Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for operation of a feature management platform. A feature management platform is an end-to-end platform developed to manage the full lifecycle of data features. For example, to create a stateful feature, the feature management platform can receive a processing artifact from a computing device. The processing artifact defines the stateful feature, including the data source to retrieve event data from, when to retrieve the event data, the type of transform to apply, etc. Based on the processing artifact, the feature management system generates a processing job (e.g., the API defines a pipeline), which when initiated generates a vector that encapsulates the stateful feature. The vector is transmitted to the computing device that locally hosts a model, which generates a prediction that is transmitted to the feature management platform. Subsequently, the predication and stateful feature can be transmitted to other computing devices.

Within the field of data science and analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning are rapidly growing. More and more entities and organizations are adopting and implementing such technologies. As the field (and popularity) of artificial intelligence and machine learning grows and further develops, so too does the technology for supporting artificial intelligence and machine learning. One such technology focuses on data processing. Generally, large amounts of feature data are needed to train artificial intelligence and machine learning models. Such data can be used both to train models and to generate predictions for specific use cases based on the trained models.
In order to implement data processing at the scale and level feasible for artificial intelligence and machine learning models, a significant amount of resources is often devoted to the collection, transformation, and storage of data. Not only that, the time and costs associated with developing data processing techniques for artificial intelligence and machine learning models can be high. There is also the risk of generating duplicate feature data, when implementing data processing techniques, resulting in more resources being consumed then necessary. Further, there is also a dependence on data engineers when attempting to manage the full lifecycle of feature data. In such instances, the dependence on data engineers also increases the time with which it takes to provide useful feature data. Additionally, conventional methods of data processing are time-intensive and often lack the latest feature data, preventing timely generation of predictions by artificial intelligence and machine learning models, such as for fraud detection, user support, and so forth. As a result, organizations and entities implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning models may base decisions on low quality predictions (e.g., predictions based on old feature data).
Conventional methods attempt to address the shortcomings (as described above) of data processing of feature data. However, conventional methods are often standalone ad hoc solutions that lack governance, model integration, and flexibility to create feature data for real-time and batch aggregations. Additional limitations of conventional methods include a lack of reusability and shareability of the feature data as well as the failure of the conventional methods to manage the entire lifecycle of feature data in a reliable, scalable, resilient, and easily useable manner.
As such, a solution is needed that can overcome the shortcomings of the conventional methods to manage the complete lifecycle of feature data in a scalable and reusable manner.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Real time fault tolerant stateful featurization


A glass flake of the present invention has a composition that includes, in terms of mass %, 59≦SiO2<65, 8≦Al2O3≦15, 47<(SiO2—Al2O3)≦57, 1≦MgO≦5, 20≦CaO≦30, 0<(Li2O+Na2O+K2O)<2, and 0≦TiO2≦5 and that is substantially free from B2O3, F, ZnO, BaO, SrO, and ZrO2.

Glass flakes allow resin moldings to have improved strength and dimensional accuracy when being dispersed, for example, in a resin matrix. These glass flakes are mixed in coating materials as liners and are then applied to metal or concrete surfaces.
Glass flakes exhibit metallic colors when the surfaces thereof are coated with metal. On the other hand, they exhibit interference colors due to interference of reflected light when the surfaces thereof are coated with metal oxides. That is, a glass flake coated with a coating film formed of metal or metal oxide also can be used as a luster pigment.
Luster pigments produced with glass flakes as described above are commonly used for applications such as coating materials and cosmetics where color tone and luster are considered to be important.
JP 63 (1988)-201041 A describes, as suitable compositions for glass flakes, compositions of C glass produced with chemical durability being considered to be important, E glass developed for electronic products, and sheet glass.
JP 2001-213639 A describes glass flakes with excellent chemical durability. The glass flakes with excellent chemical durability contain neither diboron trioxide (B2O3) nor fluorine (F), which are volatile components, and the content of alkali metal oxides therein is 5 mass % or lower.
Glass compositions that are not flaky but fibrous with lower contents of alkali metal oxides are disclosed in the following publications:                JP 61 (1986)-14152A: "Glass Fiber"        JP 2001-515448 A: "Boron-Free Glass Fibers"        JP 2003-500330 A: "Glass Fiber Composition"        JP 2004-508265 A: "Glass Fiber Forming Compositions"
Glass flakes can be produced by using an apparatus described, for example, in JP 5 (1993)-826 A. With the apparatus described in the publication, a molten glass base material is blown up into a balloon shape with a blow nozzle to form a hollow glass film, and this hollow glass film is crushed with a pressure roll. Thus glass flakes can be obtained.


A new petunia plant particularly distinguished by abundant, small, vivid red-purple flowers, abundant branching with a great profusion of blooms, excellent tolerance to rain and a vigorous, decumbent growth habit is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of petunia, botanically known as Petunia hybrida Vilm., and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Keipunes'. The new cultivar originated from a hybridization made in October 2000 in Katori, Chiba, Japan. The female parent was a proprietary unnamed petunia plant (unpatented), while the male parent was a different proprietary unnamed petunia plant (unpatented).
The new cultivar was created in 2000 in Katori, Chiba, Japan and has been asexually reproduced repeatedly by vegetative cuttings in Katori, Chiba, Japan. The present invention has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations.
Plant Breeder's Rights for this cultivar were applied for in Switzerland on Jul. 20, 2005, in Norway on Jan. 12, 2006 and with the European Union on Feb. 20, 2006.


A bicycle wheel includes a rim having three or four spokes. A hub with a bearing is disposed at the center of said wheel. An annular recess is formed on an outer peripheral surface of rim for receiving a tire. A compartment is formed within each spoke for containing foam material and an annular chamber is formed within the rim of the wheel.. The steps of manufacturing the bicycle wheel comprising:. preparing a mold having a compartment configured according to the bicycle wheel, the mold including an upper mold and a lower mold; PA0 laminating composite material prepreg; PA0 applying foam material and solvent material respectively within spoke part and rim part of the composite material prepreg; PA0 disposing the composite material prepreg into the compartment of the mold; PA0 covering and inserting said mold into a heating appliance and heating; PA0 removing and cooling the mold; PA0 releasing the wheel and drilling a hole to the rim of the wheel for releasing the gas within the rim.

Bicycles have been widely used for exercises and contests for a long time. But, conventional bicycle wheels with wire spokes have high wind resistance which is not good for racing. Therefore, a disc wheel was developed and used in the Olympic Games of Los Angeles in 1984. This type of wheel is good for an indoor contest only because side wind seriously affects this wheel; and generally, indoor wind speed is very low. Therefore, a bicycle having streamline shape, low wind resistance, light weight and high rigidity is highly desired. For these purposes, the manufacturers in the art have sought to apply composite materials, such as carbon fiber or the like to the wheels, but no such products have been succeeded so far.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional bicycle wheel and seeks to provide a wheel having streamline shape, low wind resistance, light weight and high rigidity.

Bicycle wheel and the manufacturing method


A user supplied search query is received. Historical search queries are identified that are relevant and/or similar to the user supplied search query. The identified historical queries are then ranked according to various factors. Suggested search queries that are relevant to the user supplied query are identified.

Search systems can be employed in various settings, including in a general purpose setting or in an electronic commerce system. Search systems can surface various items in a data store based on keyword matching, relevance, similarity, and other measures. Some search queries submitted by users may not surface any items in a data store regardless of the matching. In an electronic commerce system, additional information is known about search results (e.g., products in a catalog) in a data store.


A non-cleated, soft metal traction device reduces or eliminates slippage on wet and hard surfaces, such as mossy rocks beneath the water surface of a body of water. The traction device includes at least one external metal shank, plate or bar attachable to a footwear item with a desired binding system. The shank is preferably made from a soft metal material, such as a non-heat-treated aluminum alloy, so it is soft enough to grip and elastically conform to moist, wet or otherwise slippery rock and shale. The contact surface of the shank may include grooves, ribs, spaced apart ridges, or other small surface variations to improve the traction of the device in transition environments.

Traction devices used on footwear may come in a variety of forms, such as aggressive tread integrally formed with a sole of the footwear or crampon-style components or systems that are attachable to the footwear. Common mountaineering crampons include cleats or points to improve mobility on snow and ice. Such crampons may be attached using one of three different types of binding systems referred to as step-in, hybrid, and strap bindings.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,127 describes a cleated wading sandal having aluminum links to grasp, bite, and prevent slipping on wet, mossy, or slimy surfaces. The links are spaced apart and moveable relative to one another.


Methods comprise loading an article comprising a ceramic coating into an induction heating system or a microwave heating system and heat treating the ceramic coating using the microwave heating system or the induction heating system within a temperature range for a duration of about 1-15 minutes.

In the semiconductor industry, devices are fabricated by a number of manufacturing processes producing structures of an ever-decreasing size. Some manufacturing processes such as plasma etch and plasma clean processes expose a substrate to a high-speed stream of plasma to etch or clean the substrate. The plasma may be highly corrosive, and may corrode processing chambers and other surfaces that are exposed to the plasma. This corrosion may generate particles, which frequently contaminate the substrate that is being processed, contributing to device defects.
As device geometries shrink, susceptibility to defects increases, and particle contaminant requirements become more stringent. Accordingly, as device geometries shrink, allowable levels of particle contamination may be reduced. To minimize particle contamination introduced by plasma etch and/or plasma clean processes, chamber materials have been developed that are resistant to plasmas. Typically, chamber components are coated with plasma resistant coatings using plasma spray processes. The plasma sprayed coatings have a porosity of about 2-10% and many micro-cracks. Additionally, the plasma sprayed coatings generally have a low dielectric strength, high leakage currents and high average surface roughness of about 200-250 μ-inch. As a result, the plasma sprayed coatings often shed particles after plasma bombardment, which can reduce yield of manufactured devices.

Microwave and induction heat treatment of ceramic coatings


A command executing method for a memory storage apparatus is provided. The method includes grouping logical addresses into logical address groups and assigning a key for each of the logical address groups independently. The method also includes receiving a write command and write data corresponding to the write command and temporarily storing the write data into a buffer memory. The method further includes executing the write command, enabling a direct memory access once to transfer the write data from the buffer memory to a writable non-volatile memory module of the memory apparatus and encrypting each sector data of the write data with keys corresponding to the logical address groups that the logical address storing the sector data belong to.

Technology Field
The present invention relates to a command executing method, and a memory controller using the method, and a memory storage apparatus using the method.
Description of Related Art
The rapid growth in the popularity of digital cameras, cellular phones, and MP3 players in recent years has brought about the escalated demand for storage media by consumers. Since a rewritable non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory) has several characteristics such as non-volatility of data, low power consumption, small size and non-mechanical structure, the rewritable non-volatile memory is the most suitable memory to be adopted in a portable multimedia device mentioned above.
Conventionally, a rewritable non-volatile memory module is controlled by a memory controller and connected to a host system through a connector. The host system gives a command to the memory controller to access data in the rewritable non-volatile module. In order to protect data stored in the rewritable non-volatile memory module, a technique has been developed for encrypting the data before the data is written into the rewritable non-volatile memory module. However, when a plurality of data from the host system by a write command belongs to a plurality of different groups and it is requested to encrypt the data with different keys respectively according to the different groups, in the current technique, the data first is temporarily stored into a buffer memory. Then, each portion of the data is read from then buffer memory and encrypted, and the encrypted portion of the data is restored into the buffer memory. Finally, the encrypted data is transmitted and programmed from the buffer memory to the rewritable non-volatile memory in a unit of each physical programming unit. Because several direct memory accesses for the buffer memory are needed for encrypting all data corresponding to one write command, the performance of the memory storage apparatus is influenced seriously.
Nothing herein should be construed as an admission of knowledge in the prior art of any portion of the present invention. Furthermore, citation or identification of any document in this application is not an admission that such document is available as prior art to the present invention, or that any reference forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Command executing method, memory controller and memory storage apparatus


A foamed glass high in mechanical strength and high in resistance to heat and thermal shocks is obtained by dispersing therein 0.2-5 wt % of 3-50 mm long pieces of a corrosion resistant steel wire whose thermal expansion coefficient is equivalent to or slightly larger than that of the glass, such as a ferritic chromium stainless wire. The glass itself is an ordinary glass such as alkali-lime glass. A similarly heat resistant foamed glass is obtained by dispersing therein less than 10 wt % and not less than 1 wt % of at least one inorganic non-metallic heat-resistant filler, which is selected from fibrous and flaky materials 0.1-3 mm in length of each particle and powdery and granular materials 0.8-1000 .mu.m in particle or grain size. Typical examples of useful nonmetallic fillers are wollastonite, shale flakes, pyrophyllite, alumina-chromium cermets and corundum.

This invention relates to a cellular-structure glass or foamed glass in which at least one metallic or nonmetallic reinforcing material in the form of relatively small pieces or particles is dispersed for enhancement of heat resistance as well as mechanical strength. The heat resistant foamed glass is chiefly for use as a building material.
Recently foamed glass has been attracting much interest as a lightweight and heat insulating material that may be used in buildings and other constructions Thus far, however, applications of foamed glass are limited by reason of weakness against external mechanical force and against heating. Foamed glass of relatively high porosity is easily broken by a mechanical shock and collapses by rapid heating to 300-400.degree. C.
Low resistance of foamed glass to rapid heating with flames is attributed to the principal features of foamed glass. When a foamed glass plate or block is rapidly heated on one side thereof a steep temperature gradient is created in the foamed glass body due to lowness of heat conductivity, and the temperature gradient causes cracking of the foamed glass. Besides, rapid expansion of gases confined in the foamed glass and also gasification of a residue of the foaming agent accelerate collapsing of the heated foamed glass body.
It is known to reinforce foamed glass or ceramics by embedding or dispersing therein metal fibers as shown, for instance, in JP-A No. 60-36384. However, improvements in heat resistance including resistance to thermal shocks are deemed still insufficient.
Also it has been proposed to reinforce foamed glass or ceramics with nonmetallic mineral materials. JP-A No. 52-15603 shows a foamed glass containing a large amount of inorganic refractory material such as quartz, alumina and/or zircon together with talc and/or clay. JP-A No. 58-135153 shows a foamed glass containing a laminar mineral such as mica or vermiculite, and Journal of Materials Science, 16 (1981), 800-808 also shows a foamed glass containing mica powder. However, foamed glass containing a large amount of refractory material is rather low in mechanical strength and high in water absorption and, hence, is unsuitable as a building material. The proposed addition of a laminar mineral does not result in sufficient enhancement of resistance of foamed glass to thermal shocks.


A pipe coupling having a pair of opposed, semi-circular collar halves to be attached via fasteners for clamping the halves together on abutting ends of collinear pipes. The pipe ends have circumferential grooves engaged by ridges on an inside of collar half. A pair of parallel reinforcing wings extend radially by a varying height on an outside of the collar halves, along the axial edges, providing rigidity and strength to the pipe coupling. The wings increase in radial height from the circumferential ends adjacent the tabs to a maximum at the center of the coupling. The wings thereby distribute unequal forces, which are concentrated at the center, to achieve equally distributed deformation with such forces, thereby reducing the possibility of the ridges disengaging the grooves due to concentration of deformation at a local area.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of couplings for joining abutting ends of substantially collinear lengths of pipe or the like, and more particularly to a coupling of this type that is reinforced in a particular manner. Two members, each defining half of the circumference of the joined pipes, are bolted together on diametrically opposite sides of the pipes at their abutment. A pair of parallel wings that have a non-uniform radial height depend from, and essentially completely traverse axial boundaries of the outer side of said collar half, for reinforcing the coupling.
2. Description of the Related Art
Couplings for joining end-to-end pipes are known in some variations, and typically involve two semicircular members that are placed around the two pipes and are urged together by fasteners in bolting pads that are integral with the semicircular members. The structure forms a two part collar that bears radially inwardly on the two pipes, while bridging axially over the respective pipes on both sides of the abutment. Although this structure is basically uncomplicated, there are a number of aspects of the structure that present practical problems. For example, the fasteners are typically bolts that extend through the bolting pads, which extend radially of the pipes and parallel to the bolting pad of an opposed joint member. As torque is exerted to draw the bolting pads together, the joint members can be deformed from a nominally semicircular shape conforming to the pipe.
The couplings can have coupling tangs extending inwardly toward the pipes, for engaging circumferential grooves adjacent the ends of the pipes. Similarly, the pipes can be flanged. Misalignment of these parts may warp the coupling members and allow the coupling to slip. A heavily reinforced coupling part better resists deformation, but is heavy and may waste material, and can be counterproductive because the added stiffness is such that the coupling part cannot readily deform to accommodate a pipe that does not precisely match its dimensions.
The force exerted by bolts in the coupling tabs at the ends of the clamping parts along the lateral sides of the pipe, is a force exerted parallel to a diameter of the pipe. To accommodate the possibility that the pipe may be slightly oversized or the clamp slightly undersized relative to one another, it is advantageous to provide sufficient clearance and flexibility to allow the semicircular shape of the pipe to flex open. Conversely if the pipe is oversized and/or the clamp undersized, flexibility allowing the clamp halves to pull in on the pipe improves contact between the pipe and the clamp near the bolt tabs. Thus, there are advantages to providing a coupling that is flexible in certain aspects, for example to better conform to the pipes and to permit a limited ability to flex. Thus an optimal design may be the result of trade-offs and design choices that impact the effectiveness of the coupling.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,928,316--Muto discloses a two part coupling for conduits, having a hinge joint on one lateral side of adjoining conduit or pipe ends, instead of a pair of bolting pads. On the opposite side of the pipe, the bolting pads are urged together by a bolt, for clamping the hinge parts together and thereby joining the ends of the pipe. Muto includes stiffening ribs extending in diminishing size from a clamp edge to a point approximately three-quarters around the clamp body.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,611,839 and 4,639,020, each to Rung et al, disclose two-part couplings having reinforcing flanges or buttresses for controlling flexing and bending of the bolting pads. However, as shown in each of the Rung et al references, the reinforcing buttresses and flanges do not continue around the full circumference portion encompassed by the coupling part.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,931--Bowsher discloses a circumferential pipe clamp having a raised shoulder on each edge throughout the length of the clamp. The raised shoulder is the same height throughout its length.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,17,755--Gittleman discloses a pipe coupling having annular ribs adjacent annular grooves. The annular ribs have a uniform height around the circumference portion encompassed by the coupling part.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,695,638--Blakeley discloses a pipe coupling having wings located near an end of the coupling. The wings do not continue around the circumference portion encompassed by the coupling part.
The foregoing patent references suggest that the art of clamp-like pipe couplings is well developed. However, the references do not suggest that it would be advantageous to reinforce a pipe coupling by varying the extent of the reinforcement provided by parallel wings located laterally of the coupling parts (at the axial boundaries of the coupling with respect to the pipes), such that the wings are of a different radial height from point to point along the length of the coupling, that is of differing radial height along the circumference encompassed by each of the coupling halves. According to the invention, a pipe coupling has a pair of parallel wings integral with the coupling halves, protruding radially at the lateral edges or boundaries around the portion of the semicircular arc encompassed by each coupling part or half. The wings have a relative minimum height at points spaced from the axial centerline of the pipe, and gradually increase in size towards the centerline or midpoint between the bolt tabs of the clamp, and the wings are largest at this midpoint.
The wings provide maximum reinforcement against flexing of the clamping parts where the wings are radially highest, and this occurs at the greatest distance from the bolt tabs at the ends of the coupling parts. This variation in the reinforcement and rigidity of the pipe joint members produces a dynamic balance when the opposed clamp halves are bolted together or similarly urged inwardly against the pipe ends at the coupling, and provides an optimal balance between strength and the ability to flex.


A new and distinct cultivar of Anemone plant named ‘Little Princess’, characterized by its upright and mounding plant habit; freely flowering habit; and pale pink-colored flowers.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Anemone, botanically known as Anemone hupehensis and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Little Princess'.
The new Anemone is a naturally-occurring whole plant mutation of the Anemone hupehensis cultivar Praecox, not patented. The new Anemone was discovered and selected by the Inventor as a single flowering plant within a population of plants of the cultivar Praecox in a controlled environment in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands during the summer of 2002.
Asexual reproduction of the new Anemone by root cuttings in a controlled environment in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands since the winter of 2002, has shown that the unique features of this new Anemone are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A method of providing, to a user equipment, first information for generating a cipher key used for encryption, and for providing, to an authorized intercept device, second information for generating the cipher key, the method including determining a generator function that, based on an input state value, outputs a next cipher key and a next state value, determining an initial state value for the generator function, providing, to the authorized intercept device, the generator function and the initial state value as the second information, generating the cipher key and a state value based on the function generator and the input state value, generating a pseudo-random value based on the cipher key, and transmitting, to the user equipment, the pseudo-random value as the first information, wherein the user equipment generates the cipher key based on the pseudo-random value.

The requirements for security features within the mobile communication system UMTS are specified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). These security features are realized by the use of cryptographic functions and algorithms. In total, 3GPP identified the need for 9 cryptographic algorithms and functions, as described in 3GPP TS 33.102 v3.5.0: "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; 3G Security; Security Architecture" ("3GPP102"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Two of these functions, called f8 and f9, are used for cipher and integrity protection of the 3GPP radio interface, and have already been developed and are part of the 3GPP standard specifications.
The algorithms for authentication and key generation are not standardized as they can well be proprietary and chosen by each operator, as is done in GSM. The context for these algorithms, known as f1, f1*, f2, f3, f4, f5, f5*, is described in 3GPP102. The generic requirements for these algorithms are specified in 3GPP TS 33.105 v3.4.0: "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; 3G Security; Cryptographic Algorithm Requirements", which is incorporated herein by reference.
The existing sample specification and algorithm set uses AES, and is described in 3GPP TS 35.205 v10.0.0: "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; 3G Security; Specification of the MILENAGE Algorithm Set: An example algorithm set for the 3GPP authentication and key generation functions f1, f1*, f2, f3, f4, f5 and f5*" ("3GPP205"), which is incorporated herein by reference. This description has become the defacto standard within the mobile telecommunication industry. A consequence of this is that all telecommunication security is predicated on the security of AES, with little means to replace it should cryptanalysis of AES advance.
Just as the need for security features within mobile communication systems is being met, there is a corresponding need for facilitating lawful interception for authorized entities. Many carriers are burdened with such lawful intercept requirements.


An apparatus for producing tyres of different types simultaneously includes a central processing unit, work stations, and local processing units. The central processing unit causes sequential execution of a plurality of operating steps at the work stations according to one or more predetermined sequences of types of tyres. Each work station includes at least one operating unit. A local processing unit is associated with each work station. The local processing units associated with the work stations identify types of tyres corresponding to supporting members for the tyres. The local processing units associated with the work stations also select, from a predetermined group of operating procedures for each operating unit, a specific procedure for a type of tyre corresponding to a respective supporting member at a respective operating unit. A related method for producing tyres of different types simultaneously is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a plant and a method for producing tyres which are different from each other.
2. Description of the Related Art
A tyre for vehicle wheels normally comprises a carcass structure, essentially consisting of one or more carcass plies shaped in an essentially toroidal configuration and having their axially opposing lateral edges engaged with corresponding annular reinforcing structures incorporating circumferentially inextensible inserts usually called xe2x80x9cbead wiresxe2x80x9d. Each annular reinforcing structure is incorporated in what is known as a xe2x80x9cbeadxe2x80x9d formed along an inner circumferential edge of the tyre for fixing the tyre to a corresponding mounting rim.
A belt structure, comprising one or more strips of belt in the shape of a closed loop, essentially consisting of textile or metal cords suitably orientated with respect to each other and with respect to the cords belonging to the adjacent carcass plies, is applied to the carcass structure in a radially external position.
A tread strip, normally consisting of a strip of elastomeric material of suitable thickness, is also applied to the belt structure in a radially external position.
It should be noted that, for the purposes of the present description, the term xe2x80x9celastomeric materialxe2x80x9d denotes the rubber mixture in its entirety, in other words the whole material formed by at least one polymer base suitably amalgamated with reinforcing fillers, and/or process additives of various types.
A pair of sidewalls, each of which covers a lateral portion of the tyre lying between what is called a shoulder area, located near the corresponding lateral edge of the tread strip, and the corresponding bead, is applied to the opposite sides of the tyre.
Given the above, it should be noted that each type of tyre is essentially distinguished from the others by a set of chemical and physical, structural, dimensional and appearance characteristics.
The chemical and physical characteristics essentially relate to the type and composition of the materials, and particularly to the recipes of the various mixtures used in the production of the elastomeric materials. The structural characteristics essentially define the number and type of the structural components present in the tyre, and their positioning with respect to each other in the structure of the tyre. The dimensional characteristics relate to the geometrical measurements and to the cross-sectional profile of the tyre (external diameter, maximum chord or width, sidewall height and their ratio, in other words the section ratio) and will be indicated simply as xe2x80x9cspecificationxe2x80x9d hereafter. The appearance characteristics consist of the design on the rolling surface of the tread, the ornamental patterns and the various pieces of wording or distinctive signs reproduced on the tyre, for example on the sidewalls of the tyre, and will be indicated as a whole as xe2x80x9ctread designxe2x80x9d in the remainder of the present description.
The conventional production processes essentially comprise four distinct steps in the manufacture of tyres:
a) preparation of the mixtures,
b) production of the individual structural components,
c) assembly of the different structural components in succession, to produce a crude tyre on a drum or other suitable support,
d) vulcanization of the crude tyre with simultaneous stamping of the tread design on the external surface of the tyre.
For the purposes of the present invention, xe2x80x9ctype of tyrexe2x80x9d denotes a tyre having a given specification, given structural components of which it consists, and a given tread design.
In an effort to reduce production costs, technological development has been basically orientated towards the search for technical solutions which would lead to the production of increasingly fast and reliable machinery, in such a way as to minimize the time required to produce each tyre, while maintaining or improving the quality of the finished product.
Thus, plants with high production capacity in terms of pieces produced per unit of time have been produced, using tyre manufacturing machinery which has reduced options for modification (or in other words, is capable of producing only a limited range of types of tyre), but which maximize the serial production of tyres having identical structural characteristics. Purely by way of example, in the most up-to-date plants the output can be up to approximately two carcass per minute, and the average batch output in one month of operation for each article (type of tyre) can be 3200 pieces, with an article-changeover time of 375 minutes.
Attempts have also been made to reduce or eliminate the storage of the semi-finished products present between one and another of the four process steps listed above, in such a way as to minimize the costs and problems involved whenever the type of tyre in production has to be changed. For example, the document EP 922561 proposes a method for controlling tyre production, in which, in order to reduce or eliminate both the crude tyre storage time and the number of crude tyres being stored, a complex vulcanizing unit is provided, with a number of moulds suitable for constantly absorbing the output of the complex tyre manufacturing unit. The production of tyres of different types, particularly those having different specifications, is achieved by replacing and/or adapting from time to time the machinery provided in the complex tyre manufacturing unit, in conjunction with the replacement of the moulds in the complex vulcanizing unit.
The applicant has found that, in all cases, the production of the tyres entails costs which increase with the variety of types of tyre to be produced: in particular, it is necessary to intervene in the processes and/or mixture production plants to permit the production of components with new and different physical and chemical characteristics and/or in the production plants of the individual structural components to change the specification of the tyres being produced. It is also necessary to change the operating sequence (different assembly method) and/or the equipment and adjustment of the manufacturing machinery whenever a change is made in the structure and/or the specification of the tyre to be produced. Finally, it is necessary to have at least one vulcanizing mould for each different tread design-specification pair.
All of the above entails continuing costs for the purchase of moulds with different specifications and different tread designs, and of different equipment, costs for installing the latter, losses of output due to machine downtime (a change of process or equipment generally causes machine downtime), and waste of material. For example, in the case of continuous production of components, machine downtime of downstream plants and/or a change in the characteristics of the components generates excess production which has to be rejected, since it is impossible to re-use it.
Given these circumstances, in the applicant""s perception the production of a large number of types of tyre in a single plant is generally undesirable, particularly if the objective of minimizing costs is to be pursued. In fact, this objective is incompatible with a frequent change of equipment and production processes. When production processes of the conventional type are used, the applicant has observed that, where the volume of sales of each individual type is sufficiently high, the number of the production plants can be multiplied in such a way as to make it possible to produce a different type continuously in each plant, thus minimizing the aforesaid disadvantages. On the other hand, where the volumes of sales forecast for specific types are not particularly high, for example on an annual basis, it is also possible in each case to carry out the whole production for at least one year immediately and continuously, to contain the production costs for these types. This system may, however, affect the quality of the sold product, and tends to increase storage costs, since the products remain in stock for a long period. The risk associated with sales also increases, for example as a result of unforeseen rapid obsolescence of the product, and there is an increase in the financial costs of capital tied up in the stocks of the product and in the installation of the moulds which are to be used only for the restricted period necessary to complete the production of the forecast reduced volume.
In order to tackle these problems, the applicant has already developed a production method in which each series of tyres identical to each other as regards production is broken down into daily lots, each comprising a quantity of tyres sufficient to cover the daily output of one mould. In this way the production of tyres having different specifications and/or different constructional characteristics is optimized by eliminating the storage of large quantities of crude and vulcanized tyres. This method is described in European patent application EP 875364 in the name of the present applicant.
In a tyre production plant, the step of vulcanization of the tyre is carried out in a period which is essentially identical for ranges of all the types of tyres, but on the other hand the tyre manufacturing time differs considerably according to the type of tyre to be produced. Additionally, the application of even a single component takes different lengths of time for different types of tyre.
This impedes a frequent change of type within the plant described above, since the creation of waiting times for the vulcanization step would occur whenever a tyre to be vulcanized belonged to a different type from that preceding it in the crude tyre processing sequence.
Moreover, a frequent change of type of tyre within one processing batch also entails a frequent change of the equipment for making the different types, thus further increasing the waiting times.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term xe2x80x9cserial processing plantxe2x80x9d denotes a plant in which the individual steps of processing of the tyre are carried out in a fixed sequence, in other words in which each tyre processing step starts immediately after the preceding step has ended.
The applicant has observed that, in a serial processing plant, the total production process time is dependent on the slowest processing step.
For the purposes of the present invention, the term xe2x80x9ccritical processing periodxe2x80x9d denotes a processing period in which no changes are planned in the equipment during the tyre processing sequence.
The applicant has tackled the problem of controlling the functions of the plant in such a way as to produce, within a single critical period, types of tyres which are different from each other, while minimizing the waiting times which are due primarily to the difference in the rates of the crude tyre manufacturing steps between tyres of different types.
According to the present invention, the applicant has provided a tyre production plant in which different types of tyre can be produced within the same critical processing period without increasing the waiting times.
More particularly, the applicant has provided a plant for manufacturing crude tyres of different types by the successive assembly of elementary components on toroidal drums of predetermined dimensions. Therefore, once the number of tyres to be produced for each type within a critical period has been decided, it is possible to determine a sequence for introducing the different drums into the plant and a sequence for the various processing steps which make it possible to keep the average time for producing the quantity of crude tyres for this critical period essentially constant. In a plant of this kind, the processing and the sequence of depositing the various components on the drum are not the same for all the types of tyre, and, at the same time, different types of tyre are produced within the same critical period.
The tyre is assembled in successive workstations, in each of which one of the said elementary components is deposited on the drum.
The applicant has provided a plant in which each work station is controlled by a local unit capable of recognizing the drum which arrives at it, and consequently the type of tyre which is to be produced. Each local unit communicates with a central unit of the plant which controls the passage of a drum from one workstation to the next and distributes control to the different work stations.
One aspect of the present invention relates to a plant for producing tyres of different types simultaneously, comprising a plurality of operating units operating in succession, and characterized in that it comprises:
a central processing unit capable of causing the sequential execution of a plurality of operating steps at work stations, each of which comprises at least one of the said operating units, according to one or more predetermined sequences of types of tyres,
a local processing unit associated with each work station and capable of identifying the type of tyre corresponding to a drum supplied to each of the said operating units, and of selecting one of a predetermined group of operating procedures for each of the said operating units which is specific to the type of tyre corresponding to the drum being worked on.
In particular, each drum comprises a code identifying the type of tyre to be produced on it.
In particular, each work station comprises at least one reader of the said code identifying the type of tyre.
Preferably, the said identification code is associated with a shaft of the said drum.
Preferably, the said code identifying the type of tyre is a bar code.
Preferably, the said reader of the said identification code is associated with each operating unit.
Preferably, the said reader of the said identification code is associated with a robotic arm of each operating unit.
In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing tyres of different types in an automatic plant comprising a plurality of operating units operating in succession, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:
causing, in a central processing unit, the sequential execution of a plurality of operating steps in the said operating units, according to one or more predetermined sequences of types of tyres;
identifying the type of tyre corresponding to a drum supplied to each of the said operating units;
selecting, from a predetermined group of operating procedures for each of the said operating units, a specific procedure for the type of tyre corresponding to the drum being worked on.
Preferably, the said step of identifying the type of tyre comprises the reading of a code identifying this type associated with the drum being worked on.

Apparatus and method for producing tires of different types simultaneously


The present invention presents an adaptable processing element for use in a processing system having multiple configurations. The processing element comprises a primary component and at least one detachable component, wherein the at least one detachable component can be retained for one configuration and removed for another configuration. For example, the detachable component may include a punch-out or knock-out located on a right-hand side and a left-hand side of a processing element in order to permit access of a gas supply line to a processing chamber for either a right-hand orientation or a left-hand orientation, respectively. Additionally, for example, the detachable component, whether retained or removed, can permit flexible use with different size processing chambers.

The fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs) in the semiconductor industry typically employs plasma to create and assist surface chemistry within a plasma reactor necessary to remove material from and deposit material onto a substrate. For example, plasma can be utilized with physical vapor deposition (PVD) to sputter material from a target and deposit the sputtered adatom onto the substrate, with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to create chemical constituents suitable for deposition upon a substrate, or with dry plasma etching to create chemical constituents suitable for the removal of specific materials from the surface of a substrate.
In general, during plasma processing such as in the aforementioned processes, excess sputtered adatom in PVD systems, excess deposition chemistry in CVD systems, or excess etch chemistry and/or etch residue in etch systems can deposit on process system surfaces and accumulate from process-to-process. Therefore, such systems are commonly equipped with protective elements or liners that protect the underlying surfaces of more expensive processing components, and that can be replaced periodically with deposit-free, cleaned, refurbished, or new protective elements. Typically, the frequency for element replacement is governed by the type of process, and the nature of the material or film that accumulates on the exposed surfaces of the protective elements. Hence, it is additionally imperative to provide surfaces in contact with the processing environment that facilitate the adhesion of excess materials, and, in time, reduce contamination of future processes (i.e. particles, etc.) and potentially provide longer cycles between replacement of the protective elements.
Further, it is not uncommon to encounter an evolution of processing system configuration (i.e. change in size of processing chamber, pumping system, etc.) during the lifetime of a processing system. Typically, the continual evolution of a processing system as a manufacturing product has required an inventory of protective elements, each element or set of elements specific to a particular configuration. Hence, it is also imperative to provide low cost, replaceable protective elements that possess sufficient flexibility for use in a processing system having multiple configurations.

Adaptable processing element for a processing system and a method of making the same


A zoom lens system according to the present invention includes a first lens group with negative refractive power, a second lens group with positive refractive power, a third lens group with positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group with negative refractive power which are arranged in turn from the object side toward the image side, and the zoom lens system is formed so that, in performing a zooming operation from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position, the first lens group keeps still, the distance between the first and second lens groups becomes small, the distance between the second and third lens groups becomes wide, and the distance between the third and fourth lens groups becomes small.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a zoom lens system and an image pick up device having the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Digital cameras, which are provided with a solid-state image sensor like CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), have become mainstream instead of film-based cameras in recent years. These digital cameras include various kinds of digital cameras which range from high performance-type digital camera for business to compact popular-type digital camera.
And, in such digital cameras, compact popular-type digital cameras have improved in downsizing because of desires that users easily enjoy photography, so that digital cameras which can be put well in pockets of clothes or bags and are convenient to be carried have appeared. Such small digital cameras can be stored in any space and used in any place, so that sturdiness and dust resistance also have become important factors for such small digital cameras.
Accordingly, it has become necessary to downsize zoom lens system for such digital cameras yet more, and, in addition, sturdiness and dust resistance have become necessary for the zoom lens system.
Zoom lens system which meet such requirements include a zoom lens which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Kokai No. 2007-286548. The zoom lens which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Kokai No. 2007-286548 is composed of a first lens group with negative refractive power, a second lens group with positive refractive power, a third lens group with positive power, and a fourth lens group. In this case, the first lens group always keeps still in changing a magnification. That is to say, the distance between the first lens group and the image plane does not change.

Zoom lens system and image pickup device having the same


An energy harvesting apparatus, system, and method are provided to perform energy harvesting and estimation of ambient energy intensity. The energy harvesting apparatus includes an energy converter, an energy storage, an output voltage/current detector, and a switch. The energy converter receives ambient energy, converts the ambient energy into DC power having a DC voltage and a DC current, and outputs the DC power. The energy storage receives and stores the DC power. The output voltage/current detector has a constant load value and detects at least one of the DC voltage and the DC current, outputted from the energy converter, to be used for estimating intensity of the ambient energy. The switch selectively connects the energy converter to the energy storage or the output voltage/current detector.

With the growths of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in a great variety of fields, it is expected that the use of very compact IoT devices of ultra-low-power will increase explosively. However, because such IoT devices need to receive power through a battery or wired power connection to operate, they confront limitations in usable environments and occurrence of maintenance costs. This is a serious obstacle to the proliferation of IoT devices.
In order to solve this issue, what is called a disposable IoT device has been recently introduced. This type IoT device is implemented with very low cost as well as ultra-low power, thus not only performing a default function with limited communication speed but also offering the convenience of easy use and discard.
In addition, to solve a problem caused by the limited battery capacity of IoT devices, there is a demand for the power system technology of IoT devices incorporating the energy harvesting technique that can improve power regeneration and survivability through ambient energy collection and conversion.

Energy harvesting apparatus, system, and method for estimating ambient energy intensity


A method and system for managing power in a device having a power source is described. The method and system includes a switch and at least one controller. The switch is coupled with the power source and a portion of the device. The at least one controller is coupled with the switch and is for controlling the switch to be open or closed based on instructions provided to the controller. The controller toggles the switch to provide pulse-width modulation, thereby stepping-down a first power to a desired power provided to the portion of the device. In another aspect, the method and system include loading software for providing pulse width modulation in at least one controller of a system. The system includes at least one switch coupled with the power source, a portion of the device and the controller. In this aspect, the method and system also include utilizing the at least one controller for toggling the switch to provide pulse-width modulation based on the software. Thus, a first power is stepped down to a desired power provided to the portion of the device.

The present invention relates to systems which may have a limited power supply and more particularly to a method and system for providing intelligent power management that allows for step-down power conversion in such a system.
Many systems utilize a power supply which may have a limited capacity. For example, truck tractors, boats, golf carts, and satellites may utilize a battery or other energy storage apparatus for DC electrical power. These devices may have a mechanism for recharging the battery, such as an alternator. However, on occasion these devices operate on the stored power from the battery. For example, a truck tractor typically includes an alternator for generating power, a battery for storing power, and various subsystems which may consume power. These power consumers include a cranking system; lights; computers; communication devices electronics for the engine, brakes, steering and other subsystems; and comfort devices such as heating cooling, ventilation, refrigeration, microwaves, and televisions. Many of the power consumers can operate on the stored power of the battery alone when the alternator is not generating power.
Breakdown of the electrical system can be the primary cause of failure for many of these devices, such as the tractor trailer. Even where the electrical system is less subject to malfunctions, breakdown of the electrical system can cause the device to be unable to function. Such a failure of the device may be expensive, both to repair and in other costs absorbed by the user. For example, a failure of the electrical system which drains the battery of a truck tractor may be costly not only because the truck tractor must be towed to another location and repaired, but also because time and perishable cargo may be lost. Consequently, the ability to predict, diagnose, and avoid such failures is desirable.
Mechanisms for avoiding such failure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,858 by Thomsen et al. (xe2x80x9cThomsenxe2x80x9d) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,577 by Lesesky et al. (xe2x80x9cLeseskyxe2x80x9d). Thomsen and Lesesky treat one problem that has been diagnosed in devices such as a truck tractor, the problem of overcranking. Consequently, Thomsen discloses cutting off power to the cranking system of a truck tractor when the current flowing and time for which the current flows exceed a particular level. Similarly, Lesesky discloses cutting off power to the cranking system of a truck tractor when a user has provided a cranking signal for greater than a particular time. Furthermore, Thomsen treats the problem of theft using solid state switches controlled using a micro-computer and a code input by a user. Based on whether a code is provided to the system, whether the internal temperature of a switch is above a particular value, and whether a particular current has been provided for a particular time, Thomsen allows power to be provided to the cranking motor.
However, it would still be desirable to be capable of diagnosing impending failures, avoiding failures, providing power to consumers in a more optimal manner. Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for providing intelligent power management. The present invention addresses such a need.
A method and system for managing power in a device having a power source is described. The method and system comprise switches and at least one controller. The switch is coupled with the power source and a portion of the device. The at least one controller is coupled with the switch and is for controlling the switch to be open or closed based on instructions provided to the controller. The controller toggles the switch to provide pulse-width modulation, thereby stepping-down a first power to a desired power provided to the portion of the device. In another aspect, the method and system comprise loading software for providing pulse width modulation in at least one controller of a system. The system includes at least one switch coupled with the power source, a portion of the device and the controller. In this aspect, the method and system also comprise utilizing the at least one controller for toggling the switch to provide pulse-width modulation based on the software. Thus, a first power is stepped down to a desired power provided to the portion of the device.
According to the system and method disclosed herein, the present invention allows power to different subsystems to be stepped down. As a result, the desired power can be provided to particular subsystems, improving the operation of subsystems of the device, such as the battery.

System and method for providing step-down power conversion using an intelligent switch


An apparatus for forming a vehicle airbag assembly includes a reaction device (12) and an airbag/retainer subassembly (14). The airbag/retainer subassembly (14) includes an airbag (16) and a retainer (18) which are joined together by airbag mating members (42) and complementary retainer mating members (62) in a predetermined alignment. In this predetermined alignment, apertures (38) formed in the airbag (16) are aligned with apertures (68) formed in the retainer (18). The reaction device (12) may include mating members (84) which form a cradle configured to engage the airbag/retainer subassembly (14) and to align the airbag/retainer subassembly (14) in a predetermined orientation. In this predetermined orientation, apertures (82) formed in the reaction device (12) will be aligned with the already aligned apertures (38, 68) of the airbag (16) and the retainer (18). In the completed airbag assembly, suitable fasteners, such as rivets, may be inserted through the aligned apertures (38, 68, 82) to couple the airbag (16 ) and the retainer (18) to the reaction device (12).

A vehicle airbag assembly typically comprises a reaction device and an airbag which is coupled to the reaction device. The reaction device is commonly adapted to be mounted to a structural part of a vehicle. For example, a passenger-side airbag is usually designed to be incorporated into the dashboard or instrument panel of a vehicle. One common form of a reaction device is a "reaction can" or, in other words, a wall structure forming a container which at least partially encloses the airbag.
The airbag includes an inflatable bag which is made of a suitable flexible fabric, such as nylon, and which includes a mouth defining a fluid inlet. The bag is adapted to be inflated to a desired configuration. If the bag was to be used in a passenger-side airbag assembly, it would probably be designed to be inflated into a generally cylindrical or drum-like shape.
An airbag assembly additionally typically includes an inflator and a cover which are also coupled to the reaction device. The inflator will usually comprise a housing enclosing a source of inflation fluid. The cover will usually be designed to separate into segments during deployment of the airbag.
When mounted to a vehicle, an airbag assembly operates to deploy the airbag at the onset of a vehicle collision. Specifically, at the onset of a collision, the inflator supplies inflation fluid to the inflatable bag. This supply of inflation fluid expands the bag to sequentially (although almost instantaneously) create an opening in the cover, force the bag through the opening into the occupant compartment, and fully inflate the bag to cushion an occupant against impact with a structural part of the vehicle.
As was indicated above, the airbag is typically coupled to the reaction device. In designing the airbag assembly of the present invention, applicants appreciated that this coupling could be accomplished by inserting suitable fasteners, such as rivets, through apertures in the mouth of the inflatable bag and aligned apertures in the reaction device. However, applicants also appreciated that, while this coupling process has proven to be effective, it frequently requires preliminary alignment procedures. More specifically, the airbag and/or the reaction device must often be manually manipulated and visually inspected during the preliminary stages of the coupling process to ensure that the apertures in the bag's mouth are properly aligned with the apertures in the reaction device. Thus, in designing the airbag assembly of the present invention, applicants wanted to use this effective method of coupling the airbag to the reaction device but also wanted to eliminate the need for preliminary alignment procedures.
In designing the airbag assembly of the present invention, applicants additionally wanted to incorporate a separate retainer, such as a frame-shaped component, into the airbag assembly. Applicants appreciated that such a retainer could be provided with apertures which were arranged to align with the apertures in the bag's mouth and with the apertures in the reaction device. In this manner, suitable fasteners, such as rivets, could be inserted through the aligned apertures in the reaction device, the bag's mouth, and the retainer to couple the airbag and the retainer effectively to the reaction device. Applicants also appreciated, however, that the introduction of a retainer could undesirably further complicate the preliminary alignment procedures of the coupling process.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide structures and techniques for effectively coupling an airbag and a retainer to a reaction device while at the same time eliminating the need for preliminary alignment procedures. This objective is accomplished by providing the airbag, the retainer, and the reaction device with mating members which, when appropriately mated or engaged, insure that the relevant coupling components (rivet-receiving apertures in the preferred embodiment) are properly aligned.
More particularly, the present invention provides a method of forming an airbag assembly comprising the steps of providing an airbag, providing a retainer, and providing a reaction device. The airbag includes an inflatable bag and airbag mating members which are attached to, and extend away from, the mouth of the inflatable bag. Preferably, the airbag mating members are part of a mating device which is incorporated into the bag's mouth. The retainer includes a base member and retainer mating members which are attached to, and extend away from, the base member. The retainer mating members are complementarily configured to mate with the airbag mating members.
In forming the airbag assembly, the airbag is joined to the retainer to form an airbag/retainer subassembly. Specifically, the airbag mating members are mated with the retainer mating members, thereby joining the airbag to the retainer in a predetermined alignment. In this predetermined alignment, the relevant coupling components of the airbag and the retainer (i.e., rivet-receiving apertures) are properly aligned. Thus, the mating of the airbag mating members with the retainer mating members simultaneously aligns the relevant coupling components of the airbag and the retainer so that preliminary alignment procedures are not necessary.
The airbag/retainer subassembly is then positioned in a predetermined orientation relative to the reaction device and thereafter coupled to the reaction device. In this predetermined orientation, the relevant coupling components of the reaction device (i.e., rivet-receiving apertures) are properly aligned with the relevant coupling components of the airbag and the retainer (i.e., already aligned rivet-receiving apertures). The reaction device preferably includes a cradle configured to engage the airbag/retainer subassembly and to align the airbag/retainer subassembly in the predetermined orientation. In this manner, the engagement of the airbag/retainer subassembly with the cradle simultaneously aligns the relevant coupling components so that preliminary alignment procedures are not necessary.
The reaction device may comprise a "reaction can" or, in other words, comprise a wall structure forming a container and defining a front opening. If the airbag assembly of the present invention includes such a reaction device, the positioning of the airbag/retainer subassembly may include inserting it through the front opening into the container. If the reaction device includes a cradle, the cradle would be preferably formed in one piece with the wall structure.
The method of the present invention may be used in conjunction with suitable fasteners, such as rivets, to couple the airbag and the retainer effectively to the reaction device while at the same time eliminating the need for preliminary alignment procedures. For example, the inflatable bag could be provided with apertures which are disposed at predetermined locations relative to the airbag mating members. Additionally, the base member of the retainer could be provided with apertures which are disposed at predetermined locations relative to the retainer mating members and which are arranged to align with the bag's apertures in the completed airbag/retainer subassembly. When the airbag mating members are mated with the retainer mating members, the apertures in the inflatable bag would be simultaneously aligned with the corresponding apertures in the retainer.
Furthermore, the reaction device could be provided with apertures which are arranged to align with the aligned apertures in the inflatable bag and the retainer when the airbag/retainer subassembly is positioned in the predetermined orientation. The fasteners could then be inserted through the aligned apertures of the inflatable bag, the retainer, and the reaction device so that these fasteners could be used to couple the airbag and the retainer to the reaction device. If the reaction device includes a cradle, the apertures in the reaction device would be simultaneously aligned with the aligned apertures of the inflatable bag and the retainer when the airbag/retainer subassembly is engaged with the cradle.
Thus, an airbag/retainer subassembly according to the present invention comprises an airbag and a retainer which are joined together by airbag mating members and complementary retainer mating members. As was indicated above, the airbag mating members may be part of a mating device. Such a mating device preferably comprises a ring-shaped base member which is incorporated into the mouth of the inflatable bag and which is formed in one piece with the airbag mating members. More preferably, the mating device consists essentially of a one-piece molded plastic article and, even more preferably, the one-piece molded plastic article is made of nylon.
In an airbag assembly according to the present invention, the airbag/retainer subassembly is coupled to a reaction device. If the reaction device includes a cradle, this cradle engages the airbag/retainer subassembly and supports the airbag/retainer subassembly in the predetermined orientation. If the relevant coupling components constitute apertures, the airbag/retainer subassembly is coupled to the reaction device by suitable fasteners, such as rivets, which are inserted through the aligned apertures of the inflatable bag, the base member of the retainer, and the reaction device.


The invention concerns a cryptographic key distribution system comprising a server node, a repeater network connected to the server node through a quantum channel, and a client node connected to the repeater network through a quantum channel; wherein in use: the repeater network and the client node cooperatively generate a transfer quantum key which is supplied to a system subscriber by the client node; the server node and the repeater network cooperatively generate a link quantum key; the repeater network encrypts the link quantum key based on the transfer quantum key and sends the encrypted link quantum key to the system subscriber through a public communication channel; the server node encrypts a traffic cryptographic key based on the link quantum key and a service authentication key and sends the encrypted traffic cryptographic key to the system subscriber through a public communication channel.

As is known, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a technique based on the principles of quantum mechanics that enables two communication devices connected to each other by means of a quantum channel to generate a random cryptographic key, called quantum key, which can be used by said communication devices, or by the users of said communication devices, to communicate with each other in a secure manner over a public channel, or rather over an eavesdroppable channel, for example a connection via the Internet.
In general, the quantum channel comprises a quantum link, for example a link via optical fibre or in free space, and a conventional, or rather non-quantum, link, such as a connection via the Internet.
QKD provides that a series of quantum states, usually in the form of photons, is transmitted on the quantum channel, in particular over the quantum link of the quantum channel, in order to generate a quantum key common to the two communication devices.
In particular, QKD provides that the two communication devices perform the following operations:                they measure specific properties, for example the polarization plane, of the photons transmitted over the quantum link of the quantum channel;        they exchange, over the conventional link of the quantum channel, information related to the measurements carried out: and        they generate one and the same quantum key on the basis of the measurements carried out and of the information exchanged over the conventional link of the quantum channel.
As is known, traditional cryptographic key distribution protocols do not permit detecting whether the distributed cryptographic keys have been eavesdropped. In particular, traditional cryptographic key distribution protocols do not permit discovering whether a cryptographic key distributed before starting an encrypted communication based on said cryptographic key has been eavesdropped, for example by means of a "man in the middle" attack.
On the contrary, QKD enables detecting if someone has attempted to abusively eavesdrop the quantum key. In particular, QKD not only enables detecting whether or not someone has abusively eavesdropped any exchanged information and/or any photons transmitted over the quantum channel during the generation of the quantum key, but also enables avoiding that the eavesdropped information could be used to trace the quantum key.
BB84 protocol is a known QKD algorithm that was described for the first time by C. H. Bennett and G. Brassard in "Quantium cryptography: Public key distribution and coin tossing", Proc. of the IEEE Int. Conf. on Computers, Systems & Signal Processing, Bangalore, India, Dec. 10-12, 1984, pp. 175-179.
In particular, the BB84 protocol enables two communication devices connected to each other by means of a quantum channel that comprises a quantum link and a conventional link, i.e., a non-quantum link, to generate a secure binary quantum key. Neither of the two links needs to be a secure connection; in fact, the BB84 protocol is also designed to take into account possible interference, in any form, with both of the links by an unauthorized third party.
In the following, the two communication devices will be called device A and device B for the sake of description simplicity.
In particular, according to the BB84 protocol, the device A transmits a series of quantum states to the device B over the quantum channel, specifically over the quantum link of the quantum channel, in the form of photons opportunely polarized to encode binary information. The polarizations of the transmitted photons can be defined according to two distinct bases, for example a first base + that comprises the orthogonal polarizations 0° and 90° and a second base × that comprises the orthogonal polarizations 45° and 135°.
In detail, according to the BB84 protocol, the device A performs the following operations:                it generates a random sequence of bits; and,        for each generated bit,                    it randomly selects a respective base,            it transmits, over the quantum channel, specifically over the quantum link of the quantum channel, a respective photon polarized according to the respective selected base to encode said bit, and            it stores said bit, the respective selected base and the time instant when the respective photon is transmitted.
An example of how the photons transmitted over the quantum channel can be polarized to encode 0 or 1 in the two bases + and × is provided in the table below.
TABLEBASE01+ 0° 90°x45°135°
Moreover, for each photon received over the quantum channel, specifically over the quantum link of the quantum channel, the device B performs the following operations:                it randomly selects a respective base;        it measures the polarization of the received photon using the respective selected base;        it determines the bit encoded by the measured polarization; and        it stores the determined bit, the respective selected base and the time instant when said photon is received.
After transmission of the photons terminates, the device A sends to the device B, over the conventional link of the quantum channel, the bases used to polarize the transmitted photons, and the device B sends to the device A, again over the conventional link of the quantum channel, the bases used to measure the polarizations of the received photons. The devices A and B discard any bits for which the device B has used a base for measuring the photon's polarization that is different from the one used by the device A to polarize said photon. Each device thus obtains a respective raw key constituted by the non-discarded bits.
For the sake of description simplicity, up to now the BB84 protocol has been described assuming that the device A transmits single photons to the device B over the quantum channel. However, as is known, the BB84 protocol can also be implemented using pairs of so-called entangled photons, where the photons of each pair carry the same quantum information.
In particular, in the case of a BB84 protocol based on pairs of entangled photons, a quantum device coupled to the quantum channel that connects the devices A and B is used to transmit pairs of entangled photons over said quantum channel, specifically over the quantum link of the quantum channel, such that, for each transmitted pair, a first photon is received by the device A and a second photon is received by the device B.
In detail, in the case of a BB84 protocol based on pairs of entangled photons, for each photon received over the quantum channel, each of the devices A and B performs the following operations:                each device randomly selects a respective base;        each device measures the polarization of the received photon using the respective selected base;        each device determines the bit encoded by the measured polarization; and        each device stores the determined bit, the respective selected base and the time instant when said photon is received.
After transmission of the photons terminates, the devices A and B exchange the bases used to measure the polarizations of the received photons over the conventional link of the quantum channel and discard the bits for which they used different bases. Each device thus obtains a respective raw key constituted by the non-discarded bits.
Ideally, both in the case of a BB84 protocol based on single photons and in the case of a BB84 protocol based on pairs of entangled photons, the raw keys generated by devices A and B should coincide. Unfortunately, however, in real world the two raw keys do not coincide due to possible eavesdropping carried out by an unauthorized third party and due to the non-ideality of the quantum channel and the communication devices involved in QKD, or rather due to errors (QBER) inevitably made in generating the raw keys.
Therefore, both in the case of a BB84 protocol based on single photons and in the case of a BB84 protocol based on pairs of entangled photons, after having generated the raw keys, the devices A and B carry out two further steps that result in the generation of a single cryptographic key known only by said devices A and B. These further steps of the BB84 protocol are respectively known as information reconciliation and privacy amplification and were described for the first time by C. H. Bennett, F. Bessette, G. Brassard, L. Salvail and J. Smolin in "Experimental Quantum Cryptography", Journal of Cryptology, vol. 5, n. 1, 1992, pp. 3-28.
In particular, in the information reconciliation step, the devices A and B correct errors in the two raw keys so as to generate an identical reconciled key for both the devices A and B.
In detail, in the information reconciliation step, the devices A and B exchange useful information over the conventional link of the quantum channel for correcting the errors in the raw keys, so as to minimize the information transmitted with regard to each raw key.
At the end of the information reconciliation step, the devices A and B obtain one the same reconciled key and are also able to recognise:                what information on the raw keys has been eavesdropped by an unauthorized third party during the generation of the raw keys: and        what information on the reconciled key has been eavesdropped by an unauthorized third party during the information reconciliation step.
Finally, in the privacy amplification step, on the basis of the reconciled key and by means of a reciprocal authentication mechanism for the devices A and B, or rather for the respective users, the devices A and B generate one and the same secure key that can be used by said devices A and B, or rather by the respective users, to communicate with each other in a secure manner over a public channel.
In particular, in the privacy amplification step, by means of a reciprocal authentication mechanism for the devices A and B, or rather for the respective users, the devices A and B generate one and the same secure key that is shorter than the reconciled key so as to minimize the probability that an unauthorized third party could trace said secure key on the basis of the eavesdropped information.
In detail, each of devices A and B performs the following operations in the privacy amplification step:                each device determines a respective hash matrix on the basis of a respective current authentication key: and        each device compresses the reconciled key by means of the respective hash matrix, thereby obtaining a respective final bit string that is shorter than the reconciled key.
In greater detail, if both the devices A and B, or rather both the respective users, possess one and the same current authentication key, said devices A and B determine one and the same hash matrix on the basis of the same current authentication key, and therefore, when compressing the reconciled key using the same hash matrix, generate one and the same final bit string that comprises:                one and the same quantum key that can be used by said devices A and B, or rather by the respective users, to communicate with each other in a secure manner over a public channel; and        one and the same new authentication key to be used as the current authentication key in the privacy amplification step of a subsequent QKD.
Instead, if the devices A and B, or rather the respective users, do not have a same current authentication key, at the end of the privacy amplification step, said devices A and B generate two different final bit strings and therefore two different quantum keys and two different new authentication keys, which thus become unusable.
A first drawback of QKD is related to the fact that the two involved communication devices must be relatively close because the quantum link of the quantum channel that connects them can only be a few kilometers at most.
Furthermore, a second drawback is related to the fact that, if it is wished to exploit QKD to enable a plurality of communication devices to communicate securely, it is necessary that each possible pair of communication devices is connected by means of a respective quantum channel.
Consequently, since the cost associated with implementing a single quantum channel is rather high, the implementation of a respective quantum channel for every possible pair of communication devices becomes very expensive.
Lastly, the constraint of the existence of a quantum channel for every possible pair of nodes limits the physical size of a network fully connected with the maximum permitted distance for a quantum link.
PCT application WO 2007/123869 A2 describes cryptographic key management and user authentication systems and methods for quantum cryptography networks that enable users to communicate securely over a traditional communication channel.
In particular, WO 2007/123869 A2 describes a method that includes connecting a cryptographic key central authority QKCA to each user in a secure manner by means of quantum links that enable data to be encrypted and decrypted on the basis of quantum keys. According to the method described in WO 2007/123869 A2, when two users wish to communicate with each other in a secure manner, the cryptographic key central authority QKCA sends a random bit sequence to each user over the respective quantum link and then the two users use said random bit sequence as a key to encode and decode the data that they exchange over a traditional communication channel.
According to a specific embodiment of the invention described in WO 2007/123869 A2 (in particular, described on page 8 and illustrated in FIG. 4 of WO 2007/123869 A2), a First user A is connected by means of a first quantum channel QL-A to a first cryptographic key central authority QKCA-A and a second user B is connected by means of a second quantum channel QL-B to a second cryptographic key central authority QKCA-B that, in turn, is connected to the first cryptographic key central authority QKCA-A by means of a third quantum channel QL-AB. When the first user A wishes to communicate with the second user B over a traditional communications channel, said first user A submits a request for communication with said second user B over the first quantum channel QL-A to the first cryptographic key central authority QKCA-A, which routes said request over the third quantum channel QL-AB to the second cryptographic key central authority QKCA-B, which, in turn, routes said request over the second quantum channel QL-B to the second user B. If the second user B accepts the request, the second cryptographic key central authority QKCA-B generates a random bit sequence and sends said random bit sequence to the second user B over the second quantum channel QL-B and to the first cryptographic key central authority QKCA-A over the third quantum channel QL-AB. The first cryptographic key central authority QKCA-A then routes said random bit sequence to the first user A over the first quantum channel QL-A. In other words, the first cryptographic key central authority QKCA-A acts as a router between the first user A and the second cryptographic key central authority QKCA-B that generates the random bit sequence to be used to render communications over the traditional communication channel between users A and B secure.
The aforesaid specific embodiment of the invention described in WO 2007/123869 A2 has some intrinsic security problems, as the first cryptographic key central authority QKCA-A knows the random bit sequence to be uses to render communications between users A and B secure. Therefore, if the first cryptographic key central authority QKCA-A were in bad faith, it could distribute said random bit sequence also to other unauthorized users, that would consequently be able to decode the data exchanged over the traditional communication channel between users A and B without them becoming aware of it.


A brake pad (10) for fastening on a brake caliper (110) of a vehicle braking device (100), having a main body (20) and a brake lining (22) arranged over an extended area on the main body (20), wherein the main body (20) has at least two guide openings (24) to receive in each case one guide pin (112), wherein each of the guide openings (24) has a guiding portion (25), wherein the guiding portions (25) of all the guide openings (24) have a radius of guidance (FR) with a common center of guidance (FM).

It is known that brake calipers in which brake pads are movably mounted are used in vehicle braking devices. These brake pads are used for bringing into frictional contact with a brake disk in order to be able to bring about vehicle deceleration. For this purpose, it is necessary that the brake pads are provided with a suitable guide, which guides a feed movement, i.e. a braking movement. Corresponding main bodies are provided for this purpose in the case of known brake pads, in which main bodies guide openings are formed, through which guide pins project. In the case of use of a braking device, the brake lining comes into braking contact with the surface of a brake disk. This gives rise to a force acting on the guide pins and on the rim of the guide openings, on the one hand enabling an accompanying movement by the brake pad together with the brake disk to take place relative to the brake caliper within very narrow limits. This accompanying movement is guided by the guide openings.

Brake pad for fastening on a brake caliper of a vehicle braking device

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft