An apparatus detecting the position of the functional layer of the electrode plate includes a first electrode plate sensor disposed at a side of a material to sense start points of electrode plates continuously formed on the material at uniform intervals, a second electrode plate sensor disposed at an other side of the material to sense a length of the electrode plate, a functional layer sensor provided behind the first electrode plate sensor and the second electrode plate sensor above a material traveling direction to sense position and length of the functional layer formed on the electrode by sensing a difference in color, and a controller feeding back a feedback result indicating whether the functional layer is correctly coated through values sensed by the first electrode plate sensor, the second electrode plate sensor, and the functional layer sensor.

1. Field
Aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus detecting a position of a functional layer on an electrode, and more particularly, to an apparatus detecting the position of an electrode and capable of detecting a functional layer coated on an electrode disposed on a material.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, as developments and demands on a mobile technology increase, use of a secondary battery as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Therefore, research on a battery that may satisfy various performance requirements are being conducted. In particular, research is being conducted on a lithium secondary battery having high energy density, a stable discharge voltage and a high output.
In general, in a secondary battery, after an active material is coated on the surface of a collector to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode and a separator is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to form an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly is mounted in a cylindrical or polygonal metal can or a pouch type case made of an aluminum laminate sheet. A liquid electrolyte is injected into the electrode assembly or the electrode assembly is impregnated with the liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte is used to manufacture the secondary battery.
In order to improve thermal stability of the secondary battery, a functional layer is coated on an electrode plate which is coated on a material that is the collector. The functional layer is coated on to the electrode plate by a coater having the functional layer material in a slurry state before being coated. The functional layer is a semi-transparent white color in a slurry state and is coated on the electrode plate on the material in the form of a thin film according to a predetermined pattern. The functional layer is coated on the electrode plate at a thickness of 10 to 15 μm and is semi-transparent after being coated and before being dried.
The functional layer as described above should be coated on the electrode plate in a correct position. However, current pattern recognizing apparatuses do not distinguish the electrode plate from the functional layer disposed on the electrode plate. If the functional layer is not coated on the electrode plate in the correct position, a coating position defect occurs in a winding process and local pressure is applied to a part where the defect occurs and the shape of a battery cell is not uniform after the winding process. In addition, the part to which the local pressure is applied is not impregnated with the electrolyte and lithium ions do not smoothly move between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. Thus, if the functional layer is not coated in the correct position, the thermal stability of the battery, which is provided by the functional layer, is affected.
Therefore, an apparatus sensing whether a previously coated functional layer is coated in a correct position and without an error is beneficial in order to correctly sense and adjust a position of a subsequent functional layer to be coated after the previously coated functional layer is coated on the electrode plate.
In general, in the case of a laser sensor or an infrared ray sensor applied to a common pattern coating process, a previously coated functional layer formed with the semi-transparent slurry is not correctly sensed, and thus, an error in the position of the previously coated functional layer is not sensed. When quality of a functional layer coating becomes poor due to the above problems, the quality of a coated functional layer may not be managed because no feedback is transmitted to the functional layer coater.

Apparatus detecting a position of a functional layer on an electrode


In an image pickup system for use in combination with a craft (50) flying over an object zone (51), a plurality of photoelectric transducers are arranged in the craft to pick up partial images of the object zone, respectively, and are divided into forward and backward halves that are operable in cooperation with a signal processing unit (65) to obtain a stereo image of the object zone from the partial images. A selected one of the partial images is picked up from a selected one of the forward half transducers at a time instant and is thereafter picked up again at another time instant with an interval left between the time instants from another one of the backward half transducers that is symmetrical with the selected forward half transducer and spaced apart a predetermined number of photoelectric transducers from the selected forward half transducer. The interval is defined by the predetermined number. The signal processing unit may be located either in the craft or in a ground station.

This invention relates to an image pickup system for use in combination with a craft, such as a spacecraft, flying over an object zone which is typically on the ground surface of the earth. Such an image pickup system is particularly useful in a remote sensing system for the earth.
An image pickup system of the type described is used to remotely sense an object zone on board a craft flying over an object zone along a flying direction at a predetermined flight altitude. In a remote sensing system, it is often necessary to pick up a stereo image, such as a stereo topographic image, from the object zone by the use of the image pickup system. In order to provide the stereo image, the object zone should be picked up, along the flying direction at two positions spaced apart from each other, so as to form two optical images of the object zone. A conventional image pickup system has at least two optical systems for deriving the stereo image. Such a conventional image pickup system has a disadvantage such that it inevitably becomes heavy and bulky.
In order to remove the above-described disadvantage, an improved image pickup system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,899 issued to Ryushi Kuwano et al and assigned to the instant assignee. In the image pickup system of the Kuwano et al patent, a single optical system is used in the craft to form, on a focussing area, optical images of forward and backward zones lying transversely of the flying direction in the object zone. The forward and the backward zones are positioned at a predetermined distance along the flying direction. Forward and backward optical images are picked up from the forward and the backward zones. The forward and the backward optical images are transduced into forward and backward electrical signals by the use of forward and backward photoelectric transducing members, respectively, placed on the focussing area with a gap left therebetween. The forward and the backward electrical signals are processed so that the forward and the backward optical images are reproduced either on board the craft or in a ground station to provide the stereo image. In practice, the forward electrical signal is delayed by a predetermined time interval into a delayed signal. The predetermined time interval is such that the delayed electrical signal appears concurrently with the backward electrical signal. In other words, the delayed signal is produced after the craft flies the predetermined distance.
The ratio between the flight altitude of the craft and the predetermined distance is called a base height ratio in the art. If the object zone has hills and valleys, it is desirable that the base height ratio should have a small value in order to clearly represent the hills and the valleys. If the object zone is flat, the base height ratio should have a large value.
The stereo image pickup system of the Kuwano et al patent provides a single base height ratio alone and therefore can not provide the stereo images with various base height ratios.

Image pickup system capable of obtaining a plurality of stereo images with different base height ratios


The present invention relates to compositions and methods that allow the manipulation of the catalytic activity of multi-component nucleic acid complexes. Further, the invention provides methods which use these compositions and methods to create molecular sensors, molecular switches, and/or modulators or propagators of autocatalytic self-replicating cascades and other iterative processes. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions allowing self-assembly of active and inactive multicomponent nucleic acid complexes, methods of making such compositions, and methods for use.

In addition to its evolutionary optimized functions, the extraordinary physical and functional properties of nucleic acids provide the opportunity for a plethora of new bio-molecular devices and methods. Designer nucleic acids have been contemplated for therapeutic entities, biosensors, nano-scale devices and tools for molecular computation. The methods exploit the characteristics of DNA self-assembly, electro-conductivity, information elements, amplification, switching, molecular detection and catalytic activity. Further, since DNA is robust, stable and thermostable it provides an ideal material for molecular engineering of mechanical or computation devices.
Single stranded nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, have the ability to fold into complex three-dimensional structures that can function as highly specific receptors (aptamers) and catalysts (ribozymes and DNAzymes). Further, the requirement for complementarity between nucleic acid strands for hybridization forms the basis for a wide range of techniques, which allow target detection (e.g. microarray analysis, Northern blotting or Southern blotting), and/or target amplification (e.g. the polymerase chain reaction). Further, hybridization provides the basis for nucleic acid nano-scale construction and for DNA based computational strategies.
Self-replication is a process by which individuals can duplicate (copy) themselves. In such processes, the products of each reaction direct the formation of the new copies (replicons) of the individual from component parts. A wide variety of techniques have been developed for the self-replication of nucleic acid sequences.
Methods for in vitro replication of target nucleic acid sequences (target amplification) are well known in the art. Many of these methods require oligonucleotide primers, capable of specific hybridization with the target DNA or RNA, which can be extended by DNA or RNA polymerase to create a new copy of the target (an amplicon), using the target as a template to direct synthesis. Such techniques (reviewed Schweitzer and Kingsmore, 2001) include the polymerase chain reaction, strand displacement amplification, rolling circle amplification, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification, transcription-mediated amplification, self-sustained sequence replication and nucleic acid sequence replication based amplification. An alternative approach, known as the ligase chain reaction ("LCR") uses a protein ligase to amplify nucleic acid targets. The reaction depends on the capacity of the ligation products from each round to serve as templates to direct the ligation of new copies of the target (Barany, 1991).
Target amplification technologies, such as those above, have been widely used in research and/or in clinical diagnostics. However, despite their power, each has inherent disadvantages. They all require the use of protein enzymes (e.g. DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, reverse transcriptase, and or ligase). The inclusion of protein enzymes increases the complexity and cost of reagent manufacture and decreases the shelf life of kits containing reagents. Other associated technical challenges include contamination by replicons (target amplicons) from previous reactions leading to false positive signal, and/or background signal caused by replication of primer sequences (primer-dimers) or background caused by target-independent ligation.
A wide variety of nucleic acid molecules, with enzymatic or catalytic activity, have been discovered in the last 20 years. RNA enzymes ("ribozymes") occur in nature but can be engineered to specifically recognize and modify a target RNA substrate (Haseloff and Gerlach, 1988). In vitro evolution techniques have facilitated the discovery and development of many more catalytic nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acids often referred to as "DNA enzymes" or "DNAzymes" (reviewed Emilsson and Breaker, 2002). In vitro evolved DNAzymes and/or ribozymes have been discovered which have the capacity to catalyse a broad range of reactions including cleavage of nucleic acids (Carmi et al., 1996; Raillard and Joyce, 1996; Breaker, 1997; Santoro and Joyce, 1998), ligation of nucleic acids (Cuenoud and Szostak, 1995, Prior et al., 2004), porphyrin metallation (Li and Sen, 1996), and formation of carbon-carbon bonds (Tarasow et al., 1997), ester bonds (Illangasekare et al., 1995) or amide bonds (Lohse and Szostak, 1996).
In particular, DNAzymes and ribozymes have been characterized which specifically cleave distinct nucleic acid sequences after hybridizing via Watson Crick base pairing. DNAzymes are capable of cleaving either RNA (Breaker and Joyce, 1994; Santoro and Joyce, 1997) or DNA (Carmi et al., 1996) molecules. Ribozymes are also able to cleave both RNA (Haseloff and Gerlach, 1988) and DNA (Raillard and Joyce, 1996) target sequences. The rate of catalytic cleavage of many nucleic acid enzymes is dependent on the presence and concentration of divalent metal ions such as Ba2+, Sr2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ (Santoro and Joyce, 1998; Brown et al., 2003).
The "10:23" and "8:17" DNAzymes are capable of cleaving nucleic acid substrates at specific RNA phosphodiester bonds to create reaction products which have 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate and 5′-hydroxyl groups (Santoro and Joyce, 1997; reviewed Emilsson and Breaker, 2002). Examples of deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes), which can ligate 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate and 5′-hydroxyl products include the "7Z81" and "7Z48" ligases (Prior, 2004).
Several catalytic nucleic acids, including the hammerhead ribozyme, the 10:23 and 8:17 DNAzymes, and the "7Z81" and "7Z48" ligases have similar basic structures with multiple domains. These nucleic acid enzymes have a conserved catalytic domain (catalytic core) flanked by two non-conserved substrate-binding domains ("arms"), which specifically recognize and hybridise to the substrate. While these nucleic acid enzymes can function as true multiple turnover enzymes, each enzyme only has the capacity to recognise one molecule, namely the substrate which it can then catalytically modify.
Catalytic nucleic acids have been shown to tolerate only certain modifications in the area that forms the catalytic core (Perreault et al., 1990; Perreault et al., 1991; Zaborowska et al., 2002; Cruz et al., 2004; Silverman, 2004)). Depending on the stringency of the reaction conditions, some degree of mismatch may be tolerated within the substrate arms. However, the requirement for Watson Crick base pairing is sufficiently strict so as to have enabled the development of protocols that use catalytic nucleic acids to facilitate the discrimination of closely related sequences (Cairns et al., 2000) (WO 99/50452).
"Aptamers" are DNA, RNA or peptide sequences that have the ability to recognize one or more ligands with great affinity and specificity due to their high level structure, for example, a 3-D binding domain or pocket. Many aptamers have been evolved in vitro for their capacity to bind to ligands, including for example, nucleic acids, proteins, prions, small organic compounds, and/or entire organisms. "Aptazymes" have sequences comprised of both aptamer and catalytic nucleic acid sequences (ribozymes or DNAzymes). Binding of a ligand to the aptamer induces a conformation change in the aptazyme which activates a ribozyme or DNAzyme.
Sando and colleagues (2003) developed a signal amplification strategy that used sensing molecules (target-assisted self cleavage (TASC) probes), which contained multiple domains constituting a target sensing sequence, a DNAzyme domain and a dual labelled, DNA/RNA chimeric substrate for the adjoined DNAzyme. While this method avoids the use of protein enzymes, the TASC probes are complex and expensive molecules which must be custom made for each new target.
Several groups have reported the detection of nucleic acid targets, and other analytes with colourimetric readouts (Elghanian et al., 1997, Mirkin et al, 1996, and Liu and Lu, 2004). The strategy uses nanoscopic gold particles tagged with oligonucleotides. The gold particles can then be aggregated by the addition of a "bridging oligonucleotide", causing a change in colour from red to blue (Mirkin et al, 1996). Liu and Lu (2004) extended this strategy by incorporating a DNAzyme substrate into the bridging oligonucleotide, such that activation of the DNAzyme results in cleavage, dispersal of the gold particles and a change in colour from blue to red. The group used the approach to detect lead using a lead sensitive DNAzyme, and to detect adenosine using an aptazyme.
Several examples of amplification cascades, which use catalytic nucleic acids, are known in the art. The zymogene/DzyNA approach combines target amplification (e.g. PCR), with DNAzyme replication. The DNAzymes, which are co-amplified with the target, cleave one or more universal reporter substrate (s) permitting generic detection of one or more targets (U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,055; U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,113; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,724; WO 99/45146, Todd et al., 2000). Strategies for amplification cascades have been devised which use catalytic nucleic acids, instead of protein enzymes to mediate amplification. In another approach, a signal amplification cascade used two inactive, circularized 10:23 DNAzymes which were capable of activating each other by cross cleavage resulting in linearisation. Paul and Joyce (2004) described a replication cascade mediated by a ribozyme with ligase activity. In this reaction, a first ribozyme ligates two RNA containing oligonucleotides to form a second ribozyme. The second ribozyme then ligates two other RNA containing oligonucleotides to form a new first ribozyme, thus triggering a replication cascade, which produces new copies of both the first and second ribozyme.
Nucleic acid cascades have been considered for a range of biotechnological applications, especially in diagnostics. They could allow detection of proteins and nucleic acids for disease diagnosis by facilitating signal amplification. Catalytic nucleic acids and/or cascade reactions can be used for applications other than diagnostics, for example, within the field of computation analysis and biomolecular engineering of nano-scale devices and switches which may be used in therapeutics.
Devices that can convert information from one form into another, according to a finite procedure, are called automata. A programmable finite automaton, which was capable of solving computational problems was developed using protein enzymes (a restriction endonuclease and a ligase) and double stranded DNA (Benenson et al, 2001). The enzymes serve as the "hardware" and the DNA encodes the "software". The input and automata are programmed by selection of the appropriate DNA software. The automaton proceeds via a cascade of cleavage, hybridization and ligation cycles, producing a detectable output molecule that encodes the automaton's final state and thus the computational result.
Simple molecular-scale programmable computers, which use biological molecules as input data and biologically active molecules as outputs, could be used to create systems for the logical control of biological processes (Benenson et al, 2004). As proof of concept in vitro, Benenson et al developed a bio-molecular computer that was capable of (i) measuring the abundance of specific messenger RNA species, and (ii) responding by releasing a single stranded DNA anti-sense molecule capable of affecting gene expression. Another molecular automaton, which used a network of DNAzymes to create molecular-scale logic gates, was programmed to play "tic-tac-toe" (Stojanovic and Stefanovic, 2003). Recently, a binary DNAzyme with ligase activity was engineered to recognize and hybridize ("read") to one sequence, and to ligate ("write") a separate, distinct sequence, which in turn could be amplified by PCR (Tabor et al, 2006).
Methods where DNA computation interfaces with biology can have broad applications. For example, a simple DNA logic gate could regulate release of insulin based on a combination of physiological signals, for example, high blood sugar and low glucagon (Cox and Ellington 2001). Together, the progress in discovering new functionality for nucleic acids has provided a series of tools, such as aptamers and catalytic nucleic acids, and new structural components which allow the development of components for new nano-scale molecular "machines".
Several processes have been used to operate nanodevices and automata including (i) hybridization processes, which include branch chain migration, inhibition of hybridisation between complementary strands by secondary structure formation, for example hairpin formations, (ii) cleavage using a restriction endonuclease and (iii) induction of conformation changes such as rotation around a central DNA axis, shrinking/extension and translatory movements. A modular DNA signal translator for the controlled release of a protein by an aptamer used an arbitrary DNA sequence as "input" (Beyer and Simmel, 2006).
Thus, there is an ongoing need in the art for simple, fast, and cost effective methods for the detection of targets, and for assembly of nano-scale devices, including programmable devices, which can be performed using stable, nucleic acid components.

Molecular switches and methods for their use


A geared rotary actuator comprises at least two axially aligned compound epicyclic gear trains driven by an input shaft so that output ring gears in each train rotate relatively. Sun gears in adjacent gear trains are drivingly coupled to the input shaft through a differential device which permits limited rotational displacement between the sun gears. An element, for example an aircraft lift control surface, may be mounted on one set of the ring gears by means of spindles which extend normally of a plane which includes the axes of the ring gears, so that as a result of stresses therein the element may tilt locally about the spindles.

This invention relates to geared rotary actuators for aircraft lift control surfaces.
It is known, for example from PCT Application W086/00968 that a rotary actuator for aircraft lift control surfaces may comprise a plurality of axially aligned compound epicyclic gear trains which are coupled to a common input shaft, each of the gear trains having one or more first output elements coupled to an aircraft wing and one or more second output elements coupled to the control surface.
The present invention provides an actuator comprising an input shaft, at least two substantially axially aligned gear trains, each gear train having a sun input gear drivingly connected to said input shaft, a plurality of compound planet gears, each having a first pinion and two second pinions, said pinions being secured together for rotation in unison, said first pinion meshing with said sun input gear and with a first output ring gear, and second output ring gears drivingly coupled for rotation by respective ones of said second pinions.
When an aircraft lift control surface is deployed, aerodynamic forces urge it to flex in a direction opposite to that of the wing. This flexure imposes varying loads and stiffness distribution on the actuator over its length. Since the gear trains are driven by a common input shaft, each of the gear trains attempts to drive its first and second output ring gears at an identical relative speed, irrespective of variations in load and stiffness. The forces resulting from these variations impose additional loads within the actuator and tend to increase torsion on the elements of the gear trains. In one of its aspects the invention has as an object to balance the torque loads between the gear trains.


A method of manufacturing a disc-like recording medium for use in magnetic, optical, opto-magnetic recording/reproducing devices which are capable of recording still image information and/or reproducing recorded still image information, and a disc-like recording-medium. A center core forming the recording medium is to be carried during the assembling process thereof in such a manner that the other portions of a plate-shaped resilient member than the support point thereof are provisionally secure to a core block by use of an adhesive or that a projection piece section provided in the plate-shaped resilient member is inserted into a recessed portion formed in the peripheral surface of a center hole in the core block so as to be able to secure the projection piece section. Due to this, the plate-shaped resilient member can be prevented from getting out of the core block and also the forces of the plate-shaped resilient member can be maintained at a constant level.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a recording medium and a recording medium and, in particular, to a method of manufacturing a recording medium into which still image information is recorded by magnetic, optical and optical-magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus or from which recorded image information is reproduced by the same recording/reproducing apparatus, and a recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, there has been developed an attractive electronic still camera system in which an image pickup device such as a solid image pickup element, an image pickup tube or the like is combined with a recording device using an inexpensive magnetic disc having a comparatively large memory capacity to still photograph an object electronically and record the still-photographed image of the object into a rotating magnetic disc, with the recorded still image being reproduced by a separate television system or printer.
In the above-mentioned electronic still camera system, the magnetic disc is generally used in the form of a magnetic recording cartridge. The magnetic disc cartridge contains therein a magnetic disc which is rotatable and is capable of magnetically recording therein still image information and the like. For actual use, the magnetic recording cartridge is mounted to a magnetic recording device which is contained in an electronic camera or to a reproducing device which is arranged integrally with the magnetic recording device or separately therefrom. In mounting the magnetic recording cartridge to the magnetic recording device or reproducing device disposed within the electronic camera, it is troublesome and inconvenient to place a center hole, which is formed in a center core disposed in the central portion of the magnetic disc within the magnetic recording cartridge, directly over a rotary drive shaft provided on the side of the magnetic recording or reproducing device. Thus, there is a possibility that the magnetic recording cartridge cannot be mounted properly to the magnetic recording or reproducing device.
In order to eliminate the above-mentioned trouble, conventionally, there has been proposed a device for loading or unloading the magnetic recording cartridge. The conventional magnetic recording cartridge loading/unloading device comprises an upper cover pivotally supported on a main body of a magnetic recording or reproducing device, and a holder which can be formed integrally with the upper cover or which can be pivotally supported on the device main body or on the upper cover. In the magnetic cartridge loading/unloading device, the magnetic recording cartridge including therein a magnetic disc is inserted into the holder and after then the upper cover is closed to thereby mount the magnetic disc within the magnetic recording cartridge onto a rotary drive shaft of the main body of the magnetic recording/reproducing device. There is disposed a center core in the central portion of the magnetic disc and the rotary drive shaft can be fitted into the center hole formed in the center core to rotate the magnetic disc contained within the magnetic recording cartridge.
Here, it should be noted that the center core of the magnetic disc must be accurately mounted onto the rotary drive shaft. If such mounting is insufficient, then the magnetic disc will be rotated in an offset manner or irregularly, which will incur a possibility that the magnetic head may not be able to record signals into the magnetic disc or reproduce the same from the magnetic disc in an accurate manner as well as a possibility that such offset or irregular rotation of the magnetic disc can have ill effects on the magnetic disc, magnetic head and the like. In view of this, according to the center core of the magnetic disc according to the prior art, in the center hole in the center core into which the drive shaft is fitted, there is provided a resilient piece member formed of resin material. That is, the center core can be pushed against the drive shaft with a given pressure and can be accurately mounted to the drive shaft by means of the energization force of the resilient piece member.
However, the above-mentioned resilient piece member of resin material is low in durability and thermal resistance and thus it may be deformed plastically, so that the magnetic disc may be mis-centered and then it may be rotated eccentrically. In order to solve this problem, in Publication of Laid-open Japanese Utility Model Application (Jikkai) No. 59-138063, there is proposed a center core which uses a metal plate spring in place of the resin resilient piece member. The metal plate spring is adapted such that the two ends thereof are supported in slits formed in the center hole in the center core into which the rotary drive shaft of the magnetic recording/reproducing device is inserted, and that the rotary drive shaft inserted into the center hole can be energized by the plate spring and thus can be pushed against the opposed surface thereof. However, due to the fact that the metal plate spring is simply disposed in the slits formed in the center hole in the center core, when the magnetic disc is fixed to the center core and an upper core for holding the plate spring is not provided, there is a possibility that the metal plate spring can get out of place owing to slight vibrations and the like during its assembling process.
Also, if the metal plate spring is pressed into or bonded to the slits in order to prevent the plate spring from dropping off out of place during the assembling process, then the forces of the metal plate spring may vary in intensity, making it difficult to chuck the recording disc to the rotary drive shaft of the magnetic recording/reproducing device.

Method of manufacturing a recording medium and recording medium


A hitch cover for use with a first hitch receiver having a first size and a second hitch receiver having a second size larger than the first size. The hitch cover includes a faceplate, a shaft that extends from the faceplate, the shaft configured to be received in the first hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the first hitch receiver. The cover further includes an adapter including a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending through the first end, and a fastener that removably couples the adapter and the shaft. The shaft is received in the aperture of the adapter and the shaft and the adapter are configured to be received in the second hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the second hitch receiver.

The present invention relates to hitch covers for vehicle trailer hitches.
Trailer hitches for passenger cars and trucks often include a receiver and a ball mount that is received in the receiver. The ball mount is often removed from the receiver when the trailer hitch is not in use. To common sizes of receivers (i.e., dimension of an aperture that receives the ball mount) are 1¼ inch and 2 inch.


A method and system for allocating resources to containers includes receiving a plurality of resource allocation requests from a plurality of containers, receiving a preference of a container from each of the plurality of containers, determining a priority-sequence for the plurality of containers, allocating a first associated resource for an associated first time-period to each container of the plurality of containers, determining a current consumption of the first associated resource by each container of the plurality of containers during the associated first time-period, and allocating a second associated resource to each container of the plurality of containers based on the current consumption of the first associated resource by each container of the plurality of containers.

While considering containerized environment, there are many techniques available for allocating resources (for example, a CPU and a memory) to different micro-services (for example, containers and cloud). Typically, allocation of the resources is performed before initialization or execution of the resources. However, the micro-services during run-time may demand additional resources due to insufficient current resources. So, the micro-services must wait for some period for re-allocation of resources. Also, the run-time resource re-allocation may be performed based on completion of at least one microservice and accordingly a freed-up space by the at least one microservice may be used for re-allocation. This type of run-time re-allocation may make the system inefficient. Additionally, a system that uses this type of run-time re-allocation may lack in monitoring resource utilization for further re-allocation of resources in real-time, thereby causing low resource utilization.
Various conventional systems and methods are available for allocating resources to the micro-services. However, some of the conventional systems and methods statically perform resource allocation before execution of the micro-services. Therefore, a dynamic allocation of an additional resource may require re-booting of the entire containerized environment. That may result in a lot of processing and time lag to identify available resources.
Additionally, some conventional systems and methods may perform calculations in a similar way for all the micro-services to identify the resources. Applications running on different micro-services may differ from each other in terms of resource consumption rate, time consumption, or any other aspect. Thus, re-allocation of the resources may be inefficient, for example, the applications that require resources in near future may lack in finding required resource and must wait for the resource re-allocation. Further, the conventional systems and methods do not consider priority and criticality of the micro-services running on each of the containers, i.e., there may be a possibility that resources from a critical container may be allocated to a non-critical container. This may cause the critical microservices to wait for the resources and makes the system inefficient.

Method and system for efficient utilization of resources in containers


An integrated data and security cable couples to a portable information handling system with pins engaged at pin guides formed in the system housing on opposing sides of a data port. At least one pin selectively locks and unlocks in the pin guide to secure the system to a fixture, such as a desktop. The locking pin releases from the cable side with a key or combination or, alternatively, releases from the information handling system, such as under control of an embedded controller or other security system.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to the field of information handling system communications, and more particularly to an information handling system secure dock.
Description of the Related Art
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Portable information handling systems have replaced desktop and other types of fixed information handling systems in many enterprise environments. Enterprise users have portable information handling systems at the office that readily pack into backpacks or briefcases to travel home or on business trips. With cellular network service and ready availability of WiFi hotspots, end users have access to enterprise information from remote locations so that end users can work on the go.
One downside to increased portability of information handling systems is that portable information handling systems are susceptible to theft. Many portable information handling systems have shrunk to small sizes that allow a thief to quickly stash a system out of sight. Theft of an information handling system represents more than theft of a valuable asset; theft of an information handling system often places sensitive enterprise and personal information at risk.
One solution that helps prevent information handling system theft is security cables that lock the information handling system to a desktop. Some enterprise security policies mandate employees to lock their personal computer at a desk; however, many employees either forget or outright disregard the policy. Employees often do not want to deal with the hassle of remembering cables, keys and combinations. For users who are coming into work, the security cable often presents another hassle after plugging in power, external display, network, peripheral and other cables.


An inclination drive mechanism for a treadmill permits driven, selective adjustment of the angle of inclination of the treadmill. The drive mechanism includes an electric motor which operates through a gear train including an output gear pinion. The gear pinion in turn drives a gear rack, which can be provided in either a linear or arcuate configuration. The mechanism includes a load-bearing support bracket on which the gear rack is mounted with the support bracket configured to minimize non-torsional loading of the gear train. The resultant construction is desirable economical and durable.

In recent years, treadmill devices have become increasingly popular to afford users the opportunity to exercise by running or walking indoors. Such devices ordinarily include a powered track, or tread, which is driven at selectively variable speeds in accordance with the speed at which the user wishes to run or walk. While treadmill devices had been available for use in health clubs and the like for some time, the versatility of use offered by such devices has made them increasingly popular for home use. As such, it is important that the devices not only be durably constructed, but also relatively economical if they are to be affordable for home use.
In this regard, one feature of such devices which enhances their versatile use is the provision of an arrangement for selectively adjusting the inclination of the treadmill. Such arrangements permit the user to vary the level of exertion during use by simulating running or walking on "level terrain" (with a low level of inclination), or "uphill" (with a high angle of inclination).
The highest degree of versatility and convenience is offered when such inclination arrangements are powered, permitting a user to effect adjustment while standing on the treadmill. As will be appreciated, however, such powered arrangements are subjected to very high loading, including impact loading when a user runs on the treadmill.
While past constructions have used ball-screw drive mechanisms for effecting powered inclination adjustment, such arrangements are not particularly economical, thereby detracting from the affordability of such treadmill devices. The present invention contemplates an inclination drive mechanism for a treadmill which is specifically configured for economical use, while providing the load-bearing characteristics necessary for reliable operation of such arrangements.

Inclination drive mechanism for a treadmill


Apparatus and methods are provided for simultaneously winding at least two filament reinforced thermoplastic strips onto a mandrel or similar form, comprising: a rotatable mandrel for receiving the strips; a winding assembly for rotating the mandrel and winding the strips onto the mandrel; a strip feeder, for feeding the strips to the mandrel as the mandrel rotates; and a joining assembly, located between the feeder and the mandrel, for ceaselessly urging the strips into generally parallel, contiguous juxtaposition. The joining assembly comprises an arcuate member having an inside radius positioned to deflectingly contact the strips between the strip feeder and the mandrel. Preferably, the joining assembly is connected to the exit of the strip feeder.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus and methods for winding strips of filament reinforced thermoplastic onto rotating objects in order to produce wound structures. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus and methods for simultaneously winding a plurality of filament reinforced thermoplastic strips onto a rotating object, such as a mandrel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Fiber or filament reinforced polymers, including thermosets and thermoplastics, are known for their high strength, light weight, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication compared to the wood or metal structures which they commonly replace. Because of these qualities, the filament reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic structures are in increasing demand by many industries, particularly the aerospace industry.
The winding of a strip of polymer, plastic, rubber, and other materials to make cylindrical articles is well known. Particularly such use of thermoset polymer composites, including polyester, vinylester, and epoxies, is well known. Pipe, hose, and storage tanks, particularly underground storage tanks, are articles commonly made by such winding. It is also known to construct such cylindrical structures by winding a filament reinforced thermoplastic strip in multiple layers upon a rotating form or mandrel. This is commonly known as filament winding and the apparatus is commonly called a filament winding machine. One type of filament winding apparatus and method, as well as typical materials used therewith, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,957, issued to Bradt, which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
Normally, the strip is moved laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel as the mandrel rotates in order to evenly distribute the strips in a layer along the length of the mandrel. The strips are normally helically wound on the mandrel with adjacent layers wound in opposing or crossed helixes. It is usually desired to distribute the strips in contiguous juxtaposition, i.e., in side to side contact, in order to form a continuous structure.
The filament reinforced thermoplastic strip may be produced immediately prior to being wound on the mandrel by a well known process, such as the wet impregnation process. In the wet impregnation process, a plurality of fibers or filaments are pulled from a creel and through a resin bath for impregnation of the filaments with the resin. The resin impregnated filaments, commonly referred to as "prepreg feed material" are pulled through a heated forming zone to form the filament reinforced thermoplastic strip to be wound about the mandrel.
More typically, the filament reinforced thermoplastic strip is purchased or provided to the filament winding apparatus ready-made. Such ready-made filament reinforced thermoplastic strips are commonly known as preimpregnated strips, prepregs, tow pregs, pregs, and other similar names.
Filament reinforced thermoplastic strips may be wound to create structures of various sizes and shapes. In many such structures, the width of the strip may need to be closely controlled in order to produce the desired shape of wound structure in an acceptable quality. For example, in a wound structure of large size, it may be desirable to use wide strips in order to speed the winding process. It is common to need a width of strip which is not readily available in a single premanufactured "prepreg" strip. In such a situation, it would be of great advantage to be able to simultaneously wind multiple strips which in combination add to the desired overall strip width.
It is also common to have a single cylindrical shape which has areas of various diameters, continuously increasing or decreasing diameters, etc. In such structures, because of the helical pattern of the strip, one side of the strip must cover more wound structure surface area, i.e., the side of the strip which is being applied to the area of wound structure having larger diameter must cover more structure. If one strip of desired width is used, wrinkling or strip damage may occur because of the change in mandrel, or wound structure, diameter and tension across the width of the strip. In such a situation, it would be of great advantage to use simultaneously applied multiple strips which are free to travel at differing speeds and distances in order to accommodate the changing diameter of the mandrel.
However, the industry has met with limited success in simultaneously winding multiple plastic strips. A major problem encountered when constructing filament reinforced thermoplastic structures by simultaneously winding a plurality of strips upon a rotating mandrel, is that the strips separate and create gaps or voids in the layer of the structure being created. This problem is worse if the mandrel is large, e.g., greater than four inches in diameter, or if the combined width of the simultaneously applied strips is relatively narrow, because the lateral motion of the simultaneously applied strips with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel is slow. (Normally, the mandrel and strip supply means are adjusted so that the strip advances along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel with each rotation of the mandrel.) This slow lateral motion increases the tendency of the simultaneously applied strips to separate and create gaps or voids in the layer of the structure being wound. These gaps or voids also weaken the structure and create a need to either increase the number of layers or otherwise compensate for such gaps and voids.
The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods which prevent the separation of filament reinforced thermoplastic strips which are simultaneously applied to a rotating mandrel or similar object.


The disclosure relates to an authority filter method which includes: determining an authority of a login user according to information of the login user; determining tags contained in a preset interface when the preset interface is accessed by the login user; executing a code corresponding to the tags to acquire the authority of the login user; determining a function of a target tag, among the tags, contained in the authority of the login user; and displaying a content corresponding to the target tag in the preset interface.

Based on the system framework in related technology, when a user needs to perform an operation that requires an authority in an interface, the interface does not only show the content that the user has the authority to operate, but also show the content that the user have no authority to operate, so that the user needs to manually judge what content they have the authority to operate, resulting in a lower operation efficiency.

Authority filter method and authority filter device

FUZHOU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


Free radical polymerization process for preparing polymers with low polydispersity index and polymers obtained thereby. The process includes polymerizing at least one reactive monomer with at least one initiator and at least one ionic liquid (serving as solvent) to obtain polymers having a low polydispersity index of less than 1.5, wherein the reactive monomer is a nitrogen-containing monomer. In addition, the free radical polymerization processes have reaction time within 3 hours.

The present invention relates to a free radical polymerization, and more particularly to a free radical polymerization for preparing polymers with low polydispersity index.
Recently, with increased maturity of polymer technologies, polymer applications are involved in not only traditional plastic and synthetic resin industries but also high technology industries such as electronics, optoelectronics, communications and biotechnologies. Some relative polymer materials with specific properties are critical for related industries. For example, photoresistant reagents for preparation of nano-type devices and nano-polymer hybrid materials for dramatically enhancing mechanical properties are all much sought after.
The properties of polymer materials are dependent on configuration. For example, polymerization degrees, molecular weight distribution and components thereof behave in relation to the performance of the polymer materials. The traditional active cation and anion polymerization methods can be used to control the polymerization degree of some monomers and narrow distribution of molecular weight. However, they are limited in their ability to further narrow molecular weight distribution, resulting in polymer products with polydispersity index (defined as the ratio of the weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight, Mw/Mn) generally more than 2. As well, the variety of monomers applied to the above polymerization methods is limited, and strict reaction conditions and long reaction times thereof also restrict use in related industries.
In 1998, CSIRO disclosed an active free radical polymerization method called reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer process (RAFT process) to prepare polymer products with narrow molecular weight distribution and further control the polymer chain length. The so-called RAFT process is a combination of general procedures for traditional free radical polymerizations with the addition of a fixed amount of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer reagent (RAFT reagent).
However, it is very inefficient for conventional active radical polymerization with RAFT reagent, since monomers produce polymerization only under nitrogen atmosphere and very dilute solution conditions to provide polymer products with narrow molecular weight distribution. Therefore, the above problem causes longer reaction time and incomplete reaction of polymerization, making it neither economical nor convenient.
Mays et al. in WO 02/079269 disclose a free radical polymerization process with ionic liquid, substituting general organic solvent, as solvent. The polymerization can be performed completely within 4 hours, thereby increasing the efficiency of polymerization. Due to inferior compatibility between the employed ionic liquid and monomers, the polymers prepared by the process have wider molecular weight distribution. Thus, the described free radical polymerization process cannot meet current market demands for reducing PDI to less than 1.5. Therefore, a novel free radical polymerization process for further reduction of PDI of obtained polymer products is desirable.

Free radical polymerization process and polymers obtained thereby

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A system for controlling a centrifugal gas compressor (108) in an HVAC, refrigeration or liquid chiller system (100) in which flow of gas through the compressor is automatically controlled to maintain desired parameters within predetermined ranges so as to prevent stall and surge conditions within the system. A variable geometry diffuser (119) in the compressor controls the refrigerant gas flow at the discharge of the compressor impeller wheel (201). This arrangement reduces mass flow, decrease/eliminate flow-reducing stall, and increases the operating efficiency of the compressor at partial load conditions. The variable geometry diffuser control in combination with a variable speed drive (VSD) (120) increases the efficiency of the compressor at partial system loads, and eliminates the need for pre-rotation vanes at the inlet of the centrifugal compressor.

The application generally relates to a capacity control system for a centrifugal compressor having one or more stages. The application relates more specifically to a capacity control system for a compressor having a Variable Geometry Diffuser (VGD). In a refrigeration system capacity refers to cooling ability, while in other gas compression systems, capacity refers to volumetric flow.
Previously, in centrifugal compressors for use in cooling systems, such as liquid chillers, refrigeration or heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC & R), and gas compression, pre-rotation vanes (PRV) or inlet guide vanes were required for controlling the cooling capacity of the cooling system. At the inlet to the compressor from an evaporator, one or more PRV control the flow of refrigerant to the compressor. An actuator is used to open the PRV to increase the amount of refrigerant to the compressor and thereby increase the cooling capacity of the system. Similarly, the actuator is used to close the PRV to decrease the amount of refrigerant to the compressor and thereby decrease the cooling capacity of the system.
VGDs have been used for controlling rotating stall in the diffuser region of the centrifugal compressor. One embodiment of a VGD is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,050 to Nenstiel, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. A VGD is extended into the diffuser passage of the centrifugal compressor until a level of the measured signal drops below a predetermined threshold. The result is the elimination of stall and a corresponding drop in both internal and airborne sound levels. After a time, or a change in conditions, the diffuser gap is re-opened in steps or increments, until a level of the measured signal indicates that a stall condition is detected.
Stall and surge conditions are different physical phenomena that represent the extreme operating conditions of compressors. Stall is a local flow separation in one or more components of a compressor, and is characterized by discharge pressure disturbances at fundamental frequencies less than the rotational frequency of the impeller. Rotating stall in a centrifugal compressor is predominantly located in the diffuser and can be eliminated with the VGD. In contrast, surge is a system wide instability in a compressed gas system. The main flow in the compressor is momentarily reversed in direction and the surge is further characterized by even lower frequency, large pressure fluctuations.
A VGD includes a ring that can move to occupy a diffuser gap, which is an outlet flow path for compressed gas. The VGD can move from a retracted position, in which the ring is completely out of the outlet flow path to allow maximum gas flow, to an extended position, in which the ring occupies a portion of the outlet flow path, thereby restricting a portion of the gas flow. The ring is operable based on detection of conditions of stall in the centrifugal compressor. The variable geometry diffuser is used in conjunction with a probe or sensor that measures the alternating component of the discharge pressure to detect impending stall. The measured parameter is transmitted to a controller that is programmed to detect imminent stall based on this measured parameter. The controller then determines when it is necessary to activate the variable geometry diffuser in order to eliminate stall and as a consequence avoid surge. Thus, variable geometry diffusers have provided the advantage of stall avoidance, surge avoidance and reduction in noise that accompanies these conditions.
As part of a diffuser system within a centrifugal compressor, there are many options to recover static pressure downstream of the rotating impeller. The diffuser is responsible for reducing primarily the tangential component of refrigerant velocity, and secondarily, the radial component of refrigerant velocity. As the refrigerant velocity is reduced, the static pressure increases. A primary goal, where performance is critical, is to recover the static pressure with minimal total pressure losses.
Traditional diffusers in centrifugal compressors include vaneless, vaned (airfoil, wedge, high solidity or low solidity), pipe, tunnel and channel or a combination of these types. Each type of diffuser has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, vaneless diffusers consist of two walls, with no vanes on the high pressure side of the impeller. Static pressure recovery within a vaneless diffuser is a result of known relationships between entering velocity conditions and the radius ratio and width throughout the diffuser.
Various methods have been applied individually and in combination for capacity control, including PRV, also known as inlet guide vanes, pre-swirl vanes, etc. on the low pressure side of the impeller, variable speed drives, hot gas bypass, variable diffuser vanes and suction throttle valves. Each of these capacity control methods provides advantages and limitations. The most commonly utilized capacity control methods include PRV, hot gas bypass and variable speed drives.

Compressor control system using a variable geometry diffuser


Disclosed is a method that provides for the calculation and prediction of hoop strength of an expanded pipe, preferably a PVC pipe or conduit. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining hoop strength as a function of relative wall thickness; (b) determining Wall Thickness Ratio (WTR) by dividing a nominal wall thickness of the original conduit by the minimum wall thickness of the expanded conduit; (c) determining long-term hydrostatic strength by at least one of hoop testing and burst testing; and (d) applying an accelerated regression analysis to the results in step (c), yielding a Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB). The resulting HDB may be plotted against WTR to provide the user with graphical data for use in making design decisions and choosing specific conduit for specific applications.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to methods for calculating the physical parameters for conduit for use in a conduit expansion process and, in particular, to a method for determining the pressure capability of such a conduit, including the hydrostatic design basis for expanded conduit, preferably conduit manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
2. Description of the Related Art
Open-cut installation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit for new potable water systems has been a proven methodology for many years. Creating PVC conduit having improved hydrostatic stress rating through expansion and orientation of the polymer (PVCO) is also an established technology. Sliplining (or placing a secondary pipe within a host pipe) in existing pipelines with butt-fused sections of polyethylene (PE) pipe is also a familiar technology.
Pipe made from PVC has been a major success story for the plastics industry for at least three decades. This product is widely used for potable water and wastewater in piping systems ranging in sizes from ½-inch nominal diameter to more than 30 inches diameter. Such piping systems are normally joined with bell-and-spigot gasketed or solvent-cement joints. There are ASTM International (ASTM) Standard Specifications (Annual Book of ASTM Standards 2003, Vol. 8.04, Plastic Pipe and Building Products, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa. 19428) and American Water Works Association (AWWA) Specifications (AWWA Standards, American Water Works Association, Denver, Colo. 80235) that cover these products, including the tests and calculations needed to assign a pressure rating to the finished pipe product.
Unlike polyethylene pipe, which is generally joined by heat fusion techniques, PVC pipe has until now been limited to applications that can be serviced with bell-and-spigot joints. This limitation has restricted use of PVC pipe in sliplining rehabilitation applications. Sliplining is an effective method of pipeline rehabilitation where pipe sections with diameter slightly smaller than the deteriorated existing pipeline are sequentially butt-fused and inserted into the existing pipeline. Lack of formulations and techniques for achieving butt-fused PVC joints with strength approaching that of the PVC material itself has been the primary barrier to using PVC in these applications.
Successful rehabilitation of damaged pipelines requires some means of achieving a close fit between the original pipeline and the liner pipe. This can be achieved by swaging polyethylene pipe to temporarily achieve a slight reduction in diameter, which memory-driven expansion later eliminates. In other applications, an annular space is left between the pipes, and is then filled with grout. In all sliplining applications, reduction of the pipeline capacity by reducing diameter is a major concern and limitation. Inserting PVC pipe, which is inherently stronger than PE pipe at the same thickness, and then expanding the inserted pipe to match its outside diameter to the inside diameter of the original pipeline, minimizes this capacity reduction. Quantifying the strength increase achieved in any given pipe expansion, and capturing this increase in a pressure rating for the rehabilitated pipeline, is beneficial.
Presently, there is no data or methodology to determine the Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB) of expanded oriented pipe other than at specific predetermined uniform expansion. At zero expansion, the HDB of the PVC conduit is known to be 4000 psi. At two times expansion, the HDB of the PVC conduit is 7100 psi. However, there is a need for a methodology for definitively determining the HDB of expanded PVC conduit at any value between these values. Further, as a result of field conditions, the variance in wall thickness of the PVC starting stock, when expanded, reduces the data confidence level to less than the required 85% when conventional technology is used. Accordingly, there is a need for a methodology that yields results within the required confidence level and fill in the knowledge base between known points.

Method for determining pressure capability in conduit

Underground Solutions Technologies Group, Inc.