A method for operating an electric motor when at a rotational speed below or above a predetermined limit value. The method involves operating an electric motor that has a stator and a rotor, wherein the stator or the rotor has at least three segments each having at least one electromagnetic element. The method includes simultaneously de-energizing all electromagnetic elements of all segments while the rotor rotates, measuring an electrical quantity induced in the electromagnetic elements, in particular an induced voltage, for each segment, and determining a rotor position of the rotor in relation to the stator from the measured electrical quantities. An electrical current can be supplied to the electromagnetic elements such that a segment magnetic field is formed to provide a segment torque to the rotor. The intensity of the electrical current depends on a segment position of the rotor in relation to the segment.

Such electric motors have been known for a long time from the prior art and they are used in very different fields and with very different dimensions. By way of example, electric motors are used to drive streetcars or subways, but also to drive e.g. an artificial heart or a prosthesis.
Here, the functional principle is always the same. In one embodiment of such an electric motor, the stator, i.e. the stationary component, has at least three segments which each have an electromagnet. A current can be applied to these electromagnets separately from one another such that different magnetic fields with different orientations and strengths can be generated in the three segments. Here, the stator has, for example, a round embodiment with a central opening. Situated therein is the rotor, which is present e.g. in the form of a permanent magnet. If an electric current is now applied to some of the electromagnetic elements, the magnetic field is generated, said magnetic field interacting with a magnetic field of the rotor and transferring a torque to the rotor such that the latter starts to rotate. Here, the magnitude and the direction of the torque depend on the directions of the magnetic field lines in the mutually interacting magnetic fields. What can be achieved by skillful switching of the currents which flow through the various electromagnets of the stator is that a torque always acts on the rotor in one direction such that the rotor of the electric motor is kept in motion. Naturally, it is also possible to arrange the rotor outside of the stator or to provide the rotor with electromagnets. It is also possible to embody rotor and stator in the form of electromagnets.
In order to be able to operate such an electric motor in the most ideal manner, it is necessary to ensure that the torque applied to the rotor by the interaction of the various magnetic fields is as large as possible. In order to be able to ensure this, it is necessary to know the position of the rotor relative to the stator in order to know and to be able to exploit the angle relationships between the interacting magnetic fields in the best possible way.
Therefore, DE 196 45 998 A1, for example, has disclosed an artificial heart arrangement with an electric motor, in which, when the electric motor stands still, the position of the rotor relative to the stator can be established. To this end, an electric current is applied to the different segments and the electromagnetic elements situated therein and the inductances are subsequently measured. From this, it is possible to draw conclusions about the orientation of the rotor relative to the stator.
If the electric motor is operated with a constant rotational speed or rate of rotation, knowledge about this rate of rotation and the one-time determination of the position of the rotor relative to the stator are sufficient to ensure an ideal operation of the electric motor. However, particularly in the case where the rotational speed or the rate of rotation are not constant, for example because the electric motor is currently being started up or the rate of rotation depends on the load, an ideal operation of the electric motor is not possible from a one-time determination of the position of the rotor relative to the stator. In this case, the respective position of the rotor needs to be determined during operation as well.
The prior art has disclosed electric motors which achieve this by way of special sensors, e.g. Hall sensors. A disadvantage thereof is that the number of components for such an electric motor greatly increases as a result thereof and, moreover, each one of the sensors requires dedicated cabling and a dedicated power supply such that the production outlay for such electric motors greatly increases.
The prior art has disclosed sensor-less electric motors, in which the position of the rotor can be determined without additional sensors. Here, the electric motor is operated in such a way that at least one of the segments is always operated in a de-energized manner. This means that current only flows through the respective other electromagnets and so only these can build up a magnetic field which transfers a torque to the rotor. The electromagnetic element in the respective third segment is used as a sensor or measurement instrument, with a measurement relating to how large an induced electric voltage is being carried out in this element. Here, the segment operated in a de-energized manner is the segment in which this induced electric variable has a zero crossing. By determining this zero crossing, it is possible, at least theoretically, to determine the position and the time at which this position was assumed. Disadvantages of this method include, firstly, that at least one of the segments cannot transfer a torque onto the rotor in each case and, secondly, that the determination of a zero crossing can be afflicted by significant measurement errors, particularly in the case of a slow rate of rotation.
DE 10 2008 059 052 A1 and DE 198 46 831 A1 have disclosed methods by means of which the rotor position of an electric motor is determinable without a separate sensor.


An electric connector comprising connecting means between a connector plug body and lock which are adapted to brake the rotation of the lock in the unscrewing direction with a force greater than the force braking the lock in the direction of screwing of the latter.

There is known an electric connector of the kind comprising a base flange, a plug and a bolt or lock mounted onto the plug body for making the plug fast with the base flange through screwing. Connecting means are provided between the plug body and the bolt or lock to brake the rotation of the lock in either direction with respect to the plug body. These connecting means are in particular adapted to prevent the lock from being loosened or unscrewed from the base flange body due to outer vibrations transmitted to the electric connector. The connecting means consist of splines arranged on the periphery of an annular portion of the plug body and extending in parallel relation to the longitudinal center line axis of this body and of a number of resilient metal strips or tongues secured in angularly equidistant relationship to an inner cylindrical wall of the lock and comprising each one a boss engaging the spaces between adjacent splines.
Such braking means however offer little resistance in particular to loosening or unscrewing of the lock from the base flange body and are therefore practically ineffective.
Moreover the fastening of the tongues or strips of the braking means to the lock body is not convenient and thus does not facilitate their replacement in case of defectiveness thereof.


A gasification quench chamber dip tube component is disclosed. The dip tube includes an elongate hollow element that has a first intake end and a second discharge end that is located distally opposite the intake end. The second discharge end includes either a plurality of elongate openings that are displaced circumferentially around the hollow element or a plurality of elongate elements displaced circumferentially around the hollow element thereby defining a plurality of elongate spaces therebetween that extend axially from the second discharge end. A quench chamber that employs the dip tube is also disclosed.

The invention relates generally to gasifiers, and more particularly to a quench chamber assembly for a gasifier and a dip tube positioned therein.
In a normal coal gasification process, wherein a particulated carbonaceous fuel such as coal or coke or a carbonaceous gas is burned, the process is carried out at relatively hot temperatures and high pressures in a combustion chamber. When injected fuel is burned or partially burned in the combustion chamber, an effluent is discharged through a port at a lower end of the combustion chamber to a quench chamber disposed downstream of the combustion chamber. The quench chamber contains a liquid coolant such as water. The effluent from the combustion chamber is contacted with the liquid coolant in the quench chamber, so as to reduce the temperature of the effluent.
When the fuel is a solid such as coal or coke, the gasifier arrangement permits a solid portion of the effluent, in the form of ash, to be retained in the liquid pool of the quench chamber, and subsequently to be discharged as slag slurry. A gaseous component of the effluent is discharged from the quench chamber for further processing.
A general trend in gasification systems is towards larger gasification components so as to increase throughput. Increasing the amount of syngas produced calls for the increase in size of each system component. With this concomitant increase in component size, one area of interest is the dynamic behavior of water in the quench chamber in conjunction with the gas flow resulting in syngas flow, pressure, and level fluctuations.
There is a need for an improved quench chamber assembly that improves on fluid dynamics of current quench chamber designs including the dip tube therein.


An antenna assembly for use in a tile architecture antenna system. The antenna assembly comprises: i) a first substrate layer having a first surface; ii) a first antenna disposed in an X-Y plane on the first surface of the first substrate layer; iii) a second substrate layer having a first surface, the second substrate layer displaced in the Z-direction with respect to the X-Y plane on the first surface of the first substrate layer; and iv) a first tuning balun disposed on the first surface of the second substrate layer and coupled to the first antenna by means of a first feed via. The antenna assembly further comprises a first transmission line disposed on the first surface of the second substrate layer. The first transmission line is coupled to the first antenna by means of a second feed via.

Current advanced radar systems favor highly integrated designs in order to reduce cost and to aid in the manufacturability of complex systems. As a result, tile architecture antenna designs are highly desirable implementations. However, one drawback to tile architecture antenna designs is the bandwidth of such antennas. Another drawback is that driving a tile architecture antenna with a differential signal from an integrated circuit (IC) requires a single-ended to double-ended balun. Most antennas in tile architectures require a considerable height or length in the "Z" direction to provide the required bandwidth. This inherently limits the integration of a tile architecture antenna design into multiple components: 1) the antenna, 2) the balun, and 3) the electronics.
Low profile wideband antennas are commonly desired for conformal and highly integrated antenna designs. Most wideband antennas (e.g., notch antenna, Vivaldi antenna) require some amount of height in the Z-direction in order to provide the necessary bandwidth. So called "bowtie" antennas are also able to provide a large amount of bandwidth and may require less height in the Z-direction. But, in order to be used in a practical array, these bowtie antennas require a ground plane in order to direct radiation in one hemisphere. This requires that the bowtie antenna be a quarter wavelength (λ/4) from the ground plane. This requirement severely limits the bandwidth.
There are limited options for planar antenna designs with wide bandwidth that can be fabricated with a simple printed circuit board (PCB) process. One solution that is not planar and involves an extended fabrication process is the vivaldi "egg crate" array. However, this requires a complex interface to the radio frequency (RF) electronics to sum array elements in cross dimensions or to add dual polarization capability. Also, the required height in the Z-direction to obtain broadband performance prevents a low profile solution necessary for many applications. Implementations like the vivaldi with antenna designs that require card like interfaces are difficult to integrate and fabricate. At some point, the antenna design must transition to a planar substrate and this complicates integration by requiring the manufacturing process to join two or more physically separated sections.
If the antenna were itself planar and made using traditional PCB manufacturing processes, this would allow for a highly integrated design that is simple to fabricate and manufacture. Prior art publications have disclosed that placing a bowtie antenna over an electromagnetic band gap (EBG) material allows for the bowtie antenna to keep its impedance bandwidth while preserving the pattern performance in that band. But, while the EBG material satisfies the Z (height) condition, the additional requirement of needing a balun adds complications to the design. Baluns proposed in conventional designs require micro-strip Wilkinson designs or twin lead transmission lines along the Z-direction of the substrate.
Also, given a tightly packed array, a planar solution for a balun is not always possible. Currently, the industry solution is to develop a planar balun and then orient the balun perpendicular to the dipole in order to feed it. However, this creates considerable mechanical issues and may cause reliability and repeatability issues. PCB-mounted differential antennas need an integrated balun that conforms to current PCB processes and leaves a small footprint in order to allow for maximum area to accommodate multiple traces and components.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved antenna designs. In particular, there is a need for improved planar antenna systems that may be implemented using an antenna tile architecture.

Low profile wideband planar antenna element with integrated baluns


A transmission unit for a hybrid motor vehicle, has a planetary gearing. The planetary gearing is fitted with a first planetary wheel set and a second planetary wheel set. The transmission unit also includes an electric machine, which is coupled with a component part of the planetary gearing, and a plurality of switching devices, each of which forming a brake or a clutch, and each being movable between an activated position and a deactivated position. The switching devices are operatively installed for switching various transmission ratios between an input, which can be coupled with an internal combustion engine, and an output, and/or between the electric machine and the output. No more than four switching devices are present for implementing at least two different transmission ratios in a drive state of the internal combustion engine, at least one transmission ratio in a drive state of the electric machine, and at least one transmission ratio in a recuperation state of the electric machine, as a result of their activated and deactivated positions.

Various generic designs of hybrid transmissions have already been implemented from the prior art. For example, US 2012/0122622 A1 discloses a hybrid transmission having an input element, an output element and a single motor/generator.
Furthermore, EP 2 146 855 B1 also discloses a hybrid drive system for a vehicle. DE 10 2016 224 458 A1 implements a motor vehicle transmission with planetary wheel sets with the same stationary static ratio. Further prior art is known from JP 6331058 B2.

Hybrid transmission unit having two planetary wheel sets and a plurality of switching devices; and motor vehicle


A transfer line for conveying the column effluent from a gas chromatograph to an ion source of a mass spectrometer has a transfer line body and a mechanism for moving the transfer line body either towards or away from the mass spectrometer. A gas seal between the housing of the mass spectrometer and the transfer line body prevents vacuum leak when the transfer line body is moved. In one embodiment, the transfer line body outer periphery is threaded and a hand wheel engages the transfer line body threads via complementary threads in order to move the body. When the transfer line is moved towards the mass spectrometer, the body presses an ion source, which is not rigidly fixed to the housing of the mass spectrometer, into a recess seat of the housing, and aligns the ion source in an operating position.

The invention relates to a heated gas sample transfer line from a gas chromatograph (GC) to an ion source of a mass spectrometer (MS). Various combinations for coupling of gas chromatographs (GC) with mass spectrometers (MS) are known in the art. In the GC, samples are injected onto a GC column through an injection port and become separated while passing through the GC column. The effluent of the GC column is conveyed from the GC oven to the ion source of the MS within a column extension of a transfer line. In the ion source, the sample molecules are ionized, for example by electron impact or chemical ionization, before being analyzed according to their mass-to-charge ratios.
During the transfer of the effluent from the GC column oven to the ion source, it is necessary to maintain a uniform temperature along the column extension. If a significant temperature gradient exists so that the temperature varies at different points along the column extension, cold spots may occur to cause condensation from the gas phase of the sample so that it will either not be passed through to the MS or will exhibit excessive chromatographic peak broadening or peak tailing. On the other hand, hot spots that appear may cause some compounds to degrade thermally with a resultant change in their chemical structure. Similar effects can occur even if the transfer line is at uniform temperature if the temperature of the transfer line is either too cold or too hot during the elution of any given chemical compound. Additionally, excessive temperatures of transfer line can lead to elevated "chemical noise" and lower signal-to-noise ratio for any given analytical results. Temperature variations along the length of the transfer line of +/−10° Celsius are generally acceptable, although variations of less than +/−5° Celsius are required in some applications.
Usually, GC-MS transfer lines are rigidly attached to the housing of the mass spectrometer and provide a uniform temperature environment on the column extension when column effluents are conveyed through the walls of the GC oven and the mass spectrometer into the ion source.
MS ion sources have to be cleaned in regular periods, or the filaments for electron generation have to be replaced. For these maintenance operations, the ion sources have to be taken out of the MS housing. Generally, they are mounted with fasteners that are sometimes hard to access, require clean tools and potentially can be lost inside the instrument. In addition, the column extension has to be removed from the transfer line, and the transfer line has to be disconnected from the ion source, always with a risk to damage the GC column or the column extension, respectively.

Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer transfer line


A system with a three phase superconductive electrical transmission element is indicated, in which three superconductive electrical phase conductors are arranged insulated relative to each other and concentrically relative to each other, and in which a thermally insulated tubular cryostat is arranged which has a free space for conducting a cooling medium therethrough. The transmission element has at least two identically constructed cables (K1, K2), each of which has three electrical phase conductors (L1, L2, L3) which are insulated relative to each other and arranged concentrically relative to each other. The phase conductors (L1, L2, L3) of the two cables (K1, K2) are electrically switched in parallel in such a way that always one phase conductor of the one cable is connected to the phase conductor of the other cable.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a system with a three phase superconductive electrical transmission element, in which three superconductive electrical phase conductors are insulated relative to each other and concentrically arranged relative to each other, and which is arranged in a thermally insulated tubular cryostat which has a free space for passage of a cooling medium therethrough (WO 2004/013868 A2).
2. Description of the Related Art
Superconductive cables have in today's technology electrical conductors of a composite material which contains ceramic material which at sufficiently low temperatures changes over into the superconductive state. The electrical direct current resistance of an appropriately constructed conductor is zero with sufficient cooling as long as a certain voltage is not exceeded. Suitable ceramic materials are, for example, BSCCO (bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper oxide) as a material of the first generation or ReBCO (rare earth-barium-copper oxide), particularly YBCO (yttrium-barium-copper oxide), as materials of the second generation. Sufficiently low temperatures for placing such a material into the superconductive state are, for example, between 67K and 90K. Suitable cooling agents are, for example, nitrogen, helium, neon, and hydrogen or mixtures of these materials.
The known system according to the above mentioned. WO 2004/013868A2 has as the transmission element a superconductive electrical cable in which three phase conductors are arranged insulated relative to each other and concentrically relative to each other. With the inclusion of a further insulating layer, a neutral conductor is additionally placed as the fourth conductor around the three phase conductors. The compact arrangement with four conductors of superconductive material is placed in a cryostat and, during operation of the transmission system, is cooled in order to achieve the superconductivity. The individual phase conductors consist of several layers of superconductive bands. The number of bands, and thus, the conductor cross-sections, depend on the power to be transmitted.

System with a three phase superconductive electrical transmission element


The present invention provides a white light LED package structure and a white light source system, which includes a substrate, an LED chip, and a wavelength conversion material layer. The peak emission wavelength of the LED chip is between 400 nm and 425 nm; the peak emission wavelength of the wavelength conversion material layer is between 440 nm and 700 nm, and the wavelength conversion material layer absorbs light emitted from the LED chip and emits a white light source; and the emission spectrum of the white light source is set as P(λ), the emission spectrum of a blackbody radiation having the same color temperature as the white light source is S(λ), P(λmax) is the maximum light intensity within 380-780 nm, S(λmax) is the maximum light intensity of the blackbody radiation within 380-780 nm, D(λ) is a difference between the spectrum of the white light LED and the spectrum of the blackbody radiation, and within 510-610 nm, the white light source satisfies: D(λ)=P(λ)/P(λmax)−S(W)/S(λmax), −0.15<D(λ)<0.15.

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a solid semiconductor light-emitting device. Existing LED light-emitting devices generally use blue LEDs to excite green, yellow, and red phosphors to obtain mixed white light. However, due to the discontinuity of this white light spectrum, some color rendering indexes are lower than 90. In addition, the white light LEDs produced by the existing blue chips have obvious blue light hazards, causing widespread debate among the industry and consumers.
The use of a ultraviolet chip or a near-ultraviolet chip to excite RGB three-color phosphors can achieve a continuous spectrum similar to a solar spectrum. However, at this stage, ultraviolet chips or near-ultraviolet chips have poor antistatic capabilities than blue chips, and usually need to install additional ESD-resistant electronic elements, but the additional ESD-resistant electronic elements need increasing the volume of a package and affect the light emitting structure.

White light LED package structure and white light source system

XIAMEN SANAN OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A method of generating high power optical signals in the 1-100 GHz frequency range uses a frequency modulated semiconductor laser and an interferometer. This method is especially useful for microwave carrier frequency optical communications, distribution of microwave frequency local oscillator signals, and the generation of sinusoidal optical modulation at frequencies that cannot be reached by direct modulation in semiconductor lasers or with external module lasers.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to methods of generating optical signals, and, in particular, to methods of efficient generation of microwave frequency (greater than 10 GHz) optical signals using semiconductor lasers for use in optical communication systems, signal processing, radar systems, and RF component testing. Accordingly, it is a general object of this invention to provide new and improved methods of such character.
2. General Background
It is desired to develop optical communications systems and optical modulation methods that will operate in mm wave (greater than 10 GHz) frequency range using semiconductor lasers. The advantages of using optical fibers rather than metal waveguides for distributing microwave signals is well known. For example, optical fibers offer the advantages of low cost, low attenuation, reduced size and weight, and freedom from electromagnetic interference.
While optical detectors with bandwidths .gtorsim.100 GHz have been fabricated, directly modulated semiconductor lasers or waveguide modulators are limited to frequencies .ltorsim.25 GHz. For example, high speed InGaAs detectors with bandwidths of 60 GHz have been reported by J. E. Bowers, C. A. Burrus and F. Mitschke, Electron. Lett. 22, 633 (1986). High speed GaAs detectors with bandwidths of 100 GHz have been reported by S. Y. Wang and D. M. Bloom, Electron. Lett. 19, pp. 554-555. The highest small signal bandwidth achieved at room temperature for a directly modulated semiconductor laser or external cavity traveling wave modulator is 22 GHz (R. Olshansky et al., Electronics Letters 23 pp. 839-841 (1987)) and 25 GHz, according to S. K. Korotky, G. Eisenstein, R. S. Tucker, J. J. Veselka, and G. Raybon, Paper FB4, Topical Meeting on Picosecond Electronics and Optoelectronics, Lake Tahoe, Nev. (1987). It appears that much improvement in semiconductor laser or integrated optic technology is required before devices can be developed with sufficient bandwidth and high power for modulation at the higher frequencies, such as at 35, 44, 60, and 90 GHz, which are of interest for many microwave and military applications (i.e., satellite communications, phased array radar, etc.).

System for transmitting information on interferometrically generated optical carriers


Provided is a safety scanner capable of facilitating an analysis of a sensing factor at the time of sensing an intruder. The safety scanner includes a monitoring image generation section that generates a monitoring image for monitoring a protection area, a sensing history storage section that stores a position and a sensing time of a sensed intruder and the monitoring image corresponding to the sensing time or a plurality of distance measurement information items obtained within a scanning period corresponding to the sensing time in association with each other as a sensing history, and a sensing history transmission section that transmits the sensing history in accordance with a history request from an external device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a safety scanner, an optical safety system, and a setting support device for a safety scanner, and, more particularly, to an improvement of an optical safety system that receives reflected light from an object to sense an intruder within a protection area.
2. Description of Related Art
An area monitoring sensor is a safety device which senses an intruder such as a person intruded into a protection area and outputs a safety control signal for emergently stopping a machine tool or an industrial robot (e.g., JP 2009-296087 A and JP 2009-294734 A).
For example, a safety scanner is an optical area monitoring sensor provided with a light emitting part which emits detection light toward an object, a light receiving part which receives reflected light from the object and generates a light receiving signal, a distance calculation part which obtains a distance to the object on the basis of the light receiving signal, and a scanning part which causes the detection light to perform scanning in the circumferential direction around a rotation axis. Sensing of an intruder is performed by identifying the position of an object from the distance to the object and a scanning angle of the detection light and checking the identified position against a protection area.
In a conventional safety scanner as described above, a position and a sensing time of a sensed intruder are recorded as a sensing history. It is possible to identify when and where the intruder has been sensed by analyzing the sensing history. However, disadvantageously, a state around the intruder cannot be grasped from such a sensing history. In particular, disadvantageously, a state before the time of sensing of the intruder and a state after the sensing time are uncertain, and it is difficult to identify what kind of intruder has intruded into the protection area and how the intruder has intruded into the protection area, or identify whether or not the intruder sensing is temporary sensing. Further, it is difficult to perform an analysis of a sensing factor such as whether or not the intruder sensing is caused by a positional deviation at the time of installation of the safety scanner or caused by setting error of the protection area.
For example, when the safety scanner is provided with a camera which captures an image of the protection area, a terminal device such as a personal computer may be connected to the safety scanner, and an image captured by the camera may be recorded by the terminal device. In the terminal device, an image at the time of sensing an intruder can be monitored. However, in a configuration that constantly records an image captured by the camera, it is extremely troublesome to find an image at the time of sensing an intruder from a huge amount of recorded data.

Safety scanner, optical safety system, and setting support device for safety scanner


A fuel injector includes a frame and a pair of fuel injection bodies coupled to the frame. The frame has interior sides that define an opening for passage of a first fluid. Inlet flow paths for the first fluid are defined at least between the interior sides of the frame and the respective fuel injection bodies. Each fuel injection body defines a fuel plenum and includes at least one fuel injection surface that defines a plurality of fuel injection holes in communication with the fuel plenum. An outlet member is located downstream of, and in fluid communication, with the inlet flow paths. The outlet member is configured to produce discrete outlet flow paths exiting the outlet member via struts, flow diverters, and/or separate outlet members.

At least some known gas turbine assemblies include a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. Gas (e.g., ambient air) flows through the compressor, where the gas is compressed before delivery to one or more combustors. In each combustor, the compressed air is combined with fuel and ignited to generate combustion gases. The combustion gases are channeled from each combustor to and through the turbine, thereby driving the turbine, which, in turn, powers an electrical generator coupled to the turbine. The turbine may also drive the compressor by means of a common shaft or rotor.
In some combustors, the generation of combustion gases occurs at two, axially spaced stages. Such combustors are referred to herein as including an "axial fuel staging" (AFS) system, which delivers fuel and an oxidant to one or more downstream fuel injectors. In a combustor with an AFS system, a primary fuel nozzle at an upstream end of the combustor injects fuel and air (or a fuel/air mixture) in an axial direction into a primary combustion zone, and an AFS fuel injector located at a position downstream of the primary fuel nozzle injects fuel and air (or a second fuel/air mixture) in a radial direction into a secondary combustion zone downstream of the primary combustion zone. In some cases, it is desirable to introduce the fuel and air into the secondary combustion zone as a mixture. Therefore, the mixing capability of the AFS injector influences the overall operating efficiency and/or emissions of the gas turbine.

Fuel injectors with multiple outlet slots for use in gas turbine combustor


Disclosed is a method of operating a Portable Cargo Panel (PCP) for an aircraft, including: detecting a gesture on a display of the PCP; determining that the gesture is a command to view on the display a first cargo compartment; securing a wireless connection with the first control panel therein; receiving, from the first control panel, a health state of each of a plurality of Cargo Handling Units (CHUs) therein; displaying, on the display, the first cargo compartment with the plurality of CHUs and the operational state of the plurality of CHUs; controlling one or more of the CHUs in the first cargo compartment by transmitting, to the first control panel, a command to: run a diagnostic test against the one or more of the plurality of CHUs; or control the plurality of CHUs to move a Unit Load Device (ULD) into, within or out of the first cargo compartment.

The disclosed embodiments relate to a cargo handling system (CHS) and more specifically to a CHS with a portable cargo panel (PCP).
Cargo handling systems for aircraft help move cargo through an aircraft fuselage. In current aircraft cargo handling systems, loading and unloading of cargo holding Unit Load Devices (ULDs) in various cargo compartments is controlled through various fixed wall mounted local control panels distributed about the aircraft and one or more master control panels and master display units.

Method of handling aircraft cargo from a portable panel


Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to imaging devices and indicia reading devices. An imaging apparatus comprises an image sensor, an optical window positioned in front of the image sensor and a light source enclosing a perimeter of the optical window such that an illumination cone of the light source overlaps a portion of a near field of view cone of the imaging apparatus. The portion of the near field of view cone extends from a surface of the optical window to a threshold distance from the optical window. The light source is configured to produce a first illumination along a first direction extending towards a scene to be imaged.

Imaging devices and systems have found application in areas that are more sophisticated and advanced than mere photography. There has been a constant demand for improvement in the imaging capabilities of these devices and systems to fit support the new capabilities. Due to addition of more and more components supporting new capabilities, the interference between components increases. However, most of the solutions aimed at reducing the inter-component interference result in jeopardizing performance and/or other capability of the imaging devices. In some application areas, the imaging device may be rendered ineffective with such compromised capabilities thereby reducing the versatility of applications where the imaging device may be usable.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for imaging using a dual-purpose illuminator


One nanostructured actuator embodiment includes an actuation region between electrical contacts. The actuation region includes an elastic matrix with embedded nanocomposite layered structures, which have inorganic material layers with pillared organic material structures between the inorganic material layers responsive to the surface acidity of the inorganic material layers. The elastic matrix allows transport of species for changing the surface acidity. A separator region is between the electrical contacts. A proton generation region capable of reversible electrochemical production and elimination of protons is provided, which may be a hydrogen storage material located on a side of the separator region opposite the actuation region, which may include metal hydride, or metal hydroxide. Alternatively, it may include an electrolytic solution and conductive particles within the elastic matrix for in situ electrochemical generation of an acid/base. The conductive particles may include carbon nanotubes, metal fibers, and/or metal nanoparticles. The nanocomposite structures may be generally aligned with a direction of work in the elastic matrix.

Solid state actuators can provide small scale precision positioning capabilities. Solid state actuators are expected to be useful in many industries including aerospace, space, automotive, mobile phone, next generation armed forces concepts, as well as many others.
The reversible actuation mechanism of traditional materials such as shape memory alloy (NiTi), piezoelectric materials, magnetostrictive materials, and electroactive polymers actuation typically have limited strain output and/or stress. This limits the types of applications in which solid state actuators can be used. What is needed is improved solid state actuators that provide high energy density and support large strain output.

Layered inorganic with pillared organic nanocomposite actuators


Contaminants in spent nitric-sulfuric nitration acid can be removed by mixing the spent acid with urea and heating to 75.degree.-150.degree. C. Off-gas from the spent acid/urea reaction is passed through a Group IB, VB, VIB or VIII metal containing catalyst to decompose nitrous oxides and the so-treated off-gas is contacted with spent acid, denitrated spent acid, or fresh sulfuric acid, and optionally air (i.e. oxygen), to absorb oxides of nitrogen. The spent acid scrubbing fluid is then subjected to the same process for removing contaminants.

Aromatic hydrocarbons and aliphatic hydroxy compounds are routinely nitrated to form nitroaromatics and aliphatic nitrates using a mixed sulfuric/nitric nitration acid. Examples of the nitration products are trinitrotoluene, dinitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, nitroglycerin, butyl nitrate, amyl nitrate, hexyl nitrate, octylnitrate and the like. Nitration acids used in the nitration contain at least 65 weight percent H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and about 1-20 weight percent HNO.sub.3. For example, a mixed acid containing 20 weight percent HNO.sub.3 and 68 weight percent H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is a very effective nitration acid. When desired even higher H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 concentrations can be used including mixtures of oleum and nitric acid. Such nitration processes are well-known.
All of the nitration processes result in a spent nitration acid containing the initial H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and water and additional water formed in the nitration. The spent acid also contains residual nitric acid and usually small amounts of nitrous acid. Because of the nitrogen acid contamination, the spent acid presents a severe disposal problem. If these contaminants are removed there are numerous commercial uses for the resulting sulfuric acid.


A method of controlling a connection between a user terminal and an access node connected to a communication network is provided. The user terminal establishes a data connection with the access node, periodically generates a message at predetermined intervals and transmits the periodic message to at least one network node via the access node over the communication network. Responses to the periodic messages are received from the at least one network node. The responses are analysed to determine whether to terminate the connection to the access node, and in the case that the connection to the access node should be terminated, a disconnect message is transmitted to the access node from the user terminal.

Packet-based communication systems allow the user of a device, such as a personal computer, to communicate across a computer network such as the Internet. Packet-based communication systems include voice over internet protocol ("VoIP") communication systems. These systems are beneficial to the user as they are often of significantly lower cost than fixed line or mobile networks. This may particularly be the case for long-distance communication. To use a VoIP system, the user must install and execute client software on their device. The client software provides the VoIP connections as well as other functions such as registration and authentication. In addition to voice communication, the client may also provide further features such as video calling, instant messaging ("IM"), SMS messaging, and voicemail.
One type of packet-based communication system uses a peer-to-peer ("P2P") topology built on proprietary protocols. To enable access to a peer-to-peer system, the user must execute P2P client software provided by a P2P software provider on their computer, and register with the P2P system. When the user registers with the P2P system the client software is provided with a digital certificate from a server. Once the client software has been provided with the certificate, communication can subsequently be set up and routed between users of the P2P system without the further use of a server. In particular, the users can establish their own communication routes through the P2P system based on the exchange of one or more digital certificates (or user identity certificates, "UIC"), which enable access to the P2P system. The exchange of the digital certificates between users provides proof of the users' identities and that they are suitably authorised and authenticated in the P2P system. Therefore, the presentation of digital certificates provides trust in the identity of the user. It is therefore a characteristic of peer-to-peer communication that the communication is not routed using a server but directly from end-user to end-user. Further details on such a P2P system are disclosed in WO 2005/009019.
A problem with packet-based communication systems is that a reliable connection to the internet with a sufficient bandwidth is required. Whilst this is generally not a problem when the user is at a known, fixed location (such as their home), this can be particularly problematic when the user is travelling. Wireless internet hotspots, provided by wireless local area network ("WLAN") access points and appropriate hotspot software, are widely available for use by users when travelling. These are often available in public areas such as airports, cafes and stations. However, these hotspots are frequently not open and access is restricted and secured. These hotspots require the user to obtain login credentials from the hotspot operator in return for payment.
A protocol such as the Wireless Internet Service Provider roaming ("WISPr") protocol can be used for accessing the hotspot. When the WISPr protocol is used, a user attempting to connect to the internet using a restricted-access hotspot is redirected to a login server of the operator of the hotspot. This redirection results in the display of a login page to the user. The login page prompts the user to either enter a username and password (for example if this has been purchased in advance by the user or provided as part of a pre-arranged billing arrangement) or enter credit card (or other payment) details. By entering the required information the user gains access to the hotspot and can connect to the internet, and is charged accordingly.
Accessing hotspots in such a manner is problematic. Firstly, there is a security issue with the user entering payment details into the login server of the hotspot. The user must have sufficient trust in the hotspot provider not to expose their payment details or personal data. Secondly, it is inconvenient for the users to enter payment details into the hotspot login server, as it requires them to have their payment details to hand. Thirdly, it is a slow process to manually log in and enter this information, which is inefficient if the user wishes to quickly access the internet to use the packet-based communication system.
There is therefore a need for a technique to address the aforementioned problems with accessing restricted WLAN hotspots.


With respect to a video display apparatus, a technology capable of improving the operability and usability for a user in relation to a generated image such as AR (Augmented Reality) is provided. An HMD as a video display apparatus displays an AR image on a display screen, configures an ID image including identification information (ID) for supporting an operation of a user to the AR image, detects a sight line direction of the user to set a sight line region, and displays the ID image so as to be associated with the AR image when the AR image falls within a range of the sight line region. The HMD receives an operation to select the ID image from the user, selects the AR image associated with the ID image when receiving the operation to select the ID image, and executes a predetermined process associated with the AR image.

Development of the technology for displaying generated images such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) on an object of a real image has been in progress. The generated images include a still image and a moving image. Examples of the video display apparatus capable of displaying the generated image include a head mounted display (HMD) and a head up display (HUD). For example, an HMD having an AR function displays an AR image (referred to also as an AR object or the like), which is the generated image, so as to be superimposed over a real image on a transparent or non-transparent display screen. The user performs an operation to select a target AR image from a plurality of AR images on the display screen. The HMD performs a predetermined process associated with the selected AR image.
As an example of the prior art technology related to the above-mentioned video display apparatus, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-218868 (Patent Document 1) can be given. Patent Document 1 describes that the selectability of displayed object data is improved in a display control method or the like. Patent Document 1 describes that the HMD generates a number of identification information corresponding to the number of selectable object data contained in the display range of the display, and displays each of the generated identification information so as to be associated with each of the object data contained in the display range. Namely, Patent Document 1 describes that the image (referred to also as an ID image) of identification information (referred to also as an ID) is assigned and displayed to the AR image as shown in FIG. 2 and the like. It can be said that this ID image is also a kind of the AR image.


A method for laminating a film on to an optical article and a bi-layer adhesive for use in the method. The bi-layer adhesive includes a latex adhesive layer and an HMA layer sequentially disposed on the film and dried to form a solid layer of uniform thinness throughout to provide optical quality. Various types of films may be employed to provide an optical function. Following optional pre-treatment steps, the adhesives are coated on to the film. An optical hot press technique is used to deliver heat and pressure over a short period of time to form a functionally-enhanced optical article with high adhesive strength.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for laminating a functionalized layered structure to an optical base element with a bi-layer adhesive and the resulting functionalized optical element.
2. The Prior Art
Various films and coatings are combined with optical elements to enhance their performance. Adhesion between polarized films and plastic lenses has been a long standing problem within the industry. The selection of one adhesive always represents a compromise between ease of use, mechanical integrity and optical quality.
One approach is detailed in WO2006/082105 which employs a latex glue in a film transfer process. In EP 1868798 an HMA glue for a film transfer process is described. In WO2007/096521 a polarized film is laminated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. In a mechanical approach described in US2007/0195262, a complex support is used to warp the film during lamination to improve adhesion.
However, the techniques previously disclosed have a number of drawbacks, mainly due to low adhesion or low mechanical performance. Attempts to cure these defects have marginally improved adhesion strength with a loss of optical quality. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a method of adhesive application which compensates for the different material properties of the film and lens surface to provide high adhesive strength in a basic lamination process.

Essilor International (Compagnie Générale d'Optique)


Array of light emitting device is provided as the backlight for a display apparatus. A control circuit and drive method are provided utilizing a multiple scan selection drive scheme and a charging-relaxation step to eliminate the flicker and to enhanced the speed of LC response.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image display apparatus and a drive method to operate the display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises a light source and a light modulator that modulates the light from the light source to produce images. The display apparatus further comprises a control means for operating the light source and the light modulator. The control means operates the light source and the light modulator in coordination, and in such a manner that enhances the response time of the light modulator. Furthermore, the light source comprises light emitting elements with response time substantially faster than the relaxation time of the light modulator, and is operated in such a manner that eliminates the adverse effects from switching the light modulator.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A liquid crystal (LC) cell is a light valve that modulates light directed thereto. A liquid crystal display (LCD) produces images by modulating light with a plurality of spatially distributed LC cells. The LC cells in a display are set to various states according to the spatially distributed color and brightness of the image, and varying in time in motion pictures. The capability of showing motion pictures of such display device is influenced by the speed of the LC cell responding to the change of setting of state when the image changes. Accordingly, the response time, which characterizes the speed of an LC cell responding to a change of setting, is a speed limitation of the LC cells in displaying dynamic images.
In displaying motion pictures, the cell setting is updated at a rate at least the refreshing rate of the picture images. In addition, in different applications such as color sequential drive scheme, an LC response time much higher than the image refreshing rate is needed. Accordingly, a response of the LC cell slower than the rate of the changing images results in various types of distortion and artifacts in images, such as color breakup, trailing of a moving object, flicker and etc.
Furthermore, the current LC display relies on the color filters to produce color images. Each color filter inhibits the transmission of the other colors. Consequently, in a color display where display cells are structured with three primary colors, the efficiency of light utilization due to the color filter alone drops to below 30%. An alternative is to structure the display without color filters and operate the display by sequentially displaying the color image components corresponding to different colors in time, thereby producing a time-integrated replication of the input color images. In the conventional practice of such color-sequential drive scheme, the LC cells are operated at a speed three times faster than that of LC cells operated with three color filters are used. Typical liquid crystal cell structures used in consumer direct-view displays have a cell gap near 5 micrometers and an intrinsic response time above 8 milliseconds; the response time is much longer when the action is directed toward a relaxation. Such response time is not sufficient for operating an acceptable time-integration of color sequenced images which requires a response time on the order of 1 ms or faster. Consequently, sequencing three colors in time is not yet a viable solution to improve the light and power efficiency in such applications. Other proposed schemes such as using two-color sequence also result in images compromising in quality or suffering inherent color deficiency at various situations and picture types.
The present invention provides an apparatus and method to improve or eliminate the aforementioned artifacts and distortion, and to provide a method to operate the LC cells at a faster intrinsic response time. Accordingly, direct viewing LC display may be constructed and operated without color filter, and at an improved efficiency.
As the response is generally slower from a charged state to a relaxed state than in the opposite direction in many light valves, such as LC cells and MEMS, the present invention is directed to the application to the light valves in general, with LC cell as a preferred embodiment for the purpose of illustration in this specification.

Structure of light emitting device array and drive method for display light source


A stage light fixture is provided with a light source adapted to emit a light beam along an optical axis, and a color filter assembly comprising a plurality of color filters rotating about a same first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation being parallel to the optical axis and not coincident with the optical axis.

Known stage light fixtures comprise a casing having a first closed end and a second open end; a light source arranged within the casing in the proximity of the first closed end and adapted to emit a light beam along an optical axis; and a lens arranged at the open end so as to intercept the light beam.
The stage light fixtures of this type are also provided with beam processing means adapted to change the projected light beam and generate special scenic effects. In particular, the light beam processing means comprise a plurality of color filters of different colors, which are substantially band-pass filters with high selectivity and able to color the input beam.
The light beam processing means also comprise a dimmer, which comprises a filter configured to reduce the brightness of the light beam that passes therethrough.
The latest generation stage light fixtures are characterized by very reduced dimensions and, therefore, the space available for the handling of the filters is minimal.
In stage light fixtures of this type happens that the simultaneous use of color filters and dimmer determines the onset of obvious defects in the light beam.


A programming device receives a number of local coordinate systems from a user. Each local coordinate system is referenced directly or via at least one other local coordinate system to a global machine coordinate system of a motion-controlled machine. The programming device receives from the user, in each case with reference to one of the local coordinate systems, a number of positions to be approached by the end effector and/or a number of obstacles to be bypassed by the end effector. The programming device determines, with reference to the positions to be approached received from the user and the obstacles received from the user in the global machine coordinate system, the path to be traveled by the end effector The programming device stores the path to be traveled by the end effector as a first file so that it can be retrieved again at a later time.

The present invention relates to a method for determining a path to be traveled by an end effector of an operating machine. The present invention further relates to a program having machine code that can be executed directly by a programmable machine to determine the path to be traveled by the end effector, a data carrier on which the program is stored in machine-readable form, and a machine programmed to determine the path to be traveled by an end effector.
The following discussion of related art is provided to assist the reader in understanding the advantages of the invention, and is not to be construed as an admission that this related art is prior art to this invention.
When programming position-controlled movements, a programmer must be given the possibility of adapting interpolation points of a path to be traveled by an end effector. The programmer must also have the possibility of adding new interpolation points or removing interpolation points. In the prior art, the specification frequently takes place in a CAD-assisted program. For the correct specification of the interpolation points, a model of the motion-controlled machine to be programmed is implemented in the CAD program. Due to inaccuracies and simplifications of the model compared to reality, in individual cases it may be necessary for the programmer to readjust the interpolation points or insert new interpolation points.
It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to address prior art shortcomings and to facilitate programming of position-controlled movements in a simple way.

Programming method for a path to be traveled by an end effector


The invention relates to a liquid crystal display device which enables a visual field range to be made wide and luminance drops to be reduced, so that bright displayed images can be presented, and provides a liquid crystal display device comprising, in order from a side of backlight 11, backlight 11, scatter plate 12, and liquid crystal element 20, wherein a transmission type of hologram scatter plate 13 is located in front of a display surface of liquid crystal display element 20. Hologram scatter plate 13, because of having been fabricated by means of single-step or two-step exposure, enables light more or less scattered through scatter plate 12 to be limitedly scattered within a given wide visual field range, so that bright displayed images can be presented over a wide visual field range yet with a reduced luminance drop. Scatter plate 12 may be omitted.

The present invention relates generally to a liquid crystal display device, and more specifically to a liquid crystal display device using a hologram diffuse plate. The present invention is also concerned with a hologram scatter plate used for liquid crystal display devices, etc., and a process of replicating such a diffuse reflection type hologram.
Referring here to a direct-view type of liquid crystal display device, a scatter plate 12 is generally located on the side of a liquid crystal display element 20 opposite a backlight 11 to diffuse light emanating therefrom, as shown in FIG. 18, thereby widening a range capable of viewing an image displayed thereon (a visual field range).
A problem with this system is, however, that the efficiency of utilization of light is not high due to the use of a general scatter plate formed of frosted glass, and the angle of field is limited as well. The angle of field may be made wide by use of a plurality of scatter plates, but this offers a problem or gives rise to some considerable luminance drop.
A self-luminous type backlight consumes a large amount of power, and causes considerable battery life reduction when used with laptop computers, etc.
In view of such problems associated with the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device which has a wide visual field range and reduced luminance drops, so that bright displayed images can be presented.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device which uses a diffuse reflection type hologram for backlighting so that bright displays can be presented in the light without recourse to any self-luminous backlight. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device which can be used in combination with a self-luminous type backlight, so that battery life can be extended by turning off the self-luminous type backlight or using the self-luminous type backlight at a reduced luminance.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a hologram scatter plate enabling bright displayed images to be presented over a wide range of wavelengths and viewing angle hardly achievable with conventional hologram systems.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a process of fabricating, by replication, a large diffuse reflection type hologram without joints or recorded joints, which is compatible with increased size and improved quality in connection with backlights, projector screens, combiners, etc. for liquid crystal display devices.
To accomplish the aforesaid objects, the present invention provides a liquid crystal display device using a hologram, characterized in that a liquid crystal display element is provided on a display surface side thereof with a diffuse transmission type hologram capable of diffusing and transmitting light incident from a specific direction only in a direction defined as a viewing region.
In this case, a scatter plate may be located between the liquid crystal display element and a backlight.
The present invention also provides a liquid crystal display device using a hologram, characterized in that between a liquid crystal display element and a backlight there is located a diffuse transmission type hologram capable of diffusing and transmitting light incident from a specific direction only in a direction defined as a viewing region.
In these cases, it is desired that the diffuse transmission type hologram has a property of diffusing and transmitting light only in a direction defined as a viewing region within a plurality of wavelength regions of different colors.
Further, the present invention provides a liquid crystal display device using a hologram, characterized in that a liquid crystal display element is provided on a back surface side thereof opposite to a display surface side thereof with a diffuse reflection type hologram capable of diffusing and reflecting light incident from a specific direction only in a direction defined as a viewing region.
In this case, a diffuse reflection plate or a reflector plate may be located on the back surface side of the diffuse reflection type hologram.
When a TN liquid crystal cell is used as the liquid crystal display element, the diffuse reflection type hologram enables diffuse reflection to occur within a range wherein the contrast of the liquid crystal cell is at least 2. When an STN liquid crystal cell is used as the liquid crystal display element, the diffuse reflection type hologram enables diffuse reflection to occur within a range wherein the contrast of the liquid crystal cell is at least 2.
More illustratively, when a TN liquid crystal cell is used as the liquid crystal display element, it is desired that the diffuse reflection type hologram enable light incident thereon from above and at an angle of about 20xc2x0 with respect to a normal line thereof to be diffused and reflected within a range defined by an upward angle about 10xc2x0, a downward angle of about 40xc2x0, and breadth-wise angles of about 60xc2x0. When an STN liquid crystal cell is used as the liquid crystal display element, it is desired that the diffuse reflection type hologram enable light incident thereon from above and at an angle of about 20xc2x0 with respect to a normal line thereof to be diffused and reflected within a range defined by an upward angle about 20xc2x0, a downward angle of about 30xc2x0, and breadth-wise angles of about 30xc2x0.
A self-luminous type backlight unit may be located on the back surface side of the diffuse reflection type hologram.
To accomplish the aforesaid objects, the present invention provides a hologram scatter plate which reflects incident light in a direction different from a direct reflection direction thereof, characterized in that a transmission type hologram layer and a back side layer are stacked together in the described order as viewed from an incident side thereof.
In accordance with this aspect, there are three cases where the transmission type hologram layer has a diffusion function and a diffraction function while the back side layer is a mirror reflection layer; the transmission type hologram layer has diffraction function while the back side layer has a diffuse reflection function; and the transmission type hologram layer has both a diffusion function and diffraction function while the back side layer has diffuse reflection function.
The transmission type hologram layer used may have a diffraction function, or a diffusion function and diffraction function, with respect to a plurality of different wavelengths.
The present invention also includes a liquid crystal display device having any one of the aforesaid hologram scatter plates located on a back surface side of a liquid crystal display element.
To accomplish the aforesaid objects, the present invention further provides a diffuse reflection type hologram replication process, characterized in that while a photosensitive material film is slid on a fixed diffuse reflection type hologram plate in contact relation thereto, the hologram plate is irradiated from the photosensitive material film with a light beam of linear shape in section that becomes wide in a widthwise direction of the film, so that a diffuse reflection type hologram can be continuously recorded in the photosensitive material film by interference of the incident light beam with a light beam reflected and diffracted by the diffuse reflection type hologram plate.
In this case, it is preferable that the diffuse reflection type hologram plate is fixed on the surface of a transparent rod-like member rounded at at least both edges thereof. Such a transparent rod-like member may be exemplified by a semicylindrical member.
It is also desired that a combined index matching and lubricating liquid be contained between the diffuse reflection type hologram plate and the photosensitive material film.
The light beam of linear shape in section used may be exemplified by a light beam that diverges in its linear direction alone.
According to one inventive liquid crystal display device using a hologram wherein on a display surface side of a liquid crystal display element or between a liquid crystal display element and a backlight there is provided a diffuse transmission type hologram capable of diffusing and transmitting light incident from a specific direction only in a direction defined as a viewing region, it is possible to make wide a visual field region where displayed images can be observed and reduce luminance drops, so that bright displayed images can be presented.
According to another inventive liquid crystal display device using a hologram wherein on a back surface side of a liquid crystal display element opposite to a display surface side thereof there is provided a diffuse reflection type hologram capable of diffusing and reflecting light incident from a specific direction only in a direction defined as a viewing region as mentioned above, it is possible to present bright displays in the light without recourse to any self-luminous type backlight.
According to the inventive hologram scatter plate wherein a transmission type hologram layer and a back side layer are stacked together in the described order, it is possible to limit the direction of diffraction and scattering by means of the transmission hologram and increase reflectance over a wide wavelength region by means of the back side layer, so that diffused light having high luminance can be obtained over a wide wavelength and viewing angle range, making bright displays, etc. possible.
According to the inventive diffuse reflection type hologram replication process wherein while a photosensitive material film is slid on a fixed diffuse reflection type hologram plate in contact relation thereto, the hologram plate is irradiated from the photosensitive material film with a light beam of linear shape in section that becomes wide in a widthwise direction of the film, so that a diffuse reflection type hologram can be continuously recorded in the photosensitive material film by interference of the incident light beam with a light beam reflected and diffracted by the diffuse reflection type hologram plate, it is possible to easily fabricate, with no need of using any large hologram plate, a large yet continuous film form of diffuse reflection type hologram without joints or recorded joints, which has high reflectance and quality, and so is best suited for use with backlights, projector screens, combiners, etc. for liquid crystal display devices.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

Liquid crystal display device using a hologram, hologram scatter plate, and process of replicating a diffuse reflection type hologram


A vehicle seat is movable between a first position and a second position and includes a scat back and seat cushion for coupling to a track adjuster for use in a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a recliner mechanism coupled to the seat back and the seat cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a stow mechanism coupled to the recliner mechanism and an easy entry mechanism coupled to the recliner mechanism and stow mechanism, wherein, when the stow mechanism is actuated, the easy entry mechanism is not actuated and when the easy entry mechanism is actuated, the stow mechanism is not actuated.

It is generally known to provide a vehicle seat, for example, an automotive seat having a reclineable back. It is also known to provide a vehicle seat having a reclineable back and an independently movable seat base. It is also known to provide a vehicle seat having an adjustable lumbar consisting of a flexible member having a first end anchored and a second end moved with respect to the first end to cause the flexible member to vary its shape to provide adjustable support within the lumbar region of an automotive seat.
It is common to have a strap in the rearward direction of the seat, typically on the free pivot of the seat. Such configuration is particularly provided on second and third row seats in a sport utility vehicle and vans. The strap is typically positioned for use once the seatback is moved to a point of rearward most travel.
A vehicle seat typically is provided with a seat recliner mechanism operative to adjust the seat at different positions. Locking mechanisms are typically provided and operative for different seat positions. For example, when a second row seat is in an easy entry position, a stow mechanism for the seat should not be operative. Likewise, when a second row seat is in a stow position, a track release mechanism and easy entry mechanism should not be operative.
Thus there is a need for a single recliner mechanism when moved from a design position to selectively actuate a seat easy entry mechanism on a seat stow mechanism. There is a further need for a single recliner mechanism that will interlock to allow selected seat operation, such as a stow flat position.
It is desirable to provide a vehicle seat that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present description.


A securing mechanism for a shackle having a pair of opposed legs with an opening at one end of each of the pair of opposed legs to form a pair of opposed openings. The securing mechanism includes a shackle bolt having a head at one end and a circumferential groove near an opposed end wherein the shackle bolt is received through the pair of opposed openings in the shackle. A two piece hinged clamp assembly is received in the circumferential groove in order to retain the shackle bolt in the shackle. A retainer pin is received in an opening in the two piece clamp assembly to hold the two piece clamp assembly in a closed position. A retainer clip surrounds the retainer pin. A lock pin through the two piece clamp assembly retains the retainer pin in the two piece clamp.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a securing apparatus for a shackle and to a method for securing a shackle bolt to a shackle. In particular, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method of securing a shackle bolt to a shackle utilizing a hinged split nut providing both easy installation and removal of the shackle bolt.
2. Description of the Related Art
A shackle is one type of known device used to join sling cables or ropes together or used to connect a cable or rope to a load. Among the many applications for shackles are tie down, towing, suspension or lifting applications.
Presently, the securing mechanism utilized is typically either a screw pin type, which is received in a threaded opening, or a bolt type anchor along with a threaded nut and a cotter pin. In order to disassemble, the cotter pin must be removed from the shackle bolt and then the nut must be unthreaded from the shackle bolt. The screw pin shackles require one of the legs of the shackle to be threaded. In either type, there is a possibility of over tightening the threads. In the screw pin type, the shackle bolt is rigidly locked in place with the shackle.
In the past, various types of securing mechanisms for shackles have been proposed. Examples include Epstein (U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,927), Briscoe (U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,252), and Peterson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,260).
Additionally, various types of pipe clamps have been proposed which provide a sealed joint, such as Enomoto (U.S. Pat. No. 3,966,240), Stillwagon (U.S. Pat. No. 2,449,795), and Seabourn (U.S. Pat. No. 3,609,826).
It would be desirable to provide a securing mechanism for a shackle bolt for a shackle which is installable and removable using only small hand tools without requirement of any power tools.
It would also be desirable to provide a shackle bolt securing mechanism for a shackle which is easily installable and easily removable.
It would also be desirable to provide a shackle bolt securing mechanism for a shackle which does not require threading of either the shackle bolt or the shackle.
It would also be desirable to provide a shackle bolt securing mechanism for a shackle wherein the securing mechanism does not lock the shackle bolt in place with the shackle.
Accordingly, it is a principal object and purpose of the present invention to provide a securing mechanism for a shackle bolt for a shackle which eliminates any need for threads and eliminates any rotation of a bolt or nut in order to install and remove.
It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provide a hinged split clamp to retain the shackle bolt on the shackle instead of threads in order to resist axial load.
It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provide a hinged two piece clamp assembly to allow easy removal and installation of the bolt securing mechanism or retaining device.
It is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provide a securing mechanism for a shackle wherein the shackle bolt is not locked to the shackle.


A drum washing machine having a gasket to prevent leakage of water in the tub and the laundry from being stuck in a laundry opening part. The washing machine including a cabinet having a first opening through which a laundry is put in the cabinet, a tub installed in the cabinet to have a second opening corresponding to the first opening, a drum installed in the tub to have a third opening corresponding to the second opening, and a gasket including a leakage preventing part having one end connected to a rim of the first opening and the other end connected to a rim of the second opening to prevent water leakage and a laundry-stuck preventing part provided on an inner circumference of the leakage preventing part to prevent the laundry from being stuck in a space between the first and third openings.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a gasket and drum type washing machine using the same, which prevents a laundry from being stuck in a laundry opening part.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Generally, a washing machine holds water and detergent in a lower part of a tub. After laundry is put in a drum installed inside the tub, the drum is rotated to perform washing, rinsing, and dewatering.
Such a washing machine is an apparatus for eliminating dirt or filth attached to the laundry by applying a mechanical force thereto together with a detergent.
Specifically, a drum type washing machine is an apparatus for eliminating dirt or filth attached to the laundry by putting the laundry, water, and detergent in a drum horizontally installed to rotate by a driving force of a motor. The drum type washing machine barely has entanglement and damage of the laundry, consumes less water, and even has washing effects of beating and rubbing.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a general drum type washing machine consists of a cabinet 10 forming an exterior to have a first opening 11 at a front side to put in/out a laundry, a door 12 installed in front of the cabinet 10 to open/close the first opening 11, a tub 20 provided inside the cabinet 10 to have a second opening 21 communicating with the first opening 11, and a drum 50 rotatably installed inside the tub 20 to have a third opening 50a communicating with the first opening 11.
In this case, the first to third openings construct an opening part through which the laundry is put in.
The drum 50 includes lifters 25 on its inside to pull the laundry up to a predetermined height. Once the drum rotates, the laundry is lifted up to an upper part of the drum by the lifters and then falls down for washing.
A rotational means for rotating the drum is provided in a space between an inside of the cabinet and the tub 20.
The rotational means consists of a motor 40 provided under the tub to be electrically driven, a first rotational shaft 41 extending in a rear direction of the cabinet to have one end connected to the motor 40, a driving pulley 42 provided at the other end of the first rotational shaft 41, a second rotational shaft 43 having one end connected to a rear side of the drum, a driven pulley 44 provided at the other end of the second rotational shaft 43, and a belt 45 connecting the driving and driven pulleys 42 and 44.
A rotational force of the motor enabling forward and reverse rotations is transferred to the drum via the two rotational shafts, driving pulley, belt, and driven pulley.
Meanwhile, a water supply hose 16, a water supply valve (not shown in the drawing), and a detergent box 17 for supplying water and detergent to the tub 20 are installed in an upper side of the cabinet 10. And, a drain pump 18 and a drain hose 19 for circulating or draining the water are installed under the tub 20.
A control panel 15 provided as a control means for controlling an operation of the drum type washing machine is installed on an upper front side of the cabinet 10.
Moreover, a gasket 50 is provided between the first and second openings 11 and 21 to buffer shocks generated from forward and reverse vibrations of the drum and to prevent leakage of the water when the drum is rotating with the door closed.
Referring to FIG. 3, the gasket 50 consists of a front end coupling part 51 enclosing the first opening 11 to be coupled with the first opening, a rear end coupling part 52 enclosing the second opening 21 to be coupled with the second opening 21, and a middle connecting part 53 of a flexible material connecting the front and rear end coupling parts 51 and 52.
The middle connecting part 53 consists of a first connecting member 53a having one end connected to the front end coupling part 51 to horizontally extend toward the tub, a second connecting member 53b having one end connected to the other end of the first connecting member 53a to radially extend toward the front side of the cabinet, and a third connecting member 53c having one end connected to the other end of the second connecting member 53b and having the other end connected to the rear end coupling part 52.
Thus, the middle connecting part 53 is bent to prevent shocks from appearing on the cabinet due to vibrations of the drum and tub when the washing machine is operating.
And, the middle connecting part 53 further consists of a ring type protrusion 54 protruding from its inside to block a predetermined portion of a gap between the second and third openings 21 and 50a.
However, in the general drum type washing machine having the above-constructed gasket, while the washing machine operates, the laundry is stuck between the bent middle connecting part and the ring type protrusion, whereby damages are caused to the laundry and the gasket to shorten the endurance of the washing machine as well as the motor is overloaded to cause noise and vibration.
To overcome such a problem, a new drum type washing machine equipped with a means for preventing the laundry from being stuck in the space between the first and third openings is needed.

Gasket and washing machine using the same


A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes and at least one wavily folded fin disposed between a pair of the flat tubes. The fin includes a heat transfer portion having a folded portion joined to a planar portion of each of the pair of flat tubes, and a cut-and-raised portion. The cut-and-raised portion is formed by raising a periphery of a cutting line segment when a material of the fin is wavily folded. The cutting line segment is set in a vicinity of a hypothetical center line of the folded portion before the material of the fin is wavily folded. The cutting line segment is formed by a combination of cutting line segments intersecting with the hypothetical center line, or a combination of a cutting line segment intersecting with the hypothetical center line and a cutting line segment displaced with respect to the hypothetical center line.

The heat exchangers of a widely prevailed type are structured as follows. Planar portions of a single flat tube are horizontally disposed while fins are respectively interposed between given two adjacent planar portions (see Japan Examined Utility Application Publication No. 63-006632). Japan Examined Utility Model Application Publication No. S63-006632 describes a heat exchanger that each of the fins includes a plurality of protruding portions protruded to the downstream of airflow and each of the protruding portions includes a cutout. Condensed dew, generated in the heat exchanger, gathers in the downstream of airflow and drops downwards through the cutouts. However, the condensed dew normally drops through the cutouts when becoming larger to naturally drop due to its weight. Otherwise, the condensed dew is accumulated in the heat exchanger. In this case, the condensed dew blocks ventilation and accordingly deteriorates heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger. In view of the above, the applicant of the present invention developed a heat exchanger having an enhanced drainage performance with respect to condensed dew. Specifically, the heat exchanger has a structure that the fins are respectively interposed between given two adjacent planar portions while being protruded from the edges of the planar portions. Accordingly, condensed dew flows downwards through the protruded portions of the fins (see Japan Laid-open Patent Application publication No. 2008-101847)
There have been further increasing demands for reduction in size of the heat exchangers. However, reduction in size of the heat exchangers may possibly deteriorate drainage performance of the heat exchangers with respect to condensed dew. In response, there have been demands for further enhancement in drainage performance of the heat exchangers.


The object of this invention is to provide a new cysteine protease. The object is achieved by providing a new cysteine protease which is obtained from a flesh fly (Sarcophaga peregrina) and comprises 26 kDa and 29 kDa subunits.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an enzyme having a new cysteine protease-like activity. The enzyme of this invention is a bimolecular protease comprising two subunits, that is, one subunit having a molecular weight of about 26 kDa and the other having a molecular weight of about 29 kDa.
2. Prior Art
Proteases are mainly classified into four categories including serine proteases, cysteine proteases, aspartic acid proteases and metalloproteases according to their structure and catalytic activity. Among them, the proteases which include the most numerous members and have been studied most intensively from old times are serine proteases and cysteine proteases. The serine protease includes the majority of digestive proteases and serum proteases, and attention has been paid to their extracellular functions thereof. In contrast, the cysteine protease has been believed to be an important group of enzymes in the intracellular digestion of proteins (Katsunuma, N., "Intracellular digestion of proteins (in Japanese)," pp. 35-50, Tokyo Kagaku-Dojin Publishing Co.).
As representative examples of the cysteine protease, the cathepsin type proteases such as cathepsin L and cathepsin B may be mentioned, and these enzymes have been assumed to be lysosomal proteases. The lysosomal protease is a protease which digests, in the cell, proteins carried into lysosomes or one of intracellular organellae, and is believed, on the basis of its basic role in biological functions, to exist universally in organisms.
Cathepsin L and cathepsin B were also demonstrated in a flesh fly (Sarcophaga peregrina) which undergoes a complete metamorphosis (Kurata, S., et al. (1982) Eur. J. Biochem., 204, 911-914; Takahashi, N., et al. (1933) FBBS. Lett. 334, 153-157; Homma, K., et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem., 269, 15258-15264). Cathepsin L and cathepsin B demonstrated in the fly, so it was found, not only act as a lysosome enzyme but also function as a secretory enzyme involved in morphogenesis in the manner as described below. Namely, cathepsin B of flesh fly, while the fly is developing from a third-instar larva into an adult, is discharged from body fluid cells and digests unneeded larval tissues and fat bodies discharged from the body fluid (Kurata, S., et al. (1989) J. Insect Physiol. 35, 559-565; Kurata S., et al. (1990) Insect Biochem. 20, 461-465; Kurata, S., et al. (1992) Dev. Biol., 153, 115-121).
Further, cathepsin L of flesh fly is discharged from an imaginal disk when stimulated with ecdysone, and digests the basal membrane of the imaginal disk to help the imaginal disk to develop into the matured structure of the imaginal disk (Homma, K., et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 15258-15264).
As described above, it was discovered that cathepsin L and cathepsin B, which had been originally assumed to be a lysosome enzyme, has a novel property hitherto unknown, that is, they function also extracellularly in certain aspects of insect life.
From the flesh fly, another secretory cysteine protease, that is, 26.multidot.29 kDa protease was newly discovered. This 26.multidot.29 kDa protease is a protease isolated from the body fluid cells of a flesh fly and purified, and as its activity is inhibited by E64 or a specific inhibitor of cysteine proteases, it has been assumed that the protease in question is one of cysteine proteases. However, in contrast with known cysteine proteases, the protease in question has following new properties.
(1) It has a unique structure, that is, it comprises two subunits having molecular weights of 26 kDa and 29 kDa, respectively.
(2) The protease, so it was demonstrated, is discharged from body fluid cells into the body fluid when sheep red cells are injected as a foreign substance into the body of a third-instar larva of the flesh fly. From this fact, it has been assumed that this protease serves for the body protection of the larva.
Regarding cysteine proteases, various molecular variants have been reported heretofore, but the majority of them have a property of a monomolecularity, and the 26.multidot.29 kDa protease was thought possibly a new protease hitherto unknown, because it is a bimolecular type protease. The 26.multidot.29 kDa protease never fails to exist as a bimolecule type whenever it was found to have an enzymatic activity, and thus it was assumed that this substance may be a protease advanced in evolution one step ahead of fellow proteases which, comprising two subunits to act in a concerted manner, may execute a new function inaccessible to monomolecular fellow proteases.
Furthermore, there have been no known cysteine proteases that are secreted in response to a nocuous stimulus such as injection of a foreign substance like the one as described in (2) above, and in this respect too, it was assumed that the 26.multidot.29 kDa protease is a new cysteine protease.


The rubber compositions described herein have been found to have an exceptionally long life as a spring-biased actuator diaphragm material that maintains its position compressed, e.g., bolted, between opposed flanges, while maintaining excellent compressibility, low temperature flexibility, hydrocarbon resistance, abrasion resistance and mechanical strength. The compositions include a copolymer rubber component; a plasticizer for the copolymer rubber; a vulcanizing agent for the copolymer rubber; a silica filler; and a coupling agent, such as a silane coupling agent, capable of coupling the silica filler to the copolymer rubber.

Actuator valves used to control fluid flow are well known in the art and include an actuator housing containing an actuator diaphragm that is spring biased against a metal plate, and movable in opposite directions within the actuator housing in response to supplied air pressure. The actuator diaphragm typically operates a fluid flow valve by being structurally interconnected to a valve stem that is operatively connected to a valve seat disposed within the fluid flow passageway, to open and close the valve. The actuator diaphragm is properly positioned within the actuator housing by bolting the diaphragm between opposed flanges so that the actuator diaphragm forms a fluid-impermeable barrier completely across the interior of the actuator housing. In this manner, air pressure exerted on one face of the actuator diaphragm causes the actuator diaphragm to move within the actuator housing against a spring biasing force, thereby causing movement of the valve stem which raises a valve plug away from a valve seat for opening of the fluid control valve. The diaphragm typically is normally spring biased in a position to seal the valve plug against the valve seat to maintain the valve in a closed position absent pneumatic pressure against the diaphragm.
One of the major problems experienced with known spring-biased actuator diaphragms is the inability, over long periods of time, to retain the actuator diaphragm bolted between the opposed flanges of the actuator housing. Actuator diaphragm flange retention is a balance of flange geometry, diaphragm material properties, unsupported diaphragm area, pressure differential and bolting stress. Failure to retain the actuator diaphragm between the actuator housing flanges results in a loss of pneumatic pressure and loss of control over the opening and closing of the valve. Actuator diaphragm material must be sufficiently hard so that it can be properly stressed (compressed) between the opposed flanges of the actuator housing, without fracture, tearing or other physical damage such that it can be retained, sandwiched and compressed between opposed flanges when flexed repeatedly during valve operation; yet the diaphragm material must be soft and flexible at relatively low temperatures, e.g., as low as −40° C., to withstand constant flexing over a long period of time without physical damage. Lower hardness rubber supports less compressive stress than harder rubber and, therefore, flange retention is diminished. The material tested in the data presented herein has a Shore durometer A of about 85, and increased compression set resistance, while maintaining sufficient flexibility at a temperature of −40° C. Typical prior art spring-biased actuator diaphragms have a Shore durometer A of about 60. Additionally, a spring-biased actuator diaphragm is in constant frictional contact with valve stem connecting structure, typically a metal plate, disposed within the actuator housing and, therefore, needs sufficient abrasion resistance and tear resistance to maintain a very long useful life.
It has been found that the rubber compositions described herein have excellent hardness, tensile strength, compressive strength, tear resistance, abrasion resistance, hydrocarbon resistance, high temperature resistance, non-brittleness and flexibility at low temperatures, e.g., −40° C., and provide better frictional engagement when compressed between opposed structure, e.g., flanges, to maintain an unexpectedly long life for use as a spring-biased actuator diaphragm of a fluid control valve.

Vulcanized rubber composition and articles manufactured therefrom


Techniques for distributing a new communication key within a group virtual private network (VPN) are provided. A key distribution service determines that a new communication key for a VPN is to be distributed to members of the VPN. The new communication key is sent individually in a unique and separate message to each of the members. The key distribution service also maintains records to determine which of the members have and have not successfully received the new communication key.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a logical network that uses insecure public telecommunications, such as the Internet, to provide secure communications to members of the VPN. A VPN seeks to provide the security associated with dedicated communication lines but without requiring the necessary hardware and at a fraction of the cost, which is typically associated with dedicated communication lines.
A VPN works by using shared public infrastructure while simultaneously maintaining privacy through agreed upon security procedures and protocols. Essentially, a VPN uses custom encryption to encrypt messages communicated via the VPN. The encryption and decryption of messages rely upon keys that are securely held by participants of the VPN.
Typically, it is not desirable for a particular VPN communication key to remain unchanged for any extended period of time. This is so, because the longer a key is detectable over the shared public infrastructure, the more likely an intruder will have a chance to discover the key. Consequently and pursuant to configurations or detected events, the communication key for a VPN will change over time with some regularity.
However, when the key is changed it has to be communicated to each of the participants of the VPN; otherwise, some participants will find that they are no longer capable of communicating within the VPN. The popular approach for communicating a changed key is to multicast the changed key to members of the VPN. With multicasting, the key is sent to all members of the VPN at once. Essentially for VPN rekeying techniques, multicasting may be viewed as selective broadcasting, since within the VPN the changed key is broadcast, but the changed key is not exposed to the entire shared public network.
Yet, not every network or sub network within the public infrastructure is capable of supporting multicasting. Consequently, the benefits of VPN and dynamic rekey distribution within a VPN are limited to participants that are accessible to sub networks, resources, and/or applications that support multicasting techniques. For multicasting to work a single packet has to be replicated for each intended recipient from a single stream or packet. Thus, the application and adoption of VPN techniques are currently circumscribed to participants and networks enabled for multicasting communications.
Therefore, improved techniques for distributing keys within a VPN are desirable.

Techniques for distributing a new communication key within a virtual private network


A pre-chamber spark plug for an internal combustion engine having a surface discharge spark gap that is generally located at a rearward end of a pre-chamber and is configured so that sparking components will have minimal electrode obstruction and promote unhindered gas exchange between the pre-chamber and a main combustion chamber. According to one embodiment, the surface discharge spark gap includes a radial sparking portion where a majority of the sparking occurs in a generally radial direction. According to another embodiment, the surface discharge spark gap includes both a radial sparking portion and an axial sparking portion so that sparking occurs in both radial and axial directions, respectively.

The successful operation of pre-chamber spark plugs, particularly when used in automotive internal combustion engines, can be dependent on the unobstructed flow of unburnt or fresh gas into a pre-chamber and of burnt or residual gas out of the pre-chamber. If, for example, the burnt or residual gas is not adequately flushed or otherwise expelled from the pre-chamber following the combustion process, irregular and undesirable combustion events can occur. Such events can cause pre-ignition within the main combustion chamber, can increase the temperature of certain spark plug components, and can lead to other undesirable consequences as well.
Thus, it may be desirable to provide a pre-chamber spark plug with improved gas flow into and/or out of the pre-chamber.

Pre-chamber spark plug with surface discharge spark gap