes and configured to slidably engage the lip on the bottom of the magazine tube. Preferably, an improved base pad will include a securing mechanism that secures the base pad to the magazine tube without the use of pins/clips or doors. The preferred securing mechanism should prevent the base pad from unintentionally sliding off the magazine tube during use or reloading of the firearm, yet be easy for the user to disengage so that he or she may remove the base pad when desired to clean the magazine. The base pad should be adaptable to being manufactured out of a variety of materials, including metals such as aluminum and the like which are lightweight, durable and generally impact resistant.


A fine denier poly(trimethylene arylate) spun drawn fiber is characterized by high denier uniformity. A process for preparing uniform fine denier yarns at spinning speeds of 4000 to 6000 m/min is further disclosed. The poly(trimethylene arylate) fiber hereof comprises 0.1 to 3% by weight of polystyrene dispersed therewithin. Fabrics prepared therefrom are also disclosed.

Poly(trimethylene arylate), particularly poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (also referred to as 3GT, Triexta or PTT), has recently received much attention as a fiber-forming polymer useful in textiles. PTT fibers have excellent physical and chemical properties. Continuous textured polyester yarns, prepared from partially oriented polyester yarns (POY) or spun drawn yarns (SDY), mostly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), are in wide-spread commercial use in many textile applications, such as knit and woven fabrics, as well as non-woven fabrics, such as spunbonded PET. The textile term "yarn" refers to a bundle of individual fibers. For example, shirts and blouses are often made from yarns made up of bundles of 30-40 filaments.
Polyester yarns, including both PET and PTT yarns, are prepared by a so-called melt spinning process, and are said to be "melt spun." Melt spinning is a process whereby the polymer is melted and extruded through a hole in a so-called spinneret. In typical textile applications, the spinneret is provided with a plurality of holes, often 30-40, each about 0.25 mm in diameter. Multiple filaments are thereby extruded from a single spinneret. Those filaments are combined to form a bundle that is called a yarn.
Polyester yarns can be used in any combinations with or without other types of yarns. Thus, polyester yarns can make up an entire fabric, or constitute the warp, weft or fill, in a woven fabric; or as one of two or more yarns in a yarn blend, for instance, with cotton, wool, rayon, acetate, other polyesters, spandex and/or combinations thereof.
Fujimoto et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,370, discloses a process for preparing 1-2 dpf PTT fibers wherein a first roll is heated to 30-80° C., a second roll is heated to 100-160° C., and the draw ratio imposed between the first and second rolls was is in the range of 1.3-4. In 13 examples and 11 counterexamples, Fujimoto never heated the first roll to a temperature above 60° C. except in one counterexample. In all the example, the first roll temperature was in the range of 50-60° C.
Ding, U.S. Pat. No. 7,785,507, discloses a process for preparing 2-3 dpf PTT fibers wherein a first godet is heated to 85-160° C., a second godet is heated to 125-195° C., and the draw ratio imposed between the first and second rolls was in the range of 1.1-2. Ding teaches that a first godet temperature of 75° C. caused excessive line breaks. Uster results were ca. 0.90-0.95%. In all the examples, the temperature of the first godet was 90° C. or more.
Howell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,688, describes preparation of textured PTT yarns that exhibit increased stretch, luxurious bulk and improved hand, as compared to PET yarns. Howell et al. describes preparing partially oriented PTT yarns at spinning speeds up to 2600 m/m. By contrast, PET is routinely melt spun at several times that speed. For reasons of cost, it is highly desirable to be able to spin PTT yarns at speeds higher than 2600 m/min.
Chang et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,925, discloses a composition comprising PTT containing about 2% polystyrene (PS) that can be melt spun into spun drawn yarns at speeds up to 5000 m/min. Chang et al. is completely silent in regard to the denier uniformity (Denier CV) of the yarns so produced, and silent as well regarding the temperatures of the godet rolls employed for preparing the spun drawn yarn.
There is a need for a low denier spun-drawn filament yarn of PTT that can be spun at commercially viable spinning speeds and that is of sufficient denier uniformity to have practical utility in the preparation of high quality fabrics and garments.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Poly(trimethylene arylate) fibers, process for preparing, and fabric prepared therefrom


A method and system are disclosed for mapping multiple applications or services from a single tag. A tag is deployed in a product that stores multiple intent records, the first of which maps to a client multiplexing component. The client multiplexing component, resident on a user device, is automatically initiated upon establishment of a communications link between the user device and the tag. The client multiplexing component then reads each subsequent record on the tag and selectively launches the application or service on the user device. Any data to be written back to the tag is communicated from the corresponding application or service through the client multiplexing component.

The subject disclosure is directed to the near field communications arts, the communications arts, the service providing arts, the radio communications arts, the mobile computing arts, document processing arts, and the like.
Near field communications ("NFC") is a set of standards for smartphones and similar portable user devices to establish radio communication with each other by touching them together or bringing them into close proximity, e.g., a few centimeters. The short-range wireless technologies employed in NFC operations typically require a distance of 10 cm or less. NFC requires an initiator and a target, with the initiator capable of actively generating an RF field that can power a passive target or communicate with an active target. This arrangement allows for the use of targets having a very simplistic form, such as tags, key fobs, stickers, cards, etc., which do not require batteries. NFC tags may be read-only or rewriteable, and may be custom encoded. NFC tags may be configured to provide various communication speeds, memory, security, data storage, write endurance, etc. In some instances, the target may include a power source, e.g., NFC peer-to-peer communications, commonly referred to as NFC chips.
NFC tags are inexpensive and can be placed on a product without integrating NFC with the underlying product. Data can be written to an NFC tag that describes an intent. When an NFC enabled device "taps" or otherwise is brought into proximity with an NFC tag, it causes an application to be launched on the NFC enabled device to handle that intent. However, a severe limitation exists with respect to the usage of NFC tags: to make use of this automatic launch feature, the NFC tags are single purposed. That is, the data stored on them are associated with a single intent. When the NFC tag is tapped or establishes a communication channel with an NFC enabled device, the device's NFC dispatch system locates the appropriate application and launches it. There may be multiple applications that can satisfy the intent, but that set of applications are homogenous. For example, if the intent is to visit a web page and the device has multiple web browsers available, the user is presented with a choice as to which browser to use. If no application is associated with the intent, some systems query an application repository to locate an appropriate application. Furthermore, the aforementioned set of homogenous applications cannot implement completely different types of logic (e.g., asset management as opposed to client network configuration). In order to change the client behavior associated with the NFC tag, new data must be written, such that the next time an NFC enabled device taps or establishes a communications link with the tag, the new data will be read and a different application may be launched.
There are some uses of NFC tags that would benefit from multiple intents on a single NFC tag. For example, it would be useful to have a tag that could have both asset information for an inventory application and connectivity information to simplify the configuration of user devices for network connectivity. The current solution for enabling multiple intents is to use multiple tags.
However, the use of multiple tags can be problematic, for example when a manufacturer or user desires to have a single NFC "touch point" in the manufacturing of a product, but allow for multiple behaviors for NFC enabled devices. It may also be problematic for products with limited space on which to place NFC tags. Multiple tags may be a barrier to ease of use. If multiple NFC tags are used, an end user will have to examine the various touch points to determine the one that matches the current need. Thus, the ability to utilize a single tag would simplify user interactions. With respect to the usage of multiple tags, custom device resident software may be developed allowing examination of the device's current context to determine the user's current need and if the NFC Tag can cause the launch an appropriate application to satisfy that need.
Additional attempts to alleviate the aforementioned issues with multiple tag usage involve the use of an active NFC chip that can programmatically changes its data, but this is not practical in the majority of situations due to the relatively high unit cost. Furthermore, a user's current need is part of the user device's context and is unknown when the user's device touches the NFC chip. Currently, the sender, i.e., the entity acting as the NFC tag, launches an application that establishes the context for the NFC chip. Any NFC enabled device will see the NFC chip as an NFC tag with an intent associated with the sender's running application.
Thus, it would advantageous to provide a system and method that uses a single near field communication tag to specify multiple intents.

System and method for mapping multiple applications to a single NFC tag


The present invention relates to a system, method, and computer program product for monitoring oil condition. In one embodiment, a marine powertrain is provided that includes a marine engine and a gear casing containing an oil and a gas. An engine speed sensor generates an output value, which indicates a speed of the marine engine. An oil sensor generates an output value, which indicates a condition of the oil. The condition of the oil is selectively monitored according to whether the marine engine is operating at a speed that is less than an engine speed threshold value, which denotes a speed of the marine engine at which the oil and the gas form an oil and aerated gas mixture.

Many mechanical devices use oil for lubrication purposes. In devices that use oil for lubrication purposes, it may be particularly important to periodically check the condition of the oil, such as, for example, the level and quality of the oil. Oil quality may change for a number of reasons, including as a result of oxidation, hydrolysis, thermal extremes, and the introduction of contaminants.
Marine powertrains are provided with what is commonly known as a lower unit or an outdrive, which extends below the water line. The lower unit or outdrive houses gears, which transfer power from the marine engine to a marine propulsion device, such as a propeller, provided on the lower unit or outdrive. The lower unit or outdrive also includes a gear casing that contains oil for lubrication of the gears.
It is a particular problem with marine powertrains that the oil in the lower unit or outdrive may become contaminated with water. Since the lower unit or outdrive sits below the water line during operation, the failure of a seal or the striking of an object may readily allow water to enter into the gear casing. Depending on the amount and duration of its presence, water within the gear casing may cause a number of undesirable consequences, including gear corrosion, increased gear and bearing wear due to a decrease in the effectiveness of the oil to act as a lubricant, complete gear failure, engine seizure, or a cracked lower unit or outdrive when the boat is removed from water and stored in cold weather climates. These consequences may translate into costly repairs or complete marine powertrain replacement.
One arrangement for checking the condition of oil involves using a conventional dip stick. While useful for checking the level and to a certain extent the quality of the oil, partially due to the fact that oil and water do not mix, it may not be possible to detect the presence of water by using a dip stick, particularly when the amount of water contamination is minimal.
Another arrangement for checking the condition of oil involves an oil reservoir located remotely from the gear casing and connected to the gear casing via conduits, such as hoses. The reservoir is typically placed in an easily accessible location such as near the marine engine of the marine powertrain and is typically made from a transparent material, such as plastic. Since the oil in the reservoir changes to a milky color in the presence of water, the presence of water may be visually detected from within the boat. Since in this arrangement the reservoir is positioned at an upper portion of the marine engine and the gear casing is located below the water line, gravity results in the gear casing becoming completely filled with oil. Completely filling the gear casing with oil increases the drag on the gears. This, in turn, decreases the efficiency of the power transfer from the marine engine to the marine propulsion device.
Yet another arrangement for monitoring the condition of oil involves the use of a variety of sensors, including, for example, capacitance sensors, optical sensors, or electrical resistance sensors. As just one example, since the dielectric constant of the oil is a function of the quality of the oil, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that oil quality, including the presence of contaminants, such as water, may be determined by utilizing capacitance sensors to monitor the dielectric constant of the oil contained within the gear casing. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the capacitance sensor may be positioned so that in the event the oil level is below the position of the sensor, a dangerously low level of oil may be detected as well. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that capacitance sensors may monitor the dielectric constant in a number of ways, such as, for example, by outputting a voltage output, which varies according to the dielectric constant or by outputting an oscillating current frequency, which varies according to the dielectric constant. Regardless of the particular sensor employed, the sensor may be used in conjunction with a display or an alarm for indicating the oil condition or a problem with the oil condition.
Empirical analysis has demonstrated that in situations where the oil is contained in the gear casing along with a gas, such as air, i.e. in situations where the gear casing is not completely filled with oil, the oil and air may mix when the engine operates at high speeds to thereby create a foam-like mixture of oil that is aerated with gas. When this occurs, it may be difficult to reliably ascertain the condition of the oil using a variety of sensor technologies. As just one example, since the dielectric constant of the oil and gas mixture is different than the dielectric constant of liquid oil, making determinations of oil condition based on the dielectric constant of such a mixture may prove to be inaccurate. Empirical analysis has demonstrated that this oil and gas mixture phenomenon is acute according to the speed at which the marine engine is operated.
The present invention is directed toward an improved system, method, and computer program product for monitoring oil condition.

System, method, and computer program product for monitoring oil condition


A process for isolating 4-hydroxybutanal and 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal from aqueous mixtures of the isomers is disclosed. Reaction of the aqueous mixture with a hydroxy compound in the presence of an acidic catalyst and a nonpolar organic solvent gives a product aqueous solution of 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal and an organic solution containing a 2-oxytetrahydrofuran derived from 4-hydroxybutanal. The 4-hydroxybutanal can be regenerated by acidic hydrolysis of the 2-oxytetrahydrofuran.

A commercially important route to 1,4-butanediol and 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol involves isomerization of propylene oxide to allyl alcohol, followed by hydroformylation of allyl alcohol using a rhodium catalyst to give a mixture of 4-hydroxybutanal and 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal. Catalytic hydrogenation of the aldehyde mixture gives mostly 1,4-butanediol and a minor proportion of 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol. The diols are useful chemical intermediates for making polyesters, polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, and other useful products.
The aldehyde mixture from hydroformylation is usually separated from the rhodium catalyst solution by extraction into water. This aqueous stream is a relatively inexpensive source of both 4-hydroxybutanal and 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal. Each of these compounds is valuable in pure form as a chemical intermediate for making pure diols useful in polyesters, polyurethanes, and alkyd resins. Unfortunately, the similarity in boiling points and solubility characteristics of the aldehyde isomers complicates their separation and use as pure compounds.
Matsumoto teaches that 4-hydroxybutanal can be separated from aqueous media by vacuum distillation (see Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 3-261775), but does not teach how to separate 4-hydroxybutanal from 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal.
In copending application Ser. No. 07/868,050, filed Apr. 13, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,702 we disclose a two-phase process for producing a 2-oxytetrahydrofuran by reacting an aqueous solution of 4-hydroxybutanal with a hydroxy compound in an organic solvent in the presence of an acid catalyst. The 2-oxytetrahydrofuran product is isolated from the organic phase by any suitable method. Isolation of individual aldehyde isomers from the aqueous aldehyde mixture is not taught.
A practical process for isolating 4-hydroxybutanal and 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal in pure form is needed. In particular, a process that overcomes the need to separate the isomers based on boiling point or solubility differences would be valuable. Preferably, the process would be effective to cleanly and efficiently isolate either or both aldehyde isomers.

Processes for isolating hydroxyaldehyde isomers


A semiconductor integrated circuit has an internal circuit having an input terminal connected to a connection terminal, a protection circuit that discharges an over-voltage supplied to the connection terminal to a power line. The protection circuit includes a first discharge circuit connected to the connection terminal, a second discharge circuit connected to the connection terminal and discharges the over-voltage to the power line, and an over-voltage detect circuit that detects a discharge current flowing through the second discharge circuit and generates an over-voltage detect signal when the discharge current is detected. The first discharge circuit is disabled to discharge the over-voltage when the over-voltage detect signal is supplied.

This disclosure relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit including internal circuit and a protection circuit configured to protect the internal circuit from over-voltages higher than an operation voltage of the internal circuit. This invention also relates to a method of protecting the semiconductor integrated circuit from the over-voltage.
Over-voltages applied to a connection terminal of a semiconductor integrated circuit include those caused by electro-static discharge (ESD) and by electrical over-stress (EOS).
ESD is a phenomenon in which static electricity charged in a human body or the like is applied to a connection terminal of the semiconductor integrated circuit. As shown in FIG. 14, this causes a surge current of the order of several amperes to flow through the semiconductor integrated circuit for a short period of time of, for example, 1 μs or less.
EOS is a phenomenon that occurs when a ground of the semiconductor integrated circuit is separated from that of a tester used for testing the semiconductor integrated circuit. For example, during the rise of a power supply voltage of the semiconductor integrated circuit, a power supply voltage of 10 V to 20 V is applied to a connection terminal of the semiconductor integrated circuit for a relatively long period of time of, for example, several milliseconds to several seconds, as shown in FIG. 15.
ESD is caused by sudden discharge of electric charge, and its voltage rises in a pulse-like manner in a period of time shorter than that for EOS. EOS has a rise time longer than that of ESD and its voltage lasts for a longer period of time.
The semiconductor integrated circuit is usually equipped with an ESD protection device that turns on and discharges the over voltage. The ESD protection device may also turn on when EOS is applied. Then, a current of the order of amperes flows through the ESD protection device for several milliseconds to several seconds and may damage the ESD protection device. As a solution to this problem, U.S. Pat. No. 5,654,574 (Patent Document 1) proposes an ESD/EOS protection circuit that is equipped with separate protective measures against ESD and EOS, respectively.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an ESD/EOS protection circuit proposed in Patent Document 1.
An ESD/EOS protection circuit 200 illustrated in FIG. 16 includes high-voltage depletion type metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) 201 and 202 having parasitic diodes 201a and 202a, respectively. A gate and a source of the MOSFET 201 are connected in common to a connection terminal 203. A gate and a source of the MOSFET 202 are connected in common through a resistor 204 to an internal logic 210. Drains of the MOSFETs 201 and 202 are connected to each other and further connected to a cathode of a first diode 205. An anode of the first diode 205 is connected to a ground GND. A cathode of a second diode 206 is connected to a connection point between the resistor 204 and the internal logic 210. An anode of the second diode 206 is connected to the ground GND.
In a normal operating state of the semiconductor integrated circuit, the MOSFETs 201 and 202, both of which are depletion type MOSFETs, are in the ON state. Therefore, a signal input to the connection terminal 203 is transmitted through the path including the MOSFET 201, MOSFET 202, and the resistor 204 to the internal logic 210. In the normal operating state, because a potential of a signal supplied to the connection terminal 203 is low, the first and second diodes 205 and 206 are in the OFF state.
Increasing the voltage applied to the connection terminal 203 increases a reverse bias voltage of the first and second diodes 205 and 206, and causes the first and second diodes 205 and 206 to break down. Breakdown voltages Vt_rev1 and Vt_rev2 of the first and second diodes 205 and 206 are set such that a relationship of Vt_rev1>Vt_rev2 is satisfied.
Operations performed in the ESD/EOS protection circuit 200 when ESD is applied and when EOS is applied will be described.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing an operation performed in the ESD/EOS protection circuit 200 of FIG. 16 when ESD is applied. An ESD pulse that exceeds the breakdown voltage Vt_rev1 of the first diode 205 is applied to the connection terminal 203 illustrated in FIG. 17. This turns on, or breaks down, the first diode 205 and allows a surge current Iesd to flow through the current path including the MOSFET 201 and the first diode 205 to the ground GND.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing an operation performed in the ESD/EOS protection circuit 200 of FIG. 16 when EOS is applied. As an EOS voltage, a voltage between the breakdown voltage Vt_rev1 of the first diode 205 and the breakdown voltage Vt_rev2 of the second diode 206 is applied to the connection terminal 203. Because the relationship Vt_rev1>Vt_rev2 is satisfied, applying the EOS voltage turns on the second diode 206 only, and allows a current Ieos to flow through the current path including the MOSFET 201, the MOSFET 202, the resistor 204, and the second diode 206 to the ground GND.
Thus, as described above, the ESD/EOS protection circuit 200 is equipped with separate protective measures against ESD and EOS, respectively.
However, in the ESD/EOS protection circuit 200 proposed in Patent Document 1, an EOS voltage greater than the breakdown voltage Vt_rev1 of the first diode 205 may be applied to the connection terminal 203.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing an operation performed in the ESD/EOS protection circuit 200 of FIG. 16 when an EOS voltage greater than the breakdown voltage Vt_rev1 of the first diode 205 is applied. Applying such an EOS voltage turns on the first diode 205. Because the first diode 205 is configured to allow a surge current caused by ESD to flow, turning on the first diode 205 causes a large current to flow through the first diode 205. In other words, applying an EOS voltage greater than the breakdown voltage Vt_rev1 of the first diode 205 to the connection terminal 203 may damage the first diode 205, which is provided as an ESD protection device in the ESD/EOS protection circuit 200.
Increasing the breakdown voltage Vt_rev1 of the first diode 205 would decrease the risk of damaging the first diode 205. However, increasing the breakdown voltage of the first diode 205 may degrade the protection ability of the ESD/EOS protection circuit 200 against ESD. Additionally, because the breakdown voltages depend on the semiconductor manufacturing process, it is not easy to reduce variations of the breakdown voltages of the diodes among products.

Semiconductor integrated circuit having protection circuit capable of protecting against ESD and EOS


The vehicle splash guards and adaptors described herein aim to reduce drag forces caused by the splash guards thereby improving air flow characteristics around the splash guard. In that regard, the splash guards and adaptors may increase the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Splash guards or mud guards are often used on vehicles to block debris that may be thrown into the air by the vehicle's rotating tires. In fact, splash guards are mandated on many vehicles, such as Class 8 vehicles. FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of conventional splash guards 10 mounted on a Class 8 vehicle, such as semi-trailer 12. As best shown in FIG. 7, the splash guard 10 includes a thin planar body 14 defining a forward facing planar surface 16 (See FIG. 7) and a rearward facing surface 18. The perimeter of the forward facing surface 16 is formed by generally sharp leading edges 20. The splash guard 10 may be secured at its top end to the vehicle 12 in a conventional manner such that the forward facing surface 16 extends vertically at a spaced distance behind the vehicle's tire(s) 22. The planar, forward facing surface 16 is suitably positioned relative to the associated tire(s) to deflect debris, such as gravel, pebbles, mud, water, or the like, that is thrown into the air by the rotating tires 22.
In general, the planar surfaces 16 of the splash guards 10 are perpendicular to the direction of motion of the vehicle 12 thereby restricting air flow and generating drag forces on the vehicle. Turning to FIG. 7, there is shown a partial plan view of the conventional splash guard 10 of FIG. 6 mounted on one side of the vehicle 12 behind tires 22. As depicted, the tires 22 are arranged in a dual configuration, having an outside tire 22a located proximate the exterior of the vehicle 12 and an inside tire 22b located proximate the interior of the vehicle 12. As the tires 22 rotate in a clockwise direction, the vehicle 12 moves in the direction indicated by arrow A. As such, air flows past the exterior of the vehicle 12 including the outside tire 22a in a substantially opposite direction of vehicle motion as indicated by arrows B.
Although much of the surface area of the splash guards 10 are shielded by the tires, as can be seen in FIG. 7, some of the air flows against the splash guard 10 and is displaced by the splash guard 10 thereby generating drag forces. In fact, the area affected by the drag forces, referred to as Aeff, is larger than the area of the splash guard 10 itself. These drag forces act in the opposite direction of the vehicle's motion and thus effectively reduce the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle 12.

Vehicle splash guards and adaptors therefor


Embodiments of the invention relate to making reconnection when a soldered connection fails in a head/slider used in a magnetic disk drive. In one embodiment, a solder mass deposited on a slider pad of a head/slider is separated from a lead pad and a solder ball connection is yet to be made between the slider pad and the lead pad. A shaping tip is heated to a temperature near a melting point of a solder. The shaping tip is moved in parallel with a surface of the slider pad toward the side of the lead pad to soften the solder mass. The solder mass is thereafter irradiated with a laser beam so as to form a solder fillet, thereby making a soldered connection between the lead pad and the slider pad.

The present invention relates to a technique for connecting a slider pad and a lead pad of a head gimbal assembly included in a magnetic disk drive. More particularly, the present invention relates to a technique for making a soldered connection between the slider pad and the lead pad by re-irradiating a solder mass with a laser beam, the solder mass being deposited on the slider pad as a result of a solder ball being irradiated with the laser beam.
In the magnetic disk drive, a head formed in a slider (a structure integrating a head with a slider will hereinafter be referred to as a head/slider) flies above a surface of a magnetic disk with an extremely small gap from the surface and reads data from, or writes data to, the magnetic disk. The head/slider includes an air bearing surface (hereinafter referred to as ABS) formed on a surface thereof facing the magnetic disk. The ABS is structured such that positive pressure acting on the slider as a lifting force is produced when an air stream produced on the surface of a spinning magnetic disk flows past a space between the ABS and the surface of the magnetic disk. The ABS is also structured so as to produce negative pressure at other times for stabilizing attitudes during flying.
The head/slider is mounted on a spring structural body called flexure. While the head/slider flies above the surface of the magnetic disk, the flexure makes pivotal movement or gimbal movement so that the gap between the head and a magnetic layer of the disk may fall within a predetermined range. The flexure is mounted on a load beam which, in turn, is supported by an actuator assembly driven by a voice coil motor (hereinafter referred to as VCM). A structure having the head/slider, the flexure, a lead, and the load beam as main components thereof is called a head gimbal assembly (hereinafter referred to as HGA). The magnetic disk drive commonly includes a circuit board mounted with circuit devices for controlling data communications and the magnetic disk drive. Electric connection is made between the circuit board and the head using the lead. The head is embedded in the slider main body and connected to a slider pad formed on an end face of the head/slider. The slider pad is connected to a lead pad formed on an end portion of the lead using solder.
Examples of methods of connecting the slider pad to the lead pad using solder include a solder ball connection technique. The solder ball connection technique is superior as a soldering connection technique applicable to micromini sliders, since a soldered connection can be made with no mechanical stress applied to the slider pad or lead pad. FIG. 14 includes views for illustrating a condition in which the lead pad and the slider pad are connected together using the solder ball connection technique. FIG. 14(A) shows metal layers 319a, 319b, dielectric layers 317a, 317b, and a lead 321. The metal layers 319a, 319b constitute a flexure support structure. The dielectric layers 317a, 317b made of polyimide are stacked on the metal layers 319a, 319b, respectively. The lead 321 is formed by stacking a copper layer on top of the dielectric layer 317b. A head/slider 311 is mounted on the dielectric layer 317a with an ABS 323 opposing the magnetic disk facing up. A magnetic head is embedded internally in the head/slider 311 so as to achieve magnetic coupling between the magnetic head and the magnetic disk opposing the ABS 323. In addition, a slider pad 313 for connecting the magnetic head and the lead 321 is formed on a side surface on an end portion of the head/slider 311.
The metal layer 319a for supporting the head/slider 311 is called a flexure tongue. The flexure tongue makes gimbal movement or pivotal movement about a dimple formed in the load beam (not shown) as a pivot when the head/slider 311 flies above the magnetic disk surface. The lead 321 extends, in front of the slider pad 313, to a position to define a space 325 between the head/slider 311 and the lead 321. A lead pad 329 is formed at a leading end portion of the lead 321.
The solder ball connection technique typically follows these steps. Specifically, a solder ball 315 is temporarily deposited so as to come in contact with both the slider pad 313 and the lead pad 329. The solder ball 315 is then irradiated with a laser beam emitted from the direction of an arrow A and is thus melted. The laser beam is then shut down so that the melted solder cools down. A solder fillet 327 shown in FIG. 14(B) is thereby formed to make electric connection between the slider pad 313 and the lead pad 329. The solder ball connection technique is, however, associated with problems of improper connection unique thereto. Possible problems include: the molten solder attracted one-sidedly to either one of the pads during reflow of the solder ball 315 using laser energy, causing the solder fillet 327 to be connected only to one of the pads; an insufficient area of connection between the solder fillet 327 and the pads; a lack of sufficient connection strength; and a pad short-circuited with an adjacent one.
Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 7-106739) discloses a technique that proceeds as below. Specifically, a mounting board is heated by a heater to a temperature level below a melting point of solder, thereby reducing peel strength of the solder ball relative to flux; an adhesion layer of an adsorption device is rollingly transferred onto the mounting board, thereby peeling the solder ball from the mounting board through adhesion. Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 1-130590) discloses a technique, in which flux is softened by heated steam and the flux and a solder ball are removed by a blowing force. Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 11-26918) discloses a technique in which solder is heated to a temperature at which the solder softens, and the solder is grounded off with a grinder.

Head gimbal assembly method with solder fillet formed by laser irradiating a shaped solder mass

Hitachi Global Storage Technolgies Netherlands B.V.


A graphics processor comprises: a light source table holding light source data; a conversion unit for converting the light source data to be set in the light source table from a float type (single-precision floating point real number type) into an int type (integer type); an inner product calculation unit for calculating the inner products of normal directions, light source directions and sight line directions at the vertices based on the light source data; and a color calculation unit for performing light source computations based on the calculated inner products to determine the colors of the vertices.

The present invention relates to a technique to increase the speed of a light source calculation (brightness calculation, illumination processing) to determine the colors of vertices of a figure from information, such as vertices of a figure, light sources, the position of a viewing point, colors and normal vectors, to see how the figure looks when illuminated by a plurality of light sources during the shading processing (shading, half-tone processing) in a computer graphics system.
Specifically, this invention relates to a graphics processor to determine colors by performing the light source calculation mentioned above and to a graphics system using the graphics processor.
The computer graphics system displays the output of a computer in the form of figures.
The light source calculation in the shading processing in a conventional computer graphics system is detailed in pOpenGL Programmnig Guide (Japanese version), published by Seiunsha, 1993, pp. 157-194.
The computer graphics system performs geometric processing and rendering processing. The geometric processing includes coordinate conversion of vertices of a figure and light source calculation to calculate colors of the vertices from information about, e.g., vertices of a figure, a light source, a viewing point position, colors and normal vectors, to see how the figure looks. The rendering processing involves developing and drawing pixels inside the figure one by one based on information about vertex coordinates and colors and so on. After the geometric processing and the rendering processing, the computer graphics system writes the contents to be displayed on the screen into a frame memory that stores data in a bit map format.
The computer graphics system generally represents pixel data by color data rgba (red, green, blue, alpha) of a figure, and performs the geometric processing in the float type and the rendering processing in the short-int type.
Here, the float type represents 32-bit floating point real numbers, the int type represents 32-bit integers (including fixed point real numbers), and the short int type represents 8- to 16-bit integers.
For the sake of simplicity, we assume that the short int type is 16-bit integers.
Now, let us explain about the computer graphics system whose color data of the pixel data in the frame memory are 8 bits (=1 byte) for each color component, or 32 bits in total.
The conventional light source computation calculates light source formulas such as Equation 4 in a float type which has large hardware quantities and is slow.
(Each component of rgb is calculated independently by Equation 4, and no calculation is performed on the component a. I.a=a)                     [                  Equation                                xe2x80x83                              4                ]                            xe2x80x83                                I        =                  Ke          +                      Ka                                      xe2x80x83                                    þ                                      xe2x80x83                                    Lcta                    +                                                                      [                                      xe2x80x83                                                                                xe2x80x83                                                ∑                                                                    i                        =                        1                                            n                                        [                                          xe2x80x83                                                                                Ka                        xc3x97                                                  Lca                          .                          i                                                                    +                                              Kd                        xc3x97                                                  Lcd                          .                          i                                                xc3x97                                                  (                                                      N                            ·                                                          L                              .                              i                                                                                )                                                                    +                                              Ks                        xc3x97                                                  Lcs                          .                          i                                                xc3x97                                                                              (                                                          N                              ·                                                              H                                .                                i                                                                                )                                                    ^                          SM                                                                                }                            xc3x97                              At                .                i                            xc3x97                              Sp                .                i                                      ]                                              Equation                          xe2x80x83                                  (          4          )
where
m is the number of light sources;
i (i=1 to m) is a light source;
I=(I.r, I.g, I.b, I.a) is a color calculated by the light source computation;
Ka=(Ka.r, Ka.g, Ka.b) is a ambient reflection coefficient of a material;
Kd=(Kd.r, Kd.g, Kd.b) is a diffuse reflection coefficient of a material;
Ks=(Ks.r, Ks.g, Ks.b) is a mirror surface reflection coefficient of a material;
Ke=(Ke.r, Ke.g, Ke.b) is a radial reflection coefficient of a material;
SM (0.0xe2x89xa6SMxe2x89xa6128.0) is a mirror surface index of a material;
Lcta=(Lcta.r, Lcta.g, Lcta.b) is a color for each reflected light of an overall background light source;
Lca.i=(Lca.r.i, Lca.g.i, Lca.b.i) is a color for background reflection light from a light source;
Lcd.i=(Lcd.r.i, Lcd.g.i, Lcd.b.i) is a color for diffuse reflection light from a light source;
Lcs.i=(Lcs.r.i, Lcs.g.i, Lcs.b.i) is a color for mirror surface reflection light from a light source;
Normal vector N=(Nx, Ny, Nz);
Light source direction vector L.i=(Lx.i, Ly.i, Lz.i);
Halfway vector (maximum highlight direction vector)
H.i=(Hx.i, Hy.i, Hz.i),
H.i=(V+L.i)/{grave over (p)}V+L.i{grave over (p)} where {grave over (p)}V+L.i{grave over (p)} is a magnitude of (V+L.i) sight direction vector V=(Vx, Vy, Vz) Each vector having a magnitude of 1.
It is assumed that (Nxc2x7L.i)=0 when (Nxc2x7L.i)xe2x89xa70: (Nxc2x7L.i) less than 0.
It is also assumed that (Nxc2x7H.i)=0 when (Nxc2x7H.i)xe2x89xa70.
Further, it is assumed that (Nxc2x7H.i)=0 also when (Nxc2x7L.i)xe2x89xa60.
Here, the attenuation coefficient At.i and the spot light source effect Sp.i are defined as follows:
At.i=1 for parallel light sources
=1/(Kc+Klpd+Kqpd{circumflex over ( )}2): for point light sources and spot light sources
where Kc, Kl, Kq are attenuation constants and d is the distance from the light source to the vertex.
Sp.i=1: for parallel light sources and point light sources
=(xe2x88x92SD.ixc2x7L.i){circumflex over ( )}SE.i: within the illumination range of a spot light source (xe2x88x92SD.ixc2x7L.i)xe2x89xa7cos(SC.i)
=0: outside the illumination range of a spot light source (xe2x88x92SD.ixc2x7L.i) less than cos(SC.i)
where SD.i=(SDx.i, SDy.k, SDz.i) is the spot light source direction vector;
SE.i is the spot light index; and
SC.i is the cutoff index of a spot light source.
FIG. 6 shows the relation among the above vectors.
The conventional light source computation calculates these complex light source formulas in a float type that has large hardware quantities and is slow. Therefore, the light source computation requires a large quantity of float type calculations, and hence the conventional computer graphics systems use a geometry processor GP dedicated to the geometric processing to perform the light source computation by software. This requires a huge amount of time for the light source computation.
The conventional computer graphics systems have a problem that although each component of the color data rgba in the frame memory are 8-bit data, the conventional light source computation requires performing a great amount of slow float type calculation (32 bits) containing many hardware quantities and spends a vast amount of time.
An object of the present invention is to provide a graphics processor and a graphics system, which can perform light source computations in shading processing at significantly high speeds.
The graphics processor of this invention comprises: a light source table holding light source data; a conversion unit for converting the light source data to be set in the light source table from a float type (single-precision floating point real number type) into an int type (integer type); an inner product calculation unit for calculating the inner product of the normal directions, light source directions and sight line directions at vertices of at least a three-dimensional figure according to the light source data; and a color calculation unit for performing light source computations based on the calculated inner products to determine colors of vertices.
With the above configuration, the light source computation of int type can be executed, increasing the speed of the light source computations in shading processing and therefore the speed of the figure drawing processing.
Further, the graphics system o this invention comprises: a graphics processor for determining colors of vertices of at least a three-dimensional figure by calculating the inner products of normal directions, light source directions and sight line directions at each of the vertices; a frame memory; a rendering processor for interpolating pixels inside the figure based on the calculated colors of the vertices and writing the pixel into the frame memory; and a display device; wherein the graphics processor includes: a light source table holding light source data; a conversion unit for converting the light source data to be set in the light source table from a float type (single-precision floating point real number type) into an int type (integer type); an inner product calculation unit for calculating the inner products of normal directions, light source directions and sight line directions at the vertices according to the light source data; and a color calculation unit for performing light source computations based on the calculated inner products to determine colors of vertices.
With the above configuration, it is possible to increase the speed of the light source computations in shading processing and also the speed of the figure drawing processing.
Further, in the graphics processor of this invention each of the m light source data held in the light source table has a light source computation in-process flag which represents whether the light source computation on the light source data is being performed, and a light source table control unit is provided, which, at the start of the light source computation, locks the flags for all light source data and, each time the light source computation is finished for one light source data, unlocks the corresponding flag. With this configuration, each time the light source computation is finished for one light source, new light source data can be set immediately in areas in the light source table for which the corresponding flags are unlocked (data areas for which the light source computation has ended). This allows quick setting of data even when the light source data areas in the light source table that are available for setting are few.

Graphics processor and system for determining colors of the vertices of a figure


A vehicle lamp that includes a light-emitting diode group formed by light-emitting diodes, which are disposed in a row with the irradiation direction directed toward the front of the lamp, and a light guiding plate, which is a transparent plate and is provided in front of the light-emitting diode group so as to be in the front-back direction of the lamp; and a plurality of light guiding plate units are provided inside a lamp chamber so that the light guiding plate units are spacedly disposed one on the other, each of the light guiding plate units causing the light from the light-emitting diodes to enter the light guiding plate from the rear end surface of the light guiding plate and further causing the light to exit from the front end surface of the light guiding plate toward the front of the lamp.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp and more particularly to a vehicle lamp that provides a good depth appearance and draws attention of the drivers of the following vehicles particularly when it is on.
2. Prior Art
Conventional marker lamps for vehicles such as automobiles use electric bulbs (bulbs), for instance, incandescent lamp bulbs, as the light source. Recently, however, light-emitting diodes are employed on an increasing number of occasions so as to meet the requirements for various reasons that includes better designs and reduced power consumption.
Some vehicle lamps that employ the light-emitting diodes incorporate a platy shape transparent light guiding plate.
More specifically, in such a lamp that employs light-emitting diodes and a light guiding plate, the light from the light-emitting diodes that are disposed so as to face one or two end surfaces of the light guiding plate enters the light guiding plate, and the light entering the light guiding plate is reflected by the back surface of the light guiding plate and is thereby caused to exit from the front surface of the light guiding plate. In other words, the light guiding plate is used as a so-called xe2x80x9csurface light sourcexe2x80x9d.
However, the conventional vehicle lamp that uses a light guiding plate as a surface light source has a flat luminescent image; as a result, its three-dimensional appearance is poor, and the impact on viewers is weak regardless of when the lamp is on or off.
Accordingly, the object of the present invention to provide a vehicle lamp that produces a good depth appearance for a vehicle lamp during both the non-lighting state and the lighting state and produces a great change in appearance between the non-lighting state and the lighting state, thus drawing a great deal of attention of the drivers of the following vehicles and the like.
The above object is accomplished by a unique structure for a vehicle lamp that includes:
a light-emitting diode group formed by a plurality of light-emitting diodes disposed in a row so that an irradiation direction of the diodes is directed toward the front region of the lamp, and
a light guiding plate which is a transparent plate and is provided in front of the light-emitting diode group so as to be parallel to the front-back direction of the lamp; wherein
a plurality of light guiding plate units are provided inside a lamp chamber, which is defined by a lamp body and a translucent front cover that covers the front face of the lamp body, so that the light guiding plate units are disposed in the direction perpendicular to the front-back direction of the lamp (so as to be spacedly one on the other), each of the light guiding plate units causing the light from the light-emitting diodes to enter the light guiding plate from the rear end surface of the light guiding plate toward the front end portion of the light guiding plate and further causing at least substantially the entire light from the light-emitting diodes to exit from the front end surface of the light guiding plate toward the front of the lamp.
In the vehicle lamp of the present invention, the light guiding plate is disposed in parallel to the front-back direction of the lamp. Accordingly, the light-emitting diodes are disposed as a light source behind the light guiding plate. Thus, when the lamp is not turned on, the lamp produces a good depth appearance, the light-emitting diodes are substantially inconspicuous, and the color of the light guiding plate (transparent) makes a dominant color as a whole. On the other hand, when the lamp is on, the lamp produces functional color light such as red, orange, etc. in accordance with the functions of the lamp, thus providing a great change from the non-lighted-up state. The lamp draws great attention of the drivers of the vehicles behind and thus contributes to the traffic safety.


A scroll compressor includes a compression mechanism having a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. The fixed scroll includes a first end plate, an outer peripheral wall extending from an edge of the first end plate, a first oil groove, and a first wrap inside of the outer peripheral wall. The orbiting scroll includes a second end plate in sliding contact with an end of the first wrap and an end of the outer peripheral wall, a second oil groove, and a second wrap. The first oil groove is disposed on a surface of the outer peripheral wall, extends along an inner periphery of the outer peripheral wall, and is configured to receive lubricating oil at a high pressure corresponding to a discharge pressure of the compression mechanism. The second oil groove is disposed on a surface of the second end plate, and is communicatable with the first oil groove.

Conventionally, scroll compressors have been known which include a compression mechanism having a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll.
Japanese Patent No. 3731433 discloses this type of scroll compressor, which includes a compression mechanism having a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. Specifically, the fixed scroll includes a disc-shaped end plate, a cylindrical outer peripheral wall standing on an edge of the end plate of the fixed scroll, and a scroll wrap standing inside the outer peripheral wall. The orbiting scroll includes an end plate that is in sliding contact with ends of the outer peripheral wall and the wrap of the fixed scroll. The orbiting scroll also includes a wrap standing on the end plate of the orbiting scroll. In the compression mechanism, the scrolls meshing with each other form compression pockets therebetween. The orbiting scroll eccentrically orbiting the fixed scroll gradually decreases the volume of the compression pockets, thereby compressing fluid in the compression pockets.
Such a scroll compressor disadvantageously increases sliding resistance on a contact surface between the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll. To avoid this problem, the scroll compressor of U.S. Pat. No. 3,731,433 includes an oil groove on a surface, of the outer peripheral wall of the fixed scroll, on which the fixed scroll is in sliding contact with the orbiting scroll. High pressure lubricating oil on the oil groove decreases the sliding resistance on the sliding contact surface.

Scroll compressor having first and second oil grooves formed in fixed and orbiting scroll that are communicable


A computer system and data migration method capable of replacing a storage apparatus with another storage apparatus and avoiding stopping data transmission or reception between a host computer and the storage apparatuses without depending on the configuration of existing storage apparatuses and other devices is suggested.

A conventional computer system that handles large-scale data manages the data by using a large-capacity storage apparatus provided separately from a host system.
When an existing storage apparatus is to be replaced with a new storage apparatus in such a computer system, it is necessary to migrate data stored in the existing storage apparatus to the new storage apparatus in order to continue using the data stored in the existing storage apparatus. In order to do so, the computer system is required to be capable of migrating the data without stopping data transmission or reception between a host computer and the storage apparatuses. Furthermore, when migrating the data between the existing storage apparatus and the new storage apparatus, a method that does not require any special function in already installed apparatuses/devices such as the existing storage apparatus, the host computer, and a network is favorable.
In this case, for example, Patent Literature 1 mentioned below discloses a technique for migrating data by setting logical units in an existing storage apparatus as external volumes, then migrating an access target of a host computer to a new storage apparatus by using an alternate path program and then copying data stored in the logical units belonging to the existing stored apparatus to logical units belonging to the new storage apparatus by using a copy function. If the data migration method disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is used, it is possible to migrate data between the storage apparatuses without using any special function of the existing storage apparatus or the network or without stopping data transmission or reception between the host computer and the storage apparatuses.

Computer system and data migration method

Abstract: With a computer system having a host computer and first and second storage apparatuses, the second storage apparatus virtualizes first logical units in the first storage apparatus and provides them as second logical units to the host computer, collects configuration information about each first logical unit, and sets each piece of the collected configuration information to each corresponding second logical unit; and the host computer adds a path to the second logical units and deletes a path to the first logical units; and the second storage apparatus copies data stored in the first logical units to a storage area provided by the second storage device and associates the storage area with the second logical units.


To configure existing drawers as evacuable drawers of a vacuum drawer device, a cover for installation in the drawer body can be used. The cover evacuates at the drawer interior with an evacuation system, so that the interior is evacuated when the drawer is closed and ventilated before the drawer is opened. The cover is airtight, is profiled in such that evacuation with a controller, a pump and a valve are fixedly integrated in at least one recess in the cover and the cover has at least one air channel leading into the inside of the cover or, respectively, into the at least one recess, with the air channel operatively connected to the evacuation system such that when the cover is placed onto the drawer, air from the interior can be pumped out of the interior, the inside of the cover interior or, respectively, the at least one recess through the air duct.

At present, rapidly perishable food is stored in the refrigerator in private households of industrialized countries. The refrigerator has the advantage of being able to lower the internal temperature in order to delay the growth of destructive bacteria cultures. Also, the refrigerator can be regarded as a closed storage place for food which, when closed, prevents unwanted influences, such as insects or pollen, from negatively influencing the quality of the food.
However, the refrigerator has some disadvantages, as it continuously needs electricity to generate cooling energy via a compressor. At the same time, waste heat is generated, which is released into the ambient air behind the refrigerator and conducted into the room through ventilation slits in the kitchen panels, which is not desirable in summer.
In recent decades, refrigerators have polluted our environment to such an extent that the international community had to intervene to ban the ozone-depleting refrigerant CFC. Other environmental problems are the foaming agents for insulating the refrigerator used from 1990 onwards. Under pressure from environmental organizations, the international community has been able in recent years to increasingly limit, but not prevent, the negative effects on the environment during the manufacture, operation and disposal of refrigerators. Less attention has so far been paid to the internal climate of the refrigerator. According to a study by the Hygiene Council, which conducted an international study called Hygiene Report 2010, the refrigerator with around 11,400,000 germs per square centimeter is contaminated more than the toilet with around 100 pathogens per square centimeter. This 2010 report received a great deal of media attention, but apart from recommendations to clean the refrigerator more often, no noticeable improvements have been implemented so far. The number of germs is not necessarily the problem, as it is more important to know which germs are most harmful to humans. Jean-Pierre Hugot of the Paris Hopital Robert Debré has studied the climatic conditions inside the refrigerator. According to his opinion, "cold-loving" microbes such as yersilins and listeria feel very comfortable in the refrigerator. It is possible that these microbes can cause the digestive disease Crohn's disease.
On Wikipedia, on Oct. 10, 2016, after mentioning the research result of Jean-Pierre Hugot, the following sentence is written: "The consumption of spoiled food because of renouncing the refrigeration, however, might involve bigger disease risks." According to the sentence, refrigerating food in a refrigerator is just slightly healthier than eating spoiled food.
One aspect of the invention relates to a storage place for food which can do without refrigeration and yet prevents the food from spoiling over the longest possible period of time.
A common way of keeping food fresh without refrigeration is vacuum packing. This has gained acceptance primarily in the hygienically sensitive field of meat products. According to Wikipedia, on Oct. 10, 2016, vacuum packaging is understood as follows: "A vacuum packaging is a gas-tight packaging of a product in which gaps and thus reactive gases within the product have been largely removed. The most important thing is the removal of oxygen from the packaging." Further: "This type of packaging has several advantages. As with modified atmosphere packaging, the products have a longer shelf life because no oxygen, which over time causes the products to become unusable due to chemical reactions or biological processes, can get to the products."
Since vacuum packagings consist of plastic films, these films must be purchased from a manufacturer and disposed of after use. The disposal of the plastic films is usually done by incineration, which in turn pollutes the environment.
Moreover, the refrigerator is not the ideal place to store all foods. Tomatoes, basil, bread, avocado, potatoes etc. are better not stored in the refrigerator.

Cover for a drawer, and vacuum drawer device with a cover


The present invention provides a polymerizable compound with a structure of general formula I, which exhibits none or few of the problems existing in the prior art. A polymerizable liquid crystal composition comprising the polymerizable compound has good stability and higher reliability, and is embodied by having a smaller pretilt angle change and higher voltage holding ratio. Also, there is little or no image sticking effect in a liquid crystal display device comprising the polymerizable liquid crystal composition. The present invention also provides a method of synthesizing a polymerizable compound with a structure of general formula I. The present invention further provides a polymerizable liquid crystal composition comprising the polymerizable compound and a liquid crystal display device comprising the polymerizable liquid crystal composition.

Liquid crystal display elements can be used in various electrical apparatuses for domestic use, measuring apparatuses, automotive panels, word processors, computers, printers, televisions and so forth, such as clocks and calculators. Based on the types of display mode, liquid crystal display elements can be classified into PC (phase change), TN (twisted nematic), STN (super twisted nematic), ECB (electrically controlled birefringence), OCB (optically compensated bend), IPS (in-plane switching), VA (vertical alignment), CSH (color super homeotropic) and so forth. Based on the driving modes of elements, liquid crystal display elements can be classified into PM (passive matrix) type and AM (active matrix) type. PM is classified into static type, multiplex type and so forth. AM is classified into TFT (thin film transistor) type, MIM (metal insulator metal) type and so forth. The types of TFT comprise amorphous silicon and polycrystal silicon. The latter is classified into a high-temperature type and a low-temperature type according to the manufacturing process. Based on the types of light source, liquid crystal display elements are classified into a reflection type utilizing a natural light, a transmission type utilizing a backlight, and a semi-transmission type utilizing both the natural light and the backlight.
Among these display modes, IPS mode, ECB mode, VA mode, CSH mode or the like differ from the commonly used TN mode or STN mode in that the former uses a liquid crystal material having negative dielectric anisotropy. Among these display modes, there are applications of VA mode driven by AM in display elements requiring high speed and wide viewing angle, wherein the application in a liquid crystal element such as a television is most desirable.
The VA mode and IPS mode are both in normal black mode but different in that: liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the panel in VA mode are negative liquid crystal, and the transparent electrodes are disposed on the upper and lower substrates to form an electric field perpendicular to the substrates. When no voltage is applied, the long axis of liquid crystal molecules is perpendicular to the substrates, thereby forming a dark state; when a voltage is applied, the long axis of liquid crystal molecules falls down in a direction parallel to the substrates. The initial alignment also requires friction on the substrates, resulting in problems such as contamination, static electricity, and difficulty in controlling the pretilt angle. In order to solve problems in the initial alignment of the VA mode, there are various derivative modes, such as Multi-domain Vertical Alignment (MVA), Pattern Vertical Alignment (PVA), Polymer Sustained Alignment (PSA) and Polymer Stabilized Vertical Alignment (PSVA), wherein the PSA mode and PSVA mode have gradually predominated due to their characteristics such as high transmittance, high contrast and fast response.
The Polymer Sustained Alignment (PSA) type liquid crystal display device has a polymer structure formed in the cell so as to control the pretilt angles of liquid crystal molecules. It is applied as a liquid crystal display element due to its characteristics of fast response and high contrast.
The PSA type liquid crystal display element is manufactured as follows:
A polymerizable composition composed of liquid crystal compounds and polymerizable compounds is filled between the substrates, and a voltage is applied. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned, and the polymerizable compounds are polymerized to fix the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. It is known that the display failure (i.e., image sticking) of the PSA type liquid crystal display element is caused by impurities and changes in orientation of liquid crystal molecules (changes in pretilt angle).
The reason why changes in the pretilt angle of molecules cause image sticking is that, when constituting an element, continuous display of same patterns for a long period of time causes changes in the structure of polymers, resulting in the change of pretilt angles thereof. Therefore, there is a need for a polymerizable compound which can form a polymer having an unchanged rigid structure.
PSVA uses polymerizable compounds to control the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules: making the liquid crystals in a desirable alignment state via external electric field, keeping in such a state and exposing to UV to polymerize the polymerizable compounds in the liquid crystal mixture, thereby "solidifying" the desirable alignment state of the liquid crystals.
Since a rubbing alignment process is not required in PSVA mode, it is possible to avoid problems such as static electricity, contamination and so forth caused by friction in modes such as TN, IPS and so forth.
Unfortunately, there still are various defects in current polymerizable liquid crystal monomers. For example, the polymerizable liquid crystal monomer described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,225 has an exorbitant melting point and needs to be operated at a temperature of 80-90° C. in actual production, which results in large increase of energy consumption and being liable to cause defects that seriously affect optical quality, such as uneven alignment, abnormal polymerization, etc., at high temperatures.
Therefore, attempts have been made to improve the performance of polymerizable liquid crystals by methods of preparing polymerizable liquid crystal compositions. A polymerizable liquid crystal composition with a lower melting point is provided in Japanese Patent JP2003193053, whereas there is a problem of severely uneven alignment. A polymerizable liquid crystal composition with a lower melting point is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,308, whereas there are problems such as poor stability and easy crystallization at low temperatures.
A single polymerizable compound is generally used in the prior art, resulting in a variety of problems, for example: slower or faster polymerization, difficulty in control, larger change in pretilt angle, excessive residual amount after polymerization, poor UV stability, various display failures (such as residual image, uneven display), etc.
Therefore, there is a great need for a novel polymerizable liquid crystal composition which does not have or largely reduces the above disadvantages.

Polymerizable compound and application thereof

Jiangsu Hecheng Display Technology Co., Ltd.


A fluid delivery device includes an automatic needle retraction mechanism configured to automatically retract a delivery end of a needle into a housing. In one embodiment, the needle assembly is configured to automatically withdraw the delivery end of the needle into the housing upon an actuator moving from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the needle assembly is configured to automatically withdraw the delivery end of the needle into the housing upon decoupling a bottom surface of the housing from a skin surface.

The present invention generally relates to a fluid delivery device and more particularly to fluid delivery device needle retraction mechanisms, cartridges and expandable hydraulic fluid seals for use with an ambulatory device for delivering a medicament to a patient.
Many attempts have been made to provide continuous or near continuous dosing of drugs and other fluids, such as insulin, using pump systems. Although some systems for continuous delivery work quite well, individuals using these systems, particularly in continuous dose mode, need to monitor the devices closely to ensure continuity and accuracy of dosing under variable environmental conditions such as temperature and air pressure. In addition, there are few options for individuals who require the ability to vary the dose of medication quickly and accurately, and most of the available options are cumbersome, difficult to operate, intrusive, and/or expensive.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a simple, intuitive, inexpensive ambulatory device able to provide fluid dosing under patient control, as well as safety and consistency in the metered or continuous dose over a wide range of environmental conditions.

Fluid delivery device needle retraction mechanisms, cartridges and expandable hydraulic fluid seals


A braking system is disclosed. The braking system may include a controller configured to determine a speed threshold that is based on a deceleration of an output speed of a powertrain of a machine caused in part by engagement of one or more brakes of the machine during a directional shift in a movement of the machine, the speed threshold being the output speed of the powertrain at which the one or more brakes are to be commanded to disengage. The controller may be configured to command disengagement of the one or more brakes based on a determination that the output speed of the powertrain satisfies the speed threshold.

Electro-hydraulic brake valves may be used in machines, such as track-type tractors and other types of earth-moving machines, to apply and release braking devices. Electronic controllers may control the brake valves by transmitting brake command currents to a brake valve in response to detecting actuation or release of a braking control device by an operator of the machine. The brake valve responds to the brake command currents by changing the pressure within the braking device to tighten or loosen the braking device as commanded. However, in some cases, there may be a time delay between issuance of the brake command and the braking device effectuating the commanded braking. For example, a time delay associated with movement of hydraulic fluid through the brake valve and associated hydraulic passages may occur after a command to disengage the braking device.
During a directional shift of the machine (e.g., from forward to reverse or reverse to forward), brake command currents commanding engagement of the braking device may be automatically transmitted in order to slow the machine for a change to a new direction, and at a preset, fixed speed, brake command currents commanding disengagement of the braking device may be automatically transmitted to permit movement of the machine in the new direction. However, due to a time delay (e.g., a variable time delay) associated with disengaging the braking device, as well as the particular rate at which the machine is decelerating in order to effectuate the directional shift, a brake command at the fixed speed may result in disengagement of the braking device too soon or too late. Disengagement that occurs too soon may cause a decrease in the rate of deceleration, which may be unsettling to the operator of the machine and prolong the directional shift. Disengagement that occurs too late may cause the machine to hesitate at zero speed, thereby preventing the machine from moving in the new direction.
One attempt at a control device for an industrial vehicle that generates no speed change shock when the traveling direction is switched to the opposite direction is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,021 that issued to Takamura et al. on Aug. 29, 2006 ("the '021 patent"). In particular, the '021 patent discloses that when a traveling direction is switched during the running of a vehicle, the vehicle is first gradually decelerated by a braking applied by brakes. The '021 patent further discloses that when the vehicle speed drops below a specified speed, the braking force of the brakes and engine braking torque created by engagement of a forward clutch or reverse clutch of a transmission corresponding to the selected traveling direction are both controlled before the vehicle speed reaches zero. The '021 patent indicates that, as a result, the deceleration torque prior to the reversal of direction and the acceleration torque following the reversal of direction are controlled to substantially constant values so that the fluctuations in acceleration around the point of time at which the traveling direction is reversed are reduced.
While the control device of the '021 patent may address speed change shock when the traveling direction of a vehicle is switched, the '021 patent does not address a brake disengagement occurring too soon or too late as a result of a time delay associated with disengaging a brake. For example, the '021 patent does not address issues associated with brake disengagement being commanded at a fixed speed, which does not account for a time delay (e.g., a variable time delay) associated with disengaging a braking device and/or a particular rate of deceleration of a machine performing a directional shift.
The braking system of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art.

Directional shift variable brake disengagement


Methods for fashioning CrossCheck testing structures allow the testing of high density integrated circuit structures to be made in a space efficient manner. In one method, sense lines and probe lines are disposed in different layers perpendicular to one another and a diffusion line is overlaid in such a manner as to form a sense transistor. In another method, a pair of probe lines are routed between each pair of cells in a manner to form a sense transistor. In still another embodiment circuit layout requires no modification to the basic macrocell structure and a metal interconnection layer is used to couple sense transistors to individual cells.

The present invention is in the field of integrated circuit testing. More particularly it relates to methods for implementing CrossCheck integrated circuit testing structures and the apparatus resulting therefrom.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,947, issued on June 7, 1988 to T. Gheewala describes a grid-based CrossCheck testing structure for testing integrated circuits. The specification of that patent is incorporated herein in its entirety. The CrossCheck testing structure is a specific type of storage-free matrix structure suited to testing a large class of randomly addressable combinatorial and like digital logic circuits in large-scale integrated form. The CrossCheck testing structure may be implemented using any of several common methods used to fabricate integrated circuits. Several implementations of the test structure using different technologies are schematically illustrated in the '947 patent. These implementations comprise a sense transistor coupled both to a sense line and a point being probed electrically. The '947 patent does not show how the CrossCheck testing structure can be implemented in an area-efficient manner on an integrated circuit.

Method for implementing grid-based crosscheck test structures and the structures resulting therefrom


A communications system supports transactions through seat video display units (SVDUs) and/or passenger electronic devices (PEDs) onboard aircraft. A ground-based server uploads to an aircraft server a set of promotions and associated criteria, where each criteria defines a condition that must be satisfied before transactions can be completed to obtain an associated one of the promotions. The ground-based server receives reports containing promotion usage metrics from the aircraft server, determines whether any of the criteria conditions are satisfied based on the promotion usage metrics, and when one of the criteria conditions associated with a satisfied one of the promotions is determined to be satisfied, sends a notification to the aircraft server that authorizes completion of the transactions for the satisfied one of the promotion. The vehicle server promotes the set of promotions and sends reports containing promotion usage metrics to the ground-based server.

Promotions provided during in-flight entertainment ("IFE") can be linked to the content (e.g., movie, tv shows, documentaries, or video game) being hosted by the IFE. Airlines can be paid by promoters to embed a promotion in the content. For example, some video promotions may be shown on a display prior to displaying a movie or at specific times during the movie. Some airlines opt to display promotions as soon as a passenger accesses the IFE to guarantee that all passengers using the IFE, even those not starting a video program, will be shown a few promotions.
In an offline environment such as those aboard an aircraft, content has to be loaded in on-board servers before it can be served to passengers on television screens installed at their seats or streamed to their personal devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, or tablets). The content may be prepared and loaded onto the on-board server every thirty to sixty days. Since the promotions may be linked with the content and the content may only be updated every thirty to sixty days, the promotions may become less relevant prior to being updated. For example, a promotion for a sporting event may still be advertised after the sporting event has been played.

Communications systems supporting transactional promotions through in-flight entertainment systems onboard aircraft


The present disclosure provides compositions comprising musculoskeletal cells and mesenchymal stem cells in discrete regions. The present disclosure provides systems comprising a subject composition; and methods of using a subject composition to generate cartilage, bone, tendon, muscle, intervertebral disc, or other musculoskeletal tissues.

The musculoskeletal system includes a variety of dense and soft connective tissues, including cartilage, bone, tendon, ligament, spinal intervertebral discs, and muscle. Musculoskeletal tissues differentiate embryonically from mesenchymal precursor cells.
An example of musculoskeletal tissue is cartilage. Three types of cartilage exist in mammals: hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage. Hyaline cartilage includes the articular cartilage of the joints, the cartilages of the trachea, bronchi, and larynx, and the nasal cartilages. Fibrocartilage is found in the intervertebral disc, tendinous and ligamentous insertions, menisci, the symphysis pubus, and insertions of joint capsules. Elastic cartilage is found in the pinna of the ears, in the epiglottis, and in the arytenoid cartilages of the larynx.
Musculoskeletal tissues play a variety of functional roles. For example, the spinal intervertebral discs serve as the shock absorbers of the axial body and also allow for considerable flexibility and motion. Each disc is composed of a peripheral, ligament-like annulus fibrosus and a central nucleus pulposus (NP). The NP contains chondrocyte-like cells embedded in a matrix of proteoglycan and type II collagen that is highly hydrophilic and allows the tissue to swell to resist compressive forces. The NP environment is one of high pressure, low pH, and low oxygen tension.
Musculoskeletal diseases are a major health concern. As an example, disc degeneration is a common feature among the aging population and is the underlying cause of various spinal disorders and disabilities. Disc degeneration is also believed to be the predominant cause of low back pain, which is the second most frequent reason for patients to visit their physicians and affects approximately 80% of the population at some point in their lives. When patients fail to respond to conservative care, a spinal fusion is typically performed even though it leads to immobility of the treated segments and predisposes adjacent discs to accelerated degeneration. A significant number of these patients do not benefit from fusion and require further treatments.
Another adverse musculoskeletal condition is arthritis, which affects millions of people in the United States alone. Although metallic joint replacements offer relief for some individuals with advanced disease, these devices have limited durability and are not suitable for young or highly active patients. Focal cartilage defects represent an early manifestation of arthritis. Sports injuries and trauma-induced focal cartilage defects are typically treated with microfracture (a procedure where small holes are drilled thru cartilage and into the underlying bone to stimulate healing), which has short-term benefits but also fails after 5-10 years. Despite its limitations, microfracture remains the gold standard for treatment. Recently, therapies that utilize autologous chondrocytes have been pursued; however, the use of a patient's own articular cartilage cells is critically limited by insufficient cell availability, donor site morbidity, cell heterogeneity, and inconsistent regenerative capacity.
There is a need in the art for compositions and methods of producing various musculoskeletal tissues.
Literature
    Richardson et al. (2006) Stem Cells 24:707; Yamamoto et al. (2004) Spine 29:1508; Le Visage et al. (2006) Spine 31:2036; Vadalá et al. (2008) Spine 33:870; WO 2003/068149; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,355,239, 5,908,784, 5,486,359, 6,835,377.

Compositions and methods for generating musculoskeletal tissue

The Regents of the University of California