An internal gear pump (1) is proposed for conveying a fluid by a driven pump gear wheel (3) and a ring gear (4), as a gear pair residing in an enclosure, which are, for instance, meshing and hereby generating a sealed area. Hereby, viewed cross-sectionally, a sickle shaped part (5) is provided for sealing the free space, located nearly opposite to the sealed area, whereby a first end piece (12) and a second end piece (13) of the part (5) are assigned to a high pressure area. In accordance with the invention, the two end pieces (12, 13) of the part (5) are constructed differently.

Internal gear pumps mainly comprise an enclosure in which a gear wheel pair, having the smallest possible axial and radial play, is engaged and meshed for conveying a fluid, i.e., a pressure fluid or the like. Hereby, the suction side or lower pressure side, respectively, of the inner gear pump is linked to a fluid container, and the pressure side, or high pressure side, respectively, is linked with the hydro system which needs to be supplied. The gear wheel pair is formed by a inner rotor gear wheel and by a ring gear. The inner rotor gear wheel is driven by a motor, for instance, whereby the rotor gear, due to an active gear engaging, is turning and rotating the outer ring gear. Through this rotation, the gear teeth diverge from another and clear again the tooth gaps. The resulting vacuum and the additional atmospheric pressure on the fluid surface level, in the fluid container, cause the fluid to be drawn in. The drawn in fluid fills the created tooth gap space, which generates, after continued motion, self-contained, filled chambers, and is conveyed further to the pressure side. There, the teeth again mesh and displace the fluid from the filling chambers. The meshing teeth do not allow a return flow of the fluid from the pressure side to the suction side. In addition, the high pressure section is separated from the low pressure section by sealing teeth of the sickle.
For instance, through the publication DE 34 48 252 C2 an internal gear pump using a hydraulic liquid is known in the art in which gear wheels with overlapping, cutting tip circles are being used, which guarantees surface contact of the sealing flanks of the gearing teeth. In addition, a separating sickle is positioned in the available free space, between the intersection of the tip circles. The separating sickle is, in the known internal gear pump embodiment, constructed so that both end pieces are designed identically so that a symmetrical separating sickle is achieved.
A problem with these internal gear pumps is the occurrence of cavitation. This problem can be solved through an enlargement of the inlet area, by improving the filling and the timing, and also by providing additional pump inlets. However, these measures cause, especially with automatic transmissions, disadvantages which are induced because of a resulting increase in the required installation space and the manufacturing cost. There are also other limitations present in such a transmission system utilizing internal gear pumps. These limitations also influence the embodiment of the pump so that it is difficult to optimize the internal gear pump in regard to cavitations and avoiding the noise, without here increasing the dimensions of the internal gear pump.

Internal gear pump with optimized noise behaviour


An image processing apparatus includes an approximate value calculating unit that calculates an approximate value that becomes consecutive inside an examination area for a pixel value of each pixel of the examination area based on the pixel value inside an image, a validity evaluating unit that evaluates whether the approximate value is valid on the pixel value, an area dividing unit that divides the examination area with the approximate value that is evaluated as being invalid, an examination area re-setting unit that sets each divided area obtained by the area dividing unit as a new examination area and controls a repetition of processing, and an abnormal portion detecting unit that detects an abnormal portion based on the pixel value inside the image and the approximate value that has been evaluated as being valid by the validity evaluating unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer-readable recording medium for detecting an abnormal portion from an image.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, as one of techniques for reducing a doctor's burden on observation of an image of the inside of a lumen of the body that has been captured by an endoscope or a capsule endoscope, there is a technique that detects an abnormal portion such as a bleeding site from an image. For example, in a technique disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2005-192880, first, pixels inside an image or rectangular areas obtained by dividing an image are mapped in the feature space based on color information thereof (chromaticity=R/(R+G+B) and G/(R+G+B), color ratio=R/G, or the like). Then, after clustering is performed in the feature space, a normal mucous membrane cluster and an abnormal portion cluster are specified based on information such as the size or centroid coordinates of each cluster, and a pixel or a rectangular area that belongs to the abnormal portion cluster is detected as the abnormal portion.

Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable recording medium


A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.

The present invention relates generally to substrates having elastomeric coatings thereon, such as synthetic leather, and more particularly to a stretchable laminate comprising a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric substrate exhibiting extensibility and recovery in the cross-direction, and an elastomeric coating applied thereto.
Nonwoven fabrics are used in a very wide variety of applications where the engineered qualities of the fabric can be advantageously employed. These types of fabrics differ from traditional woven or knitted fabrics in that the fibers or filaments of the fabric are integrated into a coherent web without traditional textile processes. Entanglement of the fibers or filaments of the fabric provide the fabric with the desired integrity, with the application of binder compositions and the like being well known for further enhancing the integrity of the structure.
Various parameters impact the physical characteristics of the nonwoven fabric, including fiber composition and size, fiber orientation, fiber entanglement, and integration of the fibers such as by application of binders or thermal bonding. Variations in these parameters permit fabrics to be engineered for specific applications, thus enhancing the cost-effectiveness of such materials.
While fabrics of this nature have found widespread applicability, the nature of the processes by which they are typically formed can limit the uses for which particular fabrics are suited. Ordinarily, fabrics are manufactured so as to exhibit a xe2x80x9cmachine directionxe2x80x9d (MD), extending along the length of the fabric in the direction in which it is manufactured, and a xe2x80x9ccross-directionxe2x80x9d (CD) extending perpendicularly to the machine direction. While fabrics can be engineered to exhibit certain properties, these fabrics ordinarily do not exhibit a relatively high degree of recovery, after extension, in the cross-direction.
Another type of manufactured product, which is finding widespread applications are leather-like laminates typically formed by application of an elastomeric or other polymeric composition to a fibrous substrate, which may comprise a woven or nonwoven fabric. Like the above-described nonwoven fabrics, these types of stretchable laminates can be readily engineered to exhibit desired physical properties, including extensibility and recovery and water resistance, and can be formed to provide an aesthetically pleasing texture and appearance.
The present invention is directed to a stretchable laminate formed by applying an elastomeric composition to a nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery. A leather-like product exhibiting a high degree of conformability, and aesthetically pleasing texture and appearance is thus achieved.
The hydroentangled (spun-laced) nonwoven fabric, which forms the substrate of the present laminate has been particularly configured to exhibit elastic characteristics, that is, extensibility and recovery, in the cross-direction of the fabric. The cross-direction (CD) is transverse or perpendicular to the machine-direction (MD) of the fabric, that is, the direction in which the fabric is manufactured and processed, typically extending along the longitudinal axis of the fabric. By configuring the present fabric to exhibit cross-direction elasticity, the fabric can be employed in those applications in which such elastic characteristics are desirable.
A nonwoven fabric for use in the present invention comprises a hydroentangled nonwoven web preferably comprising staple length textile fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 6.0 ounces per square yard, preferably 2.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. More preferably, the nonwoven web comprises fibers of about 1.5 denier, with the web having a basis weight of about 2.5 to 3.5 ounces per square yard. Use of polyester fibers is presently preferred, but it is within the purview of the present invention to form the present nonwoven fabric from blends, which include at least a portion of synthetic fibers blended with natural fibers, and from substantially continuous filaments.
The nonwoven web is subjected to hydroentanglement in order to entangle and integrate the fibers of the web, and thus lends integrity to the structure. In a current preferred embodiment, hydroentanglement is effected so as to impart a rectilinear pattern to the nonwoven web, which pattern is preferably oriented at an angle between about 30xc2x0 and 60xc2x0 relative to a machine-direction of the web. In a preferred method of formation, the nonwoven web is subjected to preliminary hydroentanglement to lend integrity thereto prior to formation of the rectilinear pattern in the web by hydroentanglement on a patterned forming surface.
In order to impart elastomeric characteristics to the fabric formed by hydroentanglement, a polymeric binder composition is substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven fabric. Although the specific amount of binder can be varied while keeping with the principles disclosed herein, it is presently preferred that the binder composition comprise between about 17% and about 31%, by weight, of acrylic binder. Subsequent to application of the polymeric binder composition, the nonwoven web is dried to form the nonwoven fabric, which provides the substrate of the present stretchable laminate. Significantly, the resultant nonwoven fabric exhibits elastomeric characteristics (i.e., stretch or extensibility, and recovery) in the cross-direction of the fabric. In accordance with the present invention, the fabric exhibits at least about 20% extensibility in the cross-direction, and at least about 90% recovery in the cross-direction, preferably at least about 50% extensibility in the cross-direction, with at least about 90% recovery. The fabric is thus engineered to exhibit a relatively high degree of cross-direction elasticity.
In order to form the stretchable laminate embodying the principles of the present invention, the above-described nonwoven fabric is coated with an elastomeric composition, which composition is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and polyvinylchloride (PVC). The nonwoven fabric substrate can be covered with a layer of the elastomeric coating, with the coating having a thickness of about 0.020 inches to 0.125 inches. The resultant stretchable laminate exhibits leather-like characteristics, and is highly conformable, thus facilitating its use for apparel, upholstery, and footwear.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.


Provided is a system including a first image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus connected via a network. When a second image forming apparatus is added to the network, the second image forming apparatus generates parent setting information indicating that the first image forming apparatus previously connected to the network is its parent, and transmits the parent setting information to the first image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus generates parent-child relationship setting information indicating a parent-child relationship between the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus, based on the parent setting information from the second image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus registers the second image forming apparatus as a new output destination, based on information of the second image forming apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system including an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, a method performed under the system, an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus directed to the system, and a non-transitory storage medium encoded with a program directed to the apparatuses.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, it is common that image forming apparatuses such as Multi-Functional Peripherals (MFPs), printers, and facsimiles are connected via a network to print a print job transmitted via the network from a variety of terminal devices (for example, personal computers). By adopting such a network configuration, an image forming apparatus can be flexibly added even when the number of terminal devices increases so that the load on the image forming apparatus becomes heavy.
On the other hand, when using such an image forming apparatus, authentication of a user to use the apparatus is frequently performed for the sake of security. When a new image forming apparatus is added in a state in which user authentication is performed in the existing image forming apparatus, it is necessary to allow the added image forming apparatus to perform user authentication in the same way.
On the part of the terminal devices, it is necessary to add the newly added image forming apparatus as an output destination or to change output destinations.
In connection with such procedures, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-085132 discloses a method of changing a default printer according to the priority of the default printer when a printer status is changed.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-163660 discloses a method of automatically selecting an optimum printer that meets the print conditions by acquiring the performance and function information of a printer on a network.
There is also a known technique in which a parent-child (or master-slave relationship) relationship is set among a plurality of devices, and the child device inherits all the setting information in the parent device.
In a network to which image forming apparatuses having the user authentication function are connected as described above, when adding a new image forming apparatus, the administrator has to register users in the newly added image forming apparatus and to register the newly added image forming apparatus as an output destination in each terminal device as well. This operation requires time and effort.
As a specific example, it is necessary to newly install a printer driver of the newly added image forming apparatus or to associate an output destination (print port) associated with a printer driver of the existing image forming apparatus, with the newly added image forming apparatus.
However, in the technique in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-085132 as described above, settings have to be made in each image forming apparatus to accommodate the user authentication function. In the technique in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-163660, the printer cannot be used unless the user to be authenticated is registered beforehand.

System including image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus, method performed under the system, image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus directed to the system, and non-transitory storage medium encoded with program directed to the apparatuses

KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.


A distributed system having a central server, one or more remote supplier nodes, one or more remote manufacturer nodes, and one or more remote client nodes that communicate with one another via the Internet. The server maintains a centralized component database containing information corresponding to the components sold by the suppliers that are potentially used in the manufacturer of packages. The server also maintains a centralized process database containing information corresponding to the manufacturing processes performed by the manufacturers that are potentially used in the manufacturer of packages. Each supplier and manufacturer is responsible for accessing the server via the Internet to store/update the information maintained in the appropriate database for its components/processes. Each client accesses the server via the Internet to provide a set of desired attributes for a proposed package. In response, the server compares the set of desired attributes with the information in its databases to generate and communicate back to the client a packaging solution that bests meets the client""s goals.

The present invention relates to the design of product packaging.
The design of a package and selection of its components are very critical phases in the development of a new item of packaged goods for sale to industrial or consumer outlets. The selection of the components for a product package is very complex. The components (e.g., substrates, printing inks, primers, lacquers, coatings, and adhesives) used must all meet a series of attributes based on three major factors: appearance, performance, and protection.
The package materials should be selected so that they will function efficiently in the convertors"" manufacturing processes such as printing, coating, and laminating. Later, on the packaging line, the packaging materials must function in the equipment that forms, fills, and seals the packages. Physical characteristics such as tensile and burst strength, stiffness, elongation, softening, and melting points play a vital role in these processes.
The final package should appeal to the user. The outward appearance of the package will strongly influence the user in terms of effectiveness and value of the contents. The aesthetics of the package are a strong selling tool, particularly in the consumer goods markets. The appearance of the package is often the deciding factor in a buying decision in a supermarket. To ensure that the package projects the desired image, such factors as color, texture, appearance, and integrity are significant.
The final package should also be designed to deliver the product to the user in a pristine state so that it retains its appeal and function as long as possible. The package should protect the contents from contamination from outside pollutants, and should be made from components that meet all the appropriate food and drug safety laws. The final package should withstand a wide variety of physical and chemical conditions to ensure the users"" safety and the contents"" purity.
The selection of components capable of meeting such a wide range of attributes at an economical cost is a major task for most convertors and their customersxe2x80x94the consumer packaged goods manufacturers. The optimization of the selected components is a long, iterative process which may involve extensive, multiple shelf-life tests on possible structures before a suitable combination is approved. This is wasteful in terms of economics, time, and human resources.
The present invention is directed to a system that addresses some of the limitations and problems of the prior art. In particular, the present invention is directed to an integrated system that enables clients to design packages for consumer or industrial goods that meet their specific needs. The system relies on a cooperative effort by the suppliers of the components used in the manufacture of packages as well as the converters who perform package-manufacturing processes using those components. These suppliers and converters will provide information on their products and services in an agreed upon standardized format so that the system will be able to reject non-conforming products. The system generates one or more recommendations, referred to as packaging solutions, that identify those components and processes meeting the desired attributes entered by the user.
The present invention will reduce the iterations involved in prior-art procedures used to design a new package, saving both time and money. The cooperation between the suppliers and converters, and their use of common standards, will simplify the design process and reduce the possibilities for error. The resulting optimum package design will also reduce wastage of the packaged products due to breakage, spillage, or shelf-life limitations.
In one embodiment, the present invention is, at a server of a package design system, a computer-implemented method for generating a packaging solution for a proposed package for a client, comprising the steps of (a) providing a component database for a plurality of different available components from a plurality of different suppliers, wherein the component database identifies a set of characteristics for each available component; (b) providing a process database for a plurality of different available manufacturing processes from one or more different converters, wherein the process database identifies a set of characteristics for each available manufacturing process; (c) receiving a set of desired attributes for the proposed package; and (d) generating the packaging solution by comparing the set of desired attributes to the characteristics stored in the component and process databases.
In another embodiment, the present invention is an internet-based distributed computer system for generating a packaging solution for a proposed package for a client, comprising (a) a server configured to maintain (1) a component database for a plurality of different available components from a plurality of different suppliers, wherein the component database identifies a set of characteristics for each available component; and (2) a process database for a plurality of different available manufacturing processes from one or more different converters, wherein the process database identifies a set of characteristics for each available manufacturing process; and (b) at least one remote client node configured to transmit a set of desired attributes for the proposed package, wherein the server generates the packaging solution by comparing the set of desired attributes to the characteristics stored in the component and process databases.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a server for an internet-based distributed computer system for generating a packaging solution for a proposed package for a client, wherein the system further comprises one or more remote client nodes, the server comprising (a) a server processor; (b) a component database for a plurality of different available components from a plurality of different suppliers, wherein the component database identifies a set of characteristics for each available component; and (c) a process database for a plurality of different available manufacturing processes from one or more different converters, wherein the process database identifies a set of characteristics for each available manufacturing process; and the server processor receives a set of desired attributes for the proposed package from a remote client node corresponding to the client and generates the packaging solution by comparing the set of desired attributes to the characteristics stored in the component and process databases.

Integrated system for designing product packaging


An electronic musical instrument has a keyboard and a sound source circuit for manual performance along with automatic accompaniment. A memory is provided for memorizing a plurality of rhythm patterns of the automatic accompaniment such as introduction, normal, fill-in and ending. The memory further stores timbre codes corresponding to the respective rhythm patterns, effective to specify tone color of the manual performance. Selecting switches are manually operated during the manual performance for selecting a desired rhythm pattern. A CPU accesses the memory to retrieve the selected rhythm pattern so as to switch the automatic accompaniment to the selected rhythm pattern. The CPU concurrently controls the sound source circuit to change the tone color of the manual performance according to a particular timbre code associated to the selected rhythm pattern.

The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument having an automatic accompaniment mode.
A certain conventional electronic musical instrument of the automatic accompaniment type may have a particular function called "variation" such that a player can set and select a desired rhythm pattern every one or more measures or part of each measure during the course of continuous manual performance of a given music composition having a specific rhythm style. One rhythm style such as rock'n'roll or waltz may contain typically six variation rhythm patterns, i.e., normal pattern, bridge pattern, introduction pattern, ending pattern and two fill-in patterns (one of which shifts to normal pattern and another of which shifts to bridge pattern after fill-in pattern). During the course of manual performance with the aid of automatic accompaniment of a rhythm part with or without an auto-bass-chord (hereinafter, ABC) part containing bass and chord tones, the above noted variation rhythm patterns are suitably switched to change music mood, thereby realizing rich and full performance while modulating the music composition.
The normal pattern represents a basic pattern of a given rhythm style. The bridge pattern has a somewhat different impression than the normal pattern, and is effective when used in a climax period of the music composition. The introduction pattern is adopted to a given music style to enable a natural performance start of the music composition. The ending pattern is adopted to a given music style to enable a natural performance ending to terminate the rhythm accompaniment. The fill-in pattern is a somewhat irregular pattern different than those of the normal pattern and the bridge pattern, and is selected temporarily to impart a rhythm variation to the music composition. In some applications of the above mentioned "variation" method, the chord and bass patterns may be separately varied while the rhythm pattern is unchanged.
In the conventional electronic musical instrument, a timbre of musical sounds may be also switched during the course of manual performance such that, for example, piano sound can be switched to guitar sound or organ sound. Such timbre change is effected conventionally by either of the following two methods. A first method utilizes a plurality of timbre selecting switches provided correspondingly to a plurality of timbres representative of piano, guitar, organ and so on. These timbre selecting switches are manually operated to select instantly a desired timbre. A second method utilizes a registration function such that the electronic musical instrument is provided with a memory for provisionally registering a setting state of various buttons, levers and volume wheels on an operating panel as one group (which is called "registration"). The setting state of timbre etc. is provisionally stored in the memory as a part of each "registration". A particular registration is selected by operating a corresponding registration switch to effect the change in timbre etc.
In the conventional electronic musical instrument, it is desired to change the timbre concurrently with switching of the rhythm patterns during the course of manual performance along with automatic rhythm accompaniment with or without ABC, in order to further modify the music composition to effectively improve the quality of the performance. However, in practical terms, it is difficult to change the timbre simultaneously with a transition timing of the different rhythm patterns during the course of manual performance along with the automatic rhythm accompaniment. For example, with regard to the above mentioned first prior art, precedingly a rhythm selecting switch is operated during the manual performance, and then succeedingly a timbre selecting switch must be actuated while timing a transition moment from one variation rhythm pattern to another variation rhythm pattern. However, double manipulation of the two separate selecting switches is practically complicated in the middle of manual performance. Moreover, it is quite difficult to timely actuate the timbre selecting switch at the transition moment of variation rhythm patterns. Namely, the transition occurrence of variation rhythm patterns is not always fixed. For example, in the case of the ending pattern, when an ending switch is actuated to select the ending pattern within a first half period of one measure, a current rhythm pattern is instantly switched to the selected ending pattern. On the other hand, where the ending switch is actuated within a second half period of one measure, the ending pattern is initiated from a top of a next measure. Moreover, if all fingers of both hands are working on a keyboard incidentally at a just timing, a selecting switch cannot be timely addressed, thereby missing the just timing.
With regard to the above-mentioned second prior art, it may be possible to select either of a non-temporary variation rhythm pattern and a timbre by operation of one registration switch. However, normally temporary variation rhythm patterns such as the fill-in pattern and ending pattern etc. are not involved in "registration", and therefore they cannot be registered. Thus, it is impossible to effect concurrent switching of the timbre with these fill-in and ending patterns.

Electronic musical instrument of variable timbre with switchable automatic accompaniment


A double open-ended sample holder for sample material for X-ray spectroscopic analysis including a cylindrical body containing the sample material and having top and bottom open faces. An analytic film is mounted tautly across the lower face, and a microporous film positioned across the upper face cell passes gases generated by X-rays striking the sample material but does not pass harmful particle materials contained in the cell. Upper and lower rings mounted to the cylindrical body secure the lower and upper films to the body. A handling support connected to the top securing ring provides a grip for a tool used in the process of remotely raising or lowering the sample holder relative to placement into or removal from an X-ray cassette. The handling support is spaced from the microporous film so that gases generated in the cell are allowed to escape across the microporous film at a maximum rate of evacuation.

The field of X-ray spectroscopy involves the measurement of the spectra of certain material being analyzed. Generally, the sample material being analyzed may be any liquid, slurry, powder material, or industrial gas that can occur in the run of industry. A sample is positioned in a cylindrical sample holder that includes a holder body forming a cell adapted to contain the sample. A disposable sample holder is generally made of plastic and is generally disposed of after a single use. A sample holder generally ranges in size between diameters of 20 to 57 mm and in height about 25 to 35 mm.
Sample holders include single open-ended cylindrical body type cells and double open-ended cylindrical body cells. For the double open-ended cell, a very thin plastic analytic film is placed as an X-ray transparent window across one of the circular end faces of the body of the holder, and the skirt of the film is then secured by a plastic securing ring to the outer wall of the body and the analytic film becomes taut. The body is then inverted so that the window face is positioned downwards. Alternatively, the plastic securing ring and the thin plastic analytic film is placed into a well of a sample holder film assembly device and one of the circular end faces of the holder body is placed over the film and the skirt of the film is then secured by the plastic ring to the outer wall of the body so that the analytic film becomes taut. The latter method is described in our Pat. No. 4,587,656. It is noted that the plastic securing rings are made of a thin, plastic, flexible material so that the thin analytic film can be gently yet firmly secured to the sample holder body. A double open-ended sample holder is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and discussed in relation therewith below.
In each of the above-described assembly methods, one circular end face is open so as to form a holder cell. The holder cell is then filled with the sample through the top open face of the cell. The sample may be a benign substance or it may be noxious, contaminated, caustic, or offensive. In addition, the sample may be treated with a solvent to dissolve the sample, the solvent itself being noxious.
After the sample material to be analyzed has been loaded into the sample cell and otherwise prepared for X-ray analysis, the cell is loaded into an X-ray sample cassette that is then moved into position for bombardment by X-rays. X-ray cassettes are cylindrical holders defining chambers into which the sample holder cell is loaded. Generally, the chambers of the cassettes have top edges that are of greater height than the height of the top edges of the sample holder cells. In addition, the diameters of the cassettes are generally only slightly greater than the diameters of the sample holders so that little space is provided between the wall of the cassette and the wall of the sample holder. Cassettes often have a spring-loaded screw-on cap over the cell.
In the present state of the art, a double open-ended sample holder is loaded into an X-ray cassette by hand by a technician. More in detail, the double open-ended cell is picked up by the technician, who may or may not be wearing protective gloves, transferred to a position above the cassette, and hand placed into the cassette. Also, the cassette may be located for loading purposes in an isolation chamber in which the double open-ended sample holder is placed into the cassette by a technician who manipulates the holder with flexible gloves that extend into the chamber.
In the process of X-ray analysis, when X-rays are directed at the bottom end of the cell body through the analytic film at the sample inside; the X-ray cause heat to be generated within the sample material. Many substances will not generate gases or vapors, or if they do so, such gases or vapors may be harmless to the X-ray equipment or the immediate environment. Certain sample substances, usually a liquid but at times a powder, upon heating will generate a vapor or a gas containing particles originating from the sample substance that should not be allowed to contaminate the X-ray machine or pass into the surrounding area. In such cases, the upper open face of the cell body must be covered to prevent passage of such contaminants. A problem exists, however, in that simple covering of the open face with a sheet of plastic film secured by a securing top ring or by a plastic cap will result in the sealing of the cell body so that a buildup of pressure within the cell body will occur upon generation of vapors therein. Such a pressure buildup will result in the bottom analytic film bulging outwardly from the cell along with the sample material thus distorting the entire process of the X-ray analysis.
In such cases where a top seal of the sample holder is required to prevent passage of vapor borne contaminants, a microporous film is secured across the top face of the cell body secured thereto by an upper securing ring. The microporous film will pass gases generated by the heated sample material but will filter out particles that would cause harm to the surrounding environment.
Microporous film is a gas permeable material, generally polypropylene or teflon, specifically intended to establish and maintain pressure equalization within a sample holder cell. Such film is characterized with the property of containing tortuous submicron-size passageways extending from one surface side to the other. This permits gases and vapors to permeate yet simultaneously prohibits the penetration of particles of the sample substance therethrough. Microporous film enables evacuation of entrapped gases through the micropores while at the same time relieves the sample holder of vapor pressure buildup. Under inert gas conditions such as helium, the micropores function as passageways for the gas to enter the sample holder cell and purge out any entrapped gases or vapors. In atmospheric operating conditions, the film helps maintain pressure equalization by continuously allowing the exchange of contained gases with the surrounding air environment. In all cases the immediate important consideration is to maintain a taut, thin-film sample support plane that defines the surface of the contained solution or powdered sample material. Any distension or convolution of the thin-film substance affects the sample-to-excitation source distance implying higher or lower than actual analytic concentration values.
In each of these cases the sample cell holder is in effect dropped into the cassette. This procedure is undesirable since the entire handling procedure for sample analysis requires gentle handling of the sample throughout the entire procedure of X-ray analysis, which includes gentle placement of the sample cell into the cassette.
Even greater problems occur with the removal of the sample holder cell from the X-ray cassette after the X-ray analysis. When the sample substances are noxious or offensive, spilling of the substances during removal of the cell from the cassette and during its transit to either a waste disposal station or to a recovery station often has undesirable results.
Remote handling caps for sample holders exist in the art, but not for microporous film covered holders. For example, our U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,869 describes a sample holder that includes a handling support for safe handling of the sample holder by either local or remote means. This handling support does not cover the case of a double open-ended cell where the top face of the cell must be covered by a microporous film. The top wall of remote handling caps also would be in proximity or in contact with the microporous film so that the integrity of the microporous film would be compromised.

Handling support for X-ray spectroscopic analysis


A linear motor has a support portion 311 laterally bridged between a plurality of armatures 30 and a shifter side base portion 33 located on a shifter 3 side, for moving along a stator 2 in such a state that a distance between the shifter side base portion and the stator 2 is almost constantly maintained, and the support portion 311 is supported by the shifter side base portion 33 so as to determine a gap between the armature 30 and a magnet 20. Then, the gap between the armature 30 and the magnet 20 of the stator 2 is properly maintained.

The present invention relates to a linear motor having a slender long stator and a shifter located so as to face the stator, for moving the shifter making use of suction or resiliency generated between an armature and a propulsion magnet.
The known conventional linear motor has a stator in the shape of almost bar having permanent magnets and a shifter having armatures, located so as to face the stator. In such a linear motor, suction or resiliency is successively generated between the armature and the permanent magnet by switching voltage applied on the armature so as to move the shifter along the stator.
In the linear motor having such structure, it is necessary to hold the armature at a regular position and to constantly maintain a micro-gap between the armature and the permanent magnet.
Then, the developments of the linear motor by which the armature can be held at a regular position are still awaited.
The present invention is linear motor having a slender long stator, a shifter located so as to face said stator, a plurality of magnets located on said stator side and a plurality of armatures located on said shifter side so as to face said magnets, for moving said shifter along said stator by switching voltage applied on said armature, said linear motor comprising:
a support portion laterally bridged between a plurality of said armatures; and
a shifter side base portion located on said shifter side, for moving along said stator in such a state that a distance between said shifter side base portion and said stator is almost constantly maintained together with a movement of said shifter; whereby said support portion is supported by said shifter side base portion so as to determine a gap between said armature and said magnet.
According to this invention, the gap between the armature and the magnet is properly maintained since the support portion laterally bridged between a plurality of the armatures is supported by the shifter side base portion although a force is generated between the armature and the magnet.
The present invention is the linear motor wherein a ditch portion is formed on a face of a side opposite to a side where said magnet is located on in said shifter side base portion, and said support portion is supported by said shifter side base portion in the state of being fitted in said ditch portion.
According to this invention, the distance between both support portions adjacent to each other of a plurality of the support portions can be properly maintained since the support portion is supported by the shifter side base portion in the state of being fitted in the ditch portion. Besides, the work, such as the work for drying is not necessary, different from the case where an adhesive is used so as to make the attachment work easy and so as to reduce the assembly error.
The present invention is the linear motor, wherein said support portion forms a continuous face with said shifter side base portion by being fitted in said ditch portion.
According to this invention, the support portion forms a continuous face with the shifter side base portion by being fitted in the ditch portion. Therefore, the interference between the outer peripheral face of the support portion or the shifter side base portion and the case can be extremely reduced even if the support portion and the shifter side base portion are stored in the case so as to assemble the shifter. Therefore, assembly work can be made easier.
The present invention is the linear motor, wherein said armature is comprised of an iron core portion provided so as to elongate from said support portion so as to closely approach said magnet and a coil fitted on said iron core portion, a projecting portion is formed at a top end portion of said iron core portion, and said coil is held so as not to be pulled out by said projecting portion.
According to this invention, the coil is held so as not to be pulled out of the iron core portion by the projecting portion. Then, the work, such as the work for drying is not necessary, different from the case where an adhesive is used so as to make the attachment work easy and so as to reduce the assembly error.
The present invention is the linear motor, wherein said shifter is in the shape of a cylinder and is fitted on the stator with a play, a plurality of magnets are symmetrically located with respect to a central axis of said stator, said armatures are symmetrically located with respect to said central axis so as to respectively face said magnets, said shifter side base portion is an annular member with said central axis as its center, and said shifter side base portion moves along said stator in such a state that a distance between said shifter side base portion and said stator is almost constantly maintained by balance of a force added by a plurality of said armatures symmetrically located with respect to said central axis.
According to this invention, the shifter is in the shape of a cylinder and is fitted on the stator with a play, a plurality of magnets are symmetrically located with respect to a central axis of the stator, the armatures are symmetrically located with respect to the central axis so as to respectively face the magnets, the shifter side base portion is an annular member with the central axis as its center, and the shifter side base portion moves along the stator in such a state that a distance between the shifter side base portion and the stator is almost constantly maintained by balance of a force added by a plurality of the armatures symmetrically located with respect to the central axis, thereby the gap between the armature and the magnet is properly maintained even if the linear motor has such a structure. Even if the magnetic force of the permanent magnet is strong or many armatures are provided in this case, the force can be compensated in the shifter side base portion, and all gaps between the armature and the magnet can be properly maintained.
The present invention is the linear motor, wherein a ditch portion is formed on an outer peripheral side of said shifter side base portion, and said support portion is supported by said shifter side base portion in the state of being fitted in said ditch portion.
According to this invention, the position of the shifter side base portion in the peripheral direction concerning the support portion can be properly determined. Besides, the work, such as the work for drying is not necessary, different from the case where an adhesive is used so as to make the attachment work easy and so as to reduce the assembly error.
The present invention is the linear motor, wherein said support portion forms a continuous face with said shifter side base portion by being fitted in said ditch portion.
According to this invention, the support portion forms a continuous face with the shifter side base portion by being fitted in the ditch portion. Therefore, the interference between the outer peripheral face of the support portion or the shifter side base portion and the case can be extremely reduced even if the support portion and the shifter side base portion are stored in the case so as to assemble the shifter. Therefore, assembly work can be made easier.
The present invention is the linear motor, wherein said armature is comprised of an iron core portion provided so as to elongate from said support portion so as to closely approach said magnet and a coil fitted on said iron core portion, a projecting portion is formed at a top end portion of said iron core portion, and said coil is held so as not to be pulled out by said projecting portion.
According to this invention, the coil is held so as not to be pulled out of the iron core portion by the projecting portion. Then, the work, such as the work for drying is not necessary, different from the case where an adhesive is used so as to make the attachment work easy and so as to reduce the assembly error.

Linear motor having an improved stator and shifter


Apparatus for continuously producing a band of paper, particularly for toilet use, includes at least a device for forming the band of paper, a felt conveyor belt suitable for transporting the band of paper through a dehydrating device having at least one presser cylinder suitable for pressing the band of paper against a drying cylinder The presser cylinder has a diameter no smaller than one third of the diameter of the drying cylinder.

Usually, the dehydrating section comprises one or more presser cylinders covered by a layer of rubber suitable for pressing the band of paper, in turn transported by a felt band, against a dehydrating cylinder.
The presser cylinders have a much smaller diameter than the diameter of the drying cylinder.
The limitations of conventional apparatuses known today are often due to the substantial pressure applied by the presser cylinders, which makes the properties of softness and thickness of the band of paper produced deteriorate.
The high pressure operated by the presser cylinders can cause a compacting of the band of paper with a consequent rigidifying thereof.
Moreover, conventional apparatuses sometimes suffer from wear of the felt band due to the substantial pressure generated by the presser cylinders, deterioration of the rubber coating of the presser cylinders due to the combination of the frequency and length of the elastic deformation cycles to which it is subjected and limited duration of the components due to the high mechanical stresses present, with the consequent idle times of the apparatus for the inspection, maintenance and possible replacement of the components.
Finally, conventional apparatuses sometimes suffers from modest efficiency of dehydration realised by the presser cylinders of the dehydrating section, since a significant reabsorption of water is associated with the at least partial recovery of thickness of the felt band after the action of the presser cylinders, a thing that always forces more than one presser cylinder to be used with a consequent increase in costs linked to the greater complexity of the apparatus.
The technical task proposed of the present invention is, therefore, that of realising an apparatus for continuously producing a band of paper particularly for toilet use that allows the aforementioned technical drawbacks of the prior art to be eliminated.

Apparatus for continuously producing a band of paper particularly for toilet use


In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of testing a plurality of semiconductor devices includes applying a stress voltage having a peak voltage on a shield line disposed over a substrate. The substrate has functional circuitry of a semiconductor device. A fixed voltage is applied to a first metal line disposed above the substrate adjacent the shield line. The first metal line is coupled to the functional circuitry and is configured to be coupled to a high voltage node during operation. The peak voltage is greater than a maximum fixed voltage. The shield line separates the first metal line from an adjacent second metal line configured to be coupled to a low voltage node during operation. The method further includes measuring a current through the shield line in response to the stress voltage, determining the current through the shield line of the semiconductor device, and based on the determination, identifying the semiconductor device as passing the test.

Semiconductor devices are used in a variety of electronic applications, such as personal computers, cell phones, digital cameras, and other electronic equipment, as examples. Semiconductor devices are typically fabricated by sequentially depositing insulating or dielectric layers, conductive layers, and semiconductive layers of material over a semiconductor substrate, and patterning the various layers using lithography to form circuit components and elements thereon.
One of the challenges associated with semiconductor manufacturing relates to product yield and/or reliability. Consumers of semiconductor devices expect a certain level of reliability from their devices. This is even more critical when the semiconductor device is used in safety critical applications. However, a product may fail during its lifetime due to defects introduced during manufacturing.
Reliability issues may also result in failure of the process from being qualified, poor yield at the semiconductor device fabrication facility, and/or failure at the field, either of which may result in product recalls and/or loss in revenue. These problems become even more exacerbated in case of high voltage applications.

Testing of semiconductor devices and devices, and designs thereof


A die assembly having a guide rod that includes a lower rod which is fixedly placed on a stripper plate which guides a punch for engagement with a lower die and an upper rod which is placed removably on the stripper plate for engagement with an upper die. When punching a material for punching, the upper rod is removed from the stripper plate so as to put the upper plate and the stripper plate in a disconnected state, i.e., so that the stripper plate is made free to move backwards and forwards relative to the lower die by the lower rod. When the material for punching is not punched, the upper rod is attached to the stripper plate so as to put the upper die and the stripper plate in a connected state by the upper rod, so that the stripper plate is held on to the upper die.

A conventional die assembly A shown in FIG. 6 includes an upper die U and a lower die L, and the upper die U is connected to the lower die L via die-set guides so as to move backwards and forwards (moves upwards and downwards).
The upper die U includes a punch holder Ua, a punch plate Ub and punches Uc and is mounted on a press ram R of a press, while the lower die L includes a lower die base La and a die Lb and is mounted on a bolster B of the press.
A stripper plate S is provided between the upper die U and the lower die L so as to move backwards and forwards via (moves upwards and downwards) via the die-set guides, and in the die assembly A described above, a thin plate (a material for punching) is pressed against the lower die L by the stripper plate S, and the thin plate is punched by the punches Uc of the upper die U by lowering the upper die U towards the lower die L.
Here, in the conventional die assembly A described above, in the event that the press ram R is slightly inclined or deflected or moves sideways due to wear produced in association with an eccentric load at the time of punching or usage, there is caused a deviation in a positional relationship between the upper die U mounted on the press ram R and the lower die L.
This makes a clearance between the punches Uc of the upper die U and the die Lb of the lower die L uneven, which may cause a fear that not only the generation of a punching failure may occur, but also damage to the punches Uc and the die Lb may also occur.
Since a pilot pin (not shown) which is provided on the upper die U is also caused to move, there is caused deterioration in guiding the pilot pin into a pilot hole (not shown) provided in the lower die L.
These phenomena lead to serious problems with respect to the die assembly for use in punching a thin plate whose thickness is extremely thin, in precision punching which requires a small clearance between the punches and the die and in punching a product which requires severe dimension and shaping accuracies.
Then, with a view to solving the aforesaid problems, there is provided a die assembly in which a stripper plate for guiding punches when punching a material for punching are provided on a lower die so as to move backwards and forwards (refer to Patent Document 1: JP-A-2001-47147).
In a die assembly A shown in FIG. 7, a stripper plate S is installed between an upper plate U and a lower plate L, and guide rods Sg, Sg which extend downwards are provided on the stripper plate S.
These guide rods Sg, Sg fit in guide guide bushings Lc, Lc provided in the lower die base La so as to rise and fall, and the stripper plate S is provided so as to move backwards and forwards (moves upwards and downwards) relative to the lower die L by the guide rods Sg, Sg being guided by the guide bushings Lc, Lc.
In addition, the punches Uc, Uc on the upper die U fit in the stripper plate S so as to move backwards and forwards (moves upwards and downwards), whereby the stripper plate S guides the punches Uc, Uc on the upper die U at the time of punching. Further, the stripper plate S also guides a pilot pin (not shown) provided on the upper die U.
According to the configuration of the aforesaid die assembly A, due to the punches Uc on the upper die U being guided by the stripper plate S which is not connected to the press ram R, the positional relationship between the upper die U and the lower die L is maintained without being affected by the inclination or deflection or sideways movement of the press ram R.
Consequently, the generation of a punching failure or damage to the punches/die can be prevented which would otherwise be caused by the inclination or deflection of sideways movement of the press ram R, and even with a thin material for punching, punching with good dimension accuracy and shaping accuracy is enabled.    Patent Document 1: JP-A-2001-47147


A fire resistive and insulating bonded composite structure includes a binder made from a mixture of a weak acid and a powdered base metal oxide wherein the acid and metal fuse as a mixture under an exothermic reaction into the binder. A fibrous cellulose material is encapsulated within the binder and rendered non-flammable thereby. The subject invention further provides a method of making the bonded composite structure including the steps of mixing the weak acid and powdered base metal oxide, encapsulating the fibrous cellulose material within the binder and rendering the fibrous cellulose material non-flammable thereby, forming the slurry mixture into a predetermined form, and setting the formed mixture into a solid.

In the past, various materials have been used to form building materials such as molded panels. Initially, polyurethane and isocyanurate foamed plastics, both petroleum derivatives, were used to manufacture molded panels. Such panels were light weight, low cost, and thermally efficient. The components were readily available and could be easily transported. When the basic ingredients were combined, they expanded to approximately twenty times their original volume encapsulating myriads of minute gas bubbles. Initially, such panels were susceptible to slight shrinkage during set and cure stages. Such problems were later overcome. However, a controversy arose within the construction industry concerning the use of foam plastics in buildings. It was discovered that under certain conditions of heat and/or fire, the materials burned. The gases emitted were toxic. Under high heat with a spark, those gases could flash or explode. Additionally, since 1973, the subsequent ever upward spiraling cost of petroleum products further decreased the desirability of these foamed plastics as building components.
After a two year indepth analysis, it was determined by consent agreement between the Federal Trade Commission and the Society of Plastics Industry that foamed plastics could be used in buildings if they were totally encapsulated within fire resistive, nontoxic materials. Such materials were formed by encapsulating the foamed plastics in a variety of inorganic products such as a rigid homogenous foamed glass product manufactured by Pittsburgh Corning Corporation and marketed under the trademark "FOAMGLAS".
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,133 to Shubow et al, issued Dec. 6, 1983, discloses a bonded aggregate structure for making moldable rigid insulation. The Shubow et al patent discloses a bonded aggregate structure made from a mixture of magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, aggregate, and mono aluminum phosphate acidic solution. The aggregates disclosed are cellular, low density aggregates selected from the group including inorganic materials such as glass beads, perlite, vermiculite, and stone or other refractory aggregates.
Further development has proceeded in search of methods of producing bonded composite structures at lower costs. Such structures must be of low cost but must also withstand high temperatures. The instant invention provides a low cost bonded composite structure wherein the binders are blended or mixed with a fibrous cellulose filler which is essentially a waste product that produces results similar to those achieved with the use of inorganic, insulating-type aggregates but at a much lower cost. Such organic materials would normally be highly flammable. Unexpectedly, however, pursuant to the subject invention, such cellulose filler materials do not burn and form rigid bonded structures able to withstand temperatures in excess of 3000.degree. F.

Bonded composite structure and method of making


Substrates have a hydrophobic surface coating comprised of the reaction products of a chlorosilyl group containing compound and an alkylsilane. Most preferably the substrate is glass. In one preferred form of the invention, highly durable hydrophobic coatings may be formed by forming a silicon oxide anchor layer or hybrid organo-silicon oxide anchor layer from a humidified reaction product of silicon tetrachloride or trichloromethylsilane, followed by the vapor-deposition of a chloroalkylsilane. Such a silicon oxide anchor layer will advantageously have a root mean square surface roughness of less than about 6.0 nm (preferably less than about 5.0 nm) and a low haze value of less than about 3.0% (preferably less than about 2.0%). Another embodiment of the present invention include the simultaneous humidified vapor deposition of a chlorosilyl group containing compound and a chloroalkylsilane. Specifically, in certain preferred embodiments, the simultaneous vapor deposition onto a glass substrate of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) and dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS) results in a hydrophobic coating comprised of cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMSO), which may then be capped with a fluoroalkylsilane (FAS). The cross-linked PDMSO layer may be formed on the surface of the glass substrate, or a silicon oxide anchor layer may be deposited under the cross-linked (PDMSO) layer. SiCl4, trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS), trichloromethylsilane and combinations of these silanes therein may also be simultaneously vapor deposited onto a substrate surface so as to achieve hydrophobic coatings of exceptional durability.

The present invention relates generally to coated substrates and methods of coating the same. In preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to transparent substrates having a hydrophobic (water repellant) coating thereon.
Glass is typically made of silicates that are melted to form a clear, transparent, solid material. The fundamental molecular structural unit of conventional glass is a SiO4 tetrahedron. Ordinary float glass (named for its production process whereby a molten ribbon of glass is floated on molten metal to provide a smooth surface) includes additional amounts of soda (Na2O), usually in the form of sodium carbonate or nitrate during the production process, lime (CaO) and other oxides (usually aluminum and magnesium oxides) to form a soda-lime-silica structure known colloquially as soda-lime glass. Other specialized glass can be prepared by the introduction of other additives and constituents.
It is sometimes highly desirable for conventional glass to have hydrophobic (water repellant) surface properties when employed in certain end-use applications, such as for automotive window glass. Various proposals exist to impart hydrophobic (water-repellant) properties to glass substrates. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,263,350, 4,274,856, 5,665,424 and 5,723,172 (the entire content of each being incorporated expressly hereinto by reference) disclose generally that glass surfaces can be coated with a vapor deposited layer of an chloroalkylsilane, such as dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS) so as to improve their hydrophobicity and/or release properties. Other proposals exist whereby a fluorinated alkylchlorosilane (FAS) coating may be employed to xe2x80x9ccapxe2x80x9d an underlayer on a glass substrate so as to improve coating durability. Please see in this regard, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,328,768, 5,372,851, 5,380,585 and 5,580,605 (the entire content of each being incorporated expressly hereinto by reference). In addition, International Application WO 00/25938 (the entire content of which is expressly incorporated hereinto by reference) discloses that a silicon film consisting of chains of siloxane groups each terminating in an end molecule which reacts with water to form an OH group, may be capped by further reaction of that OH group with trimethylchlorosilane to form trimethylsiloxane chain ends.
While various hydrophobic coatings are known, there is still a need to provide such coatings with improved durability. It is towards fulfilling such a need that the present invention is directed.
Broadly, the present invention is embodied in substrates which exhibit improved hydrophobicity and durability. Most preferably, the substrate is glass. In some of the especially preferred embodiments of the present invention, coated substrates and methods are provided which include an SiOx-containing anchor layer comprised of a controllably humidified vapor phase deposition of a chlorosilyl group containing compound (most preferably silicon tetrachloride), and a hydrophobic capping layer chemically bonded to the SiOx-containing anchor layer.
In other especially preferred embodiments of the invention, highly durable hydrophobic coatings may be formed by the simultaneous aqueous vapor phase deposition of a chlorosilyl group containing compound and a chloroalkylsilane to form an anchor layer which may then be capped with a hydrophobic coating. For example, the simultaneous vapor deposition onto a glass substrate of silicon tetrachloride and dimethyldichlorosilane results in a hydrophobic coating comprised of polysiloxane chains crosslinked with silicon oxide branch points, derived from silicon tetrachloride (i.e. an insoluble reaction product), which may then be capped with a fluoro or chloroalkylsilane. Optionally, a silicon oxide (SiOx) layer may be vapor deposited prior to, and thereby disposed under, the cross-linked polysiloxane in the manner noted above.
In other embodiments of the invention, coated substrates on glass may be produced comprising a first anchor layer comprised of a controllably humidified vapor phase deposition of a hybrid organo-chlorosilane group containing compound, most preferably methyltrichlorosilane (MTCS). In other embodiments, various other combinations of hydrophobic and oleofillic capping layers may be chemically bonded to the hybrid layer.
These and other aspects and advantages will become more apparent after careful consideration is given to the following detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments thereof.

Highly durable hydrophobic coatings and methods


An apparatus and a method for simulating a mechanical stress applied to a sealant from a lightning strike upon an aircraft is provided. The apparatus comprises a specimen, a test fixture, and a capacitor. The specimen comprises an electrically non-conductive sealant for an aircraft fuel tank having a cylindrical shape, and an electrically conductive wire centered axially within the sealant. The test fixture secures the specimen during testing. The capacitor is electrically coupled to the test fixture, and simulates a lightning strike upon the aircraft by vaporizing the wire with a current to generate a mechanical shock to the sealant.

Aircraft fuel tanks include a number of sections that are secured together with fasteners. The fasteners and the mating surfaces of the tanks are coated with a sealant to ensure that the fuel tanks do not leak. The sealant also forms a mechanical barrier between the fuel in the tanks and electrical arcing that may arise between the fasteners and the sections of the fuel tank if the aircraft is struck by lightning. However, the electrical arcing that may occur during a lightning strike may generate a mechanical stress on the sealant, which may cause the sealant to crack or break, enabling an arc to ignite the fuel. Therefore, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that testing be performed to ensure that the sealants used in aircraft fuel tanks are capable of withstanding the stress due to lightning strikes on the aircraft.
Current testing methods for aircraft fuel tanks include assembling a sample of the fasteners and panels used for a fuel tank, and applying a high current through the sample. The current generates arcing around the fasteners, which stresses the sealant applied to the fasteners. The samples are then inspected to determine if breaks or cracks in the sealant are present around the fasteners.
The problem with the current testing method is that assembling the sample is expensive and time consuming. Further, it is difficult to reliably reproduce the electrical arcing around the fasteners from one sample to another, or from one fastener to another in the same sample, due to variations in the mechanical interface between the fasteners and the panels.
Therefore, there is a desire to improve the testing of how sealants utilized for aircraft fuel tanks may respond to lightning strikes upon the aircraft.


A super abrasive tool comprises scattered super abrasive grains fixed on a working surface with a bond layer. The bond layer has a flat surface and protrusions. Each protrusion has one grain and the average height from the flat surface to the top of the grain is in a specific range. A process for producing a super abrasive tool comprises forming in a spacer holes having a cylindrical portion having a diameter smaller than the average diameter of grains at the lower face and a portion having a diameter increasing to a specific value at the upper face; placing one grain in each hole; fixing the grains by forming a bond layer on the upper face of the spacer; and removing the spacer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a super abrasive tool and a process for producing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a super abrasive tool which maintains sufficient protrusion of super abrasive grains, causes no releasing of the super abrasive grains nor loading and has excellent cutting ability and a process for producing the same.
2. Description of Related Art
It is preferable that no releasing of abrasive grains takes place in a super abrasive tool. In particular, absolutely no releasing of super abrasive grains is allowed for CMP conditioners used for conditioning of CMP pads. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Heisei 10(1998)-15819, a CMP conditioner in which super abrasive grains protrude from the working surface by heights in the range of 5 to 30% of the average diameter of grains is proposed as the CMP conditioner which can perform dressing of polishing pads for CMP in a short time, has no possibility of releasing of super abrasive grains and provide the polishing pad with excellent flatness. However, since a slurry formed by polishing is not removed sufficiently although releasing of the super abrasive grains can be prevented when the super abrasive grains are embedded deeply, improvement in the removal of the slurry formed by polishing is attempted by forming depressed portions such as slits and dimples or portions having no super abrasive grains on the working surface. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Heisei 12(2000)-153463, a process for producing a CMP conditioner which comprises coating a working surface of a base metal with an adhesive at a plurality of spots separated by a specific distance between each other, temporarily attaching super abrasive grains on the adhesive on the spots and fixing the temporarily attached super abrasive grains by plating is proposed as the process for producing a CMP conditioner which exhibits suppressed abrasion of a polishing pad, maintains the surface in a constant condition and causes little releasing of the super abrasive grains. The removal of the slurry formed by polishing is improved by disposing super abrasive grains in the scattered spots and the sharpness of the CMP conditioner can be improved by decreasing the working number of the super abrasive. However, it is necessary that the depth of the embedded super abrasive grains be increased to prevent releasing of the super abrasive grains.
The present invention has an object of providing a super abrasive tool which maintains sufficient protrusion of super abrasive grains, causes no releasing of the super abrasive grains nor loading and has excellent cutting ability and a process for producing the same.
As the result of intensive studies by the present inventor to achieve the above object, it was found that a super abrasive tool which causes no releasing of the grains, can maintain sufficient protrusion of super abrasive grains and has excellent cutting ability can be obtained by forming protrusions in a bond layer on the working surface of the super abrasive tool, disposing one super abrasive grain at the top of each protrusion and adjusting the average height from the flat surface of the bond layer to the top of the super abrasive grain is in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 times the average diameter of the super abrasive grains. The present invention has been completed based on the knowledge.
The present invention provides:
(1) A super abrasive tool comprising super abrasive grains which are arranged on a working surface in a scattered manner and fixed with a bond layer, wherein the bond layer has protrusions and a flat surface at portions other than the protrusions, one super abrasive grain is disposed at each protrusion and an average height from the flat surface of the bond layer to a top of the super abrasive grain is in a range of 0.3 to 1.5 times an average diameter of the super abrasive grains;
(2) A super abrasive tool described in (1), wherein the protrusion has an average diameter at the flat surface of the bond layer in a range of 1.02 to 4 times the average diameter of the super abrasive grains;
(3) A super abrasive tool described in (1), wherein a height from the flat surface of the bond layer to a top of each super abrasive grain is distributed in a range of 0 to 1.8 times the average diameter of the super abrasive grain;
(4) A super abrasive tool described in (3), wherein super abrasive grains are further disposed on the flat surface of the bond layer;
(5) A super abrasive tool described in (1), which is a CMP conditioner;
(6) A process for producing a super abrasive tool which comprises forming, in a spacer having a thickness in a range of 0.3 to 1.5 times an average diameter of super abrasive grains, holes each having a cylindrical portion which is formed at a lower face of the spacer and has a diameter smaller than the average diameter of super abrasive grains and a portion which is connected to the cylindrical portion and has a diameter continuously increasing from the diameter of the cylindrical portion to a diameter in a range of 1.02 to 4 times the average diameter of super abrasive grains at an upper face of the spacer; placing one super abrasive grain in each hole formed above; fixing the super abrasive grains by forming a bond layer on the upper face of the spacer; and removing the spacer;
(7) A process described in (6), wherein a diameter or a length of the cylindrical portion of the hole formed at the lower face of the spacer is different among the holes;
(8) A process described in (6), wherein cylindrical holes having a same length as the thickness of the spacer are further formed in the spacer and one super abrasive grain is disposed in each of said cylindrical holes; and
(9) A process described in (6), wherein the bond layer is formed on the spacer, which has super abrasive grains placed in a manner such that one super abrasive grain is placed in each hole, by conducting plating after a pressure of a plating fluid at the upper face of the spacer is made higher than a pressure of the plating fluid at the lower face of the spacer in a plating bath.

Super abrasive tool and process for producing the same

Abstract: The super abrasive tool maintains sufficient protrusion of super abrasive grains, causes no releasing of the grains nor loading and has excellent cutting ability.


A injection system having a syringe body which defines a pumping chamber. A syringe plunger is located in the pumping chamber and is adapted for reciprocal motion within the pumping chamber. The syringe plunger includes a capture member projecting outwardly in a proximal direction. An actuating shaft is coupled to the syringe plunger and is movable through the syringe body to control movement of the syringe plunger. The capture member is adapted to flex radially outwardly when contacted by the actuating shaft to form a releasable engagement with the actuating shaft when the actuating shaft and the capture member are in an engagement position. A release actuator is disposed proximal to the syringe body, and the capture member releases the actuating shaft upon engagement with the release actuator.

The present invention relates to angiography and more specifically, injectors used to inject a medical fluid such as radiographic material into living organisms.
One of the major systems in the human body is the circulatory system. The major components of the circulatory system are the heart, blood vessels, and the blood, all of which are vital to the transportation of materials between the external environment and the different cells and tissues of the human body.
The blood vessels are the network of passageways through which the blood travels in the human body. Specifically, arteries carry the oxygenated blood away from the left ventricle of the heart. These arteries are aligned in progressively decreasing diameter and pressure capability from the aorta, which carries the blood immediately out of the heart to other major arteries, to smaller arteries, to arterioles, and finally to tiny capillaries, which feed the cells and tissues of the human body. Similarly, veins carry the oxygen-depleted blood back to the right atrium of the heart using a progressively increasing diameter network of venules and veins.
If the heart chambers, valves, arteries, veins or other capillaries connected thereto are either abnormal (such as from a birth defect), restricted (such as from atherosclerotic plaque buildup), or deteriorating (such as from aneurysm formation), then a physician may need to examine the heart and connected network of vessels. The physician may also need to correct any problems encountered during the examination with a catheter or similar medical instrument.
Angiography is a procedure used in the detection and treatment of abnormalities or restrictions in blood vessels. During angiography, a radiographic image of a vascular structure is obtained by injecting radiographic contrast material through a catheter into a vein or artery. The vascular structures fluidly connected with the vein or artery in which the injection occurred are filled with contrast material. X-rays are passed through the region of the body in which the contrast, material was injected. The X-rays are absorbed by the contrast material, causing a radiographic outline or image of the blood vessel containing the contrast material. The x-ray images of the blood vessels filled with contrast material are usually recorded onto film or videotape and are displayed on a fluoroscope monitor.
Angiography gives the doctor an image of the vascular structures in question. This image may be used solely for diagnostic purposes, or the image may be used during a procedure such as angioplasty where a balloon is inserted into the vascular system and inflated to open a stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaque buildup.
Currently, during angiography, after a physician places a catheter into a vein or artery (by direct insertion into the vessel or through a skin puncture site), the angiographic catheter is connected to either a manual or an automatic contrast injection mechanism.
A simple manual contrast injection mechanism typically has a syringe and a catheter connection. The syringe includes a chamber with a plunger therein. Radiographic contrast material is suctioned into the chamber. Any air is removed by actuating the plunger while the catheter connection is facing upward so that any air, which floats on the radiographic contrast material, is ejected from the chamber into the air. The catheter connection is then attached to a catheter that is positioned in a vein or artery in the patient.
The plunger is manually actuated to eject the radiographic contrast material from the chamber, through the catheter, and into a vein or artery. The user of the manual contrast injection mechanism may adjust the rate and volume of injection by altering the manual actuation force applied to the plunger.
Often, more than one type of fluid injection is desired, such as a saline flush followed by the radiographic contrast material. One of the most common manual injection mechanisms used today includes a valve mechanism which controls which of the fluids will flow into the valving mechanism and out to the catheter within the patient. The valve mechanism contains a plurality of manual valves that the user operates manually to open and close that particular fluid channel. When the user suctions or injects contrast fluid into the chamber, the fluid is pulled from the valve mechanism via the open valves. By changing the valve positions, another fluid may be injected.
These manual injection mechanisms are typically hand actuated. This allows user control over the quantity and pressure of the injection. However, all of the manual systems are only capable of injecting the radiographic contrast material at maximum pressure that can be applied by the human hand (i.e., 150 p.s.i). Also, the quantity of radiographic contrast material is typically limited to a maximum of about 12 cc. Finally, there are no safety limits on these manual contrast injection mechanisms which act to restrict or stop injections that are outside of reasonable parameters (such as rate or pressure) and no active sensors to detect air bubbles or other hazards.
Currently used motorized injection devices consist of a syringe connected to a linear actuator. The linear actuator is connected to a motor, which is controlled electronically. The operator enters into the electronic control a fixed volume of contrast material to be injected at a fixed rate of injection. The fixed rate of injection consists of a specified initial rate of flow increase and a final rate of injection until the entire volume of contrast material is injected. There is no interactive control between the operator and machine, except to start or stop the injection. Any change in flow rate must occur by stopping the machine and resetting the parameters.
The lack of ability to vary the rate of injection during the injection results in suboptimal quality of angiographic studies. This is because the optimal flow rate of injections varies considerably between patients. In the cardiovascular system, the rate and volume of contrast injection is dependent on the size of and blood flow rate within the chamber or blood vessel being injected. In many or most cases, these parameters are not known precisely. Moreover, the optimal rate of injection can change rapidly, as the patient""s condition changes in response to drugs, illness, or normal physiology. Consequently, the initial injection of contrast material may be insufficient in flow rate to outline the structure on x-ray imaging, necessitating another injection. Conversely, an excessive flow rate might injure the chamber or blood vessel being injected, cause the catheter to be displaced (from the jet of contrast material exiting the catheter tip), or lead to toxic effects from contrast overdose (such as abnormal heart rhythm).
Furthermore, the linear actuator is usually connected to the plunger by a xe2x80x9csnap fitxe2x80x9d arrangement wherein automatic engagement and disengagement of the plunger with the linear actuator is desirable to prevent contamination of the pumping chamber of the syringe and to simplify the operation of the injection system. In some situations, it is desirable to damage or destroy the connection portion of the plunger to prevent reuse of the syringe. As a result, particulates may remain in the connection area and cause problems during subsequent interconnections.
Another problem often encountered when providing a syringe plunger arrangement which automatically engages and disengages with the linear actuator is that the force necessary for engagement is too high, while the force necessary for disengagement is too low. With such an arrangement, it may be difficult to maintain the plunger in a fixed position relative to the pumping chamber because the plunger may be driven forward during the engagement procedure, and it may be difficult to maintain the plunger in an engaged position with the linear actuator when the linear actuator is retracted.
At present, the operator can choose between two systems for injecting contrast material: a manual injection system which allows for a variable, operator interactive flow rate of limited flow rate and a preprogrammed motorized system without operator interactive feedback (other than the operator can start/stop the procedure).
The present invention provides a number of devices and methods for releasably connecting a syringe plunger to a drive member of an angiographic injector of a type having a syringe holder. A syringe includes a syringe body having a distal end and a proximal end, and the syringe body defines a pumping chamber. The syringe plunger is located in the pumping chamber and is adapted for reciprocal motion. An actuating shaft is coupled to the syringe plunger and is movable through the syringe body to control movement.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a syringe plunger includes a capture member projecting outwardly in a proximal direction, while an actuating shaft includes a circumferential groove. A latch is disposed on an inner surface of the capture member, and a finger extends radially outwardly from the capture member. During the connecting procedure, the actuating shaft is driven forward to contact the syringe plunger, and the capture member flexes radially outwardly and engages with the circumferential groove to form a releasable connection. A release actuator is disposed proximal to the syringe body. The release actuator may be a plate defining an aperture for allowing manipulation of the syringe plunger. During the disconnecting procedure, the syringe plunger is retracted such that the finger abuts against an inner surface of the plate and causes the capture member to flex radially outwardly. The latch disengages with the circumferential groove and the syringe is disconnected from the actuating shaft. In the exemplary embodiment, the capture members are designed to permanently deform during the disconnecting procedure to ensure that the syringe is disposed of after use with one patient and not accidentally re-used on a new, different patient.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a syringe plunger includes a circumferential groove, and an actuating shaft includes a pivot member for capturing the syringe plunger. The pivot member is disposed at a distal portion of an actuating shaft. A distal portion of the pivot member includes a latch projecting outwardly from an inner surface thereof, and a proximal portion of the pivot member includes a ramped lug projecting outwardly from an outer surface thereof. A release actuator may be a plate located proximal to the syringe body defining an aperture for allowing manipulation of the syringe plunger. During the connecting procedure, the actuating shaft is driven forward to contact the syringe plunger, the distal portion of the pivot member projects radially outwardly, and the latch engages with the circumferential groove to form a releasable connection. During the disconnecting procedure, the syringe plunger is retracted such that the ramped lug slidingly engages with a sidewall of the aperture. The proximal end of the pivot member is driven radially inwardly and the distal end of the pivot member is projected radially outwardly such that the latch disengages with the circumferential groove.
In another embodiment, a syringe plunger is magnetically connected to an actuating shaft. The syringe plunger includes a first insert comprising a ferrous metal, permanent magnet, or electromagnet, while the actuating shaft includes a second insert comprising a ferrous metal, permanent magnet, or electromagnet. Any combination of ferrous metal, permanent magnet or electromagnet may be used when configuring the first and second insert as long as a permanent magnet or electromagnet is included in one of the inserts. During the connecting procedure, the actuating shaft is driven forward to contact the syringe plunger, and the syringe plunger remains magnetically attached to the actuating shaft. One of the benefits of utilizing a magnetic syringe plunger arrangement is that a xe2x80x9czeroxe2x80x9d engagement force is required. As described in the previous embodiment, a release actuator is disposed proximal to the syringe body. The release actuator may be a plate located proximal to the syringe body, and the plate defines an aperture for allowing manipulation of the syringe plunger. The syringe plunger further includes a base having an outer diameter larger than the aperture of the plate. During the disconnecting procedure, the syringe plunger is retracted until the base abuts against an inner surface of the plate. Upon further retraction, the plunger disengages from the actuating shaft.
In another embodiment, a syringe plunger is attached to an actuator having a split collet actuator head. The syringe plunger includes a plunger support member having a receiving aperture formed therein, and at least one retaining member located thereon. The split collet actuator head comprises an alignment shaft positioned between a first collet member and a second collet member. The individual collet members have flange portions formed thereon. Biasing members are positioned between the first and second collet members and bias the collet members outwardly. During the connecting procedure, the actuating shaft is driven forward to contact the syringe plunger, wherein the first and second collet members are forced inwardly. Thereafter, the at least one retaining member engages the individual flange members formed on the collet members and the biasing members force the first and second collet members outwardly. Thereafter, the syringe plunger is coupled to the actuating shaft.
To detach the syringe plunger from the actuator the actuator is retracted to a position proximal the rear plate of the syringe holder assembly. During the retraction procedure, the detachment members located on the first and second collet members are caused to engage the rear plate of the syringe holder assembly. As a result, the first and second collet members are forced inwardly and the at least one retaining member disengages the flange portion. Upon further retraction, the plunger disengages from the actuating shaft.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and from the accompanying descriptions.